The Pensacola Pelicans’ 2010 home opener is on Friday, May 21. This season, the club looks to defend its South Division Championship. Saturday, May 1

26th Annual Crawfish Festival Celebrating the Cajun influence in the community with one of the largest crawfish boils in Florida. Crawfish poboys, crawfish pies, boiled crawfish, as well as traditional hot dogs, hamburgers and other favorites. Crawfish eating contest, children's area, Swamp Pop, Cajun and Zydeco bands. Admission: $5, adults, children under 12, free. Bartram Park in East Hill, Pensacola. May 1-2. 850-433-6512, www.fiestaoffiveflags.org.

2nd Annual Run for the Roses Kentucky Derby Fundraiser Churchill Downs by the bay! Live music, food, live and silent auctions. Proceeds benefit The Leaning Post Ranch. Sat., May 1, 3 - 7 p.m., $60 per person, $100 per couple, DeLuna's Landing Park, Pensacola. 850-516-9154, www.theleaningpos- tranch.org.

Chocolate Fest 2010 Sample mouth-watering chocolate treats from popular local restaurants. "Chocolate Factory" kid’s area, with activities, games, prizes. Advance tickets at Gulf Coast Kid's House or the Cordova Mall ticket office, $15 or $20 at the event. Sponsored by Sandy Sansing Dealerships and Gulf Coast Kid's House. Cordova Mall, Sat., May 1, 12-3 p.m. (850) 595 - 5800, www.pensacolachocolatefest. com.

HarborWalk Village Kentucky Derby Festival The Woodford Cup Bartender Competition; a mint-julep taste-off, "Most Creative Derby Hat Contest," race-day games and family fun. Sat., May 1. HarborWalk Village, 10 Harbor Blvd, Destin info@harborwalk- destin.com (850) 424-0600.

New Leash on Life Dog Walk/Run & Adoptathon Sponsored by the Panhandle Animal Welfare Society. Fun for the entire family. Registration, 8 am; walk/run,10 a.m. Events following the walk/run: training demonstrations, contests, Dachshund races, doggie bobbing for weinies, PAW print station as well as many other fun activities. Saturday, May 1, Fort Walton Landing. (850) 243-1525, www.paws-shelter.com.

Tuesday, May 4

Blue Angels Practice The team visits the museum to answer questions and sign autographs after Wednesday practices. Watch the Blue Angels practice from the Lighthouse Tower! Space is limited, so reserve your space early. May 4-5, 8:30 a.m. sharp, Museum of Naval Aviation viewing area, www.blueangels. navy.mil, 850-452-3604.

Wednesday, May 5

Carrie Underwood "America's Sweetheart" With special guests Craig Morgan and Sons of Sylvia. May 5, 7:30 p.m., Pensacola Civic Center. 850-432-0800, www.pensacolaciviccenter.c om.

Timmy Curran - Cinco De Mayo Celebration Surfing legend and musician Timmy Curran will be performing and debuting his new surfing movie "The Union Express. Doors open at 7 p.m., Show at 8 p.m., $10 advance, $12 day of show. Age 15+ with Parent/Guardian. Tickets available at Seville Quarter Gift Shop, & Blues Angel Music. Wednesday, May 5, Seville Quarter, 130 E Government St., Pensacola. www.Sevillequarter.com, (850) 434-6211.

Jackson’s Cinqo de Mayo Margaritas and mojito cocktails, Corona, Dos Equis, Negro Modello beers and all bottles of wine fifty percent off. Special menu. May 5, 5:30 p.m., Jackson's Steakhouse, 400 S Palafox, Pensacola. (850) 469-9898 www.jacksons.goodgrits.com.

Thursday, May 6

Purses with a Purpose Support Shelter House - Domestic Violence Center and Ronald McDonald House by coming to the second annual Purses with a Purpose. This purse auction benefits both organizations. There will be purses for sale and for auction. Come enjoy wine, food and purses! Tuesday, May 6, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Destin Commons, 4300 Legendary Drive Fort Walton Beach. (850) 243- 1201 or (850) 797-3885.

