There are plenty of events happening in Conroe and Montgomery that residents should know about this week, May 1-5.

Here are a few things to know before jumping into the work week:

1. Conroe City Council meets Monday at 9 a.m. to discuss a variety of topics, including a possible ban on smoking inside local bars, the abandoned Conroe Community Cemetery located on 10th Street, the naming of the stage at Heritage Place and Conroe Hotel regulations for the construction of two new properties.

The council will then recess and reconvene later that day for the action agenda, where they will consider several items including an ordinance to prohibit smoking in bars with a $500 fine, the incorporation of 41.41 acres of land into Municipal Utility District No. 90 and tower lease agreements with AT&T.

To view the full May 1 Conroe City Council agenda, click here.

2. Montgomery County officials announced the hiring of new animal shelter director Aaron Johnson last Thursday. Johnson, who will start the position May 23, replaces Charles Jackson, who resigned from the position in mid-April. Johnson will be the fourth new director at the shelter since fall 2015 when the county took over operation of the facility.

3. The Conroe Americana Music Festival, featuring more than 50 bands, will take place this weekend, May 5-7 at six different venues. Hosted by the Conroe Downtown Area Association, proceeds from the three-day event will be used to enhance Historic Downtown Conroe with improved signing and beautification projects. Performances will take place 6 p.m.-midnight on May 5, noon-midnight on May 6 and noon-6 p.m. on May 7.

For more information about the Conroe Americana Music Festival, click here.

4. The First Thursday Free Concert Series takes place May 4 at Heritage Place with a performance by Charley Crockett at 6:30 p.m. followed by Shinyribs at 8 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

5. Movies in May begins Friday with a showing of Finding Dory at Heritage Place at approximately 8:15 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Concessions are available.