Calendar of May Events in Boston

Boston is in bloom, and so is the city's calendar as we throttle toward summer. Highlights include Mother's Day, Boston Bike Week, and Earthfest. Here's a look at May's offerings.

• Taste of the North End
  May 4, 2012, 7-11 p.m., $79-$99
  The DCR's Steriti Memorial Rink hosts this 18th annual event featuring more than 25 restaurants from one of Boston's top culinary areas. Once again, Billy Costa, of NECN's TV Diner fame, serves as the Master of Ceremonies.
• Walk For Hunger
  May 6, 2012
  Project Bread serves meals for individuals and families in need, and now you can do your part to help in the Walk for Hunger. Some 40,000 are expected to participate in this annual event. You can register to walk and raise funds here.
• SoWa Open Market Opening Day
  May 6, 2012, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
  The unique shopping experience opens for the 2012 season with a host of artisans, food trucks, and a farmer’s market on hand.
• Kentucky Derby Day at Suffolk Downs
  May 5, 2012, Gates open at 10 a.m.
  Head on over to Suffolk Downs and party through the day in anticipation of the Kentucky Derby. Post time is at 6:25 p.m.
• Boston Pops Opening Night
  May 9, 2012, 8 p.m., $41-$125
  The 126th season of the Pops opens with Broadway superstar Bernadette Peters joining maestro Keith Lockhart at Symphony Hall.

• Mother's Day
  May 13, 2012
  From the annual Make Way for Ducklings Parade to Lilac Sunday, Mother's Day in the city of Boston has always held special regard for the women in all of our lives. Here's a list of what's happening in Boston to celebrate Mom, as well as some brunch options.
• Bay State Bike Week
  May 14-20, 2012
  A variety of events and bike education is on tap to promote the economical, environmental, and healthy aspects of biking.
• American Craft Beer Week
  May 14-20, 2012
  Celebrate this national tribute to craft beer by paying a visit to one of Boston’s many fantastic beer bars. .
• Hidden Gardens of Beacon Hill Tour
  May 17, 2012, $30 in advance, $40 on day of event
  For the 83rd year, the Beacon Hill Garden Club will show off gardens normally off-limits to the public.
• Earthfest
  May 19, 2012, Free
  The annual EarthFest from 92.9 WBOS welcomes 90’s alt-icons The Spin Doctors and Third Eye Blind to the Hatch Shell in addition to Eve 6 and Switchfoot.
• Local Farmers Markets Open
  Many of the area's local farmer's markets will be open for business in May. Check out our roundup of those closest to Boston.