Which shows to see in Paris in May 2026? With public holidays, long weekends and a desire for outings, Paris and the Île-de-France region continue to offer a rich lineup, spanning musicals, humor, cabarets, visual performances, dance, magic and circus. This guide gathers the must-see shows in Paris in May.
To help you sort through the options, this selection highlights several stage universes, from musical performances to bold visual concepts, not forgetting more festive or humorous outings. A handy guide to what to see on stage in Paris in May 2026. If you prefer a shorter list, you can also check our 10 shows to see in Paris in May 2026.
And if you're after a specific universe, our guides on the drag shows or on comedy can also complement your reading. This guide is updated regularly with new performances spotted in Paris and Île-de-France, as well as shows still on during the month of May.
Note: This guide is updated as we make new discoveries


The Lion King: the musical back for a sixth season at the Mogador Theatre – our review
The Lion King awaits you at the Mogador Theatre in Paris until August 9 as part of its fifth season, and it will launch a sixth season as early as September 2026, more than ten years after its last performance in this Parisian venue. We’ve seen it, and here’s everything you need to know! [Read more]



Chicago: The iconic and dazzling musical makes a return at the Casino de Paris with Shy'm – extended performances
The iconic show Chicago is returning to Paris! Running until May 17, 2026, the Casino de Paris hosts the acclaimed musical that has been filling venues across America for over 20 years, now featuring singer Shy'm in the cast. [Read more]



Puss in Boots, the Musical: a family-friendly show at Théâtre de la Gaîté-Montparnasse
Until May 31, 2026, the Gaîté-Montparnasse Theatre will host a musical comedy for young audiences, starring the beloved character of Puss in Boots, from the classic tales of Charles Perrault. [Read more]



Top Hat at the Théâtre du Châtelet: tap dance, romance and old-fashioned Broadway
Fred Astaire, tap dancing and unforgettable melodies: Top Hat, Irving Berlin's musical film classic, comes to the Théâtre du Châtelet from April 15 to May 3, 2026 for an elegant stage adaptation. [Read more]



Les Demoiselles de Rochefort: the cult musical at the Lido 2 Paris extended - our opinion
Les Demoiselles de Rochefort is coming to the Lido from October 2, 2025, to June 21, 2026. This classic by Jacques Demy, carried by Michel Legrand's legendary tunes and an energetic cast, is getting a new lease on life on stage. Here's what we thought. [Read more]



Pocahontas, the musical – Family show at the Théâtre Gaité Rive Gauche
Discover "Pocahontas, the musical," the new creation by the Safa Brothers at the Théâtre Gaité Rive Gauche from October 4, 2025, to May 3, 2026. A live show combining dance, songs, and immersive projections for the whole family. [Read more]



Sherlock Holmes: The Musical Adventure at La Gaîté Rive Gauche
Sherlock Holmes: The Musical Adventure Returns to La Gaîté Rive Gauche. This musical inspired by Conan Doyle is set to run from February 15 to May 31, 2026. [Read more]



Good News: D’pendanse musical hits the stage at the Dôme in Paris
Good News is a musical comedy brought to life by the D’pendanse company, blending dance, singing, and theater. It will be staged at the Paris Dôme on May 29, 2026. [Read more]



Mission Florimont at Théâtre Rive Gauche: the burlesque adventure comedy
The adventure comedy Mission Florimont will be at the Théâtre Rive Gauche in Paris from June 7 to June 28, 2026, for a series of fast-paced performances featuring a colorful cast of characters. [Read more]



Les Funambules - Elles: a vibrant musical show about women at Gaité Montparnasse
The Les Funambules collective will present Elles, a musical show about women, at the Théâtre de la Gaité Montparnasse. Running until June 12 and then from October 15, 2025, the show celebrates feminine sensitivity and energy. [Read more]



Kidology: Comedy Club, Cocktail Bar and Bistronomic Restaurant — Promo Code
Sponsored - Kidology is a Comedy Club, a bistronomic restaurant and a cocktail bar all under one roof! Welcome to this iconic venue in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district, in the heart of Paris, where people come for the laughs as much as for a drink or a proper dinner. Enjoy 10% off with the promo code: SORTIRAPARIS [Read more]



