13 BEST Festivals in May Around the World 2024-2025
Everyone enjoys celebrating, so here are 13 of the top festivals in May around the world to add to your bucket list!
May is a great time of the year to travel. There are a number of festivals in the month of May which you may have the opportunity to partake in and experience. The memories of the music, food, ceremonies and traditions will stay with you forever.
There are so many international events in May 2024 / 2025 to experience, so here is our bucket list pick of the 13 best May festivals worldwide that offer something that will suit every interest.
N.B. We will updating this list regularly, so if you have any festivals, events or celebrations from around the world you think should make the list, please let us know.
Worlds Best Festivals May 2024 / 2025: Key Takeaways
If you’re in a hurry, here’s a quick overview of the world festivals in May:
- Cultural Festivals – Cheung Chau Bun Festival in Hong Kong, Madeira Island Flower Festival in Portugal, Passport DC Festival in Washington DC
- Music Festivals – Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) in Las Vegas, New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival in USA
- Art Festivals – AfrikaBurn Festival in South Africa, Bergen International Festival in Norway, Hay Festival of Literature and Arts in Wales, VIVID Sydney in Australia
- Health & Wellness Festivals: BaliSpirit Festival in Bali
- Flower Festivals: Tulip Festival in Netherlands
- Film Festivals: Cannes International Film Festival in France
- Kite Festivals: Hamamatsu Festival in Japan
World Events in May
As nomad travellers, we plan our future travels by researching festivals globally for our chosen month of travel. From the cold weather of Northern Europe to the tropical shores of Southeast Asia, the countries to visit in May offer an abundance of cultural celebrations and vibrant events to enrich our adventure. Join us on our quest to uncover the most exceptional celebrations in May around the world, each promising unique experiences and enduring memories.
1. AfrikaBurn – Tankwa, South Africa
- Where: Tankwa, South Africa
- When: Annually in late April / early May: 29 April – 5 May, 2024 | 28 April – 4 May, 2025
- Duration: 7 days
AfrikaBurn stands as South Africa’s rendition of Nevada’s renowned Burning Man festival, ranking among the must-experience global festivals! Held annually from late April to early May, AfrikaBurn unfolds on a remote expanse in Tankwa, situated 400 kilometres from Cape Town in South Africa’s Northern Cape.
Inaugurated in 2007, the festival has burgeoned into a colossal annual gathering, magnetizing a vibrant community of music aficionados, culture enthusiasts, creators, artists, and trendsetters from across the globe.
At AfrikaBurn, attendees are encouraged to immerse themselves in active participation, contributing to the creation of a dynamic city teeming with art, themed camps, music, performances, and elaborate costumes. Throughout the week, monumental wooden structures and sculptures are meticulously erected, culminating in them all being burnt akin to the ritual at Burning Man, marking the festival’s culmination.
Check rates and availability of accommodation options in Tankwa HERE!
2. BaliSpirit Festival – Ubud, Bali
- Where: Ubud, Bali
- When: Annually in April or May: 1 – 5 May, 2024 | 1 – 5 May, 2025
- Duration: 6 days
The annual BaliSpirit Festival, nestled in Ubud, Bali, stands as the ultimate haven for those seeking to enrich their health and wellness journey. Boasting a plethora of over 300 workshops and music sessions encompassing yoga, dance, healing practices, breathwork, martial arts, sound therapy, and more, the festival offers a holistic sanctuary for both the mind and body.
When organizing your trip to the BaliSpirit Festival, it’s advisable to allocate additional time beyond the festival week to fully immerse yourself in Bali’s offerings. Pre-festival events set the tone for the experience, while post-festival retreats and training programs extend and deepen the transformative journey.
With its remarkable diversity of programs set against the backdrop of Bali’s spiritual and picturesque natural landscape, the BaliSpirit Festival promises an indelible and soul-stirring experience.
Check rates and availability of accommodation options in Ubud now!
3. Bergen International Festival – Bergen, Norway
- Where: Bergen, Norway
- When: Annually in late May and early June: 22 May – 5 June, 2024 | 21 May – 4 June, 2025
- Duration: 15 days
The Bergen International Festival is held annually in Bergen, Norway and is firmly established in the northern European arts scene, attracting over 100,000 visitors each year. 400 events are hosted at over 70 different venues and present art in all its guises including music, theatre, dance, opera and visual art. Bergen International Festival is Scandinavia’s largest and most important festival.
