SUMMER IN LONDON: July means SUMMER in London (though the weather doesn't always get the memo). Peruse our guide to things to do in London this summer to make the most of these long, (occasionally) balmy days, and plan your schedule for the next couple of months.
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS: Most schools in London break up for summer towards the end of July. Browse our school holiday event listings, for ideas of how to keep the family occupied, as well as our pick of the best family-friendly theatre shows in London right now. On a budget? We've also got a guide to free summer holiday activities.
OUTDOOR CULTURE: Cross your fingers for decent weather this month, then make the most of it with London's al fresco culture options. Theatre, films, art and live music can all be enjoyed in the open-air if you know where to look and what to book... which we do, naturally.
OUTDOOR CINEMA: As an extension to the above, London's awash with outdoor cinemas, from ones on rooftops to those in palace grounds, and alongside canals. Get booking to watch cult classic and new release films in the open-air this summer.
DAY TRIPS FROM LONDON: Need to get out of the city for a day or two? We hear you. Check out our Beyond London section for day trip inspo, weekends away in the UK, and city breaks further afield. At the moment, we're loving these Sussex seaside towns, relaxed weekends in Southwold, and this gorgeous country house with links to Harry Potter and Henry VIII.
BST HYDE PARK: Maroon 5, Mumford and Sons, Pitbull and Lewis Capaldi are among the headliners at this year's BST Hyde Park, commandeering a corner of Hyde Park for a fortnight. On non-gig days, the Open House programme takes place (unrelated to Open House London), with free entertainment spanning live music, film and sports screenings, and loads more. 27 June-12 July 2026
WIMBLEDON 2026: As we head into July, the world's greatest tennis players descend on SW19. No Centre Court tickets? No problem — stay up to date with the action at these Wimbledon screenings around town, or acquaint yourself with the ways of The Queue to bag on-the-day tickets. Many of the screenings are free. Alternatively, treat yourself to one of these Wimbledon themed afternoon tea menus. 29 June-12 July 2026
SUMMER SCIENCE EXHIBITION: The Royal Society's annual Summer Science Exhibition is a free interactive experience for anyone curious about the latest advances in science and technology. Take part in drop-in workshops, meet scientists and researchers, and find out about topics such as space fossils, music on the moon, and the science of the World Cup. It begins with an adults-only Lates evening, and there's also a celebration of Sir David Attenborough's 100th birthday. FREE, 30 June-5 July 2026
FIFA WORLD CUP: The FIFA World Cup takes place across the USA, Canada and Mexico until the middle of this month, with many bars and venues across London screening matches. The Group stage ends on 28 June, so at time of writing we don't know who'll be playing come July, but if England make it through, you'll want to book your spot at these match screenings ASAP. Until 19 July 2026
LUMINISCENCE: Westminster Cathedral (note: not Westminster Abbey) gets a glow-up throughout the summer in the form of Luminiscence, a 360° projected light show, bathing the sacred space's windows, walls, pillars and ceiling in remarkable moving colourscapes. The building's never-completed mosaic-adorned domes will be digitally created, giving us a glance at what might have been. 1 July-27 September 2026
CITY BEERFEST: Clock off work early and head to Guildhall Yard for boozy party City Beerfest. Several breweries are serving their beers, plus there's live music and street food, and the whole event raises money for the Lord Mayor's Appeal charity. 2 July 2026
COCKTAILS IN THE CITY: Boozy festival Cocktails in the City takes place over two weekends this summer, bringing together some of the most popular bars in London to serve up their concoctions in the private garden of Bedford Square, with live entertainment thrown in, from live music and silent discos to cocktail workshops and demonstrations. 2-4 July (and 6-8 August) 2026
WALDMULLER LANDSCAPES: The National Gallery presents the first UK exhibition devoted to Austrian painter Ferdinand Georg Waldmüller’s landscape paintings. The show gathers views of Vienna’s Prater Park, the lakes and mountains of the Salzkammergut and scenes from Sicily, and highlights Waldmüller’s use of colour, light and detailed brushwork. FREE, 2 July-20 September 2026