How to become a Parisian in one hour? : Olivier Giraud's show at the Théâtre des Nouveautés
How to become a Parisian in one hour? Olivier Giraud explains it all with offbeat humor at the Théâtre des Nouveautés. This funny show, 100% in English, is ideal for tourists discovering Paris as well as for Parisians ready for self-deprecation! [Read more]



The Sebastopol Comedy Club: stand-up comedy in a Paris hotel
The Sebastopol Comedy Club is the unusual comedy stage that awaits you in the heart of the 123 Sebastopol hotel in Paris. Every weekend, in the heart of a hotel, you'll find a stand-up stage hosted by established artists. [Read more]



There’s joy in the air! : Michaël Hirsch’s solo show extended at the Œuvre
The one-man show Y'a de la joie! by Michaël Hirsch, directed by Mikaël Chirinian, has been extended at the Théâtre de l’Œuvre in Paris until June 25, 2026. [Read more]



David Castello-Lopes: "Delicious," a new show at the Européean Theater
David Castello-Lopes is bringing his new solo show, Délicieux, to the Européan Theatre in Paris from March 13 to June 9, 2026. A one-man performance exploring the theme of pleasure. [Read more]



Alexis Tramoni: His Stand-Up Performance at the Petit Palais des Glaces
Alexis Tramoni is performing his show Le Meilleur et le Pire at the Petit Palais des Glaces in Paris every Friday and Saturday at 9:30 PM, with performances scheduled through June 27, 2026. [Read more]



Impro ! A unique interactive show at the Théâtre de Nesle
Every Saturday evening, three actors and a musician improvise new scenes based on suggestions from the audience. An interactive family comedy show at the Théâtre de Nesle. [Read more]



Waly Dia's Comedy Show: The Stand-Up Event at the Communale in Saint-Ouen
Come have a good time and discover the next stars of French stand-up at Waly Dia’s Comedy Night. The comedian invites you to join him once a month on a Wednesday at Communale Saint-Ouen. Here are the upcoming dates. [Read more]



Random Comedy Club: stand-up comedy show Sunday evenings at the Chouchou hotel in Paris
Every Sunday evening, the Chouchou hotel invites you to its table for its traditional rendez-vous: the Random Comedy Club comedy show. In the guinguette, among the aperitif boards and cocktails, the new seeds of comedy and stars of laughter take turns on stage for a lively stand-up show, 100% made in France! [Read more]



Madame Arthur: transvestite cabaret and Parisian club
Sponsored - A true Parisian institution, Madame Arthur transports several generations into her musical world of drag and French chanson! [Read more]



Féerie at the Moulin Rouge: a night of feathers and dreams in Montmartre
Every evening, the Moulin Rouge presents Féerie, a spectacular revue in four tableaux, at 9 or 11 pm, preceded or not by a dinner imagined by their chef. [Read more]



Crazy Horse, one of Paris's most emblematic cabarets
In the 8th arrondissement, Crazy Horse hides behind a sober facade that goes (almost) unnoticed. However, once you've passed through the front door, you'll be transported to a completely different atmosphere, as you take in a marvellous show featuring dance, performances and luminous decors. [Read more]



Lou Diprey: A Modern, Intimate Pop Cabaret in the Heart of Paris 10th
Lou Diprey is the newest contemporary, intimate cabaret in Paris’s 10th arrondissement. Since opening on December 17, 2025, the venue has been offering bistronomic dinners, choreographed performances, and lively after-parties—all set within a cozy, dimly lit atmosphere designed to provide a modern nocturnal experience. Ready to venture off the beaten path? [Read more]



Love Bazar: We attended the drag dinner-show featuring Misty Phœnix at Lou Diprey in Paris — here’s our take
Attention all drag show enthusiasts! Love Bazar is taking over Lou Diprey in Paris for a series of nights blending drag performances, live music, and gourmet bistro dining. Led by Misty Phœnix, Azémylia, and Jenny From The Blocnote, the shows will run on January 22, 23, 28, and 29, then February 20, 21, 25, and 26 — and they’ll be happening every Thursday and Friday evening starting March 2026. This is a first-of-its-kind immersive experience with no traditional stage, designed to foster an intimate connection between performers and the audience. We attended, and here’s what it’s all about! [Read more]



