Theatre, terraces and Top Gun – here’s how to make the most of the month ahead.
May in London comes alive with longer days, blooming parks and a calendar of cultural events. From open-air theatre to sporting finals, there is something for every interest. Make the most of the great outdoors – sip cocktails on a newly opened terrace or enjoy world-class performances under the evening sky. It is a month that blends creativity with celebration. Here are the best things to do in May in London.
Friday 1 May
Head to Hawksmoor’s new terrace
Hawksmoor St Pancras expands its offering this spring with the debut of its first outdoor terrace. Created in partnership with Grey Goose, it opens on 1 May. The stylish seasonal setting includes a menu showcasing a classic Grey Goose Martini, alongside indulgent variations such as the Direct Martini, Deluxe Martini and Steakhouse Martini. Plus, there is the Melon Deuce and Ultimate Vodka Soda.
Where: Hawksmoor St Pancras, 1 York Way, London, N1C 4AS
When: From 1 May 2026
Contact: www.thehawksmoor.com
Saturday 2 May
Check out Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre season
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre launches its summer season. Enjoy an enchanting programme of outdoor performances. Set in Regent’s Park, it offers a mix of plays, musicals and family-friendly productions. This year, the shows include A Life in Four Seasons, Cats and Sherlock Holmes. Audiences can expect high-quality performances, from matinee shows to evenings as the sun sets.
Where: Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, Inner Circle, Regent’s Park, London, NW1 4NU
When: 2 May to 12 September 2026
Contact: https://openairtheatre.com
Sunday 3 May
Watch The Devil Wears Prada 2
Fashion fans can return to the glossy world of Runway magazine as The Devil Wears Prada 2 arrives in cinemas and reunites Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci. The film explores the fashion industry in the digital age, from the fall of print to the rise of influencers.
When: Releases 1 May 2026
Contact: www.20thcenturystudios.com
Monday 4 May
Be inspired at Grand Designs Live
Inspired by the hit TV show hosted by Kevin McCloud, Grand Designs Live returns with four days of design inspiration. This expansive exhibition showcases the latest in home improvement, architecture, interiors and sustainable living. Visitors can explore interactive displays, attend expert talks and gather ideas for their own projects.
Where: ExCeL London, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, London E16 1XL
When: 1 to 4 May 2026
Price: Ticklets from £15
Contact: www.granddesignslive.com
Tuesday 5 May
Watch Les Ballets Trockader in action
Check out the all-male comedy ballet company, Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo (affectionately known as “the Trocks”). They have been delighting audiences around the world with their sell-out shows. Catch them at the Peacock Theatre, and enjoy pink ballet pumps, laughs and comic timing.
Where: Portugal St, London, WC2A 2HT
When: 5 to 10 May 2026
Contact: www.sadlerswells.com
Wednesday 6 May
Take a trip to the Affordable Art Fair Hampstead
Make your way to the Affordable Art Fair Hampstead on Hampstead Heath. The pieces range from collages to ceramics and have been created by emerging talents and established artists. The event brings together an exciting line-up of galleries from across the globe, from Eye Contemporary Art Gallery in Hong Kong to Galerie Barrou Planquart in Paris.
Where: Lower Fairground Site, Hampstead Heath, London NW3 1TH
When: 6 to 10 May 2026
Price: Tickets from £12
Contact: https://affordableartfair.com
Thursday 7 May
Visit the reopening of Bar des Prés
Celebrated chef Cyril Lignac reopens Bar des Prés in a new Mayfair location. The restaurant continues its refined fusion of French and Japanese cuisine, featuring signature dishes such as crab and avocado galette, sea bass with yuzu and expertly crafted gyoza. The elegant new space on South Audley Street promises a sophisticated dining experience, combining inventive flavours with a polished atmosphere.
Where: Bar des Prés, 16 South Audley Street, London W1K 1HF
Contact: www.bardespres.com
Friday 8 May
Check out the new Tigermilk in Spitalfields
Tigermilk brings vibrant Latin American flair to Spitalfields. Inspired by the energy of Mexico City, Lima and Bogotá, this lively venue offers bold brunch dishes designed for sharing. Expect smoky breakfast quesadillas, huevos rancheros and indulgent pancakes, alongside colourful cocktails and brunch.
Where: Tigermilk, 32 Brushfield Street, London E1 6AG
Contact: www.tigermilkrestaurants.com
Saturday 9 May
Celebrate 25 years of Warner Bros. Studio Tour London
Wands at the ready. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London is inviting Potter fans to celebrate 25 years of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone at its studios. Channel your inner wizard and admire the original costumes, from Harry’s invisibility cloak to Hagrid’s signature moleskin coat. Wander through the sets of Diagon Alley, Gringotts Wizarding Bank, the Great Hall and the Forbidden Forest.
