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Many of my favorite quotes are based on the energetic, transformative beauty of spring. But Rilke’s words may be my favourite: “It’s spring again. The earth is like a child who remembers poems.”
I always return to poetry in moments of longing – when I’m searching for a language that can understand my feelings. And in May, that feeling is unmistakable. The season has fully arrived: long days, vibrant flowers, and a warm breeze that pulls you outside and keeps you there. There is an alchemy at this time of year. Something changes. I’m the same person, but I feel awakened to my life, my routine, and all the little things that suddenly seem noticeable again.
31 things to do in May to welcome the summer season
May, more than any other month, invites us to start again. And with it comes the perfect opportunity to fill our days with things that are simple yet taste good. Think of it as your invitation: 31 ways to lean into the season, romanticize your days, and make May really feel like yours.
Step outside (and stay a while)
May change the way you spend your time. The light lasts longer, the air gets softer, and suddenly your evenings are a little longer than planned. Even small plans — a walk, a farmer’s market run, a last-minute picnic — start to feel like something else.
1. Plan a backyard garden party. Turn on the lights, set a simple table, and let fresh flowers decorate. Start with some easy outdoor dinner party menu ideas to set the tone.
2. Take a sunrise or sunset tour. Pick a golden hour this week and stick to it.
3. Host an outdoor movie night. Blankets, snacks and a projector are all you need.
4. Organize a picnic in the neighborhood. Keep it potluck-style and low-effort—it’s the easiest way to build community.
5. Try a new water activity. Paddleboard, kayak, or just float (probably my favorite?). May is your moment to jump.
6. Play tennis! As a collegiate player, I would argue: This racket is the best in sports. (Ping pong is at number two.)
7. Go on a wild flower hike. Bring a basket or guidebook and make an afternoon of it.
8. Visit your local farmers market. Let what you find – strawberries, asparagus, herbs – shape your week’s menu. Take note of the season’s produce and focus on filling your basket with the same.
gather, cook, celebrate
This time of year is perfect for gathering. Food is taken out, ingredients feel fresh, and hosting becomes something you do easily rather than planning to perfection. A few thoughtful details go a long way.
9. Host a Mother’s Day breakfast at home. Keep it simple, seasonal and a little festive.
10. Try a new non-alcoholic drink. Start with NA recipes that feel just as festive as your favorite cocktails.
11. Set a signature Memorial Day table. Keep it casual but intentional—linen napkins, something seasonal in a vase, and a menu that feels easy to share. Get all the table-setting inspo you need.
12. Make a spring salad worth craving. Think crisp greens, herbs, something creamy, something crunchy. These are the types of salads you’ll use all season long.
13. Pack a picnic and go to the park. Organize dishes, bring a blanket, and keep it simple.
14. Plan an al fresco dinner on Friday night. A few friends, a simple table, and recipes that don’t overcomplicate things make for a golden time.
15. Create a summer dessert board. All you need is fresh fruits and small sized sweets.
16. Host a cookbook dinner club. Pick a book (these are Camille’s favorite cookbooks), specify the recipe, and let the inspiration flow.
Refresh your space and style
At this time of year there is a natural desire to change your surroundings. Windows get opened, drawers are cleaned out, and small updates start to change the day-to-day look of your home. Even a single project can reset the tone.
17. Try a one-week home reset. Focus on a small area each day and let the progress lead you forward.
18. Make spring cleaning feel light. Set a timer, play music, and keep it going. Decluttering these six areas of your home makes the task less intimidating (and a lot more enjoyable).
19. Start a Windows Garden. These are the easiest herbs to grow at home.
20. Build your warm-weather capsule wardrobe. Focus on pieces that feel easy, repeatable, and complete to you. Our style editor shares tips for decorating the spring closet of your dreams.
21. Draw an outside corner. A chair, a throw, and a quiet corner can become your favorite place…to be.
Focus on feeling better
May brings a soft kind of reset. Your energy comes back, and it feels like there’s more space to examine what you really need. Short shifts last the most.
22. Spring clear your mind. Remove mental clutter. This 7-day mental reset can create more clarity, focus, and ease in your day.
23. Start hanging out without your phone. Trust me on this: It will soon become a habit you look forward to.
24. Book a massage or spa treatment—no occasion necessary.
25. Refresh your skin care routine for this season. Think light layers, extra hydration, and daily SPF. Here’s how to achieve the ultimate glow.
26. Start a morning walk ritual. We all swear by it.
add some happiness
Some things are worth doing this month just because they seem fun. A new show, a spontaneous plan, a change of scenery… these are the little choices that change your mood in a way that you don’t have to think too much about.
27. Start a new show and allow yourself to become completely comfortable with it. I’m loving Season 2 of Your Friends & Neighbors. If you’re not interested in seeing Jon Hamm and James Marsden movies, I’m sorry, I can’t tell.
28. Visit a local gallery, pop-up, or art show. I’ve found that one of the simplest joys in life is setting yourself on a path to innovation. You never know what you might uncover or who you might connect with.
29. Plan a Memorial Day weekend vacation. It doesn’t need to go away for it to feel like a reset.
30. Make your own summer playlist. Something you’ll want to repeat throughout the season.
31. Make your summer bucket list. Write it down, return to it again and again and see what comes up. (Hint: Revisit your vision board to learn more about what you want this season.)
This post was last updated on May 1, 2026 to include new information.
