May 2026 brings an array of exciting events across the US, catering to various interests and ages. Delve into the details of each event and make the most of this month’s remarkable gatherings. Fly smarter with Ovago—your go-to for affordable domestic and international flights, secure payments, and flexible booking options!
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1. The Kentucky Derby
Where: Louisville, Kentucky
When: May 2
History:
The term “Derby” originated in the 18th century and typically refers to a race for three-year-old horses, held annually in the US. Kentucky has long been a prime location for breeding top racehorses. The racetrack opened officially in 1875. The inaugural Derby was won by Aristides, an American Thoroughbred racehorse. The iconic grandstand, completed in 1895, features twin spires that have become synonymous with the Kentucky Derby.
Despite initial concerns about reduced attendance, the race was televised nationally in 1952. This decision proved beneficial! Subsequent broadcasts attracted millions of viewers, solidifying the Derby’s popularity.
Today, The Kentucky Derby is the most-watched and attended horse race in the US. Its on-track attendance exceeds 150,000 people. The vibrant atmosphere of the Kentucky Derby surpasses that of other major sports events such as the Super Bowl, the World Series, or the NCAA Final Four.
Event overview:
The Kentucky Derby is held annually on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs racetrack. Together with the Preakness Stakes (held in mid-May in Baltimore, Maryland) and the Belmont Stakes (held early in June at Belmont Park, near New York City), it comprises the coveted Triple Crown of American Thoroughbred racing. The 2026 Kentucky Derby marks the 152nd edition of the event, featuring a $5 million guaranteed purse, presented by Woodford Reserve (Grade I).
For the 10th consecutive year, a tiered point system in select races will determine the contenders for America’s greatest race. A total of 20 horses will earn the chance to compete in the Kentucky Derby, navigating the Road to the Kentucky Derby—a series of designated races held at tracks across the US and internationally. Points are awarded to the top five finishers in each race, and the 20 horses with the most points will earn a spot in the starting gate on the first Saturday in May.
You can visit just the race as the main event or stay for the entire Derby Week.
Derby Week 2026 Schedule (each event requires buying tickets):
- Opening Night (April 25): Post position draw and exclusive fashion shows
- Sunday Funday (April 26): A fresh, family-friendly celebration blending live racing with festive seasonal activities
- Dawn at the Downs (April 27): Contenders’ warm up the course
- 502’sDay (April 28): Celebrating Louisville’s community and businesses
- Derby Week’s Winsday (April 29): Honoring the meaningful contributions of local nonprofit organizations.
- Thurby (April 30): A festive day of races, food, and local culture
- The Kentucky Oaks (May 1): The premier race for fillies in the US
- Kentucky Derby (May 2): The main Derby horse racing event.
General tips:
- Explore budget-friendly options. While the event is often associated with luxury attendees, it welcomes people from all walks of life. There are affordable ticket options available for general admission and various seating areas, making it accessible to everyone. Additionally, there are plenty of events and activities in Louisville that cater to different budgets, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the experience.
- Install the TwinSpires app. TwinSpires serves as the exclusive betting partner for the Kentucky Derby. Download their app to start placing your bets on all the races. Ensure you’ve downloaded and signed up for the app before heading to the track to prevent connectivity issues.
- Mind your feet. The Kentucky Derby hosts a massive and captivating fashion spectacle, featuring dazzling hats and attire! At the same time, expect to do a lot of walking as you navigate the venue, so bring along a pair of flip-flops or comfy shoes to switch into during the event.
Interesting fact: Among the timeless Derby customs are the sipping of mint juleps (a chilled cocktail blending bourbon, mint, and sugar) and the donning of elaborate hats by women in the crowd.
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2. Albany Tulip Festival
Where: Albany, New York
When: May 9-10
History:
In 1947, Albany established a sister city relationship with Nijmegen, a Dutch city, and provided aid to assist in its post-war reconstruction efforts. As a gesture of appreciation, the Netherlands gifted thousands of tulip bulbs to Albany. This led to the proclamation of the tulip as Albany’s official flower by Mayor Erastus Corning 2nd in 1948 and giving rise to the Tulip Festival.
Event overview:
Scheduled for Mother’s Day weekend, from 11 am to 6 pm, the Albany Tulip Festival will once again celebrate the city’s rich Dutch heritage with its signature traditions, performances, and vibrant atmosphere. Admission is free to all.
