May is a beautiful time to be in New Bern, and we are fortunate to have a wide variety of activities and events to enjoy. Here are three unique ways to get out and about this month!
Plein Fun
New Bern’s iconic City Hall would be a fantastic subject to paint.
I am just “plein” excited about the return of Plein Air New Bern, an event that leaves the four walls of a studio behind to experience painting and drawing in the landscape. The practice goes back for centuries, but was truly made into an art form by the French Impressionists. Up to 35 artists will participate in the week-long painting competition, officially beginning on May 9. An expansive list of breathtaking locations will be the setting for the artists to complete original works. Paintings will be on display daily, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., at the New Bern Farmer’s Market. The event’s complete agenda may be found here.
Laughs Guaranteed
If you are looking for a few hours of non-stop laughs, you need to secure a seat at a performance of “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” at New Bern Civic Theatre. I have seen the movie based on this Stephen Sondheim musical, and it is truly a farce! With mistaken identities, slapstick fun and a love theme, it is a guaranteed side-splitting time. Performances run on three weekends, beginning May 13. Get your tickets here.
Sleuths Wanted
Oh, how I love a good mystery, so I will be on the hunt for clues on Sunday, May 22. The New Bern Historical Society and Sherlock T. Bear invite teams to test sleuthing skills in the New Bern History Quest. Sponsored by the New Bern Historical Society, the quest will take you all over town for a day to follow clues for a chance to win prizes. For details and to register, click here.
However you enjoy the month of May, you will surely have the fun be with you in New Bern!