Spring brings a plethora of great events to Catalina Island, and offers a great excuse for an island getaway.

Two brand new exhibits will be on display at the Catalina Island Museum. Jaws: The Art of Fear in Filmmaking is sure to attract movie buffs and adventurists. The exhibit opened April 21, and runs through August 19. Houdini: Terror on the Magic Isle opens on May 5, running through September 23.

The first weekend of May brings some rough and tumble excitement to Avalon, with the 25th Annual Catalina Island Rugby Festival on May 5.  Check out the local festivities in store for Cinco de Mayo beginning at 4pm on Wrigley Stage. Watch Mexican folkloric dance (emphasizing local culture with ballet characteristics) while sipping a margarita and enjoying Mexican fare.  Just down the street, Mi Casita Restaurant will be pulling out all the stops for a weekend full of Cinco de Mayo fun and food.

What could be a better Mother’s Day present that an island getaway?  Area restaurants like Seaport Bistro and Avalon Grille are among those offering special Mother’s Day dinner or brunch menus.  With more than half a dozen spas in Avalon, mom is sure to find the indulgence that is just right for her.  Catalina is one of the state’s most family friendly destinations, so kids menus, multigenerational activities abound.  Bring the whole family to celebrate mom this year!

One of the most popular annual Island events promises to be the 31st Annual Silent Film Benefit.  Slated for May 19, it will feature the 1929 classic “Terror Island”, filmed on Catalina Island and staring Harry Houdini.  Dust off your Art Deco-best, because this event is followed by the Avalon Ball – your chance to dance to big-band music in the Casino Ballroom.  The Art Deco Society stages the annual Ball in the iconic Casino overlooking the sea.

Memorial Day Weekend is always busy on Catalina, and this year is no exception. May 26, South Beach plays host to the 3rd Annual Catalina Island Chili Cookoff… your chance to cool off on the waterfront while your taste-buds heat up as you sample various iterations of this classic dish. And don’t forget to check out the treasures hiding at the Bi-Annual Big Flea, running on both the May 26 and the 27 at Overlook Hall.

Finish off May and launch into summer with the 14th Annual Taste Around of Avalon on May 31, followed immediately by the 6th Annual Avalon Restaurant Week, June 1-7. At the Taste Around, visitors are invited to vote for Catalina Island’s best food, cocktails and deserts while moving from restaurant to restaurant for tastings.  During Restaurant Week visitors will enjoy special offers and prix fixe menus all over town.  Home of Bison Burgers, the famous Wiki Wacker Cocktail delicious pizza, the iconic Luau Larry’s is celebrating its 30th Anniversary May 30 complete with Hawaiian music on the beach.

Please visit Lovecatalina.com/events for more information.  As always, events, special offers, and activities for the current week are available at lovecatalina.com/thisweek.