Campania: May Day long weekend — events guide from 27 April to 3 May

Campania: May Day long weekend — what to see from 27 April to 3 May 2026

Campania offers a packed and varied agenda for the May Day long weekend: city festivals, village feasts, food events and special openings at museums and archaeological sites. Below are the main highlights and practical tips to plan your trip.

• Naples: festivals, exhibitions and food events downtown; notable appointments include COMICON Napoli 2026, the Saporitissimo food fair in Piazza Dante (until 3 May) and the municipal program Vedi Napoli e poi mangia.
• Real Botanical Garden: the Fiabe di Primavera family shows.
• MANN and archaeological sites: exhibitions such as “Parthenope. The Siren and the city” and public access initiatives to restoration sites (the Close-up Cantieri project in Herculaneum).
• May 1st: live concerts and city events, including the 1MayDay in Salerno and shows in inland towns (e.g. Eugenio Bennato in Vallesaccarda).
• Fairs and food: Bianco Tanagro in Auletta and the Paestum IGP Artichoke Festival (events running through 3 May), plus Cilento Tastes in Capaccio from 1 to 3 May.
• Caserta: exhibitions and visits at the Royal Palace with related initiatives during the long weekend.

Suggested itinerary: start with a day in Naples for exhibitions and food events, spend the second day in Paestum/Capaccio for temples and local festivals, and reserve another day for inland areas in the Salerno province for concerts and village celebrations. Family-friendly activities at the Botanical Garden and child-friendly visits in Herculaneum, MANN and Villa Campolieto balance culture and entertainment.

Practical tips: this is a high-demand period—book accommodation and transport early, check opening hours and tickets for shows and exhibitions, and consult official event pages for last-minute updates.