Planning a trip to Bordeaux this May? Or just looking for fun ways to enjoy the region as the sunny season begins? I’ve rounded up the best events and ideas for things to do in Bordeaux and beyond throughout May 2026.
If it’s your first time here, don’t miss my guide to the 50 best things to do in Bordeaux and my Bordeaux district guide—especially handy if you’re still figuring out where to stay.
And if you’re up for exploring at your own pace, check out my self-guided audio tours and Bordeaux map, designed to help you dive deeper into the region’s culture, history, and hidden gems.
Now, let’s see what May has in store for us in Bordeaux and Southwest France!
The best events in Bordeaux (and Gironde) in May 2026
Open doors in Saint-Emilion
From May 1-3, Saint-Émilion invites you to a special open-door weekend, where dozens of wine producers will welcome visitors into their châteaux. Expect a weekend filled with wine tastings, guided tours, fun activities for kids, and even scenic bike rides through the vineyards. The full program, including participating châteaux and scheduled activities, will be published here soon—stay tuned! 🍇✨
You can also plan your trip to this wine region with my detailed guide to Saint Emilion. For more open-door events in theBordeaux wine region click here.
La Plage aux Écrivains
On May 2-3, writers and avid readers will meet in Arcachon for the annual literature festival, Plage aux Ecrivains. For more details and the full list of writers taking part in the event, click here.
Matisse – Bassins de Lumières
One of the best things you can do in Bordeaux this March is see this amazing exhibition! Bassins de Lumières unveiled its new immersive exhibition dedicated to Henri Matisse.
This colorful show explores his bold use of colour, movement, and rhythm, projected across the monumental space and water reflections. The visit also includes a shorter immersive programme around Frida Kahlo.
Here’s a link to get your tickets.
Bordeaux’s Big Brocante is Back! 🏺✨
Twice a year, Place des Quinconces transforms into a treasure hunter’s paradise with 200 antique dealers, horticulturists, craftsmen, and pop-up restaurants. This is the largest brocante in the region, offering everything from vintage home décor and paintings to antique furniture and garden accessories.📅 April 24 – May 10 – For more details and the list of exhibitors, click here!
Go on a wine trip in Medoc
May is probably one of the best months to do the Route des Chateaux in Medoc, a magnificent wine trail, which combines nature, history, and culture on one beautiful road.
You can do it as a day trip from Bordeaux and visit wineries located not far from the city. Here are a few I can recommend: Chateau d’Arsac, (book a visit here), the charming family-run Chateau Siran (book a visit here), and Chateau Kirwan (book a visit here).
Tous À L’opéra
The Opera of Bordeaux invites you to its annual event on May 9. The program includes public rehearsals, performances, workshops for kids, and more. Some of the activities require prior reservation. You can find all the info here.
Tauzia Fête les Jardins
Tauzia is a gardening festival that takes place on May 9-10 at the Tauzia chateau in Gradignan. The popular event brings together more than 80 exhibitors specialized in the world of plants: plant producers, landscape designers, and artists. See more details here.
Open doors in the Côtes de Bourg appellation
Less famous than Saint-Émilion or Médoc, but just as delightful—Côtes de Bourg is a hidden gem in the Bordeaux wine region. Each year, Ô Chais invites wine lovers to explore its châteaux, meet passionate winemakers, and, of course, taste some fantastic wines.
📅 May 9-10 – Find all the details here! And if you’re looking for more open-door events, check out my article on all the Portes Ouvertes in Bordeaux’s wineries. 🍇
Mysteria Festival 🔮✨
From May 9-10, La Réole transforms into a magical world of crafts, troubadours, and nonstop entertainment! With 100+ exhibitors, lively animations, conferences, and a big Saturday night concert, it’s a weekend full of wonder. See details here.
Le Mai talençais
Talence will host its annual event Le Mai Talençais on May 8-16. The event takes place in Park Peixotto and the program includes concerts, a creators’ market, activities for kids and more. For more details, click here.
Cloître des Cordeliers – Summer Weekends
One of my favorite recurring summer events in Saint-Émilion takes place at the Cloître des Cordeliers.
On Fridays, it’s live jazz with food trucks from 19:30 to 23:00. You can eat, have a drink, and enjoy the music in a relaxed setting. On Saturdays, it switches to DJ sets from 18:00 to 23:00, with a more apéro-style atmosphere as the sun goes down. No reservation needed, just come and enjoy.
The events usually start around mid-May and continue through the summer. See more info here.
Brunch Electronik Bordeaux
On May 23-24, Brunch Electronik lands in Bordeaux for the first time! Expect big-name DJs, an epic vibe on Place des Quinconces, food trucks, local creators, and even a family zone in the afternoon. Music, dancing, and good energy—all weekend long, right before the Monday holiday. More info here.
