BANK HOLIDAYS: Monday 4 May is a bank holiday, as is Monday 25 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. Time to reach for the suncream/umbrella, take a look at our guide to London's outdoor cinemas for summer 2026, 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 up a notch this month, with Brixton, Crystal Palace, Hackney Wick, Camden and Brockwell Park among the neighbourhoods hosting. Browse the list and you're bound to find something to suit you.
KOREAN FOOD FESTIVAL: A four‑day Korean food market opens at Canopy Market, King's Cross, showcasing a curated roster of vendors including Kiwa, Bonbab, Deun Deun and Chickenhaus. Expect market‑style street food such as gimbap, tteokbokki, dak-galbi and Korean desserts, plus live music, performances and a small creative market. 1-4 May 2026
SHAKE THE HIGH ROAD: Independent music festival Shake The High Road takes over five venues in Leytonstone for a day of 20+ live music acts and DJs. Electronic producer and songwriter Gold Panda, and brass/jazz/hip hop musician Pan Amsterdam are among the headliners. All venues are within easy walking distance of each other and one wristband gets you access to all events. 2 May 2026
AARDMAN IN CONCERT: Celebrate 50 Years of Wallace & Gromit, Shaun the Sheep and friends at Aardman in Concert, taking place at Cadogan Hall. See clips of the characters shown on screen, accompanied by a live orchestra, culminating in a full performance of A Matter of Loaf and Death. If that sounds like your thing, the current Inside Aardman exhibition at the Young V&A will appeal too. 2 May 2026
BLACK HISTORY STEAM TRAIN: Organised by Black History Walks, take a day trip on a 1950s steam train, accompanied by historical commentary on the Windrush generation and Black aircrew of the Second World War. Board in London and travel to Hampshire and back, with three stops along the way. 2 May 2026
FIESTA FLAMENCA: The London School of Flamenco presents an evening of dance and music featuring over 100 performers, including special guest Macarena Ramirez. Expect a mix of professional artists and students — the youngest performers are just four years old — with musicians from Spain and the UK, and solo guest performances in the finale, all at Hackney Empire. 2 May 2026
BREAKIN' CONVENTION: Curated by Jonzi D, international hip hop dance festival Breakin' Convention brings international crews and choreographers to Sadler's Wells, including Rock Force Crew, ILL‑Abilities, Let It Happen, Lanre Malaolu and Compagnia Bellanda. The weekend also features Breakin' Convention Youth in the Lilian Baylis Studio, plus DJs, workshops and graffiti elements across the venue. 2-3 May 2026
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, 2-4 May 2026
MIGRATION FESTIVAL: Join a three-day celebration of migratory birds and West African culture at WWT London in Barnes, with drumming, dance, storytelling, cookery sessions (including a jollof class), guided bird walks and family activities. All activities are included with general admission; some workshops have limited spaces so sign up on arrival. 2-4 May 2026
PECKHAM FRINGE: Peckham Fringe returns across Theatre Peckham and Canada Water, marking Theatre Peckham's 40th anniversary. The full programme includes new writing, small-scale musicals, immersive theatre and spoken word from emerging artists. Highlights include Alex Wheatle's Witness, Pack It Up, Hello My Name Is… and Republic of Silence. 2 May-5 June 2026
SHERLOCK HOLMES: The Open Air Theatre in Regent's Park kicks off its 2026 season with Sherlock Holmes, a fresh adaptation featuring Conan Doyle's detective, and which follows Holmes and Watson through a new conspiracy staged across Victorian London. Age 12+. 2 May-6 June 2026
1536: Historical drama 1536 transfers to the West End from the Almeida. Set in Tudor England, it follows three women in rural Essex as royal and local rumours collide. 2 May-1 August 2026
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. 3-4 May 2026
