Smith Mountain Lake Events and Live Music in May (2026)
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Welcome to the ultimate guide for Smith Mountain Lake events in May!
Whether you’re in search of lively festivals, thrilling concerts or local live music, we’ve got you covered. Discover the top things to do at Smith Mountain Lake this weekend and throughout the month of May.
Please note, this post is updated throughout the year as events are finalized so please check back often or sign up for our email newsletter to be the first to hear about everything going on at SML!
May’s Best Bets
Submit an event: [email protected]
May 1, 2026
Portside BBQ Battle: Barbeque tasting/competition, live music by Tradition, fun drinks and more at Portside Grill & Bar. Tickets required. Noon-4 p.m.
Try Before You Buy: Free wine tastings at SML Fine Wines. 4-7 p.m.
Amber Short: Live music at Portside Grill & Bar. 6-8 p.m.
Patchwork: Live music at Mango’s Bar & Grill. 7:30 p.m.
Last Call Party Band: Live music at Hot Shots Bar & Grill. 7:30-10:30 p.m.
Bonnie & Clyde, The Musical: The Lake Players bring the legendary outlaw story to life with this electrifying musical featuring powerful performances, dramatic storytelling and an unforgettable score. Catch this live stage production presented by the Smith Mountain Lake Center at Westlake Cinema. April 30-May 3 and May 7-May 10.
May 2, 2026
Smith Mountain Lake Christian Academy Golf Tournament: Fundraiser at The Waterfront Country Club. Shotgun starts at 8:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., plus lunch and prizes.
Rock Outdoors Open House: A full day of family-friendly fun with Mill Mountain Zoo animals, brand reps, giveaways and Bassmaster Elite angler Brandon Card, plus food and drinks for purchase. Free, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Rock Outdoors in Hardy.
Dock Wizards: Live music at Harvest Moon Marketplace. 1-4:30 p.m.
Rocky Mount Derby Day: Celebrate the Kentucky Derby in style at this lively event featuring live music, dancing, derby-inspired cocktails, heavy hors d’oeuvres and fun contests for best hat and best dressed. Enjoy a festive atmosphere at the historic Early Inn at the Grove while supporting Sunbine Music Foundation and local nonprofit Fostering Champions. Tickets required. 3-9 p.m.
Christian Q: Live music at Beacon Pub. 4-6 p.m.
Hold Your Horses Reverse Raffle: An evening of suspense and prizes with Kentucky Derby flair, this fundraiser is held at and will benefit the Smith Mountain Lake YMCA. 5-9 p.m.
Karaoke: At Hot Shots Bar & Grill 7-10 p.m.
Grease Fire: Live music at Mango’s Bar & Grill. 7:30 p.m.
May 3, 2026
Dock Wizards: Live music at Mitchell’s Restaurant & Pizzeria. 1 p.m.
Annalyse Marie: Live music at Portside Grill & Bar. 2-4 p.m.
May 4, 2026
Trivia Night: At Magnum Point Marina. 6:30 p.m.
SML Photo Club Meeting: At the SML/Moneta Library at 7 p.m.
May 5, 2026
Spirit Yoga: Free classes at Kaleidoscope TGP. 9:30 a.m. class uses chairs and 11 a.m. uses mats. All levels welcome.
Free Pilates Class: Hosted by the Smith Mountain Arts Council at Kaleidoscope TGP. 6-7 p.m.
Cornhole with Mike: All skill levels welcome at Hot Shots Bar & Grill 6:30-9 p.m.
May 6, 2026
SML Songwriters Festival Open Mic Contest: Live music at Mango’s Bar & Grill. 6 p.m.
Jerry Wimmer: Live music at Hot Shots Bar & Grill. 7-10 p.m.
May 7, 2026
Bonnie & Clyde, The Musical: The Lake Players bring the legendary outlaw story to life with this electrifying musical featuring powerful performances, dramatic storytelling and an unforgettable score. Catch this live stage production presented by the Smith Mountain Lake Center at Westlake Cinema. Varying times. May 7-May 10.
Texas Hold ‘em Poker: Enjoy two games of poker (6 p.m. and 8 p.m.) in this weekly poker league at Hot Shots Bar & Grill.
Music Bingo: At Magum Point. 6 p.m.
Tradition: Live music at Portside Grill & Bar. 6-8 p.m.
Karaoke: At Mango’s Bar & Grill 7 p.m.
Card-Playing Group: Free gathering to play Bridge and other card games at Kaleidoscope TGP. 7 p.m.
May 8, 2026
The Lake Writers Meeting: At Trinity Ecumenical Parish, 10 a.m.-noon.
Try Before You Buy: Free wine tastings at SML Fine Wines. 4-7 p.m.
Dock Wizards: Live music at Mitchell’s Restaurant & Pizzeria. 6 p.m.
