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,
WIMBLEDON: 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. 30 June-13 July
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 the fight against plastic waste, and the next big telescope. It begins with an adults-only Lates evening. FREE, 1-6 July
GARDEN FESTIVAL: Didn't make it to the Chelsea Flower Show? Head to the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival instead. Wander the palace grounds to see specially designed gardens, and enjoy talks and demos by experts including BBC Gardener's World presenters Arit Anderson and Joe Swift. 1-6 July
TILL THE STARS COME DOWN: National Theatre production Till the Stars Come Down transfers to Theatre Royal Haymarket, telling the story of Sylvia and Marek's wedding, taking place on a hot day where passions boil over and limits are tested. 1 July-27 September
WOMEN'S EUROS: Calling all footie fans! Reigning European champions, England's Lionesses defend their title at the Women's Euros tournament, with Wales also taking part this time. Switzerland is hosting, but plenty of London bars, pubs and other venues are screening the matches, so book your table now, and get down there to support them. 2-25 July
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. 3 July
BATTERSEA JAZZ FESTIVAL: Following a launch party in late June, the Battersea Jazz Festival gets underway with live performances at various venues including local churches and Clapham Grand. 3-12 July
NYE: Michael Sheen stars in (some performances of) Nye at the National Theatre. The show celebrates the life of Former Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Nye Bevan, and his contribution towards creating the NHS. 3 July-16 August
COPACABANA: The London Cabaret Club's latest all-singing, all-dancing production is Copacabana, an electrifying celebration bursting with vibrant showgirls, exotic decor, and the infectious energy of a Rio carnival. Expect plenty of feathers, cha cha-ing, and exotic cocktails. 3 July-27 September
LONDON CHILDREN'S BALLET: A talented company of 50 young dancers, aged 9-16, performs new production Ella's Big Chance: A Jazz-Age Cinderella, based on an original story by Shirley Hughes. It's the story of dress shop owner Mr Cinders, who is left to bring up his daughter Ella on his own when his wife dies. It's suitable for age three+. See it at the Peacock Theatre. 4-6 July
BALHAM COMEDY FESTIVAL: Stephen K. Amos, Shaparak Khorsandi, Ben Norris and Esther Manito are among the comedians on the bill at the Balham Comedy Festival, organised by Banana Cabaret and taking place at The Bedford. 4-12 July
MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR: Shakespeare’s raucous comedy The Merry Wives of Windsor comes to the Globe, bringing to life the antics of the disreputable knight Sir John Falstaff attempting to seduce two wealthy housewives. 4 July-27 September
MOVIEDROME: Cult 1980s-1990s BBC series Moviedrome gets its time in the spotlight as the subject of the BFI's latest season. Moviedrome: Bringing The Cult TV Series To The Big Screen shows some of the most notable titles screened by the series, featuring witty and insightful introductions from hosts Alex Cox and later Mark Cousins. 4 July-25 August
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The ultimate Titanic exhibition lands in London
Breathtaking 360° projections. State-of-the-art VR and metaverse recreations. Stunning artefacts and replicas. Welcome to The Legend of the Titanic: The Immersive Exhibition, which makes its London debut this July at Dock X in Canada Water.
London's seen Titanic exhibitions before, but nothing quite like this. Set across a 3,000 sqm space, it's almost as grand in scale as the ship herself and uses cutting-edge technology to bring its story to life. Trace the footsteps of the Titanic's passengers on a 5D augmented reality metaverse walk-through. Witness a moving virtual reality tribute to the ship's musicians. Let the kids create content that becomes part of the exhibition in an AI family room. And refuel at the exhibition's elegant Café Parisien, inspired by Titanic's original café.
The Legend of the Titanic: The Immersive Exhibition launches on 25 July (just in time for the school holidays), and tickets are on sale now. Get yours today and prepare for a respectful voyage into the past that will educate people of all ages.