BROCKWELL BARK: A community dog show takes place on Brockwell Hall Lawn, featuring costume categories and prizes, a Rescue Parade for rehomed pets, local food and drink stalls and dog-themed vegetable sculptures. Profits support the Blue Cross. You'll need to register your dog to take part in advance — otherwise, just turn up and enjoy the day. 4 May 2026
BALLET MIXED BILL: Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, the all-male comedy ballet company famed for spoofing classical repertoire, perform a Mixed Bill at the Peacock Theatre. Expect technically precise dance combined with comic pastiche. 5-9 May 2026
ROYAL GUN SALUTE: 6 May marks three years since the coronation of King Charles III, an anniversary 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 2026
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. 6-10 May 2026
FREIGHT BRIXTON: Claiming to be "London's biggest rooftop venue", new spot Freight Brixton opens its doors, with food available from several different kitchens, plus various bars, and a lively programme of music events, DJ nights and brunches scheduled throughout the summer. From 7 May 2026
AN IDEAL HUSBAND: Oscar Wilde's timeless comedy An Ideal Husband is staged at the Lyric Hammersmith in a new production. The play follows Sir Robert Chiltern as his spotless reputation is threatened by the devious Mrs Cheveley. 7 May-6 June 2026
DAVID ATTENBOROUGH: The Royal Albert Hall celebrates Sir David Attenborough's 100th birthday with live event 100 Years On Planet Earth. Watch dramatic wildlife stories, accompanied by live music from Attenborough's programmes, alongside spoken reflections from public figures and leading advocates for the natural world. 8 May 2026
SOUND BITES: Music and food festival Sound Bites comes to Syon Park with a mix of street food traders, chef demo stages, pop‑up kitchens and live music. Performers scheduled include Ricky Wilson and Natasha Hamilton, with daytime family-friendly feasting leading into headline DJ and band sets in the evening. 8-9 May 2026
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. 8-10 May 2026
DULWICH FESTIVAL: A celebration of art and culture in the local area, Dulwich Festival has an impressive programme as always, spanning live music, author talks, guided walks and family events culminating in the ever-popular Goose Green fair. 8-17 May 2026
FOOTBALL SHIRT EXHIBITION: London Jersey Gallery stages a pop-up exhibition at the Islington Council LDP Office — not far from Emirates Stadium — exploring Arsenal FC’s history through its shirts, curated by Abdul Rashid Zakari. The display brings together historic kits to show how design, supporter culture and memorable eras have evolved. FREE, 8-31 May 2026
EQUUS: Peter Shaffer's EQUUS is at the Menier Chocolate Factory, directed by Lindsay Posner and presented in co-production with Theatre Royal Bath. The play follows psychiatrist Martin Dysart as he investigates a teenager who has blinded horses. The production contains nudity. 8 May-4 July 2026
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 dozens of traders are available to try and buy, along with live music, games, street food — and a bar for those all-important, palate-cleansing drinks. 9-10 May 2026
HENRY MOORE: Renowned artist Henry Moore's work is shown in new exhibition Monumental Nature, taking place across Kew Gardens. It spans 30 outdoor sculptures and an indoor display at the Shirley Sherwood Gallery featuring more than 90 smaller works, including drawings, models and sketchbooks. A family trail and sensory activity guide are available too. 9 May-January 2027
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, 10 May 2026
LONDON HAT WALK: Watch (or join) a group of people parading their most magnificent headwear. The London Hat Walk is all about showing off your headwear and making new friends, following a route along the river from Tate Modern towards Tower Bridge. Anyone's welcome to take part... as long as you're wearing a hat! FREE, 10 May 2026
KING'S TRUST CELEBRATION: Hosted by Ant and Dec, this one-night event at the Royal Albert Hall marks The King's Trust's 50th anniversary with music, comedy and awards. An all-star line-up including Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, Sir Rod Stewart, Rita Ora, Ronnie Wood, Anne‑Marie and Craig David will perform as young award winners are celebrated. 11 May 2026
