Here's how to make the most of the month ahead.
London is a spectacular sight in the summertime. Enjoy open-air music, films, and more. Big-name rockers are in town, from Coldplay to Oasis. The Bank Holiday weekend also brings the Notting Hill Carnival. Here are the best things to do in London this August.
Friday 1 August
Head to Burgess Park for Boiler Room Festival
The Boiler Room Festival illuminates South London with an open-air dance event featuring leading UK acts. Taking place on 1 August in Burgess Park, the line-up includes Kenny Beats, Mustard, Plussounds, and Taylah Elaine.
GO: Visit https://boilerroom.tv for more information.
Saturday 2 August
Watch Brigadoon in Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
Check out the refreshed revival of Brigadoon. Running from 2 August to 20 September, the show is based on the 1947 musical by Lerner & Loewe. The story follows American tourists in a magical Scottish village. The show is directed by the Open Air Theatre’s new Artistic Director, Drew McOnie.
GO: Visit https://openairtheatre.com for more information.
Sunday 3 August
Look back in anger with Oasis
Catch the Manchester rockers Oasis as they make their way to London's Wembley Arena. The concert takes place on 2 and 3 August. Expect to hear hits including Don't Look Back in Anger and Wonderwall.
GO: Visit www.wembleystadium.com for more information.
Monday 4 August
Catch a show at the BBC Proms
Few music festivals are more than one hundred years old, but that's just one reason the BBC Proms is so special. With roots dating back to 1895, it's one of the world's biggest classical music festivals. Now a staple in the London calendar, it takes place annually at the Royal Albert Hall. Today's programme includes Mahler and Boulez.
GO: Visit www.bbc.co.uk for more information.
Tuesday 5 August
Watch K-pop star Jin at The O2
South Korean star Jin is performing at The O2 on 5 and 6 August, showcasing his solo hits. The former BTS member's songs include Awake, Epiphany, and Moon.
GO: Visit www.axs.com for more information.
Wednesday 6 August
Dig into Mount Street Restaurant's Retro menu
Mount Street Restaurant, an art-filled venue, has launched its Retro Menu, putting a stylish spin on classic dishes. Expect Arctic Roll, Chicken à la King Vol-au-Vent, and Dorset Crab and Caviar. Available Monday to Saturday, 12pm to 10pm, and on Sunday for lunch from 12pm.
GO: Visit https://mountstrestaurant.com for more information.
Thursday 7 August
Join the King's Cross Summer Sounds
Join London's free music and performance festival, King's Cross Summer Sounds. Running from 7 to 17 August, it's now in its 10th year. Enjoy music, dance, puppetry, and this year, there's even sculpture.
GO: Visit http://kingscross.co.uk for more information.
Friday 8 August
Watch William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night
What better way to see a Shakespeare play than at Shakespeare's Globe? Director Robin Belfield brings a lively take on Twelfth Night, or What You Will. Running from 8 August to 25 October, it's a fun-filled tale of shipwrecks and mistaken identity.
GO: Visit www.shakespearesglobe.com for more information.
Saturday 9 August
Catch rapper Skepta's festival
Skepta has curated his very own festival. The award-winning rapper and DJ brings back Big Smoke Festival for its second edition. Running from 9 to 10 August at Crystal Palace Bowl, he'll perform alongside Central Cee, Chy Cartier, and SkylaTylaa.
GO: Visit www.ticketmaster.co.uk for more information.
Sunday 10 August
See Labyrinth On The Thames
Labyrinth On The Thames runs from 1 to 10 August at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Old Royal Naval College. The event features electronic artists including Black Coffee, Solomun, and Fisher.
GO: Visit https://ornc.org for more information.
Monday 11 August
Laugh out loud with Mustafa Algiyadi
Libyan comedian Mustafa Algiyadi performs at Camden Comedy Club on 10 and 11 August. His show explores his desire to become a part of Europe, and his cultural mishaps along the way.
GO: Visit https://camdencomedyclub.com for more information.
Tuesday 12 August
Watch singing sensation Rachel Zelger as Eva Peron
Don't cry for Rachel Zelger. The American actress is starring as Eva Perón in the musical Evita at the London Palladium. Following the press night on 1 July, the show will run until 6 September. The show is directed by Jamie Lloyd and brings to life the musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. The musical includes the songs Another Suitcase in Another Hall, Oh What a Circus, and You Must Love Me.
GO: Visit https://lwtheatres.co.uk for more information.
Wednesday 13 August
See Ncuti Gatwa as Christopher Marlowe
British actor Ncuti Gatwa stars in the Royal Shakespeare Company's Born With Teeth. Running from 14 August to 1 November at the Wyndham's Theatre, it also stars Edward Bluemel as William Shakespeare.
GO: Visit www.rsc.org.uk for more information.
Thursday 14 August
Sip floral cocktails at the Rotunda Bar & Lounge
The Rotunda Bar and Lounge at the Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge transforms into a floral paradise for its limited-edition Summer Spritz Selection menu. Expect summer flowers, lavender, and a countryside-inspired setting.
GO: Visit www.fourseasons.com for more information.
Friday 15 August
Catch the All Points East Festival
Put your hands in the air at one of London's top outdoor parties. All Points East runs from 15 to 24 August in Victoria Park, and features indie and electronic acts including Bombay Bicycle Club, RAYE, and The Maccabees.
GO: Visit www.allpointseastfestival.com for more information.
Saturday 16 August
Get your K-pop fix with BLACKPINK
South Korean superstars BLACKPINK take the stage at Wembley Stadium from 15 to 16 August. Expect powerful choreography and hits from Pink Venom to Shut Down.