Travis Reigh: Live music at Portside Grill & Bar. 6-8 p.m.
Out of Spite: Live music at Mango’s Bar & Grill. 7:30 p.m.
Phlegar Hill Band: Live music at Hot Shots Bar & Grill. 7:30-10:30 p.m.
May 9, 2026
Smith Mountain Lake Boat Show: Multiple boat and outdoor companies, food and drink, free and open to the public a Goodhue Boat Company, Blackwater. 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Jessie Pugh: Live music at Portside Grill & Bar. 1-3 p.m.
SML Steel Drum Bands Island Jamboree: An evening of live music, tropical food and community connection at Trinity Ecumenical Parish in support of the Smith Mountain Lake Center. 5-7 p.m.
Karaoke: At Hot Shots Bar & Grill 7-10 p.m.
Tate Tuck: Live music at Mitchell’s Restaurant & Pizzeria. 6 p.m.
SupaFly Five: Live music at Mango’s Bar & Grill. 7:30 p.m.
May 10, 2026
Christian Q: Live music at Portside Grill & Bar. 2-4 p.m.
Trivia Night: At Magnum Point Marina. 6:30 p.m.
Line Dancing for a Cause: Fundraiser for the Smith Mountain Arts Council at Mango’s Bar & Grill. All ages welcome. 6-9 p.m.
May 12, 2026
Spirit Yoga: Free classes at Kaleidoscope TGP. 9:30 a.m. class uses chairs and 11 a.m. uses mats. All levels welcome.
Cornhole with Mike: All skill levels welcome at Hot Shots Bar & Grill 6:30-9 p.m.
May 13, 2026
Crafty Cards Workshop : Learn how to make your own greeting cards and meet new friends a Kaleidoscope – The Gathering Place. Free supplies provided. 10 a.m.
SML Songwriters Festival Open Mic Contest: Live music at Mango’s Bar & Grill. 6 p.m.
Makenzie Taylor: Live music at Hot Shots Bar & Grill. 7-10 p.m.
May 14, 2026
Texas Hold ‘em Poker: Enjoy two games of poker (6 p.m. and 8 p.m.) in this weekly poker league at Hot Shots Bar & Grill.
Music Bingo: At Magum Point. 6 p.m.
Bobby Dean: Live music at Portside Grill & Bar. 6-8 p.m.
Karaoke: At Mango’s Bar & Grill 7 p.m.
May 15, 2026
Try Before You Buy: Free wine tastings at SML Fine Wines. 4-7 p.m.
Justin Prillaman: Live music at Portside Grill & Bar. 6-8 p.m.
Big Matt & The Time Machine: Live music at Mitchell’s Restaurant & Pizzeria. 6 p.m.
SML Boomer Band: Good Neighbors Day celebration and concert at Trinity Ecumenical Parish. Tickets required. 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Liquid Courage: Live music at Hot Shots Bar & Grill. 7:30-10:30 p.m.
Nash Angeles: Live music at Mango’s Bar & Grill. 7:30 p.m.
May 16, 2026
Faber Memorial Photography Contest & Show: Presented by the Smith Mountain Arts Council at Kaleidoscope – The Gathering Place, Hardy. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Also, 12-3 p.m. on May 17.
Lyndsay Prillaman: Live music at Portside Grill & Bar. 1-3 p.m.
Noah Spencer: Live music at Portside Grill & Bar. 5-7 p.m.
Karaoke: At Hot Shots Bar & Grill 7-10 p.m.
ON3: Live music at Mango’s Bar & Grill. 7:30 p.m.
May 17, 2026
Faber Memorial Photography Contest & Show: Presented by the Smith Mountain Arts Council at Kaleidoscope – The Gathering Place, Hardy. 12-3 p.m.
Ray Eanes: Live music at Portside Grill & Bar. 2-4 p.m.
May 18, 2026
Crafty Needles: Meet new friends and work on knitting and crocheting projects at Kaleidoscope TGP. Beginners welcome. 2 p.m.
Trivia Night: At Magnum Point Marina. 6:30 p.m.
May 19, 2026
Spirit Yoga: Free classes at Kaleidoscope TGP. 9:30 a.m. class uses chairs and 11 a.m. uses mats. All levels welcome.
Cornhole with Mike: All skill levels welcome at Hot Shots Bar & Grill 6:30-9 p.m.
May 20, 2026
SML Songwriters Festival Open Mic Contest: Live music at Mango’s Bar & Grill. 6 p.m.
Jerry Wimmer: Live music at Hot Shots Bar & Grill. 7-10 p.m.
May 21, 2026
Open Mic Night: Live music at Portside Grill & Bar. 4-9 p.m.
Texas Hold ‘em Poker: Enjoy two games of poker (6 p.m. and 8 p.m.) in this weekly poker league at Hot Shots Bar & Grill.
