Looking for things to do in London this May? Have we got a selection of goodies for you! From bluebells to a reborn 1930s theatre, and from VE Day to a new games hall, here's what you can get up to in the coming month...
BANK HOLIDAYS: Monday 5 May is a bank holiday, as is Monday 26 May, so you may well be needing our guide to spending a bank holiday weekend in London. Fancy heading further afield? Our Beyond London section has plenty of ideas for day trips and weekends away from the capital, whether you're after rolling countryside, historic castles, seaside towns, quirky museums, family days out...
OPEN AIR CULTURE: As the weather (hopefully) improves, London's outdoor culture scene heats up, with film screenings, theatre shows, music festivals and performances taking place in the open air. Time to reach for the suncream/umbrella.
OUTDOOR CINEMA: Speaking of which, take a look at our guide to London's outdoor cinemas for summer 2025, and get booking to watch classic films and new releases on rooftops, in parks, and against some seriously impressive backdrops.
BLUEBELLS AND WISTERIA AND ROSES (OH MY): Out with the pink and in with the blue. The lilac hues usually crank up a notch towards the end of April and into May, as bluebell season takes hold. Here are the best places to find bluebells in and around London. Similarly, the bulk of #WisteriaHysteria should be in bloom in London throughout May, with the gorgeous purple (other shades available too) flowers draped over walls, fences and pagodas — here's where to see London's wisteria at its finest. May is rose season too, and London has a fair few of the thorny flowers tucked away — these are our eight favourite rose gardens in London.
MUSIC FESTIVALS: London's music festival scene ramps it up a notch this month, with Brixton, Crystal Palace, Hackney Wick, Camden and Brockwell Park among the places hosting. GALA, Slam Dunk, Field Day, City Splash and Cross the Tracks are among the best-known, but browse the whole list and you're bound to find something to suit your taste.
PECKHAM FRINGE 2025: Now in its fourth year, almost 30 shows are on the schedule of this year's Peckham Fringe, which takes place at its regular venue of Theatre Peckham's Main Theatre, as well as expanding into Canada Water Theatre for the first time. Theatre, dance, comedy and spoken word all feature, exploring themes such as gentrification, immigration and gender. 1 May-6 June
HIDDEN LONDON: Explore secret parts of Green Park station, spot 1960s posters in former passenger corridors at Euston, or walk alongside disused railway tracks in Moorgate with London Transport Museum in May. These are just some of the usually-concealed parts of the Tube network you can unlock on a Hidden London tour. Ultra-intrepid adventurers can even descend as far as a deep-level wartime shelter, hidden beneath Clapham South station. Suitable for ages 10+. (sponsor)
HIROSHIGE: The British Museum offers a look at the career and legacy of one of Japan's most celebrated artists, Utagawa Hiroshige, with new exhibition Hiroshige: artist of the open road. View his depictions of landscape, nature and daily life in Japan in the 19th century, including prints, paintings, books and sketches, many of which have never been on display before. 1 May-7 September
SOHO THEATRE WALTHAMSTOW: It's been a long time coming for comedy fans, but Soho Theatre's new Walthamstow branch finally opens at the start of May. It takes over the former Granada Cinema building, with surrealist comedian Natalie Palamides' show Weer bringing up the curtain on opening night. Rosie Jones, Larry Dean, Olga Koch, Desiree Burch, Phil Wang and Catherine Bohart are on the line-up in the coming weeks. From 2 May
POLYGON LIVE: Music festival Polygon Live London invades Crystal Palace Park, with performances from Arooj Aftab, Gold Panda and Nitin Sawhney. The idea is that you feel the music 'above, under, and through' you. You might be vibrating for the rest of the summer. 2-4 May
