May in Richmond feels like the city finally exhales.
After months of cold mornings and bare trees, the trails fill back up, the parks come alive, and the outdoor events that have been on the calendar since January start arriving. Community festivals, live music, equestrian shows, nature programs, dog shows, a waterfall running full force — and the Rose Garden just about to peak.
If you're looking for things to do in Richmond, Indiana in May 2026 — or planning a trip around a specific event — this guide covers what's actually happening this month, with real dates, real locations, and what to expect from each. Most of it is free or low-cost.
Why May Is One of Richmond's Best Months for Visitors
Richmond doesn't always get the recognition it deserves as a stop. May is the month that changes minds.
- The Rose Garden peaks — over 4,000 rose bushes at Glen Miller Park hit full bloom in late May. Volunteer-maintained, completely free, and genuinely one of the most beautiful spots in eastern Indiana.
- Hayes Arboretum is at its greenest — 466 acres of forest trails and wildflower meadows, best visited in spring before summer heat sets in.
- Thistlewaite Falls runs strong — fed by spring rains, Richmond's waterfall is most impressive from March through May.
- Two college commencements — IU East (May 16, 10 AM) and Earlham College (May 16, 2:30 PM) both celebrate their Class of 2026 this month, bringing families and energy into the city.
- Antique Alley is in full swing — the US-40 corridor through Wayne County is one of Indiana's best-known antiquing destinations, and spring is peak season.
If you've driven past Richmond on I-70 and never stopped, May 2026 is the month to change that.
May 2026 Events in Richmond and Wayne County
Here's what's actually happening this May. Always verify dates and hours with organizers before you travel — schedules can occasionally shift.
UKC Midwest Classic Dog Show — May 1–3
📍 Wayne County Fairgrounds, Richmond | 1 PM daily | waynecountyfairgrounds.org
A large regional dog show featuring competitions across dozens of breeds, vendors, and exhibitors. If you're a dog lover — or just curious — this is a well-attended multi-day event that's family-friendly and free to spectate. The Wayne County Fairgrounds are a short drive from the hotel.
Historic Woodwork Restoration Volunteer Day — May 2
📍 The Dulin House, Richmond | 9 AM
Richmond Neighborhood Restoration is hosting a hands-on history morning at the historic Dulin House — volunteers help restore original woodwork from the 1800s. A great way to connect with Richmond's preservation community if you're in town for the weekend.
Gem City Ringers Bell Choir Concert — May 3
📍 Richmond | 3 PM | reidcenter.org
A live handbell choir performance open to the public. A pleasant Sunday afternoon option if you're wrapping up a weekend in Richmond before heading home.
Reid Center LIVE! Spring Mix II — May 6
📍 Richmond | 12 PM | reidcenter.org
A midday concert with an “At the Movies” theme — live music at noon, open to the public. An easy add if you're in Richmond midweek or looking for a lunch-hour event.
Downshift Band Live at Creitz Park — May 8
📍 Creitz Park, Cambridge City, IN | 6 PM | Free outdoor concert
A live outdoor regional rock concert in Cambridge City — about 15 minutes west of Richmond on US-40. Easy to pair with an Antique Alley run through the same corridor.
Wayne County Horse & Pony Open Show — May 8–10
📍 Wayne County Fairgrounds, Richmond | 1:30 PM | waynecountyfairgrounds.org
A multi-day equestrian competition with family-friendly activities alongside the show ring. If you've got kids who love horses, this is worth an afternoon. The fairgrounds are easy to get to and free to attend as a spectator.
Joel David Weir Live — May 9
📍 Cambridge City, IN | 7 PM
An intimate acoustic/folk performance in Cambridge City — a quieter evening option for visitors who want something low-key after a day of antiquing along US-40.
IU East Commencement — Saturday, May 16
📍 2325 Chester Blvd, Richmond (Whitewater Hall parking lot) | 10:00 AM
IU East's 2026 commencement ceremony for the Class of 2026. Families visiting for this ceremony — Best Western Plus Richmond is approximately 8 minutes from campus. See our graduation guide for planning details.
Earlham College Commencement — Saturday, May 16
📍 801 National Rd W, Richmond (Druley Performance Gym, Wellness Center) | 2:30 PM
Earlham College celebrates its Class of 2026. Each graduate receives up to 8 guest tickets. The ceremony will also be livestreamed. Best Western Plus Richmond is approximately 10 minutes from campus.
Seara's Legacy K9 Trials & 140 Challenge — May 16
📍 Wayne County Fairgrounds, Richmond | 1:30 PM | waynecountyfairgrounds.org
A community event honoring a fallen K-9 officer through a run/walk challenge and K9 trials. An emotionally meaningful local event that draws strong community support — worth knowing about if you're in Richmond that weekend.
Celebration in the Ville — May 15–16
📍 Downtown Connersville, IN | 10 AM | ~35 minutes from Richmond
A large two-day downtown festival in nearby Connersville featuring live music, food vendors, crafts, and family activities. A solid day-trip option from Richmond if you want a full festival atmosphere.
Market Street Plaza Concert Series Kickoff — May 16
📍 Market Street Plaza, Connersville, IN | 6 PM
The kickoff evening concert for Connersville's summer concert series. Pairs naturally with the Celebration in the Ville festival earlier in the day if you're making the trip out to Connersville.
