May marks the perfect transition into summer, bringing a lineup of spectacular festivals around the world. Our guide to May 2026’s top festivals has everything you need to plan an unforgettable trip. Explore key highlights, insider tips, and must-see experiences for each event. And don’t forget to check out our flight deals to make your spring adventure both seamless and affordable!
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The Cannes Film Festival
Where: Cannes, France
When: May 12-23
History:
In 1938, French writer Philippe Erlanger served on the jury of the international film competition at the Venice Mostra in Italy. However, the festival’s credibility suffered that year due to Nazi pressure to award top honors to a propaganda film, ignoring another film beloved by the jury. Disappointed, Erlanger conceived the idea of creating a new festival free from such influences during his return journey to France.
Upon returning, he initiated discussions with authorities. Although the project was shelved due to the war, it was revived by French politicians Jean Zay and Albert Sarrault post-war. In 1946, amidst a hopeful atmosphere, the Cannes Film Festival debuted, attracting stars to explore the charms of Cannes and the French Riviera. Since then, the Cannes Film Festival has been an annual showcase for international cinema, standing as a premier event in the film industry.
Event overview:
The 79th Cannes Film Festival is set to return in grand style in May, kicking off with an elegant opening ceremony and wrapping up with a prestigious closing event. In between, attendees can expect a whirlwind of film screenings, press conferences, interviews, star-studded red carpet moments, and highly anticipated award presentations.
Variety reports that new films from several major directors may screen either in or out of competition. One of the highlights is Disclosure Day, Steven Spielberg’s alien-themed feature starring Emily Blunt and Josh O’Connor.
Another special highlight is Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Three. With a cast big enough to dominate headlines, it could easily anchor an entire festival lineup.
The official film lineup and guest list remain under wraps. But excitement is already building for another spectacular year of cinema, storytelling, and star power on the French Riviera.
General tips:
- To visit a main festival screening, accreditation and sometimes ticket purchases are required. The official Cannes ticketing system allows accredited guests to book tickets in advance for screenings, but pricing details depend on accreditation type. If you’re a film enthusiast aged 18 to 28 without official film memberships, you may consider the ‘3 Day in Cannes’ program, which offers three days of festival access. Be sure to submit a motivation letter with your application. Additionally, free public screenings are available nightly for those without accreditation at the Plage Mace public beach. These screenings take place each evening from 9:30 pm.
- Consider attending Parallel Sections. Alongside the main festival, numerous parallel sections offer greater accessibility to the public. These sections typically feature screenings accompanied by Q&A sessions with directors and cast members, providing unique insights into the films.
- Witness celebrities on the Red Carpet. Experience the allure as stars adorned in their finest attire grace the iconic red carpet stairway outside the Palais des Festivals. No festival badge required; seize the opportunity to catch glimpses of celebrities and their fashion statements. Expect crowds vying for prime spots, with some attendees bringing ladders and foldable chairs for better views. Arrive early for the best vantage point!
Interesting fact: The festival stands as the world’s most renowned cinematic event, rivaled only by the Olympic Games in global publicity. The event draws over 30,000 dedicated professionals and 5,000 journalists. The prestigious Palme d’Or, introduced in 1955 and modernized by Chopard in 1997, symbolizes the pinnacle of achievement. Crafted from 24-carat gold and crystal, each hand-cut award is a unique masterpiece.
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The Lucban San Isidro Pahiyas Festival
Where: Lucban, the Philippines
When: May 15
History:
The roots of the festivities trace back to the 15th century, when farmers offered tributes at Mount Banahaw. They later brought their produce to Lucban’s church to honor St. Isidore the Laborer, patron saint of the town, farmers, and peasants. Worshippers sought blessings for their harvests, expressing gratitude to the Lord. As offerings grew, households displayed produce due to church space constraints.
The modern Pahiyas Festival in Lucban began in 1963. Today, this celebration stands as the largest and most vibrant harvest festival in the Philippines, attracting thousands of visitors to Lucban.
Event overview:
On the eve of the festival, Lucban residents decorate their homes with an array of vegetables, fruits, and kiping (colored rice wafers shaped like leaves). The procession known as ‘Kalas’ takes center stage, where spectators eagerly engage in a playful tug-of-war, attempting to dislodge decorations from the houses while owners defend their displays. This lively tradition is eagerly anticipated by many Lucban residents.
Throughout the festival, farmers proudly showcase their abundant agricultural bounty, including radishes, peppers, rice, and more. The streets come alive with the famous “Anok” decorations, miniature displays crafted from fruits, vegetables, and longanisa sausage, adding to the festive atmosphere. The main festival highlights include the grand parade, house decorating contest, traditional Filipino dance and music street performances, and more.
General tips:
- Properly prepare for the event. As the festival attracts large crowds, accommodations in Lucban tend to fill up quickly. Be sure to secure your hotel or guesthouse reservation well ahead of time to ensure availability. Dress in lightweight, comfortable attire, and consider bringing a hat or umbrella to shield yourself from the sun. Arriving early at the festival will allow you to beat the crowds and secure the optimal vantage point for admiring the decorations. Additionally, remember to carry enough cash to cover your needs, as many vendors at the festival only accept cash payments.
- Show respect and consideration. Refrain from littering or leaving trash behind at the festival grounds. Bring reusable bags or containers to minimize waste. Avoid taking or damaging decorations or other items on display. While capturing memories with photographs, respect individuals’ privacy by requesting permission before snapping their picture.