Highlights for 2026 include:
- Over 140,000 blooming tulips in Washington Park
- Live music performances from local and national acts
- The traditional street scrubbing ceremony on State Street
- The Tulip Queen coronation
- A wide variety of vendors and food trucks
- Family-friendly activities for children
- A post-festival tulip bulb sale
General tips:
- Plan your transportation and parking. Don’t plan to drive? CDTA offers free shuttle service to Washington Park from designated parking spots. Shuttles operate every 20-25 minutes, subject to traffic conditions.
- Explore beyond-festival activities. Consider attending the annual Tulip Ball, a formal event held during the Tulip Festival weekend. The ball, requiring paid tickets, features music, dancing, and dining to celebrate the city’s Dutch heritage and the blooming of tulips. You can also experience free guided tulip tours at Washington Park in the days leading up to the event. Ensure your spot by making reservations at 518-434-2032.
- Plan your accommodation in advance. With tens of thousands of people attending the festival each year, hotels and other accommodations in Albany can fill up quickly. Make your reservations early to secure a place to stay during the event.
Interesting fact: The Albany Tulip Festival features the unique spectacle of street scrubbing on State Street. This ritual harks back to the Dutch heritage of Albany and adds a charming and historical element to the festivities.
Read also: May 2026: Global Event Digest
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3. UFO Festival
Where: McMinnville, Oregon
When: May 15-16
History:
In 1950, McMinnville residents Evelyn and Paul Trent captured what many believe to be the earliest photographs of a UFO in the US. Published globally, these images sparked intense curiosity and remain among the most reputable UFO sightings on record. Established in 1999, the McMenamins UFO Festival originated as a tribute to the renowned 1950 Trent sighting. The festival has since transformed into a grand commemoration of everything related to extraterrestrial phenomena.
Event overview:
The UFO Festival, suitable for families, spans two days and features pre-events and a variety of unique attractions. They include live music, expert speaker panels, and a delightful pet alien costume contest. Hosted by the historic McMenamins Hotel Oregon, which is situated 40 miles southwest of downtown Portland, the festival offers many free events. However, exclusive speaker events and a post-festival breakfast with speakers require purchasing tickets.
General tips:
- Plan your schedule. Take a look at the festival schedule ahead of time and plan which events and activities you’d like to attend. With two days of special events, there’s plenty to see and do.
- Dress for the occasion. Embrace the spirit of the UFO Festival by dressing up in themed attire or alien costumes. Many attendees participate in the festivities by wearing fun and quirky outfits, so don’t be afraid to get creative!
- Explore the beyond-festival activities. Venture an hour southwest of Portland. You’ll discover picturesque vineyards perfect for cycling tours and renowned tasting rooms offering the finest terroir-driven Pinot Noir. Stroll through the charming, Rockwellian downtown area adorned with majestic maple trees. Don’t miss the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum. It houses the impressive wooden Spruce Goose crafted by Howard Hughes. Adjacent to the museum is the thrilling Wings & Waves Waterpark. It features a retired Boeing 747 aircraft on its rooftop, adorned with slides reminiscent of tentacles.
Interesting fact: For years, the UFO Festival has been known for its lively array of activities, including costume contests, themed balls, glow-in-the-dark soirées, vendor markets, and even parades featuring UFO-inspired costumes.
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4. Indianapolis 500
Where: Speedway, Indiana
When: May 24
History:
Today, the Indianapolis 500 proudly boasts the title of the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” This description held true even for its inaugural race on May 30, 1911. The event’s unprecedented 500-mile length and impressive $27,000 prize purse marked a significant milestone in auto racing history. With 40 qualifying cars and a massive audience of 80,000 spectators, the first Indy 500 made waves. Attendees could witness the historic race from the grandstand for as little as $1.00.
Since then, the Indianapolis 500 has evolved with advancements in technology, safety measures, and entertainment offerings. Speedway management doesn’t officially disclose the attendance figures, but the permanent seating capacity exceeds 250,000.
Event overview:
The Indianapolis 500 takes place each year at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, featuring a 2.5-mile oval track layout. The track comprises four equal turns and four straightaways, with drivers covering 200 laps counterclockwise, totaling 500 miles. The event features elaborate pre-race rituals, festive post-race festivities, and a meticulously planned race day. Whether opting for the full 13-day event extravaganza or solely attending the main race on May 24, there’s something for every enthusiast to enjoy.
Indianapolis 500 Event Schedule:
- Practice Days (May 12-15): Drivers hit the track to fine-tune their cars and strategies ahead of the big race.
- Fast Friday (May 15): Teams push their cars to the limit with increased turbocharger boost, aiming for top speeds.
