London events calendar 2024

London has so much happening all year round, and the capital's events calendar is always busy. Take your pick from these must-see events in London each month of 2024.

2024 has arrived, and London can't wait to welcome you to another year of wonderful events filling its iconic venues, streets and green spaces. Whether you're planning your visit in advance by month or looking for something exciting last minute, explore our page of fantastic events in London to make sure you don't miss out!

Look out for exciting London events by month, find the best things to do in London all year round and discover the best events in London to attend this weekend.

Whenever you visit, don't miss top London tourist attractions, such as the renowned Changing the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, which takes place throughout the year.

January

New Year's Day

Start the new year off right by spending New Year's Day in London. Check out the January sales at London's best department stores, listen to a concert at a church or cathedral, or get a cultural fix at a museum exhibition. 1 Jan

London New Year's Day Parade

cheerleaders line the streets during New Year's Day Parade in London

Mark the first day of the calendar during the annual London New Year’s Day Parade in central London, captivating an audience of more than 55,000 people. Watch in awe as performers from around the world, including dancers, marching bands and acrobats, parade through the centre of the capital during this huge confetti-filled event. 1 Jan 

Burns Night

Mark the birthday of Scottish poet Robert Burns with literature readings, Scottish-themed dinners, traditional dancing and a toast on Burns Night in London. Born in 1759, Robert Burns became a national icon of Scotland, and many London restaurants and bars hold Burns Night events, serving up suppers of haggis, neeps and tatties with a wee dram of Scottish whisky. 25 Jan

Find more January events in London

February

Chinese New Year

A dragon figure is paraded through the streets for Chinese New Year in London.

Celebrate Chinese New Year in London, the largest event outside Asia. Hundreds of thousands of people join London’s Chinese New Year events which include a parade through London and a one-day festival in Trafalgar Square and across the West End. 11 Feb

February half-term

Entertain the little ones with a huge range of activities and events around London during the February half-term school break. Take the kids to one of London's many museums for hands-on interactive activities or enjoy a meal at a family-friendly restaurant. 12-16 Feb

Pancake Day

Feast on a mountain of pancakes on Shrove Tuesday and watch runners flip their pans at a charity Pancake Day race in London. Top celebrations usually include pancake races at Greenwich Market, Borough Market and Leadenhall Market. 13 Feb

Valentine's Day

A man gives flowers to a woman outside of the Houses of Parliament in London on Valentine's Day.

Find the capital’s romantic side by celebrating Valentine’s Day in London. Start making plans with your sweetie with these things to do on Valentine’s Day in London, including restaurants, tours, attractions and after-dark events. 14 Feb

London Fashion Week

See the latest styles on the catwalk at the February edition of London Fashion Week. Hear about the latest trends from experts and discover new pieces by British and international designers. 16-20 Feb

Find more February events in London

March

International Women's Day

Celebrate the successes of women in the capital and beyond on International Women's Day in London. Join talks and tours, and look out for special events at female-run restaurants around the city. 8 Mar

Mother's Day

Two parents in a park in London with their child, who is blowing bubbles.

Shower your mum with love on Mother’s Day and find the best things to do in London on Mother's Day to treat her to a day out in the capital, including award-winning restaurants, West End theatre shows and colourfully blooming London gardens. 10 Mar

Ramadan

Explore the rich selection of events across the city that educate, observe and reflect on the Muslim tradition of Ramadan. Enjoy some of the city’s top halal and vegan food options at London restaurants during the holy month to satisfy Iftar. 10 Mar-9 Apr

St Patrick's Day

Catch the colourful St Patrick's Day Parade through central London and then watch live performances from famous Irish musicians, as well as rising stars and special guests, in Trafalgar Square. Check out the market of craft stalls and tuck into traditional and modern Irish food. 17 Mar 

Easter

chocolate truffles at Paul A Young chocolate shop

Spend the long Easter weekend in London enjoying egg hunts, themed attractions, Easter-specific performances or a Sunday lunch. Good Friday and Easter Monday are bank holidays in the UK. 29 Mar-1 Apr

