Looking for things to do in London for the rest of the month? Check out 100+ Marvellous Things To Do In London This May.
All week
FREE FLOWER FESTIVALS: 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. 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
JORDAN GRAY: Acclaimed comedian Jordan Gray is at Soho Theatre for the world premiere of her first new show in three years. The highly-anticipated Is That A C*ck In Your Pocket, Or Are You Just Here To Kill Me? is a raucous hour of whip-smart, ingeniously silly and high-octane musical comedy from the Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee. Her previous show, Is It A Bird?, won rave reviews and the tour sold out, so don't miss out on tickets for this run. 19-31 May (sponsor)
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
MEOW MEOW: It's Come to This — the latest show from razor-witted cabaret star Meow Meow continues at Soho Theatre this week, through to Saturday. Expect "devilish funny bones and heavenly vocal chords". Until 24 May
BEYOND RAVILIOUS: The first major exhibition about visionary artist and designer Tirzah Garwood comes to a close 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 this week, exploring 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, or find other venues around London offering unusual takes on Shakespeare plays this summer. Until 26 May
BALLET TO BROADWAY: Ballet to Broadway: Wheeldon Works features a blend of contemporary ballet and musical theatre, with four distinct works by choreographer Christopher Wheeldon. This performance highlights his range, with pieces including Fool’s Paradise and An American in Paris, showcasing a display of dance and emotion set against various musical backdrops. Until 27 May
DAY TRIP OF THE WEEK: Fancy leaving London for a bit, perhaps over the bank holiday weekend? How about Hever Castle, an historic building in the Kent countryside, surrounded by beautiful gardens and grounds, a lake, and even a maze. The topiary's pretty impressive too. Browse our Beyond London section for further ideas for day trips or longer breaks away from the capital.
EAT OF THE WEEK: Camberwell has a new all day eatery in the form of hello JoJo, serving up 'elevated comfort food' along the lines of eggs, tomato jam, bacon and raclette in the morning, and Tamworth pork chop with spring garlic soubise later in the day. There's also freshly baked pastries (hello chocolate rye Swiss roll) and refreshing vermouth and sodas.
DRINK OF THE WEEK: A kale kimchi martini, and an apple crumble influenced whisky-Courvoisier fizz are among 16 new drinks vying for your attention at the esteemed Artesian inside the Langham hotel, near Oxford Circus. It marks the third and final instalment of the experimental 'Ultimo' menu, painstakingly devised by its Italian mixologists, and boldly paired with Indian-inspired small plates from Chet Sharma of BiBi fame, including succulent oysters with a serious kick. Make a note of this one for special occasions on the horizon.
Monday 19 May
LONDON'S SECRET VILLAGE: Tour guide company London Walks offers a wander through 'London's secret village', Clerkenwell. Follow narrow alleyways and ancient squares as you hear about mystery plays and plague pits, riots, bodysnatching, bombing, jousting and jesters and more, all part of the area's history. 2.30pm-4.30pm
FERG'S IMAGINARY BIG BAND: Hailing from Leeds, Fergus Quill's Imaginary Big Band makes a rare appearance in the capital for a performance at Ronnie Scott's. Formed of 25+ young musicians, the ensemble plays across a variety of genres, specialising in experimental jazz with a punk twist. 5.30pm
SINGIN' IN THE RAIN: Rooftop Film Club's Peckham venue screens classic 1952 musical comedy film Singin' in the Rain, starring Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds in the story of two actors struggling with Hollywood's transition from silent films to 'talkies'. Watch it on the roof of the Bussey Building, with views of the London skyline to boot. Find other places to watch films in the open air this summer. 6.45pm
BATTERSEA POWER STATION: Tonight's talk at Temple Bar explores the conversion of Battersea Power Station from a derelict shell to the modern shopping and entertainment complex. 6.25pm
NEON NAKED LIFE DRAWING: Try your hand at life drawing with a twist. Use reactive art materials such as neon paint to create colourful life drawings, and try out different techniques under the guidance of an expert tutor. Takes place at the Duke of Hamilton in Hampstead. 7pm
MONDAYS IN LONDON: Even if you're sorted for today, bookmark our guide to things to do in London on a Monday, so you never find yourself at a loose end at the start of the week again. It covers guided walls, talks, live music events and comedy shows which regularly happen on a Monday. We've got the other days of the week covered too.
