Events & festivals in May

4 curated experiences happening in May — festivals, natural phenomena, food seasons, sport. We highlight the off-the-beaten-path versions of famous events.

🎭 Festivals & Cultural

🇲🇽

Cinco de Mayo in Puebla

Puebla · May 5
The U.
Hidden gem

🌿 Nature & Wildlife

🇳🇱

Tulip Bloom at Keukenhof

Lisse · Late March – mid-May (peak: mid-April)
Seven million tulip bulbs across 32 hectares.
Mainstream
🇺🇸

Synchronous Fireflies, Great Smoky Mountains

Gatlinburg · Late May – mid-June (8-day peak)
One of only ~20 firefly species in the world that flash in sync.
Hidden gem

🕯 Spiritual & Sacred

🇱🇰

Vesak Day in Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura · Full moon in May
Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and death — all on the same day.
Hidden gem
📅 All events year-round →