Break out the party favors we’re heading into the merriest month of the year! And for good reason, too! In case you didn’t know, May is the unofficial outdoor festival month in Texas. Not that we need a reason to head outside and kick up our heels in these parts, but you’ll definitely want to put these springtime happenings on your calendar.

Photo: Cottonwood Art Festival

Celebrate the art of fun this weekend at the Cottonwood Art Festival in Richardson. Check out the one-of-a-kind works from 240 artists from around the world, enjoy live music in the shady area of the Courtyard Mainstage, or sample goodies from one of the many unique food vendors. Kids can be artsy in their own space at the ArtStop interactive children’s area. Wee Rembrandts can paint a classic, weave a butterfly, or throw a pot or form a vase on an electric potter’s wheel. When they’re finished they can take their masterpiece home to enjoy.

Photo: Perot Museum of Nature and Science

The Perot Museum is gearing up for all things ‘Star Wars’ this weekend at their ‘May the Fourth Be With You’ celebration. The two-day event features saber battles on the Plaza, special screenings of the iconic films, 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’ themed event Saturday night in their historic Downtown Square.  Enjoy laser tag, face painting, games, and ‘Star Wars’ booths from 6-9 p.m. Later, grab your blankets and lawn chairs and settle in for a screening of free showing of a galactic box-office hit under the stars. Don’t forget to wear your costumes!

Photo: Discover Denton

One of the best celebrations commemorating Cinco de Mayo–the Mexican Army’s unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Pueblo– happens this Saturday at Denton’s 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. 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.

Photo: shutterstock.com

Besides flowers May also brings butterflies. Welcome the colorful critters this at the annual Greater Plano Kiwanis Butterfly Festival at the Shops at Willow Bend. Stroll through a conservatory filled with flowering plants and oodles of butterflies. While on the tour you can see butterflies hatch from the chrysalis and also get a chance to feed them. The butterflies will be fluttering daily through May 12.

Photo: Moss Haven Farm

Party with some really cool chicks this Cinco de Mayo at Moss Farm’s Peepin’ La Vida Loca: 10th Annual A Peep at the Coops. The one-day tour of private urban chicken coops is an up-close look at some innovative coops and their plucky residents. If you’re thinking of raising your own urban chickens, experts will be on hand to answer questions and offer guidance. The family-friendly event also features a country market with local artisans and food vendors, live entertainment, food trucks and other activities you and your little chicks will enjoy. The tour happens in East Dallas this Sunday.

Photo: Dog Bowl at the Cotton Bowl

Celebrate your four-legged babies this Sunday at the annual Dog Bowl at Fair Park’s Cottonbowl. This ultimate pooch party includes giveaways, exhibits, canine crafts, and photo ops galore. Best of all, if you’re looking for a new addition to the family, you and the kids can check out local dog clubs, rescue groups, and animal welfare organizations with adoptable dogs along the sidelines.

For even more events, explore the Kids & Family section of the Art&Seek calendar.