Special to 1812Blockhouse
May, the gateway to all things summer, has arrived with blue skies and a flurry of activities and events you won’t want to miss! Grab your favorite people and spend some time perusing our entire May event calendar to experience all that Richland County has to offer. Here’s what on offer during the remainder of the month of May.
If you haven’t been to the Mansfield Art Center lately, the 80th Annual May Show is the perfect time to see what’s new! A premier event in the state, the May Show showcases innovative work across all mediums, highlighting diverse talent from throughout the region, and runs through May 18. Be sure to check out The Mayor’s Show: Rising Artists of Mid-Ohio (runs through May 23) in the gallery space on the 2nd floor of the main branch of the Mansfield/Richland County Public Library too!
For more ideas check out the brand NEW Visitor Guide for Mansfield and the Richland County area that is hot off the presses. If you don’t have a copy, stop by the Destination Mansfield Visitor Center at 124 North Main Street, at one of our many partner locations, or request one here. Don’t forget to tag #DestinationMansfield on Instagram and show us all the fun things you discover this month.
History, Theatre, Blues & Ghosts
The Youth Orchestra Spring Concert celebrates 75 of the region’s finest young musicians who will perform under the direction of Stephen Domka on May 18 at the Renaissance Theatre.
The Mansfield Symphony, led by Octavio Más-Arocas, joins Artistic Director Michael Thomas and Renaissance Theatre performers for a powerful Broadway collaboration of Fiddler on the Roof (May 10), showcasing over 55 talented musicians from Mansfield and beyond.
Squirrel Lake takes the stage at Mansfield Playhouse on May 9 & 10 and again on May 16, 17, 18). At Squirrel Lake, chaos unfolds as Phil, Sally, and Patrick gather to read their mother’s will—joined by quirky characters like a mysterious nun, a psychic, and unruly kids—in a wild, heartwarming comedy about finding joy in unexpected places.
ParaPsyCon, a paranormal and psychic convention, will be held at The Historic Ohio State Reformatory May 16 – 18. Seekers of all things that go bump in the night may also be interested in the Ghost Walk (May 9), Mini Ghost Hunt (May 9), or Public Ghost Hunts (May 10). Open to paranormal seekers aged 18+. Advanced reservations are required.
Shopping & Mother’s Day Events
Stop for local crafts, clothing, and handmade gifts at the Park and Village Green in Bellville each Saturday for the Bellville Street Mart. Find something you can’t live without and support the local community.
Brighten a woman’s day by participating in Blooms to Give for Mother’s Day on May 10 at Kingwood Center Gardens. Stop by the gardens and use your creativity to make a small floral arrangement for a local woman in the community. All materials are provided with regular garden admission.
Enjoy brunch, shopping, and dessert during the Mother’s Day Celebration at Hickory Vines (May 10) featuring food from the Black Willow Food Truck and Tattered Apron Bakery.
Get Moving!
The weekly Mansfield parkfun Weekly 5k takes place each Saturday at North Lake Park. This is a great way to get active, stay active and meet like-minded people.
Whether you’re a novice or an experienced yogi, Yoga with Alpacas (May 10th) at Alpaca Meadows allows you to stretch, breathe, and find your center amidst the peaceful surroundings of our alpacas grazing in the pasture.
The American Triple-T (May 16-18) is a three-day celebration of triathlon, racing, comradery and outdoor adventure held at Pleasant Hill Lake Park.
Family Friendly Events
The Free First Monday at Kingwood Center is held May 5. This is an excellent time to explore all that Kingwood offers. Find one of the resident peacocks, feed the ducks, and tour the greenhouse to start. Kingwood Center also offers a host of other opportunities from children’s flower arranging classes (May 10) to children’s story time (every Wednesday) to house tours for the family and more.
Oaks & Acorns is the weekly preschool class offered at Gorman Nature Center. This free one-hour class on Wednesday mornings introduces children to nature in a fun and interactive environment.
Bike-a-Palooza (May 10) is a family-friendly event hosted by the Mansfield Division of Police. Held at North Lake Park, this free family-friendly event is packed with fun activities that include a Bike Ride with a Cop, Bicycle Safety Rodeo, Bike Give Away, Bike Inspections & Small Repairs, Face Painting & Bounce House, Food & Refreshments, Mansfield Fire Department’s “House of Hazard”, and much more.
Have you played at the newly improved Sterkel Park yet? The newly constructed 20 acre all-inclusive park and playground is designed for all ages and abilities. The official ribbon cutting event will be held on May 23.
Enjoy a family day at the Ohio Bird Sanctuary during the 3-Senses Plant Hike (May 31). This interactive guided hike is designed to encourage children to interact with nature! Plants that are safe to touch and smell will be highlighted throughout the hike. Advance registration is required.
Take the kids to the Veteran’s Memorial Day Parade (May 26). The parade starts at the 5-way light at Marion Ave. and continues to the Gazebo in Mansfield’s Central Park.
Adults Only
Taproom Trivia (May 20) is a fun event and an excuse to hang out with friends. Don’t forget the live music showcasing amazing local talent. You’ll find the complete listing of performers and venues on our Live Entertainment page.
Calendar of Events
For the most up-to-date event listings, live music, and other community events, visit our ever-changing Calendar of Events at DestinationMansfield.com.
Source, Image: Destination Mansfield – Richland County
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