LONDON CRAFT WEEK: Watches? Tick. Lamps? Of course. Calligraphy? 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. 11-17 May 2026
CARE: Alexander Zeldin's play Care, about a single mother, two pre-teens and their grandmother runs at the Young Vic. Zeldin directs his own work, which deals with ageing, loss — and contains strong language and depictions of death. 11 May-11 July 2026
FESTIVAL OF WORDS: Fleet Street Quarter's Festival of Words returns, with more than 40 events around the area on the theme 'The Age of Wisdom and Foolishness'. Sir Ben Okri, Hanif Kureishi, Jojo Moyes, Tim Wu, Lady Brenda Hale and James Graham are among the big names taking part in author conversations, journalism panels, podcast recordings, breakfast briefings and family workshops. 12-16 May 2026
FUTURE OF FOOD: Regent Street and the surrounding area once again holds the Future of Food Festival, spanning supper clubs, chef collabs, masterclasses and an outdoor banquet — all with a focus on sustainability in the food chain. 12-24 May 2026
KOREAN DANCE FESTIVAL: The Korean Cultural Centre UK and The Place in Euston collaborate for the ninth edition of A Festival of Korean Dance. Catch a double bill of new work by returning favourites Korea National Contemporary Dance Company (KNCDC), including the latest piece from Olivier Award-nominated choreographer Young-doo Jung. Also on the programme: 99 Art Company's double bill contemplating grief, sorrow and resilience; and Ryu and Friends' UK debut, 11-strong ensemble piece GRAVITY, a cosmic spectacle about extraterrestrial matter. 13-30 May 2026 (sponsor)
SAMSON ET DALILA: Composer Camille Saint-Saëns' Samson et Dalila is at the Royal Opera House, with members of the Royal Ballet and Opera performing a new take on the biblical story of a leader whose passion for passion for Dalila leads to a conflict with deadly consequences. 13 May-30 June 2025
CROYDON AIRPORT: Londonist editor Will Noble is at Croydon's Braithwaite Hall, talking about the era when Croydon was the centre of the universe, thanks to its Airport, a place Hollywood stars, royalty, record breakers and politicians poured in and out of. Access to the Museum of Croydon's Forge: Industries of Croydon exhibition is from from 6.30pm, with the talk starting at 7pm. 14 May 2026
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, 14-17 May 2026
PRINT FAIR: The London Original Print Fair returns to Somerset House with 40+ galleries exhibiting, exclusive print launches, plus talks and live demonstrations of printmaking techniques. The programme covers prints from old masters to contemporary artists, with featured works by Rembrandt, Dürer, Picasso, Matisse, Miró, Hockney, Freud, Emin, Riley and Rego. 14-17 May 2026
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 'Revolution', tying in with the 250th anniversary of the signing of the American Declaration of Independence, as well as a chance to purchase rare and unique tomes. 14-17 May 2026
LONDON COFFEE FESTIVAL: Get your fill of caffeine and then some, at the London Coffee Festival, a four-day programme of tastings, demos, competitions, shopping and more at The Truman Brewery on Brick Lane. 14-17 May 2026
DOLLSHOUSE FESTIVAL: Experience life in miniature at the Kensington Dollshouse Festival. 130 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. An ideal day out if you enjoy feeling like Gulliver in Lilliput. 15-16 May 2026
HIGHWAYS COUNTRY FESTIVAL: Country and Americana artists are at the forefront of Highways Festival, taking place at the Royal Albert Hall. Jon Pardi, Carly Pearce, and Emmylou Harris give headline performances this year. 15-17 May 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, 16 May 2026
CAMBERWELL FOOD FESTIVAL: Eat around the world at the annual Camberwell Food Festival on Camberwell Green with street food from across the globe, live music, local breweries and wine tasting, arts and craft stalls, a community lunch and family-friendly workshops. 16 May 2026
