Events

Opens May 2
"Moore in America"
ATLANTA
In addition to the Atlanta Botanical Garden's new green-designed visitor center, May marks the opening of the largest exhibition of British artist Henry Moore's outdoor sculptures ever presented in the US. The monumental works - ranging from 300 pounds to 12 tons - will be displayed among the colorful flora through October. www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org

May 13-16
Florida Music Festival
ORLANDO
With 15 stages, 250 performances and 25,000 fans, this festival is a live music experience (with some film and visual arts mixed in as well). Concerts range from pop to country to hip-hop. There's also a conference, where aspiring musicians can learn the business from top executives. www.floridamusicfestival.com

May 9
Art Car Parade
HOUSTON
Everything from a 30-foot-tall dragon to a mobile disco has rolled down the streets during this much-loved annual parade that transforms cars into art on wheels. This year promises a car turned into a port-opotty, a "fruitmobile" and Our Lady of Transportation. Check out a sneak peek May 8 at Discovery Green, complete with live music. www.orangeshow.org/artcar.html

May 14-16
World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest
MEMPHIS
Part of the Memphis in May International Festival, this event pits hundreds of teams against each other, all to win more than $90,000 in prizes and, of course, bragging rights. While the focus is on grilling to perfection, other contests include best T-shirt and the Ms. Piggie competition - think grown men wearing tutus and snouts. www.memphisinmay.org/bbq

Opens May 16
"Cy Twombly: The Natural World, Selected Works 2000-2007"
CHICAGO
The Art Institute of Chicago's brand-new Modern Wing is open for business, and this inaugural exhibit shows off the addition beautifully. The 32 works, on view through Sept. 13, speak to the artist's steadfast concern with the natural world, specifically landscapes and seascapes. www.artic.edu

May 15 through Aug. 23
"Frank Lloyd Wright: From Within Outward"
NEW YORK
The Guggenheim building itself is a testimony to this legendary architect, who passed away before the museum was complete. Starting this month, this exhibit features photographs, drawings, models and new digital media of his projects that demonstrate Wright's belief that space - the architectural form within - is a key element in design. www.guggenheim.org

May 22 through June 7
Spoleto Festival USA
CHARLESTON
Every spring, the city's historic theaters, churches and outdoor spaces are transformed into venues for one of the world's major arts events. Catch performances in opera, theater, dance, classical music, jazz and the visual arts. Since its inception in 1977, Spoleto has presented nearly 200 world and US premieres, including those by the likes of Arthur Miller and Tennessee Williams. www.spoletousa.org

May 19-23
New Orleans Food and Wine Experience
NEW ORLEANS
This epicurean extravaganza brings together the city's culinary masters and more than 1,000 wines from around the world to raise money for local charities. Highlights include an inaugural celebrity chef gala; "Eat Like a Pig," where Cochon chef Donald Link will serve suckling pig and Louisiana dishes; and a pastry and port pairing session. www.nowfe.com

June 4-7
Auction Napa Valley
NAPA VALLEY (45 MILES FROM SAN FRANCISCO)
You'd be hard-pressed to find a better host for a wine auction than Napa Valley. Friday features the Taste of Napa at Mondavi Estate (Thomas Keller himself will be serving his famous cornets), while Saturday is the crème de la crème of live wine auctions. The cuisine isn't too shabby either, prepared by Michelin-starred and world-renowned chefs, including Charlie Trotter. www.napavintners.com/anv

Child's Play

Kid-friendly performing arts festivals abound this month.

International artists will come together May 12-16 for the Seattle International Children's Festival (www.seattleinternational.org). From goofy circus theater to an adaptation of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, the performances by artists from Belgium, Zimbabwe, India, Germany, Canada, Japan and the US are designed to both educate and entertain.

The Pittsburgh International Children's Festival (www.pghkids.org/festival.htm), from May 13-17, will also expose children to the wonderful world of performance art, from dance to acrobatics. This year's festival features such gems as a musical puppet rendition of Goodnight Moon and Farfalle: The Butterfly Garden, which creates a virtual world with digital technology.

From May 26-31, the Flint Hills International Children's Festival (www.ordway.org/festival) in St. Paul, MN, is also dedicated to the performing arts. The first four days are for local children, while the weekend is open for all to experience kid-friendly shows.

You may have a budding actor on your hands - and these festivals may be the inspiration they need to pursue their dreams.