May is often a chaotic month. Between the school year winding down, Mother’s Day and Memorial Day, there always seems to be something going on. The same can be said when it comes to sports and entertainment. Check out all the top May events to look forward to in the month ahead.
Kentucky Derby – May 5
Break out the big hats! The Kentucky Derby is set for the first Saturday in May, bringing with it a long history of prestige and tradition. For its 144th year, the Derby is expecting a full crowd to descend upon Churchill Downs track in Louisville to watch the coveted horse race. Don’t dismiss the fact that the race itself lasts only a few minutes, however. Locals and out-of-towners turn the “Run for the Roses” into a thrilling two-day event. It all begins with the annual Kentucky Oaks race on May 4, which strictly limits the field to only female thoroughbreds. Churchill Downs offers plenty of excitement to hold spectators over for the 10 hours between gates opening and the race, including tours, artwork signings and of course, all the betting you can muster.
NBA Playoffs – Ongoing
The opening round of NBA Playoffs offered plenty of thrills, and the excitement will only build as the tournament progresses. Respective Eastern and Western Conference top seeds Toronto and Houston raced to the second round, whereas Lebron James and No. 4 seed Cleveland faced a test in their 7-game series win over the Pacers. Semifinal action this month features the Cavs taking on the Raptors and the 76ers battling the Celtics in Eastern Conference action. Over in the Western Conference, Houston already grabbed a win over the Jazz, as did the defending champs Warriors over the Pelicans. Second round games are expected to carry into mid-May, with the Conference and NBA Finals to follow suit, making for a jam-packed month of basketball.
NHL Playoffs – Ongoing
The quest for the Stanley Cup carries on through all of May as the NHL Playoffs continue. Reigning champs Pittsburgh remain in the Eastern Conference bracket, though they face a tough test against their rival Washington in a razor close second round series. Boston and Tampa Bay go head-to-head in the Eastern Conference’s second matchup, whereas Nashville v. Winnipeg and Vegas vs. San Jose complete the bracket for the Western. May proves to be a huge month for hockey fans, as the remainder of the tournament is spread throughout the month. Semifinals are set to wrap in the coming week, with Conference finals scheduled May 10-21. Memorial Day kicks off the Stanley Cup Finals, with a league champion expected to hoist the Cup in early June.
Elton John’s Million Dollar Piano – May 1-17
Before Sir Elton John closes the door on his touring career, he’ll first close the curtain on his long-running Las Vegas residency show, The Million Dollar Piano. John’s final stretch of shows at the Caesars Palace Colosseum began in April and will run through May 17. The Grammy winner announced in October he’d be ending the acclaimed residency after seven years and over 200 performances. In January, he stunned fans by announcing his retirement from touring but not without a proper goodbye. His forthcoming farewell tour is set to span three years and 300 performances when it kicks off in September. Although he has not ruled out the possibility of having another residency show in the future, for now, fans should enjoy the final shows of The Million Dollar Piano.
Boston Calling Music Festival – May 25-27
Music junkies from all over flock to New England’s premier music festival, Boston Calling. Headlining this year’s lineup is Eminem, Jack White and The Killers, with Paramore, Khalid, Portugal. The Man, Queens of the Stone Age and more set to appear as well. In addition to outstanding musical talent, the festival will also feature a highly anticipated film component curated by Oscar winner Natalie Portman. If you’re spending Memorial Day weekend in Bean Town, Boston Calling is an entertainment opportunity you simply can’t pass up.
BottleRock Festival – May 25-27
On the other side of the country, another top festival will take place. BottleRock Festival, now in its fifth year, brings musical artists spanning all genres to Napa Valley for a three-day gathering. This year’s diverse lineup includes Bruno Mars, Halsey, The Killers, Muse, Snoop Dogg, The Chainsmokers, Incubus and more. Of course, any festival happening in California’s wine country must include the area’s most famous export. In addition to stellar musical performances, wine and culinary expos are on the agenda featuring appearances from acclaimed celebrity chefs.
Indianapolis 500 – May 27
May starts with a horse race and ends with another race: The Indy 500. NASCAR’s notable race will light up Indianapolis Motor Speedway May 27, though practice sessions are running throughout the month for die hard fans to witness. 200 laps of high-speed thrills separates one driver from victory in Indy. Don’t miss a second of the action.