As the weather gets warmer and the days grow longer, there’s all the more reason to find out what’s happening and get out of the house. Our wonderful locals have recommended a bunch of events not to be missed this May.

Attend Amazing Music Events

MyFest in Kreuzberg, Berlin (May 1)

MyFest is Berlin’s equivalent of Labour Day. With various live music performances and a general festive spirit, it’s definitely a great place to spend May 1st. The best part is that it’s free!

XJAZZ – Berlin Jazz Festival (May 8–11)

This festival features jazz bands and projects that have a connection with Berlin. Jazz is presented in a contemporary and innovative way. Performances and concerts take place at various venues that are all within walking distance of each other.

Reykjavík Music Mess (May 24–26)

This is an independent music festival that takes place in the heart of Reykjavík. This year’s line-up includes artists and bands from Iceland, Australia and the UK. Venues include Kex Hostel and Volta. A 3-day pass costs around €30.

Photo credit: Bernard McManus

Rock in Rio in Lisbon (May 31–June 1)

Rock in Rio is the most important international Brazilian music festival in the world. In addition to offering an amazing and diverse programme of concerts, the festival addresses issues including sustainability and environmental responsibility. The line-up is more than impressive.

The Marvellous Island Festival in Paris (May 7–10)

Now in its second year, this open-air festival merges magical wonderment with electronic beats on a secret Parisian island, injecting some colour into grey everyday life.

Piknic Electronik in Montreal (May 19–September 22)

Each Sunday in summer, Montreal locals gather at Parc Jean Drapeau to enjoy this outdoor electronic music festival. Inspired by Barcelona’s festival of the same name, it’s a great event that transitions easily from day to night. Expect local and international musical talents, a dance floor, picnic spots for eating and drinking, and a great view of Montreal from the water.

Enjoy Culture & Art in Various Forms

Stroke Art Fair in Munich (April 30–May 4)

The Stroke Art Fair presents affordable works by young and emerging artists. Besides conventional art, expect to see digital, street and comic art. This is where the traditional meets the contemporary.

Photo credit: asthetics of crisis

European Night of Museums in Paris (May 18)

For one night only, museums across France and Europe will keep their doors open until 1 am. Admission is free at most places. Bring your friends or family (or both) and take advantage of this great opportunity.

Gallery Weekend in Berlin (May 2–4)

On the first weekend of May the streets of Berlin will be filled with art and culture. The programme includes tours, film screenings, musical performances, various installations and much more. Many local and international artists will get the chance to showcase their talent and work.

Berlin Biennale for Contemporary Art (May 29–August 3)

The Biennale is a comprehensive event that highlights and showcases contemporary art in Berlin. It only takes place every other year and the locations are constantly changing. There will be lectures, workshops, film screenings, tours, presentations and more.

Reykjavík Art Festival (May 22–June 5)

This annual art festival presents both classic and contemporary works, with a special focus on new commissions. The festival tries to cater to as many different interests as possible. The locations are scattered throughout the city and often include unusual and intriguing venues.

Photo credit: Helgi Halldorsson

KGB Building Opening (May 1–October 31)

Riga was named the European Capital of Culture for 2014. As part of the project, the former KGB building will open its doors to the public. Visitors can see prison cells in the basement and several themed exhibitions. Guided tours are also available.

Out of the Blue Drill Hall 20th Birthday in Edinburgh (April 27–May 3)

Out of the Blue Drill Hall has been a cultural centre in Edinburgh since 1994. This year it will celebrate its 20th birthday with a fun programme of events including live music, films, exhibitions and performances.

International Book Fair in Turin (May 8–12)

Anyone even slightly interested in literature should definitely not miss this event. There will be over one thousand publishers present, and hundreds of discussions, presentations, workshops, debates and readings.

Indie Festival in Lisbon (April 24–May 5)

Here you can see independent films from all over the world. The intention is to enable the work of unknown industry newcomers to be seen, and to encourage independent filmmaking and creativity.

Interplay in Turin (May 21–June 7)

It seems that Turin loves to dance! Interplay is a festival that turns Turin into the capital of dance with performances both in theatres and urban spaces. The programme presents the public with a selection of the most interesting new shows from the national and international performance scene.

Discover Local Traditions

Auer Dult in Munich (April 26–May 4)

This centuries old traditional fair is an event that every Bavarian looks forward to. It takes place three times a year: in May, July and October. Besides being a folk festival with entertainment for young and old, Auer Dult is also known as the biggest market for tableware and crockery.

Photo credit: Stadtneurotiker

The Festival of the Sea in Reykjavík (May 31–June 1)

This family friendly festival reminds people how important the sea is to Iceland’s history, economy and culture. A diverse programme of events takes place from Saturday morning until Sunday afternoon at Grandagarður, Reykjavík´s West Harbour. Some of the highlights include airplane stunts, a bottled-message factory and an ocean rescue demonstration.

Tradfest in Edinburgh (April 29–May 11)

This is Edinburgh’s only multi-arts festival dedicated to Scottish culture as well as traditional, Gaelic and folk arts. The versatile and entertaining programme includes music, theatre, tours, storytelling sessions and much more. Many events are free of charge.

Legendfest in Zagreb (May 31–June 1)

This festival of myths and legends takes place just outside Zagreb in Lukavec castle, where witches were once trialled and burnt. This year the festival aims to revive mythical creatures called “moguts” – shape-shifters that commonly take the form of rough peasants.

Get Active!

Giro D’Italia in Dublin (May 11)

This world-famous cycling race brings together some of the best cyclists to compete for the title. Cheer on the competitors and enjoy the merry atmosphere. Also remember to dress in pink as it’s the official colour of Giro D’Italia.

Photo credit: girl_onthe_les

Bupa Great Manchester Run (May 18)

This 10-kilometre charity run is a national favourite. It doesn’t matter if you’re an experienced runner or a beginner, everyone is welcome to participate and contribute to a good cause. On Saturday May 17th there’s a pre-event – the Great CityGames which brings top class athletics to the streets.

City of Manchester 7′s (May 10)

This annual event is the largest sports and music festival in northern England. What an amazing idea – watch sports and listen to live music simultaneously! The festival includes rugby, lacrosse, netball, Gaelic football and hurling, and is accompanied by artists such as Noasis, The Dunwells, Rupert Stroud, City of Lights and more.

Other Fun & Interesting Events

Imaginate Festival in Edinburgh (May 5 –12)

The international festival of performing arts for children will be celebrating its 25th anniversary this May. The programme features dance and theatre in many different forms, and has something to offer the whole family.

 

Photo credit: travese.co.uk

Vintage Tallinn (May 11)

Now in its ninth year, this retro and vintage fair gives visitors a great overview of key local businesses in the industry. It will take place in the Flower Pavilion – a building erected in the 1960s that is still one of the most beautiful examples of Scandinavian modernism.

Spring Festival of Markets in Manchester (May 22–June 8)

At the end of May, St. Ann’s Square in Manchester will be transformed into a marketplace. Three different markets will be held in succession: The Vintage and Fashion Market (May 22–27), followed by a market for the North West’s best artisan producers (May 28–June 2) and lastly a showcase of Trinkets and Treasures (June 3–8).

Opening photo credit: Julius Reque