Events: May : San Antonio: River of Tejano Music

Texas

More than 40,000 people are expected at the 16th annual Tejano Conjunto Festival, May 13 to 18 in San Antonio’s Guadalupe Theater and Rosedale Park. The event brings together more than 30 conjuntos (groups) for 42 hours of lively musical performances. The music is an accordion-driven sound that combines German and indigenous Mexican musical forms. Also featured: inductions into the Conjunto Music Hall of Fame, a symposium, food and plenty of dancing. For more information, contact the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, 1300 Guadalupe St., San Antonio, TX 78207; tel. (210) 271-3151.

Virginia

Jamestown Settlement is commemorating the 390th anniversary of the founding of the first permanent English settlement in the New World on May 10. Events are designed to explain both English and Powhatan Indian lifestyles of the 1600s. Visitors can explore replicas of the colonists’ ships, participate in militia drills and watch musket-firing demonstrations. At a recreation of a typical Powhatan village, interpreters will demonstrate hide tanning and food preparation. For more information, contact the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, P.O. Box 1607, Williamsburg, VA 23187; tel. (757) 253-4838.

Washington

The Seattle Maritime Festival, May 15 to 21, features more than 100 free activities on the city’s waterfront, plus a forklift-driving rodeo and tours of naval vessels. The highlight is the country’s largest tugboat race, with 45 tugs competing. The race begins at 2 p.m. May 17 with best viewing spots between Piers 56 and 86. For more information, contact the Seattle King County Visitors Bureau, 520 Pike St., Suite 1300, Seattle, WA 98101; tel. (206) 461-5840.

Canada

The Vancouver International Children’s Festival, May 26 to June 1 in Vanier Park, celebrates its 20th year with 250 ticketed performances on 18 stages, with performers from six countries. Headliners include Eggologis, a palace of lights from England; French programs from Quebec and theatrical pieces from Spain and Zimbabwe. For a brochure, contact Vancouver International Children’s Festival, 302/601 Cambie St., Vancouver, Canada V682P1; tel. (604) 687-7697.

Ireland

The Great Irish Famine Event, May 31 to June 1 in Milstreet, County Cork, will commemorate the 150 years since the worst year of the famine when more than a million Irish emigrated. Events include readings, songs and the lighting of a Famine Candle at Drishane Castle, and a concert with the Chieftains and the Dubliners. A replica of a 19th century sailing ship will be moored at a nearby port; flowers will be placed on deck to commemorate the emigrants. For more information, contact the Irish Tourist Board, 345 Park Ave., 17th floor, New York, NY 10154; tel. (212) 418-0800.