The Passion of Jesus at Trafalgar Square

Watch a biblical story performed by 100 actors at the annual staging of The Passion of Jesus in Trafalgar Square, which takes place on Good Friday. The two 90-minute performances are free and attract thousands of visitors to witness the scene in central London. 29 Mar

Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race

Cheer on the rowers on the river Thames at the annual Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race, one of the world's oldest sporting events. The Boat Race runs between Putney and Mortlake, and spectators line the banks of the river for this popular event. 30 Mar

London Borough of Culture

Pick from a huge list of activities taking place in Croydon during the full-year programme for The Mayor’s London Borough of Culture. Enjoy a fantastic lineup of flagship events, including storytelling, live music and performances around this south London neighbourhood. Until 31 Mar

Find more March events in London

April

Vaisakhi Festival in Trafalgar Square

Mark the start of the Sikh New Year with live music, art displays, family activities and crafts at the Vaisakhi Festival in Trafalgar Square. The festival marks the day in 1699 when Guru Gobind Singh created the Khalsa order, and the events are open to all. 6 Apr

London Games Festival

Get your game on at the London Games Festival, one of the biggest events of its kind in the world. Jump into the festival’s hands-on activities and check out the latest in the culture and business of the games world. 9-25 Apr

Eid Festival in Trafalgar Square

Join in the celebrations at the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan at the Eid Festival in Trafalgar Square. Taste food from various stalls, see displays of work by Muslim artists and watch live music on the main stage. 20 Apr

London Marathon

Run, walk or cheer on participants from the sidelines during the London Marathon. Join thousands of runners and spectators on the streets of the capital at this annual event that’s a sporting institution in London. 21 Apr

St George’s Day in Trafalgar Square

Celebrate all things English in the lively capital during St George’s Day. Watch the iconic square come to life with its host of performers, live music and installations, or delve into the heritage and culture of the nation with family-friendly workshops and food stalls. 21 Apr

Find more April events in London

May

Early May bank holiday

A woman walking up the spiral staircase at the Queen's House in Greenwich, London.

Take an extra day to explore all that London has to offer during the early May bank holiday weekend which occurs on the first Monday of May. Book in to enjoy a theatre performance, a museum exhibition or family-friendly activities. 4-6 May

NG200

Join the celebration of the National Gallery's Bicentenary – NG200 – marking 200 years of the iconic venue. Discover a host of special activities and events throughout the year, including a late-night light show on the official birthday weekend. From 10 May

Women's FA Cup Final

Watch the season's football match finale between England's top teams at the Women's FA Cup Final. Grab tickets quickly, as the match sold out quickly in recent years. 12 May

Chelsea Flower Show

Admire the beautiful flowers, clever garden designs and amazing floral displays at the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show. Walk through the bloom-filled grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea to see the space transformed by a colourful spring burst. 21-25 May

Spring bank holiday weekend

Two children stand in a room of infinity mirrors at the Science Museum in London.

Soak up the sun during the spring bank holiday weekend in London which occurs on the last Monday of the month. Meet up with friends at one of London’s parks, shop for a summer wardrobe at one of the capital’s best department stores or visit a top London attraction. 24-27 May

FA Cup Final

Find out which team will take home the silver trophy at the FA Cup Final, one of the biggest and oldest football competitions in the world. Watch the teams take the pitch at Wembley Stadium25 May

May half-term

A mum kneeling to take a photo of her kids and partner in front of the Royal Observatory, Greenwich.

