25 fabulous free events to attend in May 2025

May is always a great month for free events, and this year is no exception. To help you plan fabulous days out, we’ve rounded up some of the best ones happening across the UK over the next few weeks, ranging from May Day carnivals to music festivals. 

We’ve also included free Boundless events that are open exclusively to members. 

Not yet a member? If you're working in or retired from the public sector or civil service, Boundless has two great membership options to choose from: Boundless and Boundless Plus. As well as getting access to exclusive events, Boundless members enjoy unlimited free, or discounted, entry to many of the UK’s top attractions, plus year-round deals on restaurants, holidays, shopping and much more.  

Simply click on a link below to jump straight to:

• Free events in London & the South East
• Free events in the South West & Wales
• Free events in the Midlands & East
• Free events in the North of England
• Free events in Scotland & Northern Ireland
• Free online events

Free events in London & the South East

Browse an incredible selection of vintage motors/Credit: Getty Images

Admire some vintage vehicles: Magnificent Motors, Eastbourne, 3 & 4 May

Over the first May bank holiday weekend, the seafront at Eastbourne will purr and roar with the sound of vintage and modern vehicles as the annual Magnificent Motors event comes to town. As well as the two, three and four-wheelers on display, there will be a funfair, food and drink stands, plus various other activities, making this a must-visit attraction for the whole family. 

Love vintage cars? Join Boundless Classic Vehicle Group on Facebook to connect with other like-minded motoring enthusiasts and members to take part in tours and displays. 

Listen to a historical talk: ‘Women’s Land Army’ by Ian Everest, Bexhill, 6 May

While our military forces were off defending these shores during the Second World War, another group was battling to keep things running back home – the Women’s Land Army (WLA). 

In tonight’s talk – hosted by the Boundless Bexhill and District Group at Bexhill Sailing Club – Ian Everest will pay tribute to these lionhearted ladies, shedding light on their struggles, triumphs and enduring legacy.       

This talk is open to all Boundless members. Not yet a member? If you're working in or retired from the public sector or civil service, Boundless has two great membership options to choose from: Boundless and Boundless Plus. Enjoy unlimited access or discounted entry to many of the UK’s top attractions, as well as year-round deals on restaurants, holidays, shopping and much more.

Get Punch drunk: The Covent Garden May Fayre and Puppet Festival, London, 11 May

In May 1662, diarist Samuel Pepys recorded what’s believed to be the first sighting of a puppet play, in London’s Covent Garden. To celebrate that moment, an annual event is held in the same location on the second Sunday of May. 

Following a grand procession at 11am, there’s a special service in St Paul’s Church, where Mr Punch takes to the pulpit. Then the fun moves into the church garden with puppet shows, workshops, live music and other family activities. That’s the way to do it!

Take a trip down memory lane: Basingstoke Transport Festival, Basingstoke, 11 May

Step back in time at this annual event, which sees vintage vehicles of all shapes and sizes being brought together at Basingstoke War Memorial Park. 

Once you’ve finished admiring the classic cars, bikes, military vehicles and fire trucks on display, round off your day by browsing the myriad stalls and stands. 

Please note that while it’s free to enter the festival as a pedestrian, there’s a £5 fee for parking. 

Free events in the South West & Wales

Explore the city of Bristol on foot/ Credit: Getty Images

Take a hike: Bristol Walk Fest, Bristol, throughout May

Now that the weather is warmer, there’s no excuse not to get out and enjoy some fresh air – and Bristol Walk Fest provides the perfect opportunity to do just that. 

Every day in May, there’s a programme of free events across the city, covering everything from the hidden history of the harbourside to walking rugby. Everyone is welcome, so why not tag along – you might even make some new friends. 

Feel the rhythm: Cheltenham Jazz Festival, Cheltenham, 1-6 May

What could be better on a warm summer’s day than listening to a spot of jazz? Held in conjunction with BBC Radio 2, Cheltenham Jazz Festival is a six-day event that sees a host of live acts taking over the streets, pubs and clubs of this Gloucestershire city.

With sound installations, workshops and photographic exhibitions also on the agenda, it’s sure to strike a chord with people of all ages.

Attend a period party: Llandudno Victorian Extravaganza, Llandudno, 3-5 May

The Victorian era is often portrayed as being bleak and austere, but this annual event in Llandudno tells a different story. 

Over the bank holiday weekend, the town celebrates that period of history with vintage fairground rides, steam engines, a Victorian street fair and people in costume. If you’re in the area, be sure to drop in!

