Our list of the Top 10 Events in May includes a film festival in Northwest Arkansas, a celebration of Southern food in El Dorado, two ballet performances, beer and music festivals, and so much more.
1. Bentonville Film Festival
Bentonville
May 1-6
This annual event, co-founded by Academy Award winner Geena Davis and Inclusion Companies CEO Trevor Drinkwater, is a champion of inclusion in film and media. The festival will showcase a number of new films from writers, directors and producers from around the globe.
bentonvillefilmfestival.com

2. Moscow Festival Ballet: Swan Lake

Helena-West Helena

May 3

One of the world’s most popular ballets will take the stage at the Lily Peter Auditorium in Helena-West Helena. The production will be put on by Moscow Festival Ballet, which was founded in 1989 by legendary dancer Sergei Radchenko.

warfieldconcerts.com/concerts

3. Southern Food & Wine Festival

El Dorado

May 4-5

Wine will pour and live music will play at El Dorado’s Murphy Arts District Amphitheater. Those in attendance will enjoy numerous food truck options, wines from around the world and music from Grammy Award winner Jason Isbell.

eldomad.com/event

4. Ballet Arkansas In Concert

Little Rock

May 4-6

Ballet Arkansas in Concert, with Van Cliburn International Pianist Dr. Drew Hayes, will pair high profile works of classical and contemporary dance with renowned musical accompaniment.

balletarkansas.org/tickets

5. Toad Suck Daze

Conway

May 4-6

Toad Suck Daze, in its 37th year, is one of the largest and most awarded local festivals. The free admission family festival will feature a number of activities, including live music, arts and crafts, and the world-famous Toad Races.

toadsuck.org

6. Foam Fest

Fayetteville

May 12

Foam Fest returns to the Fayetteville Historic Square for a day of craft beer sampling from dozens of local, state and national craft brewers. For the price of admission, those who attend will receive a souvenir tasting mug and unlimited craft beer.

fayettevillefoamfest.com

7. The Sound of Music

Fayetteville

May 15-20

The hills are alive, with a brand-new production of The Sound of Music. The Tony, Grammy and Academy Award winning performance will take the stage at the Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville.

waltonartscenter.org/tickets/broadway/the-sound-of-music

8. International Greek Food Festival

Little Rock

May 18-20

For more than 30 years, the International Greek Food Festival has served traditional Mediterranean food to friends and community. The largest ethnic festival in Arkansas, the event will include live entertainment, children’s activities and an indoor gift market.

greekfoodfest.com

9. RiverFest

Little Rock

May 25-27

Get ready for the revival of one of Arkansas’ favorite festivals. RiverFest will return to the banks of the Arkansas River with a lineup that features top names in country, hip hop and rock.

riverfestarkansas.com

10. Dave Matthews Band

Rogers

May 30

Just in time for the release of their new studio album, world-renowned musical group Dave Matthews Band will take the stage at the Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion as they kick off their North American Tour.

waltonartscenter.org/AMP/