Here’s your guide to the best things to do in Macau this May!
Events & Festivals
35th Macao Arts Festival
This year’s edition of Macao Arts Festival, themed “Growth,” presents 15 selected programmes, covering theatre, Chinese opera, dance, music, and visual arts. In response to the “Culture City of East Asia 2025 – Macao, China”, the festival has invited arts groups from across East Asia to present performances that highlight distinctive national and regional cultures. Click HERE for more information.
- Date: Until May 31, 2025
- Time: For the full programme, visit the Macao Arts Festival’s website
Highlights:
Tap Fado
- Date and Time: May 17, 2025, 7:45 pm
- Venue: Small Auditorium at Macao Cultural Centre
- Language: Performed in Portuguese, with surtitles in Chinese and English
- Admission: From MOP200 (restricted to individuals aged 6 or above)
What’s the Deal?
- Date and Time: May 30, 2025, 8 pm; May 31, 2025, 3 pm
- Venue: Grand Auditorium at Macao Cultural Centre
- Language: Performed in Patuá, with surtitles in Chinese, Portuguese, and English
- Admission: From MOP120 (suitable for individuals aged 13 or above)
Macau Cultural Fest
The two-day Macau Cultural Fest brings together a rich variety of elements, including street performances, DJ workshops, face painting, local crafts, playful finds, and a wide selection of Portuguese-inspired street food, offering a one-stop spot to eat, play, and shop experience. Click HERE for more information.
- Date: May 17-18, 2025
- Time: 12 pm till late
- Venue: Macau Palace Square, Old Macau Street, H853 Mall at Lisboeta Macau
- Admission: Free admission
Variety Show & Concerts
House of Dancing Water
House of Dancing Water showcases aerial acrobatics and cutting-edge technology within a theatrical setting. For its much-anticipated return, the production reveals a stunning new vision, poised to captivate the audience’s imaginations. Click HERE for more information.
- Date: From May 9, 2025 (closed on Tuesdays to Thursdays, open on May 29)
- Time: Please refer to the website for session details
- Venue: City of Dreams Level 1, Dancing Water Theater
- Admission: From MOP698 (each adult may share the seat with a child aged 2 or below for free)
Disney’s “Frozen in Concert” Film with Live Orchestra
Macao Orchestra will perform live the soundtrack of Disney’s animated hit Frozen, accompanied by vocalists and a choir delivering the classic songs. This audiovisual experience is set to captivate audiences of all ages as they relive the magic of this beloved story. Click HERE for more information.
- Date and Time: May 31, 2025, 8 pm; June 1, 2025, 3 pm
- Venue: MGM Theater, MGM COTAI
- Admission: MOP300
Sports Events
2025 SJM Macao International Dragon Boat Races
The annual Dragon Boat Races once again take place in Nam Van Lake, bringing together local and international teams in a grand celebration. This event not only enhances the festive atmosphere, but also promotes traditional Chinese sports culture. Click HERE for more information.
- Date: May 24-25, 31, 2025
- Venue: Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre
- Admission: Free admission
Other Activities
Hanfu Island Tour – A Coastal Journey Through Ancient Charm
Participants dressed in traditional Hanfu aboard at the Barra pier for a tour around the island. Along the journey, guides share stories about Macao’s history and the fusion of Chinese and Portuguese cultures. Participants can also play games on board and enjoy desserts. Click HERE for more information.
- Date: May 18, 25, 2025
- Time: 3 pm to 5 pm
- Venue: Barra Square (meeting point)
- Admission: MOP150 (online registration in advance is required)
2025 Chinese Temple Journey
Explore several Chinese temples in Macao, including the Na Tcha Temple on Calçada das Verdades, Fok Tak Chi (Horta da Mitra), and Lou Pan Temple. Each tour offers insights into the history, legends, and local culture of these sites. Click HERE for more information.
- Date: May 17-18, and 24-25, 2025
- Time: 10 am to 12:30 pm, 3 pm to 5:30 pm (2 sessions per day)
- Venue: Centro Comercial Teatro Capitol (meeting point) → Na Tcha Temple on Calçada das Verdades → Fok Tak Chi (Horta da Mitra) → Lou Pan Temple → Incense Ball Pendant Workshop
- Admission: MOP50 (online registration in advance is required)
