“May”hem: Local Destinations and Happenings

May is a great time to explore Canton and the surrounding area. Spring is in full bloom now and there are dozens of unique happenings this month. You can find both high energy entertainment or peace and natural beauty. Just a note that some of these activities are not free and do require registration so please plan accordingly.

May We Interest You in Art and Culture?

Did you know there are 55 languages spoken in Canton? We’re lucky to live in such a diverse community with the opportunity to explore cultures that might look different than our own. Whether it’s attending a show or learning about other traditions, it is important to experience new things.

• Canton Culture and Cuisine: St. Thomas a’Becket Catholic Church
  This is the last Canton Culture and Cuisine event of the season. Visit a Catholic church and sample representative food and music from their culture. Tickets are required. May 3, 2024 at 6:30 PM. 
• Annie
  Holding onto hope when times are tough can take an awful lot of determination. Little Orphan Annie has reminded generations of theatergoers that sunshine is always right around the corner, and now the beloved musical is set to return to Detroit, just when we need it most. Tickets are required, and you can use your library card to get a discount.  May 3-5, 2024 at various times.
• Evalino Productions Presents: Cats 
  The Jellicle Cats come out to play on one special night of the year—the night of the Jellicle Ball. One by one, they tell their stories for the amusement of Old Deuteronomy, their wise and benevolent leader, who must choose one of the Cats to ascend to The Heaviside Layer and be reborn into a whole new Jellicle life. Tickets are required. May 10-12, 2024 at various times.
• Spotlight Players Presents: Nana Does Vegas by Katherine DiSavino
  Spotlight Players is a local Canton acting troupe and they’re inviting you to their latest show. Nana Does Vegas is the sequel to Katherine DiSavino’s Nana’s Naughty Knickers, performed by Spotlight Players in May 2017. This time, we find Nana and her sidekick Vera living in Nevada and working as seamstresses for a Las Vegas show. What could possibly go wrong? Tickets are required. May 16-19, 2024 at various times.
• Heart
  You can find the legendary band Heart in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and joined with Cheap Trick at Little Caesars Arena on May 21, 2024. Tickets are required, and you can use your library card to get a discount. May 21, 2024 at 8:00 PM.

May We Interest You in Family Fun?

There are many activities for young families, dog families and older families this month. Whether you want to get creative, explore pop culture or learn something new, there is something for you. Don’t forget to look for “all ages” happenings in other categories for things that might be the perfect fit for your family.

• Visit Gaffield Children’s Garden
  There are no special events happening at the Gaffield Children’s Garden, but it is a fun place for great outdoor play. Kids will be able to explore, build, climb and more. No registration or admission is required. The Garden is open 10:00 AM-4:30 PM daily; and on Wednesdays it is open until 8:00 PM. 
• Wednesday Gym and Swim Playgroup
  Parents and toddlers can socialize with people their age at this weekly enrichment opportunity. Toddlers will improve gross motor skills with toddler-sized sport equipment, in addition to a wide array of toys. Tickets are not available for presale, only daily passes. May 1, 8, and 15, 2024 at 10:30 AM.
• Fishing Derby
  Canton’s Fishing Derby is back! This derby is open to all ages and is family friendly. Please bring your own gear and register if you plan to fish.  Registration is available on site. May 4, 2024 at 9:00 AM. 
• Motor City Comic Con
  Cosplay as your favorite character or just come with your family and be immersed in pop culture. You’ll get the chance to see celebrities such as Katee Sackhoff, Giancarlo Esposito, Simon Kassiandies (all three from The Mandalorian), John Ratzenberger (Pixar movies), Felicia Day (The Guild), Karen Allen (Indiana Jones) and more. Tickets are required for entry. All ages; May 19-21, 2024. 
• Bark in the Park 
  Learn about the Canton Dog Park at this fun park day for you and your canine fur child. There will be live entertainment, free giveaways and merchandise available to purchase. No registration is required, but if you aren’t a member of the dog park please bring proof of your dog’s rabies and DHLPP vaccinations. May 19, 2024 at 11:00 AM. 
• Springtime Plant Swap 
  What better way to celebrate Mother’s Day than with a new plant? Meet fellow gardeners, get a new plant and let your child create a craft at the library. Plants should be in a container or plastic bag with a clear label. All ages; May 11, 2024 at 11:00 AM.
• Canton Farmers Market
  The Canton Farmers Market is back. Not only will you find delicious food (from booths and food trucks), but you can also speak to a Master Gardener, a representative from the Canton Historical Society, or any of the vendors. Bring the kids to experience the market too. It is a great opportunity to expand your horizons. May 12, 19, and 26, 2024 at 9:00 AM. 
• Flower Market at Eastern Market
  Get your landscaping started with the help of local gardeners. Since 1967, Detroit’s Eastern Market has offered a Flower Market the week after Mother’s Day. You will find flats of hardy flowers and be able to talk to members of the Metropolitan Detroit Flower Growers Association. May 19, 2024 from 7:00 AM-5:00 PM.

