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So many of my favorite quotes hinge on the energizing, transformative beauty of spring. But Rilke’s words might be my favorite: “It is spring again. The earth is like a child that knows poems by heart.”
I always come back to poetry in moments of wanting—when I’m searching for language that can hold what I’m feeling. And in May, that feeling is unmistakable. The season has fully arrived: longer days, vibrant blooms, and warmer air that draws you out and keeps you there. There’s an alchemy to this time of year. Something shifts. I’m the same person, but I feel newly awake to my life, to my routines, and to all the small things that suddenly feel worth noticing again.
31 Things to Do in May to Welcome the Warmer Season
May, more than any other month, invites us to begin again. And with it comes the perfect opportunity to fill our days with things that feel as good as they are simple. Think of this as your invitation: 31 ways to lean into the season, romanticize your days, and make May feel truly yours.
Step Outside (and Stay Awhile)
May changes how you spend your time. The light lingers, the air softens, and suddenly your evenings stretch a little longer than planned. Even the smallest plans—a walk, a farmer’s market run, a last-minute picnic—start to feel like something more.
1. Plan a backyard garden party. String up lights, set a simple table, and let fresh blooms do the decorating. Start with a few easy outdoor dinner party menu ideas to set the tone.
2. Take a sunrise or sunset hike. Choose one golden hour this week and follow it.
3. Host an outdoor movie night. Blankets, snacks, and a projector are all you need.
4. Organize a neighborhood picnic. 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 (maybe my favorite?). May is your moment to jump in.
6. Play tennis! As a collegiate player, I’ll argue: it’s the best of the racquet sports. (Ping pong is a close second.)
7. Go on a wildflower walk. Bring a basket or a guidebook and make an afternoon of it.
8. Visit your local farmer’s market. Let what you find—strawberries, asparagus, herbs—shape your week’s menu. Make a note of the in-season produce and keep your sights set on filling your basket with exactly that.
Gather, Cook, Celebrate
This time of year lends itself to gathering. Meals move outside, ingredients feel fresher, and hosting becomes something you ease into rather than plan to perfection. A few thoughtful details go a long way.
9. Host a Mother’s Day brunch at home. Keep it simple, seasonal, and a little celebratory.
10. Try a new non-alcoholic drink. Start with NA recipes that feel just as festive as your favorite cocktail.
11. Set a signature Memorial Day table. Keep it relaxed 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 kinds of salads you’ll come back to all season.
13. Pack a picnic and head to the park. Assign dishes, bring a blanket, and keep it casual.
14. Plan a Friday night al fresco dinner. A few friends, a simple table, and made-for-golden-hour recipes that don’t overcomplicate things.
15. Create a summer dessert board. Fresh fruit and bite-sized sweets are all you need.
16. Host a cookbook dinner club. Pick a book (these are Camille’s favorite cookbooks), assign recipes, and let the inspiration flow.
Refresh Your Space & Style
There’s a natural urge this time of year to shift your surroundings. Windows open, drawers get cleared, and small updates start to change how your home feels day to day. Even a single project can reset the tone.
17. Try a one-week home reset. Focus on one small area each day and let the progress build.
18. Make spring cleaning feel lighter. Set a timer, play music, and keep it moving. Decluttering these six areas of your home makes the task way less intimidating (and so much more joyful).
19. Start a windowsill 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 entirely you. Our style editor shares tips for curating your dream spring closet.
21. Create an outdoor nook. A chair, a throw, and a quiet corner can become your favorite place to just… be.
Focus on Feeling Better
May brings a softer sort of reset. Your energy returns, and it feels like there’s more room to check in with what you actually need. Small shifts tend to stick the most.
22. Spring clean your mind. Clear the mental clutter. This 7-day mental reset can create more clarity, focus, and ease in your day.
23. Start walking outside without your phone. Trust me on this: it’ll quickly become a habit you look forward to.
24. Book a massage or spa treatment—no occasion needed.
25. Refresh your skincare routine for the season. Think lighter layers, more hydration, and daily SPF. Here’s how to get the ultimate glow-up.
26. Begin a morning walk ritual. We all swear by it.
Add a Little Joy
Some things this month are worth doing simply because they sound fun. A new show, a spontaneous plan, a change of scenery… These are small choices that shift your mood in ways you don’t overthink.
27. Start a new show and let yourself fully unwind into it. I’m loving season 2 of Your Friends and Neighbors. If you’re not into watching hours of Jon Hamm and James Marsden—I’m sorry, I can’t relate.
28. Visit a local gallery, pop-up, or art show. I’ve found that one of the simplest joys in life is to put yourself in the path of novelty. You never know what you might uncover or connect with.
29. Plan a Memorial Day weekend getaway. It doesn’t have to be far to feel like a reset.
30. Build your summer playlist. Something you’ll want to play on repeat all season long.
31. Make your summer bucket list. Write it down, return to it often, and see what unfolds. (Hint: revisit your vision board for an idea of what you want more of this season.)
This post was last updated on May 1, 2026, to include new insights.
