London top events in March 2026
Your guide to the best events, festivals, workshops, exhibitions and things to do throughout March 2026 in London
March in London marks the turning point of the year. While winter hasn’t quite loosened its grip, the city begins to stir with renewed energy. Parks start to glow with sweeping displays of daffodils, outdoor tables reappear on pavements, and a steady stream of cultural events signals that brighter days are firmly on the horizon.
As temperatures gradually climb, Londoners trade hibernation for exploration. The capital’s green spaces come back to life, museums and galleries unveil new exhibitions, and the hospitality scene embraces the first hints of alfresco season. It is a month that blends the tail end of winter with the promise of spring, offering the best of both.
March also brings a calendar filled with notable occasions from St Patrick’s Day festivities and Mothering Sunday gatherings to Pancake Day indulgence and International Women’s Day celebrations. With so much unfolding across the city, there is no better time to step out and rediscover everything London has to offer.
1. Delight in Schiaparelli's surreal fashion masterpieces at the V&A
Groundbreaking fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli lit up the 1930s fashion scene with her surreal and avant garde haute couture creations – often with striking silhouettes, gilded accents, and unusual appliqués. Now, her fashion house will get a major V&A retrospective, from its first, paradigmshifting garments, through to its present-day incarnation in the hands of its creative director Daniel Roseberry, whose contemporary designs worn by the likes of Kylie Jenner and Bella Hadid.
2. Watch iconoclastic Broadway hit ‘John Proctor is the Villian’
The Royal Court Theatre’s stellar seventieth birthday line-up includes an impressive coup: the modestly-sized new writing theatre has bagged the UK debut of Kimberley Belflower’s US smash John Proctor is the Villain. It's a very playful, pop-soundtracked, post-#MeToo riff on Arthur Miller’s landmark The Crucible, which premiered at the Court during its very first season, 70 years ago.
3. Marvel at rare blooms at the Kew Orchid Festival
The Princess of Wales Conservatory at Kew Gardens is taking a voyage to China this February, courtesy of the latest annual mind-bending orchid display that takes over the iconic glasshouse each year. As ever, the exotic display will celebrate the natural beauty and biodiversity of its subject country: China is home to thousands of varieties of orchid, plus vast amounts of other flora and fauna besides.
Look out for sculptures of dragons and Chinese lanterns, as well as intricately woven plant installations. There’ll also be ticketed after-hours events with live Chinese music, food, cocktails and dance performances.
4. Celebrate the matriarchs in your life on Mother’s Day in London
Mums deserve high praise all year round, but Mothering Sunday is the ultimate excuse to treat your darling ma and any other matriarchs in your life to a lovely time. Here’s our guide to help you get organised and plan a proper celebration of mumsy on Sunday March 10, whether you want to take her for a cheeky Mumtini, treat her to a relaxing trip to one of London’s exquisite spas, or send her a stunning bunch of flowers.
5. Get the Guinnesses in for St Patrick’s Day in London
The Irish really know how to celebrate, so when it comes to St Patrick’s Day in London, the city’s Irish community has no problem showing us how it’s done. A day to celebrate the patron saint of Ireland, the occasion is always one big welcoming bash. Expect lots of dancing, hearty traditional dishes, a huge parade and as many pints as you can handle. The Mayor of London’s annual St Patrick’s Day Festival celebration will take place on Sunday March 16 – a day ahead of the official holiday – and, as usual, thousands of revellers are expected to watch the parade wend its way through central London, while there’ll also be plenty more St Patrick’s Day parties and events to check out around the city. We’ll be rounding up the best of them for you as they’re announced.
6. See spring flowers blooming around the capital
Spring in London is always a knockout. We might live in a sprawling capital city, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t tons of amazing green spaces to enjoy the season’s pops of colour. From London's bright pink cherry blossoms to seas of daffodils, take a look at our list of the best places to see flowers in London.
Things to do in London February 2026
Guide to the best events, festivals, workshops, exhibitions and things to do throughout February 2026 in London.
January has a habit of overstaying its welcome, testing patience with its rigid routines and post-holiday restraint. By contrast, February arrives with renewed momentum, signalling a return to normality—and a far more active social calendar—once the first payday of the year is safely behind us.
Despite being the shortest month, February carries considerable weight in London’s annual calendar. Valentine’s Day, London Fashion Week and LGBTQ+ History Month all converge within a tight four-week window, while the arrival of yet another half-term brings a fresh wave of family-friendly events across the capital, many of them free to attend.
Culturally, the city begins to reawaken. After a subdued start to the year, London’s art and film scenes regain pace with a series of upcoming film festivals and high-profile exhibitions. Major institutions lead the charge, with new shows from Tracey Emin at Tate Modern and Rose Wylie at the Royal Academy drawing significant attention.
Sport and wellbeing also feature prominently. From the Six Nations and the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup to Kew Gardens’ annual Orchid Festival and the debut of King’s Cross’s Equanimity Festival, there is no shortage of options for those seeking movement, spectacle, or a reset of mind and body.
In short, February offers a strategic opportunity to re-engage with the city. Whether your focus is culture, sport, family activities or simply making the most of London’s post-January resurgence, the month delivers a broad and compelling programme of events well worth your time.
1. Join an after hours gallery crawl for Art After Dark
The National Gallery, Royal Academy of Arts and National Portrait Gallery are just three of the numerous West End art institutions taking part in this year’s Art After Dark. Spanning one week in February, the art and music focused programme includes a DJ takeover at the National Gallery, live performances at BOX Piccadilly and Haymarket Hotel and an after hours gallery crawl through the West End. The centrepiece of the whole thing is a towering art installation named ‘Rise and Shine’ by London-based artist Lakwena Maciver. Her trippy 7m tall stack of disco lightboxes will stand in the middle of Piccadilly Circus channelling the energy of ’80s and ’90s London nightlife.
2. Do something romantic for Valentine’s Day
No matter your relationship status—single, newly partnered, or happily committed for the long haul—London offers an exceptional setting for Valentine’s Day. February 14 in the capital caters to every inclination, from playfully unconventional speed-dating events and tongue-in-cheek drag performances to Galentine’s gatherings and thoughtfully curated date spots designed for couples.
As plans across the city continue to take shape, we will be updating this page regularly with our curated selection of the most noteworthy Valentine’s events and experiences as they are announced.
3. Catch all the action of the Six Nations at screenings around the city
The Six Nations Men’s rugby tournament is back for 2026. From February 5, it will be taking over pubs, beer gardens and outdoor screens across London most weekends up until Saturday March 14.
France took home the title in 2025. In 2026 games take place at venues including Paris’ Stade de France, Rome’s Stadio Olimpico, Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, and London’s very own Twickenham Stadium as England, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales try to burst the French team’s bubble.
You’ll find the matches on screens at London’s many rugby pubs and bars, but if you want to watch with the most atmos possible, get yourself to one of our favourite places to grab a seat and a pint and get stuck into all the action.
