Best Festivals in May Around the World in 2025
There are loads of festivals in May around the world for you to add to your bucket list. Something fun to kickstart the summer anyone?
Are you planning your next big adventure for the spring of 2025? With warmer weather, beautiful sunsets, and summer round the corner, it’s hard to ignore May as one of the best months for exploring new places. Why not coincide that exploration with some amazing festivals from around the world?
From signature music extravaganzas in Europe to street parties in South America and traditional feasts in Asia – May offers a unique range of events that promise an experience like no other!
So here are our top picks for must-see festivals and celebrations in May this upcoming year. Get ready for a festival line-up like never before!
1. Cannes Film Festival, France
13th til 24th May 2025
Every year since 1946, the world has gathered in the tranquil French town of Cannes to enjoy the Cannes Film Festival. Over 4500 film professionals from around the world join to attend screenings and social events and get valuable insights into the current trends in the film industry. It’s one of the world’s most prestigious and widely acclaimed film festivals in the May festival list, known for showcasing some of the best international films, actors, and directors.
The red carpet at Cannes provides a window into glitz and glamour. More importantly, it allows viewers to witness cultural diversity as filmmakers come together to celebrate their works and share their stories.
I went a few years ago expecting to somehow be invited in to the parties, alas, we weren’t. It was still really cool to be in the vicinity for the festival though. There was definitely a frisson in the air as we lounged on the beaches and joined the crowds to get a peek at the stars.
2. Pahiyas Festival, Philippines
15th May 2025
Each year, the city of Lucban, Philippines, celebrates a traditional harvest festival known as Pahiyas. From colourful decorations to vibrant street markets and traditional performances, Pahiyas Festival is an absolute blast. It’s one of the most popular festivals in May around the world.
The event’s highlight is when locals decorate their homes with variously coloured leaves and produce. In some parts of the city, people even decorate their homes with kiping (foliage-shaped wafers made of rice flour) and other ornamental items. As well as the decorations, there are also plenty of traditional delicacies to enjoy, such as suman (sticky rice cakes), bibingka (rice cake with egg custard), puto (cake flavoured with coconut milk and ginger), and many more.
Aside from the delicious food, there are also plenty of cultural activities to enjoy, such as parol-making (lantern making), agawan ng Perlas, street dancing, and live music.
3. Cooper’s Hill Cheese Rolling Festival, England
26th May 2025
The Cooper’s Hill Cheese Rolling Festival is an annual event on the last bank holiday of May in Brockworth, England. The festival is unique – spectators gather to watch competitors race down a steep hill after a wheel of cheese! The winner is the first person to make it to the bottom and catch the cheese.
The origins of this event are unknown, but it has been happening for centuries and continues to delight fans worldwide. Aside from watching competitors roll their way down Cooper’s Hill, you can also enjoy traditional English festivities such as Morris dancing, street food stands, and live music. This entertaining event offers plenty of fun for everyone!
4. VIVID Sydney
23rd May til 14th June 2025
VIVID Sydney is an annual event celebrating art, music, and technology with its various light and sound installations. Taking place over 23 days, the festival presents a range of activities such as interactive workshops and talks, music performances from world-renowned artists, large-scale projections onto iconic buildings around the city, and much more.
The streets of this vibrant Australian city come alive with lights, colours, and sounds! It’s no wonder VIVID Sydney is one of Australia’s most popular festivals.
It was amazing to just wander around the top sites of Sydney with the added bonus of the beautiful light displays and festival atmosphere. I actually couldn’t believe how much was for free. I definitely recommend turning up the route with an empty stomach – there were some great food options set up for the festival.
5. Cross the Tracks Festival
25th May 2025
Cross the Tracks is an annual music and arts festival that takes place in London in May every year. This unique festival celebrates contemporary music, culture, and art with a diverse line-up of artists from around the world.
As well as live music performances, there are also interactive art installations and workshops to get involved with. Other activities include street food stalls, craft beer bars, record fairs, and pop-up shops.
There’s even a dedicated kids’ area filled with entertainment for the little ones.
With so much going on at Cross The Tracks Festival each year, it’s no wonder it has become one of London’s most vibrant and exciting events. So don’t miss out on this unique experience in May!
6. The Great Escape Festival, Brighton
14th-17th May 2025
The Great Escape Festival is an annual music festival in May held in Brighton. It brings together the most exciting new artists from around the world, showcasing the best of upcoming talent. Taking place over three days, it’s a unique event that celebrates live music and emerging acts.
As well as incredible performances from international artists, you’ll also find industry panels and inspiring talks from leading industry experts. Plus, there are plenty of opportunities to network with fellow music lovers at The Great Escape Festival’s impressive lineup of after-parties and social events.
7. Bergen International Festival – Bergen, Norway
22nd May to 1st June 2025
The Bergen International Festival is Norway’s largest performing arts festival, taking place in the city of Bergen. Every year for two weeks, it celebrates and showcases creative expression from all over the world, featuring outstanding performances and an impressive range of music, theatre, dance, and art exhibitions.
This year’s program includes a mix of international acts as well as Norwegian talent. Plus, there are plenty of workshops and lectures throughout the festival that will give you a chance to learn more about the world of performing arts. Get your tickets now to experience art like never before at the Bergen International Festival in May & June.
8. Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) – Las Vegas, USA
16th – 18th May 2025
Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) is one of the most popular music festivals in the world, taking place each year in Las Vegas. This three-day event brings together thousands of EDM fans from all over the globe to experience a one-of-a-kind rave extravaganza. From its spectacular light shows and mesmerising art installations to its incredible stages and sound designs, this festival is an unforgettable celebration of electronic music culture.
You can expect some amazing performances from top DJs like Armin Van Buuren, Marshmello, and Tiesto, as well as plenty of other entertainment, including dazzling laser shows and interactive games.
9. Hamamatsu Festival – Hamamatsu, Japan
3rd-5th May 2025
The Hamamatsu Festival is an annual celebration of music, culture, and tradition in the beautiful city of Hamamatsu. For three days each year, over a million people come together to enjoy world-class musical performances from local and international artists. The event also features traditional Japanese entertainment, such as kabuki theatre, taiko drumming, and dance performances.
There’s plenty more to experience besides the music at this, one of the most popular Asian festivals in May. You can browse through traditional markets selling handmade crafts and artwork or try your hand at various activities like pottery making and origami.
10. Hay Festival of Literature and Arts – Hay-on-Wye, Brecon Beacons National Park
22nd May to 1st June 2025
The Hay Festival of Literature and Arts is an annual event that brings together a global array of writers, thinkers, and performers to share their ideas in the small, picturesque market town of Hay-on-Wye in the Brecon Beacons National Park.
Held for ten days every May or June, thousands of visitors descend on the remote Welsh countryside for a unique cultural experience full of inspiring talks, theatre performances, film screenings, and music concerts.
The festival’s mission is to foster conversation and engage people from all backgrounds, creating an atmosphere of lively debate and new discoveries. At its heart remains literature, with dedicated spaces for book signings and lectures featuring some of the world’s leading authors. Whether you’re into politics, tech, or wordsmithing, Hay Festival encourages participation from newcomers and returning visitors.
11. Cinco de Mayo, Mexico
5th May 2025
Cinco de Mayo, or ‘5th May’, is a national holiday in Mexico that commemorates the country’s victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on 05th May 1862. While it is not as widely celebrated in the United States as it is in Mexico, Cinco de Mayo has become one of the most popular Mexican-American holidays.
On this day, people around the world gather to celebrate with parades and street festivals featuring traditional Mexican music and dancing. There are also plenty of delicious food options, including tacos and tamales and fun activities like piñata smashing or mariachi singing. Viva Mexico!
12. The Monaco Grand Prix
23rd to 25th May 2025
The Formula 1 Grand Prix de Monaco is a two-day race held on the iconic Circuit de Monaco every spring. It is one of the most prestigious and historic events in motorsports, drawing thousands of spectators from across the world to cheer on their favourite drivers.
The breathtakingly tight turns and street circuits will test even the best racers as they battle for pole position.
Along with fast-paced action, you’ll also get a chance to experience the glamour of Monaco as you explore its stunning views and attractions. From luxury yacht parties at Port Hercule to celebrity sightings around Monte Carlo, this event promises an unforgettable weekend in May. Don’t miss out on this incredible spectacle – grab your tickets now!
READ MORE: The Best Festivals in June
What is special about May in the UK?
In the UK, people associate May with longer days and warmer weather (usually). The month features two Bank Holidays, and generally features the start of the summer festival lineup.
The UK also hosts special days in May the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, one of the world’s most famous horticultural events, as well as music and literary festivals – and let’s not forget Star Wars Day (May 4th). On a cultural note, May also sees various regional customs, such as the Maypole dancing and ‘Obby ‘Oss Day in Padstow, Cornwall.
What is on in May around the world?
May celebrations around the world are so diverse. In the US, Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday, honouring those who have died in military service. Then there’s Cinco de Mayo celebrated in Mexico and by Mexican communities in May around the world. In Japan, Golden Week takes place, which is a collection of four national holidays within seven days.
Various European nations also mark their liberation from Nazi occupation in May, like the Netherlands on 5th May 5th and France on 8th May. Overall, it’s a full month with lots of international events happening in May almost everywhere
Are there any religious festivals in May?
Lots of religious festivities and events take place in May around the world. The Christian holiday of Ascension Day usually falls in May, marking 40 days after Easter Sunday.
The Islamic holiday of Eid al-Fitr might also be observed in May, although this date changes every year as it follows the lunar calendar. In Hinduism, Akshaya Tritiya, usually falls in late April or early May, as does Vesak Day, celebrated by buddhists. Finally, Jewish observances like Shavuot could also fall in late May or early June.
It’s clear there are occasions in May for just about every faith.
Which are the best festivals in May in Europe?
Europe comes alive with festivals in May, largely thanks to the improving weather. One of the highlights is the Cannes Film Festival in France, which is one of the most prestigious – and publicised – in the world. Spain has its Feria de Córdoba, an annual fair featuring traditional Spanish dances, bullfights, and other cultural activities. There’s also the Prague Spring International Music Festival in the Czech Republic that kicks off in May, and “Calendimaggio,” a medieval spring festival celebrated with various historical reenactments, music, and games in Assisi, Italy. That’s why the best festivals in May are in Europe – there are just so many different ones to choose from.