GO: Visit www.ticketmaster.co.uk for more information.
Sunday 17 August
Catch Arab artists in the Christie's exhibition
Christie's Fine Art and Luxury division has announced highlights from its upcoming exhibition, Marwan: A Soul in Exile. Running from 16 July to 22 August 2025 at Christie's London, this continues to spotlight significant works and influential artists from the Arab world.
GO: Visit https://press.christies.com for more information.
Monday 18 August
Check out Mandarin Oriental's Mini-Mayfair
Little ones deserve luxury, too. Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London, has launched Mini-Mayfair, which runs until 31 December. Experiences include the Mini-Maestro art adventure and Mini-Fashionista shopping trip, with extras like panda robes, Ben Bear, and illustrated maps.
GO: Visit www.mandarinoriental.com for more information.
Tuesday 19 August
Hop on board Titanic: The Immersive Exhibition
Titanic: The Immersive Exhibition opens on 25 July at Dock X in Canada Water. The cutting-edge production will bring the story of the world's most famous shipwreck to life. Created by Madrid Artes Digitales, this two-hour exhibition promises a journey through history and uses groundbreaking technology.
GO: Visit https://legend-of-titanic.com for more information.
Wednesday 20 August
Be dazzled by The Devil Wears Prada
The Devil Wears Prada has gone from screen to stage. On Wednesdays, you can choose between a matinee or an evening show. The West End musical tells the stylish story of Andy, who lands a job at the fashion magazine Runway. As she works for Editor Miranda Priestly, she sacrifices her personal life to meet her boss's impossible demands. Expect designer costumes, catty lines, and catchy songs.
GO: Visit https://devilwearspradamusical.com for more information.
Thursday 21 August
Catch Coldplay's free photography exhibition
Coldplay: A Film for the Future runs from 21 August to 8 September at The Lightroom, and coincides with the band's ten Wembley shows. Expect photography, pre-show talks, and merchandise.
GO: Visit https://lightroom.uk for more information.
Friday 22 August
Join Greenwich + Docklands International Festival
Greenwich + Docklands International Festival is back. Running from 22 to 6 September, it is now in its 30th edition. The lineup includes acrobats, dancers, and parkour artists who make the most of the London landscape. Best of all, it is free to attend.
GO: Visit https://festival.org for more information.
Saturday 23 August
Dance the day away at Notting Hill Carnival
London gets into the groove with Notting Hill Carnival, which takes place from 23 to 25 August. Starting in 1966, it has become a celebration of Caribbean culture. The streets are lined with parades, live music, sound systems and street stalls. The sounds of calypsos and steel bands fill the air. Over the years, it has welcomed big names, from Beyoncé to Sean Paul. Jerk chicken is optional, but dancing is mandatory.
GO: Visit https://nhcarnival.org for more information.
Sunday 24 August
Hit up Hampton Court Palace
Hampton Court Palace Food Festival offers food, glorious food. Running from 23 to 25 August, the event boasts 150 speciality food stalls. Feast like a king, and indulge in the pop-up bars and kids' activities.
GO: Visit https://www.hrp.org.uk for more information.
Monday 25 August
Discover the history of hip-hop
Southbank Centre offers a diverse range of events. On 25 August, it is hosting the History of Hip-Hop on the Riverside Terrace. The event explores 50 years of the musical genre, from 1970s block parties to the golden age of the 1990s to today's biggest selling artists.
GO: Visit www.southbankcentre.co.uk for more information.
Tuesday 26 August
Catch Coldplay at Wembley Stadium
After Coldplay's world tour went viral, thanks to a canoodling couple, who knows what will happen in London? Watch the British rock band at Wembley Stadium. The show takes place on 22, 23, 26, 27, 30 and 31 August. Expect hits including Clocks, Fix You and The Scientist.
GO: Visit www.wembleystadium.com for more information.
Wednesday 27 August
Dine on the terrace at 108 Brasserie
The Doyle Collection's The Marylebone Hotel invites guests to enjoy the Provence on the Lane menu at 108 Brasserie. Tucked away in Marylebone Lane, the terrace comes alive with a Mediterranean menu. Enjoy fresh seafood, rosé wines and Champagne.
GO: Visit www.doylecollection.com for more information.
Thursday 28 August
Watch Will Smith's first headline tour
This is the story all about how Will Smith turned entertainment upside down. The American superstar first headline tour celebrates his new album, Based on a True Story. The dates include Europe and the United Kingdom, and he will play at the O2 Academy Brixton in London on 28 August.
GO: Visit www.academymusicgroup.com for tickets and more information.
Friday 29 August
See British band Gorillaz
The British band Gorillaz have announced summer shows in London. Running from 29 August to 3 September, each show will see one of the group's albums performed in full. The show takes place in the Copper Box Arena in Stratford, East London.
GO: Visit www.ticketmaster.co.uk for more information.
Saturday 30 August
Join the Meatopia festival
Now in its 12th year in London, the Meatopia festival focuses on meat. If you love your meat cooked over a fire, then this is for you. The event runs from 28 to 31 August, and brings together local as well as international chefs.
GO: Visit www.meatopia.co.uk for more information.
Sunday 31 August
Marvel at Yoshitomo Nara's work
Yoshitomo Nara is the largest exhibition in Europe of the Japanese artist. The show spans his four-decade career, and includes the big-eyed, cartoon figures. The exhibition runs until 31 August at Hayward Gallery.
GO: Visit www.southbankcentre.co.uk for more information.
