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May Madness: 45 don't-miss events for the month

Justin Jacobs
Star correspondent
The green flag drops at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the start of the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday morning, May 25, 2014.

You might as well quit your job now: May in Indy is so full of fun, exciting and delicious events, it'll be tough to find time to squeeze them all in. Luckily, we've assembled a handy guide of the best events this month to help you best schedule your days. Good luck, and we'll see you out there.

ARTS & CULTURE

1. Grand Illusions at First Friday

6 p.m. May 1, Wildwood Market, 1015 Virginia Ave., free,www.herron.iupui.edu.

First Friday is always full of engaging scenes but here's one that's truly grand. Featuring five Herron School of Art and Design thesis students, Grand Illusions is a pop-up show that's more than meets the eye. Josh Haines, Brian Johnson, Amy Applegate, Andrey Sichuga and Shannon White will present their art in five semi-trucks transformed into art galleries.

A handful of other trucks will filled with a different type of art: the edible kind, served up by some of Indy's best food truck vendors. Come see these illusions before they disappear.

2. Dream Cars: Innovative Design, Visionary Ideas

May 3 through August 23, Indianapolis Museum of Art, 4000 Michigan Road, included with admission, (317) 923-1331 orwww.imamuseum.org.

Designed and fabricated by Paul Arzens, L'Oeuf électrique (1942) is featured in the 'Dream Cars: Innovative Design, Visionary Ideas' exhibit' at the Indianapolis Museum of Art from May 3 through Aug. 23.

We all had dream cars growing up — be they a Lamborghini, a firetruck or a spaceship. For some engineers in the auto industry, many of those dreams became realities. Dream Cars presents some of the world's most unique concept cars from American and European manufacturers, some produced up to eight decades ago.

But the new exhibit isn't just for looking in awe; aspiring engineers or pure gear heads can step into the Car Design Studio and imagine their own automotive works of art.

3. Listen to Your Mother

1 and 5 p.m. May 3, Frank and Katrina Basile Theater, Indiana Historical Society, 450 W. Ohio St., $20, (317) 232-1882 or www.indianahistory.org.

Motherhood is something that almost everyone experiences — from one angle or another — but may not have the platform to discuss and dissect. Launched by blogger Ann Imig in 2010, "Listen to Your Mother" is now a national happening. This year, almost 40 cities will host this live reading series given by a cast of moms sharing their touching, humorous and sometimes heartbreaking stories of raising kids. If you're a mother who has ever wondered if you were doing it right (hint: there is no "right"), this afternoon is for you.

4. Becoming Dr. Ruth

May 8, through May 30, Theatre on the Square, 627, Massachusetts Ave., $15-$20, (317) 685-8687 orwww.tots.org.

After decades as a public figure, Dr. Ruth Westheimer's name is synonymous with sex. She's arguably the best-known sex therapist of all time, and quite possibly the cutest. Now 86, Dr. Ruth was catapulted to icon-status in the 1980s when her frank, open sex-based radio show took off — and she's remained a prominent figure in her field ever since. But "Becoming Dr. Ruth" tells her tales before the on-air sex talk: Westheimer fled from the Nazis, joined Israel's pre-statehood armed forces as a sniper and landed in America as a single mother. The show's Indy premier proves there's more to Ruth then the radio.

5. Barefoot in the Grass: Dance Kaleidoscope Garden Party

6 p.m. May 8, Lacy-Berger Mansion, 4333 Sylvan Road, $50-$75, (317) 940-6555 orwww.dancekal.org.

There are bake sales and car washes, then there's Barefoot in the Grass. Local troupe Dance Kaleidoscope's annual garden party is a fundraiser of an entirely different class. Attendees are invited to flitter around the gorgeous Lacy-Berger Mansion with a glass of wine, take in the property's gardens and meet DK's dancers. Hors d'oeuvres will be on hand and you can try your luck at a silent auction, but the star of the show is the mansion: a 1933, 20,000-square-foot house restored to look better than ever.

6. Hot Wheels: Race to Win

May 9 through August 16, Indianapolis Children's Museum, 3000 N. Meridian St., included with admission, (317) 334-4000 orwww.childrensmuseum.org.

"Hot Wheels: Race to Win" runs at The Children's Museum from May 9 through Aug. 16.