FA CUP FINAL: The Men's FA Cup Final plays out at Wembley on Saturday 16 May, when either Man City or Southampton face Chelsea or Leeds. The Women play a couple of weeks later, on Sunday 31 May, with either Liverpool or Brighton facing Chelsea or Man City. If you can't get tickets, check out our guide on the best footy pubs and bars. 16 May (Men's) and 31 May (Women's)
EUROVISION FINAL: The 2026 Eurovision final takes place in Vienna, but if you aren't lucky enough to be heading to Austria, swing by one of these London venues screening all the Eurovision action. Expect glitter, confetti, singalongs and as much cheesiness as is physically possible — Eurovision isn't to be taken lightly! 16 May 2026
MOONWALK: Sign up to take part in the 30th anniversary of the London Moonwalk on Clapham Common, raising money for breast cancer charities. Walk 10k, 15.1 miles or 26.2 miles at night, with decorated bras and themed outfits very much encouraged. 16-17 May 2026
EUROPEAN WRITERS' FESTIVAL: Leading and debut writers from across Europe gather at the British Library for the European Writers' Festival, with panels and readings on subjects such as love, war, nature, crime and memoir. Headliners include Nino Haratischwili and Vincenzo Latronico. Attend in person, or watch the events via livestream. 16-17 May 2026
WAR HORSE: The National Theatre's much-lauded (and rightly so) production of Michael Morpurgo's novel War Horse returns home to the Olivier Theatre, telling the story of one boy's attempts to find his beloved horse Joey when they are separated at the outbreak of the First World War. Mesmerising puppetry is used to depict the equine star of the show. 16 May-30 July 2026
RISING VOICES: A new exhibition at the V&A South Kensington, in collaboration with the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art, Rising Voices presents contemporary work from across the Asia Pacific. Foregrounding First Nations perspectives, the exhibition features rare works by more than 40 artists. From 16 May 2026
REGENCY GARDEN SOIREE: Live out your Bridgerton dreams! L'Inviti String Quartet performs classical arrangements of contemporary pop and film themes in The Nash Conservatory at Kew Gardens. Enjoy a welcome drink at Kew Palace before a 65-minute programme featuring reworked songs by Taylor Swift, Coldplay, Beyoncé, Billie Eilish and others. 17 May 2026
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, 17 May 2026
PINT OF SCIENCE: The best ideas happen in the pub, especially at Pint of Science, a festival of research and discovery running across London's locals. Learn about everything from particle physics to how AI is changing our lives, as over 150 scientists share their research in the informal setting of a pub. And at just £5 a ticket it's a cheap round! 18-20 May (sponsor)
CHELSEA AND BELGRAVIA IN BLOOM: While the Chelsea Flower Show takes place at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, two FREE themed festivals spread out into nearby neighbourhoods. Chelsea in Bloom 2026 adopts an 'Out Of This World' theme, incorporating a nod to Sir David Attenborough in the month of his 100th birthday, while Belgravia in Bloom 2026 is themed on fairy tales. In both neighbourhoods, shops, restaurants and cafes install large-scale colourful floral displays outside, which everyone can view for free. FREE, 18-24 May 2026
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. 19-23 May 2026
GENTLEMAN JACK: Forget Suranne Jones swishing around in long black overcoat: Northern Ballet brings Anne Lister's life to the stage in a new Gentleman Jack ballet at Sadler's Wells. The piece follows Lister — often called 'Gentleman Jack' — drawing on her decoded diaries to explore her relationships and defiant life in 19th century Yorkshire. 19-23 May 2026
HIGH SOCIETY: Call The Midwife star Helen George stars in Barbican Theatre's big Summer production, High Society, about a socialite who's about to remarry her ex-husband at the wedding of the year. Felicity Kendal also stars. 19 May-11 July 2026
THE 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. 20-21 May 2026
BEETLEJUICE: Tim-Burton-film-turned-Broadway-musical-extravaganza Beetlejuice lands in the West End, telling the tale of Lydia Deetz — a strange teenager sharing her home with a pair of newly-deads and the demonic 'ghost with the most', Beetlejuice. From 20 May 2026
