What shows and theatre productions kick off in May 2026 in Paris and the Île-de-France region? This guide highlights the live performances launching this month, from new creations and revivals to new programming debuts or shows making their first appearance on stage.
In Paris and the Île-de-France region, May 2026 kicks off a busy slate of live performances, spanning theatre, comedy, musical shows, visual productions and other formats suitable for all ages. If you’re after a broader selection, you can also check out our guides to the theatre pieces to see in Paris in May 2026 and the shows to catch in Paris in May 2026.
This page spotlights shows and plays that kick off in May 2026, to help you quickly spot what launches this month and not miss the new posters to check out.
WARNING: This guide will be updated as new discoveries emerge
Scenes from a marriage at the Odéon: a couple confronts violence
From May 20 to June 7, 2026 at Odéon Paris 6, Markus Öhrn revisits Bergman's Scenes from a Marriage in a radically offbeat version. [Read more]
Molière’s Tartuffe or the Hypocrite performed in its original version at La Grande Halle de la Villette
Tartuffe or The Hypocrite by Molière, directed by Ivo Van Hove, will be staged at La Grande Halle de la Villette from May 21 to July 11, 2026. [Read more]
The Imaginary Invalid: Molière’s Comedy-Ballet at the Porte Saint-Martin
Molière’s The Imaginary Invalid, directed by Claude Stratz, will run at the Théâtre de la Porte Saint-Martin from May 27 to July 12, 2026. [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]
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]
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]
Ercole amante: Antonia Bembo's baroque Hercules between power and desire at Opéra Bastille
From May 28 to June 14, 2026, Antonia Bembo's Ercole amante makes its debut in the Paris Opéra repertoire, supported by an original staging and singular Baroque vocal writing. [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]
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]
Once Upon a Crime in Paris: the immersive show where you become the detective and rewrite the ending of the fairy tale
In Paris, at the Théâtre de l’Alliance Française, the immersive show Once Upon a Crime offers a one-hour interactive criminal investigation centered on Little Red Riding Hood. Audience members, all grown-up, get to vote and steer both the story's progression and its ending. This interactive theatre experience in Paris immerses viewers in a film noir atmosphere and provides a participatory adventure with multiple possible outcomes. [Read more]
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Dates and Opening Time
From May 1, 2026 to May 31, 2026
