Welcome to May in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach!
Many of the best local events this month will get you out in the beautiful Florida sunshine with family-friendly fun, boating, swimming, fishing, eating, shopping, “catching” some baseball, and more.
Read on to start planning your next eventful adventure:
Special Events
Annual Hibiscus Festival of Punta Gorda
May 2–4
The Annual Hibiscus Festival of Punta Gorda features live music, art and craft vendors, a variety of food and beverage options, lots of relaxation and fun, and hundreds of plants for sale. This year marks the 21st anniversary of the Fest, and it’s going to be bigger and better than ever.
Punta Gorda Taco Fest
May 3
Indulge in amazing Mexican and Latin food at the Punta Gorda Taco Fest, held at the gorgeous, waterfront Laishley Park. Featuring live music from Maiden Cane, JJ & The Bad Habits, and The Marty Marty Mosstones.
ReptiDay Port Charlotte
May 3
Reptile appreciators rejoice! The family-oriented ReptiDay offers the opportunity to learn about animals not normally seen in pet stores. You may even find a new family pet from among the hundreds of reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, arachnids, and small exotic animals in attendance.
Cinco de Mayo
May 5
Several of our restaurants are offering Cinco de Mayo-themed specials and activities. Find a Cinco spot, here.
Semi-Pro Soccer: Twin Rivers United vs Lakeland United II
May 10
Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach is really coming up as a sports destination, now with semi-professional soccer on offer! Root for our hometown Twin Rivers United against the Lakeland United II.
2025 FCSAA Division 1 Championship Round Baseball
May 9–12
The Florida College System Activities Association (FCSAA) Division 1 Baseball Championship offers a rare chance to see a high-level championship in person. Catch the action at Charlotte Sports Park, voted the #2 Spring Training Baseball Park in 2025 on USA Today's 10Best list.
Mother’s Day
May 11
Find brunches and other fun things your mom or maternal figure would love in our Celebrate Mother’s Day post.
World's Richest Tarpon Tournament
May 14 and 15
If you’re looking to test your angling skills—and stamina!—enter the World’s Richest Tarpon Tournament, a live-bait-only contest in the beautiful waters of Boca Grande Pass that offers a first place prize of over $100,000!
Charlotte Players present Nana Does Vegas
May 15–25
Nana moves to Vegas, where she and her sidekick work as seamstresses for a show. What could go wrong? Everything! Don't miss the hijinks in the Charlotte Players' last show of the 2025 season.
Family Fun Day at the Military Heritage Museum
May 17
Dive into family-friendly fun at the Military Heritage Museum and have a ball with Virtual Reality experiences, a Remote Control Tank Course, Flight Simulators (ages 10 and up), Discover and Explore Activities (ages 10 and under), Huey Helicopter Cockpit Tours, and more!
Day of Celtic Music at Fishermen’s Village
May 17
If you thrill to the sounds of bagpipes and drums, get yourself to Fishermen’s Village for the Day of Celtic Music for authentic tunes, vendors, food, and lots of fun.
Gulfshore Opera presents Journey through the Americas
May 18
Let the GO Divas and Latin Infusion take you on an entertaining exploration of North and South American musical heritages at the Gulf Theater at the Military Heritage Museum with their Journey Through the Americas.
Boca Grande Sandbar H20 Music Festival
May 24
The Boca Grande Sandbar H20 Music Festival is an amazing day on and in the beautiful waters of Gasparilla Sound. Get yourself on a boat or a float—and don’t forget the sunscreen and water—and enjoy live music, beautiful weather, and your fellow revelers.
Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor Bureau Junior Golf Championship
May 26–29
Cheer on the top junior golfers in the area while enjoying the beautiful Aileron Golf Club at this Championship Tournament.
Semi-Pro Soccer: Twin Rivers United vs Florida Celtic Soccer Club
May 31
Cheer on our hometown Twin Rivers United when they take on the Florida Celtic Soccer Club.
Minor League Baseball at Charlotte Sports Park
Until July 28, 2025
Don't miss the opportunity to see the stars of tomorrow, today, at official Minor League games, at the award-winning Charlotte Sports Park, home of Tampa Bay Rays Spring Training.
Weekly Events
Farmer’s Markets
Our weekly Farmer’s Markets offer all manner of fresh local produce, meat, and seafood as well and original art, accessories, sweet treats, so much more.
The Punta Gorda Downtown Farmer’s Market, Saturdays, 8 am–1 pm, offers a wide variety of ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook food, souvenirs, art, plants, and much more.
The Punta Gorda History Park Market, Sundays, 9 am–1 pm, features some produce but the focus is on art, antiques, original food products, pet accessories and treats, etc.
Every Thursday, October through May, the Englewood Farmer’s Market and covers several blocks of Dearborn Street with, well, any- and everything you can imagine!
Wine & Craft Beer Tastings
Look no further than the weekly Wine & Craft Beer Tasting by Punta Gorda Chocolate & Wine for a wine lover’s dream. Enjoy the atmosphere, a few vintages, and maybe even find your new favorite wine or craft beer.
Live Entertainment
The Parrot Magazine is the go-to source for local live music in the area.
Visani Italian Steakhouse and Comedy Theater presents musical tribute shows and live stand-up by nationally recognized comedians.
Cheers to a happy May in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach, hope to see you around.
