2023 is nearing its halfway point and it's not showing any signs of slowing down. This rings true in Paris as it does anywhere else. The past few months have been busy, to say the least, and May 2023 looks to be no exception. Next month, the French capital will see different international artists perform live, celebrate Mother's Day, host the Saint Germain des Prés Jazz Festival, and hold its annual Spring Street Festival. With so much to look forward to, you might want to consider traveling to Paris by then. Or if you're already in Paris, don't leave and have the time of your life!
International Artists Live in Paris
To say that Paris has an awesome lineup this May 2023 is an understatement! Some of the biggest names in the music industry are slated to take over the most prominent stages in the French capital. It all starts with Roger Waters from Pink Floyd who will perform live at the AccorHotels Arena in the
12th arrondissement from May 3 to 4, 2023. English rock band, the Arctic Monkeys, will then follow suit in the same venue on May 9 to 10. Followed by the Grammy Award-winning Sam Smith on May 13 and Peter Gabriel on May 23. But the biggest artist is definitely Beyoncé, who will take to the stage at State de France on May 16.
Fête du Travail (May 1)
The month of May brings about two major international holidays. The first one is “
Fête du Travail” or Labor Day which is on May 1st. Celebrated around the world as a day to commemorate all workers, it's all about letting people take a break to rest, relax, and rejuvenate. And while the entire world celebrates it, it's still a pretty noteworthy event in the city of Paris. The French capital is an important business and financial hub, after all, with millions of people working here. On May 1st, you'll find that countless places in the city have remained closed or will close early.
Victory in Europe Day (May 8)
May 8 also brings about another
important holiday in France—Victory in Europe Day! It commemorates the day that Germany officially surrendered to the Allied Forces during the Second World War. Though Europe has been involved in countless conflicts, it was World War II that really devastated the continent as a whole. As a result, May 8, 1945, which was the day that the Allied Forces officially accepted Germany's surrender, is widely regarded as the end of the war. In Paris today, the holiday is celebrated by a grand ceremony in the Arc de Triomphe. Just like on
Bastille Day, top officials (often the President) would place a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Paris Beer Festival (May 8 to 14)
Now for something a lot more fun! May 8, 2023, also marks the beginning of the Paris Beer Festival. Although wine is the more common beverage of choice among Parisians, that hasn't stopped the local breweries from serving up such high-quality craft beer. And from May 8 to 14, 2023, the city of Paris gets to enjoy them as much as it wants. All throughout th eastern
arrondissements of Paris, local bars and breweries hold all sorts of events in the name of the Paris Beer Festival. These include mini-concerts, parties, discussions, and of course, samplings. You won't want to miss it!
Saint Germain des Prés Jazz Festival (May 10 to 17)
Beer isn't the only thing you can enjoy in Paris this May 2023! Next month, the French capital will also host its annual Saint Germain des Prés Jazz Festival. Throughout the entire
Saint-Germain-des-Près district, you can enjoy the sound of jazz as much as you want. Various jazz clubs, bars, and other hotspots will hold their own big and small events, ranging from mini-concerts to even a few dance parties. The festival will also set the stage for respected artists and up-and-coming names in the genre to play together and lay down the beats.
La Nuit des Musées (May 13)
Everyone knows that Paris is a treasure trove of amazing museums, right? From world-famous galleries to unique and downright weird attractions, you can't get enough of them in this city. And for one night in the entire year, these museums stay open and let you get in for free. And year, La Nuit des Musées (Night at the Museums) will take place on May 13, 2023. Just as it says, the event allows visitors to check out some of the most famous
museums in Paris late at night and without an admission fee. It's a rare chance that you definitely wouldn't want to miss!
French Bread Festival (May 13 to 21)
Apart from art, Paris is also well-known and beloved for its food. Not the least of which is bread. You already know about the iconic
baguette bread, right? Well, from May 13 to 21, 2023, you can stuff your face with it at the Notre Dame Cathedral! Throughout this week, the public square in front of the iconic church will host its
Fête du Pain (French Bread Festival). More than just baking bread, various bakeries and patisseries offer a sneak peek into how they bake this famous bread. Not to mention give away samples of their freshly-baked products too!
Spring Street Festival (May 27 to 28)
Finally, don't miss the Spring Street Festival in Paris this May 2023. From the 27th to the 28th, various arrondissements in Paris, namely those near Canal Saint-Martin, will host all sorts of exhibitions. Ranging from graffiti street art to public theater performances, it's a good chance to see the city's contemporary art scene in full. Practically all who will participate here are emerging artists or up-and-coming creatives out to make a name for themselves. And while there might be a few established names here and there, Spring Street Festival is all about the newest names in the industry!
Paris will definitely be a lot of fun this May 2023. From fun festivals to an exciting night at the museums, there's a lot to look forward to next month. You'd do well to travel to the French capital by then!