LGBTQ+ BALL: Curated by artist Sadie Lee, the Wallace Collection’s LGBTQ+ Annual Grand Ball kicks off Pride in London weekend with queer performance, music and short talks across the museum’s galleries. 3 July 2026
ANNE OF GREEN GABLES: London Children’s Ballet returns to the Peacock Theatre with a revival of L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables. An all‑child cast aged 9-16, performs to an original classical score played by a live orchestra. 3-5 July 2026
AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE DAY: Fourth of July is always a big deal for our American cousins, and even more so this year, as 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence. We've put together a guide to special events, as well as some of our favourite all-American restaurants and hot spots around London, so you can celebrate in style. Around 4 July 2026
PRIDE IN LONDON: The mahoosive Pride in London festival takes place on the first Saturday in July, with a parade winding through the centre of London from Hyde Park Corner to Whitehall, and festival stages set up around Soho. Expect to see many Pride after parties and other LGBTQ+ events taking place around this time too. 4 July 2026
COOPERS' CASK RACE: Teams of four compete in Guildhall Yard, rolling full‑size casks across the cobbles in a test of strength, skill and teamwork for the 2026 Coopers' Cask Race. The event begins with the blessing of the casks, followed by teams racing to roll casks across the Yard, with prize categories for speed, presentation and team spirit. It's free to watch. July 2026
COUNTRY ON THE COMMON: Country on the Common returns to Tooting Common with a mix of country, blues and roots acts, with artists including Seasick Steve, Elles Bailey and Kezia Gill, plus activities such as line-dancing with The Country Roses, rodeo bull riding, axe throwing, lasso lessons, campfire sessions, BBQ food, craft beer and a whiskey bar. 4-5 July 2026
LONDON HALLYU FESTIVAL: The London Hallyu Festival brings Korean music, food and culture to Beverley Park in New Malden, with live K‑Pop and traditional performances, a K‑Pop contest, randomplay dance battles, a K‑Party evening with bands and DJs, plus interactive K‑Food, K‑Beauty and lifestyle zones. 4-5 July 2026
EEL PIE ISLAND: This summer's open weekends at Eel Pie Island falls this month. It's a chance to set foot on the mysterious and private island in the Thames and visit the artists who live and work there in their studios — and of course, buy artworks straight from the source. FREE (booking required), 4-5 and 11-12 July 2026
IVANOV: Chris Pine makes his London stage debut in a new production of Chekhov's comic drama Ivanov, at the Bridge Theatre. Pine takes on the role of Nikolai Ivanov, a man facing a midlife crisis due to financial and marital woes. 4 July-19 September 2026
CALLY FESTIVAL: Islington's Caledonian Road — affectionately known as 'The Cally' — closes to traffic and puts on its party gear for The Cally Festival. The free-entry celebration of local culture has previously included live music, storytelling, workshops, kids' activities and more — full 2026 details TBC at time of writing. FREE, 5 July 2026
HAMPSTEAD BIG FAIR: Heath Street in Hampstead goes traffic-free for the Hampstead Big Fair, with 110 stalls selling crafts, food and drink, alongside a funfair, circus school, live music and other entertainment. FREE, 5 July 2026
DRAGON BOAT RACE: South Dock in Canary Wharf hosts two days of dragon boat racing in support of Water Aid. Rally your team and sign up to take part, or head down on the day to watch and support. FREE to watch (charity donations welcome), 8-9 July 2026
BEATING RETREAT: The Massed Bands of the Household Division present a "military musical spectacular" at Horseguards Parade, in the form of a Beating Retreat ceremony. The theme is 'Inspiring a nation', with the NATO Jazz Orchestra and the Top Secret Drum Corps among the musicians taking part. 8-10 July 2026
ALLEGRA: Peter Quilter’s Allegra is a heart‑warming comedy with music, opening at the Harold Pinter Theatre and starring Maureen Lipman, John Middleton, Bailey Patrick and Elizabeth Bower. Expect a mix of song and dance with comic and more tender moments as it follows an exuberant woman whose bursts into song regularly, unsettling her village. 8 July-8 August 2026
HIT MACHINE: Josh Radnor and Noah Galvin star as two estranged brothers who reunite for one explosive night, in Hit Machine at Soho Theatre. The intimate drama explores creativity, memory and the cost of turning pain into art. 8 July-15 August 2026
