From the hundreds of things to do on US Gulf Coast in May 2025 I narrowed my suggestions down to the following eight fun and tasty events. Cool, happy, and fun events that you expect to find on the Gulf Coast.
May on the Gulf Coast means Spring Break is over but the real summer has not yet begun. Until Memorial Day weekend at least. See my favorite Gulf Coast Spring Break Destinations and, to skip the crowds, Florida Hidden Gems.
Happy Mother’s Day to all US Gulf Coast moms. They are the best in the world!
Enjoy these Fun Things To Do on US Gulf Coast in May.
McCool Travel note: the first weekend of May kicks off with the second weekend of the New Orleans Jazz Fest, which was covered in April events on the US Gulf Coast but also below.
54th Annual New Orleans Jazz Fest, April 24 – May 4, 2025
The 2025 edition of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival hosts 400,000 guests from around the world over two weekends. Thousands of musicians, craft artisans, cooks and chefs, and volunteers entertain, support, sell crafts, and feed the souls of attendees.
2025 New Orleans Jazz Fest performers for the May weekend include Santana, Pearl Jam, Samantha Fish, Morris Day & The Time, Lenny Kravitz, Patti LaBelle, Trombone Shorty, and so many more amazing musical acts. New Orleans is always a favorite place for music lovers but especially during Jazz Fest!
Visit the fest website for more information and my recommended New Orleans day trips.
Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival, Foley AL, May 1 – 3, 2025
South Baldwin County is the spot for high-flying adventure and family fun at the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival. Enjoy entertainment, arts and crafts displays and more at the festival site at OWA Parks & Resort in Foley, South Baldwin County. Balloon flights, glows and tethered rides (weather permitting) add to the fun at dawn and dusk.
Visit the festival website for more information and Gulf Shores Tips.
28th Annual Blessing of the Fleet, Panama City FL, May 3, 2025
Spring Break is over but Panama City locals celebrate the official start of the warmer weather with the Blessing of the Fleet. While the highlight is the noon boat parade with everyone wishing safe passage for the boaters and vessels, other events are a lot of fun. Listen to live music while joining the Burning of the Socks (will not need them again for six months) and $10 a plate fish fry.
Visit the event website for more information and my suggested Secret Spots on Florida Panhandle.
Mud Bug Boil-Off, Thibodaux LA, May 9, 2025 (cancelled)
The 2025 Mug Bug Boil-Off has been cancelled so check back in 2026.
Any all-you-can-eat crawfish event will score high on my list. Join the fun family friendly Mud Bug Boil-Off in historic downtown Thibodaux. Enjoy live music, a live auction, festival funness, and all the scrumptious crawfish you can possibly handle.
Visit the event website for more information and see Day Trips From New Orleans
Emerald Coast Open, Destin FL, May 9 – 18, 2025
Over 20,000 invasive lionfish are expected to be removed from the Gulf waters during Emerald Coast Open 2025. Hundreds of tournament participants vie for prizes by removing the most lionfish—by diving or fishing. Local Destin restaurants serve creative lionfish dishes during Lionfish Restaurant Week from May 9 – 17.
And the official Emerald Coast Open Lionfish Tournament and Festival takes place May 16 – 17, and raises awareness about the harmful impact of the invasive lionfish.
Visit the event website for more information and check out my favorite Destin Florida Rentals.
World’s Richest Tarpon Tournament, Boca Grande FL, May 14 -15, 2025
The World’s Richest Tarpon Tournament begun in the early 80s in Boca Grande, the Tarpon Capital of the World. It started as a weight tournament but has evolved into an all-release event focused on Conservation, Sportsmanship, and Education. It is traditional live-bait only, honoring the history of tarpon fishing in Boca Grande Pass and focusing on the importance of conservation to ensure a healthy fishery for generations to come.
Visit the tournament website for more information and tips for what to do in Punta Gorda.
Pirate Day in the Bay, Bay St Louis MS, May 16 -17, 2025
Mystic Krewe of the Seahorse hosts all pirates and pirate lovers for a jolly good fest at the Pirate Day in the Bay. A Bay St Louis pub crawl kicks off the event on Friday night, followed by a full slate of parades, cruises, and buccaneer funness the next day.
Visit the event website for more information and favorite Mississippi Gulf Coast Hidden Gems.
Memorial Day Fireworks, South Padre Island TX, May 25, 2025
Celebrate Memorial Day weekend on South Padre Island! Enjoy the summer kick of fireworks extravaganza over the bay on Sunday night. For the best viewing spots checkout the restaurants and bars on the Entertainment District!
Visit the event website for more information and favorite South Padre Island Restaurants.
Of course many other US Gulf Coast destinations will also host fireworks events over the Memorial Day weekend. Do you have a favorite US Gulf Coast destination for fireworks? Let me know.
See also June Gulf Coast events and April Gulf Coast events.