14 Best Festivals in May Around the World 2025
Throughout the world May brings magical celebrations through colorful festivals which showcase our global cultural diversity. From traditional kite-flying rituals in Japan to globally celebrated film festivals in France, Festivals in May around the World has something for every travel enthusiast, culture vulture and adventurer. Whether you’re an art, music, literature, or just plain fun fanatic, this list of May’s top celebrations will get your wanderlust in gear.
As the spring sun breaks and flowers start blooming, cultures across the world celebrate with distinctive customs and vibrant celebrations. If you are planning a May break, here are Festivals in May around the World that you have to put on your bucket list. View the worldwide Mayday celebrations to experience hope and love of life as well as unity among people.
Here are the 14 Best Festivals in May Around the World 2025
1. Bergen International Festival – Norway
When: 21st May – 4th June
Where: Bergen, Norway
A major cultural event of Scandinavia, Bergen International Festival is a 2-week extravaganza of music, theatre, opera & dance. This is one of the most important May festivals to celebrate, attracting the international spotlight to Norway’s artistic innovation. Set in the lovely city of Bergen, nestled between fjords and historic buildings, the festival nicely combines culture and nature. Viewers can see thrilling world premieres, exhibitions, and unforgettable performances that spark the imagination.
2. Vivid Sydney – Australia
When: 23rd May – 14th June
Where: Sydney, Australia
Vivid Sydney lights up the famous cityscape with light projections, music and talks. It is one of the most visually stunning festivals of May around the world where buildings such as the Sydney Opera House become a canvas of digital art. This festival also features stimulating talks and live music performances making it a great blend of creativity and celebration.
3. Cannes Film Festival – France
When: 13th – 24th May
Where: Cannes, France
The mythical Cannes Film Festival is where movie magic happens. As one of the top international film festivals, it screens top premieres from all genres. Glamorous red carpet, A-list appearances and premieres characterise this festival, making May a glamorous month to be in the French Riviera.
4. Hamamatsu Festival – Japan
When: 3rd – 5th May
Where: Hamamatsu, Japan
People who want to discover rare Mayday celebrations across the globe should check out the Japanese Hamamatsu Festival. During the Japanese Hamamatsu Festival people participate in massive kite battles while parading traditional floats through the streets. The highlight of this festival was originally created to celebrate the birth of a child, and it is flying large kites and kite fighting in the air. By night, the city is ablaze with colorful floats and joyful parades.
5. Cheung Chau Bun Festival – Hong Kong
When: 5th May
Where: Cheung Chau Island, Hong Kong
Based on the Taoist rituals, Cheung Chau Bun Festival is another of Hong Kong’s most unique cultural events. Participants scale high bamboo sticks covered in buns to snag the top-tier lucky bun. A colorful parade and vegetarian food festivals celebrate this quirky festival, which commemorates the end of a plague with thanks and merriment.
6. BaliSpirit Festival – Indonesia
When: 7th – 11th May
Where: Bali, Indonesia
Held in the sacred spiritual core of Bali, this wellness and music festival brings together international yogis, dancers, and creatives. With more than 200 workshops and uplifting performances it is one of the most heartwarming festivals in May globally. Guests can rejuvenate their souls with yoga, meditation, and music and community vibes in the tropical sun.
7. AfrikaBurn – South Africa
When: 28th April – 4th May
Where: Tankwa, South Africa
The Tankwa Karoo Desert serves as the home of AfrikaBurn which maintains the format of Burning Man as the globally recognized event. The festival brings together art enthusiasts for community celebrations based on sustainability practices, self-sufficiency and radical expression. Art installations, costume, music and camaraderie bring a truly immersive desert experience.
8. Pahiyas Festival – Philippines
When: 15th May
Where: Quezon, Philippines
Festivals of abundance and thanksgiving, the Pahiyas Festival is one of the most colorful festivals to celebrate in May. Locals embellish their houses with vibrant arrangements using fruits, vegetables, and rice wafers. Guests are presented with traditional dances, folk music and Filipino street food all mixed with a rainbow of colors.
9. Cooper’s Hill Cheese Rolling – England
When: 26th May
Where: Gloucestershire, England
If eccentricity could have a face this would be it. The Cooper’s Hill Cheese Rolling Festival holds a competition where fearless (or insane) competitors race to catch a rolling cheese down a steep hill. Even though it’s often messy and injury-ridden, it’s one of the most entertaining Festivals in May around the World, enticing international onlookers and adrenaline junkies alike.
10. Hay Festival of Literature and Arts – Wales
When: 22nd May – 1st June
Where: Hay-on-Wye, Wales
Bookworms rejoice! Hay Festival is a literary festival that gathers the world’s greatest authors, thinkers and artists. Hay-on-Wye serves as the festival location where storytelling meets creative ideas. Panels, talks and workshops make this a nourishing retreat for curious souls.
11. New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival – USA
When: 24th April – 4th May
Where: New Orleans, USA
People refer to this festival as Jazz Fest because it celebrates both jazz music and New Orleans cultural heritage. With more than 700 performances across many different genres, it is a musical heaven. Foodies will love the great local food as well, so this is one of the top cultural Festivals in May Around the World.
12. Cinco de Mayo – Mexico
When: 5th May
Where: Mexico
Cinco de Mayo marks Mexico’s triumph over French troops at the Battle of Puebla. The festivities are celebrated with parades, folk dances, mariachi music and delicious Mexican food. It’s a colorful celebration of Mexican culture, rich in rhythm and pride.
13. Monaco Grand Prix – Monaco
When: 23rd – 25th May
Where: Monte Carlo & La Condamine, Monaco
This exclusive Formula 1 race is held on the tight, twisting streets of Monte Carlo. Monaco Grand Prix is an action-packed event that draws racing enthusiasts, celebrities and luxury enthusiasts. It is a perfect combination of speed, glamour and excitement.
14. National Day of Norway (Syttende Mai)
When: 17th May
Where: Norway
Although not a true festival, Norway’s National Day is a festive celebration of freedom and national pride. Locals don traditional attire, parade, and wave flags throughout the day. It is a lovely way to experience Norwegian culture and patriotism in the spring.
Conclusion
From Norway’s artistic treasures to bun-snatching in Hong Kong, Festivals in May Around the World are full of energy, significance and creativity. From peaceful yoga classes in Bali to the thrill of chasing cheese down a hill in England, May is a month of cultural variety.
If you want to attend Mayday celebrations around the world or discover festivals to celebrate in May then this is your definitive guide to doing it right in 2025. Get planning now—adventure and cultural experiences await you this spring.
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