Top Destinations to Visit in May: Festivals and Cultural Highlights
Traveling in May offers perfect weather and vibrant festivals, ideal for immersing yourself in new cultures and historic cities. Our travel experts recommend these standout destinations.
From the bustling souks of Fez during a world sacred music festival to lively Nordic celebrations in Bergen, and beyond to rural Serbia and the ancient Silk Road, discover where to go this May.
Explore the Ancient Silk Road in Bukhara, Uzbekistan
Late spring is prime time for Uzbekistan, as blooming tulips and fruit-laden trees replace winter's chill. Bazaars burst with colorful spices and silks.
Bukhara, Central Asia's holiest city, thrived in the 9th-10th centuries as a hub of philosophy, religion, and poetry. Every May, the Silk and Spices Festival celebrates its heritage with parades, dances, music, handicraft demos, and a grand bazaar amid medieval decorations.
Spring temperatures approach 30°C, but ancient sites provide cool respite. Reflect in the 9th-century Maghoki-Attar Mosque, explore the 5th-century Ark fortress, then dine on Minzifa's roof terrace with panoramic views of Bukhara's iconic blue-domed landmarks.
Celebrate Constitution Day and Festivals in Bergen, Norway
May in Bergen means non-stop festivities in this charming Norwegian city.
On Syttende Mai (May 17), Constitution Day brings families in traditional bunader to wave flags, watch parades, and shout 'gratulerer med dagen!' Bryggen's UNESCO-listed wooden wharf adds magic. Follow with ice cream, waffles, and a Fløibanen funicular ride up Mt. Fløyen for stunning vistas—or hike in under an hour.
The Bergen International Festival (late May start) spans two weeks of world-class music, dance, opera, theater, and art—the Nordics' largest.
Experience Sacred Music at Fez Festival, Morocco
May's mild weather draws visitors to Morocco before summer crowds. The Fez Festival of World Sacred Music (fesfestival.com) unites global musicians, artists, and thinkers.
Running mid-May, it promotes music's power to heal and connect. Evening concerts at Bab al Makina's 14th-century courtyard feature international stars; free shows at Dar Tazi gardens, Boujloud Square, plus parties and exhibits at Batha Museum fill the 1,200-year-old medina.
Unwind in Serbia's Vojvodina Province
Vojvodina is a haven for slow travelers. Cycle the Danube Bike Trail, base in lively Novi Sad, stay at salaši farmsteads or manors, and savor fish at bohemian čarde taverns with live lute music.
Discover multicultural heritage in Subotica's art nouveau and Sirmium's Roman ruins. Visit naïve-art village Kovačica, avant-garde Muzej Macura (muzejmacura.com), Zobnatica stud farm, Carska Bara wetlands, or Fruška Gora's vineyards and monasteries amid endless Pannonian plains.
Festival Hop in Chicago, USA
May energizes Chicago with summer anticipation and outdoor festivals.
Chicago Beer Classic (chicagobeerclassic.com) at Soldier Field offers local brews and pretzel necklaces. Summer Camp Festival (summercampfestival.com) blends camping vibes with 100 bands over three days. Chicago Critics Film Festival (chicagocriticsfilmfestival.com) spotlights indie films indoors.
Comedy shines at Chicago Improv Festival (chicagoimprovfestival.org) and Second Annual 26th Annual Comedy Festival (26comedy.com) with improv, stand-up, films, and panels.