POWER OF GARDENING: Find out how gardeners have sown the seeds of change throughout history at the British Library's new exhibition, Unearthed: The Power of Gardening. Books, manuscripts, photographs, artworks and historical tools are on display, including the first English gardening manual and the world's oldest mechanised lawnmower, showing gardening as a force for creativity, resilience and community. 2 May-10 August
SHAKE THE HIGH ROAD: Independent music festival Shake The High Road takes over various venues in Leytonstone — including pubs, bars and a church — for a day of 20+ live music acts and DJs. All venues are within easy walking distance of each other and one wristband gets you access to all events. 3 May
CANALWAY CAVALCADE: If you go down to the canal over the May Day bank holiday, you're in for a big surprise. Dozens of canal boats moor up in Little Venice for the Canalway Cavalcade, a vibrant festival with live music, children's activities and an illuminated boat parade. FREE, 3-5 May
RUISLIP LIDO RAILWAY: Choo choo! The Ruislip Lido Railway (which we're partial to riding ourselves) holds a Gala Weekend with two visiting locomotives, where the public can get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to keep the railway running. Visit the workshop and yard, sit in some of the locomotives on display, and — if you like what you see — find out about becoming a volunteer. 3-5 May
OF THE OAK: One of the oldest trees at Kew Gardens is the focus of world-premiere digital art commission, Of The Oak. The 12-minute interactive video installation is shown on a six-metre-high LED portal in the gardens, tracking the Lucombe oak across four seasons. 3 May-28 September
HEROES & VILLAINS: Performers from the West End take to the stage at Cadogan Hall, performing classic hero and villain songs from animated films including The Prince of Egypt, Hercules, The Lion King, Shrek, The Little Mermaid, Anastasia and more. 4 May
GUN SALUTE: 6 May marks two years since the coronation of King Charles III, an anniversary being celebrated by a 41-round gun salute in Hyde Park — something to be aware of if you're in the area at midday. FREE, 6 May
DECORATIVE FAIR: Interested in interior design? Make for the Decorative Fair at Evolution London in Battersea Park and browse antiques, fine and decorative art and 20th century design from 130 dealers, dating from the 1700s to the 1970s. 6-11 May
OPEN CITY DOCUMENTARIES: Cinemas across London host screenings as part of the Open City Documentary Festival, celebrating creative documentary and non-fiction filmmakers. Looted antiquities, forest fires, and the career of actor Henry Fonda are among the topics featured in various films this year. 6-11 May
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Book ahead for a celebration of East and South East Asian culture
Looking ahead to summer? Southbank Centre's launching a brand new series this July. ESEA Encounters celebrates East and South East Asian arts and culture with a packed programme of performances, music, poetry, literature and art.
Highlights include theatre-rave odyssey TRANCE, featuring dance, music and visual art from Chinese artist Tianzhuo Chen and his Asian Dope Boys collective; live music from Japanese musician, singer and songwriter Haruomi Hosono; a new adaptation of Chinese folk story Ye Xian with Chinese and Western instruments from composer Alex Ho; and a day of talks and literature.
Head to the Hayward Gallery to dive into the creative world of celebrated Japanese artist Yoshitomo Nara, in the largest European retrospective of his work. Plus, the pop-up Yokimono Japanese Summer Market in the Clore Ballroom offers traditional and contemporary Japanese food, culture, arts and crafts, so you can take part of the experience home with you.
ESEA Encounters is at Southbank Centre, 17-20 July 2025. Ticketed events are available to book now.
