All week
MAY 2025: A new month begins this week, so get planning with our guide to the best events happening in London this May. Art fairs, new openings, and a hot air balloon flotilla are among the highlights, as well as plenty of new exhibitions and theatre shows to keep you busy right through until June.
BANK HOLIDAY: Just two weeks after the Easter long weekend, we've another bank holiday weekend. If you're lucky enough to have three days off work to fill, peruse our guide to spending a bank holiday weekend in London. We've got you covered whatever you fancy (and whatever the weather), from long walks, guided tours and sporting pursuits, to pubs to visit for a pint or three.
PRIMARY SCHOOL BANGERS: Remember the days of screeching/shouting out certain songs with your mates in primary school assembly? Relive those heady days at Primary School Bangers at Soho Theatre. Singer and music teacher James B Partridge leads the class in singalongs, paired with throwback mashups and comic reflections on growing up in the 90s. 8 April-3 May
UNITED FOR UKRAINE: Woolwich Works hosts a Vesna Fest series of events, beginning with a United For Ukraine art exhibition showcasing works by Ukrainian adults and children which celebrate the resilience and diversity of the country. Later in the week, events include an open mic night and a craft fair. FREE, 28 April-9 May
TAMBO & BONES: The commodification of the Black experience is explored in dark comic play Tambo & Bones, which first aired in 2023, to excellent reviews. The eponymous pair journey through 500 years, as a comedy double-act, to hip-hop superstars, to activists in a future America. It's on a Stratford East. 29 April-10 May
MULTITUDES: Ongoing at Southbank Centre, Multitudes Festival shines the spotlight on orchestral music through dance, visual art and poetry. Highlights this week include City of Floating Sounds, an immersive musical journey through central London, with six different starting points to choose from, and a soundtrack provided by the BBC Concert Orchestra. Until 3 May
LATIN MUSIC FESTIVAL: La Linea Latin music festival takes place at several venues around central London, with the New Regency Orchestra, Sílvia Pérez Cruz, and Muerdo among the line-up this week. Browse the full programme. Until 3 May
PERFORMANCE FESTIVAL: Running until Sunday, the V&A's Performance Festival has a theme of 'illusion'. Attend a free talk about David Bowie's final album, released just days before his death, hear untold stories of women illusionists, and get a close look at costumes worn by Paul O'Grady in the role of Lily Savage, among many other events (most are free). Until 4 May
TENDING: Last chance to see Tending, a new play about the day-to-day lives of NHS nurses, at Riverside Studios in Hammersmith. It asks who is taking care of them while they are overstretched taking care of patients, and is based on real-life interviews with 70 nurses of various ages and backgrounds. 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 — which closes this weekend. 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: This is the final week of 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 until this weekend, 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
VIDEO OF THE WEEK: The Espresso Martini marks its 40th birthday this year, and Arling Films raise a glass with this short film about the Soho bartender who created the iconic elixir, Dick Bradsell. Dick's daughter, Beatrice Bradsell, stars. Best enjoyed with an Espresso Martini in hand.
PUB OF THE WEEK: The Engineer in Primrose Hill — named for Isambard Kingdom Brunel — has reopened with a refreshed look, and sporting an upmarket menu featuring pan-seared scallops with crispy chorizo, and 16oz sharing Chateaubriand. The drinks have been revitalised too — plenty of negronis and smoked pineapple mezcalitas to get you through the sunny months. Bag a spot in the walled garden if you can.
Monday 28 April
FLORILEGIUM SOCIETY: Ever heard of the Florilegium Society? It's a group which has been documenting the plants at Chelsea Physic Garden through painting and drawing since 1995. Today, to mark the society's 30th anniversary, its Honorary Keeper Gillian Barlow gives a talk about its history and purpose, including the scientific benefits of the artworks. 11am-12pm
TWO COCKNEY POETS: Poets John Keats and Thomas Hood were born within one mile — and four years — of each other. Guildhall Library offers a free illustrated talk looking at how, despite these similar beginnings, they went on to have very different lives and careers. FREE, 2pm-3pm
CHRISTIE'S LATES: The St James's home of auction house Christie's stays open for a Lalayi (Nights) themed late. It's an evening dedicated to the artistry and craftsmanship of the Islamic and Indian worlds, with workshops, live performances and panel discussions, including live Persian music and poetry, plus your chance to try calligraphy and carpet weaving. FREE, 6pm-9pm
FUTURE LONDON: Join an expert panel at Temple Bar for a discussion on the future of London from an architectural and built environment perspective. 6.25pm
BOOK SALON: Hear from journalist and author Emma Barnett in this month's book salon at the Charlotte Street Hotel. Barnett discusses her recent book, Maternity Service, with journalist Kate Maxwell, in which she uncovers the true hard work of maternity leave, and the ups and downs of new motherhood. 6.30pm-8pm
SARAH SILVERMAN: Emmy Award-winning US comedian Sarah Silverman brings her Postmortem Tour to the London Palladium for one night only, her first UK show in 12 years. The tour continues her precedent for tackling tough subject matter, exploring her complex yet humorous feelings around loss and grief. 7pm
Tuesday 29 April
MOLLY MC'S: It's opening night at Molly MC's in Southwark, an 'Irish singing pub', with live musicians (usually playing Thursday, Friday and Saturdays, but this Tuesday is an exception), accompanied by Irish coffees, drunken noodles — and we daresay a fair bit of jigging as the night goes on.
