May is a month full of history, celebrations, and natural wonders.
Whether you’re hosting a trivia night or simply expanding your knowledge, these May-themed trivia questions and answers will spark curiosity and fun.
From famous birthdays to unique holidays, this guide covers it all. Get ready to become a May trivia expert!
May in History
Explore fascinating historical moments that happened in May.
- Significant Historical Events:
- What event marked the end of World War II in Europe on May 8, 1945? Answer: Victory in Europe Day (VE Day).
- Which U.S. state was admitted to the Union on May 29, 1848? Answer: Wisconsin.
- Notable Political Moments:
- Who became the first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in May 1979? Answer: Margaret Thatcher.
- What significant event occurred at Tiananmen Square in May 1989? Answer: Pro-democracy protests.
Birthdays of Famous People in May
Test your knowledge of famous figures born in May.
- Historical Figures:
- Who was born on May 18, 1048, and is known as the “father of algebra”? Answer: Omar Khayyam.
- Which famous Renaissance artist was born on May 3, 1469? Answer: Niccolò Machiavelli.
- Modern Celebrities:
- Who is the American actress born on May 25, 1969, known for her role in Friends? Answer: Lisa Kudrow.
- Which legendary British musician celebrates their birthday on May 26? Answer: Stevie Nicks.
May Holidays and Observances
May is full of unique holidays and events worth celebrating.
- Traditional Celebrations:
- What day marks the international celebration of workers’ rights on May 1? Answer: International Workers’ Day (May Day).
- Which holiday is celebrated on the second Sunday in May in the U.S.? Answer: Mother’s Day.
- Lesser-Known Holidays:
- What quirky day is observed on May 4 with the phrase, “May the Force be with you”? Answer: Star Wars Day.
- What day promotes cycling and healthy living on the third Friday of May? Answer: National Bike to Work Day.
Nature and Weather in May
Discover the beauty of May’s natural wonders and climate patterns.
- Seasonal Changes:
- What natural phenomenon is often associated with May in the Northern Hemisphere? Answer: Spring blooms and warmer weather.
- Which famous flower is linked to May and symbolizes love and prosperity? Answer: Lily of the Valley.
- Animal Activity:
- Which migrating bird species returns to the U.S. during May? Answer: Ruby-throated Hummingbird.
- What is the name of the full moon in May, often linked to agricultural traditions? Answer: Flower Moon.
Sports and Events in May
May is a popular month for sports and major events.
- Famous Sporting Events:
- What prestigious horse racing event takes place in May? Answer: The Kentucky Derby.
- Which global sporting event often begins in May? Answer: The French Open (Roland Garros).
- Unique Celebrations:
- What famous car race occurs on the last Sunday in May in Indianapolis? Answer: The Indianapolis 500.
- Which European country celebrates Constitution Day on May 17? Answer: Norway.
Pop Culture Moments in May
May is also the month for some iconic cultural moments.
- Music and Movies:
- What iconic movie franchise released its first film on May 25, 1977? Answer: Star Wars.
- Which popular album by Adele was released in May 2011? Answer: “21”.
- TV and Entertainment:
- Which famous TV network debuted in May 1980? Answer: CNN.
- What highly anticipated Marvel movie premiered in May 2012? Answer: The Avengers.
Fun Facts About May
Impress your friends with these quirky facts about May.
- Names and Meanings:
- May is named after Maia. Who was she in Roman mythology? Answer: The goddess of fertility and spring.
- What is May’s birthstone, symbolizing hope and renewal? Answer: Emerald.
- Trivia Tidbits:
- What is the official flower of May in the U.S.? Answer: Hawthorn.
- Which zodiac signs are associated with May? Answer: Taurus and Gemini.
More May Trivia Questions and Answers
History and Politics
- What historical figure became the Prime Minister of Britain on May 10, 1940?
Answer: Winston Churchill. - On May 14, 1948, which nation declared its independence?
Answer: Israel. - What major protest movement was launched in Paris, France, in May 1968?
Answer: May 1968 protests (student and worker strikes). - Who signed the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo on May 30, 1848?
Answer: The United States and Mexico. - On May 1, 1707, which two countries merged to form Great Britain?
Answer: England and Scotland.
Famous Birthdays in May
- Who was born on May 6, 1856, and is known as the father of psychoanalysis?
Answer: Sigmund Freud. - Which famous chef and TV personality was born on May 8, 1966?
Answer: Gordon Ramsay. - What legendary singer, known as the “Godfather of Soul,” was born on May 3, 1933?