Where: Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden, Watford WD25 7LR
When: 7 May to 7 September 2026
Price: Tickets from £112.50 adults and £108 children
Contact: www.wbstudiotour.co.uk
Sunday 10 May
Join Covent Garden May Fayre and Puppet Festival
The charming Covent Garden May Fayre and Puppet Festival returns, celebrating the heritage of Punch and Judy shows. Taking place at Covent Garden, this quirky event features live puppet performances, workshops and traditional entertainment. It’s a delightful day out for families and those interested in British theatrical history.
Where: St Paul’s Church, Bedford Street, London WC2E 9ED
When: 10 May 2026
Contact: www.punchandjudy.org
Monday 11 May
Visit London Craft Week
London Craft Week celebrates creativity with exhibitions, workshops and demonstrations. From fine jewellery to bespoke furniture, the event highlights exceptional craftsmanship across multiple disciplines. Visitors can meet makers, attend talks and even try their hand at traditional techniques.
When: 11 to 17 May 2026
Contact: www.londoncraftweek.com
Tuesday 12 May
Watch Conan Gray at The O2
Catch Conan Gray’s Wishbone World Tour with special guest Esha Tewari. Taking place at The O2 on 12 May, it showcases hits from his latest album, Wishbone, including “Heather”, “Maniac” and “The Story”.
Where: The O2, Peninsula Square, North Greenwich, London SE10 0DX
When: Tuesday, 12 May 2026
Price: Tickets from £55
Contact: www.theo2.co.uk
Wednesday 13 May
Celebrate Top Gun’s 40th anniversary
If the words Goose and Maverick mean something to you, you’ll be excited to hear about Top Gun’s 40th anniversary. From 13 May, viewers can catch the original Top Gun film and its sequel, Top Gun: Maverick, in cinemas nationwide, including IMAX screenings.
When: 13 to 19 May 2026
Contact: www.imax.com
Thursday 14 May
London Coffee Festival
Coffee lovers unite at the London Coffee Festival at the Truman Brewery. The event showcases artisan roasters, tastings, live demonstrations and workshops, celebrating London’s thriving coffee scene. Expect a lively atmosphere and plenty of caffeine-fuelled discoveries.
Where: The Truman Brewery, 91 Brick Lane, London, E1 6QL
When: 14 to 17 May 2026
Price: Tickets from £20
Contact: www.londoncoffeefestival.com
Friday 15 May
Catch Chase & Status
Chase and Status are bringing their Section 63 tour to London. Taking place on 15 and 16 May 2026, they will perform at Magazine London in Greenwich. Expect high-energy drum and bass, including favourites such as “Blind Faith”, “Mixed Emotions” and “Program”.
Where: Magazine London, 11 Ordnance Crescent, Greenwich, London SE10 0JH
When: 15 and 16 May 2026
Contact: https://chaseandstatus.co.uk
Saturday 16 May
Cheer on the teams at the FA Cup Final
One of the biggest dates in the sporting calendar, the FA Cup Final takes place at Wembley Stadium. Expect an electric atmosphere as two top teams compete for one of football’s most coveted trophies. Last year, Crystal Palace won, and this year looks set to be an exciting event.
Where: Wembley Stadium, Wembley, London, HA9 0WS
When: Saturday, 16 May 2026
Contact: www.thefa.com
Sunday 17 May
Visit Firsts: London’s Rare Book Fair
Firsts: London’s Rare Book Fair takes place at the Saatchi Gallery. Running from 14 to 17 May, it brings together antiquarian booksellers from across the globe. Discover rare first editions, manuscripts, maps, prints and collectable works.
Where: Saatchi Gallery, King’s Road, London, SW3 4RY
When: 14 to 17 May 2026
Price: Free; costs for some events
Contact: www.firstslondon.com
Monday 18 May
Catch Chelsea in Bloom
If you can’t get tickets to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, then Chelsea in Bloom is the next best thing. Running from 18 to 24 May, it brings a burst of colour to the neighbourhood. Best of all, it’s free to attend.
Where: King’s Road, Chelsea, London SW3
When: 18 to 24 May 2026
Price: Free
Contact: www.chelseainbloom.co.uk
Tuesday 19 May
Watch RAYE at The O2
Three-time GRAMMY-nominated global music superstar RAYE has announced This Tour May Contain New Music. The 40-date headline tour comes to The O2 on 19 and 20 May. Expect her new song “Where Is My Husband!” and more.
Where: The O2, Peninsula Square, North Greenwich, London SE10 0DX
When: 19 to 20 May 2026
Contact: www.theo2.co.uk
Wednesday 20 May
Visit the Chelsea Flower Show
Few flower festivals are more than one hundred years old. The RHS Chelsea Flower Show takes place each year in May and is one of the world’s most prestigious horticultural events. This year’s event runs from 19 to 23 May and takes place at the Royal Hospital Chelsea in London.
Where: London Gate, Royal Hospital Road, Royal Hospital Chelsea, London SW3 4SR
When: 19 to 23 May 2026
Price: Tickets from £107 for the public, and from £59.99 for members
Contact: www.rhs.org.uk
Thursday 21 May
Head to the new Whistler exhibition
A major exhibition celebrating James McNeill Whistler opens at Tate Britain. This marks the first major European retrospective of his work in decades. Featuring iconic paintings, rare drawings and personal works, the exhibition explores his influence on modern art.
