On Ibiza, the month of May connects the quieter rhythm of April with the growing momentum that leads into June. Following the buzz of Easter and the first wave of seasonal openings, the island begins to find its stride. Beach clubs reopen their doors, restaurants extend their hours, and the calendar starts to fill up. Much-loved fixtures such as the Medieval Fair and the island’s hippy markets return with extended hours, joined by open-air cultural events, live music and a steady run of sporting activities.
Whether you are a regular visitor or a first-timer, it’s the ideal time to experience Ibiza beyond the peak-season pace.
May festivities in Santa Eulalia
Every day until Sunday 31 May
Santa Eulalia Town Hall rolls out a full programme of festive activities for all ages throughout the month, bringing the town to life with a mix of culture, tradition and community spirit. Expect everything from sports tournaments and theatre for both adults and children to storytelling, concerts, fireworks and traditional religious celebrations.
Hard Rock Hell Road Trip Ibiza 2026
Wednesday 29 April & Thursday 30 April, from 19:00
Saturday 2 May from 15:00
Hard Rock Hell marks its 15th anniversary on the island with a series of live shows at Ibiza Rocks Bar in San Antonio, bringing together an international line-up alongside local and touring acts. With its close-up setting and community feel, it offers a more intimate way to experience live rock at the start of the season. Residents are welcome for free
Open International Chess Tournament Ciudad de Eivissa
Thursday 30 April to Sunday 3 May
Make your move, Ibiza-style, at the International Chess Tournament Ciudad de Eivissa, organised by Club Ajedrez Ibiza 64. The event combines classical matches at Hotel Vibra Algarb in Playa d’en Bossa with a night blitz tournament at Hotel Ibiza Playa in Figueretas.
Open to national and international players, the competition follows a six-round format, with the Blitz Nocturno held on 1 May from 22:00 to 00:00. The tournament concludes on 3 May with the prize-giving ceremony, with a total prize pool of €3,000 across categories.
Souvenir Festival in San Antonio
Saturday 2 May, from 13:00
Souvenir Festival opens the season on Saturday 2 May at Sa Punta des Molí in San Antonio. Running from early afternoon into the evening, the free-entry, open-air event brings together local and international artists across a continuous music programme by the sea. The night continues with an afterparty at Eden Ibiza.
The After Workout Club at The Unexpected Ibiza Hotel
Saturday 2 May, from 09:00
Train, refuel and connect at The After Workout Club at The Unexpected Ibiza Hotel in Playa d'en Bossa. A new monthly activity that runs every first Saturday of the month, these sessions combine fitness, socialising and music to get your weekend off to a great start. The experience begins with a choice of workout sessions, followed by a relaxed gathering with breakfast, drinks and a DJ set. Participation is open to all, with part of the fee supporting Proyecto Juntos Ibiza (a local children's charity).
'First Sunday of May' annual party in Santa Eulalia
Sunday 3 May
Santa Eulalia celebrates the arrival of summer with its traditional First Sunday of May festivities. Events include a parade of decorated carts, traditional dress, folk dancing, vintage car displays, concerts and food stalls. The wider programme runs throughout the month, featuring cultural events, sports, exhibitions and activities for all ages, making it one of the island’s most established local celebrations.
Cala Llonga Market
Every Thursday from 7 May until 30 October, from 18:00
Opening Thursday 7 May, for the summer season, Cala Llonga beachfront promenade welcomes music and market stalls. A lovely atmosphere and great way to enjoy the evening, you can browse the different wares and listen to music, as children enjoy the golden sands and play area. Local bars and restaurants are open nearby for refreshments.
Ibiza's Medieval Festival
Thursday 7 May to Sunday 10 May
Get ready to wander the cobbled streets of Ibiza's old town, Dalt Vila, where minstrels play, merchants trade, and jesters keep spirits high - pausing for a goblet or two along the way - because this month sees the return of the Medieval Festival.
Lose yourself in the spectacle as the beloved three-day fair transforms Dalt Vila, Vara de Rey and Plaza del Parque into a pageant for all the senses. Rooted in the island’s cultural heritage, it offers a distinctive way to experience Ibiza’s history in motion.
Hyde Fest 2026
Thursday 7 to Monday 11 May
Hyde Ibiza Fest makes its debut this year with a four-day programme shaped around wellness, creativity and music. Set in Cala Llonga, the event unfolds across rooftops, terraces and poolside spaces, inviting guests to engage with both the surroundings and a varied schedule of activities.
