What to do in May 2026 Paris

May in Paris brings milder weather and a calendar full of cultural events. The city’s parks are transitioning into full spring bloom, making it a pleasant time to navigate different neighborhoods on foot. With several national holidays occurring this month, you will notice a relaxed pace alongside a steady schedule of festivals, outdoor markets, and exhibitions.

On 23 May, the city participates in the annual Museum Night (Nuit des Musées), when cultural institutions across Paris offer free entry late into the evening. You can explore venues like the Musée Gustave Moreau or the Musée de la Vie Romantique outside their usual daytime hours. It is advisable to arrive before 7:30 p.m. at major sites like the Opéra Garnier or Musée d’Orsay, as queues typically form as the night progresses.

Throughout the month, the Jazz Festival in Saint-Germain-des-Prés brings live performances to the Left Bank. Running closely around 11 to 18 May, musicians perform in exceptional local venues, including historic churches and squares that temporarily transform into musical stages. It is a well-established event that highlights both contemporary musical talent and the architectural heritage of the neighborhood.

If you are interested in the city’s historic architecture, the Night of Cathedrals 2026 on 9 May offers an opportunity to visit Notre-Dame de Paris at dusk. The cathedral will open its doors for an exceptional evening featuring guided tours, a recital, and quiet observation. To learn more about this area's past during the day, you can join our Welcome to Paris! Historic Centre Guided Walking Tour, which covers the history of Île de la Cité and the surrounding medieval sites along the Seine.

Whether you prefer late-night gallery visits or an afternoon listening to jazz, May offers many ways to experience the city's local culture. If you would like to delve deeper into Parisian history, consider exploring the vibrant streets of the Jewish Quarter with our Le Marais: Jewish Quarter & Parisian Chic Tour. Ready to explore the city on foot? Join one of our Walkative! tours in Paris and discover the capital with a knowledgeable local guide!

Date	Event	Category
May 15-18	Belleville Artists’ Open Studios Every spring, artists in Belleville open their studios to the public for four days, offering a major artistic event to meet artists, discover artworks, and explore the Belleville neighbourhood. It's an opportunity for art lovers and the curious to delve into various visual arts, from painting to sculpture.	🖼️ Exhibition	More details →
January 1 - May 24	Martin Parr: Global Warning Explore the provocative photography of British photographer Martin Parr, whose vibrant and tragicomic images examine climate change and consumerism. Experience how his distinctive ultrasaturated aesthetic challenges our perception of reality through this compelling retrospective.	🖼️ Exhibition	More details →
March 18 - July 19	Artists’ Faces: From Gustave Courbet to Annette Messager Explore portraits and self-portraits revealing the faces of artists from Gustave Courbet to Annette Messager in this temporary exhibition at Petit Palais. Delve into their personal and artistic identities.	🖼️ Exhibition	More details →
May 1-11	Foire de Paris Shop for housewares, garden items, crafts, and second-hand clothes among 1,250 exhibitors, while enjoying entertainment at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles.	🛍️ Market	More details →
May 1	La fête du Travail National holiday in FR	🎄 Holiday
May 8	Fête de la Victoire 1945 National holiday in FR	🎄 Holiday
May 9-9	Night of Cathedrals 2026 Notre-Dame de Paris opens its doors for the European Night of Cathedrals, offering an exceptional evening to discover the cathedral at dusk. The event features a spiritual and artistic journey including guided tours, Eucharistic adoration, and a recital by Brigitte Fossey.	🎪 Festival	More details →
May 11-24	Jazz Festival in Saint-Germain-des-Prés Paris Unique concerts in exceptional venues. Every year in May, the Jazz Festival in Saint-Germain-des-Prés Paris enlivens the most iconic places in Paris, transforming the district into a true musical stage.	🎪 Festival	More details →
May 12	The Neighbourhood at the Zénith de La Villette Catch The Neighbourhood's big comeback with songs from their new album (((((ultraSOUND))))), diving into atmospheric indie rock during their world tour stop at the Zénith.	🎵 Concert	More details →
May 14-16	Supersonic Block Party Dive into indie and rock music with a younger crowd at this energetic block party. Enjoy live performances and the vibrant street atmosphere.	🎪 Festival	More details →
May 14	L'Ascension National holiday in FR	🎄 Holiday
May 18-24	Saint-Germain-des-Prés Jazz Festival An established jazz festival featuring performances in various historic venues and churches throughout the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood.	🎪 Festival	More details →
May 20-21	Oberkampf Music Festival Immerse yourself in vibrant music across venues like Nouveau Casino and Quartier Général, discovering diverse live acts in Paris's Oberkampf district over two days.	🎪 Festival	More details →
May 23	Museum Night Explore dozens of museums staying open free of charge until late in the evening, including Musée Gustave Moreau and Musée de la Vie Romantique. Arrive before 7:30 p.m. at popular venues like Opéra Garnier or Musée d’Orsay to avoid long queues after 9 p.m.	🖼️ Exhibition	More details →
May 23	Museum Night (Nuit des Musées) Cultural institutions across the city offer free late-night entry, special tours, and unique activities.	📅 Other	More details →
May 24-25	Printemps des Rues Discover street art performances and installations in the 10th, 18th, and 19th arrondissements. Immerse yourself in urban creativity and local artistic expressions.	🎪 Festival	More details →
May 24	Pentecôte National holiday in FR	🎄 Holiday
May 25	Mummies Dive into the final days of this major exhibition combining science, archaeology, and global funerary practices at the Musée de l’Homme in Trocadéro. Catch it before it closes on 25 May, reachable by metro line 6.	🖼️ Exhibition	More details →
May 25-31	Paris Beer Festival Sample nearly 200 craft beers from over 60 breweries, enjoy tastings, food pairings, concerts, and DJ sets during this immersive celebration at Ground Control and across Île-de-France.	🎪 Festival	More details →
May 28 - June 23	Saint-Denis Festival Experience classical and contemporary music concerts by French and international orchestras in the Basilica of Saint-Denis and nearby venues, with family events and giant screen broadcasts.	🎪 Festival	More details →
May 31	Fête des Mères National holiday in FR	🎄 Holiday
May 31	Paris Churches Tour 2026 Discover Paris's religious heritage on a 10 km race or 5 km walk, finishing triumphantly at Sacré-Cœur in Montmartre.	⚽ Sport	More details →