The festival programme is created with something for every taste and occasion, and the events are organised under the three terms Festivities, Foundations and Friction.
- Festivities: Entertainment and surprises for both the young and old. Playful scenes in the streets and events and experiences for your head, heart and feet.
- Foundations: The best of the best in the classical art tradition with performances and concerts with a history. Tradition and renewal, depth and reflection.
- Friction: Reckless and shrewd, experimenting and exploring, new technology is presented and boundless artistic landscapes.
If you decide to visit this festival in Bergen, be sure to allow some additional days to explore the spectacular nature in this laid back harbour town.
DON’T MISS OUT… Check rates and availability of accommodation options in Bergen NOW!
4. Cannes International Film Festival – Cannes, France
- Where: Cannes, France
- When: Annually in May: 14 – 24 May, 2024 | 13 – 23 May, 2025
- Duration: 12 days
The annual Cannes Film Festival spans 12 days, showcasing films and documentaries worldwide. It’s an essential destination for film enthusiasts and those intrigued by diverse cultures.
The famed opening ceremony features a star-studded red carpet, offering glimpses of beloved celebrities. Notable celebrity gatherings include:
- Chopard Dinner And Party – Famed for its exquisite jewelry and watches, Chopard hosts extraordinary soirées. Tickets: From £5,000 per person
- Jean Pigozzi’s Pool Party Lunch – A hotspot for Hollywood’s elite, regarded as the pinnacle event at Cannes. Tickets: POA
- Eva Longoria Party – The Desperate Housewives’ star hosts a charity soirée, offering guests an exclusive photo opportunity. Tickets: From £2,999 per person or VIP: £5,999 per person
- Vanity Fair Party – Renowned for star-studded affairs, Vanity Fair delivers unforgettable nights. Tickets: From £12,000 per person
- Chopard Trophee Annual Dinner and Party – Recognizing emerging film talents with awards for Male and Female Revelation of the Year. Tickets: From £9,999 per person
- AmFAR Cinema Against AIDS Party – A glamorous affair featuring a glittering guest list and a vital fundraising auction for AIDS research. Tickets: From £13,000 to £500,000 per person
For an opportunity to mingle with Hollywood’s elite (and if budget permits), the Cannes Film Festival is a must-attend event. It is considered to be one of the best top 10 festivals in the world.
Check prices and availability of accommodation options in Cannes HERE
5. Cheung Chau Bun Festival – Cheung Chau Island, Hong Kong
- Where: Cheung Chau Island, Hong Kong
- When: Annually in May: 12 – 16 May, 2024 | 3 – 6 May, 2025
- Duration: 4 days
Held annually from the 5th to the 9th day of the 4th lunar month (May), Hong Kong celebrates with the Cheung Chau Bun Festival. Cheung Chau Island is just a short ferry ride away from Hong Kong city and most events take place at Pak Tai Temple, the most important religious site on the island.
Back in the 1600s the plague spread through Hong Kong and locals erected an altar outside the Pak Tai Temple to give them a place to pray for the evil spirits to leave the island and rid them of the plague. Locals believe that praying away the plague really worked and so they celebrate every year with music, dance, drums and parades.
Over the course of the 4 day festival, bun-covered bamboo towers are erected and the area is alive with lion dances and colourful parades in which participants dress as folkloric characters.
The festival’s main event is a bun scrambling competition held on the last day where participants climb a 60-foot tower to collect as many buns as they can – the higher the bun, the higher the score – with individual contests and a relay.
This is one of the festivals in Asia not to be missed!
DON’T MISS OUT… Check availability on accommodation options in Hong Kong NOW!
6. Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) – Las Vegas, USA
- Where: Las Vegas, USA
- When: Annually in June: 17 – 19 May, 2024 | 16 – 18 May, 2025
- Duration: 3 days
The Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) is held annually in Las Vegas and is a globally renowned dance music festival. It is the largest dance music festival in North America and the EDC also takes place in Mexico, Florida, and Japan as well.