4. Warm up in a pop-up sauna at Equanimity Festival
Equanimity is a newly launched wellness festival aimed at giving Londoners the opportunity to pause, recalibrate and restore—set against the backdrop of King’s Cross. At its core is Slomo’s temporary spa installation in Lewis Cubitt Square, featuring wood-fired saunas, cold plunge pools and an open fire, evoking the calm and simplicity of Scandinavian bathing culture.
Programming extends beyond the spa itself. On Sundays, Slomo’s tipi will host somatic breathwork sessions alongside curated Reset Retreats, while a broader schedule of yoga, meditation, breathwork and sound healing is led by experienced practitioners throughout the week. With many sessions designed to fit neatly into a working day, Equanimity offers an accessible way to introduce moments of calm into even the busiest lunch break.
5. Come face to face with Nemo, Woody and Lightning McQueen at Mundo Pixar
Ever watched Finding Nemo or Inside Out and wondered what it would be like to exist inside those marvelous worlds created by Pixar animation studio? Well, wonder no more – the Mundo Pixar Experience is a travelling immersive show that has been transporting Pixar fans to some of its most beloved universes. And this year, it‘s coming to London. The show essentially a journey through a series of 14 rooms, one dedicated to a different Pixar film. You shrink down to toy size in Andy’s Room from Toy Story, explore the Monster, Inc Scare Floor, race into Flo’s Café from Cars to meet Lightning McQueen, visit the Headquarters of Riley’s emotions from Inside Out 2, and journey from Coco’s Land of the Living to the Land of the Dead. To make the experience all the more ‘immersive’ there will be ‘specially crafted scents’ filling each space.
6. Catch some colourful displays at the Kew Orchid Festival
This February, the Princess of Wales Conservatory at Kew Gardens turns its focus eastwards, transforming the landmark glasshouse with its annual orchid festival inspired by China. Renowned for its immersive design, the exhibition showcases the extraordinary diversity of orchids alongside the wider richness of China’s plant and wildlife heritage.
Visitors can expect dramatic visual elements throughout the conservatory, including dragon sculptures, traditional lanterns and carefully crafted botanical installations woven from living plants. The programme also extends beyond daytime viewing, with a series of ticketed evening events featuring live Chinese music, food and cocktails, as well as cultural dance performances.
Access to the orchid display is included with standard admission to Kew Gardens, making it a standout seasonal highlight within the broader visitor experience.
Things To Do in London January 2026: Brilliant London events to help beat the blues
January has arrived, bringing with it a fresh chapter in 2026. While many of us set ambitious goals and resolutions for the year ahead, there's no denying that January often earns its reputation as one of the tougher months. The sun sets early, temperatures drop, and our wallets feel noticeably lighter after holiday spending sprees.
However, there's a silver lining to these chilly, quiet weeks. January presents a perfect opportunity to explore London without the usual tourist crowds and at wallet-friendly prices. Many of the capital's top-rated shows, dining spots, and entertainment venues – carefully vetted by Time Out's local experts – roll out special promotions, discount tickets, and budget-friendly menus designed to draw people out during the year's darkest days.
January isn't just about weathering the gloom, though. The month brings its own festive occasions worth celebrating. Across London, you'll find Burns Night festivities honoring Scotland's beloved bard Robert Burns, complete with traditional ceilidhs, haggis feasts, and poetry recitals. Additionally, the Lunar New Year arrives conveniently early this year on January 29, promising vibrant parades and celebratory dinners throughout the city.
For those embracing Dry January or launching into new fitness routines, London provides endless possibilities. The city boasts exceptional sports facilities, diverse fitness classes, beautiful parks, and impressive walking trails. It's also become increasingly accommodating for those reducing or eliminating alcohol from their lives.
Then again, if your January plan involves cozying up beside a crackling fireplace in one of London's warmest, most inviting pubs, that's perfectly valid too! Whatever your approach to this opening month, we wish you a wonderful start to 2026.
1. Don't miss your last chance to see some of 2025’s best exhibitions
London galleries and museums churned out hundreds of excellent exhibitions and art shows in 2025. And our critics were on the ground to see a lot of them. Lucky for you, there’s the chance to catch the tail end of a few of these shows in January 2026. From Dirty Looks at the Barbican, to Cecil Beaton’s Fashionable World at the National Portrait Gallery, and Secret Maps at the British Library, see these exhibits in Jan before it’s too late.
2. Take part in Dry January at one of London’s alcohol-free bars
Low and no-alcohol is bigger than ever, and London has never had so many options for having a tipple, without actually having a tipple. So if you’re thinking of doing Dry Jan, that doesn’t mean you’re going to be stuck with a month of watching MAFS on the sofa every weekend. You still go out! And we recommend heading to one of London’s best alcohol-free bars, from Raven Records, to Club Soda, there’s loads to choose from.
3. Head out of the city on a winter day trip
London might always be bustling with fun things to do and, come winter, a jam-packed calendar of unmissable events, but sometimes you just need a break from it all. When the capital’s hustle and bustle leaves you feeling a little drained, you can find some escape from the crowds and hordes of tourists by getting up and getting out just for a day. In dire need of crisp country air, a relaxing spa day or a gorgeous, long walk? These day trips from London are all under two hours from Zone 1 and will give you the relief you need this winter.
4. Get stuck into Veganuary at a vegan restaurant
Trying a plant-based diet this January doesn’t have to be boring. Whether you’re after a lavish night of culinary theatre, a delicate Middle Eastern spread, a Michelin-star winning tasting menu, or brisket at a vegan smokehouse, creative chefs are showing off their prowess with plants across the city, creating pitch-perfect imitations of meaty comfort food classics, or dreaming up new vegetable-based delights.
5. Take a bracing winter walk in London
Yes, it's cold out. It's also quite wet. The leaves have fallen from the trees and turned the pavements into a slimy, slippery ice rink. But we're lucky to have some amazing, huge, parks in London, and walking around in them on a crisp winter's day is genuinely one of life’s great joys. Whether you're a Royal Parks stan or a fiend for Hampstead Heath, there are loads of parks to choose from. So, get out there.
6. Go for one last skate at a pop-up winter ice rink
Is there anything more wonderfully wintry than wrapping up warm, pulling on some ice skates and gliding around a frosty slab of ice with your loved ones? Each winter, London fills up with pop-up rinks, from the legendary Somerset House to the newer Glide at Battersea Power Station. At all, you’ll find festive vibes ramped up to the max, especially come December – and a lot of fellow Londoners vying for a spot on the ice. Book in advance to guarantee you can show off your best ice moves (or your ability to stay upright, at the very least). Here are some of the best rinks to soar across this winter.