Answer: James Brown. - What tech pioneer and Apple co-founder was born on May 19, 1955?
Answer: Steve Jobs. - Which iconic actress, known for Some Like It Hot, was born on May 1, 1926?
Answer: Marilyn Monroe.
Nature and Weather in May
- What natural disaster is more frequent in the U.S. during May?
Answer: Tornadoes. - Which flower, associated with May, is also the official flower of Finland?
Answer: Lily of the Valley. - What popular garden herb begins to thrive in May’s warm weather?
Answer: Basil. - Which migratory butterflies often return to North America during May?
Answer: Monarch butterflies. - What celestial event, called the “Eta Aquarids,” peaks in early May?
Answer: A meteor shower.
Sports and Competitions
- Who won the first Kentucky Derby in May 1875?
Answer: Aristides (horse) and Oliver Lewis (jockey). - What professional basketball playoffs are typically held in May?
Answer: NBA Playoffs. - Which iconic boxing match between Muhammad Ali and Sonny Liston occurred on May 25, 1965?
Answer: The “Phantom Punch” fight. - What famous cycling race often begins in May in Italy?
Answer: Giro d’Italia. - In May 1999, who became the youngest tennis player to win a Grand Slam?
Answer: Martina Hingis.
Pop Culture and Entertainment
- Which famous rock band released their debut album on May 8, 1970?
Answer: The Beatles (Let It Be). - What hit TV show about a coffeehouse group of friends aired its series finale on May 6, 2004?
*Answer: Friends. - What Disney park opened its doors on May 1, 1989?
Answer: Disney’s Hollywood Studios. - Which blockbuster movie starring Robert Downey Jr. premiered in May 2008?
*Answer: Iron Man. - What legendary singer performed her final concert in May 1968?
Answer: Aretha Franklin.
May Holidays and Traditions
- What May 5 holiday celebrates Mexican culture and heritage?
Answer: Cinco de Mayo. - What international holiday celebrates Star Wars fans on May 4?
Answer: Star Wars Day. - What flower is traditionally given on Mother’s Day in the U.S.?
Answer: Carnations. - What week in May is designated to honor U.S. teachers?
Answer: Teacher Appreciation Week. - What flower festival takes place in Chelsea, London, in May?
Answer: The Chelsea Flower Show.
Science and Technology in May
- On May 20, 1927, who became the first person to fly solo across the Atlantic?
Answer: Charles Lindbergh. - Which space probe was launched by NASA on May 5, 2005?
Answer: Voyager 1. - What major tech company was founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen in May 1975?
Answer: Microsoft. - What Mars rover landed successfully in May 2008?
Answer: Phoenix Mars Lander. - On May 10, 1994, which two countries completed the Channel Tunnel?
Answer: France and the United Kingdom.
Literature and the Arts
- Which iconic novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald was first published in May 1925?
*Answer: The Great Gatsby. - What famous painting by Salvador Dalí was unveiled in May 1931?
*Answer: The Persistence of Memory. - Which poet, known for Leaves of Grass, was born on May 31, 1819?
Answer: Walt Whitman. - What classic film adaptation of a Shakespeare play premiered in May 1948?
Answer: Hamlet (directed by Laurence Olivier). - What famous art museum opened in Paris in May 1793?
Answer: The Louvre.
Random Fun Facts About May
- What zodiac sign does May 21 mark the beginning of?
Answer: Gemini. - What is the official color for May’s birthstone, emerald?
Answer: Green. - Which famous chocolate candy is celebrated on National Chocolate Chip Day in May?
Answer: Chocolate chip cookies. - May is considered a lucky month for what type of farming?
Answer: Planting crops. - Which Asian country celebrates Buddha’s birthday in May?
Answer: South Korea.
Quirky Trivia
- What is the astrological flower of May?
Answer: Hawthorn. - What notable social media platform launched in May 2003?
Answer: LinkedIn. - Which famous bridge opened in San Francisco on May 27, 1937?
Answer: The Golden Gate Bridge. - What famous book fair takes place in May in Frankfurt, Germany?
Answer: The Frankfurt Book Fair. - May is the start of which outdoor adventure season in the U.S.?
Answer: Hiking season.
Conclusion
May trivia offers something for everyone, from historical moments to quirky holidays and natural wonders.
Whether you’re organizing a trivia night or just looking to learn, these 225 trivia questions and answers will keep the fun going all month long. Enjoy testing your knowledge and celebrating the marvels of May!