HEATHERS THE MUSICAL: Adapted from the cult film, the popular Heathers the Musical opens at The Arts at Marble Arch. It follows Veronica Sawyer, the three Heathers and the mysterious J.D. at Westerberg High. 9 July-27 August 2026
BUCKINGHAM PALACE: Take the opportunity to go inside Buckingham Palace at the annual summer opening of the State Rooms. The Throne Room, Ballroom Grand Staircase and Palace Gardens are among the areas open to the public for just a few weeks — we've been inside a few times, and it is spectacular. 9 July-27 September 2026
SOFAR X NHM: How’s this for an awe-striking evening out? Soak up live music beneath the vaulted arches and towering exhibits of the Natural History Museum with Sofar. They’re gathering some of the most exciting emerging artists around for an intimate, stripped-back, after-hours gig in one of London’s most spectacular locations. 10 July (sponsor)
IDLER FESTIVAL: A genuine Archbishop, authors Irvine Welsh, Jojo Moyes and Charlie Higson, and Bake Off legend Prue Leith are among the speakers at this year's Idler Festival, at Fenton House in Hampstead. Festival goers are invited to do "as much or as little as they please" in a laid-back environment — but with a chance to hear from those big names, it's worth packing in as much in as you can. 10-12 July 2026
KALEIDOSCOPE FESTIVAL: Musicians Groove Armada, MJ Cole, Black Grape, the Amy Winehouse Band and DJ Paulette are all on the eclectic line-up at Kaleidoscope Festival. The one-day event takes over Alexandra Palace with live music, DJ sets, comedy and spoken word performances, plus magicians, games and workshops for families — all with incredible views over London. 11 July 2026
HAPPY PLACE FESTIVAL: Focus is on the feel-good, as the Happy Place Festival comes to a new venue, the Old Deer Park in Richmond, for a weekend of talks, live podcasts, yoga, as well as a shopping village packed with independent brands. 11-12 July 2026
CHESS FEST: Trafalgar Square hosts a free chess festival, open to all, whether you're a seasoned player or want to learn the game. This year's Chess Fest has a living chess set with 32 actors taking on the role of the pieces, recreating famous games of chess with live commentary, as well as free beginner lessons and a chance to challenge a master at speed chess. FREE, 12 July 2026
NINA SIMONE: Inspired by the life of Nina Simone, Apphia Campbell’s acclaimed play Black Is The Color Of My Voice follows a singer and civil rights activist as she seeks redemption after the death of her father. See it at the Garrick Theatre for one night only. 12 July 2026
GREENWICH COMEDY GARDEN: Jack Dee, Josh Widdicombe, Sara Pascoe, Lou Sanders, Alan Davies and Thanyia Moore are on the bill at Greenwich Comedy Garden, a laughter-inducing festival taking over the grounds of the Old Royal Naval College for eight shows across five days. There are street food stalls and pop-up bars aplenty too. 15-19 July 2026
BACKYARD BIENNIAL EAST: An eight-week, free summer arts festival led by Whitechapel Gallery in partnership with more than 40 local organisations, Backyard Biennial: East encompasses exhibitions, installations, screenings, performances, workshops, residencies, walks and open studios across east London. FREE, 15 July-6 September 2026
TRAINSPOTTING THE MUSICAL: Choose life. Choose Trainspotting the Musical when it opens at Theatre Royal Haymarket, offering an adaptation of the 1996 film set to live music. Irvine Welsh, who wrote the original novel, has penned this adaptation. From 15 July 2026
BEATING RETREAT (AGAIN): Another military procession and performance at Horse Guards Parade, this Beating Retreat features the Massed Bands of the Royal Marines, with 200 military musicians including the Corps of Drums, and a Royal Navy Guard of Honour. The historic parade includes the emotive Naval Sunset ceremony. 16-17 July 2026
DYSTOPIA ROCK OPERA: Multimedia rock opera Dystopia pairs a live band with satirical portrayals of political figures, with characters including Touchy Trump, Polonium Putin and Kim Jong Elvis. See it at the Leicester Square Theatre. 16-17 July 2026
GRAYSON THE MUSICAL: Catch the preview run of a new musical comedy inspired by the life and work of Sir Grayson Perry. The show tells the story of one of Britain's most celebrated contemporary artists — though note that Perry doesn't appear in the performances, at Soho Theatre Walthamstow. 16-19 July 2026
SUMMER SERIES: Lightning Seed, the Flaming Lips and Venna are among the headliners at this year's Somerset House Summer Series, a programme of open-air gigs taking place in the building's courtyard. 16-26 July 2026. See other music festivals taking place in London this summer.
