What to do in Copenhagen in mayo

Vinterjazz kicks off on January 30 — over 600 concerts across 150 venues nationwide for its 25th anniversary, with intimate sets in cafés and the Opera House.

Fastelavn on February 15 — the Danish kids' carnival, with costumes, the "slå katten af tønden" barrel-smashing ritual and cream-filled fastelavnsboller buns in every bakery.

CPH:DOX from March 11 to 22 — one of the world's biggest documentary festivals, with 200+ films plus debates, concerts and exhibitions across the city.

Japanese cherry trees bloom at Bispebjerg Cemetery around mid-month — a pink tunnel of sakura that's the city's most photographed spring scene.

Distortion from June 3 to 7 — neighborhood street parties take over the city by day, with the closing Distortion Ø rave at Refshaleøen over the weekend.

Copenhagen Jazz Festival from July 3 to 12 — Europe's largest jazz festival: around 850 concerts across 100+ stages, much of it free in squares, parks and along the canals.

Copenhagen Pride from August 8 to 16 — Scandinavia's largest free Pride; the parade on the 15th draws up to 250,000 people and Rådhuspladsen turns into Pride Square.

Golden Days from September 4 to 20 — over 100 cultural institutions explore a shared historical theme through exhibitions, debates and masquerade balls.

Kulturnatten (Culture Night) on October 9 — 250+ museums, churches, theaters and ministries open until midnight with a culture pass that includes public transport.

Tivoli opens its Christmas season around November 13 — half a million lights, a Christmas market and an ice rink that run through January 3.

Tivoli's Christmas at full peak — market, gløgg, æbleskiver and skating under half a million lights; book your ticket ahead on weekends.