CRIMINAL: A 400-year historical exhibition at The Museum of Homelessness in Finsbury Park opens a new exhibition exploring the criminalisation of homelessness and acts of resistance dating back 400 years. New work by 10Foot, Gemma Lees, Matt Bonner, Spelling Mistakes Cost Lives and Surfing Sofas is shown in Criminal: An Untold History of Homelessness, Resistance and Survival, alongside historical material. 21 May-25 July 2026
HOLY POP: Lively new exhibition Holy Pop! at Somerset House explores contemporary shrines — the objects, collections and domestic displays people use to honour heroes, celebrities and cult figures. Set across three rooms in the Terrace Rooms, the exhibition highlights items connected to Princess Diana, Andy Warhol, Prince and Harry Potter's Dobby, and includes Nina Simone's chewing gum as an example of how everyday objects can become artefacts of devotion. 21 May-19 August 2026
WHISTLER AT TATE BRITAIN: 150 works of art by James McNeill Whistler go on display at Tate Britain, on loan from the Musée d'Orsay in Paris. Perhaps best known among the pieces is Arrangement in Grey and Black No. 1 (aka Portrait of the Artist's Mother/Whistler's Mother), shown alongside Whistler's notebooks, self-portraits and large canvases, including his soupy depictions of the industrialised Thames. 21 May-27 September 2026
MCM COMIC CON: Dust off your cape — MCM Comic Con is back at Excel London. Guest stars include Nathan Fillion and Alan Tudyk from TV show Firefly, Dylan Llewellyn (the "wee English fella" from Derry Girls) and Barry Gordon (who voiced Donatello in the original animated series Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles). Meet them and other famous faces, along with author talks, costume competitions and more. 22-24 May 2026
JURASSIC OCEANS: Get to know the marine reptiles that once ruled the seas — pliosaurs, ichthyosaurs and the mighty mosasaur — through fossils, hands-on objects and interactive displays at the Natural History Museum's new exhibition, Jurassic Oceans: Monsters of the Deep. Touch a mosasaur tooth, feel a replica shark's skin and explore bite-sized science. From 22 May 2026
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. 23-25 May 2026
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 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. 23-25 May 2026
LONDON RIVERS WEEK: Back for its 10th anniversary, London Rivers Week invites Londoners to celebrate, explore, and help restore the city's rivers. This year's theme is Know Your Local River, with a programme of river walks, talks and cultural events encouraging people to protect their closest waterway. 23-30 May 2026
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, glorious golden oldie and cutest pup. FREE (but ticketed), 24 May 2026
OPERA HOLLAND PARK: Another of our favourite outdoor cultural events in London, Opera Holland Park's summer season gets under way in May. First on the programme is Puccini's Gold Rush drama La fanciulla del West, about a manhunt in the lawless 19th century Sierra Nevada. From 26 May 2026>
UNITY CUP: Charlton Athletic's The Valley stadium hosts the Unity Cup, an international football tournament celebrating AfroCentric and global diaspora communities, featuring teams from Nigeria, Jamaica, Zimbabwe and India. 26-30 May 2026
THE P WORD: Waleed Akhtar's Olivier Award-winning play The P Word returns to Bush Theatre, following Zafar, who seeks asylum after fleeing homophobic persecution in Pakistan, and Bilal, a Londoner navigating race, desire and loneliness. 28 May-27 June 2026
BEING MR WICKHAM: Adrian Lukis reprises his BBC role as George Wickham in a one‑man play that revisits the roguish Pride & Prejudice character on the eve of his 60th birthday. The one-off, 70‑minute performance at the Garrick Theatre offers Wickham's take on events involving Darcy, Lizzie and Waterloo. 31 May 2026
MAY HALF TERM: The final week of May, running into June, is May half term, when the kids are off school. Check out our May half term events guide, for plenty of ways to keep them entertained.