TOWER POPPIES: Remember the ceramic poppies which were displayed in the Tower of London moat in 2014? Almost 30,000 of them are returning to the spot, marking 80 years since the end of the Second World War. They're arranged to resemble a 'wound' at the heart of the Tower, from which the poppies form a crater, with ripples flowing outwards. 6 May-11 November
DIVINA DE CAMPO: Drag Race UK star Divina De Campo brings her show I Do Think to the Royal Vauxhall Tavern for one night only. The one-woman show explores life's highs, lows, and everything in between, ultimately concluding that people will think what they will about you, but the only thing within your control is to be yourself. 7 May
AFFORDABLE ART FAIR: The Affordable Art Fair pitches up in Hampstead, selling thousands of contemporary artworks with prices starting at £100, and 100 galleries from all over the world taking part. Painting classes. late-night openings, and a pop-up rooftop bar with views across the Heath are on this year's schedule. 7-11 May
DEEP BLUE SEA: Tamsin Greig stars in The Deep Blue Sea, Terence Rattigan's 1950s play about the obsession and the destructive power of love, at Theatre Royal Haymarket. 7 May-21 June
VE DAY 80: 8 May marks 80 years since VE Day, or Victory in Europe Day, when Germany surrendered, effectively ending the Second World War. Expect to see special commemorative events taking place, including a special concert at the Royal Albert Hall, a flypast and a military procession. Around 8 May
FLUKES: Big Penny Social in Walthamstow launches its new games hall, Flukes, complete with interactive darts oches, interactive shuffleboards, pro-standard American pool tables and karaoke rooms. Pizza, beer and cocktails are on the menu. From 8 May
WIMBLEDON ART FAIR: More than 180 artists exhibit at Wimbledon Art Fair, giving you a chance to purchase artworks directly from their creators. There's also a rare opportunity to go inside artists' studios, and live music and a bar on launch night. FREE ENTRY, 8-11 May
THE CRUCIBLE: Arthur Miller's The Crucible gets another spin on the London Stage, this time opening at the Globe Theatre for a nine-week run. 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. 8 May-12 July
CERAMIC ART LONDON: Organised by the Craft Potters Association of Great Britain, Ceramic Art London brings together 120+ exhibitors from around the world to showcase and sell their ceramic artworks at Olympia London. 9-11 May
TATE BIRTHDAY WEEKENDER: This year marks 25 years since Tate Modern opened in a former power station on Bankside, one of many millennium additions to the capital. Celebrate the milestone at the gallery's Birthday Weekender, which includes various activities TBC, and late night openings. FREE, 9-12 May
DULWICH FESTIVAL: A celebration of art and culture in the local area, Dulwich Festival has an impressive programme as always, spanning live music, supper clubs, author talks, guided walks, family events and the Goose Green fair. 9-18 May
PLANTS + BIKES: VeloNotte Botanica is an historical-botanical promenade by bike about the secret life of plants that bring Londoners pleasure. From grapes and apples introduced by the Romans to planes and weed, this grand tour will feature comments by prominent historians, landscape designers and botanists. It's accompanied by a special soundtrack. 10 May
OPEN AIR THEATRE: The Open Air Theatre in Regent's Park begins its 2025 season with musical comedy Shucked, set in the USA about a community whose corn starts to die. Suitable for age 8+. From 10 May
HOT SAUCE FESTIVAL: How hot is too hot for you? Find out at the Hot Sauce Festival in Peckham, where hundreds of small-batch sauces from 40+ traders are available to try and buy, along with live music, games, street food — and a bar for those all-important, palate-cleansing drinks. 10-11 May
THE FIFTH STEP: Martin Freeman and Jack Lowden star in The Fifth Step, an Edinburgh Fringe transfer about the 12-step programme of Alcoholics Anonymous, and two men on their journey to sobriety. See it at Soho Place. 10 May-26 July
