All weekend
BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND: This coming weekend (2-4 May) is the early May bank holiday weekend. We've compiled a guide to how to spend a bank holiday weekend in London, whatever the weather and whatever your budget. Join a walking tour, catch a screening at an indie cinema or simply find your nearest pub garden or rooftop bar.
KOREAN FOOD FESTIVAL: A four‑day Korean food market opens at Canopy Market (King's Cross) showcasing a curated selection 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
GRAND DESIGNS LIVE: On the precipice of a big renovation project, or just fantasising about your dream home or garden? Either way, you won't want to miss Grand Designs Live. Inspired by the hit Channel 4 series, it's packed with creative inspiration and practical advice. Highlights include talks on how lighting impacts wellbeing, as well as low-maintenance garden glow-ups, a cutting-edge show home, and the Flatpack World Championships. Our readers get two free tickets with code LDNGD26. 1-4 May (sponsor)
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
ZOO BIRTHDAY BASH: Part of ZSL's 200th anniversary, the Big Birthday Bash is a family-friendly street-party across London Zoo. Activities are split into four zones — Party Animals (performer-led sessions and live music), the Winning Zone (fairground-style games), Creation Station (craft activities) and the Birthday Banquet (food stalls; charges apply). Included in zoo entry fee. 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, but some workshops have limited spaces, so sign up on arrival. 2-4 May 2026
LUCIAN FREUD: You've only got until Monday to see the National Portrait Gallery's exhibition of Lucian Freud's works on paper alongside selected paintings, including recent acquisitions and etchings from the artist’s estate. Until 4 May 2026
EALING BOOK FESTIVAL: The third Ealing Book Festival runs across the borough with a programme of talks, readings, a local authors' showcase, family sessions and guided walks. Names on the bill this weekend include Simon Jenkins, Stephen Mangan and Dan Cruickshank. 29 April-3 May 2026
TASTE OF SICILY: Escape to the Mediterranean this bank holiday weekend, without leaving London! SicilyFEST is back, offering traditional street food and Sicilian-inspired food and drink tastings and masterclasses, interlaced with live music from performers including singer-songwriter Serena Brancale. It all happens at Islington's Business Design Centre. 30 April-4 May 2026 (sponsor)
SKATE 50: The Undercroft Skate Space at Southbank Centre is 50 this year, and the centre holds a special exhibition to celebrate. Skate 50 showcases documentary photographs and films of the space through the decades, as well as contributions from sound artist Beatrice Dillon and animator Sofia Negri. 30 April-21 June 2026
FROM JAPAN WITH LOVE: The Design Museum presents the first UK museum retrospective of Japanese designer and creative director NIGO, featuring over 700 objects from his personal collection, including a recreation of his teenage bedroom, ceramics made by NIGO and a life‑size glass tea house. 1 May-4 October 2026
BEATRIX POTTER: A charming new afternoon tea inspired by the works of Beatrix Potter is available at JW Marriott Grosvenor House in Mayfair to mark what would be the author's 160th birthday later this summer. Treats on the menu include Tom Kitten's Tangle (a white chocolate ball of yarn filled with elderflower mousse and wild strawberry compote), and Squirrel Nutkin's Harvest, a parsnip‑spiced cake with mascarpone cream and lemon curd, finished with a chocolate stalk. 1 May-November 2026
Today's events: Saturday 2 May
ENCHANTED GARDEN DAY: Head to Capel Manor Gardens in Enfield to step into a world of fairies. Children from a local primary school were involved in giving the venue's Fairy Forest a recent upgrade, using natural materials such as willow and tree bark. Enjoy a day of activities including a treasure hunt and trail, storytelling, crafts and face painting. 10am-3pm
BLACK HISTORY STEAM TRAIN: Board a 1950s engine for the Black History steam train tour, a nostalgic journey from London to Hampshire and back. The trip explores the legacy of Windrush pioneers and Black Second World War aircrew, featuring historical commentary and stops at vintage stations along the original ship-to-rail route. 10am-5.30pm
SPITALFIELDS TO STEPNEY GREEN: Open City hosts the Spitalfields to Stepney Green walking tour, exploring 500 years of East End immigration through its evolving architecture. Led by town planner Martin Scholar, the route takes in Georgian terraces, the vibrant heartland of Brick Lane, and the Whitechapel Bell Foundry, with a potential stop for a 'Crodough' at Rinkoffs Bakery. 10am-12pm
LONDON'S POSTAL FOOTSTEPS: The Postal Museum has launched a new series of walking tours celebrating the capital's postal past. Start near Bank station and join an expert guide for a wander past the sites of some of the first post offices, and to Postman’s Park, where touching tales of everyday heroism are memorialised. 11am