The Children's Museum's one-two punch of nostalgic exhibitions kicks off with Hot Wheels: Race to Win — part two is this fall's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles exhibition. And sure enough, as Hot Wheels takes over, there'll be plenty of playtime for kids and adults alike. Race to Win will give a behind-the-scenes peek at racing, miniature and life-size, through the scientific process of designing vehicles that tear up the track. Teach your kids how these toy vehicles work years before they're begging for the real thing.

7. Spotlight 2015

8 p.m. May 11, Clowes Memorial Hall, 4602 Sunset Ave., $25, (317) 940-6444 orwww.cloweshall.org.

Many of Indy's best performance groups will gather at Clowes Memorial Hall for Spotlight, the annual extravaganza to raise money and awareness for the state's organizations working to combat HIV/AIDS. With your ticket, you'll get to experience performances by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Indiana Repertory Theatre, Phoenix Theatre and Dance Kaleidoscope. Last year's Spotlight raised $352,000 for the Indiana AIDS Fund.

8. 5x5 Read Indy

5:30 p.m. May 14, Fountain Square Theatre Building, 1105 Prospect St., free,5x5indy.org.

Have an idea of how to use art to make Indy a better place to live? 5x5 has your back. A collaboration between four local endowments and family foundations, each 5x5 event puts one art form at the forefront, and May is all about the written word. Five finalists will present their ideas for how they'll use literature to create a more art-filled Indy. But this isn't just a bunch of speeches — judges and the audience will help select a $10,000 winner, and you'll enjoy music and local libations.

9. OnyxFest: Urban Theatre Festival

May 15-24, IndyFringe Basile Theatre and IndyEleven Theatre, 719 E. St. Clair St., $15 adult, $12 students & seniors, (317) 522-8099 orindyfringe.org.

IndyFringe strives to be inclusive to all artists and art consumers — and it's from that mission that OnyxFest, Indy's only theater festival spotlighting African American playwrights, was born. The festival is comprised of four unique plays, performed Friday, Saturday and Sunday on successive weekends. "Once Upon a Dream: A Cinderella Story" retells the famous fairy tale with new music. "Sidewaze Rain" tells of a musician struggling to re-gain his magic as he tries to make a comeback, and "Take My Hand: A Blues Man's Path to Gospel" tells the story of Thomas A. Dorsey, composer of the gospel song, "Precious Lord Take My Hand." Also on tap is "Without a Spot or Wrinkle," a comedy about the relationship between people and their church.

10. Broad Ripple Art Fair Preview Party

6 p.m. May 15, Indianapolis Art Center, 820 E. 67th St., $55-$65, (317) 255-2464 or www.indplsartcenter.org.

The 2015 Broad Ripple Art Fair runs May 16-17 at the Indianapolis Art Center.

Beat the crowds, grab some bites and talk art with local artists at the Broad Ripple Art Fair Preview Party. Your ticket grants you access to the 2-day Art Fair, so you'll have no problem if one night simply isn't enough. The party will be stocked, naturally, with delicious food, beer and wine, and the halls will be filled with music, making this your chance to enjoy some highbrow art-viewing (from more than 225 artists) with all the perks of a Friday night out in Indy. If you're not such a partier, the fair opens up on Saturday and Sunday.

11. The Cocktail Hour: Music of the Mad Men Era

8 p.m. May 29 and 30, Hilbert Circle Theatre, 45 Monument Circle, $10-$91, (317) 262-4051 orwww.indiapolissymphony.org.

Those swelling strings and the swinging percussion: the music of "Mad Men" has us rapt for the tucked-in, slicked back '60s. So grab an Old Fashioned or a Manhattan from the bar, don your sharpest suit and settle in for a night of music from (as TV has led us to believe) one of the classiest era's of America's 20th century. With "Mad Men" in its final season, the Indianapolis Symphony will celebrate with two nights of early 60's orchestral classics, all led by New York Pops Music Director Steven Reineke.

LIVE MUSIC

12. Wilco

7:30 p.m., May 7, Murat Theatre at Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St., $29.50-$49.50, (317) 231-0000 orlivenation.com.

Jeff Tweedy and Wilco will hit the Murat Theatre on May 7.

Chicago rock band Wilco aren't usually the act to stir up controversy (these are the guys who, unfairly, are dubbed 'dad rock' by many a snarky rock critic), but they did just that when they canceled this show to protest the original RFRA legislation last month.

