What's on in Plymouth this May

There are loads of exciting things to do in Plymouth this May! It's going to be a busy month in Britain's Ocean City as we kick off an action-packed events season when Pirates Weekend descends upon the waterfront. Moreover, along with food festivals, swimming pools re-opening, holidays and more, there is loads on to keep you busy and entertained in Plymouth this month. 

Take a look at some of our highlights for what is going to be an unforgettable May in Plymouth:

             

Get ready for food festivals! 

Celebrating its 20th year, Flavour Fest returns to Plymouth at the end of the month on 31 May. 

The south west's largest food festival is back for three days offering an amazing range of cuisines to try. 

Visit the city centre and discover more than 80 traders dishing up delights, live cooking demonstrations, live music and new for this year, free food craft workshops and a tea dance with a twist! 

Also taking place this month is the Plymouth Street Food Festival, which is set to take place across the May Bank Holiday weekend (3-6 May) at Central Park. Bring your appetite as more than 30 street food traders will pitch up at the park alongside live music performances, market stalls and evening entertainment!

            

Final chance to admire two exhibits at The Box 

Head to The Box, Plymouth's award-winning museum near the city centre this month and check out two exhibitions set to finish in June. Explore John Akomfrah: Arcadia, a film which parades beautiful visuals of landscapes from across the globe from the 1400s onwards, plus Yinka Shonibare's: End of Empire sculpture that comments on the balance of power at the outset of the First World War.

These exhibitons are among the fascinting sights to see at The Box including a life-size mammoth and incredible artefacts that offer a deep insight into Plymouth's past. 

                    

Ship ahoy, Pirates Weekend is back! 

Avast me hearties! Pirates Weekend is returning to Plymouth waterfront on the weekend of Saturday 18 May. The fantastic pirate-themed weekend marks the start of Plymouth's glowing event season, with spectacular pirate party vibes taking centre stage throughout the city, from The Barbican right the way across to the Royal William Yard. 

There's so much to get excited about at Pirates Weekend this year in Plymouth. You can take part in the UK's first-ever Pirate Fun on Sunday 19 May to raise money for Jeremiah's Journey charity. Dress to impress and make your way around the 3km route all in the name of charity. 

Furthermore, there are plenty of things to do and activities taking place throughout the weekend. You can climb about two historic ships, experience the vibrant sea shanty bands, register your furry friend to the Gables Dog Show and so much more in what is one of Plymouth's most-loved weekends. 

                  

Two new music events are coming to Plymouth

Plymouth Argyle's Home Park Stadium is hosting two music events toward the end of the month. Get ready for the debut electronic-music festival, Alive at Argyle, on 25 May. Icons of the electronic music scene headlining the festival include Patrick Topping, Ben Nicky Becky Hill and more. 

The next day Home Park turns into a family-friendly spectacle for Relive at Home Park on 26 May. Expect full-throttle stage production, bouncy castles, fairground attractions, a silent disco, and a food village to accompany live acts including Cascada, Chris Moyles, Kimberly Wyatt, Craig Charles, Five, Liberty X, Woody and Kyle from Bastille (DJ Set).

                           

Take a splash as popular swimming pools re-open! 

Two of Plymouth's outdoor swimming pools are set to re-open this month. Both the iconic, art-deco-inspired Tinside Lido and Mount Wise Swimming Pools are set to re-open for the season on Saturday 25 May. 

Tinside Lido boasts not only a saltwater pool and a sundeck but is also a great location to watch the world go by on the waterfront. Pre-booking is advised to ensure you seal your place. 

If you're in the mood for open water swimming, you can also enjoy the swimming pontoons in Plymouth Sound National Marine Park, located inside the Tinside Beach swimming area with staggered positions, one closer to shore for younger or less experienced swimmers and the other further out.

                             

Half-Term Family Fun 

There's lots of fun to be had in Plymouth during the upcoming half-term holidays in Plymouth. 

From 24 May until 2 June, check out a range activities and events taking place within the city providing joy for all of the family. 

                                

Green Man Weekend is back again!

Always a popular family event, the Green Man Weekend returns to Mount Edgcumbe Country Park for what will be it's 9th year. Taking place on the weekend of 25 May, get ready for family-friendly activities taking place throughout the day as well as local bands, circus acts, morris dancers, re-enactment groups, bouncy castles, a beer tent, and the obligatory hog roast!

Wow! All of that in just one month, and we're not finished yet, get ready for an exciting summer in Plymouth with major events set to amaze everyone as the weather hotter! Check out the headline events set to come to Plymouth in the near future and plan your stay now!

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In partnership with GWR, Destination Plymouth’s lead travel partner