Oh! César Paris: Parisian cabaret combining glamour, humor and art
A few years ago, the Cabaret César-Palace metamorphosed into Oh! César Paris, offering a unique fusion of dining, entertainment and clubbing into the wee hours. [Read more]



TurboCancan: a crazy cabaret at Cancan Pigalle
Humor, music and surprising performances: Marie-Jo Dassin welcomes you every Wednesday for a festive, immersive evening in Pigalle. [Read more]



L'oiseau Paradis, the show at Paris cabaret Le Paradis Latin
Paradis Latin, Paris's emblematic cabaret in the 5th arrondissement, on the left bank of the Seine, is famous for its nightly revue shows in a luxurious setting and festive atmosphere. The revue performed here is always "L'Oiseau Paradis", a show by Kamel Ouali. Dièse and Solen Shawen are the ringleaders. [Read more]



Jules Verne, The Extraordinary Journey — An immersive show at the Grand Hôtel des Rêves
Sponsored - The Grand Hôtel of Dreams invites you to dive into Jules Verne's The Extraordinary Voyage: an immersive family experience. This show offers a fresh perspective on the adventure author’s timeless tales, featuring stunning 360° sets and a captivating theatrical journey like no other. [Read more]



DroneArt Show: A spectacular display of illuminated drones synchronized with classical music at this racecourse
The sky over Bois de Vincennes transforms into a giant stage on May 28 and 30, 2026: hundreds of drones will perform a mesmerizing dance above the Hippodrome, all synchronized with a live classical music concert. An immersive sensory experience blending cutting-edge technology with poetic artistry. [Read more]



Onze Bouge 2026, the outdoor arts festival, is making a mark again in the 11th arrondissement of Paris
The Onze Bouge festival is back for a new edition in the streets of the 11th arrondissement of Paris, from May 28 to 31, 2026. Expect a mix of dance, theatre, music, and comedy performances... Street arts take center stage in this free festival! [Read more]



La Dame aux camélias: a romantic tragedy danced at the Palais Garnier
From May 5 to 23, 2026, the Palais Garnier presents La Dame aux camélias, a narrative ballet by John Neumeier inspired by the novel by Alexandre Dumas fils, with music by Chopin. [Read more]



Maldonne: Leïla Ka celebrates women's solidarity at Théâtre du Rond-Point
From May 11 to 13, 2026, Leïla Ka presents "Maldonne" at the Théâtre du Rond-Point, a choreographic piece for five dancers about sisterhood. [Read more]



GIORDA at L’Européen until the end of June: hypnosis like you’ve never seen.
Sponsored - Giorda brings HYPN’OSE to L’Européen, a participatory and uplifting hypnosis show running from March 28 to June 27, 2026. Blending hypnosis with comedy, the audience member becomes an active participant in this immersive experience. [Read more]



FauxFaire FauxVoir: a magical, immersive, and interactive experience at La Grande Halle de La Villette
The Grande Halle of La Villette invites you to experience "FauxFaire FauxVoir," a captivating magic show blending cognitive science and technology, created by the Le Phalène company. Scheduled from May 5 to 9, 2026, this immersive journey challenges our perceptions and beliefs, offering a unique theatrical exploration. [Read more]



Augmented Magic: Moulla’s Magical Show at La Grande Halle de La Villette
The Grande Halle of La Villette hosts an innovative magic conference and show centered on AI, titled Augmented Magic, presented by magician Moulla, from May 19 to May 23, 2026. Step into a truly immersive experience where illusions meet cutting-edge technology to amaze and astonish! [Read more]



Swami: A Show Blending Magic, Mentalism, and Virtual Reality at Little Villette
Attention magic enthusiasts! Little Villette invites you to experience Swarmi, an immersive adventure created by Rémy Berthier that combines magic, mentalism, and virtual reality, running from May 12 to May 16, 2026. [Read more]
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Dates and Opening Time
From May 1, 2026 to May 31, 2026