May We Interest You in Sports?

Late spring is a great time to get involved in outdoor sports. Chances are good that the weather will be nice and you’ll be able to play with family and neighbors. If you don’t want to participate you can always be a spectator.

• Rookie Baseball Classes
  Does your little one love sports? Maybe you want to start playing baseball with them but don’t know where to start. Canton Leisure Services has you covered. You and your child will learn the basics of throwing, catching and hitting using age-appropriate equipment. Ages 3-5; Wednesdays at 5:00 PM starting on May 8, 2024 and ending June 12, 2024. 
• Learn to Play Pickleball
  Have you heard about pickleball but don’t know if it's right for you? This clinic can help by introducing you to the rules, strategy, serves, returns and volleys. Pickleball is a sport for all ages and so is this clinic. Ages 6+; May 6, 2024 at 5:00 PM.
• Sand Volleyball Leagues
  Adults looking to play sand volleyball regularly should look into Canton’s recreational or competitive leagues. Teams of four will play weekly and participate in a tournament. Teams must register. Ages 18+; weekly from May 15-August 7, 2024. Game times vary between 6:00-10:00 PM.
• Tennis Fun Day
  Canton Leisure Services is bringing their summer tennis instructors to the Canton Sports Center for a free tennis fun day. Learn more about upcoming programs and get in some court time. Registration is required. All ages; May 18, 2024 from 9:00-11:00 AM.
• Canton Cup 
  The annual Canton Cup soccer tournament is back. In addition to the thousands of games that will be played over the weekend, there will be food and sport vendors available. No tickets are required. May 24-26, 2024. 
• NorthRidge Open Disc Golf Tournament
  NorthRidge Church is hosting a Memorial Day disc golf tournament for amateur and professional players. There will be two rounds of disc golf played, but bring your own disc as there will not be a player pack provided. Registration is required to play. Ages 18+ for players; May 27, 2024 at 8:00 AM.
• Michigan Cricket Association USA Games
  Fans of cricket can find games to watch through the Michigan Cricket Association’s schedule. You can read the stats prior to the game. Many of the games are played near Detroit, but Heritage Park occasionally hosts. All ages; various dates.

May We Interest You in Wellness?

Focus on your health this month. Get your body moving at an exercise class or take it outside for a calming afternoon in the garden. We’ve included classes in this category because learning something new is a great way to boost your mental health.

• Cherry Hill Quilters
  Join fellow stitchers in creating with this casual group. Quilters can piece and quilt by hand or with a machine; the important thing is being together and sharing skills. This is a year-round group with an annual fee. Ages 16+; Wednesdays in May at 10:00 AM.
• Visit the Matthaei Botanical Gardens Trails or Conservatory
  Looking for a beautiful setting for a walk? The University of Michigan’s Matthaei Botanical Gardens is a great place to enjoy nature at your own pace. No registration or admission is required. Trails open daily from sunrise to sunset. If you’re craving the beauty of plant life in bloom you should visit the conservatory at the Gardens. There are three biome zones with hundreds of species to enjoy. Closed Mondays; open 10:00 AM- 4:30 PM Tuesday-Sunday; Wednesdays open until 8:00 PM. 
• Empowering Kids: Slaying Dragons
  This is a three-week course for children to learn how to manage fears, create courage and bust outside of comfort zones. Develop the self-confidence to step outside of your comfort zone and face the anxiety that comes with it. Registration is required. Ages 6-12, May 4, 11, and 18, 2024 at 9:00 AM. 
• Adult Mindfulness-Based Stress Adaptation 
  Learn how to combat the stress in this adult wellness course. While it does not replace professional, psychological counseling, it will teach you how to recognize stressors in your life and develop methods to help you re-focus and re-align your day. Registration is required. Ages 18+; Mondays from May 6-June 10, 2024 at 6:30 PM.
• Barre
  Barre combines pilates, yoga and ballet moves to give you a dancer’s workout without the impact. Learn how to improve your posture, shed pounds and tone your muscles with low weight movements. Registration is required. Ages 14+; Fridays from May 10-June 14, 2024 at 9:00 AM.
• Senior Sample Exercise
  Get moving with a variety of exercise methods. Classes will include a mix of cardio, strength training, balance and yo-chi. Registration is required. Ages 55+; Tuesdays from May 7-June 11, 2024 at 10:15 AM.