Whether you’re chasing an adrenaline-pumping theatre experience, an afternoon of gallery-hopping, or a sun-drenched dog festival, May 2025 in Essex promises to delight every kind of culture lover.
From West End-worthy musicals and spine-chilling stage thrillers to hands-on art workshops and cosmic science talks, this month’s line-up is bursting with originality, personality, and heart. We’ve handpicked the most engaging events happening in Southend, Colchester and beyond—so all you have to do is show up and enjoy the moment.
Things to Do in Southend and Essex in May 2025
Firstsite Art Fair
Dates: 10 May
Events: Firstsite
This is a brand-new celebration of art and creativity. Discover and shop unique original pieces from both emerging and established artists, explore Firstsite with guided gallery tours, and get hands-on with live demonstrations and workshops – including watercolour painting and kite-making.
The Science of Space
Dates: Throughout May
Events: Beecroft Art Gallery
Journey from the Beecroft Art Gallery into the darkest corners of the cosmos, in the free, four part series ‘The Science of Space’. It’s a perfect introduction to all things astrophysical, every Sunday throughout May – and whilst there, check out Beecroft’s on-going exhibitions and talks.
Get tickets at Beecroft Art Gallery
& Juliet
Dates: 5-10 May
Events: Cliffs Pavilion
Get whisked away on a fabulous journey as Juliet ditches her famous ending for a fresh beginning and a second chance at life and love – her way. Created by the Emmy-winning writer from Schitt’s Creek, this hilarious new musical flips the script on the greatest love story ever told and asks, what would happen next if Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo?
Jonathan Leibovitz
Dates: 22 May
Events: The Minories Colchester
Wild Arts’ Roman River Spring Concerts are in full swing and this event on 22nd May looks unmissable. It will feature Classic FM Rising Star, clarinettist Jonathan Leibovitz, who will present a dreamy programme of Debussy, Denisov, Brahms and Poulenc (clarinet and piano), plus a young artist spotlight from Hassan Marzban, who is only 16 and already arranging his own music.
The Da Vinci Code
Dates: 7-24 May
Events: Mercury Theatre
Dan Brown’s bestselling thriller novel comes alive in a way you’ve never seen before, in this electrifying stage adaptation written by Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Abel. Professor Robert Langdon and cryptologist Sophie Neveu embark on a pulse-pounding quest across Europe. When a brutal murder in the Louvre Museum uncovers hidden clues within Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpieces, the duo must unravel a web of intrigue that could alter the course of history…
Ghost Stories
Dates: 13-17 May
Events: Cliffs Pavilion
A truly terrifying theatrical experience created by The League of Gentlemen’s Jeremy Dyson, and Andy Nyman, co-creator of Derren Brown’s television and stage shows. Ghost Stories mixes the very best of theatre with the buzz of a thrill-ride, delivering something truly unique. When Professor Goodman, arch-sceptic out to debunk the paranormal, embarks on an investigation of three apparent hauntings as recounted by a night watchman, a teenage boy, and a businessman awaiting his first child. Goodman finds himself at the outer limits of rationality, and fast running out of explanations.
Get your tickets at Trafalgar Tickets
Lou Sanders
Dates: 16 May
Events: Palace Theatre
A show about being human – can you relate? Just like Tom Cruise does all his own stunts, Lou Sanders is going to do all her own jokes. This is a deep, dumb show for the masses. Lou is the star of Dancing On Ice (ITV), champion of Taskmaster (Channel 4), co-host of Mel Giedroyc’s Unforgivable (Dave), regular on QI (BBC) and as seen on The Late Late Show with James Corden (CBS) and Would I Lie To You? (BBC).
Pop and Bark Dog Experience
Dates: 5 May
Events: Down Hall Hotel
The paws are back in town… yes that’s right, the UK’s most talked about dog event is returning to Down Hall Hotel, Spa & Estate on Bank Holiday Monday, 5th May for the ‘ultimutt’ spring celebration and unleashed fun in the sun.
Teaming up with leading canine events company, Pop + Bark, this is the largest outdoor breed-specific dog celebration of its kind, and the perfect place for puppy play to get those tails wagging. The experience welcomes four-legged friends, children and adults alike with a whole host of activities to guarantee a paw-some time all round.
Set within 110-acres of beautiful gardens and grounds of the hotel, grab a bite to eat at one of the food stations. Choose from authentic Italian stone-baked pizzas and salads to Greek grilled lamb kofte and halloumi and vegetable souvlaki, all curated by the hotel’s executive chef Robert Pearce. Four-legged guests can feast on bespoke pup snacks from Rudi’s The Doggy Bakery, with treats including all-natural pupcakes, doughnuts and cookies, as well as sipping on delights from the world’s only Pupuccino Bar, fully stocked with fresh fruits, peanut butter sprinkles, dog-friendly choccy drops and gravy bones.
Dogs will be free to explore the picturesque grounds and new woodland trail, as well as having plenty of off-lead fun with fellow fur babies in the dedicated play zone filled with toys, a splash pool, bubble party and other games.
How Absolutely Picks The Best For You
At Absolutely Magazines, we pride ourselves on curating only the finest recommendations for our refined readers. Our editors leverage their extensive expertise in lifestyle journalism to ensure that every selection meets the highest standards of quality and relevance. From scouring local insider tips to understanding trends and feedback, we leave no stone unturned in identifying the most exceptional venues for you. Guided by an appreciation for your taste, we prioritise venues and events that epitomise luxury, style, and premium experiences. You can trust us to bring you the Absolute best, every time.
