Waking up from a long cold lonely winter, little darlin, it feels like years since it’s been here. Here comes the sun — and I say, it’s May!
Celebrate with an abundance of art, dance and theatrical performances, films, books, rhythm blues and country… and wine, comedy, and racing cars.
Brrm brrm.
Brighton Festival
Brighton, UK, May 3rd – 26th
Known for its “pioneering spirit and experimental reputation,” Brighton festival started in 1967 and now draws artists and audiences from across the world as one of Europe’s leading arts festivals, and the largest in the UK., and has previously attracted theater performances by such luminaries as Sir Laurence Olivier and Sir Anthony Hopkins. It’s pretty hip. This year’s guest director is Anoushka Shankar, daughter of the late great maestro Ravi, and half-sister of Norah Jones.
There’s an enormous line up with all kinds of music from dance to The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, theater and circus performances, comedy, and parades, all scheduled across Brighton. Seriously something for everyone.
Frieze New York
The Shed, Wednesday, May 7th – 11th, 2025
Frieze week returns with five days of spectacular art fair at The Shed in Manhattan, showcasing contemporary artists from more than 65 of the world’s leading galleries. Since its inauguration in 2012, art galleries, artists, and collectors from all over the world have gathered.
Throughout Frieze Week, an expansive program of special events and activities will take place across New York art spaces, including the run of several landmark shows, including ‘Rashid Johnson: A Poem for Deep Thinkers’ at Guggenheim New York; ‘Amy Sherald: American Sublime’ at the Whitney Museum of American Art; ‘Torkwase Dyson: Akua’ at Public Art Fund, ‘Hilma af Klint: What Stands Behind the Flowers’ at MoMA, and ‘Sandra Poulson’ at MoMA PS1.
Did I say it’s relaxing..?
Buy tickets at Frieze.com
Ibiza Medieval Fair
Ibiza, Spain, May 8th – 11th
Best known for its stunning beaches and wild party scene, you can experience the Bohemian vibe of Ibiza before the insanity of peak beach/party season hits and the Ibiza Medieval Fair is a wonderful way to do it. From May 8th the islands historic streets are transformed into a mediaeval wonderland with artisan markets, costumed performers, jousting tournaments, and live music. This immersive festival brings the island’s rich history to life, making it a great alternative for travelers looking for a side of Ibiza beyond beach clubs.
A week later, the GO Ibiza 2025 Festival (May 15-18, 2025) welcomes four days of sun-soaked music events, pool parties, and beachside DJ sets, attracting electronic music lovers from across the globe.
You can stay tucked away in the rolling hills at Aguamadera, an intimate agrotourism retreat, offering a tranquil escape while still being close to the island’s festival hotspots. The restored 19th-century finca combines traditional Spanish design with modern luxury, featuring seven suites, organic gardens, a central pool, and a wood-fire kitchen serving sustainable, locally sourced cuisine.
The Cincinnati May Festival
Cincinnati, May 16th – 24th
This is an annual choral festival held every May. Happening since 1873 it’s the oldest choral festival in the western hemisphere. You didn’t know that this morning!
Imagine in 1931 when maybe the largest work in the repertoire, Mahler’s Symphony No. 8, often called The Symphony of a Thousand, received a then-rare performance at the festival with a chorus of 900, a massive orchestra, and eight soloists. That’s what we’re talking about here.
Events this year run between May 16 – 24 opening with Verdi’s Requiem with choral ensembles featuring the May Festival Chorus and Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.
In a not-to-be-missed grand finale, 2025 Festival Director Renee Fleming, her performance inspired by her 2023 Grammy-Award winning album, will perform music by Handel, Nico Muhly, Björk and Lord of The Rings’ Howard Shore — all set against a backdrop of stunning film from the National Geographic Society, showcasing the turbulence and resilience of Mother Nature’s life.
Then Renée will perform her all-time favorites, joined by the May Festival Chorus and Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.
The Free Republic of Vienna Festival
Austria, May 16th – June 22nd
Iconic New York performance artist Laurie Anderson and Eurovision Song Contest winner Nicole will be opening the Vienna Festival on May 16 in a free event at Rathausplatz. The event attracts thousands of people and is broadcast around the world, so if you can’t make it there physically you can virtually visit. This year their message is V is for LoVe!
Commencing the following day, there will be five full weeks of dance, music, concerts, theater performances, shamanistic parties, DJ’s, and visual arts. 155 performances are set to be staged across 29 venues, covering everything from the classics to the avant-garde.