GENERATION HOPE: A free programme of inspiring events created for young people, by young people, Generation Hope returns to the Natural History Museum. It aims to inspire young people to become planet fixers through discussions and workshops on a wide range of topics. FREE, 29 April-3 May
ME & MERYL STREEP: One-woman show I See Me & Meryl Streep makes its London debut at The Other Palace, celebrating the Oscar-winning actress through the eyes of a 17-year-old megafan. See highlights from some of Streep's films interspersed with accents and plenty of sequins. 29 April-4 May
POETS, PLAYWRIGHTS AND PUBLISHERS: Guildhall Library offers a guided walk focusing on the poets, playwrights and publishers of London. Meet guide Pete Smith outside Guildhall Art Gallery for the two-hour stroll. 11am-1pm
QUEER EAST: As part of Queer East Film Festival, Barbican Cinema screens Some Nights I Feel Like Walking, a film from the Philippines about a teenage boy who runs away from home after the death of his boyfriend, and meets a group of street hustlers at a bus station. 6.20pm
SIR TIM RICE: The life and work of lyricist Sir Tim Rice is celebrated in My Life In Musicals: I Know Him So Well at the London Palladium. Rice shares anecdotes from the stories behind the songs he's written for musical theatre (including shows like Evita, Chess, and Jesus Christ Superstar), with performances by leading singers and musicians from the West End. 7.30pm
Wednesday 30 April
SCREAMING WITH LAUGHTER: Why should having a baby mean you miss out on top comedy? Screaming With Laughter at The Bread and Roses in Clapham is a daytime comedy club for parents and carers with babies. Take your little one (up to 15 months) along to watch sets from Esther Manito and Rory O'Hanlon, with soft play mats provided, and feeding, changing and tending to your baby during the show encouraged. 12.30pm
SHANAWDITHIT: Shanawdithit was a woman who bore witness to the death of her world in the early nineteenth century, creating the only first-hand account we have of the Beothuk people from the Island of Newfoundland. Learn about this almost-forgotten people at a Gresham lecture presented by Prof Julia Laite. FREE, 6pm
ABIGAIL DEAN: Bestselling author Abigail Dean is at Waterstones Enfield Church Street to discuss her new book The Death Of Us, with journalist Yasmina Floyer. Set in south London, and centred around a couple who are attacked, it's a story of murder, survival and love. 6.30pm
SIEGE OF MALTA: The Museum of the Order of St John in Clerkenwell hosts Professor Marcus Bull to discuss his new book with Professor William Purkis. The Great Siege of Malta is a new account of the 1565 battle, delving into the perspective of the Maltese and what the event can tell us about the Knights of St John. 6.30pm-8pm
TASTE OF TUSCANY: Pappardelle with wild boar ragù, Florentine t-bone steak served with rosemary potatoes and beans, and tiramisu are among the dishes served at a Taste of Tuscany supper club at the Royal Oak in Marylebone. It's served in the upstairs dining room, with a wine pairing provided with each course. 7pm
BATTLE OF THE BARRELS: Shoreditch cocktail bar Lowcountry hosts Battle of the Barrels – a competition where two mixologists (resident and guest) compete to create a whiskey-based cocktail, with the winner voted by public ballot. Lowcountry’s own Bailey Mae Paynter takes on Craig Rex Robertson (of Murder Inc. and Royal Cocktail Exchange), with both serves featuring Green River whiskey. Ticket includes a chance to try both competing cocktails, plus a choice of bar snacks. 7pm-10pm
Thursday 1 May
SHOWDOWN: See six contestants going head to head in Showdown, a competition of acrobatics and circus skills, at The Albany in Deptford. Watch circus stunts paired with spoken word, music and comedy, and vote for your favourite performer to win. 1-3 May
SICILYFEST: London's biggest and best celebration of Sicilian food, drink and culture is back! Head to SicilyFEST at the Business Design Centre in Islington for a veritable feast of authentic south Italian delicacies (think arancini, cannoli, fresh pasta galore, and oh-so-many more), alongside live performances and the kind of welcoming vibe to rival even the friendliest nonna. 1-4 May (sponsor)
JEWELLERY MARKET: Across the whole bank holiday weekend, the Indie Jewellers' Market is in residence at Coal Drops Yard in King's Cross. Shop jewellery from 80+ emerging and established designers, makers and studios. 1-5 May