The band reinstated the show with Gov. Mike Pence's signature on the bill's revision prohibiting LGBT discrimination — and the band's fans are thankful (likely for both changes). Wilco will donate a portion of the show's proceeds to "organizations fighting to build on the progress we hope this change makes in Indiana." We'll take it.

13. Kenny Chesney

5 p.m. May 9, Lucas Oil Stadium, 500 S. Capitol Ave., $29-$250, (317) 262-8600 orwww.ticketmaster.com.

The big boy's back in town, and he brought his friends. Perennial party-starter (oh, and country musician, too) Kenny Chesney returns to Indy with The Big Revival Tour, featuring fellow superstar Eric Church, as well as Brantley Gilbert, Chase Rice and Old Dominion.

It seems likely that Chesney could continue to tour for the rest of his life and never write any more music, but for what it's worth, his latest album, "The Big Revival," was released last fall. Bring beer, bring hats, bring friends and try to remember where you parked.

14. Virginia Avenue Folk Fest

10 a.m. May 9, nine stages near Fountain Square, pay what you can,www.virginiaavenuefolkfest.com.

Indy's newest music festival is making itself known in a big way its first year: with dozens of acts playing over 12 hours on nine different stages. If you're wondering what type of music you'll hear at Virginia Avenue, take a look at some of the acts playing: Gypsy Moonshine, Stampede String Band, White Lightning Boys, Wasson and Martin's Pick-In and many more.

That's right — this is a fest for real deal, down and dirty bluegrass and American folk music. Check out the full schedule online to plot your course for this big day of tunes.

15. Interpol

8 p.m. May 12, Egyptian Room at Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St., $26.50, (317) 231-0000 or livenation.com.

Paul Banks and Interpol, shown performing the 2015 Coachella Music and Arts Festival, will play the Egyptian Room at Old National Centre on May 12.

The dark princes of New York City are back in town, so turn on the bright lights. Interpol crept onto the indie rock scene in 2002 with stark, guitar-driven post-punk that drew about a billion comparisons to Joy Division.

The band climbed out of that shadow, releasing four more albums that saw sizeable sales and led to big crowds. Interpol's latest, "El Pintor," was hailed as their best work in years — an intense, thrilling tour through the dark alleyways of New York.

16. Carb Day at Indy 500

Gates open 8 a.m., May 22, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, 4790 W. 16th St., $40-$130, (317) 492-8500 or www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com.

The Carb Day tradition of wrangling nostalgic rock bands continues strong with this year's line-up: '90s alt-rock heroes Janes Addiction headline the day, preceded by '80s Southern rock badboys 38 Special and millennial frat favorites O.A.R.

Rest assured, those are three varied rock acts promising to keep the day's music lively. Most influential of the trio, Jane's Addiction became pioneers of Buzzbin-era alternative rock with only two studio albums. Frontman Perry Farrell launching Lollapalooza certainly helped — and guarantees that these guys know how to party.

17. Houndmouth

8 p.m., May 28, The Vogue, 6529 N. College Ave., $17-$19, (317) 259-7029 orwww.thevogue.com.

There are certainly lots of bands to sort through in the folk-rock onslaught of the last few years, but Houndmouth is one of the best. These New Albany, Ind., natives got together in 2011, and took off full-speed ahead.

They released an EP in 2012 and their debut album the following year, which led to appearances on both Letterman and Conan's soundstage. The band plays gritty, soulful and country-influenced rock music, with all the heartbreak, drinking and driving (not together) references you'd expect.

18. Lana Del Rey

7:30 p.m., May 28, Klipsch Music Center, 12880 E. 146th St., Noblesville, $24-$78.50, (317) 776-8181 orlivenation.com.

Lana Del Rey will hit Klipsch Music Center in Noblesville in May 28.

If Lana Del Rey playing the Klipsch Music Center isn't proof of the power of the Internet, then nothing is. The singer-songwriter was blog fodder merely five years ago, equally written up for her music and her mystique — a self-branded "gangsta Nancy Sinatra."

By the time she released "Born to Die" in 2012, she was a certified star; her latest album, "Ultraviolence," topped the charts last summer. Her nuanced retro-pop will go well after opener Grimes, herself also an Internet pop star, albeit one with a bit more edge.