Under the Electric Sky, fans come together to celebrate life, love, art, and music at this unique multi-day festival. Elements mix to ignite the senses and inspire the imagination. The foundation upon which the festival was built is one of unity, love, self-expression, and respect for one another.
Asides from the huge line-up of performers from around the world, there are pyrotechnics, carnival rides, and a merry band of Funkdafied Freaks such as dancers, stilt walkers, aerialists, circus performers, and other whimsical characters of EDC! Attendees will also experience interactive art installations, LED three-dimensional superstructures, and 3D glow-in-the-dark environments.
Head Downtown to catch live performances at one of the many themed bars or the open-air theatre. You will also enjoy a Tokyo-style karaoke bar, or dance in the dark or with headphones on at the Headlight Disco or the Silent Disco.
Check rates and availability of accommodation options in Las Vegas HERE!
7. Hamamatsu Festival – Hamamatsu, Japan
- Where: Hamamatsu, Japan
- When: Annually in May: 3 – 5 May, 2024 | 3 – 5 May, 2025
- Duration: 3 days
The Hamamatsu Festival is held annually in early May in Hamamatsu, Japan during Golden Week. The festivals consists of 2 different aspects: the parade of floats and the huge kite flying festival.
Each evening at 6:30pm (sunset) there is a procession through the streets of large ornate floats, each one representing a district of Hamamatsu. Some of the more traditional looking floats are beautifully decorated with ornate wood carvings. The floats carry children playing traditional Japanese instruments, whilst the adults carrying lanterns and flags, make noise, cheer and pull the floats along the road.
The procession consists of three groups and each evening each group takes a different route allowing the over 70 floats to be seen by the crowds. If you would like to take a closer look at the floats, go to the plaza between JR-Hamamatsu and Shin-Hamamatsu train stations during the day.
Some of the floats are displayed with information on their history (in English!) and there are volunteers who are happy to talk to you about the craftsmanship and what the float represents. The floats are works of art and some are more than 100 years old.
The second part of the festival is held from 10am during the day and is a huge kite flying festival with neighbouring towns competing with their own giant kite. You will witness over 100 kites in the air duelling over the huge sand dunes of Nakatajima. At the sound of a trumpet, the kite fliers compete to cut each other’s strings and bring the other kites down.
The procession and kite flying happen in two different venues, but shuttle buses operate between the two and a one-way trip is approx. 260yen for adults and approx. 130yen for kids.
DON’T MISS OUT… Check prices and availability of accommodation options in Hamamatsu NOW!
8. Hay Festival of Literature and Arts – Hay-on-Wye, Brecon Beacons National Park, South Wales
- Where: Hay-on-Wye, Brecon Beacons National Park, South Wales
- When: Annually in late May / early June: 23 May – 2 June, 2024 | 22 May – 1 June, 2025
- Duration: 10 days
There is a quaint market town called Hay-on-Wye in Brecon Beacons National Park in South Wales that is known as the ‘book town’ of Wales. Every May this book town hosts The Hay Festival of Literature and Arts.
Fondly known as the ’Woodstock of the Minds’, bookworms, authors and professors flock here to listen to speakers, get news on book releases, buy book-themed tote bags and of course drink the ink!
Lasting for 10 days, attendees to this festival can enjoy the events, exhibitions, keynote speakers, book releases and all things literary in one of the world’s biggest Literature festivals. Entry to the festival is free but you must pay for tickets to some events and workshops. There’s also musicians, comedians, food trucks for the taking and the festival is very family-friendly.
You can explore the town of Hay-on-Wye by walking the River Wye, shopping, kayaking, glamping, visiting the castle and of course, go bookshop-hopping. Read this guide to the bookshops of Hay-on-Wye.
Check rates and availability on accommodation options in Hay-on-Wye HERE!
9. Madeira Island Flower Festival – Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
- Where: Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
- When: Annually in April / May: 2 May – 26 May, 2024 | 1 May – 25 May, 2025
- Duration: Approx. 3 weeks
If you are looking for a beautiful festival to attend in Europe in May, take a look at the Madeira Flower Festival (Festa da Flor). Madeira Island is a small Portuguese island in the Atlantic, often called the Island of Eternal Spring, or, the Garden of the Atlantic. That’s why it is here, in the island’s capital Funchal – where you will have a chance to participate in colourful flower celebrations.
