May is a packed month - we have a short summer, and lots of events to pack into those summer months. Art events, outside music, car shows, parades, baseball, festivals, and more - here's a list of May events in Minneapolis and St. Paul.

The Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association is the force behind the annual Art-A-Whirl open studio tour in Northeast Minneapolis - NEMAA claim that the event is the largest open studio tour in the country. Visiting Northeast's galleries and studios is a must-do for all Minneapolis residents, and with hundreds of artists working in almost every media you can think of, there is something to appeal to everyone.

Art-a-whirl runs from May 18 until May 20 at 50 locations across Northeast Minneapolis.

The schedule, maps and more information can be found at the Art-a-Whirl website.

Plenty of spring showers and sunshine makes for happy plants, and the Minneapolis and St. Paul farmer's markets are opening for the season this week. Look out for early spring produce like strawberries and asparagus, as well as bread, cheese, eggs, honey, art and crafts, food trucks with tempting wares, and expect much more selection to arrive in the next couple of weeks, and through the summer.

This weekend, many markets will have an opening celebration. The Mill City Market in Minneapolis will celebrate the start of the farmer's market season on Mother's Day, May 13, with plenty of vendors, live music, and family activities.

Mother's Day is next Sunday. What are your plans with your Mom? Here's some ideas for Mother's Day events, brunch, gifts, days out, and more.

• Mother's Day Special Events. Many places have special offers for mom, or special Mother's Day events.
• Mother's Day Brunch. Where will you take Mom for brunch? Options for outside and inside dining, new and classic restaurants.
• Mother's Day Gifts and Flowers: Ideas for where to get Mom a gift
• Mother's Day Chocolates. Most if not all Moms like chocolate, right?
• More Places to Visit on Mother's Day. A Mother's Day day out? Here's some more ideas of places to visit.