7. Hob nob with the art world at the London Art Fair
London’s established winter art fair features over 120 international galleries showing modern art, photography, sculpture and everything in between. The 2026 edition of the London Art Fair will feature large-scale installations and thematic group displays from some very influential 20th and 21st century artists, including Tracey Emin, Barbara Hepworth, Francis Bacon, William Kentridge and Louise Bourgeois, while a Platform section will be presenting work from artists ‘redefining the boundaries between craft, applied art, and fine art, and challenging artistic expectations around materials’. A new partnership with the National Trust will see the conservation charity present an exhibition of surrealist and post-war abstract works from the collections of The Homewood and Erno Goldfinger’s 2 Willow Road, never before exhibited outside these iconic modernist homes.
8. Witness acclaimed dance-theatre company Gecko’s surreal show ‘The Wedding’
Gecko’s fantastic dance-theatre production The Wedding is back on in London. Surreal, funny and full of heart, The Wedding takes a poke at the marriage contract, takind the audience on a wild trip through a dystopian world where we are all brides, wedded to society. Part of MimeLondon, this production will be a stripped back imagining of Gecko’s beloved production.
December in London: Your Ultimate Festive & Cultural Guide
London in December 2025 is a dazzling blend of festive tradition and high-calibre cultural events. The city sparkles with Christmas lights, markets, and carol services, creating a magical holiday atmosphere, but the month offers much more than just seasonal cheer.
This guide highlights the key happenings:
- Cultural Premieres & Must-Sees: December marks the UK debut of the acclaimed play Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo and the first full month of the Wes Anderson Exhibition at the Design Museum.
- Final Curtain Calls: Catch the wildly popular jukebox musical Titanique before its run ends in January 2026.
- Essential Winter Activities: The best ice-skating rinks (including Somerset House and Battersea Power Station) and vibrant Christmas markets are in full swing.
- Beyond Christmas: The month culminates in the spectacular New Year's Eve celebrations, including river cruises and the start of the London New Year's Day Parade.
It's the perfect time to enjoy cosy pub hangouts, winter walks, and world-class entertainment before the year closes out.
1. Get your skate on at Somerset House
⭐ Things to do ❄️ Ice skating 📌 Aldwych ⏰ Until 11 Jan 2026
Somerset House’s annual ice rink pop-up has long been one of the city’s favourite festive traditions, with thousands of Londoners and tourists alike making it part of their celebrations each year, and for good reason. Gliding (or nervously shuffling) around the rink, gazing upon the surrounding Georgian architecture and the courtyard’s magnificent 40ft Christmas tree feels like you’ve skated onto a movie set, ready to be watched by families settling in for their post-turkey food coma. Look out for the venue’s famous Skate Lates, where you can soar round the rink to a DJ soundtrack.
2. Embrace the festive magic at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
⭐ Things to do ✨ Markets and fairs 📌 Hyde Park ⏰ Until 1 Jan 2026
Each year, Hyde Park gets transformed from pretty park to a dazzling, snow-covered, Alpine-themed, 350-acre festive funscape. One of the largest Christmas events in the UK, Winter Wonderland returns for its eighteenth year in 2025, and is expected to welcome around 2.5 million visitors over six magical weeks. As you make your way around the space, you’ll find fairground rides, a child-friendly Santa Land (including a Santa’s Grotto, where presents lie in wait) and traditional Christmas markets.
3. Fill your bags at Southbank Centre Winter Market 2025
⭐ Things to do ✨ Markets and fairs 📌 South Bank ⏰ Until 26 Dec 2025
Every winter, the Southbank Centre turns the banks of the Thames into a frosty wonderland, full of little wooden Alpine-style cabins selling gifts, warming drinks, and snacks. You’ll find huts serving up truffle burgers, duck wraps, mulled wine, Dutch pancakes, churros and many more tasty morsels to nibble on while you look through gifts, jewellery and decorations made by independent craft traders. Or, once you’re done browsing, snuggle up at pop-up king Jimmy Garcia’s riverside venue Fire And Fromage, where you can snaffle all you can eat raclette, sip on seriously decadent hot chocolates, and even toast your own marshmallows around a cosy fire pit.
4. Peruse London’s many, many Christmas markets
Markets, eh? They’re pretty nice to wander around at nearly every time of year. But, at Christmas? Well, that’s when London’s markets really come into their own. Every year the capital fills with the kind of markets that host fairy-light-lined stalls, festive street-food sellers and community tombolas, with a playlist of Christmas songs on loop in the background. In fact, whether you’re looking for tasty treats, traditional decorations and cutting-edge arts and crafts or are just shopping for a last-minute present, the capital’s selection of Yuletide stalls are here to help.
5. Step into a dinosaur’s world, like never before at Lightroom
Step into the heart of King’s Cross and enter a world where dinosaurs still reign. Actor Damian Lewis takes you on a breathtaking journey through 360° landscapes, from sun-scorched deserts to storm-tossed oceans, as prehistoric skies come alive with towering, life-size giants. Brand-new visuals and cinematic sequences recreate the most thrilling moments of Prehistoric Planet, while an epic original score by Hans Zimmer and co. pulses through every scene. Don’t miss this immersive adventure with 24% off adult tickets.
Get £19 tickets, only through Time Out Offers
6. Get your snack on at Borough Market’s annual Evening of Cheese
⭐ Things to do ✨ Food and drink events 📌 Borough ⏰ 10 Dec 2025
The world of solid dairy has some truly devoted fans and they’ll do well to pay a visit to Borough Market’s annual Evening of Cheese, where they’ll find an enormous range of products from all over the world to tempt turophiles, including wines, ciders, chutneys and – obviously – absolutely loads of top quality cheese from around Europe. Looking to craft the perfect festive cheeseboard? Head down to get your paws on loads of tasty little samples, and some expert advice from the market’s artisanal traders. There’ll be plenty of drinks on hand to complete the gouty vibes, while the festivities will also feature the annual parmesan-cracking competition, where cheesemongers compete to cut open a huge wheel of the good stuff and arrange it in a tower. Be sure to nab a spot by the front to get first dips on the freebies afterwards!
7. Head to Columbia Road Christmas Wednesdays
⭐ Things to do ✨ Late openings 📌 Bethnal Green ⏰ Until 17 Dec 2025
Head to Columbia Road on a Wednesday evening this Christmas and you’ll find its more than 60 indie shops open late for all your present buying needs. Starting from November 26, mulled wine and locally-made mince pies will be on hand to give you much-needed sustenance as you shop. Sadly, the weekly carol singing that went viral in recent years is no more.
8. Scale the O2 on a special festive climb
⭐ Things to do ✨ Greenwich Peninsula ⏰ Until 4 Jan 2026
Got a thirst for adventure and winter-themed beverages? Up at The O2 – the dare-devil tour that lets you climb up the outside of the Greenwich venue’s famous white dome – has been given a festive makeover. After being strapped into a harness and ascending to the top of the 52 metre-high dome, climbers will get to retreat into an immersive snow globe featuring falling snow, the sweet smell of cookies and a ‘whimsical winter set-up’ from which they’ll be able to enjoy breathtaking views of the city from.