The 2022 edition will last over three weeks; it is scheduled to start on the 5th of May, and last until the 29th of May. Every year during the festival, Funchal’s city centre will be beautifully decorated with flowers and flower exhibitions and all sorts of flower-related concerts, markets, shows and competitions will be held.
The highlight of each Madeira Flower Festival is its main parade – so called Cortejo Alegórico, which usually takes place on a May Sunday afternoon, in Funchal. During the parade, you will see beautifully dressed performers – men and women, kids & adults alike – parading through the city presenting their flower dresses, floats and choreographies.
The local volunteers and artists work very hard each spring and give their very best to make the Flower Parade a special event that will bring joy to both Madeira’s residents and visitors from all around the world. This passion and energy is what makes this festival special. It is a vibrant and colourful event which the entire family will enjoy.
DON’T MISS OUT… Check availability of accommodation options in Funchal NOW!
10. New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival – New Orleans, USA
- Where: New Orleans, USA
- When: Annually in late April / early May: 26 April – 5 May, 2024 | 24 April – 4 May, 2025
- Duration: 10 days
We have added the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival in New Orleans to our post on ‘April Festivals‘ as this is when it begins. However, this festival can be enjoyed in both April and May each year.
DON’T MISS OUT… Check rates and availability of accommodation options in New Orleans NOW!
11. Passport DC Festival – Washington D.C., USA
- Where: Washington D.C., USA
- When: Annually throughout the month of May: 1 – 31 May, 2024 | 1 – 31 May 2025
- Duration: 31 days
Can you imagine traveling to 15 countries in an afternoon? Well, you can with at the Passport DC Festival in Washington, D.C! Each May, dozens of embassies and ambassador residences are opened to the public on a few select weekends. It’s an incredible international festival of culture, art, and good food.
Each embassy or residence can decide how they would like to observe the day. At the embassy for the Republic of Korea, there was K-Pop music playing, beautiful displays of art, and some food to try.
At the British Embassy (a long wait!) they offered free tastings, opened the beautiful grounds, and had children’s activities for the kids. My favourite part was touring the beautiful residence of the Ambassador from the Netherlands. I also liked the smaller embassies of Barbados and Latvia because you can chat more with the embassy staff. Read more about free embassy tours here.
The festival is held each year throughout the month of May. Usually, one weekend will be European Union countries, and the second, non-EU countries will open their doors. It’s truly a wonderful cultural experience! And there’s lots more to do if you are travelling to DC with Kids from epic playgrounds to free museums!
Check prices and availability of accommodation options in Washington DC HERE!
12. Tulip Festival – Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Where: Amsterdam, Netherlands
- When: Annually in late March through to mid-May: 17 – 21 April, 2024 | 9 – 13 April, 2025
- Duration: approx. 7 weeks
If you plan to visit Amsterdam in March, April or May, a day trip to Keukenhof (also known as the Garden of Europe) has to make it to your itinerary. It is the largest flower park in the world. More than 7 million flowers are in bloom during this time.
It is recommended to book the entrance tickets online to avoid the queue. The tickets are also 1-2 euros cheaper when bought online.
The park showcases a fantastic collection of tulips, lilies, carnations, roses, orchids, and many other flowers. The display of flowerbeds is mesmerizing, with floral fragrances in the air. Keukenhof is only open when the flowers are in full bloom, which is a short period. That’s a pity, right? But, it is how mother nature works.
While tulips are extremely popular in the Netherlands today, they didn’t originate there. Their origin goes back to the Tien Shan mountain ranges in Central Asia. Tulips were rare and exotic back then. Western Europe soon became fascinated by them. Towards the end of the 16th century, tulips were introduced in the Netherlands.
Check availability and rates of accommodation options in Amsterdam HERE!