- Ppg armed forces qualifying (May 16-17): Drivers battle it out in multiple qualifying sessions to secure their spot on the starting grid.
- Practice Day, preparing for the race (May 18): Final practice session for drivers to make any last-minute adjustments and get comfortable with race conditions.
- Carb Day (May 22): Fans enjoy the final practice session, along with the Carb Day concert and pit stop challenge.
- Legends Day (May 23): Tribute to the legends of the Indy 500 with autograph sessions, concerts, and memorabilia.
- Race Day and Snake Pit (May 24): The 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500, plus the electrifying Snake Pit concert for race-day revelers.
General tips:
- Don’t overlook the lead-up events on Friday and Saturday! These days before the main race offer a mix of excitement and anticipation. The schedule includes autograph sessions, drivers meetings, historic race car laps, and the Miller Lite Carb Day Concert. Last year’s concert featured headliner George Thorogood & The Destroyers, with special guest Gin Blossoms opening the show. Explore the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, situated right on the Speedway premises.
- Consider taking the shuttle. While driving to the Speedway and finding parking on race day might seem easy, leaving with everyone else afterward can be chaotic. Opting for the shuttle is a straightforward choice. Plus, arriving early is key to enjoying all the pre-race activities.
- Make strategic plans for your visit. Note that the Indianapolis Motor Speedway operates as a cashless venue. Ensure you have payment cards for ticket purchases, parking fees, concessions, and merchandise. Download the IMS Mobile App for access to the latest news, event alerts, digital tickets, interactive maps, and personalized schedules.
Interesting fact: Among the most iconic traditions are the lineup of the 33-car field in a three-wide formation at the start, the annual rendition of the chorus of “Back Home Again in Indiana,” and the presentation of the victory lane bottle of milk.
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5. The National Memorial Day Parade
Where: Washington, D.C.
When: May 25
History:
In 2004, a notable event marked the return of a Memorial Day parade to Washington, D.C. after decades of absence. Coinciding with the dedication of the National World War II Memorial, this parade symbolized a renewed appreciation for veterans, particularly those of World War II. Witnessing the overwhelming support for veterans of all conflicts, former Mayor Anthony A. Williams was deeply moved. His dedication led to the reinstatement of the parade as an annual tradition, organized in partnership with the American Veterans Center and Music Celebrations International. Over time, it has become one of the largest Memorial Day parades in the US, attracting over 10,000 participants annually.
Event overview:
Opening ceremonies typically start at 1pm. The 3-hour parade commences at 2 pm and follows a route along Constitution Avenue, flanking the National Mall between 7th and 17th Streets. The parade showcases distinguished marching bands and veteran units representing all 50 states, paying tribute to pivotal moments in history. They include World War I, World War II, the Korean and Vietnam Conflicts, Desert Storm, and the liberation of Grenada, Panama, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Additionally, grand patriotic floats and helium-filled balloons add to the majestic procession.
General tips:
- Plan how you’ll arrive at the place of action. Consider avoiding the Federal Triangle, Smithsonian, and Archives Metro stations as they tend to get overcrowded. Instead, if you’re headed towards the end of the parade route around 15th or 17th streets and Constitution Ave Northwest, opt for the McPherson Metro Station. For those starting at the beginning of the parade route, the Chinatown stop on the Red Line provides a direct route down 7th Street.
- Find an appropriate spot to watch the parade. Come see the event early to secure a great spot. Discover prime viewing spots along Constitution Ave Northwest, where the parade unfolds. The steps of the National Archives provide an excellent view, as do the areas along the Constitution Ave side of the American History Museum or Natural History Museum. The last two offer ample shade and low-lying walls ideal for comfortable seating.
- Enhance your holiday experience with a well-planned itinerary. Explore iconic holiday-related landmarks such as the Capitol Hill area, the Supreme Court Building, the Library of Congress, and Arlington National Cemetery. Craft an itinerary focused on war memorials, including visits to the Lincoln Memorial, Korean War Memorial, World War II Memorial, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, and Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Don’t miss historical sites like Mount Vernon, Old Town Alexandria, Ford’s Theater, and the Peterson House, where Lincoln passed away.
Interesting fact: The Washington, D.C. area experiences a significant influx of visitors during The National Memorial Day Parade. Arlington National Cemetery alone welcomes over 135,000 visitors during the Memorial Day weekend annually.
Read also: Memorial Day Travel 2026
Immerse yourself in the vibrant array of top May events happening throughout the US! Secure an affordable domestic flight now and set off on a remarkable adventure brimming with music, speed, history, and cultural richness.