9. Sing along to Christmas carols at one of London’s festive concerts
⭐ Music ✨ Classical and opera
An evening of proper Christmas carols is an absolute must if you’re interested in getting entirely wrapped up in unalloyed festive cheer. Check out our comprehensive round-up of the jolliest and most moving services in the capital. Indoors and outdoors, cathedrals, churches and secular spaces, we’ll be adding to it constantly, as more events are announced.
10. Bring in the New Year right
New Year’s Eve in London means you’re faced with some choices. Sometimes there’s so much choice, in fact, that you end up spending the night indoors with a few loved ones and plenty of booze. We’ve all been there, but London boasts loads of great New Year’s Eve events that should coax even the most reluctant NYE fan out of the house this year.
London in November 2025: The Ultimate Guide to Seasonal Highlights and Unmissable Experiences
From glittering light displays to cultural showcases — discover what makes London shine during the darker days of November.
As autumn fades and winter creeps in, London transforms into a vibrant hub of celebration and creativity. November 2025 promises an eclectic mix of events — from Diwali festivals and Bonfire Night fireworks to the city’s much-anticipated Christmas light switch-ons. The capital’s cultural calendar is brimming with blockbuster theatre productions, world-class art exhibitions, and seasonal pop-ups that bring warmth and energy to the chillier days. Ice rinks, festive markets, and gourmet winter pop-ups begin to take shape across the city, offering the perfect prelude to the holiday season. Before December’s frenzy begins, immerse yourself in the best of what London has to offer this November — where tradition meets modern festivity in dazzling style.
1. Catch super-cool artists around the city at Pitchfork Music Festival
Pitchfork Music Festival is gearing up for another edition, with a jam-packed schedule of eclectic live music encompassing everything from avant-rock and post-punk to psych-pop, UK rap and deconstructed dance music.
This year's line-up features Aussie psych King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard at the Royal Albert Hall on November 4 and French electronic pop artist Oklou at the Roundhouse on November 7, followed by American experimentalist artist Laurie Anderson the next night. Of course, you've still got a plethora of other venues getting involved with shows at Colour Factory, KOKO and the Dalston Takeover with Panchiko, Indigo De Souza, underscores and Jay Som.
Watch this space for more acts who will no doubt be on your Spotify Wrapped come December 2026. It’s basically the place to be if you consider yourself a music fan with a finger on the pulse.
2. Watch the London skyline light up with fireworks on Bonfire Night
Of all of the UK’s winter traditions, there’s nothing like gathering in a park in the nippy nights of early November to watch a pile of flaming wood and fireworks piercing the sky. Bonfire Night – aka Guy Fawkes Night –might sound strange to those unfamiliar with it, but it’s a great British tradition and one of the highlights of the second half of the year.
London puts on a plethora of Bonfire Night and fireworks displays, some on 5 November itself, but most on either the weekend before or after, so you can really make the most of the fun. And these days, fireworks displays are about more than bonfires and colourful skies – it’s now the norm for events to boast funfairs, food stalls and more. Click through to check out our guide the biggest and brightest firework displays in London this November.
3. Watch London’s Christmas lights get switched on
Even if you’re the biggest Scrooge, you can’t deny that London looks pretty magical once the Christmas lights have been turned on and tinsel-covered trees greet you at every turn.
London starts to fill up with Christmas light displays in early November each year, with Oxford Street’s decorations leading the charge, followed by countless local displays across the city as December hits full swing. Many of the biggest shopping streets mark the occasion with big switch-on events featuring musical entertainment, celebrity guests and special offers across local restaurants, bars and shops. Click through for more details.
4. Start your Christmas shopping at festive markets around the city
Some people start prepping for Christmas before the first autumn leaf has fluttered to the ground. But if you hang on a little, you’ll be rewarded with a shopping experience to savour, as you shop for one-of-a-kind gifts in a festive market.
In the winter months running up to Crimbo, the capital becomes home to tons of wintry fairs, stacked with stalls selling unique pressies from small businesses and independent designers that you’d never find in the big shops online or off. They’re perfect for browsing as the big day looms and a good excuse to treat yourself to Christmas snacks and mulled wine as you tick gifts off your list.
You’ll find everything you need to make someone’s Christmas Day memorable at London’s pop-up markets, from ceramics and plants to pressies from around the world. Be sure to bookmark this page, because we’ll be adding more markets around the city as they’re announced.
5. Do some doodling at The Big Draw Festival
The world’s biggest celebration of drawing is celebrating its 25th anniversary with the theme ‘Drawn Together’ in 2025. Taking place across the UK, and the capital, the month-long extravaganza will have everything from family-friendly doodle sessions, to sketching workshops held at London landmarks. There are also spray painting workshops, ‘sketchwalks’ and kids’ colouring sessions taking place across the city. Check the Big Draw’s website for the full programme.
6. Be one of the festive season’s first visitors to Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Each year, Hyde Park gets transformed from pretty park to a dazzling, snow-covered, Alpine-themed, 350-acre festive funscape. One of the largest Christmas events in the UK, Winter Wonderland returns for its eighteenth year in 2025, and is expected to welcome around 2.5 million visitors over six magical weeks.
As you make your way around the space, you’ll find fairground rides, a child-friendly Santa Land (including a Santa’s Grotto, where presents lie in wait) and traditional Christmas markets where you’ll be able to buy gifts for all your loved ones, which has been freshly extended for 2025 with the addition of premium, artfully lit shopping spot Luminarie Lane.
Other highlights include circus shows from Cirque Beserk, which take place three times each evening, the biggest outdoor ice rink in the UK and an ice sculpture exhibit that’s been freshly reimagined as a ‘Mystical, Mythical Fantasy World’, featuring a Real Ice Slide and ice sculpting workshops, after which you can warm yourself up later with frothing steins and steaming cups of mulled wine at the German-style Bavarian Village.
The queues can get pretty long, so we recommend booking your tickets in advance. Plus, there’s so much to explore that you need to leave a fair bit of time; it tends to take about three hours to make it round the whole site. Make sure you wrap up warm, too!
7. Check out a slew of great new London restaurants
For some reason, this November is a bumper month for new openings. If you’re a pizza-head then there are new branches of Ria’s and Napoli On The Road set for Foubert’s Place and Wardour Street in Soho, while old school Knightsbridge Italian Sale e Pepe is opening a second seafood-forward site, Sale e Pepe Mare, at The Langham hotel by Oxford Circus.
Ivan Orkin from Netflix’s Chef’s Table also opens Ivan Ramen, his first London restaurant, this month in Farringdon, while Maset, a classy coastal French restaurant, launches in Marylebone. Want something even more glam? Then Belmond’s festive lunch kicks off this month, offering a five-course meal served on a vintage train that pootles around the most scenic parts of Kent. Click through to find out more.