Saturday, May 8

The 2nd Annual Save-ABaby Motorcycle Run A benefit for the Mother/Baby unit at Baptist Hospital's Neonatal unit, with 100% of all proceeds going to newborn substance addicted babies. Sponsored by Panhandle Motorcycle Society (PMS). Auction Friday, May 7, 6:30 p.m., run on May 8. Registration 9:30 a.m., $10. Departure 10:30 a.m., live music, 50/50/ drawing, food served at 3 p.m. 1485 S. Fairfield Drive, Pensacola. www.bikerspms. org, (850) 607-7796.

Sunday, May 9

Mother's Day Brunch - Children in Crisis Benefit Experience a gourmet Mother's Day Brunch at the Emerald Coast Conference Center, Complimentary Mimosa and Bloody Mary Bar. Adult-$30; Military or Senior (55+)-$25; Youth-$15. Children 4 and under are complementary. Contact the Emerald Coast Conference Center for reservations, 850- 609-3800. Seating reservation times:11 a.m., 11:30, noon or 12:30. Sunday, May 9. (850) 609-3800.

Tuesday, May 11

Sorority Recruitment Information Session All Escambia/Santa Rosa high school senior women and current college women interested in NPC sorority recruitment are invited along with their parents. Sponsored by the Pensacola Alumnae Panhellenic Council. May 11, 6:30p.m., St. Christopher's Episcopal Church, 3200 N. 12th Ave., Pensacola. www.pensacolapanhellenic. weebly.com, (850) 444-6686.

The 2nd Annual Beach Olympics

Come 'win the gold' and bragging rights all year! Tug-of-war, kayak relay, waiter race, bucket brigade, laundry cart race / bed making, keg toss and volleyball. Tuesday, May 11, The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. rlanier@resortquest.com (850) 986-7672.

Blue Angels Practice The team visits the museum to answer questions and sign autographs after Wednesday practices. Watch the Blue Angels practice from the Lighthouse Tower. Space is limited, so reserve your space early. May 11-12, 8:30 a.m. sharp, Museum of Naval Aviation viewing area, www.blueangels. navy.mil, 850-452-3604.

Wednesday, May 12

24th Annual Naval Aviation Symposium The birth of naval aviation will be among the many topics discussed at the National Naval Aviation Museum's 24th Annual Symposium Wednesday, May 12–Friday, May 14. The three-day event will host a variety of activities including a golf tournament, performances by the worldrenowned Navy band and three panel discussions. The Museum is located aboard NAS Pensacola. (850) 453- 2389, or online at NavalAviationMuseum.org.

Friday, May 14

The 2010 Hangout Beach Music & Arts Festival Three days of music from national headliners and Grammy-award winners of rock, country, soul, bluegrass, funk and blues on four stages. Festival tickets are available online or at The Hangout, Innerlight Surf Shop in Pensacola and Gulf Breeze, and Surf Style stores. May 14 - 16, 2010; 101 East Beach Boulevard at ALHwy 59, Gulf Shores, AL; $159 Three-day Pass / $79 Day Pass; www.hangoutmusicfest. com.

Saturday, May 15

2010 Cox and Fiesta Children's Treasure Hunt Children 10 and under hunt for treasures to receive toys. In addition to hunting treasure, children will enjoyed face painting, arts and crafts and musical entertainment. Bayview Park in East Hill, Pensacola. Saturday, May 15, 1:30 p.m. 850-433-6512, www.fiestaoffiveflags.org.

Art in the Park The Pensacola Museum of Art (PMA) hosts a two day juried arts festival. Art sale, food vendors. Seville Square, May 15 and May 16, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. (850) 432-6247, www.pensacolamuseumofart. org.

Tenth Annual Secret Gardens of The Emerald Coast Tour Tour of five gardens from a vast estate garden to traditional yard gardens, 4 off Bayou Boulevard and 1 in West Pensacola. Saturday, May 15, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Five Gardens in Pensacola, Tickets $8, available in advance at The Garden Center, 1850 N. 9th Avenue. secretgardentour@bellsouth. net, (850)432-6095.