DNA EXHIBITION: A new immersive exhibition at the Francis Crick Institute examines ancient DNA discoveries that reveal hidden ancestry, migrations and the diseases that shaped us. See displays about palaeogenetics alongside a programme of expert talks and family activities. From 16 July 2026
LONDON CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL: Over 100 breweries are expected to pour into London Craft Beer Festival, which moves to Southwark Park for 2026. Sample from 800+ different beers made by established and newer breweries. All brews are included in your ticket. 17-18 July 2026
ROUGH TRADE 50: Check out the programme for a three-day takeover at Southbank Centre marking 50 years since the first Rough Trade shop opened. The line-up mixes gigs, film, live performance and literature, with highlights including Pulp, Scritti Politti, caroline + My New Band Believe, and a live soundtrack screening of Ken Loach’s Kes introduced by Jarvis Cocker. 17-19 July 2026
SWAN LAKE: The State Ballet of Georgia brings Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake to the London Coliseum, with the Royal Ballet Sinfonia in the pit. The production tells the story Prince Siegfried, Odette and the evil Rothbart, with a 12-performance run. 17-26 July 2026
BBC PROMS: We can't even type those words without Land of Hope and Glory firing up the record player inside our heads — but that's Last Night of the Proms, and there's almost two months' worth of live music to enjoy before that. For all your info on tickets, highlights, promming and the like, peruse our guide to the BBC Proms 2026. 17 July-12 September 2026
LATINLIFE FESTIVAL: The UK’s largest Latin Festival, LatinoLife celebrates its 10th at Walpole Park in Ealing. Britain’s only Latina-curated festival offers salsa, reggaeton, samba, jazz, fusion, folk, funk, bolero, tango, hip-hop and more across four stages. 19 July 2026
SOHO VILLAGE FETE: A tug of war between the police and fire brigade, a best in show where pooches must dress like royalty, and a music stage are all part of the Soho Village Fete. But surely the highlight is the Soho Waiters' Race, which sees serving staff from different restaurants legging it around the area while balancing a bottle of fizz, wine glass and ashtray on their tray. FREE, 19 July 2026
SECRET GREEK THEATRE: Did you know about Walthamstow's 'Greek' amphitheatre? Tucked away in the grounds of a school, the theatre — built in the 1920s — opens to the public for a few days every year for performances of a Shakespeare play. This year it's The Merry Wives of Windsor.22-25 July 2026
MALORY TOWERS: Enid Blyton's boarding school novel series Malory Towers comes to Alexandra Palace Theatre, offering a dose of nostalgia for those who read the books in childhood, and introducing younger audience members to the adventures of Darrell, Gwendoline, Sally and co., on the Cornish coast. 22 July-2 August 2026
IMMERSIVE GREASE: Don your best 1950s attire for an immersive staging of the 1978 musical film Grease. Battersea Park transforms into Rydell High, as a 30-strong cast perform across multiple screens and sets. 22 July-13 September 2026
I'M EVERY WOMAN: A stage telling of Chaka Khan’s life and songs, I'm Every Woman opens at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre starring Alexandra Burke depicting the woman behind the music. Songs include I Feel for You, Ain’t Nobody and Through The Fire. 22 July-27 September 2026
EALING SUMMER FESTIVALS: All sorts of al fresco fun awaits in Walpole Park this July and August, with the return of Ealing Summer Festivals. First up? Ealing Comedy Festival, featuring big names like Harry Hill, Rory Bremner, Paul Chowdhry and Milton Jones. Then there’s the world-renowned Ealing Jazz Festival, headlined by acid jazz pioneers Galliano and London Afrobeat Collective. Finally, Ealing Blues Festival brings Louisiana legend Robert Finley and roots reggae icons Misty in Roots (plus loads more) to west London. Select dates, 23 July-2 August (sponsor)
DETOUR DISCOTHEQUE: Pop-up disco party Detour Discotheque takes over Setlist’s riverside terrace at Somerset House for a day‑to‑night event. Enjoy drinks with a view, then head into the disco for sets from the Detour residents mixing Donna Summer, Chic and ABBA with Latin, Afrobeat and jazz‑funk cuts. 24-25 July 2026
HYPER JAPAN FESTIVAL: Love all things Japanese? It's your lucky weekend because London has Hyper Japan, a celebration of Japanese culture at Olympia London. Japanese band Queen Bee and singer-songwriter Eir Aoi are among the live performers, alongside a market, cosplaying and a sake experience. 24-26 July 2026
