Are you in Paris for the weekend of May 1 to 3, 2026? With its terraces filling up, its gardens turning green, and a particularly lively cultural program, it’s one of the best times to visit the capital. Here you’ll find a selection of things to do in Paris and the surrounding area, including concerts, shows, parties, family-friendly events, and five exhibitions.
You’ll also find information on what’s open or closed during the public holidays on May 1 and May 8.
Weekend exhibitions in Paris
1) Lee Miller
Description: A major exhibition dedicated to photographer and war correspondent Lee Miller, highlighting her unique perspective and independent artistic journey. It’s an ideal cultural visit for a weekend, especially since it runs throughout May and beyond.
Location: Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris, 16th arrondissement
Start date: April 3, 2026
End date: August 19, 2026
2) Renoir and Love
Dates: March 17 to July 19, 2026
A major retrospective dedicated to Pierre-Auguste Renoir, exploring the theme of love in his paintings—dance hall scenes, couples’ portraits, and depictions of human relationships through light and color.
Location: Musée d’Orsay
Start date: March 3, 2026
End date: July 2, 2026
Info & bookings
3) Africa Fashion
Description: An exhibition dedicated to African fashion, its designers, narratives, and many influences. The exhibition at the Musée du quai Branly–Jacques Chirac presents a contemporary, elegant, and well-documented vision of African fashion design.
Location: Musée du quai Branly–Jacques Chirac, 7th arrondissement
Start date: February 17, 2026
End date: July 12, 2026
4) Chiaroscuro
Description: An exhibition at the Bourse de Commerce playing with contrasts, appearances, and the tension between visibility and disappearance. The subject is ambitious, and the building’s architecture greatly enhances the visitor experience.
Location: Bourse de Commerce, Les Halles, 1st arrondissement
Start date: February 6, 2026
End date: August 24, 2026
5) Martin Parr, Global Warning
Description: At the Jeu de Paume, Martin Parr explores—through his signature humor—the excesses of mass tourism, climate issues, and consumerism. A highly relevant exhibition for those interested in photography and critical views of the contemporary world.
Location: Jeu de Paume, 1st arrondissement
Start date: March 17, 2026
End date: May 24, 2026
6) K-Beauty. Korean Beauty, The Story of a Phenomenon
Description: This exhibition at the Musée Guimet traces the rise of K-beauty and places it in the broader context of a global cultural and aesthetic phenomenon. It will appeal to both design enthusiasts and visitors curious about Asian cultures.
Location: Musée Guimet, 16th arrondissement
Start date: January 14, 2026
End date: July 6, 2026
7) Marilyn Monroe: 100 Years!
Description: An exhibition dedicated to the actress behind the myth, revisiting the icon Marilyn Monroe in a long-format exhibition during spring and summer 2026.
Location: Cinémathèque française, Paris
Start date: April 8, 2026
End date: July 26, 2026
Read more : Paris in May
2. Concerts, parties, and Paris nightlife
6) Chronologic + The Great Love Karaoke
Description: A festive night at La Machine du Moulin Rouge centered around a giant karaoke and a club atmosphere. The event takes place on the night of May 1—perfect for night owls who want to start the weekend late and dance until dawn.
Location: La Machine du Moulin Rouge, 18th arrondissement
Date: May 1, 2026
7) La Mona Open Air at Barboteur: House & Whack
Description: An open-air event by the water focused on electronic music. The canal-side setting creates a true springtime vibe, more relaxed than a typical club night.
Location: Le Barboteur, 19th arrondissement
Date: May 1, 2026
8) African Culture Festival
Description: A night dedicated to African urban cultures at La Place, featuring contemporary hip-hop and artists from Mauritania and West Africa. One of the clearest Saturday night picks for those seeking a lively, modern concert.
Location: La Place, 1st arrondissement
Date: May 2, 2026
9) Meteor Airlines live at the Bataclan
Description: The Moroccan Amazigh rock band takes over the Bataclan for what promises to be a highlight of the weekend. Ideal for those who prefer a concert venue over a club.
Location: Bataclan, 11th arrondissement
Date: May 2, 2026
10) Paco Andreo — P4CTET at 38Riv Jazz Club
Description: A refined jazz evening in an intimate Marais club, with two sets scheduled the same night. The venue is known for its cozy atmosphere and strong musical programming.
Location: 38Riv Jazz Club, 4th arrondissement
Date: May 2, 2026
11) Jazzy Chic piano-vocal duo concert “Le Connétable Marais Paris”
Description: An intimate piano-vocal concert in a cabaret-style French chanson atmosphere. A great option for ending Saturday night on a softer note.
Location: Le Connétable, 3rd arrondissement
Date: May 2, 2026
12) Dancing With Myself / 80s Pop Night
Description: A themed night entirely dedicated to the 1980s, with pop hits, cult classics, and a festive spirit. The party starts late and continues until morning.
Location: Supersonic, 12th arrondissement
Date: May 2, 2026
3. Shows, family events, and Sunday outings
13) Bête de Scène: a theater and dance performance
Description: An original theater and dance creation inspired by La Vagabonde by Colette. Performed over two evenings, offering flexibility for weekend visitors.
Location: Espace Paris Plaine, 15th arrondissement
Dates: May 2–3, 2026
14) Fally Ipupa live at Stade de France
Description: A major concert event by one of the biggest names in contemporary African music, with performances on both Saturday and Sunday. A standout event of the weekend despite being just outside Paris.
Location: Stade de France, Saint-Denis
Dates: May 2–3, 2026
15) Roda de Samba at Jardin21
Description: A Brazilian open-air atmosphere at Jardin21, featuring a convivial and musical samba circle. Perfect for a spring Sunday afternoon.
Location: Jardin21, 19th arrondissement
Date: May 3, 2026
16) Piano recital by Christophe Vautier
Description: A piano recital for lovers of classical music or those seeking a more contemplative experience. Ideal for a calm Sunday outing.
Location: Paris 4th arrondissement (exact address provided by organizer)
Date: May 3, 2026
17) Brunch & chat
Description: A friendly Sunday gathering designed more as a shared moment than a major event. A simple way to extend the weekend in a relaxed atmosphere.
Location: Paris 18th arrondissement
Date: May 3, 2026
18) Pastel Camp 2026
Description: A three-day event from Friday to Sunday bringing together participants and speakers in a professional and creative format. Mainly aimed at young adults and networking enthusiasts.
Location: Paris 18th arrondissement
Dates: May 1–3, 2026
4. Two final events to complete a packed weekend
19) Groove jam session / Par La Gélule
Description: A Saturday night jam session at JASS Club Paris, blending soul, funk, hip-hop, and jazz. Ideal for live music lovers, with a spontaneous and club-like atmosphere.
Location: JASS Club Paris, 13th arrondissement
Date: May 2, 2026
20) Chronologic + Karaoke Night at La Machine
Description: The same event as the Friday night highlight, worth noting again as one of the defining nightlife experiences of the weekend. The karaoke-meets-club vibe makes it especially appealing for night owls.
Location: La Machine du Moulin Rouge, 18th arrondissement
Date: May 1, 2026
If you’re spending the weekend of May 1–3, 2026 in Paris, you’ll be spoiled for choice between nightlife, concerts, live performances, family-friendly events, and major exhibitions. Friday night is perfect for starting in a festive mood with a club night or an open-air event. Saturday offers several standout options, especially in music and live venues, making for a packed evening. Sunday, finally, allows you to slow down: exhibitions, brunch, recitals, or samba by the canal offer very different ways to end the weekend.
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