European Museums Night
On May 23, some of the best museums and cultural establishments in Bordeaux will open their doors to the public with free exhibitions and activities. Besides exhibitions, the museums will host lots of kid-friendly activities, concerts, and more. See the full list of museums and events here.
Discover the best museums to visit in Bordeaux in my article.
Bordeaux Tango Festival 💃🎶
From May 22-27, Bordeaux heats up with the rhythm of Buenos Aires! The Bordeaux Tango Festival celebrates the deep connection between the two cities with a vibrant mix of dance, music, art, literature, and even food. Check out the full program here!
Millesime Electronic Music Festival
Festival Millesime will take place on May 22-23 in La Réole (about an hour’s drive from Bordeaux). This is a great event for electronic music lovers who want to enjoy a good lineup without leaving the region.
La Reole is a charming village located on the banks of the Garonne River, which is where the festival will take place. See more info here.
Picnic in the Vineyards
What’s better than a picnic? A picnic in the vineyards! 🌿✨ Once a year, wineries across France (including Bordeaux) open their doors for Pique-Nique chez les Vignerons, letting you enjoy your own picnic surrounded by stunning vineyards. The châteaux provide the wine and entertainment!
📅 May 23-25 – Spots are limited, so booking is recommended. Check out the map to find a participating estate near you!
Escale du mois de la danse
On May 23-24,Lège-Cap Ferret celebrates dance in all its forms—ballet, workshops, conferences, and master classes for dance lovers. 💃✨ See the full program here!
Festvial Faites des bulles
Faites des Bulles is a comics and illustration festival taking place every year in Floirac, one of Bordeaux’s suburbs. The program includes exhibitions, concerts, storytelling, and more. The event will take place on May 23-24. See all the info here.
Bordeaux Geek Festival 🎮🚀
Comics, sci-fi, video games, and more—Bordeaux Geek Festival (BGF) is back on May 23-24 at Parc des Expositions! This event brings together gamers, artists, designers, authors, and creators to celebrate all things geek. For details and tickets, click here!
Fête de la Nature
Terres d’Oiseaux, the beautiful nature reserve, located on the banks of the Gironde estuary, invites you to a weekend of nature celebration. The event will take place on May 23-24, see more details here.
Festival Echappée Belle in Blanquefort
The Echappée Belle festival is a great entertaining event for the whole family, merging theater, dance, circus, and other art forms. The festival will take place on May 28-31 at Parc de Fongravey. See the entire program here.
Foire internationale de Bordeaux
The big fair of Bordeaux is going to take place on May 22 -31 at le Parc des Expositions. The 102nd edition of the fair will host many events and exhibitions related to gastronomy and art de vivre. See more details here.
The pride parade
The Pride Parade of Bordeaux will take place on May 30, starting from Place des Quinconces. See more details and updates here.
Festival Philosophia
The annual philosophy festival of Saint Emilion is taking place on May 29-31. See the full program here.
Big events in other parts of the SW of France
La Fête de la Fraise 🍓
Every spring, the town of Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne turns red for La Fête de la Fraise! This delicious festival celebrates the local strawberry harvest with tastings, a giant strawberry tart, market stalls, and fun activities for all ages. A sweet day out in the Dordogne Valley! This year the event takes place on May 10 – see info here.
See more events taking place in Dordogne in my article about the festivals of Dordogne.
Les Floralies – Flowers weekend
On the weekend of May 9-10, you can also visit Saint-Jean-de-Cole, one of Dordogne’s most beautiful villages where a big flower fair is about to take place. See more details here.
Jazz en Comminges
This Jazz festival takes place every year in Saint Gaudens, a little town in the Haute Garonne department (near Toulouse). The event is taking place on May 13-17 , see all the info here.
Discover other festivals in the Toulouse region in my article.
Les Sables Électroniques 🎶🌊
From May 29-31, dive into an electronic music experience on the stunning Plage des Vergnes in Meschers-sur-Gironde! Expect eclectic beats, breathtaking scenery, and unique activities—brunch, talks, masterclasses, and more. A festival where music meets nature! – get tickets here.
Is it your first time in Bordeaux?
If it is you should definitely check out my ultimate guide to Bordeaux to get familiar with all the must-see places in the city. To help you choose a hotel I’ve gathered a list of the best hotels in the center of Bordeaux as well as a guide to the districts of Bordeaux to help you find your preferred AirBnB location.
You can also get plenty of tips on things to do in the Southwest of France via lost in Bordeaux’s social media accounts and email list, check them out here:
