Holidays
Labor Day - Friday May 1. This is the first official holiday of the month and it means the week starts with a long weekend.
Hederlez - Wednesday May 6. This traditional spring holiday is celebrated throughout Gagauzia with different events in different towns and villages. One of the highlights is a horse race and show in the town of Ceadîr-Lunga. More information can be found here.
Europe Day and Victory Day - Saturday, May 9. Moldova celebrates both the Soviet Victory Day and the European, “Europe Day” holidays on May 9. Events are held throughout Moldova with the central program happening at the Great National Assembly Square. More information here.
Spring is full of holidays and days off so plan accordingly.
Opera, ballet, and concerts
The month has a strong musical lineup, with several big events appearing on Chișinău’s 2026 calendar.
Hans Zimmer by The Symphonians - Sunday May 3. The Organ Hall presents the Symphonians performing many of Hans Zimmer’s famous movie scores. Tickets are available here.
Lupii lui Calancea & GUZ - This folk rock group comes to Chisnau on May 7 as part of their new album launch. Tickets are available here.
Vivaldi la Veneția - Sunday May 10. Billed as an “educational concert for children and adults,” the Organ Hall presents selections from Vivaldi. Tickets available here.
Ricky Martin Concert - June 12. While not a May event, be sure to get your tickets now for this major concert event for Chisinau. Pop superstar Ricky Martin comes to Moldova at Zimbru Stadium on June 12. Tickets and details here.
Festivals and city life
May is also when outdoor events start to pick up in earnest.
Spring Wine Vernissage 2026 - Friday May 15. One of the signature wine events of the season, held at Capitoles Park. Tickets are 400 MDL at the door. Details here.
DroneFest Moldova 2026 - May 16-17. This second edition evento at Valea Trandafirilor park features drones being used in various sporting type functions. A video of what to expect can be found on this Instagram page. More details here.
BITEI 2026 - May 21 - 31. The International Theatre Festival at the National Theater Eugene Ionesco brings performers and plays from around the world. For a list of the performances and to buy tickets, visit the theater’s page on iTicket here.
Chisinau Auto Expo - May 16-17. Chisinau Arena will host an Auto Expo featuring over 100 new models of vehicles. Details here.
Sports
There is also a good lineup for runners and outdoor sports fans.
Duathlon - Saturday May 10. Sporter will host a Duathlon competition where participants run, bike, then run again. To register, visit the official site here.
Wake Run 2026 - Saturday May 16. Wake Park, to the west of Chisinau, is hosting a trail running event. Participants can choose the half marathon, 10k, or family run. Details available here
National Tennis Center Grand Opening - May 23 - Built as part of Satul Germen between Chisinau and the airport, the National Tennis Center will open on May 23 with an exhibition match. Details and tickets available here.
Legal Half Marathon Chișinău 2026 - Sunday May 31. The month closes with one of the biggest running events in the city. Participants can register for a family run, a 10k, or the full half marathon. Registration is available here.
This section is done in partnership with the team behind Digital Nomad Moldova - the one stop shop for those considering taking advantage of Moldova’s new digital nomad visa process! Learn more on their website.