Find activities for the whole family during the May half-term. Enjoy a full week of spring-themed fun, including interactive events at London’s top attractions and outdoor parks and playgrounds. 27-31 May

UEFA Champions Festival

Bring the whole family to the Champions Festival, a free four-day celebration of football in the form of live music, fun-filled activities, giveaways and more. Snap a photo of the giant inflatable trophy and don't miss the chance to see football legends compete. 30 May-2 Jun

London Gallery Weekend

Discover new galleries and art across the capital during London Gallery Weekend, a three-day programme of talks, exciting activities for families and other special events which are free and open to all. 31 May-2 Jun

Find more May events in London

June

London music festivals

A girl in a rainbow shirt and man in a blue hoodie DJ in a tent in front of large audience

Rock out at the capital's many summertime music festivals, featuring performers from a wide span of genres and huge headliners alongside up-and-coming acts. Sing your heart out at Mighty Hoopla, a festival for the pop-lovers; check out the lineup for Meltdown, curated by a different top artist every year, and see which big names take the stage at British Summer Time Hyde ParkJun-Aug

UEFA Champions League Final

Cheer for the top premier club football teams at the UEFA Champions League Final at Wembley Stadium. Find out who is crowned winner of the league at this thrilling match. 1 Jun

MLB World Tour: London Series

Immerse yourself in American culture as Major League Baseball returns to London at the London Stadium. Experience the rivalry between the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies, alongside live music, in-game entertainment and delicious ballpark food. 8-9 Jun

Open Garden Squares Weekend

Discover hidden green spaces, peaceful spots and gardens of celebrities that are accessible to the public for just one weekend during Open Garden Squares Weekend8-9 Jun

Taste of London

Experience the best of London’s incredible dining scene during the five-day Taste of London festival that takes place in Regent’s Park. Restaurants from around the capital set up stalls to show off their top dishes, and you can sample the mouthwatering selection. 12-16 Jun

UEFA Euros

Cheer on your team at this year's UEFA Euros football tournament at screenings across the city. Bag tickets to watch each fixture at HERE at Outernet on a giant 13.5m (44ft)-wide screen, including what is set to be an intense final. 14 Jun-14 Jul  

Trooping the Colour

Guards, dressed in red tunics with black bearskin hats, play instruments as they march along The Mall towards Buckingham Palace. 

Celebrate the monarch's official birthday with pomp and pageantry during Trooping the Colour at Horse Guards Parade. Hundreds of officers, horses and musicians in ceremonial uniforms join the King during this important event. Look out for the advance online ballot to try to secure seated tickets. 15 Jun

Father's Day

Take dad out for a day out around town for Father’s Day in London. Head to the theatre, a sporting event or one of London’s big-name attractions, or enjoy a quiet stroll through a park or Kew Gardens. 16 Jun

Raindance Film Festival

Watch the latest in film across multiple genres at Raindance, the country's largest independent film festival. 19-29 Jun

Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour

Red and blue mural of Taylor Swift's face with London landmarks such as the London Eye and Big Ben around her painted onto a wall in Shoreditch

Sing along to the eras at one of the Taylor Swift London tour dates, with 10 acts to represent each of her albums. The famous popstar has already sold out each of her eight dates at Wembley Arena, the longest stint on her international tour. 21, 22, 23 Jun and 15, 16, 17, 19, 20 Aug

West End LIVE

See the best of London’s West End musicals and theatre for free during West End LIVE in Trafalgar Square. Theatre fans head to the square for sing-alongs to favourite musicals and must-see new shows. 22-23 Jun

Pride

Rainbow-coloured balloons float above a parade of people during Pride in London.

Join revellers to celebrate the capital’s LGBTQ+ community with a month-long series of events that culminates in a parade through central London during Pride. Check out the full programme of events which includes theatre, film screenings, parties, art installations and activities across the capital. 29 Jun

Canada Day in Trafalgar Square

Celebrate the wonderful culture of Canada at the Canada Day London Festival, the largest celebration of Canadian culture worldwide. Expect everything from poutine and prizes to a lineup of Canadian live music acts. 30 Jun

Find more June events in London

July

Battersea Games

Watch this year's biggest sporting events on big outdoor screens, including Wimbledon and the Paris Olympics, or take part in an exciting array of sports and game activities yourself, as the Battersea Games return to Battersea Power Station this summer. 1 Jul-8 Sep

Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships

Root for the pros at Wimbledon, one of the four annual Grand Slam tennis tournaments that take place around the world. Soak up the lively atmosphere, best enjoyed with strawberries and cream, for two weeks of tennis matches in south-west London. 1-14 Jul

Battersea Games

Watch this year's biggest sporting events on big outdoor screens, including Wimbledon and the Paris Olympics, or take part in an exciting array of sports and game activities yourself, as the Battersea Games return to Battersea Power Station this summer. 1 Jul-8 Sep

Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival

Enjoy the beautiful blooms of the Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, one of the largest flower shows in the world, inside the stunning grounds of this historic site. See innovative show gardens and learn how to create your own piece of paradise at home. 2-7 Jul

Buckingham Palace summer opening

Buckingham Palace behind a lake on a cloudy day in London.

Plan your trip to London to coincide with the annual Buckingham Palace summer opening and tour. Each summer, visitors can see how royalty lives by touring the rooms of one of the world’s most famous residences. 11 Jul-29 Sep

Greenwich+Docklands International Festival

Two performers hang from ropes during a performance in front of crowds with the City of London in the background

Catch dozens of free art installations and live performances ranging from acrobatics and dance to theatre and music at the Greenwich+Docklands International Festival. East and south-east London gets a boost of invigorating energy during this festival which stages artistic and cultural shows across these neighbourhoods. 12-14 Jul

Pokémon Go Fest

Forge new friendships as you join thousands of people in a hunt across the city during Pokémon Go Fest weekend. Enjoy exclusive gameplay, special bonuses and more. 13-14 Jul

BBC Proms

Experience one of the top music events in London, and the biggest classical music festival on the planet, with fun and affordable concerts at the Royal Albert Hall and across the city. Each year, the BBC Proms hosts two months of concerts over the summer, aiming to bring the finest classical music to as many people as possible. 19 Jul-14 Sep

Formula E World Championship

Feel the need for speed at the fast-paced conclusion of the Formula E Grand Prix. Watch as the all-electric racecars speed in and around ExCeL. 20-21 Jul

Rathayatra

Enjoy a summertime parade of colourful wooden chariots carrying Hindu deities during Rathayatra which was started in India thousands of years ago. Join the procession in the capital which runs between Hyde Park Corner and Trafalgar Square, where free vegetarian food is on offer. 21 Jul

The Hundred

Watch big-name cricket players take the pitch during The Hundred at Kia Oval and Lord’s Cricket Ground. Each team gets 100 balls, and the team that gets the most runs wins. The matches are family-friendly and provide a great day out for all. 23-18 Aug

Sculpture in the City

Immerse yourself in art and culture at Sculpture in the City, with its programme of free family-friendly activities, exhibits, performances and walking tours, providing an insight into the featured artists' works and the nature and history that surrounds them. Explore the 17 artworks animating London's Square Mile in this year's edition. From 24 July

Summer school holidays 

Enjoy some family fun during the summer school holidays in London. Make the most of the break with exciting family events, theatre shows, summer festivals and top attractions for little ones and grownups alike. 24 Jul-7 Sep

Find more July events in London

August

August bank holiday weekend

Make the most of summer during the August bank holiday weekend. London is filled with festivals, street parades, live performances and lush parks so you can enjoy the great outdoors in the city. 24-26 Aug

Notting Hill Carnival

A woman with feathered wings and a sequined costume at a parade during Notting Hill Carnival in London.

Groove to the beat at Notting Hill Carnival, Europe’s largest street festival. Enjoy sound systems, a vibrant parade full of drum bands and sparkly costumes, street food stalls and more over the August bank holiday weekend. 25-26 Aug

Find more August events in London

September 

Totally Thames

Celebrate London's biggest river during the month-long Totally Thames at weekend festival hubs positioned along the length of the river. Learn about the Thames through photography exhibitions, art installations and live performances, boat trips, river races, foreshore walks, talks and more. 1-30 Sep

London Mural Festival

Colourful street art mural featuring a portrait of a black woman with bright dots of colour around her face, including blue, orange and pink splashes of colour, on brick London wall.

