Letter From The Editor

Happy May and Taurus season, dear reader! For this edition of “Your Month IRL,” Bustle’s monthly roundup of in-person events, tons of seasonal spring celebrations are in full swing aside from the typical Mother’s Day and Memorial Day events. Concert season is here, so look for some of the hottest tickets on the market and see if those shows are coming to a city near you. Plus, the WNBA season starts this month, so get ready to follow your favorite teams. Here are some ideas to help you get up and at ‘em during this month.

—Alexis Morillo, Lifestyle Editor

The Calendar

Some dates and details to keep in mind, regardless of which city you call home.

May 3

Country music fans can enjoy live music from some of the genre’s mainstays like Thomas Rhett and Rascal Flatts at the iHeart Country Festival happening in Austin the first weekend in May. Prices start under $100 for entry, so get your cowboy boots ready and purchase a ticket while you can.

My 3 - 4

If you’re in the process of planning a wedding, the Arizona Bridal & Wedding Expo is a one-stop shop to help you find vendors, party planners, honeymoon travel agents, and even your dream dress. There are cash prizes available throughout the event, and past attendees have called it the ultimate “party before the party.”

May 17

Comedy legends and Saturday Night Live iconic duo Tina Fey and Amy Poehler are on their “Restless Leg Tour,” which is traveling nationwide and hits Boston in May. The shows were so popular in this area that a third matinee show was added on May 17, with VIP tickets available that include exclusive merch like a tote bag, T-shirt, and poster.

May 21

One of the most anticipated music tours of 2025 continues this month, and West Coast fans of Kendrick Lamar and SZA can see them at the historic SoFi Stadium on May 21. The concert’s set list includes seven “acts” during which the two Grammy-award-winning musicians perform together and solo.

May 23

Spoleto Festival is a tried and true Charleston tradition that has taken place for 17 days and nights since 1977. This celebration includes performances in historic theaters, churches, and outdoor spaces across different genres like jazz, opera, and contemporary. You can check out a schedule of events here.

May 31

This 21+ event features a salsa and queso competition, craft margaritas, and a tequila tasting lounge. Besides the beverages and bites, a great lineup of musical acts like Lil Jon and Timbaland will perform at UCHealth Park. Tickets are available for General Admission, VIP, or Table Service.

From Our Local Guides

Miami, FL

Andrew Ferraro/Formula E/Getty Images

As Formula 1 continues to pick up speed (ahem) among U.S. fans, the stars are turning out to celebrate — and the Miami Grand Prix has proven itself to be an especially buzzy destination. This year’s race weekend runs from May 2-4.

— Grace Wehniainen, Staff Writer

New York, NY

Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

My book tour for Maine Characters, a "grown-up Parent Trap with affairs and great wine,” kicks off on May 14. It will start at the Strand in New York, followed by Cambridge, MA, Long Beach Island, NJ, and Portland, ME.

— Hannah Orenstein, deputy lifestyle & wellness editor

Philadelphia, PA

ninavartanava/RooM/Getty Images

Want to sip wine, listen to live music, and see giraffes all in the same day? Then check out the Philly Wine Fest, held May 17 at the Philadelphia Zoo. It features sips and samples from local, regional, and national wineries. And yes, you get to keep your commemorative glass.

— Carolyn Steber, Staff Writer

Chicago, IL

Mike Lawrie/Getty Images Sport/Getty Images

The Chicago Sky kick off their first home game of the WNBA season against the New York Liberty on May 22 at the Wintrust Arena. These are some of the hottest tickets in town, so it’s best to grab one while you still can.

— Gabrielle Bondi, Entertainment Editor

Have an event for our monthly roundup? Send it to bustlecalendar@bustle.com.