5 Things to do in Iowa in May

Pella Tulip Time, Pella
May 7-9
Travel back in time to a European village full of windmills, tulips and excitement as Pella celebrates the 80th anniversary of this colorful festival. Authentic Dutch food, Dutch markets, parades, Dutch dancing and hundreds of thousands of tulips are all part of the fun.

Living Loess
May 16
On the third Saturday of the month, from May to October, eight attractions within 20 miles of each other in Pottawattamie and Harrison Counties open their doors to share their unique art, food and history. Locations include a woodworker, watercolor artist, silversmith, aronia berry farm, dairy goat farm, lavender farm, welcome center and nature center.

Tree Town Music Festival, Forest City
May 21-24
Spend Memorial Day weekend at this four-day music fest featuring big name country artists including Blake Shelton and Dierks Bentley. Concerts are held at Heritage Park with camping available at the adjacent Winnebago Industries rally grounds.

John Wayne Birthplace Museum Grand Opening, Winterset
May 22-24
The new museum features the largest diversified collection of John Wayne movie and personal memorabilia in existence including film wardrobe, posters, original scripts and even the actor's personal automobile. Grand opening weekend festivities include a rodeo, patriotic music concert and country music legend Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives.

Iowa Renaissance Festival, Middle Amana
May 23-25
The 24th annual celebration of European historical arts and culture encompasses five stages of entertainment, 15 touring performing groups, 200 costumed village characters, 50 artisan merchants, games of skill, hands-on activities, a food court, beer garden and the region's best equestrian jousting troupe.