Top Exciting Events and Experiences in London – October 2025
October sees autumn in full swing in London, with the city’s parks awash in stunning oranges and yellows. The season’s arrival brings a swathe of new openings and seasonal events across the capital including Black History Month, BFI London Film Festival and Oktoberfest. Among the exciting launches are a new gastropub in Mayfair from the hospitality heavyweights behind The Devonshire and Crisp Pizza, and a major exhibition charting the boundary-breaking career of photographer Lee Miller at Tate Britain.
In the West End, Les Misérables celebrates its 40th anniversary, while the National Theatre’s award-winning production of The Importance of Being Earnest has returned to the Noël Coward Theatre with a star-studded cast. Plus, we highlight the must-book Christmas shows this festive season such as ELF the Musical, The Nutcracker and The Snowman.
Read on to discover the best things to do in London in October. Don’t miss our guide to what’s on in London this weekend for fresh ideas – and be sure to download the Visit London app for exclusive offers and on-the-go inspiration.
1. Celebrate 40 years of the multi-Olivier Award-winning Les Misérables
Cameron Mackintosh’s acclaimed production – recognised as the world’s longest-running musical – celebrates its 40th anniversary on 8 October. To mark the occasion, a special eight-week run at the Sondheim Theatre brings back fan favourites including Killian Donnelly as Jean Valjean and Bradley Jaden as Javert. You can browse the best seats and book tickets directly with Visit London to experience the magical production, which follows former prisoner Valjean as he’s pursued by policeman Javert against the backdrop of the French Revolution.
2. Catch new films at BFI London Film Festival
The newest addition to American film-maker Rian Johnson’s thrilling Knives Out collection – Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, starring Daniel Craig – kicks off the 2025 edition of the BFI London Film Festival at the Royal Festival Hall on 8 October. Now in its 69th year, the 11-day event showcases premieres, restored works from the BFI archives, short films and various talks. While the full festival programme will be revealed on 3 September, it’s worth noting that tickets go on sale on 16 September with various screenings at key cinemas such as BFI IMAX, Curzon Soho and the Prince Charles Cinema. (8 to 19 October)
Film fans should also check out British Urban Film Festival (10 to 24 October) for work from lesser-known filmmakers and creatives.
3. Experience Tate Modern's new exhibition Theatre Picasso
Tate Modern recently opened a major new exhibition charting Pablo Picasso’s fascination with performers, marking the centenary of his famous painting The Three Dancers (1925). Contemporary artist Wu Tsang and author-curator Enrique Fuenteblanca have transformed the exhibition space into a theatre, featuring 45 pieces from the Tate’s collection and European loans including paintings, sculptures, and textiles – some of which have never been seen in the UK before. Explore works depicting dancers, entertainers, and bullfighters and discover Picasso’s art from a new perspective. Until 12 April 2026
4. Embrace the arrival of autumn in London's parks
See London’s stunning parks and green spaces in all their autumn glory this October. Take a stroll through Richmond Park and watch deer grazing, or head to Greenwich Park and enjoy an autumn sunset from One Tree Hill as the sun sets behind the city’s skyline. St James’s Park is a great spot to recharge between sightseeing at nearby Buckingham Palace and Horse Guards Parade, while Kew Gardens impresses with its themed glasshouses and treetop walkway. Be sure to cheer on runners on 12 October at the Royal Parks Half Marathon, cutting through Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens and The Green Park.
5. Discover new artworks at Frieze London 2025
Frieze London transforms Regent’s Park into a vibrant hub of art and design (15 to 19 October), with more than 280 galleries from 45 countries displaying their finest works. Art collectors will be on the outlook for pieces to acquire, with Frieze Masters also offering works made before 2000. This year, artist Sophia Al-Maria picked up the 2025 Artist Award, and she’ll present Wall Based Work (a Trompe LOL) – a stand-up comedy set – during the fair. A standout feature is the Focus section, which highlights emerging talent from around the world including galleries like Squire (London), Bombon (Barcelona) and Kayokoyuki (Tokyo), all making their debut this year. The website lists a mix of artist talks, exhibitions and workshops taking place throughout the event.
6. Dine at Kudu's new Marylebone outpost
Kudu Collective, formerly known for its trio of much-loved restaurants in Peckham, is opening its first central London outpost on Moxton Street in Marylebone this month. Husband-and-wife duo Patrick Williams and Amy Corbin bring Kudu Collective’s three distinctive spaces – Curious Kudu, Kudu Grill, and the original Kudu restaurant – under one roof, offering signature seasonal European plates with a South African flex. On the menu, you might find crowd-pleasers like burrata with pineapple, tomato, ginger and shiso, alongside new dishes such as harissa chopped beef topped with crispy shallots and fresh coriander. As for the space, London-based designers Fabled Studio have created a soothing, minimalist setting, with natural tones complemented by textured plaster walls, upholstered fabrics, mirrored panelled walls and red travertine countertops.
What's On in London This August
August in the Capital: Discover London's Hottest Events, Exhibitions & Adventures.
If you think London's summer is winding down, think again. August arrives with a final flourish of festivals, cultural spectacles, and outdoor adventures that make it impossible to stay indoors.
The crown jewel of the month is undoubtedly Notting Hill Carnival – Europe's largest celebration of Caribbean culture transforms West London into a vibrant street party across the bank holiday weekend. Picture steel drums echoing through Ladbroke Grove, the aroma of jerk chicken filling the air, and thousands of revelers dancing in elaborate costumes that sparkle under the late summer sun.
Music lovers have an embarrassment of riches to choose from. All Points East continues to draw international headliners to Victoria Park, while Body Movements and Boiler Room Festival bring cutting-edge electronic sounds to London's green spaces. Meanwhile, UK Black Pride marks its milestone 20th anniversary with what organizers promise will be their most spectacular celebration yet.
Theatre enthusiasts shouldn't miss their final opportunities to catch this season's blockbuster productions. Rachel Zegler brings star power to Evita, Rosamund Pike commands the stage in Inter Alia, and Tate Modern's Leigh Bowery! exhibition offers a last chance to experience one of the year's most talked-about art shows.
As summer's curtain call approaches, make the most of London's outdoor offerings. Dive into the refreshing waters of Hampstead Heath's lidos, sprawl across Hyde Park's sun-dappled lawns, or settle in for an enchanting evening at one of the city's pop-up cinema screenings under the stars.
August in London isn't just the end of summer – it's summer's grand finale.
1. Dance your way around W11 at Notting Hill Carnival
For a lot of Londoners, Notting Hill Carnival on the August Bank Holiday Weekend flashes by in a blaze of feathers, Red Stripe and tinnitus. To those who make it happen, it’s a year-round operation to create one of the biggest and oldest street parties in the world. More than two million people usually flock to the streets of W11 for Carnival weekend. It’s free to join the family day on the Sunday, as well as the Monday street party which is for the hard partiers. It’s a celebration of freedom and Caribbean culture, with an iconic parade showcasing the best of mas, soca, calypso, steel bands and soundsystems. What are you waiting for?