MRS WARREN'S PROFESSION: Also opening in the West End (Garrick Theatre) is Mrs Warren's Profession, starring Imelda Staunton and her real-life daughter Bessie Carter as a mother and daughter living through estrangement. 10 May-16 August
HOT AIR BALLOONS: We've got everything crossed that the London Hot Air Balloon Regatta can take place this year, as between Covid and bad weather, it hasn't happened since 2019. If all goes well, expect to see dozens of hot air balloons floating serenely over the London sky early one Sunday morning, launching from Battersea Park and heading wherever the wind takes them. Three possible dates have been chosen for this year, the first one being 11 May
GRAND FLANEUR WALK: 'A celebration of the pure, the immutable and the pointless, taken by the bold, the adventurous and the inebriated' is how organisers describe the Grand Flaneur Walk, a stroll without purpose, with participants wearing their finest dandy, flaneur or fop outfits — think top hats, handlebar moustaches, pocket squares, pocket watches, the works! FREE, 11 May
PUPPET FESTIVAL: One of those unique London events we love, the Covent Garden May Fayre & Puppet Festival is back. It celebrates the first recorded production of a Mr Punch show, as seen/recorded by Samuel Pepys in Covent Garden in 1662, and draws puppeteers from all over the country for a procession, church service, shows, stalls and workshops. FREE, 11 May
MARSDEN MARCH: Sign up to walk either five or 15 miles, raising money for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. The Banham Marsden March follows a route between the two Royal Marsden hospitals, in Chelsea and Sutton, and the shorter route is open to families with children. Alternatively, join in your own route closer to your home. 11 May
LONDON CRAFT WEEK: Wigs? Tick. Rugs? Of course. Paper flowers? Naturally. Find out about some of the more unusual things being made here in the capital at London Craft Week. Workshops, demonstrations, talks and workshop tours feature in the impressively large programme, showcasing the handiwork of London's makers. 12-18 May
JANE EYRE: The Northern Ballet's take on classic novel Jane Eyre is touring the country, including a stop at Sadler's Wells. Watch as the story of governess Jane and the brooding Mr Rochester comes to life on stage through choreography and live music. 13-17 May
FORGE FESTIVAL: Southwark Playhouse hosts the inaugural edition of Forge Festival, showcasing the work of four young theatre companies: Shepard Tone, Speakbeat Collective, November Theatre and Visual Sauce, each offering the world premiere of their latest work, including an intriguing-sounding piece about a Hollywood conspiracy concealed for decades. 13-17 May
CHOIR CHOIR CHOIR: Choir! Choir Choir! comes to Islington Assembly Hall, turning the audience into performers as hosts Daveed Goldman and Nobu Adilman lead you in renditions of well-known songs by the likes of Leonard Cohen, Adele, Whitney Houston and Oasis. 14 May
PHOTO LONDON: International fair Photo London is back at Somerset House for a celebration of all things snap happy. As well as a chance to collect and purchase photos from around the world, there are talks, tours and workshops on all aspects of photography. 14-18 May
JUST FOR ONE DAY: Live Aid musical Just For One Day returns to London, taking over the Shaftesbury Theatre for a lengthy run. The story of 13 July 1985, the day of the Live Aid concert, is told through songs by Bob Dylan, David Bowie, The Who, U2, Queen, Madonna, The Police, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Diana Ross and others. 10% of ticket sales are donated directly to The Band Aid Charitable Trust. From 15 May
RARE BOOKS: Books, original manuscripts, letters and rare items are all for sale at the annual Firsts: London's Rare Book Fair. Taking place at Chelsea's Saatchi Gallery, this year it has a theme of 'Books in Bloom',with a special focus on the relationship between books and botanicals, as well as a chance to purchase rare and unique tomes. 15-18 May
NEW SPACE EXHIBITION: We're rather excited about this one: Natural History Museum launches a new exhibition all about space. Specifically it asks whether there could be life beyond Earth, along with giving you the opportunity to touch a piece of Mars, wrap your hands around a fragment of the Moon and snap a selfie with the Allende meteorite, which is older than Earth itself. Recommended age eight+.From 16 May