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. 5 July
COUNTRY ON THE COMMON: Cowboy boots at the ready! London’s first outdoor festival of country music is coming to Clapham Common. Head here for line-dancing, lasso lessons and loads more Wild West flavoured-fun, alongside a stellar line up of live acts including The Shires, Noah Reid, Ward Thomas and Remember Monday. 5-6 July (sponsor)
EEL PIE ISLAND: The second of 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), 5-6 July
THE 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 2025 details TBC at time of writing. FREE, 6 July
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, 6 July
STAND UP FOR SHELTER: Backyard Comedy Club in Bethnal Green hosts Stand Up For Shelter, a fundraising comedy night featuring Athena Kugblenu, David Whitney, Jack Shep, and others TBC. 7 July
KEW THE MUSIC: A stage and large screen is set up in Kew Gardens for live music by Craig David, the Human League, UB40, DJ Spoony, Alison Moyet and Gipsy Kings. Take your own picnic chair or blanket, pack a hamper or buy food and drink on site — and enjoy live music in a relaxed and (hopefully) sunny setting. 8-13 July
HELIOS: Barely a month goes by without one of Luke Jerram's celestial sculptures popping up at a London venue, and this time it's Helios going on display at the top of Osterley House's 18th century portico. Each centimetre of the scale model of the sun represents 2,000 kilometres of the real sun's surface. 9, 11-4 July
PREHISTORIC PLANET: Lightroom in King's Cross opens its latest immersive exhibition, Prehistoric Planet: Discovering Dinosaurs, taking you inside scenes from seasons one and two of Apple TV+'s Prehistoric Planet series. Surrounded by 360-degree visuals of dinosaurs, find out what the planet was like 66 million years ago. 9 July-2 November
EXPLORE HIDDEN LONDON: Go behind the scenes on the Tube with London Transport Museum’s Hidden London guided tours. This month, walk alongside disused railway tracks in Moorgate, uncover two secret platforms at Holborn, explore the deep-level shelter hidden under Clapham South Tube station, discover disused station Aldwych or uncover secret filming locations at Charing Cross. Age 10+. Various dates available (sponsor)
DRAGON BOAT RACE: South Dock in Canary Wharf hosts a day of dragon boat racing in support of Water Aid. Tickets to take part have sold out (though you can register your interest for 2026 is you're super-keen) but head down on the day to watch and support. FREE, 10 July
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. 10-12 July (and 7-9 August)
SUMMER IN THE DITCH: Shoreditch Town Hall announces the return of Summer in The Ditch, a bold takeover series in the venue's basement space, championing early- and mid-career artists. Expect a dynamic mix of camp, queer, and cult work, with the full line up to be announced soon. 10-19 July
SUMMER SERIES: Rizzle Kicks, St Vincent and FLO 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. 10-20 July. See other music festivals taking place in London this summer.
BURLESQUE: Songs by Christina Aguilera, Sia and Diane Warren feature in Burlesque the Musical, which makes its West End debut at the Savoy Theatre. Set in an underground nightclub, it tells the story of Ali, who searches for her mother in New York and discovers an underground world of music and dance. 10 July-6 September
INTER ALIA: A new play from the team behind Prima Facie, Rosamund Pike stars in the National Theatre's production Inter Alia, about a woman at the top of her career as an eminent London Crown Court Judge, but struggling with the juggling act that every working mother faces. 10 July-13 September
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. 10 July-28 September
IDLER FESTIVAL: A genuine Archbishop and a clutch of National Treasures 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 the likes of Michael Palin, Emma Thompson, and comedians Stewart Lee and Sally Phillips, it's worth packing in as much in as you can. 11-13 July
MORE THAN HUMAN: The More than Human exhibition at Design Museum explores how design can assist our planet alongside other living beings. It features over 140 works by more than 50 international artists, architects and designers, including a monumental seaweed installation and artworks aimed at octopuses. 11 July-5 October
KALEIDOSCOPE FESTIVAL: Musicians Faithless and Goldie and comedians Shaparak Khorsandi and Andrew Maxwell 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. 12 July
HAPPY PLACE FESTIVAL: Focus is on the feel-good, as the Happy Place Festival comes to a new venue, Gunnersbury Park, for a weekend of talks, live podcasts, yoga, as well as a shopping village packed with independent brands. 12-13 July
WHITECROSS STREET PARTY: Though it hosts a lively street food market most week days, Whitecross Street near Barbican really comes alive for the annual Whitecross Street Party. See live painting and street art, transforming the area until next year's festival, along with music, dance and spoken word stages, family activities, food stalls and more. FREE, 12-13 July
ALICE IN WONDERLAND: Just in time for the summer holidays, Marylebone Theatre opens a production of Alice in Wonderland for ages five+, bringing Lewis Carroll's classic children's book to life through puppets, an original score, and eye-catching costumes. 12 July-31 August
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, 13 July
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 'Heroes', with the Duchess of Edinburgh’s String Orchestra, the State Trumpeters of the Household Cavalry, and the Massed Pipes and Drums among the musicians taking part. 15-17 July
GIANNI VERSACE: Fashion designer Gianni Versace is the subject of a retrospective show and exhibition at Arches London Bridge. It showcases the largest collection of vintage Gianni Versace designs ever to be displayed in the UK, with over 450 original vintage garments, accessories, personal sketches, interviews and photographs. From 16 July
ESEA ENCOUNTERS: Southbank Centre's newest festival, ESEA Encounters, celebrates East and South East Asian culture through a long weekend of performances, music, poetry, literature, art and a pop-up market. A highlight is Ura Matsuri, a take on the traditional Japanese festivals, offering pop music, dance, Benshi (live film storytelling), classical music on traditional instruments, Chindon Street performance and more. 17-20 July
