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What to do in Paris in May? 8 events you shouldn't miss!

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The Editor

© Jagoda Bartus, le Bonbon.

A space full of love, food markets, festivals, you name it… In May, a beautiful series of events takes place in your favorite art and culture venues. Here are 10 dates you absolutely can’t miss.


Let’s be enchanted by the performances of the International Choreographic Encounters in Saint-Denis

From May 11 to June 13, Seine-Saint-Denis is the beating heart of contemporary dance with its International Choreographic Encounters, a committed festival showcasing the works of dozens of internationally renowned artists, offering a sensitive and poetic perspective on our ever-evolving world. The event embraces openness, connection, the crossing of experiences, and the diversity of aesthetics and stories, to amplify voices from afar. Together, the projects create a sensitive and political map of the present, where dancing acts as a space for experimentation, tension, and transformation.

International Choreographic Encounters of Saint-Denis
From May 11 to June 13, 2026
More info


Let's enjoy a musical stroll in Bastille with the Supersonic's Block Party!

After three successful editions around the Supersonic, the Block Party festival is back and taking over the entire Bastille neighborhood. What's on the agenda? Three days of music and discoveries, featuring the best bands from the international indie scene, playing in a dozen different venues. The POPUP!, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, Badaboum, Les Disquaires, La Seine Café, Chante!, and of course, Supersonic Records and Supersonic Club… they will all be part of the fun! It’s a great chance to (re)discover one of the liveliest neighborhoods in Paris through an exciting cultural journey, and of course, lots of concerts to enjoy!

Supersonic's Block Party
From May 14 to May 16, 2026
More info


We're celebrating LGBTQIA+ communities with the Love Ball at the Place de la Bastille 

Created in 2023, to mark the tenth anniversary of Marriage for Everyone, the Love Ball is back for its fourth edition on Friday, May 15 at the Place de la Bastille. This is an event to remind us that love knows no norms or gender, open to all and free, for LGBTQIA+ communities and their allies, married couples, families, young folks, seniors… Here, under the July Column, we celebrate love on a giant dance floor, just two days before the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia, slated for May 17. 

Ball of Love
Bastille Square – 4th Arrondissement
Friday, May 15, 2026
More info


We’re blending sports, performing arts, and contemporary art at the Jogging Festival at Carreau du Temple 

In the iconic Hall of Carreau du Temple, the 6th edition of the Jogging Festival explores the intersections of three disciplines: sports, live performance, and contemporary art. For four days, the 1,800 m² of the grand Hall will welcome shows that challenge and twist sports codes, a roller dance party, a wild pool party, sports classes (cardio rave, jump rope, cardio boxing, dance body sculpting…), participatory workshops, contemporary art installations… In short, a program that invites creativity and self-improvement.

Jogging Festival
Le Carreau du Temple
4, rue Eugène Spuller – 3rd
From Thursday, May 21 to Sunday, May 24, 2026
More info and schedule


Celebrating the Goutte d'Or neighborhood with the Magic Barbès Festival

The Magic Barbès Festival is back from May 27 to 31! Its mission is to shine a light on the Goutte d'Or neighborhood, its positive initiatives, and its wonderful people. This multidisciplinary and collaborative festival shares the magic of the 18th district through five days of celebration and togetherness, in the heart of the places that bring life to the neighborhood. From FGO-Barbara to the Lavoir Moderne Parisien, including Boris Vian Square and the Institute of Islamic Cultures, enjoy concerts, exhibitions, workshops, jam sessions, screenings, discussions, theater, and even shared meals and women's football matches.

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Festival Magic Barbès
From May 27 to 31, 2026
More info


Let's have some grilled goodies at the special barbecue Food Market

Bring out the merguez and chorizo, the true star of the next Food Market is the barbecue, and we’re not complaining! After all, what could be better than a delicious grill to celebrate spring? Join us on May 28 on Boulevard de Belleville to fill our bellies with this fiery edition, full of smoky flavors and the warmth of the coals.

The Food Market BBQ
Thursday, May 28, 2026, from 6 PM to 10:30 PM
More info


We’re hosting a big table for food lovers in the heart of Pigalle!

This is THE gathering for food enthusiasts in Paris. Following a successful first edition in 2025, The Great Table is back in Pigalle for another edition filled with the spirit of dolce vita and Frenchy delights. Imagine: a huge table set up right on the street, all brought to life by iconic spots in the neighborhood, including Bouillon Pigalle, Pink Mamma, and La Machine du Moulin Rouge. On May 29th, Pigalle will be the place to be, with a XXL neighborly celebration that warms hearts and tantalizes taste buds!

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The Big Table
Duperré Street – 9th
Friday, May 29, 2026, from 6 PM to 10 PM


Talking feminism and queerness at the Fem'Artistik Festival

Fem'Artistik, an association that organizes cultural events and produces creations by feminist and queer artists, is setting up shop at Point Ephémère for its Fem'Artistik queer cinema and dance festival. What’s on the agenda for Saturday, May 30? Short film screenings, dance performances, choreographies, a drag king show, inclusive bachata dance workshops, discussion circles, association stands, and a DJ set from the Go Gouine collective to wrap up the day beautifully.

Fem'Artistik Festival - Queer Film and Dance
Point Ephémère
Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 3 PM to 2 AM
More info