London exhibitions and shows closing in May
A few things are closing this month too. May 2026 is your last chance to see:
SAMURAI: Samurai at the British Museum examines the material culture and visual identity of Japan's warrior class, and its changing role across the centuries, with armour, helmets, swords and related objects on display. Until 4 May 2026. The museum's Hawai'i exhibition also closes this month. Until 25 May 2026
PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION: See over 300 winning and shortlisted images from the past year across the East and West Wings of Somerset House at the Sony World Photography Awards Exhibition. Until 4 May 2026
LUCIAN FREUD: The National Portrait Gallery shows a survey of Lucian Freud’s drawings alongside a selection of paintings, tracing his practice from the 1930s to the early 21st century. The exhibition includes 12 works newly acquired from Freud's estate, etchings and pieces featuring Bella Freud, as well as archive material and previously unseen works. Until 4 May 2026
HUGH BONNEVILLE: Hugh Bonneville plays C.S. Lewis opposite Maggie Siff as Joy Davidman in Shadowlands, based on a true story about an unexpected love that upends the Narnia author's life. Until 9 May 2026
A MIRRORED MONET: Set in the Paris of 1916, musical A Mirrored Monet follows Claude Monet as he wrestles to finish The Water Lilies. The piece uses music and projections to recreate Belle Époque cafés and studios. See it at the Charing Cross Theatre. Until 9 May 2026
I'M SORRY, PRIME MINISTER: Political satire I'm Sorry, Prime Minister stars Griff Rhys Jones as Jim Hacker and Clive Francis as Sir Humphrey Appleby in the age of being cancelled, at the Apollo Theatre. Until 9 May 2026
SEEDS OF EXCHANGE: Garden Museum exhibition Seeds of Exchange examines botanical exchange between Canton (Guangzhou) and London in the late 18th century, displaying a collection of Chinese botanical art and research for the first time in Britain since it was commissioned 235 years ago. Until 10 May 2026
PUNCHDRUNK: Punchdrunk's latest real-world immersive experience LANDER 23 comes to a close in Woolwich. Teams of four launch into an alien city, split into Drivers and Fields and communicate using live audio. Missions last around 90 minutes including briefing. Until 20 May 2026
MAKERS FROM JAPAN: Japan House in Kensington's free exhibition Hyakkō: 100+ Makers from Japan is a celebration of contemporary Japanese craft with works in clay, glass, wood, metal, leather and bamboo. FREE, until 10 May 2026
CUCKOO'S NEST: The Old Vic stages an adaptation of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, exploring institutional power and themes of colonialism. Until 23 May 2026
DRACULA: Wicked actress Cynthia Erivo stars in a one-woman reimagining of Bram Stoker’s Dracula at the Noël Coward Theatre. Erivo plays 23 roles in a visually bold production that includes theatrical blood, flashing lights and other intense effects. Until 30 May 2026
ANCIENT GREASE: An unofficial parody of the musical Grease is at The Vaults in Waterloo, setting the action in Ancient Greece rather than 1950s American. Ancient Grease (see what they did there?) takes place in Olympus Academy, where the Alphas and Omegas are the studs, and Zeus and Hera spend a fateful summer night together, which leaves Hera with a big decision to make. Until 31 May 2026
WATER PANTANAL FIRE: A free photography exhibition by Lalo de Almeida and Luciano Candisani, Water Pantanal Fire at the Science Museum displays more than 60 images contrasting the Pantanal's rich wildlife with the drought and wildfire damage threatening the region. FREE, until 31 May 2026
CATHERINE OPIE: Photographic portraits by the American artist Catherine Opie are on display at the National Portrait Gallery, the first major museum exhibition of her work in the UK. Works featured in the exhibition span her first big artwork, Being and Having (1991), her portraits of LGBTQ+ friends inspired by court painter Hans Holbein, and her Baroque-like portraits of artists. Until 31 May 2026
STUBBS: The works of visionary British painter George Stubbs — best known for his portrait of racehorse Scrub — are collected together in a free display at the National Gallery. It shines a spotlight on the 18 months Stubbs spent studying and drawing the anatomy of horses in the 1750s. FREE, until 31 May 2026