Be enchanted by some wondrous wells: Malvern Well Dressing and Water Festival, Malvern, 3-11 May

Discover the fascinating world of wells during this annual festival. In and around the town of Malvern, wells, springs and sprouts are decorated according to a certain theme (this year it’s ‘Folklore and Fairytales’), with prizes handed out during a bank holiday Monday fun day in the town’s Priory Park.

Hear some trash talk: Talk on Energy from Waste, Colebrook, 9 May

Contrary to popular belief, the rubbish we throw away doesn’t all end up in landfill – much of it is turned into energy. In tonight’s talk, hosted by the Boundless Tamar Group at Colebrook Community Centre, expert Jade Beavan will discuss the work carried out at the Energy from Waste plant in Devonport, where cutting-edge technology is used to transform our trash into something more sustainable.  

This talk is open to all Boundless members. Not yet a member? If you're working in or retired from the public sector or civil service, Boundless has two great membership options to choose from: Boundless and Boundless Plus. Enjoy unlimited access or discounted entry to many of the UK’s top attractions, as well as year-round deals on restaurants, holidays, shopping and much more.  

Learn about a legendary PM: The Wicked Wit of Winston Churchill: His Vices, Tastes and Virtues, Swindon, 15 May

Enjoy an evening in the company of Winston Churchill – well, sort of. Hosted by the Boundless Swindon Group at the town’s Holiday Inn hotel, this talk will see Stewart Linford dressing and speaking like Churchill to bring the legendary Prime Minister’s story to life. As well as hearing tales and viewing some rarely seen slides, audience members will get a chance to have a photo taken with the man himself!

This talk is open to all Boundless members. Not yet a member? If you're working in or retired from the public sector or civil service, Boundless has two great membership options to choose from: Boundless and Boundless Plus. Enjoy unlimited access or discounted entry to many of the UK’s top attractions, as well as year-round deals on restaurants, holidays, shopping and much more.

Get lost in music: Party in the City, Bath, 16 May

Bath will become a cacophony of musical styles today as it hosts its annual Party in the City. 

The event will see over 2,000 artists performing at more than 40 venues, from pubs and bars to streets and parks. With plenty of places to buy food and drink, why not grab yourself a beer or a coffee, and soak up the sounds.

Immerse yourself in Welsh culture: Gwyl Fach y Fro, Barry Island, 18 May

Gavin and Stacey might’ve dragged Barry Island into the public consciousness, but the Vale of Glamorgan town has plenty going for it besides that. 

Take Gwyl Fach y Fro (‘The Little Festival of the Vale’), for example – for one day each year, this vibrant community event gives people the chance to enjoy live music, kids activities and stalls, all without paying a penny. A word of warning, though – Welsh is the only language spoken, so you’d best swot up before you go!

Indulge in some family fun: Freedom Community Festival, Plymouth, 24 & 25 May

One of Plymouth’s most cherished community events celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, and the organisers are looking to make it their best one yet. Alongside the packed programme of free entertainment on stage, there will be a host of other attractions, from bouncy castles to market stalls (please note that fees may apply to individual activities). 

Free events in the Midlands & East

Celebrate May with a Morris dancing performance/Credit: Getty Images

Witness an age-old tradition: May Morning, Oxford, 1 May

Rise and shine! As soon as the clock strikes 6am on 1 May, the choir of Magdalen College in Oxford belts out a Latin hymn from the top of the town’s Magdalen Tower, signalling the start of a tradition that dates back over 500 years. 

From there on in, Oxford’s streets become a hub of revelry, complete with costumed dancers, musicians and much more. Trust us, this is one May Morning you’ll never forget.

Appreciate some local talents: Oxfordshire Artweeks, Oxford, 3-26 May

Uncover a whole world of creativity at this annual event, which sees more than 400 venues – art studios, galleries and exhibitions – open their doors to the general public. Work covered includes paintings, drawings, textiles, ceramics and mixed media, and there are even pre-designated trails to help you plan your day. Who knows, it may even inspire you to do something crafty of your own.

Feast on the East: Norfolk & Norwich Festival, 9-25 May

For just over two weeks in May, some of Norwich’s most stunning venues host a programme of events, ranging from concerts to exhibitions, workshops to talks. While some of them command an entry fee, there are many that don’t – so take a look at the website, grab your diary and start planning your month’s activities now.

Spread some joy: The Big Free Community Event, Birmingham, 23 May

Birmingham Pride will bring colour and joy to the streets of Britain’s second city on the weekend of 24 & 25 May, and, while that event commands an admission fee, there’s a free community event on the Friday. 