Tuesday 20 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 from today, 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
FASHION IN FILM: Take a look at cinema through the lens of fashion at the Fashion in Film Festival, taking place at various cinemas and venues around London. It begins tonight with the UK premiere of 2024 Japanese film Dust To Dust, which delves into the ecological problem of fast fashion via a walk through Nairobi’s Gikomba Market, the world’s largest hub for discarded clothes. 20 May-1 June
SALVADOR DALI: Moustachioed artist Salvador Dalí is the subject of a free talk at Guildhall Library. Specifically, find out why his artworks were so shocking, even to a group of art extremists like the Surrealists, of which he became the most well-known member. Arts Society Lecturer Val Woodgate gives the talk. FREE, 2pm-3pm
ZE PAULO ROCHA: Portuguese restaurant Bar Duoro City continues its guest chef series with an evening with Zé Paulo Rocha of Lisbon restaurant O Velho Eurico. Tuck into a five-course tasting menu with dishes including salt cod salad and chicken liver parfait, all inspired by the Portuguese capital. 6pm-11pm
QUEER PLAYS: The Railway on Clapham High Street hosts Queer Play Reading Club, in which 'Adam' by Frances Poet — based on the true story of Adam Kashmiry, a young trans man who fled Egypt to seek asylum in the UK — is read out in full. There's also a Q&A, and a chance for emerging playwrights to share their work. 6.30pm
P.P. ARNOLD: American-born, London-based soul singer P.P. Arnold takes to the stage at Camden's Jazz Cafe for an intimate evening of live music accompanied by trombonist Ebba Åsman and a DJ set by Fitzroy Facey. 7pm
CROYDON COMEDY: Noughties nostalgia, euphoric dancing, and cameos from (in)famous south London icons abound in You’re SO F**KING Croydon! The title of this one-woman show is inspired by David Bowie’s less-than-complimentary words about the borough, which writer and performer Katie Hurley flips into a badge of honour. It’s at Jacksons Lane for one night only. 7.30pm (sponsor)
JOHNNYSWIM: "Alternative flair, rock vigor, and pop ambition" are woven together to create the music of JOHNNYSWIM, the duo of Abner Ramirez and Amanda Sudano Ramirez, performing at the Scala in King's Cross. Support comes from Yasmin Hass. 7.30pm-11pm
Wednesday 21 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
FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY: Shortlisted images for the World Food Photography Awards go on display in a free exhibition at Mall Galleries. Images from 100 different countries were submitted this year, covering a multitude of aspects of food, from growing and harvesting to cooking and eating it. FREE, 21-25 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 from today. 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
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 Athena Kugblenu, Carl Donnelly and MC Hatty Ashdown, with soft play mats provided, and feeding, changing and tending to your baby during the show encouraged. 12.30pm
JAWDANCE: Regular spoken word and poetry night Jawdance returns to Rich Mix in Shoreditch, hosted by author Kat Francois and featuring performances from poet Nick Makoha, wordsmith Blaize Alexi Anglin and poet and creative writer Rakaya Fetuga, followed by an open mic spot for anyone to take the floor. 7pm
LGBTQ+ COMEDY: Seven Dials Comedy Club hosts the first part of the LGBTQ+ New Comedian of the Year semi-finals. Kuan-Wen Huang hosts, with a headline spot from Maple Zuo, with comedians including Katie Sheinman, Sydney May, Sam Coade, Lucy Jenner and Su Mi competing for the title. The second semi-final takes place at the Two Brewers tomorrow night. 7.30pm
Thursday 22 May
LIVE ODYSSEY: Opening today 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, opening today. 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
DAMIEN LEWIS: War correspondent and author Damien Lewis is at the Churchill War Rooms to talk about his new book, SAS Great Escapes Four. Hear how he spoke to Second World War veterans and their families to piece together five true stories of escape during the conflict. 6.30pm-8.30pm
BOOKER PRIZE WINNER: The winning author and translator of the International Booker Prize 2025 (to be announced on 20 May) are at Foyles Charing Cross Road to discuss their award-winning work, the process of translation, and their experiences taking part in the competition. It'll be their first public event after the winner is announced. 7pm-8.30pm
Friday 23 May
JURASSIC WORLD: Step into scenes inspired by the Jurassic Park film franchise, as new immersive experience Jurassic World opens at Battersea Power Station. Visit the fictional Isla Nublar via 10 immersive zones─ and come face to face with species including brachiosaurus, velociraptor and T-rex. From 23 May
GALA FESTIVAL: Peckham Rye springs into life with the three-day GALA — a community-minded festival with sets from Caribou, Ben UFO and Moodymann. Theo Parrish, meanwhile, spins the first record of the weekend, then continues DJing for a marathon eight hours! 23-25 May
MCM COMIC CON: Dust off your cape — MCM Comic Con is back at Excel London for the weekend. Highlights include guest stars (David Tennant is scheduled to appear this year!), author talks, costume competitions and more. 23-25 May
DEAR APPLICANT: Described as "a brutally honest, darkly funny play", Dear Applicant tells the story of Jaja, a smart graduate who quickly finds that the world of job-seeking in Nigeria is often desperate and absurd. It's on at Theatre Peckham as part of Peckham Fringe. 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
CRYSTAL PALACE: Join tour guide Richard Watkins for a three-hour walk around the Crystal Palace area. Specifically, the tour will look at the history of the High Level railway, a grand but long-closed rail link direct to the palace itseld. 2pm-5pm
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. 7.30pm
NIGHTS FOR UKRAINE: Ukrainian and British performers team up for fundraising show Nights For Ukraine at the Cockpit Theatre. Among the programme: live music by Ukrainian composer and pianist Mariia Yaremak; The Trumpeter, a play inspired by the 2022 siege of Mariupol; and Ukraine rising, a series of short plays written by young Ukrainian writers in exile. 7.30pm (repeated tomorrow)
JUKEBOX DISCO: You choose the tunes at Jukebox Disco, taking place at LGBTQ+ venue the Royal Vauxhall Tavern. It's a night of pop, club classics, cheesy tunes, house, reggae, soul and camp classics spanning several decades, with QR codes dotted around for you to add your own favourites to the playlist. 10pm-4am
Saturday 24 May
HALF TERM: For most London schools May half term kicks off today, so we've put together a guide to family-friendly, events, exhibitions, shows and other things to do in the capital this week — including free activities if you're on a tight budget. Got a budding thespian on your hands? We've picked some of the best family theatre shows on in London right now, catering for all ages from tots to teens, and spanning musicals, literary adaptations, and even a bit of Shakespeare.
BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND: It's another bank holiday weekend. If you're lucky enough to have three days off work, have a read of our guide to spending a bank holiday in London, for ideas including exploring the great outdoors, guided tours, cultural days out, sporting pursuits and loads more.
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 this 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
WHITE CITY: Usually off the radar for tour guides, the west London neighbourhood has its own fascinating history brought to life by Iya London Walks. Learn how Imre Kiralfy, a Hungarian impresario, created a 140-acre pleasure ground for exhibitions, entertainment and the 1908 Olympics. You'll also explore the UK’s first public Japanese garden, the memorial to the Olympics and visit Television Centre with its Grade II-listed modernist architecture. 11am-1pm
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. Head to South Bank to meet researchers including Emma-Catherine Belhadfa from the University of Oxford talking about space rocks, and Dr Charlie Outhwaite, from the Institute of Zoology at ZSL on why we should care about insects. FREE, 1pm-4pm
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. 12.30pm
DUBLIN CASTLE: Legendary Camden music pub the Dublin Castle has a brace of gigs on today: the matinee show features Joy Division tribute CTRL, followed by an evening of punk from The Fallen Leaves and friends. 2.15pm and 7.15pm
Sunday 25 May
LONDON CYCLING FESTIVAL: On yer bike! The bulk of the London Cycling Festival takes place today, with family-friendly rides and activities, including bike markets, BMX events, obstacle courses, live music and a performance from the Bicycle Ballet Company, spread across 14 London boroughs. See the full programme here, including events in Islington, Harrow, Brent and Newham. FREE, 25 May
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, 10am
1-CLICK-AWAY: Commons dance festival at Stanley Arts in Norwood wraps up with 1-Click Away, a family-friendly dance performance that explores the growing issue of waste and excess packaging. The performances uses dance, sound and storytelling to look at ways to repurpose different materials, and is followed by workshops to build tall towers and transform everyday materials into something new.12.30pm-1.30pm
ROAST OF THE WEEK: Londonist was recently invited to try Dragon Flame's roast dinner at Orbit brewery in Walworth — and boy, is it good! Cuts of brisket, short rib, chicken, pork and more are cooked to perfection in the smoker, served up with properly good roasties potatoes and crisp green beans. Served out in the sunshine (hopefully) with a cool glass of tsatsiki sour, this roast will immediately soar towards the top of your all-time Sunday dinners list. 12.30pm-6pm
HANDEL'S MESSIAH: The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra and London Philharmonic Choir team up for a performance of Handel's Messiah in Royal Festival Hall at Southbank Centre. 2.30pm
CATASTROPHE ETHICS: How should we, as individuals, act in the face of climate change? Philosopher, bioethicist and author Travis Rieder is at Conway Hall to talk about the actions we as individuals should take, and whether we on our own can make a difference to worldwide issues. 3pm-4.30pm
SIP AND PAINT: Head to London Art Bar in Holborn for a Pop Up Painting session where you can create your own version of Elizabeth Kennedy's painting, Sunset in Lavender Wood. No experience is necessary and all supplies are provided, with an expert artist on hand to provide guidance. 3pm-5.30pm
WINE TASTING: It's International Wine Day, so it'd be rude not to quaff a vino or two. Do so under expert guidance at the Golden Hinde's wine tasting event. A representative from local supplier Lant Street Wine talks you through five wines from across the world, sampled as you take a tour of the vessel, a replica of the one used by Sir Francis Drake to circumnavigate the globe. 4.30pm-9pm
ANIMANIACS: Were you a fan of the "zany, animany and totally insaney" Warner Bros cartoon Animaniacs? Tonight, voiceover artist Rob Paulsen (he played Yakko, as well as Pinky from Pinky and the Brain) is joined by composer Randy Rogel, for a show of music from the series backed by projected animation. It's on at Greenwich Theatre. 7.30pm