Your Guide to Free & Discounted Events This May Bank Holiday Weekend 2025

At Tickets for Good, we’ve got access to some fantastic free and discounted tickets this May bank holiday weekend, from dub music and jazz legends to indie gigs and wrestling shows — all available exclusively to people who work in the NHS, education, charities, or who have received government cost of living support. If that’s you, you could be heading to one of these events for free (just pay the booking fee), or at a serious discount.

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Here’s our round-up of some of the best events — plus some totally free ideas — to help you make the most of the long weekend.

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When is the May bank holiday weekend in the UK?

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There are two Bank Holiday weekends in the UK this May — the Early May Bank Holiday from Saturday 3rd to Monday 5th May 2025, and the Spring Bank Holiday from Saturday 24th to Monday 26th May 2025. 

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That means double the chances to make the most of your time off! Whether you're planning ahead or looking for something spontaneous, it's a great time to explore what's on May Bank Holiday — from gigs and live shows to free local events happening near you.

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Free and discounted gigs to kick off your bank holiday

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Whether you’re after live music, big energy, or something a little different, these gigs are a great way to kick off your May Bank Holiday weekend without spending big. There are loads of brilliant May Bank Holiday events near you, and we’ve picked out some of the best.

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Newcastle: An Dannsa Dub at The Cluny (22 May)

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Start your Bank Holiday weekend early with a Thursday night of powerful rhythm and high-energy grooves at The Cluny. An Dannsa Dub — meaning The Dub Dance in Gaelic — fuse traditional roots music with the pulse of modern sound system culture, creating a uniquely Celtic take on dub that’ll have you moving from the first beat.

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This one’s free on Tickets for Good (just pay a small booking fee) — and the vibe will be worth showing up for. Book here.

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London: Celebrate Alice Coltrane’s legacy (26 May)

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If you’re in or near London this Bank Holiday Monday, make a plan to head to the iconic 100 Club for a night celebrating Alice Coltrane – the spiritual jazz visionary who deserves more of the spotlight.

This incredible night of live music honours her legacy with an ensemble of experimental jazz artists. It’s normally a premium night out — but Tickets for Good members can book discounted tickets for just £13.02 plus a small booking fee. Book here.

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Newcastle: North Wrestling – Let the Cannons Fly (24 May)

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If you’ve never been to a live wrestling show, this is your moment. North Wrestling brings high-octane action, anarchy, and an unbeatable atmosphere to Anarchy Brew Co. in Newcastle on the Saturday night of Bank Holiday weekend.

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Tickets normally sell quickly — but if you’re eligible, you can go completely free via Tickets for Good (booking fee applies). Book here.

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Expect bold characters, flying elbows, craft beer, and a crowd that’s all in.

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Birmingham: The Jins at The Victoria (22 May)

Canadian indie-rockers The Jins are heading to Birmingham and playing a free-entry show (via Tickets for Good) at the wonderfully intimate Victoria. Think distorted guitars, clever lyrics, and a proper sweaty-gig feel.

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Perfect for that Thursday night out that sets the tone for the long weekend ahead. Book here.

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Birmingham: Deaf Deaf Deaf (30 May)

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If you’re stretching your Bank Holiday into a long week, pencil in Deaf Deaf Deaf — a gritty, post-punk outfit bringing their bold sound to Birmingham on 30 May. If you're eligible, you can get in free with just a booking fee. Book here.

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Other free things to do this Bank Holiday weekend

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Bank Holiday weekends are made for slowing down, trying something new, and soaking up the best of where you live (or where you’re visiting). If you’re looking for things to do this May Bank Holiday weekend, there’s no shortage of options. Whether you’re into walks, art, or exploring your local area, there are loads of free things to enjoy — especially with warmer weather and longer days.

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Here are a few easy wins that won’t cost you a thing.

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Go for a spring walk

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May is one of the best months to get outside — everything’s in bloom, the days are longer, and there’s no better excuse to head somewhere green.

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You could try:

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• Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh – A short but steep climb with stunning views across the city and out to sea.
  
  
• Mam Tor in the Peak District – A beginner-friendly hike with breathtaking valley views.
  
  
• South West Coast Path – Even just a short stretch of this coastal route offers cliffside views and sea air.
  
  
• The Yorkshire Sculpture Park – Free to enter on foot (parking charges apply), it’s a unique blend of nature and outdoor art.

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Visit a free art gallery

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There’s something refreshing about wandering through a gallery on a slow day off — and many of the UK’s best are totally free to visit.

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Some great options include:

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• Tate St Ives (Cornwall) – While some exhibitions charge, entry to some areas is free and the location is worth the visit alone.
  
  
• Walker Art Gallery (Liverpool) – Known as the "National Gallery of the North" with an impressive collection.
  
  
• The Hepworth Wakefield – Striking architecture and fantastic exhibitions, often with free entry.
  
  
• BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art (Gateshead) – Always free, always surprising.

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Discover a museum

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Whether you’ve got kids to entertain or just fancy getting curious about the world, museums are a brilliant free activity.

A few standouts:

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• St Fagans National Museum of History (Wales) – An open-air museum exploring Welsh life through the ages.
  
  
• The People’s History Museum (Manchester) – A fascinating look at working-class movements, protests, and social change.
  
  
• The Riverside Museum (Glasgow) – Interactive transport exhibits in a stunning modern building.
  
  
• National Museum of Scotland (Edinburgh) – Science, history, nature and fashion — all under one (beautiful) roof.
  
  

Explore a local market or makers fair

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Many towns and cities will be hosting pop-up events or markets over the Bank Holiday weekend — great for discovering local makers, grabbing a bite, or just browsing with a coffee in hand.

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Look out for:

• Makers markets in the North West – Found in places like Altrincham, Stockport and Manchester.
  
  
• Craft and flea markets in Sheffield and Nottingham – Ideal for quirky homeware and gifts.
  
  
• Foodie festivals in Brighton, Bristol or Bath – Often free to enter with paid food and drink stalls.

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Spend the day by the coast

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You don’t need a hotel booking or a bucket and spade to enjoy the seaside.

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Try:

• Whitby or Robin Hood’s Bay – Perfect for wandering narrow streets and grabbing chips by the sea.
  
  
• Brighton – Free to roam the pier, watch the performers, or chill on the beach.
  
  
• Barry Island (Wales) – A classic British seaside day out, and easy to reach by train from Cardiff.
  
  
• Portrush (Northern Ireland) – A pretty spot with clifftop views and golden sands.

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Want more ideas for your Bank Holiday?

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This is just a small snapshot of what's out there — we’ve got loads of free and discounted events happening across the UK this May Bank Holiday and beyond. From live music and comedy to festivals, theatre and unique one-off experiences, there's something for everyone on Tickets for Good.

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If you work in the NHS, education, charity sector, or you’ve received government cost of living support, you could be eligible to sign up and start accessing tickets today. You can sign up for free here.

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Check what’s on near you and grab your spot before they go.