See more than 100 murals across the city this September, when London's biggest street art celebration, the London Mural Festival, returns to the capital. 5-29 Sep

London Fashion Week

Check out catwalk fashion from British and international designers as well as graduate showcase exhibitions at London Fashion Week's September edition. See shows of womenswear, menswear and accessories, plus talks from leading fashion companies. 12-17 Sep

CelebrASIA

Experience the best of south-east Asian culture at the debut CelebrASIA festival inside Battersea Power Station, featuring an incredible lineup of delicious street food, an artisan market, arts and crafts workshops, kids activities, live music and more. 13-15 Sep

London Design Festival

Watch London turn into a giant gallery during the London Design Festival, as dynamic and innovative projects pop up across the capital. Explore a range of creative installations and join events that celebrate contemporary design. 14-22 Sep

Open House London

The interior of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office with people gathering in the main atrium, below arches and columns.

Explore buildings not usually open to the public during Open House London. Discover hidden secrets of the capital as you peek inside some of the most iconic buildings and architecturally unique spaces around the city for free. 14-22 Sep

Great River Race

Gather together with spectators for the annual Great River Race, which brings together 200 boats and more than 1,500 competitors to race from Millwall in east London to Ham in Richmond under all 28 London bridges on the river Thames. 21 Sep

Find more September events in London

October

Black History Month

Take part in the citywide celebration of Black communities with epic events across London during Black History Month. Discover cultural events and learn about Black history in the capital and beyond. 1-31 Oct

London Cocktail Week

Sip on classic and contemporary cocktails at London Cocktail Week, the world's largest cocktail festival. Enjoy a host of events, immersive pop-ups, discounts and special menus across hundreds of the best bars in London. 3-13 Oct

NFL London Games

Action shot of 12 NFL players against the bright green pitch and 20 line during Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars game.

Cheer on your favourite US football team during a lineup of action-packed games as the NFL London Games return to the capital. Watch three games over the month, two of which are played at London's Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the first purpose-built NFL stadium outside of the US. 6-20 Oct

Frieze art fairs

Admire beautiful works at Frieze London and Frieze Masters, major events on the capital's art calendar. View, browse and buy world-class art from the best international galleries in the beautiful surroundings of Regent’s Park. 9-13 Oct

BFI Film Festival

Watch the best new films from around the world and stars on the red carpet during the BFI Film Festival. Enjoy movies shown on the silver screen at cinemas around the capital. 9-20 Oct

Diwali in Trafalgar Square

Celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights, with lively stage performances and cultural activities at this free annual event in Trafalgar Square. The festival includes dance workshops, yoga and meditation sessions, and a children's zone. 27 Oct

October half-term

Find events and activities across London to keep the kids entertained during the October half-term school break. Check out London’s best family-friendly attractions, child-oriented museum exhibitions and children’s theatre performances. 28 Oct-1 Nov 

Halloween

Floating orange pumpkins hanging from the ceiling of the Great Hall, lit up in green and purple light

Celebrate the spooky season in London this Halloween. Check out themed eerie attractions in the city, come face to face with London’s haunted history, and take a ghost walk or bus ride around the capital. 31 Oct

Find more October events in London

November

League of Legends World Championship

Watch esports players go head to head at the League of Legends World Championship at The O2 to see who is crowned the winner. 2 Nov

Bonfire Night

Red and white fireworks explode above a large crowd of people at night, with Battersea Power Station in the background.