HIGHWAYS COUNTRY FESTIVAL: Country and Americana artists are at the forefront of Highways Festival, taking place at the Royal Albert Hall. In addition to the performances on stage (including Eric Church headlining both nights), there are other curated events around the venue. 16-17 May
KENSINGTON DOLLSHOUSE FESTIVAL: Experience life in miniature at the Kensington Dollshouse Festival. 120 top miniaturists from multiple countries exhibit and sell their works for anyone looking to kit out their own dolls house, plus there are displays, kids' activities and more. 16-17 May
FEEL GOOD FESTIVAL: Mind, body and soul are the focus of the Feel Good Festival at Hampton Court Palace, which features workshops, talks and drop-in clinics designed to help you to be the best version of yourself. 16-18 May
STORY EXPLORERS: The British Library opens a new experience designed for two-nine year-olds and their families. Story Explorers takes you through three imaginary worlds while you learn more about some of the objects in the Library's collection and why they're important. FREE, 16 May-January 2026
CHEAM CHARTER FAIR: Rumour has it that the Cheam Charter Fair dates back to 1259 — though even the modern-day organisers can't verify that. Either way, head to the London-Surrey border for a traditional fair of stalls, kicked off with a procession at 9am. FREE ENTRY, 17 May
MOONWALK: Sign up to take part in the London Moonwalk on Clapham Common, raising money for breast cancer charities. Walk 15.1 or 26.2 miles at night, with decorated bras and themed outfits very much encouraged (this year's theme is 'musicals'). 17 May
WOMEN FOR WOMEN: The #SheInspiresMe car boot sale parks up at Selfridges again, raising money for Women For Women's work supporting women and girls affected by war and conflict. Browse car boots filled with new, past-season, vintage and pre-loved designer fashion donated by luxury brands, designers and fashion and beauty insiders — and bag yourself a bargain while doing some good. 17 May
EUROVISION FINAL: Taking place in Basel, Switzerland this year, the Eurovision final will be shown on TV as usual, with several London venues hosting screening parties. We'll bring you our guide closer to the time. 17 May
URBAN VILLAGE FETE: Live music and dancing, street food stalls, crafting workshops, and talks on topics including sports and sustainability are all part of the Urban Village Fete, which celebrates its 10th birthday this year. It's a family-friendly event taking over Greenwich Peninsula, supporting charity War Child. FREE entry (charge for some workshops), 18 May
PINT OF SCIENCE: Here's a great excuse for after-work drinks if ever you needed one. Pint of Science brings over 150 world-class researchers to pubs all over London this month. They host fascinating yet accessible talks on all sorts of science-y topics, from the mysteries of the universe to the mechanics of the human body — and each one costs just £5! 19-21 May (sponsor)
CHELSEA IN BLOOM: Coinciding with the Chelsea Flower Show (below), the local streets are decked out with floral sculptures for free festival Chelsea in Bloom. The theme this year is 'flowers in fashion' so expect to see plenty of dresses made from dahlias, and skirts fashioned from sunflowers, with local squares, restaurants and shops taking part. Wandering around to see the installations is free. FREE, 19-25 May
BELGRAVIA IN BLOOM: Likewise, the neighbouring area has its own free flower festival, Belgravia in Bloom — why not slip on some comfy shoes and visit both in the same day? Here, the theme is 'seasons'. FREE, 19-26 May
CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW: A highlight for any green-fingered Londoner, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show takes over the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, with gardeners from all over the country showing off their work; stalls where you can buy flowers and plants to take home; and a chance to pick up tips from gardening experts. On the last day, many of the plants are sold off at reduced prices, making for interesting scenes of palm trees and the like being lugged home on the Tube. 20-24 May