The 17th Annual ABWA Billy Bowlegs Boat Poker Run Sponsored by the American Business Women's Association. Cruise five "Ports of Call" - collect a poker hand. Prizes, music, food, beverages at the after party. $40 per hand or Boat Package, 4 hands for $140. Check and pick up hands, instructions Friday, May 14, 11 am-6 pm, at Shalimar Yacht Basin. Last chance to register May 15, 9 - 11 a.m. Shalimar Yacht Basin T-Dock, 100 Old Ferry Rd, Shalimar, Florida. 850-651- 0510, www.abwa-ecc.org/ bpr/bpr.html.

Sunday, May 16

Star Wars: In Concert The unique multi-media event featuring music from all six of John Williams' epic Star Wars scores. A full symphony orchestra and choir, with specially edited footage from the films displayed on a three-story-tall, HD LED super-screen. The live music and film elements are synchronized, creating a one of a kind Star Wars experience. Sunday, May 16, 4:00 p.m. Pensacola Civic Center, www.pensacolacivic- center.com.

Friday, May 21

Pelicans Home Opener Pelicans vs Grand Prairie: Fri., May 21, 6:45 p.m. - Magnet Schedule Giveaway Sat., May 22, 6:45 p.m. - Post- Game Fireworks; Sun., May 23, 6:05 p.m. - Kids Club Sunday. All Pelicans Kids Club Members wearing their shirt get in FREE; Mon., May 24, 6:45 p.m. - Mutt Monday- All dogs are welcome (on a leash). Pelican Park @ UWF, 11000 University Pkwy, Pensacola. www.pensacolapelicans. com, (850) 934- 8444.

Gallery Night

Enjoy an evening of arts and culture by touring downtown art galleries. May 21, 2010, 5-9 p.m., Downtown Pensacola. www.downtownpensacola. com, (850) 434- 5371.

Saturday, May 22

1st Annual Biker Ball … Leather and Lace "Feast On The Beast" Sponsored by Hadji Riders and ABATE of Florida, Inc Gulf Coast Chapter. Open to the public and all motorcycle clubs. Must be 18 to enter, 21 to drink. Gates open at noon, May 22, close at noon May 23. Lodging available through the Marriott Suites, University Mall. Saturday, May 22, Hadji Shrine Hall, 800 W Nine Mile Road, Pensacola. 850-476-9384 or gcabatepres@bellsouth.net.

22nd Annual Riverwalk Fine Arts Festival On Saturday, May 22, and Sunday, May 23 this festival features art retail and food vendor booths and a fine arts competition. The fun takes place at the Riverwalk in Downtown Milton. For more information visit www.sracf.org or call Pat D'Asaro at (850) 623-8493 or Jan Dempsey at (850) 623- 3711.

Southern Classic Gun & Knife Show

Admission: $7.00 / person. Concealed Weapon's Class on Saturday, 11am - 2pm. The show is on Sat., May 22 9am- 5pm; and Sun., May 23 10am- 4pm. (2-day event). CH "Bull" Rigdon Fairgounds "Home of the Northwest Florida Fair." 1958 Lewis Turner Blvd. Fort Walton Beach. For more info: (305) 266-0996. www.nwffair. com.

Thursday, May 27

Healthy Start of Okaloosa/ Walton County - World's Greatest Baby Shower Expectant mothers and new parents are invited. Food, fun, games and prices. Admission is free. May 27, 5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. Emerald Coast Conference Center, 1250 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Fort Walton Bch. (850) 833-9284 or ardelle_healthystart@ yahoo.com.

Friday, May 28

Flag Raising Ceremony in Honor of Memorial Day In honor of Memorial Day, please join as the Honor Guard walks the giant 50' x 80' Stars and Stripes down the length of Central Park, and hoist the flag in a solemn and moving ceremony. The ceremony begins at noon, at Uptown Station (home to Florida's tallest flagpole, 170- feet). 99 Eglin Pkwy, Fort Walton Beach. www.uptownstation. com (850) 269-4913.

Saturday, May 29

Festival in the Breeze May 29 and Sunday May 30 at Gulf Breeze High School. The two-day event will feature Artists, Crafters, food, music, Kids area, and Family fun. Festival hours are Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m to 5 p.m. All proceeds will benefit the GBHS girls basketball team. Contact Leo Pohlmann (850) 393-0770, Amy Parker (850) 748-2542. Photo courtesy of Pensacola Pelicans