The programme spans art sessions, exhibitions and installations, alongside wellness activities such as Tai Chi, yoga, breathwork and guided hikes. Hands-on workshops, including paella and cocktail sessions, are also available, with activities priced at €15 per person.
Sa Talaia Trail - Mountain race
Sunday 10 May, from 09:00
Cursa Trail sa Talaia takes place as part of San José’s patron saint festivities. The trail race offers two distances - 21 km and 10 km - set against the natural terrain of the area, with additional elements including food trucks and live activities creating a lively race-day atmosphere. A portion of the proceeds supports APAAC, a local cancer charity.
The Formentera Half Marathon
Saturday 16 May, from 18:00
Set against Formentera’s natural landscape, the Formentera Half Marathon stretches from the lighthouse at La Mola to the harbour of La Savina, passing through open countryside and coastal views along the way. Each year, more than 2,000 participants take part across two distances: an 8 km route starting in San Ferran and the 21 km half-marathon beginning at La Mola.
Established as a recognised event on both national and international running calendars, it also offers a reason to visit the island, whether taking part or simply cheering the runners on from the sidelines.
Dorado Live Shows
Saturday 16 May, from 20:00
Dorado Live Shows continue their run as a key monthly date for fans of Spanish indie rock, at Venice Bay in San Antonio Bay. Held at the open-air venue between Paradiso Art Hotel and Grand Paradiso, the monthly series brings live music into a relaxed setting, combining established and emerging artists throughout the summer season.
Barruguet Children's Theatre Festival
Friday 22 to Monday 25 May
A quintessential figure in the folklore of Ibiza and Formentera, the barruguet is a tiny goblin-like creature (akin to a naughty poltergeist), known for its chaotic sense of humour. Held in Santa Eulalia, the Barruguet Festival features puppetry, dance, music, clowning and street theatre. Taking place indoors and out, it’s a must for children and adults alike.
Ray of Light Awards (ROLA)
Tuesday 26 May until Sunday 31 May, from 09:00
A week-long programme of film, music, art and cultural encounters, the ROLA festival brings a range of artists together in Ibiza Town. Over the week, filmmakers, musicians, scientists and creative voices to explore our reconnection with nature, the spiritual, and the contemporary human experience.
Featuring screenings, performances and conversations, they will address a selection of themes to open a distinct strand of dialogue and new experience for those who join.
Fantasía Ibiza Festival
Friday 29 to Sunday 31 May, from 17:00
Fantasia Ibiza Festival takes place across multiple locations in Ibiza Town, including Reina Sofía Park, Baluard de Sant Pere and Vara de Rey. The open-air event brings together live music, painting, performances, exhibitions and talks, with both local and international artists participating. Designed to highlight Ibiza’s creative side, it presents a varied cultural programme open to all audiences.
UltraSwim Ibiza: Open Water Challenge
Saturday 30 May, from 07:30
UltraSwim Ibiza is a thrilling open-water race designed for swimmers seeking the ultimate challenge. Covering 30 km, this demanding route connects Santa Eulària (Ibiza) with Es Pujols (Formentera), making it one of the toughest swimming events in Spain. The race will take place on 30 May, starting at 07:30 from the beach next to the Sailing School in Santa Eulària.
Formentera to Run 2026
Sunday 31 May to Sunday 7 June
The popular Formentera to Run event combines sport, nature and a week-long stay on the island. The event follows a stage format, covering approximately 60 km across five sections, with routes passing through some of Formentera’s most scenic landscapes.
Open to both runners and walkers, the programme offers a non-competitive option that mirrors the main stages, with a shorter final distance. Participation is limited to 150 places, so make haste and make your reservation now.
This month sees the return of outdoor yoga sessions across the island, as beaches, terraces and hidden corners once again become open-air studios. Take advantage of this golden opportunity to move, reset and reconnect in some of Ibiza’s most scenic settings, including beach clubs Aiyanna, Amante and Beachouse.
In need of more inspiration? Check our regularly updated events calendar and don't miss out on anything. Oh, and as the clubs have also started swinging open their doors, you may wish to add late nights to your plans. For this, make sure your first stop is our party calendar.
Header image | Ibiza Town Medieval Festival