As well as a candlelit vigil and speakers, there will be live music from LGBTQ+ artists, community stalls and other fun activities.

Free events in the North of England

Enjoy a musical blast from the past with The Shadows/Credit: Getty Images

Get a rock ’n’ roll history lesson: Into the Shadows, Shifnal, 14 May

They may be best known as Cliff Richard’s backing group, but The Shadows were also a much-loved band in their own right. 

In tonight’s talk, hosted by the Boundless Shropshire Group at Haughton Hall Hotel, Chris Austin will explore their enduring legacy, recounting their history, sharing anecdotes and even playing some of the quartet’s most famous songs.

See a city in bloom: Manchester Flower Festival, Manchester, 23-26 May

There will be a fragrant aroma around Manchester over the late-May bank holiday weekend as the city celebrates its annual Flower Festival. 

Floral displays and installations will pop up in various central locations, bringing cheer to everyone who passes by. With live entertainment, children’s activities and outdoor dining also on the itinerary, it promises to be a blooming marvellous few days.

Have a beach party: Out There, Great Yarmouth, 28-31 May

Described as an “international festival of outdoor arts and circus”, Out There is one of the most eclectic events you’re ever likely to attend. 

Over the course of three days, the seafront at Great Yarmouth welcomes around 60,000 visitors, who flock here to see everything from choral recitals to stunt shows, theatre productions to comedy acts. While it’s all free of charge, donations are welcome.

Free events in Scotland & Northern Ireland

Embrace your silly side at the Festival of Fools, Belfast/Credit: Getty Images

Don’t take life too seriously: Festival of Fools, Belfast, 3-8 May

The website for Belfast’s Festival of Fools states that this popular annual shindig is celebrating “20 years of silliness” this year – but in actual fact, there’s so much more to the event than just clowning around. 

Across the six days, there’s a varied programme of circus-related performances and workshops, covering everything from juggling to trapeze artistry. Please note that while daytime activities are free, some of the evening shows require payment. 

Take part in some child’s play: Edinburgh International Children’s Festival: Family Day, Edinburgh, 24 May 

It’s not just the Edinburgh Festival Fringe that Scotland’s capital is famous for – its International Children’s Festival (24 May – 1 June) is also one of the biggest events of its kind in the world. 
To kick it off, there’s a day of free performances and activities held at the National Museum of Scotland. Bring the kids along to meet costumed characters, enjoy theatrical shows, take part in craft workshops, and just generally burn energy!

See ’em busk till dusk: Lomond Unplugged, Loch Lomond, 24 & 25 May

The glimmering waters of Loch Lomond will provide a stunning backdrop for the brand-new Lomond Unplugged festival, which will showcase talented buskers from the local area. As well as the musicians on stage, there will be a talent competition with prizes up for grabs, not to mention market stalls and opportunities to buy food and drink.

Boundless Plus members gain unlimited access to all National Trust for Scotland places, including many locations within Loch Lomond, The Trossachs, Stirling & Forth Valley. 

Free online events

Sit back and relax/Credit: Getty Images

Get some wellbeing advice: Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing with Creative Arts, 7 May

From being a new parent to suffering from an illness, there are lots of reasons why our mental wellbeing can take a downturn. The good news is that there are ways to improve the situation. 

In today’s online talk, a number of health practitioners will discuss how creative pastimes such as art, music, drama and dance can help us to restore balance in our lives.  

Listen to some literary talents: International Booker Prize Shortlist Readings, 18 May

Over the years, the Booker Prize has been awarded to some of the world’s most talented authors – from Margaret Attwood to Roddy Doyle. 

Find out who’s been shortlisted for this year’s award, and hear them read extracts from their nominated works, by tuning into tonight’s live stream from London’s Southbank Centre. With everything from novels to short stories on the itinerary, there should be something for everyone.

Join Boundless online book club The Reading Room from the comfort of your own home. Available to join on Facebook, find inspiration for your next read, enjoy online discussions with members and take part in monthly competitions.

Do more with Boundless

If you're working in or retired from the public sector or civil service, Boundless has two great membership options to choose from: Boundless and Boundless Plus.

With Boundless, you get unlimited access or discounted entry to many of the UK’s top attractions including Kew Gardens and Wakehurst and WWT centres across the UK, as well as year-round deals on restaurants, holidays, shopping and much more. With Boundless Plus, you can enjoy additional benefits including unlimited access to Historic Royal Palaces sites, National Trust for Scotland places, access to the Ramblers' extensive group walks and routes, and peace of mind with roadside assistance and local recovery by Britannia Rescue.