Key activities and events in London in May 2026
- There are two bank holiday weekends in May, which fall on the first Monday (4 May) and last Monday (25 May) of the month.
- May half-term takes place during the last week of the month (25 to 29 May).
- Explore the hottest theatre shows, exhibitions and family-friendly attractions to visit in London in May.
May in London means spring is well and truly in bloom. With that, an exciting new crop of exhibitions, theatre shows, festivals and seasonal events are happening across the capital. The iconic Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre launches its 2026 season, while west London’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show returns with a stunning showcase of flowers and award-winning gardens. Festival season also kicks off this month with standout events like Field Day, Cross The Tracks and Mighty Hoopla set to impress with their stellar lineups.
Whether you’re seeking inspiration for the May bank holidays or fun-filled activities for half-term, read on to discover the best things to do in London in May.
Unmissable events in London in May 2026
- Enjoy a feel-good night at the West End Comedy Club: See emerging talent and comedy legends at this iconic venue in the heart of London.
- Discover established and emerging makers, designers and galleries at London Craft Week: Join talks, participate in workshops and step inside studios across the capital. TBC
- Marvel at stunning horticultural displays at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show: See the latest gardening trends at London’s most prestigious flower show. 19-23 May
- Head to Greenwich Peninsula for the Urban Village Fete: Enjoy tunes by legendary DJ Gilles Peterson, street food and creative talks by leading speakers. TBC
- Head to Hampstead Heath to enjoy the Affordable Art Fair: The Hampstead edition of the the fair brings together over 100 UK international galleries to the heath, showcasing stunning artworks ranging from £100 to £10,000. TBC
- Be inspired at Grand Designs Live at ExCel London: Meet top designers and enjoy live talks from the experts such as the show’s presenter Kevin McCloud. 1-4 May
- Get your fill of good food and live music at Pub in the Park: Top London gastropubs, award-winning chefs and great live music acts will be heading to Gunnersbury Park for an epic day of foodie fun. 30 May-1 Jun
- See London's sky filled with hot air balloons at the Lord Mayor's Hot Air Balloon Regatta: The balloons will take off from Battersea Park and soar across iconic landmarks like the London Eye and Tower Bridge. TBC
Explore our London events calendar for more top events in London in 2026.
Theatre shows in London in May
- Embrace the warmer weather with a visit to Regent's Park Open Air Theatre: The 2025 season included Tony Award-winning musical Shucked and Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Dream Ballets: A Triple Bill. TBC
- Be spellbound by Wicked the musical at the Apollo Victoria Theatre: Experience the magical tale of Elphaba and Glinda.
- Step into the electrifying Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club: This spectacular show includes catchy tunes and dazzling dance numbers.
- Join the immersive Mamma Mia! The Party at The O2: Savour the ultimate four-course Greek dinner complemented by ABBA's hit songs.
- Grab tickets to Clueless the musical at the Trafalgar Theatre: Get a taste of 90s nostalgia at this comedy classic.
- See The Curious Case of Benjamin Button at the Ambassadors Theatre: The incredible musical has been nominated for a whopping four Olivier Awards.
- Enjoy the new stage adaptation of F Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby at the London Coliseum: Transport yourself to the roaring 1920s and relish show-stopping jazz and pop hits.
- Don’t miss the multi-Olivier Award-winning show My Neighbour Totoro at the Gillian Lynne Theatre: Follow the magical story of sisters Satsuki and Mei on their captivating adventure into the Japanese countryside.
- Laugh out loud at family-favourite Matilda The Musical at the Cambridge Theatre: Book tickets to see the Roald Dahl classic this half-term.
Check out more exciting theatre shows in London in May.
Family activities in London in May
- Plan a Harry Potter-themed day out: Have a magical adventure at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter, where the iconic films were made.
- Tick off your London bucket list: Check out top attractions in London and popular attractions for kids in the heart of the city.
- Make the most of the two bank holidays and May half-term: Pick up a sightseeing pass such as the London Pass and save money on top attractions like The London Eye.
- Head outdoors for a spot of sightseeing in the sunshine: Tour the city on a hop-on hop-off bus tour, or take to the river on a special Thames tour or cruise.
- Explore the city's most beautiful royal palaces: Uncover fascinating history at Hampton Court Palace or see the birthplace of Queen Victoria at Kensington Palace.
- Take a stroll through the idyllic Kew Gardens this spring: See bluebells, daffodils and cherry blossoms in bloom.
- Spend the day at a theme park: Ride the UK's fastest roller coaster at Thorpe Park or let your imagination run wild at LEGOLAND Windsor.
- Explore the historic Cutty Sark: Bring out your inner adventurer as you discover London's legendary sailing ship – don’t miss the hands-on workshops.
- Head to the home of English Rugby for a tour of Allianz Stadium, Twickenham: Get a backstage tour of one of the world's most famous sporting venues.
- Scale London's highest free viewing platform at Horizon 22: Take in 360-degree views of the city and spot iconic landmarks.
Discover more fantastic activities for families in London.
Exhibitions in London in May 2026
- Immerse yourself in world-famous art at FRAMELESS: See the inspiring works of legendary artists such as Cezanne, Monet and Van Gogh are brought to life.
- Get a more in-depth look at London's most impressive collections on a tour: Explore the highlights of the National Gallery or see the best of the British Museum with an expert guide.
