The month of May in Nice rhymes with tradition, music, dance, and conviviality thanks to the Fête des Mai, a flagship event that takes over the gardens of the Cimiez Arenas every weekend of the month.
This year, from May 1st to May 25th, locals and visitors are invited to rediscover the soul of the city during this new edition of the Fête des Mai.
Every Sunday, events run from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on two stages: the main stage of the Oliveraie and a small stage dedicated to children’s shows. In the gardens, workshops, traditional wooden games, face painting, and food stalls will punctuate the days.
Highlights include:
- Folk dances with La Ciamada Nissarda, Nice la Belle, and Lou Caireu Niçart.
- Musette balls animated by local orchestras like the Thierry Noll Trio Orchestra, Les Mômes de la Baie, or Guinguette Chic.
- Popular balètis to dance to the sounds of traditional music.
- Children’s shows: puppets, ventriloquists, storytelling, and theater.
- Concerts ranging from folk to the Nice repertoire.
On May 1st, the election of the Queen of Mai will kick off the festivities, with parade fanfares in the gardens as a bonus.
Around the festival: evening events and special activities
Alongside the festivities at the Arenas, several “strong>Lu Mai de Nuèch” evenings will enliven Nice’s neighborhoods from May 2nd to May 24th: Place Saint-François, Lentulo, Saint-Roch, Gare du Sud, Francis Laï, Gairaut, and Jardin Vérola will host balls, folk music, and refreshment stalls to continue the celebration under the stars.
Children are not forgotten with the Fête des Mai des Pichouns on May 20th and 27th, where over 1000 children from Nice will dance around the traditional maypole.
New in 2025: gourmet walk and cultural discoveries
This year, on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Cuisine Nissarde label, a gourmet event around the pan bagnat will be offered free of charge on May 4th starting from the Cimiez Arenas.
The Matisse Museum is also joining the festivities by opening its doors for free to locals and metropolitan residents on Sundays May 11th, 18th, and 25th, with fun activities on the forecourt.
La Ciamada Nissarda celebrates 100 years
A pillar of Nice culture, La Ciamada Nissarda celebrates its centenary this year. Numerous events will punctuate 2025, including a day of regional folklore on May 24th at the Arenas, a grand anniversary show in October, conferences, and an exhibition at the Musée Masséna.
Find more details here: https://fetedesmai.nice.fr/