2. Watch your favourite indie and electronic artists at All Points East
All Points East returns to Vicky Park for its seventh edition in 2025. Since debuting in 2018, the festival has garnered a reputation for building some of the most exciting line-ups in the UK. Its headliners are often indie or dance-focused big-hitters, while its undercards are packed with cult heroes and rising stars you can say you saw first. If your music preferences lie in the Venn diagram of indie and electronic then this is the festival for you, with the likes of Barry Can't Swim, Confidence Man, Shygirl, RAYE , the Maccabees, Bombay Bicycle Club, The Cribs, and Nilüfer Yanya on the bill this year.
3. Be dazzled at one of summer’s biggest open-air gigs in Battersea
After two sell-out years, Battersea Park in Concert is back this August bank holiday weekend, and you can nab tickets for just £25 (usually £50). On Saturday 23 August, it’s Symphonic Disco featuring dancefloor classics of ABBA, Dua Lipa, Chic and more, reimagined by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. Then on Monday 25 August, music legend Jools Holland takes to the stage with his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra and a stellar line-up of guests including Chris Difford, Yolanda Brown and Louise Marshall.
4. Head to Greenwich for brand new festival Labyrinth on the Thames
Labyrinth On The Thames – masterminded by promoter Labryinth – will see different artists from the world of electronic music take over the Old Royal Naval College (a UNESCO World Heritage Site!) for six days of unmissable performances. The headliners confirmed so far? South African DJ and producer Black Coffee, legendary techno DJ Solomun – playing a marathon five-hour set, Australian tech-house producer Fisher, and London-based dance music label Anjunadeep – whose artists include Lane 8, Yotto, and Dusky.
5. Frollick in a sunflower field near London
Nothing says summer quite like the towering stalks and glowing yellow petals of the noble sunflower. Get neck-deep in heliotropic heaven at these golden fields full of custard-yellow blooms, which are at their peak from August to September.
6. Enter a foodies’ haven at Hampton Court Palace Food Festival
If a trip to Hampton Court has been on your to-do list, why not time your visit to coincide with this foodie extravaganza? Over the August Bank Holiday weekend entrance tickets to Henry VIII’s former gaff give you access to more than 150 speciality food stalls, so you can feast like like a Tudor king in the palace's gorgeous green spaces. There's also pop-up bars, kids’ activities, and an array of local musicians taking to the bandstand to soundtrack your culinary adventure.
London events in July 2025
Your definitive guide to the best events and things to do happening in London throughout July 2025
With June's scorching temperatures climbing past 30 degrees, we're crossing our fingers for a gloriously sunny July filled with poolside lounging, rooftop cocktails, pub gardens, and outdoor dining adventures. That perfect golden hour Aperol Spritz is practically calling our name.
July's event calendar is absolutely packed with unmissable happenings. Drake takes over Wireless festival for three incredible nights, delivering completely unique performances each evening, while Rosamund Pike graces West End theaters in Inter Alia. BST Hyde Park continues its stellar summer lineup, featuring headliners Noah Kahan and Sabrina Carpenter lighting up July nights.
The capital's music scene will be buzzing with festivals throughout the month, plus it's prime time to explore London's stunning lavender fields and sunflower meadows in their full summer glory. Here's your essential roundup of July 2025's hottest exhibitions, performances, and activities across London.
1. Keep an eye out for a colourful fleet of hot air balloons
After six years of being halted by a pandemic and poor weather conditions, could the 2025 edition of the Lord Mayor’s Balloon Regatta take off without a hitch? The fleet wasn’t able to fly on the day it had planned to back in May, so will be giving it another go on July 20 and, if necessary, July 27. Should they be able to take off, you’ll be able to spot them soaring past some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, from Buckingham Palace and the London Eye to the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. The regatta isn’t just an excuse to brighten up London’s skyline, but part of a charity initiative that has raised more than £250,000 since 2015.
2. See the Drake triple-header at Wireless
Wireless returns to Finsbury Park for 205 with a line-up of Drake, Drake and more Drake. No, we're serious.
Join Champagne Papi for London's biggest hip-hop, R&B and grime festival as he headlines the long weekend with three different setlists to reflect the show's 20th anniversary. The line-up is very much TBC but it currently includes a few special guests (Drake's pals) and teases 'many more acts still to be announced'.
From the look of things, the days have been grouped by vibe/genre, with Summer Walker and PARTYNEXTDOOR suggesting that Friday will lean into R&B and Sunday having slightly more of a reggae, dancehall and Afrobeats vibe with Burna Boy and Vybz Kartel.
Saturday? Well, when Drake first announced 'The Mandem' we were all taking wild guesses. Turns out it's the return of Boy Better Know – who are making their first live appearance in eight years.
Tickets are pretty much gone (it was the fastest-selling Wireless in history) but we'd recommend keeping an eye out in case of resells.
3. Explore lavender fields around London
It may be known for its sleepy scent and soothing properties, but there’s nothing dozy about the explosion of colour that happens around London’s lavender fields each summer. There are several farms dedicated to the mauve blooms just outside the capital, in Kent, Surrey and Hertfordshire. Immerse yourself in a purple haze this summer by visiting one of London’s fragrant lavender gardens, or head out of town on a day trip to find sweeping fields of the stuff.
4. Dance to all the genres at Kaleidoscope Festival
Up at the top of Ally Pally this summer, you’ll find a multifaceted web of genres. Where else can you while away the day with renowned DJs like Eats Everything, Sara Cox and DJ Spoony, drum and bass legend Goldie and the familiar hits of Faithless? There’s also comedy on the books from ShappiKhorsandi, the Beatles Dub Club, hip hop karaoke and high-energy Shakespear. This is one festival that truly lives up to its name.
Line-up includes: Faithless, Goldie, Eats Everything, Sara Cox, Sleeper, DJ Spoony.
5. Discover new one-man show ‘Get Happy’ at Omnibus Theatre’s 96 Festival
Omnibus Theatre’s 96 Festival has proven to be rich territory for coming across new LGBTQ+ writing, and its headline one-man show ‘Get Happy’ is very much worth discovering. This intriguing debut from Joseph Aldous, sees the writer-actor play Adam, who is fully embedded in a hot gay summer of partying, sex and directionless, but enjoyable, hedonism. That’s until his best friend and housemate, Ryan, gets engaged to his boyfriend. Suddenly, about to turn 30, Adam starts to reassess his life. Can he be just as seemingly happy, settled and secure as Ryan? Written with the Soho Writers’ Lab and packed with a playlist of queer bangers, this debut show navigates the thorny question: how do we ‘get happy’ when we don’t actually know what it looks like?
6. Catch Lightroom’s latest, dinosaur-themed immersive experience
Projection-based performance space The Lightroom goes back to the Cretaceous with its latest show, which is a collaboration with Apple TV and its spectacular CGI dinosaur documentary series Prehistoric Planet. There’s no mention of David Attenborough serving as narrator on this one – which strongly suggests he isn’t, let’s be honest – but there should be considerable recompense from the wonder of being surrounded by gargatuan lifesized dinosaurs. The 50-minute film is a mash-up of the highlights of the show’s two seasons, plus a few new and extended scenes.
