Spring Travel: May Festivities Around the World

Spring has sprung, and with it comes a fresh burst of inspiration for travel enthusiasts worldwide. As May unfolds, the travel landscape blossoms with exciting events around the world, offering unique experiences and the opportunity to explore new destinations. Whether you’re craving culinary delights, musical rhythms, or simply the breathtaking sight of blooming flowers, there’s something for every traveler’s taste. Our curated list of the Top 10 Spring Travel Events offers a blend of relaxation, exploration, and cultural immersion to satisfy over 50’s travelers around the globe.

1. The French Open

• Where: Roland Garros Stadium, Paris, France
• When: May 20 – June 9, 2024

The prestigious French Open returns to Roland Garros, Paris, promising thrilling matches and memorable moments. Paris, renowned for its culture, cuisine, and beauty, offers the perfect backdrop for combining tennis with exploration. Tennis fans around the world can witness some fierce competition between the best of the best players, including Rafael Nadal, Iga Świątek, Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, and Simona Halep. With 20 courts, including three stadiums, attendees have the opportunity to watch matches featuring their favorite players across different settings.

Pro tip: consider opting for tickets on the South and West sides to avoid sun glares.

2. Madeira Flower Festival

• Where: Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
• When: May 2 – May 26, 2024

The Madeira Flower Festival takes place in Funchal, the capital city of Madeira, Portugal. Known for its stunning natural beauty, Funchal comes alive with colorful floral displays, parades, and celebrations during the Madeira Flower Festival. Its unique traditions and captivating moments such as the construction of the Wall of Hope, where children lovingly place flowers, and the creation of intricate flower carpets lining the streets, are not to be missed. The highlight of the festival, the Flower Festival Float Parade, features elaborately decorated floats and lively participants of all ages, bringing a sense of joy and festivity to the streets of Funchal, making it the perfect event for over 50’s travelers.

3. Knockengorroch Festival

• Where: Carsphairn, Kirkcudbright, United Kingdom
• When: May 23 – May 26, 2024

The Knockengorroch Festival, held in Scotland, promises an unforgettable experience for music and culture enthusiasts in 2024. Nestled in the Scottish countryside, this eclectic festival celebrates traditional and contemporary music from around the world, offering a vibrant tapestry of sounds and rhythms. Beyond the music, the festival also offers workshops, performances, and art installations, fostering a sense of community and creativity among participants. Over 50s travelers can connect with like-minded individuals and enjoy a sense of belonging within the festival community.

4. Chelsea Flower Show

• Where: Chelsea, London, United Kingdom
• When: May 21 – May 25, 2024

The Chelsea Flower Show, held annually in the UK, is a quintessential event for over 50s travelers, offering a delightful blend of horticultural excellence, garden design inspiration, and British heritage. The show features a diverse array of crafted gardens, each designed to inspire visitors with its creativity, ingenuity, and beauty. Set against the backdrop of the historic Royal Hospital Chelsea, the show offers a glimpse into British heritage and tradition. The Chelsea Flower Show also offers a wealth of educational resources, including talks, workshops, and demonstrations by leading experts in horticulture and garden design, allowing over 50s travelers to deepen their knowledge while engaging with like-minded enthusiasts.

5. Elkfest

• Where: Jackson, Wyoming, United States
• When: May 18, 2024

Elkfest offers a unique opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts and animal lovers to acquire one-of-a-kind elk antlers, naturally shed on the National Elk Refuge. The auction, known as the largest elk antler auction in the world, allows participants to bid on antlers by weight, with all proceeds going towards supporting local Scout programs. If you’re interested in experiencing more of Jackson’s spring events, you can also participate in shed antler hunting, which opens every year on May 1st. Elkfest’s combination of community engagement, and connection to nature can make it a memorable and enjoyable experience for over 50s travelers seeking something distinctive and meaningful this spring.

6. BottleRock

• Where: Napa Valley, California, United States
• When: May 24 – May 26, 2024

Every May, Napa undergoes a remarkable transformation into a haven of spring festivities, welcoming travelers of all ages to three days of endless live music, food, and fun. BottleRock offers a plethora of entertainment options, including art installations, interactive exhibits, and wellness activities. It’s impressive lineup of musicians, including Stevie Nicks and Ed Sheeran, spans various genres making it a great event for music lovers of all ages. The festival also embraces the culinary world, showcasing the talents of renowned chefs and local food vendors. For over 50s travelers who call themselves “foodies”, this festival offers a unique opportunity to savor an array of cuisines, making it a culinary paradise amidst the music-filled festivities.

7. Canadian Tulip Festival

• Where: Ottawa Commissioners Park, Ontario, Canada
• When: May 10 – May 20, 2024

Celebrate the arrival of spring at the world’s largest tulip festival! The Canadian Tulip Festival, held annually over 11 days in May, invites visitors to revel in the beauty of over 300,000 blooming tulips, creating a vibrant and colorful landscape offering endless opportunities for stunning photographs. The festival offers a range of family-friendly activities, entertainment, and attractions, making it an ideal outing for visitors of all ages to enjoy together. Access to the festival site and select programming is free, allowing everyone to participate in the festivities without financial barriers.

8. Margaret River Readers & Writers Festival

• Where: Margaret River HEART, Western Australia
• When: May 17 – May 19, 2024

The Margaret River Readers & Writers Festival is an annual literary event held in Margaret River, Western Australia, that celebrates the written word and fosters a love of reading and writing within the community. Bringing together authors, poets, journalists, and readers from diverse backgrounds, attendees can engage in thought-provoking discussions, workshops, readings, and performances. In addition to the literary events, the scenic setting of Margaret River, with its vineyards, forests, and coastline, offers a peaceful and rejuvenating backdrop for over 50’s visitors to engage in leisurely strolls, wine tastings, and scenic drives.

9. The Pahiyas Festival

• Where: Lucban, Quezon Province, Philippines
• When: May 15, 2024

The Pahiyas Festival in Lucban, Quezon Province, Philippines, presents a unique opportunity for travelers over 50 to immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines. This annual celebration, held in honor of San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of farmers, is a vibrant display of gratitude and creativity during the harvest season. The festival’s street parades, cultural performances, and live music provide a lively backdrop for exploration and enjoyment, while culinary delights offer a taste of authentic Filipino cuisine. For travelers over 50, the Pahiyas Festival offers a chance to engage with Filipino traditions, sample local delicacies, and purchase handmade crafts and souvenirs, all while immersing themselves in the festive atmosphere of this vibrant cultural celebration.

10. Ninth Avenue Food Festival

• Where: New York, New York
• When: May 18 – May 19, 2024

The Ninth Avenue Food Festival, held annually in New York City, is a culinary extravaganza that beckons food enthusiasts of all ages to indulge in a feast for the senses. With rows of food stalls and vendors lining Ninth Avenue, the festival invites visitors to embark on a culinary adventure, trying new dishes and discovering hidden gems. In addition to the mouthwatering food offerings, the Ninth Avenue Food Festival also features live music, cultural performances, cooking demonstrations, and family-friendly activities, creating a lively and festive atmosphere for attendees to enjoy.