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. A "Sex party romance drama" called Palace is among the shows kicking things off today. 1 May-6 June
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
CRYSTAL PALACE: To mark the 174th anniversary of the opening of the Great Exhibition, pop along to the Paxton's Head pub (named after the architect of the Crystal Palace) near Hyde Park. The 'birthday party' will include a demonstration of a VR walkthrough of the exhibition, as well as various talks and a 'beating of the bounds' around the crystal palace's perimeter. FREE, 11am-5pm
LUNCHTIME CONCERT: Head to Smith Square Hall for its latest lunchtime concert, this time starring Daniel Greenway, a senior organ scholar at Keble College, Oxford. He performs works by Bach, Widor, Roger Ducasse and Alain. 1.05pm
DULWICH WALK: Join guide Richard Watkins for a tour on the development of Dulwich Village over 200+ years, including diverse architecture, an historic graveyard, an iconic London boozer and a very striking modern church. 2.30pm
GREAT BRITISH MENU: Chef Eran Tibi of The Great British Menu, and founder of Bala Baya in Southwark, is at Kapara in Soho for a supper club. He cooks up a six-course feast, recreating his menu from the TV show and sharing his experiences of appearing on it. 7pm
NATURE'S MEMORY: Jack Ashby, Assistant Director of the Museum of Zoology at the University of Cambridge (and formerly of London's Grant Museum) is at the Hunterian Museum for a talk on his new book, Nature’s Memory: Behind the Scenes at the World’s Natural History Museums. Find out about both the scientific and social relevance of the world’s natural history museums, why we love visiting them so much, and why all isn't always as it seems. Rather aptly given the book's title, Ashby himself once gave us a behind the scenes tour of the Grant Museum. 6.30pm-8.30pm
Friday 2 May
SOHO THEATRE WALTHAMSTOW: It's been a long time coming for comedy fans, but Soho Theatre's new Walthamstow branch finally opens today. It takes over the former Granada Cinema building, with surrealist comedian Natalie Palamides's show bringing up the curtain tonight. Rosie Jones, Larry Dean, Olga Koch, Desiree Burch, Phil Wang and Catherine Bohart are all on the line-up in the coming weeks, so get booking. 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
ROBBIE WILLIAMS: A new exhibition opens a Moco Museum featuring artworks by Robbie Williams... yes, that Robbie Williams. Radical Honesty is a solo show of the singer's sculptures, some of which are on display for the first time, along with his paintings. 2 May-24 October
REMEMBRANCE: Over the coming days, London's marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day with several events and celebrations. At lunchtime today, the National Army Museum hosts a debate, Is Remembrance Still Working?, bringing together two grandchildren of high-ranking army officers from opposite sides of the Second World War, for a discussion about Remembrance, and how the end of the war was portrayed to the people on each side of the conflict. FREE, 12pm-1pm
REBEL REBEL CLUB: Pub-hours club night Rebel Rebel is back at the Great North Wood in West Norwood for an evening of glam, punk, indie, soul, funk, disco, garage rock and rock 'n' roll music that finishes before midnight. 7pm
YOU'LL NEVER WALK ALONE: The Liverpool FC anthem started life in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s 1945 musical Carousel. Join Prof Dominic Broomfield-McHugh at Conway Hall for this Gresham lecture on the song's enduring popularity. The evening includes live performances by international soprano and Grammy Award winner Rebecca Evans CBE. FREE, 7.30pm
CREATIVITY IN HOSPITALS: The Woburn Piano Trio performs a concert dedicated to NHS staff and volunteers at Smith Square Hall. The programme includes Beethoven's Piano Trio No.1 in E-flat major and Mendelssohn's Piano Trio No.1 in D minor, alongside the UK premiere of Michael Stimpson's Tales From The Fifteenth Floor, inspired by his experiences in hospital. Proceeds support Horatio's Garden, enhancing patient care through its arts programme. 7.30pm
Saturday 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
UNSEEN BRIXTON: Unseen Tours, a not-for-profit social enterprise supporting formerly homeless people to become London tour guides, has a brand new walk in Brixton and Stockwell. The tour, led by Rah, will explore the area's diverse history, with Rah sharing his own personal experience of homelessness in the area. Today's tour is the first of many, so check the website for alternative dates, as well as tours in other parts of town. 11am
