North Texas breathes a life of its own in May. It is patio season and all over town people are enjoying dining al fresco - with cool breezes, Venetian views in Las Colinas, and small town vibes in downtown. Many Irving restaurants even feature live music on the weekends! There's no better time than springtime to get out and enjoy life. While you're out and about town, we've listed for you our top five picks from all that's happening in Irving this month. Of course, you can find the full list of events on our website at www.irvingtexas.com/events. 

 

1. Fiesta de Mayo Half Marathon

I confess, I am not a marathon runner. In fact, at this season in my life, I'm barely a walker. But the words "Half Marathon" intrigued me. So, I looked it up and a 5K walk is only 3.1 miles. There will be plenty of joggers and walkers, so why not try it? Don your running shoes and head to the Toyota Music Factory on Saturday, May 21, and enjoy the fun. Prices range from $54.99 to $119.99 depending on how far you go, but hear me when I say, it's well worth the price. For instance, did you know that Fiesta de Mayo and other Irving Marathon races benefit the Irving Schools Foundation raising awareness to battle childhood obesity? And there are perks after the race, such as drink tickets for beer and other refreshments (21+), a food ticket for breakfast tacos, pancakes, muffins and other goodies, live entertainment, a free T-shirt, professional race photos, and most of all, bragging rights at the office.

 

2. Take a Peek Inside The Pavilion

Enjoy the best seats in the house at this expansive entertainment venue that D-Magazine calls the "Optimus Prime of live music venues." The Pavilion is the main act in Irving's Toyota Music Factory, which offers an incredible array of bars, restaurants, music venues and theater. Live Nation keeps The Pavilion hopping with national and international touring acts, such as these concerts in the month of May.

  • May 1: Snoh Aalegra - Ugh, These Temporary Highs Tour
  • May 2: Deftones - 2022 Tour
  • May 5: HAIM: One More HAIM Tour
  • May 13: KXT 91.7 Presents Ray LaMontagne: The MONOVISION Tour
  • May 14: Olivia Rodrigo - Sour Tour
  • May 19: Phoebe Bridgers: Reunion Tour
  • May 21: Summer Walker
  • May 22: Rex Orange County: The Who Cares? Tour
  • May 23: JACK WHITE: The Supply Chain Issues Tour
  • May 24: Tears for Fears - The Tipping Point World Tour
  • May 28: Los Huracanes del Norte

 

3. Mother's Day is May 8

With a wide variety of restaurants to choose from in Irving, you are bound to find something that Mom will want. Her secret is, she just wants the whole family to gather around the table. Our secret is, Irving offers up the best restaurants! We've come up with several ideas and a complete Mother's Day Itinerary, as well as a list of restaurants below offering a Mother's Day Brunch Buffet. Prices and times vary by restaurant.

  • Blaze Brazilian Steakhouse
  • Lamberti's
  • LAW Restaurant at Four Seasons Resort & Club
  • Mesa Mezcal
  • The Ranch
  • Via Real

 

4. FUSION, Celebrating Irving's Diversity

Irving has long held a high ranking in the list of most diverse cities in America. At FUSION on Saturday, May 7, at Heritage Park, several cultures come together in song and dance with a variety of eclectic live performances, tasty treats from an array of food vendors, and more. Get a beautiful henna tattoo or enjoy some salsa around the Heritage Park stage at this event celebrating the heritage of Irving! The celebration is from noon to 6 p.m. Admission and parking are free.

 

5. Enchantment, Fire, Flowers, Dances, Mozart and Cartoons

What could any of these nouns possibly have in common? They're all shows at the Irving Arts Center in the month of May. Pop a bit of art into your life and visit one of these shows, or stop by any Tuesday-Saturday from 12-5 p.m. to view the Arts Center galleries.  

 

  • Sunday, May 1

The Queen's Cartoonist brings you synchronized performances combining music from classic cartoons and contemporary animation. This show is fun for the entire family. Showtime is 2:30-4 p.m. Tickets are $22.50-$32.50

 
  • Friday-Sunday, May 6-8, 13-15, 19-21

Enchanted April portrays four women in post-war 1920's society who, in the beginning, clash under the Mediterranean sun. Once bonds and friendships bloom, the generous sunshine and wisteria ease their stresses of marital woe . . . until the men show up. It's charming, refreshing and comical. Showtimes are Thursday-Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m.  Tickets are $22-$29.

 
  • Sunday, May 8

Music That Dances, performed by the New Philharmonic Orchestra of Irving (NPOI), is the finale of their highly successful 2021-2022 season of "Sundays at the Symphony." Don't miss this one-day show that'll make you want to dance in the aisles. P.S. It's a great Mother's Day gift too!  Showtime is at 3:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors 65+, and $10 for students. 

 
  • Saturday, May 14

Celebrate the Genius of Mozart with Eldred Marshall, piano soloist, and the Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra. Maestro Robert Carter Austin leads the orchestra showcasing Mozart's Overture to La Clemenza di Tito, Piano Concerto No. 24 and Symphony No. 40. Showtime is at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $17.50-$47.50.

 
  • Sunday, May 15

At the Irving Arts Center, it's not our April showers that bring May Flowers, it's the Irving Symphonic Band. Get swept away with bouquets of spring sounds though Irving's musical treasure. Showtime is 3 p.m. Tickets are $12.50.

 
  • Wednesday, May 18

Fire, performed by the Lone Star Youth Orchestra (LSYO), brings their 23rd season to a blazing conclusion. This hour-long, incendiary-themed program will include combustible selections from Igor Stravinsky’s The Firebird Suite, George Frideric Handel’s Music for the Royal Fireworks, and Stephen Chin’s “Inferno”. Showtime is 7 p.m. Tickets are $14.50 for adults and $7.50 for students.