19. Noblesville Summer Concert Series

7 p.m., May 28, Dillon Park, 6351 Midland Lane, Noblesville, free, (317) 776-6350 orwww.visithamiltoncounty.com.

While Lana Del Rey takes the biggest stage in Noblesville on May 28, the Noblesville Summer Concert Series kicks off the same night with a taste of something a bit more local. Indiana party-starters Living Proof will headline the first of five summer concert dates — come back to Dillon Park on June 4, 11, 18 and 25 for even more free music.

Living Proof is an eight-piece R&B and funk band; you can catch them around Indianapolis and Carmel, but we expect that their big sound will fit perfectly in this outdoor summer setting.

20. "Weird Al" Yankovic

7:30 p.m., May 28, Murat Theatre in Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St., $29.50-$75, (317) 231-0000 or livenation.com.

It's hard to believe "Weird Al" Yankovic's first hit was "My Bologna," a parody of "My Sharona" back in 1979. It's even wilder that "Mandatory Fun" is Yankovic's 14th album, was his first ever chart-topping release and went on to win a Grammy for Best Comedy Album.

Indeed, after more than three decades, the king of song parodies is just getting started. "Mandatory Fun" saw Yankovic mastering modern social media — he released eight music videos the week the album was released. A good joke never gets old.

21. St. Vincent

8 p.m. May 29, Egyptian Room at Old National Centre, 502 W. New Jersey St., $27.50, (317) 231-0000 or livenation.com.

Annie Clark, better known as St. Vincent, started her career as a member of the huge, orchestral Polyphonic Spree. But boy, has she stepped into the spotlight all her own. The guitarist, singer and songwriter's latest, last year's self-titled album, was a wholly unique, otherworldly space-rock album, graduating entirely from her career as an accomplished guitar shredder.

The album was one of the most highly praised of the year, and won St. Vincent a Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album. Though "alt" rock hasn't been a relevant phrase for years, St. Vincent is, indeed, the alternative to anything you've heard before.

SPORTS & ADVENTURE

22. 500 Festival Mini-Marathon

7:45 a.m. May 2, Washington and West streets, (317) 614-6400 or www.indymini.com.

The biggest races to hit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway may be on four wheels, but the Indy Mini Marathon gives runners the chance to tackle those curves with their own two feet. This year marks the 39th year in the race's long history, with runners hailing from all over the states, the country and the world.

The course begins downtown, then jets west towards the Speedway and loops around the entire 2.5-mile track before returning. If you're not planning to compete, just cheer on the runners. That's exercise, too, you know.

23. Kentucky Derby Viewing Party

All day May 2, Indiana Grand Racing & Casino, 4300 N. Michigan Road, Shelbyville, $50-$75, (317) 421-0000 or www.indianagrand.com.

Indy has its fair share of races, but there's little to compare with the classic prestige of the Kentucky Derby. Thankfully, you can get in on the tradition at Indiana Grand, which is offering all-inclusive, all-day party packages so you can enjoy the Derby in style.

What does all-inclusive mean, exactly? Come hungry. Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided, as will an Official Derby glass and program. If horse racing is your calling, place your bets at Indiana Grand.

24. Grand Prix of Indianapolis

Gates open 8 a.m., May 9, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, 4790 W. 16th St., $30-$46, (317) 492-8500 or www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com.

After a successful 2014 inaugural event, the Grand Prix of Indianapolis returns to Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 9.

Zzzzzzoom! The sound of the Grand Prix is unmistakable, and it'll be roaring through IMS for three days from May 7-9. Beginning at 8:30 a.m., May 7, the heat is on as practice day will see USF2000, Pro Mazda, Indy Lights and IndyCar practice rounds hit the track.

Friday is qualifications day, and on Saturday the main event begins. For everything you'll need to know, scan the IMS website, but take our word for it: you'll want a chair, some shade and beer. Lots of beer.

25. John Alexander Hoosier 250 Tricycle Race

Noon May 17, 700 block of Massachusetts Ave., $30-$40,www.circlecitypride.org.

The second most-intense three-part race out there (right after triathalons, of course), the 20th annual John Alexander Hoosier 250 Tricycle Race is an excellent way to kick off Indy Pride Month in June.

