May Events in Temecula Valley: The Ones Worth Planning Around
Your curated guide to the must-go May events in Temecula Valley, from the Rod Run and CultureFest to Mother's Day brunches, winery nights, and Pechanga headliners.

May is one of those months when Temecula Valley starts to feel like summer is peeking around the corner. The patios are filling up, Old Town has big weekend energy, and the wineries are giving you every excuse to stay out a little later.
There is a lot happening this month, so we pulled out the events most worth planning around: the big ones, the beautiful ones, and the "grab your people and go" ones.
Start With Old Town
If you only make it to one Old Town weekend this month, make it the Temecula Rod Run. Classic cars, hot rods, and a walkable festival feel take over Old Town Temecula, making it a great pick for families, car lovers, and anyone who just wants a lively afternoon outside.
Later in May, CultureFest brings another reason to head back to Old Town. Expect music, food, community, and the kind of easygoing energy that makes it a good daytime plan before dinner or wine country.
Make Mother's Day Feel Special
Mother's Day lands on Sunday, May 10, and Temecula wineries are doing what they do best: brunch, bubbles, vineyard views, and a few experiences that feel more personal than a standard reservation.
For a classic wine-country brunch, look at Mother's Day Brunch at The Restaurant at Ponte (Ponte Winery), Mother's Day Brunch at Vienza at Europa Village, or Mother's Day Brunch at Wilson Creek Winery. These are the ones to book early if you want the day to feel polished without overthinking it.
If Mom would rather do something hands-on, Mother's Day Candle Making at Akash Winery & Vineyards is a sweet pick. For a slower start, Mother's Day Yoga brings the morning into the vines.
Plan a Big Night at Pechanga
May has a strong lineup at Pechanga Resort Casino, and it is the easiest answer if you want a full night out.
John Fogerty: The Legacy Tour is the big classic-rock night. Nancy Ajram brings a rare pop concert stop. Paul Anka - A Man and His Music is the timeless pick. And Ringo Starr & His All Starr Band is the one to circle if you want a true bucket-list show.
Before the concert run really gets going, Pechanga's 6th Annual Sushi & Sake Festival is a fun food-focused way to start the month.
Choose One Winery Night
For a romantic or friends-night-out plan, start with Europa Village Wineries & Resort. A Night in Paris, Sunset Sips, The Gilded Veil, and Latin Nights Featuring Rene Latin Soul all have that "make an evening of it" feeling.
If you want something more casual, Bingo & Tacos at Vitagliano Winery is hard to beat. For live music in the sun, On the Patio at Danza del Sol Winery is the kind of afternoon that turns into "let's stay for one more glass."
And if you like a little old-school charm with your wine, Can I Be Frank? Sinatra Tribute at Wilson Creek Winery is an easy yes.
Make It a Weekend
If you are visiting from out of town, build your weekend around one anchor event: the Rod Run, a Pechanga concert, or Mother's Day brunch. Then fill the rest with a winery patio, Old Town strolling, and one golden-hour tasting.
If you live nearby, May is perfect for a "one special thing each week" approach: a Friday winery night, a Saturday Old Town event, a Sunday brunch, then a big show to close out the month.
Browse all May events, check the live music calendar, or explore Temecula venues to find the right fit.
May in Temecula is not about doing everything. It is about picking the right thing, making a reservation, and letting wine country take care of the rest.
Looking for something more specific? Filter by date, music, food, venue, or price on Cruvista and build your perfect May plan.