7. Celebrate the return of one of London’s best restaurants
After 25 years of trading, the legendary, family-run Thai canteen shut down its Leytonstone location in autumn 2024. But last month it made a momentous return and now calls Shoreditch it’s home. Singburi gained semi-mythical status due to its famous blackboard specials menu, and dishes such as their phenomenally good crispy fried pork belly moo krob. Chef-patron Sirichai Kularbwong will be joined by chef Nick Molyviatis (previously at Oma, Agora, Speedboat Bar, Plaza and Kiln) for Singburi 2.0, with Kularbwong’s parents - who ran the original Singburi - retiring from the kitchen.
Unmissable Events and Things To Do In London In June 2025
Summer has officially landed in London, and June is bursting with energy, creativity, and sunshine. Whether you're a culture vulture, festivalgoer, or just here for the vibes, this month is shaping up to be one for the books.
From headline-grabbing exhibitions to world-class theatre and unforgettable music festivals, there’s no shortage of standout events to fill your calendar. June kicks off with the much-anticipated debut of Lido Festival, boasting a killer lineup that includes Charli XCX, Massive Attack, and Jamie xx. Over at the National Theatre, the acclaimed production London Road returns to the stage. And if that wasn’t enough, the city welcomes the first-ever SXSW London, bringing cutting-edge music, tech, and film together in one exhilarating week.
But June in London isn’t just about big events — it’s about atmosphere. Parks are glowing in their summer best, pub gardens are buzzing, and rooftops and terraces become the place to be. Open-air theatre is back, alfresco dining is in full swing, and the scent of suncream and barbecue floats through the air. Over in south west London, crowds gather for another British summer tradition: Wimbledon — where strawberries, sunhats, and Centre Court drama await.
So whether you're here for the art, the entertainment, or simply the long, lazy evenings, London in June is not to be missed. Dive in — it’s going to be glorious.
1. Get stuck in at the inaugural SXSW London
⭐ Music ✨ Music festivals 📌 London ⏰ Until 7 Jun 2025
Known worldwide as the launchpad for tomorrow’s icons, Austin’s legendary SXSW festival has long been the place where stars are born — with past early sets from the likes of Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, and Chappell Roan. Now, after a successful expansion to Sydney, the global phenomenon is heading to London for the very first time.
SXSW London will make its debut this June, transforming Shoreditch into a hub of creativity and discovery. Expect more than 70 live music performances across top venues including Shoreditch Town Hall and Village Underground, featuring emerging talent from all over the world.
But it’s not just about the music. The festival's influential conference series will also be making the trip, bringing over 400 talks and panels on innovation, tech, business, and cultural trends. And for film lovers, there's a packed programme of 250 screenings, with a strong showing of international premieres.
While the full line-up is still under wraps, anticipation is already building — and if past editions are anything to go by, this is one event you won’t want to miss.
2. Enter a Gender-Fluid Fantasy in A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Step into a dazzling, gender-fluid reimagining of Shakespeare’s most magical comedy as Nicholas Hytner’s wildly inventive A Midsummer Night’s Dream makes its triumphant return to the Bridge Theatre in 2025. This exuberant production bends tradition with flair, swapping roles and expectations in a riot of colour, chaos, and queer joy.
The starry cast includes JJ Feild in the dual roles of Oberon/Theseus, Susannah Fielding as a commanding Titania/Hippolyta, and Emmanuel Akwafo bringing fresh energy to Bottom. David Moorst reprises his celebrated turn as the mischievous Puck/Philostrate, adding to the enchantment of this bold and boundary-pushing take on the Bard.
Expect immersive staging, surreal visuals, and a party-like atmosphere that brings new life—and new love stories—to the forest of Athens.
3. Dance Through History at a Silent Disco in the London Transport Museum
All aboard for one of London’s most unique parties. For one night only, the London Transport Museum transforms into a neon-lit dance floor as the Iconic Silent Disco rolls into town. Don your headphones, choose your soundtrack—from ’80s throwbacks to indie bangers—and shimmy your way through vintage buses and historic carriages in Covent Garden's most unexpected party setting.
With drinks flowing, a strictly 18+ crowd, and two time slots to suit your night owl status (or early bird energy), this is one museum night out you’ll actually want to remember.
Tickets are £36 exclusively via Time Out Offers—grab yours before they’re gone.
4. Sing Your Heart Out at West End Live – For Free!
Calling all musical theatre lovers: West End Live is back, bringing the magic of London’s top shows to the great outdoors — and it won’t cost you a penny. For one glorious weekend, Trafalgar Square transforms into a giant open-air stage, as the casts of the West End’s biggest musicals step into the spotlight for a series of free performances.
Expect show-stopping numbers, surprise guest appearances, and the chance to belt out your favourites alongside thousands of fellow fans. With photo ops, merch stalls, and all the glittery theatre energy you could ask for, this is one of the most joyful (and budget-friendly) events of the summer.
No ticket, no problem — just show up and sing along.
5. Feast Your Way Through Regent’s Park at Taste of London
Get ready to indulge: Taste of London returns to Regent’s Park, turning the heart of the city into a paradise for food lovers. This open-air culinary festival gathers the crème de la crème of London’s dining scene, offering a chance to sample signature dishes from top restaurants—all in one glorious, sun-dappled spot.
Newcomers to this year’s lineup include Guy Ritchie’s gastropub Lore of the Land, the buzzworthy Akira Back (serving up inventive Japanese-Korean fusion), Pan-Pacific masters Los Mochis, and trendy Hackney wine bar Bambi. But the food is just the beginning. You’ll also find live cooking demos, chef talks, tastings, and more.
Come hungry, leave happy — and maybe bring some antacids just in case.
6. Explore the Wonders of Science at The Great Exhibition Road Festival
Step into the future—and the past—at The Great Exhibition Road Festival, a modern-day celebration inspired by the legendary 1851 Great Exhibition that once drew millions to Hyde Park. Returning for its second edition in 2025, this vibrant weekend transforms Exhibition Road in South Kensington into a pedestrian-only playground of innovation, creativity, and discovery.
Some of London’s most prestigious museums and institutions come together to host hands-on experiments, cutting-edge tech demos, live science shows, interactive art, and dynamic performances of music and dance. There’s something for all ages, whether you’re a curious kid or a grown-up science geek.
Best of all? It’s completely free—just bring your sense of wonder.
7. Discover Hidden Green Gems at London Square Open Gardens
Think you’ve seen all of London? Think again. The London Square Open Gardens Weekend offers a rare opportunity to peek behind the city’s private gates and explore over 100 secret green spaces usually off-limits to the public.
For two days only, the capital's most exclusive gardens — from historic Georgian squares to tucked-away rooftop terraces, community allotments, and urban wildlife havens — open their doors. It’s a celebration of the city’s lush, often overlooked corners, spanning grand old estates to contemporary eco-spaces.
