When you think of ”special” months November and December generally wind up at the top of the heap. Thanks to Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Chanukah (AKA the holidays) those eight weeks are chocked full of parties, family get-togethers, presents, and TV Christmas specials galore.

As much as I love the hustle and bustle of the most wonderful time of the year, I think May should also be included in the special month category.  Think about it, we start off the month toasting spring with May Day and welcoming the start of summer with Memorial Day. In between, there’s one celebration after another which makes May one exceptional month.

Here are just a few extra special happenings coming up in this first week in the merry month of May.

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The Perot Museum is gearing up for all things ‘Star Wars’ this Friday and Saturday at their ‘May the Fourth Be With You’ celebration.  The two-day event features saber battles, live music performed by members of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, and a chance to meet some of your favorite Star Wars characters. Kids can explore holograms, cloning, and life on other planets with activities that include themed music, food, crafts, experiments, and more. The City of Carrollton is holding its own ‘May the 4th Be With You’ extravaganza Friday night in their historic Downtown Square.  Enjoy laser tag, face painting, games, and Star Wars themed booths from 6-9 p.m. Later, grab your blankets and lawn chairs and settle in for a screening of ‘The Last Jedi.’ Don’t forget to wear your costumes!

Cinco de Mayo is also happening this weekend and there are numerous fiestas going on in our neck of the woods to commemorate the day. One you’re not going to want to miss happens this Saturday in Denton at Quakertown Park. The day-long extravaganza begins bright and early Saturday morning with a parade that starts at Texas Women’s University and ends at the Civic Center parking lot. The festival that follows will feature live music, ballet folklorico dancers, and lots of vendors. For the littles, there’ll be piñatas, an arts and crafts area, and the Little Miss Cinco de Mayo pageant.

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May Day, the annual celebration of spring happened on May 1. As far as I know, there aren’t any Maypole dances going on, but you can get out and enjoy the loveliness of spring in Texas this Saturday at Vibha’s 15th Annual Kite Flying Festival at North Lake College. You can bring your own kite or buy one for sale at the festival. You can also learn about the science and history of kites, and see a kite-making presentation. Besides all the kite activities the festival also features dance performances, food, henna artists, and a talent show.

Another outdoor spring festival you won’t want to miss this weekend is the Annual Cottonwood Art Festival in Richardson’s Cottonwood Park.  Besides being rated one of the top art festivals in the U.S., it also features an awesome interactive children’s area. ArtStop, as it’s called, is staffed by more than 100 volunteers, so your mini Monets can dive right in to an array of activities like dipping their hands into colored wax to make an impression of their hand, making a painting (the perfect gift for Mother’s Day), chipping away a work of art from a large block of plaster, or my favorite, throwing mud on a real potter’s wheel to form a vase.

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Speaking of Mother’s Day, you know how your mom LOVES those fancy home tours? Well, surprise her with something really different this year with Moss Haven Farm’s Peep at the Coops Tour. Now, you’re probably thinking to yourself, “Didn’t you just spotlighted a coop tour a couple of weeks ago? Are you crazy for chickens or something?” To which I say–YES! I AM crazy for chickens! Seriously though, these coop tours are a lot of fun. Not only are they the perfect gift for mom, they’re also the perfect activity for the littles. At this family-friendly event, you’ll get to tour seven urban coops, enjoy performances from local choirs and bands, and shop at an artisan market. The tour benefits Moss Haven Farm, an outdoor learning garden and STEAM curriculum enrichment for students located at Moss Haven Elementary so you and mom can feel extra good about your outing.