WING FEST: Arrive hungry at the London Stadium in Stratford for Wing Fest, apparently the world's largest chicken wing festival, with 45 different street food traders, restaurants and BBQ teams serving up their best chicken wings. Tickets include live music, DJs, bands, entertainment, rides, games, axe throwing and eating competitions. 24-26 July 2026
STEEL SCENES: A weekend takeover at Southbank Centre marks 75 years of the steel pan in the UK, featuring youth ensembles, UK steel bands and new commissions across Riverside Terrace, Royal Festival Hall and Jubilee Gardens. Highlights include Steel Rising (youth performances) and Steel Sounds with Just Vibez on the riverfront — and the majority of the weekend is free. 24-26 July 2026
ISLINGTON MUSIC FESTIVAL: The 10-day Islington Festival presents a programme called “the words beneath the sound”, exploring music inspired by literature. The season features familiar repertoire such as Schubert’s Death and the Maiden alongside rarer works including Dora Pejacevic’s Piano Quartet, and introduces festival debuts from John Slack, Zoë Bayers, Sam Collings, MZ Duo and Chantefable. 24 July-2 August 2026
SUMMER SPLASH: A free lido opens in east London's docks for the summer holidays, complete with lifeguards, kids' lessons, and floating platforms to pen swimmers in and keep them safe. Just bear in mind that Summer Splash in Royal Docks is unheated! FREE, 24 July-16 August 2026. Find other urban beaches and outdoor swimming spots to enjoy in London this summer.
MUDLARKING FESTIVAL: Southwark Cathedral hosts a day of heritage crafts and mudlarking with demonstrations, craft stalls, talks, family drop-in activities and an exhibition of finds from the Thames. Meet mudlarks, archaeologists, conservators and craftspeople, and handle selected artefacts. 25 July 2026
LAVENDER HARVEST: For one weekend, Carshalton Lavender invites the public to descend on its allotment, and pick their own lavender — just remember to bring some secateurs or scissors to do your snipping with. 25-26 July 2026. Find other lavender farms and fields to visit near London this summer too.
CATS: A new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's CATS plays at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre. The show features familiar numbers such as Memory, Old Deuteronomy and Macavity, as the strays and rebels of London gather under the Jellicle moon in the hope they’ll be the chosen one. 25 July-19 September 2026
BRAINIAC LIVE: Keep little minds ticking over during the summer holidays with family science show Brainiac Live at the Garrick Theatre. In the space of just an hour, delve into several mysteries of science, and witness a series of experiments which are definitely not to be repeated at home. 26 July-30 August 2026
THE ENORMOUS CROCODILE: After a successful run at the Open Air Theatre last summer, Roald Dahl's Enormous Crocodile snaps its way into the Lyric Hammersmith, with music and large puppets telling the story of the other jungle creatures summoning up the courage to stop his rampage. 28 July-22 August 2026
THE CAR MAN: Matthew Bourne returns to Sadler’s Wells with The Car Man, a reimagining of Bizet’s Carmen set in a 1950s garage‑diner. Choreographed by Bourne with a score by Terry Davies featuring Rodion Shchedrin’s Carmen Suite, the production tells the story of a small town shattered by the arrival of a handsome and enigmatic stranger. 28 July-29 August 2026
AMERICAN PHOTOGRAPHY: Step into a century of American city life at Dulwich Picture Gallery, which displays photographs of the people who built, inhabited, and transformed urban spaces into living communities. It features works by 34 influential photographers from 1907 to 2012. 28 July-4 October 2026
LAUGHTERAMA: Somerset House hosts brand new comedy festival Laughterama, with seven open-air shows taking place in the courtyard, with stars including Fern Brady, Jen Brister, Sarah Keyworth, Josh Widdicombe and Ivo Graham, among many others. 29 July-2 August 2026
RUBBER DUCK RACE: 3,000 rubber ducks are released into Paddington Basin... all for a good cause. The annual rubber duck race raises money for local charity Cosmic (Children of St Mary's Intensive Care), by allowing the public to sponsor a duck. Later the same day, a dragon boat race takes place along the same stretch of water, also for charity. 30 July 2026
HORRIBLE HISTORIES: Boudica, King John, the Magna Carta, Guy Fawkes and Dick Turpin all feature in the latest Horrible Histories stage show, which tackles Barmy Britain. It's history with the nasty bits left in — because everyone knows that's what kids latch onto. See it at the Apollo Theatre. 30 July-31 August 2026
