May is an ideal month to explore Northern California. The calendar is full of high-energy festivals and professional sports. This guide highlights the best things to do in the Bay Area for locals and San Francisco tourists alike.
BAY AREA EventS This MAY 2026 at a Glance
| DATE | EVENT | LOCATION |
| May 3 | Cinco de Mayo | San Jose |
| May 9 | Scout-O-Rama | San Jose |
| May 10 | Mother’s Day Scavenger Hunt | PayPal Park | San Jose |
| May 10 | AANHPI Match with Bay FC | PayPal Park | San Jose |
| May 15 | Bay FC vs. Boston Legacy | PayPal Park | San Jose |
| May 17 | World Cup Celebration | San Ramon |
| May 23-24 | San Francisco Carnaval | San Francisco |
| May 24 | Pride Match with Bay FC | PayPal Park | San Jose |
San Jose Cinco de Mayo Festival
Sunday, May 3 | Downtown San Jose
Kick off the month in Downtown San Jose at the annual Cinco de Mayo celebration. The festival features live music, traditional food, and a vibrant community environment at Cesar Chavez Plaza. Stop by at Vanessa, Bay FC’s mobile fan station, for merch. This is a top-tier opportunity for a family day in the heart of the South Bay.
→ Visit Cinco de Mayo Cultural Parade & Festival in San Jose
Scout-O-Rama Discovery Day
Saturday, May 9 | History Park, San Jose
History Park hosts Scout-O-Rama, a massive community event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with fun, hands-on activities. Make sure to visit the Bay FC booth for soccer activations. The family friendly day of discovery includes 100+ hands-on activities and is a perfect way to explore local history in an outdoor setting.
Bay FC Mother’s Day Scavenger Hunt
Sunday, May 10 | PayPal Park, San Jose
Celebrate Mother’s Day in the Bay Area at PayPal Park during Bay FC’s match vs Utah Royals FC. Gates open at 11 a.m. for a special scavenger hunt featuring 90 hidden prizes.
- Prizes: Search the stadium for match tickets and merchandise vouchers.
- Grand Prize: The top reward includes an exclusive post-match experience on the pitch and a signed jersey.
Also, enjoy a Mother’s Day treat with one ticket to Bay FC’s match vs. Utah Royals FC and $15 concessions voucher valid at all in-stadium vendors (excluding food trucks and self-checkout markets).
This Mother’s Day matchday will be high-energy and an event the whole family will love.
→ Join the Mother’s Day Scavenger Hunt at PayPal Park
→ Celebrate Mother’s Day with Ticket & Concession Offer
Bay FC AANHPI Heritage Match
Sunday, May 10 | PayPal Park, San Jose
Bay FC will honor Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month alongside the matchday action versus Utah Royals FC.
A limited-edition AANHPI T-shirt will be available at the match for the first time and will only be available for purchase at the event.
Additional festivities include:
- FanFest Performances: Dance performance by LionDanceME, a world-class lion and dragon dance team.
- Halftime Performances: Bay Area native hip‑hop artist P‑Lo will headline halftime entertainment
- Cultural Activities: Japanese origami hosted by The Japanese American Museum of San Jose (JAMSJ), photo opportunities at a custom AANHPI backdrop, friendship bracelets, and AANHPI educational posters.
Homegrown Pros: A World Cup Celebration
Sunday, May 17 | City Center, San Ramon
Get ready to celebrate the beautiful game as excitement builds for World Cup 2026. This activation at City Center honors homegrown talent featured on banners around the exterior of the center—professional players who got their start in the Tri-Valley. It is a great chance to hear player journeys and celebrate the community spirit on the road to 2026.
Activities include:
- Legends Q&A: Join a session with National Soccer Hall of Fame Class of 2026 member and Bay Area native Chris Wondolowski.
- Meet the Pros: Connect with members of Bay FC’s Founding Four.
- Skills & Fun: Take part in dribbling contests on the lawn (no cleats allowed) or snap photos at various selfie stations.
Also, find the Bay FC booth and take on the soccer bowling challenge or test your accuracy at the target net.
Bay FC vs. Boston Legacy Match
Friday, May 15 | PayPal Park, San Jose
Experience a piece of NWSL history as expansion side Boston Legacy visits PayPal Park for the first time.
The first 5,000 fans in attendance will receive an exclusive Bay FC rope-trimmed ball cap, presented by PNC Bank.
Keep an eye on these key NWSL players:
- Bay FC: Midfielder Claire Hutton, who captained the U.S. Women’s National Team during the NWSL April International break.
- Boston Legacy: Midfielder Chloe Ricketts, who turned pro at 15, and forward Amanda Gutierres, a Brazilian international ranked 21st in the 2025 Ballon d’Or Féminin.
Pride Celebration at Bay FC vs. Chicago Stars FC
Sunday, May 24 | PayPal Park, San Jose
Bay FC wraps up May’s Pride Month with its annual Pride Match. This celebration honors the LGBTQ+ community in the Bay Area and beyond, creating an inclusive atmosphere at PayPal Park. Kickoff is at 2 p.m., but gates open early for pre-match fun.
What to expect: Special matchday activations, pride-themed merchandise, and a joyful, community-focused FanFest before the whistle.
What are the best family-friendly things to do in the Bay Area in May?
May offers several family-oriented events, including Scout-O-Rama in San Jose and the Mother’s Day Scavenger Hunt at PayPal Park. San Francisco Carnaval is also a highlight, featuring a grand parade and music stages suitable for all age groups.
What is the theme for San Francisco Carnaval 2026?
The 2026 theme is “La Copa Del Pueblo,” or the People’s Cup. This theme celebrates the global passion for soccer and the diverse communities that support the sport.
How can I attend a Bay FC match at PayPal Park?
Tickets for Bay FC home matches against Utah Royals, Boston Legacy, and Chicago Stars are available now on the Ticketing Page. Plan to arrive before kickoff. Gates at PayPal Park open early so fans can catch all the pre-match activations and limited-edition giveaways.
What should I wear for Bay Area events in May?
San Francisco and San Jose weather can vary significantly. Dressing in layers ensures comfort during outdoor festivals and sporting events. Shop Bay FC merchandise for matchday layers or versatile lifestyle wear suitable for any Bay Area outing.