Laurie Anderson will also perform on May 19 at Orf Radiokulturhaus, with two more late night performances at Funkhaus 18th and 25th May. Willem Dafoe pops up in the program too. Just saying.
The grand opening and hundreds of other events are free of charge.
Program, information, tickets: www.festwochen.at
Cannes Film Festival
Cote d’Azur France, May 13th – 24th, 2025
It’s the 78th year of this iconic, sophisticated festival, but the good news is that even if you don’t have a film running in Cannes, if you don your ball gown or your tux you can still feel a part of the festivities. There are a few screenings where you don’t need an industry pass, and some are free.
Every evening it’s first-come, first-seated (in a deckchair in the sand), at Macé Plage (Mace Beach) at nightfall. It’s open air and free. Sometimes the odd strange random person like John Travolta shows up to announce a film.
Large screens are posted in various spots so that you can see what’s happening live on the red carpet. It’s a buzzy event.
Stay at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Antibes. If you can get in. And you can afford it.
The Chelsea Flower Show
The Royal Hospital, Chelsea, May 20th – 24th
The world’s most prestigious, and famous, flower show has been held in the grounds of The Royal Hospital in Chelsea since 1913. It’s set across eleven acres so walking shoes are recommended, as is smart attire. With long floral-patterned dresses in vogue, you can play camouflage with the flowers… Now you see me, now you don’t.
Tickets are highly sought after but are still available on their website here
Presented by The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and opening privately on Monday May 19th for The Royal Family. The following two days are Members and VIP days, prior to the general public days — Thursday 22 May through Saturday the 24th, which are packed! The sell-off of displays begins at 4pm on Saturday. The first wounded are carried out by about 4:15.
There are plenty of gourmet food options on site, as well as many options around Chelsea.
Monaco Grand Prix
Monte-Carlo, May 23rd – 25th 2025
Sunday May 25th marks the 82nd year of the world’s most famous and exciting Grand Prix in one of the most sumptuously luxurious places in the world. The big Formula-1 TAG Heuer event starts at 2pm. This may be a fun test for your new noise-canceling headphones. I recommend taking at least ear plugs, which won’t work by the way. Vibration baby.
Twisting around the streets of the municipality of Monte-Carlo, it’s the tightest and therefore slowest course in the world, and one where the drivers need the most precision.
There’s a selection of suites with terraces available to view along the departure/finish line, starting at around 1490 Euros for the weekend including VIP gourmet service. Yacht packages are also available for around the same fee.
A seven-minute helicopter ride can transfer you from Nice airport.
Hay Festival
Hay-On-Wye, Wales UK, May 22nd – June 1st
This is the world’s most famous traveling book festival, held annually in one of the UK’s prettiest market towns on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park. At Hay Festival you’ll find over 600 events from workshops to enlightening talks with award-winning authors and global policy makers, alongside family-friendly entertainment, and plenty of music and comedy in the evenings. Billy Ocean, currently on tour performs on Friday, May 23. Vibes of good times.
James Corden pops up In Conversation the same evening. Yes, James Corden.
Red Rooster
Euston Hall, Suffolk, England, May 29 – May 31st
A great Rhythm and Blues and Country festival in England. Harry Grafton, the 12th Duke and owner of Euston Hall used to live in Nashville and tour with the Rolling Stones. Now back home and set at his idyllic estate built in 1666, he has been bringing the American deep south lifestyle to Suffolk with Red Rooster for over ten years, complete with gumbo, burgers, and wings that you can wash down with a moonshine cocktail.
Cantine Aperte – Open Cellars
Gavi, Italy, The last weekend of May
The picturesque region of Gavi in Piedmont is a haven for wine lovers and slow travelers, especially during May when vineyards begin to blossom under the spring sun. This region is famed for its biodynamic winemaking, producing some of Italy’s most prized Gavi DOCG wines.
Wine enthusiasts should know about this celebration of Italian winemaking. During the event, renowned vineyards open their doors for exclusive tastings, cellar tours, and immersive winemaking experiences. Visitors can sip on crisp Gavi whites while strolling through rolling vineyard landscapes, a real escape into Italy’s ecological heart.
Stay at La Raia, a biodynamic estate, with cuisine created by Tommaso Arrigoni, awarded MICHELIN Green Star 2025 (the star for sustainable practices). There’s an outdoor art foundation, biodynamic winery, a SPA, and a 12-room relais, Locanda La Raia, which is housed in a beautifully restored post office.