SOUTHERN OUTFALL: Crossness Pumping Station has a special open day themed around Southern Outfall, a site-specific artwork by volunteer Mhairi Vari, inspired by the confluence of sewer lines from across south London. Video installations, sound design, and sculpture feature in the piece, and there's a chance to meet Vari, ride the station's narrow gauge railway, take a vintage Routemaster from Abbey Wood station, view the current Great Stink exhibition and see inside the Beam Engine House. 12pm-4pm
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. 12.30pm-1am
SAPPHIC SPRING GALA: Eat Cute Supperclub and Societe Noir team up for the Sapphic Spring Gala, a dining event for queer sapphic individuals at Kindred in Hammersmith. Enjoy a multi-course cross-cultural meal by chef Fatti, switching seats during the meal to meet new people. 1.30pm-4.30pm
FAMILY RAVE: Barking Riverside is the location for today's Big Fish Little Fish family rave, marking May Day. Ravers of all ages can take to the dance floor together, led by resident DJ Savage Animal, with activities including face painting and an arts and crafts station provided. Flower-themed clothing is encouraged. 2pm-4pm
GLITTERFEST: The newly-reopened Between the Bridges brings back Glitterfest, a night of RNB, Hip Hop, Bashment and Garage tunes, accompanied by dancers and live performances on stage. Expect festival-style vibes with free glitter makeup, confetti cannons and pyrotechnics. 5pm-11pm
BURLESQUE AND CABARET: The Hundred Watt Club makes its London debut with an evening of burlesque, circus, vaudeville, and comedy at Jacksons Lane. Artists including comedy character Cheryl Coal, burlesque performer Gina Stirling, world-record-holding hula hooper Amazi, sonic clown Charlie Partridge, and stunt artist Aurora Starr are among the performers. 7.30pm
Sunday 4 May
UGLY DUCK FLEA: Explore over 40 curated stalls featuring vintage and antique items at the Ugly Duck Flea, taking place in a former Victorian tannery in Bermondsey. Furniture, lighting, homeware, art, vinyl, fashion and jewellery are available, and the venue is close to Maltby Street market for food and drink. 10am-5pm
BLACKHORSE BEER MILE: Big celebrations in Walthamstow as the Blackhorse Beer Mile celebrates its third birthday with special events at the breweries and tap rooms along the hoppy route. The action centres on Big Penny Social, which has DJs and a live band throughout the afternoon. 12pm-1am
VE DAY: Another of London's VE Day 80 celebrations takes over Stephens House and Gardens in Finchley, aiming to replicate the VE Day celebrations which took place there in 1945. Maypole dancing, war film screenings, and a Finchley Society display of objects relating to wartime are all on the schedule, and at 6pm there's a recreation of this photo, taken in 1945. FREE, 1pm-8pm
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. 2.30pm/6.30pm
BUNHILL: Tour guide Jonathan Wober tackles one of the most intriguing areas of London, around Bunhill Fields. Discover nonconformist burial grounds, one of the oldest regiments in the British Army, a 90 year-old public baths and wash-house, the site of London's first outdoor swimming pool and one of its most unusual churches. 2.30pm
PROSPECTIVE COLLECTIVE: Jamboree in King's Cross welcomes Prospective Collective, who'll be playing old jazzy classics for a couple of hours this afternoon. Grab yourself a beer, and chill the rest of the weekend away. FREE, 3pm-5pm
UNSEEN: Unseen is a commissioned mural that's a creative response to chemsex, and its stories of vulnerability, community, and truth. This afternoon the Divine in Dalston hosts Unseen: Setting the Scene, a chance for artists and creatives to hear more about the mural, and how you can get involved. FREE, 4pm
SWEET STICKY JAM: Head to The Lower Third on Denmark Street for live neo-soul, funk, hip-hop, jazz and RnB music night Sweet Sticky Jam, and enjoy performances by STORRY, RiverShaws, and Aaron and Dann Dib among others, culminating in a collaborative jam session. 7pm-10.30pm
JAMES BOND CONCERT: Theme songs, chase music, incidental cues and suites from across the James Bond film series are performed live at Q The Music's James Bond Concert Spectacular at Fairfield Halls in Croydon. Songs such as Goldfinger, Diamonds Are Forever, Live and Let Die and Nobody Does It Better are performed by musicians from various UK orchestras. 7.30pm
