Atlanta Weekends through June 4
The perfect event for the whole family, the Georgia Renaissance Festival celebrates its 21st year of reliving the age of valiant knights and damsels in distress. Be entertained by sword swallowing, rope walking, juggling, music, dancing, comedic storytelling and the Middle Ages’ version of extreme sports—full contact horseback jousting. Expect plenty of hearty food and drink, and vendors selling everything from armor to pottery and leather goods. www.GeorgiaRenaissanceFestival.com
A Century of Art From Spain
St. Petersburg, FL May 5 – July 30
Celebrating the home country of its namesake, the Salvador Dali Museum presents an exhibition focusing on the amazing art of 20th-century Spain. With works of every style from cubism and surrealism to constructivism and geometric abstraction, the show features such master artists as Pablo Picasso, Juan Gris, Joan Miró, Jaume Plensa and, of course, Dali. With pieces borrowed from the finest collections in the world, this is a not-to-be-missed event for art lovers. www.SalvadorDaliMuseum.org
World Championship Barbecue-Cooking Contest
Memphis, May 18-20
Vegetarians will want to steer clear of Memphis this week end, as the sweet smell of perfectly cooked pigs envelops Tom Lee Park. Known as the “Superb owl of Swine,” and the largest pork barbecue cooking cont est in the world, this is the ulti mate
event for BBQ lovers. With over $60,000 in prizes up f or grabs, expect cooks to only bring their best recipes, making this hog heaven for anyone who loves a freshly barbecued meal. www.memphisinmay.org
XtremePokerTour presents Bluff Magazine Celebrity Charity Poker Tournament
St. Petersburg, FL, May 5 – July 30
AirTran Airways is pleased to sponsor this charity poker event benefiting the Make A Wish Foundation. Starting at 5pm each Thursday at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, each $500-buy-in Texas Hold Em tournament will feature a well-known po ker celebrity. At the final table, contestants will have their chance to take on the pro, who will donate half of his winnings to the Founda tion. The winner from each w eek will receive free entry to the $1,000 buy-in final next year.
Indianapolis 500
Indianapolis May 28
The world’s most famous car race revs up for its 90th running, pitting the top Indy racing car drivers head-to-head for the ultimate crown in motorsports. Will Danica Patrick become the first female winner? Will Marco Andretti be able to beat his esteemed father, Michael? (see our interview, page 62) Expect another year of high drama to match the high speeds as you join the crowd of 250,000. www.indy500.com