Remember, remember the 5th of November with impressive fireworks displays around London for Bonfire Night. Some parks put on bonfires, funfairs and fireworks that light up the cold winter night. 5 Nov

Lord Mayor's Show

Catch an elaborate parade that features dancers, horses, military marching bands and more at the Lord Mayor's Show. Follow this 800-year-old tradition and celebrate the new Lord Mayor with a mix of modern festivities and traditional pageantry, as more than 500,000 people line the route to watch the colourful parade travel across the City of London. Nov

Festival of Remembrance

Commemorate those who served in Britain and the Commonwealth at the annual Royal British Legion's Festival of Remembrance, marked with extraordinary performances at the Royal Albert Hall. 9 Nov

Remembrance Day

Wear a poppy and commemorate those who lost their lives in war on Remembrance Day. Two minutes of silence are observed across the city at 11am, and a remembrance service and parade take place along Whitehall on the Sunday closest to Remembrance Day. 10-12 Nov

Christmas at Kew

Christmas at Kew

Be dazzled by twinkling lights on an after-dark stroll around Kew Gardens. Thousands of lights illuminate the lovely grounds with immersive displays and holiday cheer during Christmas at Kew13 Nov-5 Jan

EFG London Jazz Festival

Enjoy spectacular live performances in venues across London as the city grooves to all things jazz during the EFG London Jazz Festival. Each year, the festival plays host to 10 days of performances, bringing together new talent and world-renowned jazz figures. 15-24 Nov

Hogwarts in the Snow

A flaming Christmas pudding on a long table laid with plates of food in front of a Christmas tree covered in gold stars

Get into the festive spirit with Hogwarts in the Snow, a self-guided walking tour around the iconic Harry Potter film sets at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London that are magically transformed for the winter season. 16 Nov-19 Jan

Winter Wonderland

Get ready for the ultimate festive experience this Christmas at Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. Enjoy exciting fairground rides, take a spin on the ice-skating rink and shop for gingerbread and more at the Christmas market. 21 Nov-5 Jan

Find more November events in London

December

Christmas events

Tall, sparkling Christmas tree outside Covent Garden in the evening

Feel the capital's festive spirit all month long during Christmas in London. See fantastic light displays, watch a seasonal performance and go ice skating on outdoor rinks at famous landmarks throughout December. 1-31 Dec

Christmas tree and carols in Trafalgar Square

Admire the famous Trafalgar Square Christmas tree sparkling with hundreds of lights, and sing along to festive carols around the tree during the countdown to Christmas. Dec TBC

Chanukah Menorah in Trafalgar Square

Visit Trafalgar Square during London’s annual Chanukah Menorah celebration to add a touch of sparkle to your winter plans. The special Jewish festival of lights is commemorated with the lighting of a new lamp on the giant menorah each day. Dec TBC

Christmas Eve

Finish your Christmas shopping and catch a pantomime on Christmas Eve in London. Invite friends and family along for a festive lights tour, book tickets for a musical or enjoy carols at a cathedral. 24 Dec

Christmas Day

Tower Bridge and the surrounding walkway in the snow on a sunny Christmas day 

Savor the quiet of the capital by exploring London on Christmas Day. Watch the Peter Pan Cup swim in Hyde Park before tucking into Christmas dinner at a festive pub. 25 Dec

New Year's Eve

Say goodbye to 2024 by celebrating New Year's Eve in London. Meet with friends for a big night out, catch a year-end theatre show or live music performance, or take a NYE cruise on the river Thames with views of the fireworks. 31 Dec

New Year's Eve fireworks

Fireworks for New Year's Eve in London light up the sky behind the blue glowing London Eye.

See off the year with the spectacular London New Year's Eve fireworks display, an event televised around the world. Listen to the clock strike midnight as Big Ben's famous "bongs" ring out at the Houses of Parliament, followed by the UK's biggest annual fireworks display across the river. 31 Dec 

Find more December events in London

Finding things to do all year in London

Some shows and events, such as the iconic Changing the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace or the best musicals in London's West End, take place all year round. Take a look at the best things to do in London to plan your trip and book tickets in advance for top London theatre shows and other exciting events.

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