All events, festivals, and things to do in London
Reading & Leeds Festival announces next wave of artists for 2026, featuring Loyle Carner as special guest, plus a brand new stage 'The Warehouse' for dance music. Festival takes place August 27-30, 2026.
Reading Festival Accessible Check-in
Point of interest · 4.1 ★
A new 360-degree immersive experience at Lightroom in Kings Cross celebrates Aardman's 50th anniversary with Wallace & Gromit, Shaun the Sheep, Morph and more. The show features behind-the-scenes footage, never-before-seen outtakes and original animations across the walls, floor and ceiling.
Lightroom
Point of interest · 4.6 ★
Pride in London has announced a bid to host WorldPride 2032, marking 60 years since London's first Pride march in 1972. Time Out is official media partner for Pride in London 2026, which kicks off July 4 with the annual parade. A successful 2032 bid would result in a 10-day festival with opening/closing ceremonies, two marches and a human rights conference.
Various Venues, Brixton
A popular riverside venue on the South Bank that reopens for the summer season. It is a go-to spot for drinks, food, and events with a great view of the Thames.
Between the Bridges
Event venue · 4.2 ★
One of London's longest-running comedy clubs (operating since 1983) is closing after 40+ years, with a farewell festival featuring 45 acts across 11 shows throughout May. The festival will include performances from Ed Byrne, Milton Jones, Jo Caulfield, Al Murray, Marcus Brigstocke, Stephen K. Amos and many more established comedians. Tim Vine and Harry Hill will make guest appearances at Best of Banana Cabaret shows every weekend in March and April.
Banana Cabaret
Comedy club · 4.5 ★
A month-long festival celebrating 20 years of the Roundhouse as an arts hub, featuring music, theatre, and dance performances.
Roundhouse
A new David Hare drama starring Ralph Fiennes and Miranda Raison. The play explores the lives of Victorian actors Henry Irving and Ellen Terry and arrives in London following a sellout run.
Theatre Royal Haymarket
Thu 9 Jul
A landmark retrospective tracing 40 years of the artist's groundbreaking practice. The exhibition features iconic works alongside pieces never before exhibited.
Tate Modern
Art gallery · 4.5 ★ · Free
The acclaimed shoegaze band performs in Hackney following the release of their latest record. A great choice for those seeking a high-energy, atmospheric gig.
O2 Forum Kentish Town
Sat 20 Jun
A semi-staged performance of Alban Berg's devastating opera, presented by the London Philharmonic Orchestra. This collaboration promises a powerful and dramatic musical experience.
Royal Festival Hall
Marianne Elliott directs this ravishing revival of the classic epistolary novel adaptation at the National Theatre. Starring Lesley Manville and Aidan Turner, it is a high-profile production of a gripping, sophisticated drama.
National Theatre
Performing arts theater · 4.7 ★
The Serpentine North Gallery hosts a major, free exhibition of David Hockney's recent work. The centerpiece is a stunning 90-metre-long frieze capturing the changing seasons in Normandy, created on his iPad.
Serpentine North Gallery
Art gallery · 4.4 ★
An immersive exhibition at The British Museum exploring the history, code of honour, and cultural legacy of the Samurai class. It features fearsome armour and surprising insights into the role of women in the Samurai era.
The British Museum
Museum · 4.7 ★
A career-spanning exhibition at the Whitechapel Gallery featuring over 100 works by the Turner Prize-winning artist. It explores themes of memory, psychology, and identity through sculpture and textiles.
Whitechapel Gallery
Art gallery · 4.3 ★ · $$$
The Japanese king of spangly, summery jazz fusion headlines a new London music festival called City Pop Waves at Crystal Palace Bowl. The legendary Tokyo-born guitarist will play a special extended two-hour show, with keyboardist Himiko Kikuchi also performing her 1987 masterpiece 'Flying Beagle' in full.
Crystal Palace Bowl
A powerful retrospective at the Barbican Art Gallery showcasing the inventive work of the late Colombian artist. The exhibition highlights her political and playful approach to art across various mediums.
Barbican Hall
PinkPantheress brings her headline tour to Alexandra Palace following her successful 'Fancy That' and 'Fancy Some More?' mixtapes. Recently named Producer of the Year at the BRIT Awards – the first female musician to win this accolade.
Alexandra Palace
Eurovision winner Loreen brings her 'Wildfire' tour to Brixton Academy, promoting her first album since 2017.
O2 Academy Brixton