May Events In and Around Chester County

Philadelphia Main Line Estates: From Grand Mansions to Gardens

May 2

Join this tour to learn how three historic sites are handling contemporary development in distinctly different ways. Begin the day with a tour of Chanticleer in Wayne, followed by lunch and a tour of the Willows Mansion and end your day with a tour of Ardrossan, both in Villanova. 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. $239. WillowsParkPreserve.org.

Spring on King in Malvern

May 4

Enjoy fun on King Street with food trucks, musicians, circus performers, a beer garden with live music, kids activities such as balloon animal artists and face painters, and characters walking the street for photos. Everyone is invited to move over to Burke Park at 4 p.m. for the headline musical performance with salsa dancers to get the crowd up and moving. You’ll find lots of other kids activities at the park as well as food trucks. Noon to 6 p.m. MalvernBusiness.com.

The Lights Festival at Plantation Field

May 4

Ignite your personalized sky lantern and let it take flight. Bring chairs and blankets and enjoy food, live music, dancing and the breathtaking sight of lighting the sky with thousands of lanterns. Plantation Field, 1537 W. Doe Run Rd., Coatesville. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. $51–$68; Date Night Package, $175, includes 2 tickets, 2 lanterns, plush blanket and teddy bear, apple cider with champagne flutes; ages 4–12, $12 (no lantern). $10 parking. TheLightsFest.com.

Wilmington Grand Prix Weekend

May 17–19

See one of the top 10 criterium bike races in the country that includes a street festival with kids rides and attractions, course-side café and a parade. The Criterium on Saturday, time trials and kick-off party on Friday at Monkey Hill in Brandywine Park and a recreational ride through the area’s attractions at The Gran Fondo on Sunday. 818 Market St., Wilmington. Fri., 5 to 8 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sun., 8 a.m. start. WilmGrandPrix.com.

3rd Annual West Chester Porchfest

May 18

Organized by the West Chester Green Team, this family-friendly event invites you to stroll from porch to porch and relax on front lawns and sidewalks as you enjoy live music from over 70 bands, plus food trucks, children’s activities, a sale of vintage clothing and the beautiful porches of historic West Chester. “Green” porches will offer native plants and tips on creating your own native wildflower gardens. 1 to 7 p.m. Rain date, May 19. WestChesterPorchfest.com.