Whether you're a garden enthusiast, an architecture buff, or just curious to see what’s hidden behind London’s locked gates, this is your chance to explore a more tranquil, leafy side of the city.
8. Soak Up Summer Vibes at the Kew Midsummer Fete
Looking for a feel-good way to spend a sunny Saturday? Head to the Kew Midsummer Fete, where village green charm meets full-on summer celebration. With over 100 stalls, a traditional Victorian fairground, a lively dog show, and classic competitions like tug of war, it’s the kind of wholesome fun that never goes out of style.
Grab a pint at the Fuller’s beer tent, browse handmade crafts, groove to live music from local bands, and try your luck in the charity raffle—all while supporting great causes in the local community.
Entry is free, but your spending goes to help local charities, so every ice cream, pint, or raffle ticket does a little good.
9. See Pop Royalty Live at Capital FM’s Summertime Ball
Get ready for one of the biggest pop parties of the year: the Capital FM Summertime Ball is back, packing Wembley Stadium with a blockbuster line-up of 2025’s chart-topping stars.
Mariah Carey headlines this year’s show, bringing her legendary vocals to the stage alongside a glittering roster that includes Benson Boone, KSI, Lola Young, Busted vs McFly, and Zara Larsson. Also on the bill? Rising stars Dasha, Reneé Rapp, and powerhouse performer Jessie J.
With back-to-back hits, tens of thousands of fans, and an atmosphere that screams summer, this is a one-day pop spectacular you won’t want to miss. Be warned: tickets vanish fast, so snap them up while you can.
London events in May
As London gears up for summer in May 2025, the city transforms into a hub of excitement with plenty to offer. Whether you're into music festivals, rooftop bars, or thought-provoking exhibitions, May is undoubtedly one of the best months to experience everything London has to offer. The weather is just right—pleasantly warm with vibrant spring flowers blooming everywhere—and the buzz of an approaching summer fills the air.
With two bank holidays in May, there's no shortage of opportunities to kick off your summer adventures. You can start by visiting a rooftop bar for panoramic views of the city, catch some live music at one of the year's first outdoor festivals, unwind in a serene park, explore captivating exhibitions, or even plan a quick escape from the city for a refreshing day trip or mini-break.
If these options don't satisfy your thirst for adventure, we've put together a comprehensive guide highlighting the top events, lively parties, unique pop-ups, and other exciting activities happening across London in May 2025. Get ready for a month filled with unforgettable experiences!
1. Catch Kneecap, Cmat and Peaches at Wide Awake festival
Wide Awake bills itself as a ‘musical melting pot’, and it’s easy to see why given the hugely eclectic headliners it has had in recent years, ranging from veteran alt-rockers Primal Scream in 2022 to ethereal indie pop singer Caroline Polachek in 2023 to psychedelic Aussie rockers King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard in 2024. You can expect the usual mixture of leftfield indie, post-punk, electronica and techno at the 2025 edition, which sees ascendent Irish hip hop trio Kneecap headline, with Irish singer-songwriter Cmat, Mercury Prize-winning indie outfit English Teacher, and Canadian electroclash legend Peaches also on the bill. Further down the line-up, you’ll find DJ and producer Daniel Avery, experimental dance music maven Cobrah, NYC indie duo Fcukers, Philadelphia punk band Mannequin Pussy and many, many more. Tier three tickets are on sale now here.
2. Be one of the first visitors to the V&A East Storehouse
Two years on from the reopening of the Young V&A comes the next phase of the iconic museum’s building projects. Opening its doors in May 2025, the V&A East Storehouse is a brand new venue in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Purpose-built to house more than 1,000 archives from the museum’s collection, comprising more than 250,000 objects and 350,000 books, the storehouse promises to offer a peek behind the scenes to show how a working museum goes about cataloguing artefacts, from vintage footie kits and Glastonbury festival ephemera to a collection of samurai swords. It’s set to open on Saturday May 31.
3. See the most Tony-nominated play of all time on the West End
Although most news coming out of America this year is hysterically awful, we are, at least, getting Stereophonic. The most Tony-nominated play of all time, the drama by David Adjmi with songs by Arcade Fire’s Will Butler is a fictionalised account of the legendarily tense sessions that led to the birth of Fleetwood Mac’s all conquering Rumours album, written and recorded while the various couples in the band were in the process of splittling from each other with degrees of prejudice. Hugely acclaimed Stateside, it’ll go straight into the West End for its London transfer.
4. Watch dozens of hot air balloons take to the skies for the Lord Mayor’s Regatta
It’s been six years since the Lord Mayor’s Hot Air Balloon Regatta was able to take place, thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic and, in 2022, 2023 and 2024, bad weather. Fingers crossed, then, the 2025 edition can take off without a hitch. The troupe will be hoping to take off on May 11, but will instead attempt to soar high in July 20 and, if necessary, July 27, should May be unfeasible. Should they be able to take off, you’ll be able to spot them soaring past some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, from Buckingham Palace and the London Eye to the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. The regatta isn’t just an excuse to brighten up London’s skyline, but part of a charity initiative that has raised more than £250,000 since 2015.
5. See the British Museum’s new exhibition on sacred art in Ancient India
A world-first is on its way to the British Museum in ‘Ancient India: Living Traditions’. The new exhibition is the first ever to consider early Indian sacred art through a global, pluralistic lens. It takes visitors on a journey to the roots of three major world religions – Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism – through the emergence of the country’s sacred art, and looks at how ancient religious practice has shaped living traditions today, plus the daily lives of around 2 billion people across the globe. In the exhibition, you’ll find over 180 objects, including 2,000-year-old sculptures, paintings, drawings and manuscripts. The whole thing was pulled together in close collaboration with an advisory panel of practising Buddhists, Hindus and Jains, who helped shape the exhibition into what promises to be an intriguing triumph.
6. Celebrate the tenth anniversary of southeast London festival GALA
All of London’s hippest and hottest people will once again be making the pilgrimage to Peckham for the tenth edition of electronic music bonanza GALA. Returning in its usual slot over the late May bank holiday, the festival is celebrating reaching double digits with a stellar three-day line-up curated in partnership with NTS radio, plus some of the city’s most acclaimed music and nightlife brands. Friday’s slightly mellowed line-up features headline sets from Floating Points, Moodymann and Theo Parrish, while Avalon Emerson, Ben UFO and KiNK get top billing on a Saturday line-up that leans towards the heavier end of the dance music spectrum, with curation from Chapter Ten and The Cause. Headlined by Caribou, Floorplan and Hunee & Antal, the festival’s closing day features artists from Rhythm Section, plus several stalwarts from London’s queer party scene.Also on the line-up across the three days are: Anz, Batu, Bradley Zero, Gideön, Heléna Star, Horse Meat Disco, Hudson Mohawke, Michelle Manetti, Surusinghe, Tash LC and many, many more.