PODCAST SHOW: Make a podcast? Want to make a podcast? The Podcast Show is the place for you, featuring live podcast stage shows, 150+ speakers, panel sessions, networking events and more, all taking place at the Business Design Centre in Islington. 21-22 May
BAT OUT OF HELL: The music of Jim Steinman and Meatloaf features in musical Bat Out Of Hell, which returns to London following a tour, pitching up a the Peacock Theatre for a two-week run. 21 May-7 June
AFTER THE ACT: Abseiling lesbians! Queers in the classroom! Moral panic in the streets! All promised in new musical After The Act, which opens at the Royal Court Theatre, telling the story of Section 28, a controversial piece of legislation passed in 1988 which banned the 'promotion' of homosexuality in schools. 21 May-14 June
OSCAR AT THE CROWN: A brand-new, purpose-built bunker on Tottenham Court Road is the setting for Oscar at The Crown, a new musical celebrating the life and work of Oscar Wilde at a time when the world is ending. 21 May-31 August
LIVE ODYSSEY: Opening in Camden, Live Odyssey is a celebration of British music spanning six decades, through live music, holograms, rare memorabilia, and visuals. Bowie's Glastonbury microphone is among the objects on display in the 2.5-hour experience, across six rooms each representing a different decade. From 22 May
FEEL THE SOUND: Barbican's summer season of events, Feel The Sound, intends to make you question what sound is. As part of it, In Pursuit of Repetitive Beats is a virtual reality experience taking you back to the Acid House scene of 1989, followed by a small exhibition about the scene. 22 May-31 August
ANCIENT INDIA: The origins of Hindu, Jain and Buddhist sacred art is the focus of new exhibition Ancient India: living traditions, at the British Museum. Find out about the inspiration behind now-familiar depictions of the deities and enlightened teachers of these world religions such as Buddha, and how they spread across the Asian continent. 22 May-29 October
LEVISON WOOD: Explorer and author Levison Wood brings his UK theatre tour, Walking the World: A Life of Exploration and Adventure, to Cadogan Hall, telling stories from his 20-year career, which has seen him visiting many places in the Himalayas and the Americas, as well as walking the Nile. 23 May
MCM COMIC CON: Dust off your cape — MCM Comic Con is back at Excel London. Highlights include guest stars (David Tennant is scheduled to appear this year!), author talks, costume competitions and more. 23-25 May
SHUBBAK FESTIVAL: Celebrating contemporary Arabic culture, Shubbak Festival takes place at various venues around the capital, with events spanning visual art, theatre, fashion, film, dance and more. The opening night festival at Southbank Centre consists of a fashion show featuring members of the Arab and SWANA community, along with a choreographed performance and video installation. 23 May-15 June
UNSILENCED: The Imperial War Museum opens a hard-hitting but important new exhibition Unsilenced: Sexual Violence in Conflict, exploring the contexts in which sexual violence occurs in conflict, and how people around the world are fighting for justice. Stories of child evacuees, victims of trafficking, prisoners of war, and survivors from the First World War to present-day conflicts are told. Age 16+. 23 May-2 November
SOAPBOX SCIENCE: Soapbox Science is an initiative promoting women and non-binary scientists and the work they do. Their events are a chance to meet real scientists and chat to them about their work. Scientists from several disciplines share their research with the general public, and get them excited about science. Full details of this year's event TBC. 24 May
BEER FESTIVAL: Selhurst Park, the home of Crystal Palace FC, swaps the players for pints at the Crystal Palace Beer Festival. Hundreds of beers and ciders from breweries both local, and beyond are available to try, accompanied by food stalls and live entertainment. Your ticket includes two half-pint drink vouchers, and a complimentary festival glass. 24 May