Cope Environmental Center Nature Programs — Various Dates in May
📍 Centerville, IN (near Earlham College) | Evening programs | visitcope.org
The Cope Environmental Center offers hands-on nature programs, guided hikes, and outdoor educational experiences throughout May. Check visitcope.org for the current schedule. Good for families who want something more structured than a self-guided trail walk.
Always Open: Richmond's Best Outdoor Spots in May
Beyond the scheduled events, these spots are at their absolute best this month.
Thistlewaite Falls
Richmond's most photographed outdoor spot — a wide cascade over layered rock shelves right in the city, running at full strength in May from spring rains. The surrounding trail along the Whitewater River is beautiful, and the flat rock shelves are popular with fossil hunters. Easy to reach from the Cardinal Greenways trail.
📍 Off the Cardinal Greenways trail, Richmond | Free | Accessible year-round
Hayes Arboretum
466 acres of forest, prairie, and wetlands with 16 miles of trails — free to visit and dog-friendly. Wildflowers are blooming in early May. The Nature Center in the 1833 dairy barn has a live honeybee exhibit and geology displays. Spring is the best time to visit: trails are quiet, temperatures are comfortable, and the landscape is at full green.
📍 801 Elks Rd, Richmond | Free | Tues–Sat 9 AM–5 PM; east entrance daily dawn to dusk
Glen Miller Park & the Rose Garden
The Richmond Rose Garden hits peak bloom in late May — over 4,000 rose bushes, completely free. Combined with Glen Miller Park's walking paths, fishing pond, and open picnic space, it's one of the most rewarding free hours you can spend in Richmond. Plan to visit in the morning before the day heats up.
📍 2500 National Rd E, Richmond | Free | Peak bloom: late May through early June
Cardinal Greenway
Indiana's longest rail-trail at 62 miles runs directly through Richmond. May weather makes it ideal for cycling or a long walk. The trail passes near Thistlewaite Falls and through genuinely peaceful stretches of the city. Multiple access points throughout Richmond.
📍 Multiple Richmond access points | Free | Paved multi-use trail
Antique Alley — US-40 Corridor
The stretch of US Route 40 through Wayne County is one of Indiana's most well-known antiquing destinations — shops in Richmond, Centerville, and Cambridge City running east and west along the historic National Road. Spring is prime season: inventory is fully stocked, dealers are energized after winter, and the weather makes a day of browsing genuinely enjoyable.
The Warm Glow Candle Company in Centerville is a must-stop — a working candle factory, multiple stores, an art gallery, and the Stone Hearth Cafe all on one property.
📍 US-40 / National Road corridor | Richmond to Ohio state line | Free to browse
Where to Eat Around Richmond's May Events
- Roscoe's Coffee Bar & Tap Room — Richmond's best local coffee spot. Perfect for a morning fuel-up before Hayes Arboretum, the Farmers Market, or the Dog Show.
- Firehouse BBQ — set inside Richmond's oldest firehouse, fire pole still in place. Great lunch after a morning on the trails or at the fairgrounds.
- Old Richmond Inn — 138 S 5th St. Victorian mansion dining, Chef Galo Molina, 26+ years. The right call for a graduation celebration or a proper dinner after a full weekend.
- Galo's Italian Grill — same family as Old Richmond Inn, more casual. Great for groups, families, and larger parties.
- Stone Hearth Cafe at Warm Glow — if you're doing the Antique Alley run out to Centerville, lunch here is a natural stop.
- Ullery's Homemade Ice Cream — Richmond tradition. Chocolate Trail stop. The right way to end a day in the parks.
Where to Stay for May Events in Richmond
Best Western Plus Richmond Indiana I-70 puts you within easy reach of everything in this guide. Hayes Arboretum, both college campuses, the fairgrounds, downtown Richmond, and the US-40 antique corridor are all within 15 minutes.
- Complimentary full breakfast buffet — hot eggs, waffles, fresh fruit, coffee every morning. No restaurant detour before a morning festival or ceremony.
- Indoor heated pool — open 6 AM to 11 PM. Good for families after a long day at the fairgrounds or the trails.
- Free parking — including trucks and RVs. No worrying about gear, bike racks, or the family caravan.
- Pet-friendly — $20/night. Dog-friendly trails at Hayes Arboretum and along the Cardinal Greenway make Richmond a great destination for guests with pets.
- Free WiFi throughout — upload those event photos the same day.
- Microwave and refrigerator in every room — useful for farmers market finds or keeping drinks cold after a day out.
Weekend Getaway Package: Book Friday and Saturday nights together and save 10% off your total stay.
Extended Stay Discount: Staying 5 or more nights? Save 15% — useful if you're using Richmond as a base for day trips to Dayton, Cincinnati, or Indianapolis.
Best Western Plus Richmond Indiana I-70 533 W Eaton Pike, Richmond, IN 47374 Hotel Direct: (765) 939-9500 | Toll-Free: 1 (800) 780-7234 Check-in: 3:00 PM | Check-out: 11:00 AM | 24-hour front desk
May in Richmond is the kind of month that reminds you how much is possible on a short drive and a modest budget. Real events. Beautiful parks. A waterfall running full. A Rose Garden about to explode. A city that rewards the people who stop.
Come for a weekend. You'll find more than you expected.