JAPANESE MARKET: Riverside East in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park hosts the second and final day of Yokimono Japanese Market, a vibrant showcase of traditional and contemporary culture. Browse a curated selection of unique crafts from artisan traders and sample authentic street food from independent makers in a lively riverside atmosphere. 11am-6pm
SONGS & STORIES: Multi-award-winning vocalist Ian Shaw hosts an intimate conversation and performance with master saxophonist Jean Toussaint at Ronnie Scott’s in Soho. Saturday Brunch explores Toussaint’s five-decade career, from his time with Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers to his status as a pillar of the British scene. Enjoy a live narration of his musical journey alongside a selection from the venue's brunch menu. 11am
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. 12pm-2am
COMEDY CARNIVAL: The Cinema Museum in Kennington hosts Gemma & Robert Ross' Comedy Carnival, a full-day celebration of British comedy heritage. Expect rare archive clips, guest appearances from stars of Monty Python and the Carry On films, and a special rehearsed reading of the play Screaming Queens! to mark the centenary of Kenneth Williams. 12pm
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. 1pm/3.30pm
INCINERATION FESTIVAL: An extreme metal takeover of London returns to Camden, featuring 30 bands across five different stages. The Incineration Festival 2026 line-up includes Blood Fire Death, Grave, and Tomb Mold, with the Roundhouse main space serving as the central hub for the day's heavy billing. Tickets permit entry to all participating venues, including the Electric Ballroom and Underworld. 2.30pm
CHARITY MUSIC FESTIVAL: The Ivy House in Nunhead hosts the return of the Bowl Cut All-Dayer, a music fundraiser for mental health charity MIND. The eclectic line-up features indie outsiders Blue Bendy, French multi-instrumentalist Clémentine March, and local legend Lou Terry, alongside a charity raffle. 2.30pm-11pm
BIG BDAY WEEKEND: Dalston's Ridley Road Market Bar hosts Big Bday Weekend x Club Mix for a night of disco, 90s RnB, and house bangers. The venue channels a 1970s ski chalet with its retro wood-panelled walls and warm lighting, offering free entry before 10pm. 6pm-3am
ICE HOCKEY: Support your local women's team at the Alexandra Palace Ice Rink as the Haringey Greyhounds and the Solent Amazons face-off in a fast-paced league fixture. The evening is suitable for all ages, and if the match leaves you wanting time on the rink yourself, there's an hour-long ice disco scheduled immediately after the game. 6.30pm
MARIOKE: Signature Brew Blackhorse Road hosts a high-octane night of video game racing with Marioke: Mario Kart ft. Live 8-Piece Band. A live ensemble performs soundtracks and themes from the franchise while audience members are selected at random to compete for the Marioke Gold Cup on the big screen. Expect the music to speed up for the final lap as you navigate classic courses in this over-18s tournament. 7pm
FIESTA FLAMENCA: The London School of Flamenco brings Fiesta Flamenca to the Hackney Empire for a high-energy showcase of authentic Spanish dance and music. Over 100 performers, including students as young as four and professional artists from the UK and Spain, join special guest star Macarena Ramirez for a programme of dazzling short pieces and solo performances. 7.30pm
PERIOD DRAMA: Performer Olga Kaleta brings her surreal dark comedy Period Drama to Jacksons Lane in Highgate. The episodic show explores mental health, identity and chronic anxiety through a feminist lens, blending autobiographical storytelling with bold physicality and slasher-flick tropes. 7.30pm
DANNY BAKER: Broadcaster and "unstoppable talking panjandrum" Danny Baker brings his latest show, Aye Aye! Ahoy Hoy!, to Blackheath Halls. Celebrating 50 years in show business, Baker promises two hours of indiscreet revelations and stories from his south London roots. 7.30pm
MARK STEEL: Multi award-winning writer and Radio 4 favourite Mark Steel performs his new stand-up tour, The Leopard in My House, at Soho Theatre Walthamstow. The show finds the veteran comedian using his trademark rapier wit and sharp political observations to navigate his recent battle with throat cancer. 7.30pm
FEELING GLOOMY: The Phoenix in Cavendish Square hosts a Pet Shop Boys: 40th Anniversary Special to mark four decades since the release of their debut album, Please. Dance to synth-pop classics like West End Girls and Suburbia alongside a curated selection of melancholic anthems from The Smiths, David Bowie and The Cure. 10pm-3am
QUEER HORROR NIGHTS: Dalston's Rio Cinema hosts a shadow cabaret screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, featuring a live cast of drag kings and queens performing alongside the cult classic. The strictly 18+ event includes a costume catwalk, participation party bags, and a pre-show gathering in the bar from 10.30pm. 11.30pm
Today's events: Sunday 3 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. 3-4 May 2026
