May is a fertile time for content marketers. The month has prominent retail holidays, including Mother’s Day.
But companies that want content variety can do more, with articles, videos, or podcasts about Harry Potter, the Kentucky Derby, paranormal phenomena, bicycle commuting, and bees.
Content marketing is creating, distributing, and promoting content to attract, engage, and retain customers. Here are five content marketing ideas for May 2025.
International Harry Potter Day: May 2
Table of Contents
Harry Potter is among the most popular literary characters ever — an opportunity for content marketers.
Each year on May 2, fans celebrate International Harry Potter Day, commemorating the climactic Battle of Hogwarts — May 2, 1998, in the novel — and honoring the beloved wizarding world that has inspired generations.
For ecommerce, retail, and direct-to-consumer marketers, Harry Potter Day is an opportunity to connect with customers through the lens of one of their favorite books and characters.
Here are example article, video, or podcast titles that connect the boy wizard to products.
- Used book store: “5 Magical Books for Harry Potter Fans.”
- Online collectibles marketplace: “Ultimate Gift Guide for Harry Potter Day.”
- Kitchen supply shop: “Enchanted Recipes for Your Hogwarts House”
Kentucky Derby: May 3
The “run for the roses” is for some the most exciting 2 minutes in sports.
First run in 1875, the Kentucky Derby is one of the world’s oldest continuous sporting events. The race is steeped in traditions that include a rose garland for the winning horse, fancy hats, and the mint julep cocktail.
While horse racing is not as mainstream as football or basketball, the Kentucky Derby remains one of sport’s most prominent events. In 2024, for example, about 16.7 million folks watched the race.
Content marketers can use the excitement to produce product-related guides and articles to reach prospects. Here are a few examples.
- Party supply shop: “The Ultimate Guide to Hosting a Kentucky Derby Party.”
- Horse tack store: “2025’s Top 5 Derby Contenders.”
- Fashion retailer: “The Unofficial Kentucky Derby First-Timer’s Food and Fashion Guide”
Paranormal Day: May 3
Paranormal researcher Charles Fort’s death on May 3 likely accounts for Paranormal Day.
How folks came to contemplate unusual, mysterious, and odd phenomena on May 3 is officially — but not surprisingly — unknown.
Those who speculate about the holiday’s origin usually point to Charles Hoy Fort, a paranormal researcher and author who created the pseudo-scientific field of “anomalistics,” applying the scientific method to paranormal anomalies. Fort may have coined “teleportation” and “ball lightning.” He was also known to have studied spontaneous human combustion, poltergeists, and alien abductions.
While Fort seemingly believed in the incredible and the supernatural, he distrusted doctors and avoided them despite being in poor health. After collapsing during a book promotion event, Fort was rushed to the Royal Hospital in New York, where he died hours later, apparently of undiagnosed leukemia. It was May 3, 1932.
Marketers could focus content on Fort directly or take up just about any mysterious topic. Here are three titles for videos, podcasts, or articles.
- Online hardware store: “DIY Secret Doors and Hidden Panels.”
- Antique shop: “10 Most Magical Antiques We Ever Seen.”
- Electronics shop: “5 Paranormal Investigation Gadgets to Buy Today.”
Bike to Work Day: May 16
Bike to Work Day typically receives a lot of local media coverage.
Held annually on the third Friday in May, Bike to Work Day aims to encourage folks within peddling distance to commute in that manner — for a healthy, sustainable, and fun alternative to driving.
The event occurs during National Bike Month and will likely include local events and media.
For marketers, Bike to Work Day content can promote bikes, gear, and related products. Here are example titles.
- D2C electric bike brand: “A Beginner’s Guide for Bike to Work Day.”
- A men’s clothing shop: “How to Stay Sharp (and Dry) While Biking to Work.”
- A luggage retailer: “5 Commuter Backpacks for Bike to Work Day.”
World Bee Day: May 20
Bees and other pollinators are essential for agriculture.
First commemorated in 2018, the United Nations designated World Bee Day to raise awareness about the importance of bees and other pollinators to the world’s agriculture and global food security.
An educational occasion, such as World Bee Day, is an excellent marketing opportunity to publish useful and informative content. An obvious connection is any retailer or ecommerce shop that sells bee-rated products. For these businesses, topics could include:
- “How to Begin Backyard Beekeeping in 2025”
- “Essential Equipment Every New Beekeeper Needs”
- “Plant This, Not That: A Guide to Bee-Friendly Gardening”
Other merchants could focus on honey or even sustainability.
- “The Culinary Magic of Raw Honey”
- “The Honey Pairing Guide for Teas and Cheese”
- “How Urban Spaces Can Help Save the Bees”