- Dive into fascinating artworks featured in Tracey Emin at Tate Modern: The landmark exhibition charts 40 year's of Emin's boundary-breaking career through painting, video, textiles, sculpture and writing. 26 Feb-31 Aug
- Head to the Design Museum to see Wes Anderson: The Archives: Explore the legendary filmmaker's inspirations, personal archives and stories behind award-winning films like Fantastic Mr. Fox, The Grand Budapest Hotel and Isle of Dogs. 21 Nov 2025-26 July 2026
- Step into the world of David Bowie at the V&A East Storehouse: Uncover costumes, sounds and sketches that defined the visionary artist.
Check back nearer the time for the best exhibitions in London in May 2026.
Festivals in London in May 2026
- Experience the UK’s largest spatial audio festival at Crystal Palace Park: Secure your tickets for Polygon Live LDN 2026. TBC
- Immerse yourself in the stunning flower displays at the Belgravia in Bloom festival: Wander between exquisite floral displays and be sure to stop by Eccleston Square for delicious food and drink. TBC
- Admire vibrant floral displays at Chelsea in Bloom: See the streets of Chelsea burst with colour at London's largest free flower festival. TBC
- Head to Brockwell Park for Wide Awake Festival: This independent festival is ideal for those looking to discover new talent with a bill of rising stars and top artists. TBC
- Celebrate the tenth anniversary of GALA Festival: Dance the weekend away at Peckham Rye Park and enjoy music from top musicians. TBC
- Electronic music festival Field Day takes over Brockwell Park this month: Peggy Gou headlined in 2025 alongside sets by Jungle, Mall Grab and Skream & Benga. 23 May
- Grab your ticket to Cross The Tracks: Don't miss London's number-one jazz, funk and soul festival – think great music, food, workshops, talks and more. 24 May
- Enjoy carnival vibes at City Splash festival: Celebrate the impact of Caribbean and African culture in the UK music scene, from Roots and Dub to Jungle and Garage. 25 May
- End the month at two-day festival Mighty Hoopla: The pop music festival is known for its star-studded line-up with previous performances from Jojo, Daniel Bedingfield and Kate Nash. 30-31 May.
Plan ahead and secure tickets for London’s best music festivals in 2026.
Concerts in London in May 2026
- See performances from global icons at The O2.
- Enjoy an afternoon tea experience at Royal Albert Hall: Alternatively, book tickets to see live performances from world-renowned artists.
- Explore performances at The London Palladium in May.
- Check out our round-up of the best clubs in London: Discover upcoming events at London’s top nightclubs and bars such as Electric Brixton and Fabric.
Sporting events in London in May 2026
- Watch the men’s FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium: See the two best teams in England compete to lift the historic cup beneath Wembley’s arch. TBC
- And head back to Wembley Stadium the following day for the women's FA Cup Final: Be amazed as England's top female footballers battle for the title. TBC
- Support runners at the Hackney Half Marathon: Experience the thrill as race-goers run from Hackney Marshes through east London’s Dalston, London Fields and Victoria Park. 17 May
- Don’t miss the Premier League Darts Play-offs at The O2: See Luke Littler, Michael van Gerwen and Luke Humphries compete. TBC
- Book ahead for the Epsom Derby Festival: Grab tickets to witness the world’s most famous flat race at this historic racecourse, located on the outskirts of London. 5 Jun
Things to do over the May bank holiday weekends in London 2026
- Embark on a food tour around London: Visit Borough Market for a diverse menu guaranteed to satisfy any palate, or treat yourself to spice-packed dishes on a Brick Lane Indian Food Tour.
- Head to some of London’s leafier neighbourhoods: Venture beyond the bustling centre to discover the charm of Greenwich, Barnes or Little Venice.
- Book yourself an outside table and dine alfresco: Bask in the sunshine as you enjoy a meal at one of London’s favourite dining spots such as Kingly Court, St Christopher’s Place and Covent Garden.
- Take a float on a boat or cool off in one of London's lidos: From the serene swimming ponds in Hampstead Heath to Instagram-worthy pools and lidos, there’s plenty of spots to unwind. Or, hop aboard a boat and glide your way through the capital.
- Take a day trip to the seaside city of Brighton: Wander the boho Lanes, shop for stunning antiques and dine at award-winning restaurants.
Frequently asked questions about London in May
What is the weather like in May?
May is one of the best times to visit London, with longer days, warmer temperatures and plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. Visitors can expect average temperatures from 10 to 19C (50 to 66F). Days are light, with the sun rising around 5am and setting at approximately 9pm. On average, there’s around 13 days of rainfall in May (51mm).
Is May a good time to visit London?
May is perfect for visiting London’s gorgeous parks and green spaces, as well as legendary landmarks such as The London Eye and the Tower of London. Keep in mind that the bank holiday weekends (4 May and 25 May) are likely to be particularly busy in the capital.
May half-term (25-29 May) often brings special events and seasonal takeovers at top attractions. Whether you’re looking for free activities for kids, family-friendly theatre or the best things to do with toddlers and babies, London has you covered.
For more inspiration, check out our weekend guide or things to do in London today. Be sure to download the Visit London app for on-the-go recommendations.
What to wear in London in May?
Pack light, breathable clothing for warmer daytime temperatures. If you're travelling from further afield, bring a few warm jumpers, as evenings can be chilly, and overcast spells are fairly common.