Music Bingo: At Magum Point. 6 p.m.
Karaoke: At Mango’s Bar & Grill 7 p.m.
Card-Playing Group: Free gathering to play Bridge and other card games at Kaleidoscope TGP. 7 p.m.
May 22, 2026
The Lake Writers Meeting: At Trinity Ecumenical Parish, 10 a.m.-noon.
Try Before You Buy: Free wine tastings at SML Fine Wines. 4-7 p.m.
Justin Prillaman: Live music at Portside Grill & Bar. 6-8 p.m.
Dock Wizards: Live music at Mitchell’s Restaurant & Pizzeria. 6 p.m.
Phat Anchovies: Live music at Mango’s Bar & Grill. 7:30 p.m.
Vinyl Nation: Live music at Hot Shots Bar & Grill. 7:30-10:30 p.m.
May 23, 2026
Christian Q: Live music at Portside Grill & Bar. 5-7 p.m.
Willy Nillys: Live music at Mitchell’s Restaurant & Pizzeria. 6 p.m.
Karaoke: At Hot Shots Bar & Grill 7-10 p.m.
The Frequency: Live music at Mango’s Bar & Grill. 7:30 p.m.
May 24, 2026
Robin Settles: Live music at Mitchell’s Restaurant & Pizzeria. 1 p.m.
Wood & Strings: Live music at Portside Grill & Bar. 2-4 p.m.
May 25, 2026
Annalyse Marie: Live music at Mitchell’s Restaurant & Pizzeria. 1 p.m.
Trivia Night: At Magnum Point Marina. 6:30 p.m.
May 26, 2026
Spirit Yoga: Free classes at Kaleidoscope TGP. 9:30 a.m. class uses chairs and 11 a.m. uses mats. All levels welcome.Line Dancing: Free classes at Kaleidoscope TGP. 5 p.m. is for beginners and 6 p.m. is for intermediate dancers.
Cornhole with Mike: All skill levels welcome at Hot Shots Bar & Grill 6:30-9 p.m.
May 27, 2026
SML Songwriters Festival Open Mic Contest: Live music at Mango’s Bar & Grill. 6 p.m.
Archie Mullins: Live music at Hot Shots Bar & Grill. 7-10 p.m.
May 28, 2026
Michael Dill: Live music at Portside Grill & Bar. 6-8 p.m.
Texas Hold ‘em Poker: Enjoy two games of poker (6 p.m. and 8 p.m.) in this weekly poker league at Hot Shots Bar & Grill.
Jerry Wimmer & Annalyse Marie: Live music at Mitchell’s Restaurant & Pizzeria. 1 p.m.
Music Bingo: At Magum Point. 6 p.m.
Karaoke: At Mango’s Bar & Grill 7 p.m.
May 29, 2026
Soulacoustics: Live music at Mitchell’s Restaurant & Pizzeria. 1 p.m.
Karlee Raye: Live music at Portside Grill & Bar. 6-8 p.m.
LouD: Live music at Mango’s Bar & Grill. 7:30 p.m.
Big Daddy Ray: Live music at Hot Shots Bar & Grill. 7:30-10:30 p.m.
May 30, 2026
Jessie Pugh: Live music at Portside Grill & Bar. 1-3 p.m.
Dock Wizards: Live music at Portside Grill & Bar. 5-8 p.m.
Big Matt & The Time Machine: Live music at Mitchell’s Restaurant & Pizzeria. 6 p.m.
Karaoke: At Hot Shots Bar & Grill 7-10 p.m.
In the Meantime: Live music at Mango’s Bar & Grill. 7:30 p.m.
May 31, 2026
Annalyse Marie: Live music at Mitchell’s Restaurant & Pizzeria. 1 p.m.
Tim Rowlette: Live music at Portside Grill & Bar. 2-4 p.m.
June 2, 2026
Cornhole with Mike: All skill levels welcome at Hot Shots Bar & Grill 6:30-9 p.m.
June 3, 2026
SML Songwriters Festival Open Mic Contest: Live music at Mango’s Bar & Grill. 6 p.m.
Jerry Wimmer: Live music at Hot Shots Bar & Grill. 7-10 p.m.
Submit to our Smith Mountain Lake events calendar: [email protected]
Ultimate Guide to SML Events & Festivals (2026)
Fun-filled Smith Mountain Lake events take place year-round here. For the most popular annual festivals and events, be sure to check out this comprehensive blog post!
Andie Gibson
CO-PUBLISHER & EDITOR
Andie has been covering Smith Mountain Lake since 2000 for a variety of publications, including the SML Visitor and Newcomer Guide, SML HOME Magazine, The Roanoker and Life Outside. As a partner in G&C Ventures, LLC, she oversees all content for our suite of websites, including Smith-Mountain-Lake.com and LakeLubbers.com.