FOODIES FESTIVAL: Head to Syon Park for Foodies Festival, a three-day celebration of all things edible (and quaffable), with a side of live music. Pixie Lott, The Wanted 2.0 and Scouting For Girls are among the performers, with live demos by celebrity chefs, street food and artisan markets, kids' cookery sessions, pop-up bars and more. 24-26 May
THE BIG BAHOOEY: Try juggling, plate spinning or wire walking, dance at a silent disco, or belt out a tune at the singalongs — just some of the entertainment on offer at the family-friendly Big Bahooey festival in the grounds of Hampton Court Palace over the late May bank holiday weekend. Even better, it's included in palace admission. 24-26 May
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 takes up residence at Barbican, telling the story of Jewish milkman Tevye, who has to choose between holding onto his roots and embracing new traditions. 24 May-19 July
STEREOPHONIC: 2024 play Stereophonic, which received the most Tony-award nominations of any play in history, is set in a music studio in 1976, charting the highs and lows of an up-and-coming rock band. See it at Duke of York's Theatre. 24 May-20 September
GREENWICH DOG SHOW: All dogs, big and small, well-behaved or wonderfully mischievous are welcome to take part in the Greenwich Dog Show in the grounds of the Old Royal Naval College. Competition categories include waggiest tail, best Bridgerton lookalike and cutest pup. FREE, 25 May
TOP GUN: MAVERICK: 2022 film Top Gun: Maverick is shown on a large screen at the Royal Albert Hall, while the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, conducted by Ben Palmer, performs the epic score live, featuring music by Harold Faltermeyer, Lady Gaga and Hans Zimmer. 26 May
OPERA HOLLAND PARK: Another of our favourite outdoor cultural events in London, Opera Holland Park's summer season gets under way. First on the programme is Richard Wagner's The Flying Dutchman. From 27 May
TRAPLORD: Stereotypes of Black masculinity are questioned through dance in Olivier Award-winning show TRAPLORD at Sadler's Wells East. Dance, theatre and spoken word combine to explore raw and confrontational themes of mental health and masculinity in western society. 28-31 May
COLUMBUS FLAGSHIP: The tallship Nao Santa Maria, a replica of Christopher Columbus’s flagship, moors up at St Katharine Docks near Tower Bridge, and is open to the public. Keep an eye on the website for booking info when announced. 28 May-8 June (weather permitting)
PUB IN THE PARK: Head to Gunnersbury Park at the end of the month for food festival Pub in the Park (previously held at Chiswick House). Chefs Tom Kerridge and Michael Roux and food critic Grace Dent are among the famous faces appearing on stage, while renowned pubs and restaurants including The Grazing Goat and The Tamil Prince appear in pop-up form, serving their best loved dishes. Plus, there's music from Jack Savoretti, Norman Jay, and tribute acts Blur 2, Noasis and Pulp'd. 30 May-1 June
V&A EAST STOREHOUSE: The latest outpost of the V&A Museum, V&A East Storehouse opens on the eastern side of the Olympic Park in Hackney Wick. It's a cavernous warehouse stacked with seemingly endless crates and pallets, taking the public behind the scenes of some of the museum's many objects and collections, an eclectic mix including huge architectural structures, vintage football shirts, a Glastonbury Festival Archive, a chunk of Elton John's wardrobe, Roman frescoes and so, so much more. We had a sneak peek last year. Not to be confused with the V&A East Museum, which is now expected to open in Spring 2026. From 31 May
MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM: Following its critically-acclaimed run in 2019, the Bridge Theatre's production of A Midsummer Night's Dream returns with some rather unique staging: seating is wrapped around the action, or buy immersive tickets to follow the story on foot. From 31 May
MAY HALF TERM: The final week of May, running into June, is May half term, when the kids are off school. Keep an eye out for our May half term events guide, for plenty of ways to keep them entertained.
