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.