13. VIVID Sydney – Sydney, Australia
- Where: Sydney, Australia
- When: Annually in late May and early June: 24 May – 15 June, 2024 | 23 May – 14 June, 2025
- Duration: 23 days
VIVID Sydney ranks among the globe’s foremost festivals, boasting grandeur and innovation. Annually, this winter extravaganza celebrates the convergence of technology, creativity, and ingenuity, transmuting Sydney’s heart into a tapestry of VIVID Light, Music, and Ideas.
By nightfall, the city centre metamorphoses into a mesmerizing open-air gallery, bedecking its iconic landmarks and edifices with captivating works by esteemed light artists. Prime spots for witnessing the VIVID Light spectacle include the Sydney Opera House, The Rocks, Bradfield Park, and Darling Harbour, aglow between 6pm and 11pm nightly.
VIVID Music showcases a diverse line-up of local and international musical talents, while VIVID Ideas hosts stimulating talks by eminent thinkers from around the globe.
A full programme of events can be found here.
DON’T MISS OUT… Check rates and availability of accommodation options in Sydney HERE!
FAQs: May Celebrations Around the World
Now that you have explored the best May events around the world, you might still have a few questions. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Here are some frequently asked questions about May festivals.
Where are the top festivals in the world?
Some of the best international festivals of the world are the following:
* Harbin Ice and Snow Festival in Harbin, China
* Up Helly AA in Shetland Islands, Scotland
* Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
* Mardi Gras Festival in New Orleans, USA
* Holi Festival, India
What are the most unique festivals around the world?
Some of the most unique and amazing festivals are the following:
* Cheung Chau Bun Festival, Hong Kong
* Lopburi Monkey Banquet, Thailand
* Up Helly AA in Shetland Islands, Scotland
* International Hair Freezing Contest, Canada
* Underwater Music Festival, Florida
What are the best cultural festivals around the world?
Some of the best May cultural and music festivals are the following:
* New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival – New Orleans, USA
* Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) – Las Vegas, USA
* Sandbox in El Gouna, Egypt
* Tmrw.Tday Culture Fest in Negril Jamaica
* Lost & Found, Malta
What are the May holidays around the world?
Some of the best May holidays celebrated around the world are the following:
* 1 May – May Day
* 1 May – Beltane
* 5 May – Cinco de Mayo
* 5 May – Kodomo-no-hi
* 8 May – Mother’s Day
* 12 May – International Nurses Day
* 17 May – Norway’s Constitution Day
* 26 May – World Dracula Day
* 30 May – Memorial Day
Where are some of the May Day traditions around the world?
* Beltane Fire Festival, Scotland – pagan ritual to protect cattle, crops and people
* Irminden, Bulgaria – rituals are made to protect people from snakes and lizards
* Vappu, Finland – one of the biggest holidays of the year
* Calendimaggio, Italy – seasonal feast held to celebrate the arrival of spring
* Northern Portugal – place May flower or bush on doors, gates, and windows to defend those places from bad spirits, witches and the veil eye
What are the best festivals of India in May?
Some of the best Indian festivals of May are the following:
* Moatsu Festival in Chuchuyimlang Village
* Thrissur Pooram in Kerala
* Mount Abu Summer Festival in Rajasthan
* Buddha Purnima in Delhi
* International Flower Festival in Gangtok
What is celebrated in the month of May?
In May, Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, and World Press Freedom Day are celebrated worldwide.
What international holiday is in May?
International holidays in May including Labour Day, World Press Freedom Day, and International Nurses Day.
What festival is celebrated in May in the Philippines?
In May, the Philippines celebrates the Flores de Mayo festival, a vibrant homage to the Virgin Mary with colourful processions and pageantry.
In Summary – The Best Festivals in the World in May
You can find many major May events worldwide which are held throughout every month of the year. You will be spoilt for choice if you choose to celebrate at a festival in May as there are lots of both smaller and larger festivals out there for you to pick from and enjoy.
What is your favourite international festival in May and why? Have you been to any of our list of the best festivals celebrated in May listed above? Have we missed any you think we should add? Leave your tips, comments and questions through Messenger on our Facebook page.
Choosing Your Next Travel Destination: Related Blog Posts
Want more info to help you decide on your next travel destination? Check out all the articles we’ve written about the ‘Best of World Travel’ in all parts of the world and continue planning for your next vacation.
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