HYPER JAPAN FESTIVAL: Love all things Japanese? It's your lucky weekend because as well as ESEA Encounters (above), London has Hyper Japan, a celebration of Japanese culture at Olympia London. Voice actor and singer Yuka Iguchi and Japanese-fronted band Two Gun Mathilda are among the live performers, alongside a market, cosplaying and a sake experience. 18-20 July
101 DALMATIANS: Follow the twilight bark over to 101 Dalmatians - The Musical at the Hammersmith Apollo. It's an all-singing, all-dancing rendition of the tale of a huge gaggle of the spotted dogs doing their best to outwit baddie Cruella de Vil, who wants to make them into a fur coat. The dogs are played by puppets — imagine the chaos backstage otherwise. Age five+. 18 July-30 August
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 2025. 18 July-13 September
CART MARKING CEREMONY: One of London's quirkier events is the Ceremony of Cart Marking, a 500+ year old tradition by the Worshipful Company of Carmen. See a collection of handcarts, horses and carts, steam-driven vehicles, electric, solar-powered and hydrogen vehicles on display at Guildhall, with Livery Masters and Court Assistants in their official robes, chains and hats. FREE, 19 July
FOOD FESTIVAL: Eat your way around the world at the National Geographic Traveller Food Festival, at the Business Design Centre in Islington. Hear from chefs including José Pizarro, Andi Oliver and Yotam Ottolenghi, and watch live cooking demos and masterclasses, so you can attempt to recreate your favourite dishes at home. 19-20 July
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, 20 July
HOT AIR BALLOONS: Two Sundays in July have been put aside for the Lord Mayor's Hot Air Balloon Regatta to take place this year, after May's date was cancelled. If weather conditions are rights, dozens of balloons in various designs (and shapes) will float across the capital from Battersea Park first thing in the morning — from about 5am in fact, so set your alarm early. FREE, 20/27 July
WODEHOUSE IN WONDERLAND: New play Wodehouse in Wonderland takes the audience into the world of author P.G. Wodehouse, offering an insight into his marvellous tales, beloved characters, and classic songs by Gershwin, Porter, Kern, and Novello. See it at Theatre at the Tabard in Chiswick. 20 July-30 August
EXTRAORDINARY WOMEN: Compton Mackenzie's 1928 comic novel Extraordinary Women comes to the stage for the first time, at Jermyn Street Theatre. The new musical is set on the Mediterranean island of Sirene, peaceful in the aftermath of the First World War, until a group of extraordinary women arrive, bringing song, dance, laughter and tears. 23 July-10 August
BRIXTON CALLING: Opening at Southwark Playhouse Borough, play Brixton Calling tells the true story of the 23-year-old who bought a derelict cinema for £1 in 1983, called it The Academy, and built legendary music venue, the Brixton Academy. 23 July-16 August
VIRTUAL BEAUTY: The latest exhibition at Somerset House is Virtual Beauty, exploring the intersections of digital culture and beauty standards and AI's take on beauty featuring over 20 international artists. Highlights include Amalia Ulman’s commentary on social media authenticity. 23 July-28 September
NATIONAL BALLET OF JAPAN: Japan's national ballet company makes its UK debut, performing the acclaimed production of Giselle at the Royal Opera House, choreographed by Miyako Yoshida, former Royal Ballet Principal and the company's artistic director. 24-27 July
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. 25-27 July
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, 25 July-17 August. Find other urban beaches and outdoor swimming spots to enjoy in London this summer.
SUNDAES IN THE PARK: Ben & Jerry’s Sundaes In The Park Festival returns to Chiswick House and Gardens for a day of live music headlined by Fleur East, along with inspiring talks and workshops, cabaret performances and other entertainment. Despite the festival's name, it takes place on a Saturday... but ticket holders do get unlimited free Ben & Jerry's ice cream. 26 July
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. 26-27 July
LONDON E-PRIX: All-electric vehicles take over the area around Royal Docks and Excel for the London E-Prix. The track partially goes inside the Excel Centre itself, and there's a fan village, live music from Pixie Lott and Rizzle Kicks, and an area for spectators. 26-27 July
STEPHEN FRY: Spend an afternoon with Stephen Fry at Lord's Cricket Ground, joined by comedian Alan Davies, former England cricketers Graeme Swann and Mike Gatting. The event celebrates 75 years of the Lord's Taverners, a charity which empowers young people through cricket. 28 July
CAMDEN FRINGE: Who needs Edinburgh when you've got Camden Fringe? The festival offers new and experimental theatre and comedy performances by emerging artists across North London, with 400+ shows on the 2025 programme. The bulk of the festival is in August, but it kicks off in late July — see the programme for what's on when, and get booking. 28 July-24 August
PUPPET FESTIVAL: Throughout the summer holidays, Little Angel Theatre in Islington runs a Children's Puppet Festival , with shows from eight different companies, as well as workshops for adults and children, and playcation days, with activities on a set theme. 28 July-31 August
PICTOGRAMS: The iconic Japanese design of Pictograms is explored in a new exhibition at Japan House. From street signs and text messages to toilet doors and maps, they are used in communication worldwide, and this is a chance to find out about the role Japan played in developing the symbols. FREE, 30 July-9 November
RUBBER DUCK RACE: 1,000 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. 31 July
GOOD NIGHT, OSCAR: Will and Grace star Sean Hayes stars in the Broadway transfer of Good Night, Oscar, about the life of pianist and humorist Oscar Levant, particularly the 1958 episode of The Tonight Show with Jack Paar, in which he had "Hollywood's first celebrity meltdown". 31 July-21 September
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 better 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.
