From equestrian pageantry to design innovation and high-octane thrills, May 2025 is bursting with global experiences that blend sport, culture, creativity, and natural wonder. Whether you’re looking to feast your eyes on tulips or architecture, feel the thunder of race cars, or sip limited-edition whisky, there’s a destination calling.
The Kentucky Derby: Where tradition meets speed
Louisville, Kentucky, USA:
There’s nothing quite like the visceral thrill of horse racing when experienced in person, and the Kentucky Derby remains the crown jewel of American equestrian sport. Nicknamed “the most exciting two minutes in sports,” the event at Churchill Downs returns with 19 contenders and its signature cocktail of pageantry, hats, and heart-pounding action. For many, the Derby isn’t just about the race—it’s about the experience.
And when in Kentucky, bourbon is non-negotiable. Headline sponsor Woodford Reserve ensures this smooth Southern staple flows freely throughout the weekend. The Derby’s blend of high society flair and classic Americana makes it a must-see for sport and culture lovers alike.
Mediterranean Yacht Show: Luxury by the sea
Nafplion, Greece:
The Mediterranean Yacht Show returns for its 10th year, anchoring once again in the scenic harbor of Nafplion. A showcase of oceanic opulence, the event brings together over 760 yachting professionals from more than 30 countries, each vying to impress with vessels no shorter than 24 meters. Think floating mansions, helipads, and sun-soaked decks—all set against Greece’s picturesque Peloponnesian backdrop.
It’s not all glitz. The event also fosters serious dialogue around chartering trends, sustainability, and innovation in maritime design. But let’s be honest—the real stars are the yachts themselves, gleaming monuments to engineering and indulgence.
IndieLisboa: Big Stories, Small Budgets
Lisbon, Portugal:
Ahead of Cannes, Lisbon’s IndieLisboa film festival proves that independent cinema continues to break new ground. With 238 titles spanning drama, animation, documentaries, and shorts, the 2025 lineup is a testament to global storytelling unfettered by studio constraints.
The festival doesn’t just screen films—it sparks conversations. Aspiring filmmakers, critics, and cinephiles flock to Lisbon for panels, networking, and street-side debates over espresso. It’s a reminder that some of cinema’s boldest innovations often emerge far from the red carpet.
Canadian Tulip Festival: Petal power
Ottawa, Ontario:
May brings a floral invasion to Canada’s capital. Over one million tulips bloom in Ottawa and nearby Gatineau, painting the city in hues that would make a Renaissance painter blush. The festival, born from a post-WWII gift of 100,000 tulip bulbs from the Dutch royal family, continues to thrive as a symbol of international friendship.
Events include guided and self-guided tours, gardening talks, film screenings, and a popular tulip bulb market. More than a visual feast, it’s a living tribute to history, horticulture, and community spirit.
Kyotographie: Frames within a frame
Kyoto, Japan:
Kyoto’s famed cherry blossoms may be fading, but Kyotographie steps in to offer another kind of visual delight. Since its founding in 2013, this international photography festival has transformed temples, townhouses, and industrial spaces into immersive galleries.
Whether showcasing avant-garde photojournalism or timeless portraiture, Kyotographie acts as a cultural bridge—connecting East and West, tradition and innovation, image and interpretation. Expect new discoveries in every frame.
Design Week Melbourne: Urban imagination
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia:
Melbourne’s Design Week pulses with creativity, from public installations to curated walking tours and the acclaimed Art Book Fair. Hosted across seven major venues, including the Melbourne School of Design, the program reaffirms the city’s global standing as a design and literary powerhouse.
Venture a bit further to nearby Ballarat and discover a burgeoning scene of artisanal talent. The mix of contemporary flair and heritage craftsmanship makes this an enriching detour for design lovers.
World Whisky Day: A dram with a twist
Global:
Every day might be whisky day for aficionados, but May 17 offers an official excuse to indulge. This year, the spotlight turns to Glenrothes, which celebrates with an ultra-limited release: Glenrothes 51. Only 100 bottles exist, each aged for 51 years and sealed in a Jesmonite case that must be shattered to open.
Buyers receive more than just a dram—they’re invited to send the broken case to a Japanese kintsugi artist, who will repair it with gold, turning destruction into art. It’s a fitting metaphor for the craft and ceremony behind great whisky.
PGA Championship: Precision meets pressure
Charlotte, North Carolina, USA:
One of golf’s grandest stages, the PGA Championship lands in Charlotte this year at the renowned Quail Hollow Club. The 2025 edition is especially buzzworthy, following Rory McIlroy’s Masters win and a stacked leaderboard featuring Bryson DeChambeau, Viktor Hovland, and Xander Schauffele.
More than 200,000 fans are expected to attend, drawn by the beautiful course, fierce competition, and a rare opportunity to see golf’s best under pressure. It’s not just a tournament—it’s a test of nerves and a celebration of finesse.
Biennale Architettura: Ideas in structure
Venice, Italy:
This May, Venice becomes the epicenter of architectural exploration with the launch of the Biennale Architettura. Curated by Carlo Ratti, this edition revolves around the theme Intelligens. Natural. Artificial. Collective.—a timely interrogation of how built environments intersect with artificial intelligence and sustainability.
Expect a cerebral feast: provocative pavilions, thought-leading lectures, and a continual dialogue between past grandeur and future visions. For six months, Venice’s beauty is matched only by its brainpower.
Monaco Grand Prix: Roar on the riviera
Monte Carlo, Monaco:
No event blends luxury, adrenaline, and legacy like the Monaco Grand Prix. The tight, twisting streets of Monte Carlo host F1’s most glamorous race, and in 2025, all eyes will be on Lewis Hamilton as he debuts in Ferrari red. With eight new drivers joining the fray, the stakes—and the noise—are higher than ever.
Champagne flows, yachts bob in the harbor, and engines scream through the narrow track. It’s more than a race—it’s a spectacle, a party, and a pilgrimage for motorsport enthusiasts.
May’s global mosaic
From floral reveries in Canada to futuristic visions in Italy, May 2025 invites travelers to savor the richness of human creativity and natural wonder. Whether you’re navigating Mediterranean harbors or cheering at an iconic race, this is the month to go somewhere extraordinary.
