PHOTO: © Stadteiinwärts
What's happening in May 2026? - Events in the Ruhr region
The Ruhr region is waking up from hibernation - May is here, bringing a breath of fresh air and hopefully lots of sunshine! ☀️🌷
The first festivals, street food markets, flea markets and open-air parties are just around the corner. The days are getting longer and it's the perfect time to get out and experience the city to the full. Between gardening, the first barbecues and drinking coffee in the sun, many event highlights await you in the Ruhr region in May 2026!
Tip: Be sure to check out our Lotteries - we'll put you on the coolest guest lists in town. Have fun browsing!
Straßenfest zum 1. Mai!
© https://www.unionsalon.de
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All infos for the event Straßenfest zum 1. Mai!INTERNATIONALES KULTURFEST ZUM 1.MAI /// ZECHE CARL /// OPEN-AIR
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All infos for the event INTERNATIONALES KULTURFEST ZUM 1.MAI /// ZECHE CARL /// OPEN-AIRSPRING FEELINGS - ROTUNDE BOCHUM
© Rotunde Bochum
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All infos for the event SPRING FEELINGS - ROTUNDE BOCHUMIVORY x DORTMUND DANCE DIVISION OPEN AIR 2026
© Leonard Dahmen via Pexels
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All infos for the event IVORY x DORTMUND DANCE DIVISION OPEN AIR 2026DORTBUNT - Unser Stadtfest
© Stefanie Kleemann, Dortmund-Agentur, Stadt Dortmund
DORTBUNT verwandelt Dortmunds Innenstadt drei Tage lang in einen Ort voller Klang und Kreativität. Neben Auftritten von Felix Jaehn und Alli Neumann gibt es Workshops, Talks und eine Rollerdisco im ehemaligen Kaufhaus. Für alle Generationen ist was dabei, besonders Familien dürfen sich auf ein buntes Programm freuen 🫂
All infos for the event DORTBUNT - Unser StadtfestGeheimkonzert Bochum #3 by Rausgegangen
© Nereid Ndreu via Unsplash
It's that time again: an evening full of surprises - because who will be on stage remains a secret until the first note is played. We've already had Blond, Berq, Ennio, Futurebae, Jassin, Anais, Katha Pauer & many more as guests - even before they stormed the nation's big stages. So discover the stars of tomorrow at our Geheimkonzerte. 🪩
All infos for the event Geheimkonzert Bochum #3 by RausgegangenSUBKULTUR IST HOCHKULTUR - Blend Bazar, Ausstellung, Listening Session
Bei SUBKULTUR IST HOCHKULTUR trifft eine bunte Mischung aus lokalen Artist:innen, Tattoo-Kunst und feinen Tunes zusammen. Neben der kleinen Ausstellung im Keller kannst du beim Basteln von Freundschaftsbändern und entspannten Sets im gemütlichen Wohnzimmer einfach Zeit miteinander verbringen 🫂
All infos for the event SUBKULTUR IST HOCHKULTUR - Blend Bazar, Ausstellung, Listening SessionBäumchen Wechsel Dich 2026 - Das Dortmunder Nachtkultur Festival
Mi, 13.05.2026 19:00
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All infos for the event Bäumchen Wechsel Dich 2026 - Das Dortmunder Nachtkultur FestivalInternational Summer Battle 2026
© PACT Zollverein / Dirk Rose
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All infos for the event International Summer Battle 2026
House of Banksy Dortmund - An Unauthorized Exhibition
© COFO Entertainment
Mi, 17.12.2025 10:00
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All infos for the event House of Banksy Dortmund - An Unauthorized ExhibitionDJ Workshop (FLINTA* only!)
© HIER IST NICHT DA Gelsenkirchen
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All infos for the event DJ Workshop (FLINTA* only!)11FREUNDE Saisonrückblick Gelsenkirchen
Philipp Köster und Gäste nehmen die Saison unter die Lupe, mit Fokus auf den FC Schalke 04. Zwischen großen Momenten und Tiefpunkten gibt’s scharfe Analysen und Geschichten, die nur der Fußball schreibt. Ein Abend für alle, die gern genauer hinsehen 🫂
All infos for the event 11FREUNDE Saisonrückblick GelsenkirchenWilde Brotzeit – Lecker und gesund in den Feierabend! Noch wenige Resttickets!
© Westfalenpark
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All infos for the event Wilde Brotzeit – Lecker und gesund in den Feierabend! Noch wenige Resttickets!Pfingst Open Air Essen-Werden
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All infos for the event Pfingst Open Air Essen-WerdenBaddiess Party • Oma Doris Dortmund
© Oma Doris
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All infos for the event Baddiess Party • Oma Doris DortmundPollerWiesen Festival 2026
© Revierpark Wischlingen GmbH
Frequently asked questions about May in the Ruhr 2026:
1. will there be festivals in the Ruhr area in May 2026?
Yes, the first festivals are in the starting blocks! One highlight is the Treibhaus Festival in Essen or the Pfingst OpenAir in Essen. If you're in the mood for music and a good atmosphere, "Bäumchen Wechsel Dich - Das Dortmunder Nachtkultur Festival" is also a must! There are also many street food markets in the Ruhr area in 2026 as well as a number of wine festivals.
2. are there also free events in May 2026 in the Ruhr region?
Of course there are also free events in May 2025 in the Ruhr region! In addition to all the festivals, markets and concerts, some museums are also offering special exhibitions or days when admission is free. And the best thing is that you can filter for free events on Rausgegangen and quickly find all the highlights that can be enjoyed without paying admission. So you can experience the Ruhr region without having to dig deep into your pockets!
3. what can you do in the Ruhr region in May when the weather is bad?
Don't worry - even if the weather is bad, there's plenty to do in the Ruhr region in May! Visit one of the many art and photography exhibitions in the museums or art galleries, such as the Gallery of Contemporary Art in Bochum. Indoor events, such as comedy evenings or theater performances, are also a great way to escape the rain. Just check out Rausgegangen to see what's happening near you!
Don't want to miss any more events in the Ruhr region? Then download the free Rausgegangen app now, create your own profile with your favorite events, follow your favorite locations and win guest list places for the next event. 💜