And while the race itself may not be a true test of athletic vigor, it is an exercise in having fun: there'll be live music, DJs and comedians entertaining the crowd all afternoon. Much like a more ridiculous Kentucky Derby, prizes will go to the most outrageous bonnets. If you're less outgoing, keep to yourself at the silent auction. No matter how you spin it, you'll find something fun to do at the races.

26. Indy 500

Gates open 6 a.m. May 24, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, 4790 W. 16th St., $40-$46, (317) 492-8500 or www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com.

If this listing is new to you, you might be living in the wrong city. On May 24, the 99th Indy 500 will be unleashed. Naturally, the month of May is filled with events leading up to the race, but on race day about 300,000 people will descend on IMS, or roughly a third of the entire population of Indy. Not a bad draw.

Come early for the Indy 500 Snake Pit, which features superstar DJs Kaskade, Steve Aoki and A-Trak, to get down before the race takes off.

27. Wicket World of Croquet

1 p.m., May 30, Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site,1230 N. Delaware St., $20-$130, (317) 631-1888 or www.presidentbenjaminharrison.org.

The 21st annual Wicket World of Croquet is, as always, the perfect excuse to don your best, most out-of-character whites and play a game that, if you are under 50, is probably not how you spend your weekends. But it's a perfectly fun way to spend a perfectly sunny May day.

Registration as a pair guarantees you four matches, and all equipment, lunch and drinks are provided. Last year's event sold out, so if you want to be swinging your mallet on May 30, you'd best get cracking now.

28. Rockers Reunion Vintage Motorcycle Show, Bike Run and After Party

May 30, various locations, free to spectate,http://www.rockersreunionindy.com.

The ninth annual show for vintage motorcycles kicks off at 10 a.m. with a 100-mile ride through Downtown and the Indy area, starting at Speed City Cycle (3464 W. 16th St.) and ending at Fountain Square. The show itself starts at 1 p.m., with a variety of awards handed out across a number of categories such as "Best in Show" and "Best Chopper." (Though free to watch, there is a $5 fee to become award-eligible.)

The action moves to Flat 12 Bierworks, 414 N. Dorman St., at 5:30 p.m. for beverages, food-truck cuisine and entertainment.

FOOD & DRINK

29. Farmers market season begins (May 2)

One huge benefit of living in America's heartland? Eating local, American-grown food. As we drift towards summer, it's time to enjoy grand openings of the region's many farmer's markets.

The huge Broad Ripple Farmers Market, 1115 Broad Ripple Ave. (9 a.m. to noon Saturdays, starting May 2) features not only fresh, bright fruits and vegetables, dairy, meats and cheeses, but also a vast selection of prepared foods, baked goods and even gardening and pet products.

At the Carmel Farmers Market, 5 Center Green (8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturdays, starting May 2), you'll find produce, eggs, meats, cheeses and flowers — as well as cooking demonstrations, local live music and children's activities.

30. Cinco de Mayo with 3 in 1 Restaurant

May 5, 4202 W. 56th St., Suite A2, (317) 297-5000 or www.3in1restaurant.com.

Listen, friends. Chipotle is great 364 days a year, but this Cinco de Mayo, celebrate with something a bit more authentic. And authenticity is exactly where 3 in 1 Restaurant's strengths lie, according to the Star's dining writer, Liz Biro: home-cooked dishes from Mexico and El Salvador, with ingredients all sourced from local farmers markets.

Try 3 in 1's specialty sweet corn tamales: organic sweet corn, wrapped up in a cornhusk and steamed with pork or chicken. And while you're at it, you'll need to try the papusas, flautas and chimichangas. Thank us on the 6th.

31. Slow Meat: An Introduction

6:30 p.m. May 6, Flat 12 Bierkwerks and Smoking Goose, 414 and 407 Dorman St., $15-$20, (317) 638-6328 orwww.slowfoodindy.com.

Consider this the anti-Big Mac evening. Whereas the fast food burger giants emphasize how quick lunch can be, Slow Food's Slow Meat evening begs to differ — take your time with meat, and reap the rewards. The night begins with a tour of local artisan meat masters Smoking Goose, followed by a panel discussion featuring sustainable meat producers.

Then waddle on over to Flat 12 Bierwerks for a delicious 3-course tasting prepared by three all-star chefs. All Slow Food Indy events succeed in shining a light on the value of local, fresh and healthy food; few foods need those factors quite like meat.

