May in Buenos Aires is when culture, history, and music come together to create one of the most exciting months of the year. The city buzzes with national pride, live concerts, world-class art exhibitions, and festivals that showcase both local flavor and global talent. Whether you’re drawn to street parades, rock concerts, or intimate jazz sessions, Buenos Aires in May has something to offer.
Here’s a guide to the top events happening across the city this month:
1. May Revolution Day (Día de la Revolución de Mayo)
Argentina’s Most Patriotic Day Comes Alive
May 25 marks a defining moment in Argentine history—the 1810 revolution that paved the way for independence from Spanish rule. Buenos Aires honors the date with a citywide celebration full of tradition and emotion.
What to Expect: Military parades, folkloric music and dancing, patriotic speeches, and free cultural events.
Location: Plaza de Mayo and surrounding downtown area.
Highlights: Watch locals in traditional attire, sample classic dishes like locro and empanadas, and enjoy open-air performances.
Price: Free
2. Kany García – Live at Teatro Gran Rex
Latin Pop with Heart and Soul
Puerto Rican singer-songwriter Kany García brings her tour to Buenos Aires with a performance packed with emotional ballads and upbeat hits. Her lyrics tackle love, identity, and empowerment, making her one of Latin America’s most authentic voices.
Date & Time: May 1, 2025 – 8:30 PM
Venue: Teatro Gran Rex, Av. Corrientes 857
Price: From $65 USD
Why Go: Intimate venue, incredible acoustics, and a deeply personal live show.
3. Simple Minds at Movistar Arena
Legendary Rock in a Massive Venue
The iconic Scottish rock band returns to Buenos Aires, delivering a powerful set filled with ’80s anthems like Alive and Kicking and Don’t You (Forget About Me). A must for fans of classic new wave and synth-rock.
Date & Time: May 1, 2025 – 8:00 PM
Venue: Movistar Arena, Humboldt 450
Price: Varies by section
Extras: Modern venue with food courts and easy access to public transit.
4. Foreigner with Lou Gramm – Tecnópolis
A Night of Rock Nostalgia
Rock legends Foreigner, joined by original frontman Lou Gramm, promise a high-energy show loaded with hits. It’s a rare opportunity to see the band perform together in Latin America.
Date & Time: May 8, 2025 – 9:00 PM
Venue: Tecnópolis, a sprawling event space known for large-scale concerts
Price: From $50 USD
Perfect For: Anyone who grew up on ‘70s and ‘80s rock radio.
5. God Save the Queen – Queen Tribute
A Stunning Tribute to Freddie Mercury
Regarded as one of the best Queen tribute acts in the world, Argentina’s own God Save the Queen delivers a theatrical and faithful reproduction of the band’s biggest hits—from Bohemian Rhapsody to Radio Ga Ga.
Date & Time: May 9, 2025 – 8:30 PM
Venue: Teatro Gran Rex
Price: From $65 USD
Bonus: Their stage presence and attention to detail will impress even the most die-hard Queen fans.
6. Nile Rodgers & Chic – Funk Night at Movistar Arena
Get Your Groove On
Disco pioneer and hitmaker Nile Rodgers brings Chic’s legendary funk to Buenos Aires. Expect a dance-fueled night filled with timeless grooves like Good Times and Le Freak, plus some surprises from his collaborations with Daft Punk, David Bowie, and Madonna.
Date & Time: May 20, 2025 – 9:00 PM
Venue: Movistar Arena
Price: Approx. $74,000 ARS
Audience: Great for partygoers and fans of timeless dance music.
7. Lacrimosa – Dark Elegance in Concert
Gothic Rock with Classical Drama
The German-Swiss duo brings their theatrical brand of symphonic gothic rock back to Buenos Aires. Their live shows mix orchestral grandeur with moody lyrics, offering a unique concert experience unlike anything else this month.
Date & Time: May 24, 2025 – 7:00 PM
Venue: El Teatro Flores, Av. Rivadavia 7806
Price: $70,000 ARS
Atmosphere: Dark, dramatic, and emotionally intense.
8. ArteBA Contemporary Art Fair
The Heart of Latin American Art
ArteBA is one of the most prestigious contemporary art fairs in Latin America. Featuring galleries from across the continent, it offers a window into the region’s most innovative visual art.
Dates: May 2025 (exact dates TBA)
Venue: La Rural Exhibition Center
Price: Varies by event and pass type
What to See: Installations, paintings, photography, talks, and experimental works.
9. Buenos Aires Jazz Festival
Live Music, Up Close and Cool
This much-loved event gathers jazz musicians from around the world for concerts, jam sessions, and workshops across the city. The emphasis is on quality and intimacy—expect cozy venues, candlelit tables, and incredible improvisation.
Dates: May 2025 (exact dates TBA)
Venues: Usina del Arte, Thelonious Club, and others
Price: Varies (some free shows)
Pro Tip: Arrive early—seats fill up quickly, especially at smaller clubs.
10. Buenos Aires International Book Fair
A Cultural Must for Readers and Writers
One of the largest literary events in the Spanish-speaking world, the Feria del Libro attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors. Browse new titles, attend author readings, join panel discussions, and discover voices from across Latin America and beyond.
Dates: Ongoing through early May 2025
Location: La Rural Exhibition Center
Price: Around $3–5 USD entry
Languages: Mostly Spanish, but some English-language content is available.
Final Thoughts: May in Buenos Aires Is a Month You Can’t Miss
Buenos Aires in May is alive with celebration, music, and cultural discovery. You’ll hear it in the tango rhythms from street corners, feel it in the national pride of May 25, and see it in the art and architecture all around the city. From world-class concerts to grassroots festivals, this is one of the best times to explore the city’s many layers.
Whether you’re visiting for a few days or a local looking to make the most of the month, there’s something on this list that will move you. Pack light—but bring your curiosity, your dancing shoes, and a healthy appetite for culture.
Hi, I’m Natalia, an Argentine-born writer of travel pieces. My articles about my hometown of Buenos Aires reflect the way it exists to me—beyond the conventional attractions, reaching the regular locales, the local haunts, and actual tales that make Buenos Aires.
I also blog about expat life here—what it really is like to make this city one’s home, from the enjoyable aspects (weekend ferias and those late-night empanadas) to the frustrating ones (hi, paperwork). If you’re stopping by or considering making Buenos Aires home, I aim to be honest, practical, and somewhat personal.