Where: Tate Britain, Millbank, London, SW1P 4RG
When: From 21 May 2026
Price: Tickets from £20
Contact: www.tate.org.uk
Friday 22 May
Check out Nela’s new summer terrace
FACT is a big fan of the restaurant Nela, so we were excited to hear that it is unveiling its summer terrace at The Whiteley in partnership with Cincoro Tequila. Located in Bayswater, guests can enjoy cocktails, tequila-infused treats and live-fire cooking in a stylish outdoor setting.
Where: Nela, The Whiteley, 151 Queensway, London W2 4YN
Contact: www.nelarestaurant.com
Saturday 23 May
Check out the A-Line Florist Pop-Up
Artist Anna Bruder makes you rethink your bouquet. Visitors can design their own illustrated flowers with bold black markers and create a unique keepsake. Guests can also capture a selfie with the artist’s mural. This interactive installation is suitable for all ages.
Where: Battersea Power Station, Circus Road West, London SW11 8DD
When: 23 to 31 May 2026
Price: £10
Contact: https://batterseapowerstation.co.uk
Sunday 24 May
Party away at Cross the Tracks
Get ready for marvellous music at Cross the Tracks in Brockwell Park. Taking place on Sunday 24 May, it brings together jazz, funk, soul, hip-hop, jungle and drum and bass. Headliners include Mercury Prize-winner Little Simz, Joy Crookes, and Fabio and Grooverider. Plus, Knucks, Mereba, corto.alto, Ama Louise, Paul Stephan and namesbliss.
Where: Brockwell Park, Norwood Road, London, SE24 9BJ
When: Sunday, 24 May 2026
Price: From £70.95
Contact: www.xthetracks.com
Monday 25 May
Visit The Lanesborough’s new terrace
It’s time to enjoy the long Bank Holiday weekend. If you have the day off work, check out some of London’s best terraces. FACT is a fan of The Lanesborough Garden Room. Located near Hyde Park, it feels like a hidden gem, complete with a covered terrace, cocktails and a cigar menu.
Where: The Lanesborough, Hyde Park Corner, London, SW1X 7TA
Contact: www.oetkerhotels.com
Tuesday 26 May
Watch The Original Harlem Globetrotters
They shoot, they score. The Original Harlem Globetrotters are dribbling their way into London, showing off their skills. Celebrate their 100 Years Tour and watch them perform gravity-defying dunks and game-changing tricks. This is a rare chance to watch them in action in the heart of London.
Where: The O2, Peninsula Square, Northn Greenwich, London, SE10 0DX
When: Tuesday, 26 May 2026
Price: Tickets from £30
Contact: www.theo2.co.uk
Wednesday 27 May
Watch Jack Savoretti at the Royal Albert Hall
Jack Savoretti will headline his first-ever show at the Royal Albert Hall. This one-night-only performance celebrates 20 years since the release of his debut album. Over his career, he has released eight studio albums, including two UK number ones.
Where: Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, London, SW7 2AP
When: Wednesday, 27 May 2026
Contact: www.royalalberthall.com
Thursday 28 May
Listen to Wagner’s Ring Cycle
Classical music lovers, this one’s for you. Sir Simon Rattle conducts Wagner’s Ring Cycle at the Barbican. Catch the four epic operas, with Anja Kampe and Elizabeth DeShong performing the roles of Brünnhilde and Waltraute.
Where: Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS
When: 11 to 17 May 2026
Price: Tickets from £18 to £72
Contact: www.barbican.org.uk
Friday 29 May
Watch Doja Cat live
Doja Cat has announced the European leg of her Ma Vie World Tour, bringing her high-energy show to the UK. Known for her genre-blending sound, striking visuals and unfiltered persona, she has become one of the most influential artists in pop. Expect hits including “Say So” and “Kiss Me More”.
Where: The O2, Peninsula Square, North Greenwich, London, SE10 0DX
When: Friday, 29 May 2026
Contact: www.theo2.co.uk
Saturday 30 May 2026
Make your way to the Mighty Hoopla Festival
Mighty Hoopla can be found around the world in Malta and Sydney, and now returns to Brockwell Park. Join the joyful celebration of pop music, which runs from 30 to 31 May. Visitors can expect big-name acts, nostalgic hits and an inclusive party atmosphere. The line-up includes Lily Allen, Jessie J, Scissor Sisters and more.
Where: Brockwell Park, Norwood Road, London, SE24 9BJ
When: 30 to 31 May 2026
Price: Tickets from £70
Contact: www.mightyhoopla.com
Sunday 31 May
Watch the FA Cup Final
Women's football has become a staple in the sporting calendar, thanks to the England football team. The Women’s FA Cup Final brings top-tier women’s football to Wembley Stadium. It is a major highlight of the year, showcasing elite talent and growing support for the women’s game.
Where: Wembley Stadium, Wembley, London, HA9 0WS
When: Sunday, 31 May 2026
Contact: www.wembleystadium.com