32. Georgia Street Happy Hour

5 p.m. Thursdays starting May 7, Georgia Street boardwalk, (317) 237-2222 orwww.georgiastreetindy.com.

It's Thursday at 2 p.m. Work-week purgatory — the weekend is soon, but not nearly soon enough. It's exactly now that you count yourself lucky to work Downtown: Georgia Street Happy Hour begins in just a few hours. Downtown Indianapolis comes alive in the summer, thanks in large part to these almost-weekend happenings on Georgia Street. Beginning May 7, Thursday happy hours are back from 5-7 each week, meaning you can walk out of your office and right into a seat at the bar.

33. Midwest Sour & Wild & Funk Fest

2 p.m., May 16, Indianapolis City Market, 222 E. Market St., $20-$75, (317) 634-9266 or www.uplandbeer.com.

Hoppy. Crisp. Bold. We know (and love) beers described as such, but sour? Acidic? Tart? With an open mind and palate, these can join your beer lexicon, too. And the Midwest Sour & Wild & Funk Fest can help. The festival is the only of its kind in the region, focusing solely on sour beers like lambics and wild ales. You'll sample more then 25 top microbreweries pumping out these sour specialties.

VIP tickets, which include a private lounge and lots of cool swag, are already sold out. But general admission tickets still give you a commemorative tasting glass and more enough sours to keep you swigging all afternoon.

34. Chef JJ's Eggfest

10 a.m., May 16, Chef JJ's Back Yard, 1040 Broad Ripple Ave., $35, (317) 602-3828 orwww.chefjjs.com.

Chef JJ's Eggfest will be held May 16 at Chef JJ's Back Yard in Broad Ripple.

Sorry breakfast enthusiasts. Eggfest is not a celebration of all things scrambled or poached. The egg in question here is the Big Green Egg, an all-in-one grill, oven and smoker that Chef JJ will use to serve up some truly delicious meals. Chef JJ's offers a whole slew of events and classes for aspiring grillers throughout the year. Eggfest is a perfect way to step into the realm of the Big Green Egg, and maybe step out an Egghead.

35. Cedar Creek Brewing grand opening weekend

Noon to 6 p.m. May 23 and noon to 5 p.m., May 24, Cedar Creek Winery and Brew Co., 3820 Leonard Road, Martinsville, (765) 342-9000 orwww.cedarcreekwineandbrew.com.

That first sip of a delicious beer is eminently satisfying. Knowing that it's the first sip at the grand opening of a new local brewery — well, that's a sip not to be missed. Martinsville's hometown brewery, Cedar Creek Brew Co., is opening Memorial Day weekend and inviting everyone to try their new standards, as well as some special treats: their amber, blonde, IPA and porter will be on tap all weekend.

Saturday at 2 p.m., they'll tap an Imperial IPA, and at the same time on Sunday you can try a cream ale. Come try the new guys in town.

36. America on Tap Craft Beer Festival

2:30 p.m. May 30, Military Park, 601 W. New York St., $35-$55,www.americaontap.com.

Twenty-seven states this year will experience an America on Tap Festival — there's no stopping microbrews from taking over the country. Your ticket grants you three hours of beer sampling from over 100 craft brews from across the country.

JUST FOR FUN

37. Lemonpalooza

11 a.m. May 1, Monument Circle, free,www.indianapolis.lemonadeday.org.

Whether you sold the cold, delicious stuff on the sidewalk as a kid or not, everyone knows lemonade is the great American first shot at entrepreneurship. Today, Lemonade Day is a national program aimed to teach kids how to own and operate their own business, and it planted roots in Indy back in 2009.

Lemonpalooza will see Monument Circle draped in bright yellow, featuring tons of entertainment, lemon-themed food and drinks, and, most importantly, activities fostering a sense of entrepreneurship. If you want your kids to buy you a house someday, make sure they stop by Lemonpalooza.

38. Discover Irvington

10 a.m. May 9, downtown Irvington, free, www.discoverirvington.com.

The annual Irvington festival has a few tricks up its sleeve this year. All the perks of the annual celebration will be on tap — special menus at local eateries, sidewalk sales and more. But in 2015, Irvington will debut its Acoustic Blues Festival featuring a handful of talented musicians to keep you on your feet. The blues starts at noon.