- Maximize your experience in Lucban. While the Pahiyas Festival is a highlight, there’s more to discover. Visit the Kamay ni Hesus Shrine and Luljetta’s Hanging Gardens and Spa. Indulge in local delicacies, such as Kakanin, a must-try during the festival. These treats feature an array of local delights like rice cakes, sweet potatoes, and fruits. Sample other local delights like pancit habhab, longanisa, and lucban quezo, which are plentifully served throughout the festival.
Interesting fact: The kiping is a standout feature of the festival. This traditional Filipino delicacy is crafted from rice paste and shaped into vibrant, intricate designs. Dyed with colorful food coloring, these wafers are arranged into captivating artwork, often depicting flowers, leaves, and geometric patterns that embellish house facades.
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Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling and Wake
Where: Brockworth, England
When: May 25
History:
Cheese Rolling stands as one of Great Britain’s enduring traditions, with roots tracing back hundreds of years, possibly to pre-Roman times. Historically, the cheese rolling was part of a pagan fertility rite or spring celebration, symbolizing the rolling of the sun down the hill to mark the beginning of summer. Over time, it evolved into a popular sporting event. The first recorded cheese rolling competition took place in the 19th century. Despite its unofficial status and the risks associated with participation (including injuries), this annual event attracts more than 5,000 spectators and brave competitors from all over the world.
Event overview:
The idea of the contest is simple! Participants gather at the summit of Cooper’s Hill alongside a handcrafted seven-pound wheel of Double Gloucester Cheese, which is then set rolling. As participants race (and often tumble) down the hill in pursuit, the cheese inevitably outpaces them all. However, the first who catches the cheese claims victory and earns the right to take home this well-worn cheese.
Throughout the day, 5 downhill cheese-rolling races unfold, each spaced 20 minutes apart. There’s also one uphill race without cheese tailored for children. The festivities kick off with the first cheese roll at midday. Brave contenders eager to chase the cheese this year can make their way to the summit of Cooper’s Hill in Brockworth, starting at noon, to join in the event.
General tips:
- Arrive well in advance. Aim to be at the race area at least an hour or more before the first midday race. Consider an hour for walking from the car park and some extra time to locate a parking spot, for which cash payment is required.
- Properly prepare for this day. Ensure you wear trainers or walking shoes, as you won’t be able to trek to Cooper’s Hill in other shoes. Since there are no food or drink stalls near the race, be sure to bring an ample supply with you.
- Secure a spot closer to the bottom of the hill (where the action is most intense) for the optimal view, ensuring you can also see the start line.
Interesting fact: The selected cheese for the event is Double Gloucester, a beloved local specialty renowned for its rich and creamy flavor. During the race, this hard cheese can reach speeds of up to 70 miles per hour, heightening the excitement and adrenaline of the event.
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Vivid Sydney
Where: Sydney, Australia
When: May 22 – Jun 13
History:
Originating as an innovative concept for energy-efficient lighting in 2009, Vivid quickly evolved into the world’s largest festival of lights, music, and ideas, spearheaded by lighting designer Mary-Anne Kyriakou. By May 2019, the event had attracted a record-breaking attendance of 2.4 million people, nearly matching the entire population of Western Australia. Fast forward to 2023, and Sydney’s dazzling light extravaganza shattered its own attendance record, with an estimated 3.28 million visitors immersing themselves in the spectacle.
Event overview:
The complete lineup for Vivid Sydney will be revealed in mid-March 2026. However, you can already anticipate a city aglow with captivating art installations and mesmerizing 3D light displays, illuminating Sydney’s renowned landmarks. Live music sets by emerging and established artists will fill the air with vibrant melodies. Additionally, this grand affair will tantalize your taste buds with pop-up markets and dining venues celebrating Australia’s diverse culinary heritage.
The key feature of the Vivid Sydney festival is the Vivid Sydney Light Walk. It’s a curated pathway that takes visitors on a journey through illuminated installations, light projections, and interactive art displays that transform the cityscape into a vibrant outdoor gallery. The route typically stretches across iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and Circular Quay, as well as various precincts throughout the city.
General tips:
- Track the complete lineup to plan your visit. The Vivid Sydney Light Walk offers free enjoyment to all, complemented by a plethora of other events and experiences. Nonetheless, the program also includes several ticketed events, some requiring advance registration due to limited availability.
- Plan your stay beforehand. Explore the official event’s Deals & Experiences page for exclusive offers during the festival, including accommodations, dining options, events, activities, and more. Additionally, Sydney.com provides a wealth of information to assist you in selecting accommodations and discovering other attractions and activities available in Sydney.
- Choose the most appropriate time. The Vivid Sydney Light Walk garners immense popularity, drawing significant crowds throughout the days of the event. Typically, Friday, Saturday, Sunday nights, and the Monday public holiday night witness the highest attendance. Families with children and strollers may find it advantageous to attend Vivid Sydney on weeknights when visitor numbers are anticipated to be lower than weekends.
Interesting fact: This acclaimed festival has earned prestigious recognition from the International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA), securing a total of 17 awards at the IFEA Pinnacle Awards 2023. They included 16 gold accolades and a Grand Pinnacle, alongside one silver award. Moreover, Vivid Sydney was honored as Australia’s Best Tourism Event in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2023.
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Embark on an unforgettable journey to experience the world’s most captivating festivals this May 2026. From the prestigious Cannes Film Festival to the vibrant Pahiyas Festival in Lucban and the exhilarating Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling in Brockworth, immerse yourself in diverse cultures and traditions. Don’t miss out on the luminous spectacle of Vivid Sydney, showcasing breathtaking light displays and enchanting music performances. Book your flight now and set forth on an adventure of a lifetime!
