Mayo is a very busy month for holidays in St. Petersburg. Take a look at our calendar of free events for May – there is something for every traveler.
We would be delighted to arrange tours, private transfers, meals, or any other services to complement your clients’ visit.
📍 St. Petersburg – May 2026
Cultural Program
🍽️ Culinary Festivals & Masterclasses
St. Petersburg Smelt Festival 2026 – May 1–3, 2026
This small fish is the gastronomic symbol of St. Petersburg.
St. Petersburg Gastronomic Festival 2026 – May 8–11, 2026
Cooking masterclasses, cover band performances, contests, and interactive games.
Russian cuisine will be the main focus: from ancient recipes and traditions of Russian hospitality to a modern reinterpretation of national dishes.
Annual Ice Cream Festival on Ostrovsky Square – May 23–24, 2026
A favorite event for all ages. Ice cream is presented from many regions of Russia! While you’re enjoying ice cream, enjoy a concert by St. Petersburg children’s dance and music groups.
🎨 Art & Exhibitions
Exhibition: “In the Mirror of Fate. Russian Historical Portrait”
📍 Mikhailovsky Castle – runs until May 12, 2026
You will learn about the history of two centuries of Russian society and Russian art through faces and destinies.
You will see:
- About 300 paintings, graphics, and sculptures from the Russian Museum and other leading museums
- Paintings by great artists: Karl Bryullov, Ilya Repin and others
- For the first time in Russia – Karl Bryullov’s masterpiece “Portrait of the Marietti Family” (1834) from a private collection, displayed in the St. George’s Hall of Mikhailovsky Castle. First presented to the public in Milan in 1834.
🚢 City Events & Festivals
Icebreaker Festival 2026 – May 1–3, 2026
Opens the summer tourist season in St. Petersburg. Guests can see Russia’s flagship icebreakers up close – and even board one.
The highlight is the majestic “waltz of the tugboats.”
VII International Transport Festival & Gala Concert – May 21–23, 2026
📍 Manezhnaya Square
Held alongside many other events dedicated to the celebration of St. Petersburg City Day.
Incluye:
- Gala concert on the square with famous Russian artists
- International competition of professional skills of bus drivers
- Exhibition of innovative transport
- Retro transport parade and exhibition
- Business program
VIII Kronstadt Waltz Dance Festival – May 23, 2026
📍 Anchor Square, Kronstadt (opposite the majestic Naval Cathedral of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker)
A unique opportunity to admire the city of Kronstadt and experience a beautiful waltz festival.
🌷 Spring Musical & Floral Festival
Tulip Festival – May 16–24, 2026
📍 Central Park of Culture and Recreation named after S. M. Kirov
More than 200,000 tulip bulbs are planted annually for this festival. An ideal place to relax and stroll among tulips of all colors and shades – the largest and most famous recreation park in St. Petersburg.
🎭 Gala Show
“Classics at Palace Square” – Gala Show – May 29, 2026
The highlight of the May holidays. An open‑air evening program featuring world opera hits, arias from operettas, and ballet dancers’ performances.