Be sure to play "business bingo" all around town, where you can win prizes for visiting the right assortment of local retailers and restaurants. Irvington is always charming, but on May 9 it's really happening.

39. Hats Off to Dr. Seuss!

May 15 through June 1, J.S. Yopp Gallery, The Fashion Mall at Keystone, 8701 Keystone Crossing, free, (866) 997-3877 or jsyopp.com.

It should come as no surprise that Theodor Seuss Geisel, or Dr. Seuss, was a bit eccentric. The legendary author brought us the Grinch, the Lorax, Horton and Yertle the Turtle, but beginning May 15, the Cat in the Hat may be his most true-to-life character. Indeed, Dr. Seuss' own hat collection will be on display.

Celebrating the 75th anniversary of Seuss' second book, The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins, the genius' widow Audrey S. Geisel opened her late husband's hat closet to the public; it's finally landed in Indy.

40. Mayberry in the Midwest

May 15-17, various locations throughout Danville, (317) 745-3007 orwww.visitdowntowndanville.com.

America got its first taste of Mayberry 55 years ago with the debut of "The Andy Griffith Show." Though the show's been off the air for over four decades, the simplicity and warmth of its fictional town setting has stuck around — especially in Danville, home of the famed Mayberry Cafe.

Actress Maggie Peterson and musician Rodney Dillard will be on hand this year as the town is filled with Mayberry-themed activities like a game show, an antique car display and even a parade. "Mad Men" may portray a sexier '60s, but down home Mayberry is fine by us.

41. Zionsville's Brick Street Market

10 a.m. May 16, Main Street, downtown Zionsville, free, (317) 873-3836 or www.zionsvillechamber.org.

2015 marks the 30th year for the Brick Street Market. The annual arts and crafts fair follows a staunch set of rules, which no doubt make for a better fest: all work displayed must be handmade. Expect a collection of handcrafted art available from over 175 vendors for purchase, plus antiques, food trucks and more.

42. Arcadia May Festival

8 a.m.-9 p.m. May 16, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. May 17, Main Street, downtown Arcadia, free, (317) 220-2204 orwww.visithamiltoncounty.com.

Arcadia is a tiny place, home to fewer than 2,000 people. But come May 16 and 17, it'll fill up with folks from all over the area to enjoy this historic town's annual fair. All the usual suspects will be there: arts and crafts for sale, a flea market, carnival games, food and local live entertainment, and a moonwalk for the kids (or adults without shame). A car show will roll in midday on Sunday, and Arcadia's museum will open its doors for out-of-towners to get a sense of Arcadia's historic legacy.

43. Freedom Springs water park opening

May 23, Greenwood Aquatics Park, 850 W. Stop 18 Road, Greenwood, $8-$11 season pass,www.freedomspringsin.com.

Indiana isn't exactly a beach-going state, but that doesn't mean we don't need our fill of water fun in the summer. Enter Freedom Springs, the area's newest water park, and just like that, our needs are met. Opening May 23, Freedom Springs features water slides, swimming areas and (let's be honest here) everyone's favorite water park attraction, the lazy river.

Season passes are available if you get the sense that this is where you'll want to laze in the summer heat. What's more, you can book swim lessons for the kids (or for yourself, if you're not quite ready for that lazy river).

44. Ransom Place neighborhood tour

6 p.m., May 28, tour begins at Indiana Builder's Association, 11th St. and Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., $5-$10, (317) 822-7923 or www.indianalandmarks.org.

May is full of Indiana Landmarks tours of various historic neighborhoods (see their website for a list), and the series concludes on May 28 with Ransom Place. This neighborhood just west of Downtown was an early home for the city's African American community and boasts colorful, well-preserved homes — largely due to the fact that the 1000 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard was one of Indy's earliest preservation efforts. Get a grip on the city's history and stretch your legs for this enlightening tour.

45. Koalas at the Indianapolis Zoo

Opens Memorial Day weekend, 1200 W. Washington St., included with admission, (317) 630-2001 or www.indianapoliszoo.com

You can't find many animals much cuter than koalas, and two are coming to the Indianapolis Zoo. The two males, on loan from the San Diego Zoo, will move into the exhibit space most recently inhabited by bats for an extended stay from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. The last time koalas were on display in Indianapolis was in 2008.