LAST CHANCE TO SEE: A few things are closing this month too. It's your last chance to see:
PERFORMANCE FESTIVAL: Running until early May, the V&A's Performance Festival has a theme of 'illusion', with live performances, talks, screenings, tours and workshops taking place throughout the museum, the majority of them free and many of them family-friendly. Until 4 May
TULIP FESTIVAL: Over 100,000 tulip bulbs bring a riot of colour to the gardens of Hampton Court Palace for its annual Tulip Festival — one of the UK's largest displays of planted tulips. Wander through the formal gardens and historic courtyards, and see 'floating' bowls in the Great Fountain and a free style of planting in the kitchen gardens. Find other places to see tulips in and around London. Until 5 May
THE GREAT MUGHALS: The V&A's major exhibition focusing on the Mughal Court, an empire which ruled over modern-day India, Pakistan and Afghanistan for over 200 years from the 16th century. As the name suggests, The Great Mughals: Art, Architecture and Opulence focuses on the extraordinary creative output of the Golden Age of the Mughal Court. Until 5 May
SONY WORLD PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS: One of our favourite photography shows every year, the Sony World Photography Awards Exhibition is at Somerset House, showcasing images taken all over the world in the past year, spanning portraiture, documentary photography, architecture, sports and more. Previously unseen works by the 2024 Photographer of the Year Juliette Pavy are also on show. Until 5 May
LATIN MUSIC FESTIVAL: La Linea Latin music festival takes place at several venues around central London, continuing into early May with performances by Muerdo and New Regency Orchestra, among others. Browse the full programme. Until 5 May
GHOSTS: The Lyric Hammersmith offers a contemporary reimagining of Henrik Ibsen's classic Ghosts, about a woman honouring her late husband's memory by opening a children's hospital in his name, and the secrets their son Oz brings with him when he returns to the family home. Until 10 May
RICHARD II: Last chance to see Bridgerton star Jonathan Bailey starring in Shakespeare's Richard II at Bridge Theatre, taking on the lead role of the disastrous king. Until 10 May
MUSEUM OF TRANSOLOGY: The Lethaby Gallery at Central Saint Martins hosts TRANSCESTRY: 10 years of the Museum of Transology, marking a decade of collecting by the Museum of Transology, which is home to the world's biggest collection of objects and stories celebrating trans, non-binary and intersex lives. Over 1,000 objects are included, spanning items that commemorate private gender milestones and medical ephemera alongside hundreds of protest placards from mass public rallies. Until 11 May
MIDNIGHT COWBOY: Midnight Cowboy - A New Musical makes its world premiere at Southwark Playhouse Elephant, based on the novel by James Leo Herlihy, which in turn inspired a film of the same name. It's about the unlikely friendship between two men who head to New York City in search of a better life. Until 17 May
ADMIRAL BYNG: The true story of the final voyage of Admiral John Byng is brought to life in a new play at the Playground Theatre (Notting Hill). Watch the story of the last two days of Byng's life, after his squadron arrived too late to save a vital naval base on the island of Menorca. Until 17 May
COCKFOSTERS: Surrealist comedy play Cockfosters is all about the Tube, telling the story of two strangers who meet at Heathrow and get to know each other on a Piccadilly line journey across London. See it at Southwark Playhouse Borough, and read our article about the inspiration behind it. Until 17 May
PHOTOGRAPHY NOW: The V&A's free Photography Now display showcases the latest additions to the V&A’s collection of global contemporary photography, touching on topics including conflict, colonialism, social inequality and ecology issues. FREE, until 18 May
AUSTENTATIOUS: See a novel in the form of Jane Austen improvised live on stage in front of you, in improv comedy show Austentatious at the Vaudeville Theatre. The cast — dressed in period costume and with live musical accompaniment — takes a title suggestion from the audience and runs with it. Until 19 May
DEAR ENGLAND: Rave reviewed footy play Dear England ends its run at the Olivier at the National Theatre, depicting the story of Gareth Southgate's attempts to turn fortunes around during his time as manager of the England men's team. Until 24 May
BEYOND RAVILIOUS: The first major exhibition about visionary artist and designer Tirzah Garwood is at Dulwich Picture Gallery. Tirzah Garwood: Beyond Ravilious looks at her life beyond her role as the wife of Eric Ravilious, showcasing more than 80 of her works in their own right. They span oil paintings, witty wood engravings, pencil sketches, experimental marbled papers and collaged paper constructions. Until 26 May
TIM BURTON: Already the most popular exhibition in the Design Museum's history, The World of Tim Burton continues until the end of the month, showcasing the director's unique aesthetic, through his films and items from his own personal archive. It's likely to sell out in its final days, so do book as early as you can. Until 26 May
ROMEO AND JULIET: The Royal Ballet and Opera's take on Shakespearean love story Romeo and Juliet retells the tale of two feuding families through ballet, accompanied by Prokofiev's score. See it at the Royal Opera House. Until 26 May
