2026 May Festival Calendar of Events

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE MAY FESTIVAL

Discovering the voice that connects us all at the 2026 May Festival. Experience the inspiration of the May Festival by exploring our calendar of events.

TUE MAY 12

10:30 AM MAY FESTIVAL YOUNG PEOPLE’S CONCERT | WE ALL SHINE: HEROES OF THE HARLEM RENAISSANCE for CPS students, Springer Auditorium

FRI MAY 15

5 PM Dîner en Fleur with a performance by Cincinnati Jazz Academy

7:30 PM AN ECLECTIC OPENING NIGHT 

Pre-concert 6:15 PM Performance in the Foyer by Kings High School Choir
Pre-concert 6:30 PM Conversation in Corbett Tower with Jason Alexander Holmes

SAT MAY 16

5:30 PM MAY FESTIVAL FAMILY LOUNGE SPECIAL EVENT in Wilks Studio

7:30 PM THE WATER’S JOURNEY

Pre-concert 6 PM Performance in Springer Auditorium by the May Festival Youth Chorus and Cincinnati Boychoir

Pre-concert 6:30 PM Conversation in Corbett Tower by Matthew Swanson and CSO Music Director Cristian Măcelaru

Pre-concert 6:30 PM Performance in the Foyer by Meridian 8 from the School for Creative and Performing Arts

SUN MAY 17

3:00 PM A DREAM DEFERRED: LANGSTON HUGHES IN SONG at Memorial Hall

Post-concert Talk back with Festival Director Julia Bullock

 

TUE MAY 19

7:30 PM VOCAL ARTS ENSEMBLE: ROSSINI’S PETITE MESSE SOLENNELLE at Christ Church Cathedral

THU MAY 21

7:30 PM ON LOVE AND LUST

Pre-concert 6:30 PM Conversation in Corbett Tower with Jason Alexander Holmes and CB2 Director Yoshihisa Arai

SAT MAY 23

7:30 PM PORGY AND BESS: FESTIVAL FINALE

Pre-concert 6:15 PM Performance in the Foyer by The Loretta C. Manggrum Chorale

Pre-concert 6:30 PM Conversation in Corbett Tower with Jason Alexander Holmes, Dr. Kristi Swift and Dr. Tammy Kernodle