LAST CHANCE TO SEE: A few things are closing this month too. It's your last chance to see:
CLOWN FESTIVAL: Catch the final few days of this year's London Clown Festival, which culminates in Naughty Cabaret at Jacksons Lane, a clown, circus, music, burlesque and character comedy variety which sold out at last year's Edinburgh Fringe. Until 4 July
SOLDIER MAGAZINE: The National Army Museum's exhibition official British Army magazine Soldier, celebrating the publication's 80th birthday, looking back over its history and how it has covered big news stories and conflicts. FREE, until 6 July
JIMMY: The life of American tennis player Jimmy Connors is retold by comedian Adam Riches in Jimmy, at Park Theatre. Learn about Connors' career at his peak, his subsequent downfall — and one of the greatest comebacks in sporting history. Until 12 July
96 FESTIVAL: Clapham's Omnibus Theatre celebrates the iconic Pride party on Clapham Common in 1996 with 96 Festival. Described as a "spectacular celebration of queerness and theatre", the programme includes Schrodinger's Lesbians, which asks if two women fall in love but none of the men write about it, did it happen? Until 12 July
MY MASTER BUILDER: Ewan McGregor, Kate Fleetwood and Elizabeth Debicki star in My Master Builder, set in the Hamptons on the eve of American Independence Day. It's the story of a wealthy couple whose marriage is shattered by the unexpected arrival of Mathilde, a former student of the architect husband. See it at Wyndham's Theatre. Until 12 July
THE CRUCIBLE: Arthur Miller's The Crucible ends another run on the London stage, this time at the Globe Theatre. It's based on the Salem witch trials, telling the story of the mass hysteria which swept the town as local women were accused of witchcraft. Until 12 July
MINISTRY OF LESBIAN AFFAIRS: Feel-good musical comedy The Ministry of Lesbian Affairs is the story of the only lesbian choir in the country, who are trying to win their place on the Pride main stage. See it at the Kiln Theatre in Kilburn. Until 12 July
BST HYDE PARK: Most of the headline gigs for BST Hyde Park have sold out, but did you know about Open House? This free-entry festival takes place on the weekdays between the big weekends, and is open to everyone, whether you have a gig ticket or not. Free entertainment is spread out across the festival site including film and sports screenings, live music, sports workshops and loads more, for all ages. Until 13 July
RODELINDA EXHIBITION: Handel's opera Rodelinda is the subject of an exhibition at Handel & Hendrix in Mayfair, centred around a portrait from 1725 by John Vanderbank depicting castrato Francesco Bernardi as Bertarido in a production of the work. An early libretto of the opera, portraits of other cast members and objects illustrating opera-going culture from the 18th century also feature. Until 13 July
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF: After a sell-out run last summer, the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre's production of Fiddler on the Roof is in residence at Barbican, telling the story of Jewish milkman Tevye, who has to choose between holding onto his roots and embracing new traditions. Until 19 July
SOMAYA CRITCHLOW: London-based British artist Somaya Critchlow's debut show The Chamber is at Dulwich Picture Gallery, offering a response to the gallery's own collection of historical paintings. View six newly commissioned works, including three large figurative paintings, as well as Critchlow's preliminary sketches. Until 20 July
NOUGHTS AND CROSSES: Malorie Blackman's powerful novel Noughts & Crosses plays at Regent's Park Open-Air Theatre until the end of the month, set in dystopian Britain and telling the story of two young friends divided by racial segregation. It's a tough watch, featuring racism and oppression, violent scenes, sexual references, swearing and depictions of hanging, so may not be suitable for all young people. Age 14+. Until 26 July
ARPITA SINGH: Serpentine North hosts the first solo exhibition of artist Arpita Singh outside of India, spotlighting the artist's 60 year-career. Remembering features her paintings from the 1960s through to more recent years, including large-scale oil paintings and more intimate watercolours and ink drawings. Until 27 July