BLACKHORSE BEER MILE: E17's vibrant stretch of independent breweries, wineries, and craft makers celebrates its fourth birthday with a multi-venue party at Signature Brew Blackhorse Road and neighbouring spots. Expect a day of live music, DJs and food pop-ups from ACME Fire Cult and Big Night, plus a stamp card challenge to earn a special edition glass. 12pm
BARTS NORTH WING TOUR: Explore two of England's most significant interiors at St Bartholomew's Hospital in West Smithfield. This Barts North Wing tour visits the Great Hall and the Hogarth Stair, featuring massive paintings by William Hogarth. Learn about the hospital's 18th century craftsmanship and the recent conservation work that has rejuvenated this Grade I listed building. 1pm-2pm
FASHION SHOW: The Horse Hospital in Bloomsbury hosts a unique runway show featuring over 100 bespoke garments created by 54 The Gate. The collection, showcased on a cobblestone catwalk, was crafted using clothing salvaged from The Contemporary Wardrobe Collection and is available to exchange for donations. GATE FASHION also features professional styling from the Horse Hospital Collective and a post-show celebration. 2pm-10pm
CHARITY SPORTS DAY: Greenwich pub Ye Olde Rose & Crown hosts The Annual Macmillan Charity Sports Day for a Sunday of competitive community fun. Teams of two can take on various challenges across the local park and the pub, including a messy session of blindfolded pie throwing, all to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support. FREE, 2pm-11pm
SIP AND PAINT: The London Art Bar in Holborn hosts a social painting workshop where you can recreate Monet's Le Grand Canal Venice. Led by a professional artist, the session encourages you to capture the light and colour of Venice with impressionistic brushstrokes while enjoying a glass of prosecco. All supplies including paint, brushes and aprons are provided, and you get to take your finished canvas home at the end of the afternoon. 3.30pm
NOVO QUARTET: The award-winning NOVO Quartet makes its debut at Conway Hall in Holborn with a programme entitled Complacency. Recently selected as BBC New Generation Artists, the ensemble performs works by Haydn, Beethoven— and Caroline Shaw's Haydn-inspired Entr'acte. 6.30pm-8.30pm
LAURA RAMOSO: German-Italian comedian and social media star Laura Ramoso brings The Calm Down Tour to the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Known for her viral impressions of "German Mom" and "Italian Dad," the 2023 Just for Laughs New Face of Comedy performs a set of live sketches and characters. 7pm
HORRIBLE HERSTORIES: The Divine in Stoke Newington hosts the third edition of Horrible Herstories, a cabaret night that explores queer history with the "gaggy bits" left in. Resident historian HRH Aphrodite I and Hunter Gatherer lead a line-up of London's quirkiest kings and queens through foul facts and parody songs. 7.30pm
IAN SHAW: Record producer, broadcaster and multi-award-winning jazz vocalist Ian Shaw brings his engaging personality and "eye-watering" vocal range to the 606 Club in Chelsea. A twice-named BBC Jazz Awards Best Vocalist, Shaw is a witty showman and pianist who has toured from Canada to Australia. 8pm
ANTIC FOLLIES: King's Cross venue Jamboree hosts The Antic Follies Night of Cabaret! for a gritty, diabolical evening of entertainment. This "dirty alternative to Soho's glitz" features a mix of burlesque, comedy and live music, with Middle Eastern fusion food available from the kitchen before the show. 8.30pm
Today's events: Bank holiday Monday 4 May
LORD OF THE RINGS: Peter Jackson's extended editions of The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers and The Return of the King are shown as an epic full trilogy marathon at the Prince Charles Cinema, spanning about 11 hours — so that's most of bank holiday Monday taken care of. 10.30am
LATIN COLLECTIVE: The River Terrace at Somerset House is the venue for a day party with a Latin vibe — think Salsa and Bachata intro classes and various dance areas to show off your new skills, plus food and drink deals and live music. 12pm-1am
WINDMILL MAY FEST: Brixton Windmill marks May Day with an afternoon of seasonal folk traditions including live music from local bands, Morris dancing, and a visit from traditional May Day figure Jack in the Green. Kids can take part in maypole dancing and craft workshops, and refreshments are available from a variety of stalls and pop-ups. 1pm-5pm
BROCKWELL BARK: A community dog show on Brockwell Hall Lawn features 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. 2pm-5pm
SHERLOCK HOLMES: The Open Air Theatre in Regent's Park begins its 2026 season with Sherlock Holmes, a fresh adaptation featuring Conan Doyle's famous detective, which follows Holmes and Watson through a new conspiracy staged across Victorian London. Age 12+. 7.45pm (until 6 June 2026)
KASPAR HAUSER: Folk and chamber pop quintet Kaspar Hauser bring their blend of eerily dramatic music to the Ivy House in Nunhead, with support from avant-folk artist Brette Wolfe and cellist and composer Sophia Hansen-Knarhoi. 7pm