DEATH NOTE: Based on the manga by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata, Death Note The Musical opens at the Barbican. The plot follows student Light Yagami after he discovers a notebook that can decide who lives and who dies, and the detective L who becomes determined to stop him. 30 July-12 September 2026
KILBURN HIGH ROAD FESTIVAL: The Kiln Theatre hosts the Kilburn High Road Festival, 16 days of art and performance along the thoroughfare. Highlights include an audio tour of food culture in the local area; a promenade performance of memorable nights out in the vicinity; and The High Road Unframed, an outdoor exhibition of large-scale installations by local artists. 31 July-15 August 2026
NOW YOU SEE ME: From the producers of The Illusionists, the London premiere of Now You See Me Live — based on the Now You See Me film franchise — has four world‑class illusionists performing as The Horsemen in a limited five‑week season at the London Coliseum. 31 July-6 September 2026
CHILDHOOD IN WAR: Lambeth's Imperial War Museum opens new free exhibition Childhood in War, exploring the experiences of children during wartime from 1914 to the present day. See how aspects of life including play, schooling, health, home life and safety are all impacted by conflict. FREE, 31 July 2026-February 2027
London exhibitions and shows closing in July 2026
A few things are closing this month too. July 2026 is your last chance to see:
EQUUS: Peter Shaffer’s modern classic Equus is at the Menier Chocolate Factory, following psychiatrist Martin Dysart as he probes why 17‑year‑old Alan Strang blinded six horses, asking whether the cure is worse than the crime. Until 4 July 2026
GRACE PERVADES: Ralph Fiennes plays Victorian actor Sir Henry Irving opposite Miranda Raison as actress Ellen Terry in David Hare's new play, Grace Pervades at the Theatre Royal Haymarket. Until 11 July 2026
CARE: Writer Alexander Zeldin makes his Young Vic debut with CARE, a domestic drama about a family forced to confront care, loss and small moments of joy. Until 11 July 2026
HIGH SOCIETY: Call The Midwife actor Helen George stars in Cole Porter's High Society at Barbican playing a glamorous socialite as plans for a society wedding descend into chaos. Until 11 July 2026
SHAKESPEARE IN THE SQUARES: Every summer, a single Shakespeare play is performed in open-air gardens and squares all over the capital. For 2026. Shakespeare in the Squares tackles Love's Labour's Lost, popping up in venues including Camden Square, St James's Square and Chiswick House and Gardens toward the end of the run. Until 12 July 2026
THE BOY WHO HARNESSED THE WIND: A musical about William Kamkwamba, based on his book and Chiwetel Ejiofor’s film, The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind at Soho Place tells the story of a boy who figures out how to build a windmill to save his village from a devastating drought. Until 18 July 2026
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM: A new outdoor production of Shakespeare's comedy A Midsummer Night's Dream is on at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, telling the enchanting story of a bitter dispute in the fairy kingdom, and four fleeing lovers who find themselves in an enchanted forest. Until 18 July 2026
GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS: David Mamet’s Pulitzer Prize-winning drama Glengarry Glen Ross is at The Old Vic in a new production featuring an all-female cast. Set in a cutthroat Chicago real-estate office, the play charts four salespeople as a brutal competition unfolds. Until 18 July 2026
GRINDR THE OPERA: On at Union Theatre, Grindr: The Opera sends the notorious hook-up app into the world of opera, following four gay men — Devon, Tom, Jack and Don — through comic songs and satirical scenes. Until 19 July 2026
I PURITANI: Bellini's I puritani is staged at the Royal Opera House. The drama follows Elvira and Arturo as their love is tested by war, treason and Elvira's descent into madness. Until 19 July 2026
ARCHDUKE: The European premiere of theatre show Archduke — at the Royal Court Theatre — follows three young men in Belgrade in 1914 who are offered the chance to change history. Their mission: kill Archduke Franz Ferdinand. Until 25 July 2026
THE ART OF MINI GOLF: A playable exhibition of nine mini golf holes by female artists including Miranda July, Kaylene Whiskey, Danielle Brathwaite‑Shirley and Soda Jerk is installed at Battersea Arts Centre. Menacing cartoons and swamp flowers are among the obstacles on the course. Until 26 July 2026
WAR HORSE: Last chance to see the fantastic War Horse, based on Michael Morpurgo's book and using giant puppets to tell the story of a young man who goes in search of his horse, Joey, during the First World War. Until 30 July 2026
