Marathons, music and movies – here’s how to make the most of the month ahead.
Spring is in the air, and April is the perfect time to enjoy London. With longer days and a fresh sense of the season, the city comes into full bloom – the Tulip Festival, anyone? The month’s staples range from the iconic London Marathon to Easter celebrations. Watch the singer of the moment, Olivia Dean, or rewatch Interstellar with a live orchestra. Whether you’re running, strolling or just stopping for a moment to take it all in, there’s something for everyone. Here are the best things to do in London this April.
Wednesday 1 April
Head to the Hayward Gallery
For a one-night-only, from 6pm to 9pm, you can immerse yourself in Chiharu Shiota’s Threads of Life and Yin Xiuzhen’s Heart to Heart. The evening offers live performances, guided creative tours, poetry readings, and interactive activities to bring the gallery to life. Whether you’re a seasoned art lover or just curious, it’s a unique chance to experience contemporary art in a lively and engaging setting.
GO: Visit www.southbankcentre.co.uk for more information.
Thursday 2 April
Dance the night away at Esmeralda's
The late-night lounge can be found inside the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair hotel. Open from Thursday to Saturday, the venue is accessed through an unassuming little black door and steps into a wonderfully glamorous world of food, fun and music – lots of music. Expect elevated hot dogs, chicken nuggets topped with caviar – why not?
GO: Visit www.esmeraldasmayfair.com for more information.
Friday 3 April
Have a laugh at Arabs Are Not Funny
Comedy turns a spotlight on the Arab community. Arabs Are Not Funny returns to the Elgar Room at the Royal Albert Hall for another sharp evening of stand-up. Widely regarded as one of the hottest comedy nights among the Arab community, the show celebrates comedians with roots in the Arab world, all out to prove that they absolutely are funny. Expect a cool line-up of comedians.
GO: Visit www.royalalberthall.com for more information.
Saturday 4 April
Enjoy Interstellar's out-of-this-world music
Interstellar comes to life at the Royal Albert Hall in spectacular fashion. One of the most requested films in concert returns, with Christopher Nolan’s Oscar-winning epic back on the big screen and Hans Zimmer’s score performed live by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. It’s an out-of-this-world experience (literally) so don’t be surprised if you leave feeling like you’ve been on a space mission. With multiple screenings across 4 and 5 April, it’s the perfect excuse to relive one of the most ambitious films ever made – just try not to get lost in space.
GO: Visit www.royalalberthall.com for more information.
Sunday 5 April
Celebrate Easter Sunday in the capital
Easter celebrations arrive, bringing family fun, chocolate hunts and seasonal festivities. Across London, you can enjoy lively events, from park egg hunts to spring markets. It’s the only time of year when hunting for chocolate is not only acceptable—but strongly encouraged. Venues range from London Zoo to The Lindt GOLD BUNNY Hunt at Hampton Court Palace.
GO: Visit www.hrp.org.uk for more information.
Monday 6 April
Treat yourself at Cakes & Bubbles
Start your week off in a sweet way at Cakes & Bubbles. It’s all about indulgence – don’t worry it’s a safe space, and nobody is judging if you order another slice or cake. Sip Champagne and enjoy exquisite creations from award-winning pastry chef Albert Adrià. For Easter, it will be offering Insta-worthy eggs.
GO: Visit www.hotelcaferoyal.com for more information.
Tuesday 7 April
Catch Akala at the Southbank Centre
An evening with Akala promises sharp insight, powerful storytelling and a healthy dose of intellectual firepower. A BAFTA and MOBO Award-winning artist, Akala is known for unpacking Britain’s history and cultural identity with clarity and charisma. Expect thought-provoking discussion drawn from his Sunday Times bestseller Natives, as he explores Britain’s past, present and potential future.
GO: Visit www.southbankcentre.co.uk for more information.
Wednesday 8 April
Join the Three-Sixty festival at Roundhouse
The Roundhouse Three-Sixty festival kicks off today and runs until 29 April, offering a month-long feast of live performances, theatre and workshops. Highlights include Kae Tempest presenting Having Spent Life Seeking and Amaarae delivering the UK-exclusive Black Star Experience. Theatre lovers can also look forward to a new play from Daniel Kaluuya’s Centre 59.
GO: Visit www.roundhouse.org.uk for more information.
Thursday 9 April
Check out the entries at the Derwent Art Prize
Check out the Derwent Art Prize, running from 9 to 16 April at the OXO Gallery. This leading exhibition celebrates the very best in pencil-based art—proof that sometimes the simplest tools create the most striking results. Featuring 80 artists selected from over 20,000 entries worldwide, the show includes everything from hyper-realistic portraits to abstract compositions.
GO: Visit https://southbank.london for more information.
Friday 10 April
Celebrate Bollywood at Alexandra Palace
Tonight, Alexandra Palace Theatre hosts the London Bollywood Orchestra with The Burmans – Royal & Rebel. This musical celebration pays tribute to legendary composers S. D. Burman and R. D. Burman, blending timeless Bollywood classics with lush orchestral arrangements. Expect an evening of soaring vocals, rich soundscapes and enough rhythm to get your toes tapping.
GO: Visit www.alexandrapalace.com for more information.
Saturday 11 April
Take in the tulips at a floral festival
Step into a springtime spectacle at Hampton Court Palace for the Tulip Festival. Running from 11 to 26 April, it’s your chance to wander through stunning gardens bursting with colour, where tulips steal the show in full floral fashion. It’s a picture-perfect day out, and ideal for garden lovers, families, and anyone who thinks life is better in bloom.
GO: Visit www.hrp.org.uk for more information.
Sunday 12 April
Cheer on The London Landmarks Half Marathon
On your marks, get set, go. Join the London Landmarks Half Marathon, and experience the capital in a lively way. With music, dancers and cheering crowds along the route, it’s less about breaking records and more about having a brilliant time. Whether you’re running or spectating, expect plenty of energy and entertainment.
GO: Visit https://llhm.co.uk for more information.
Monday 13 April
Give your Monday an upgrade at Balthazar
If you’re after something a little indulgent, Balthazar delivers the perfect mix of class and comfort. From 8.30pm, Sunday to Friday, diners can enjoy unlimited truffle fries and a glass of Champagne for £17. It’s the kind of offer that makes Mondays feel a lot less like a Monday. Forget counting carbs – this is all about counting chips.
GO: Visit https://balthazarlondon.com for more information.
Tuesday 14 April
Celebrate Arab women at Lancaster House
The Arab Women’s Summit takes place today, followed by the Arab Women of the Year Awards on 15 April. Held at Lancaster House, the event celebrates leadership, innovation and impact, shining a spotlight on inspiring women who are shaping the future. It’s a powerful gathering of voices, ideas and achievements.
GO: Visit www.londonarabia.com for more information.
Wednesday 15 April
Learn about The Wallace Collection at War
The Wallace Collection presents The Wallace Collection at War. Running from 15 April to 25 October, it explores how Hertford House became a hub of cultural diplomacy during World War II, and hosted exhibitions that promoted Anglo-Soviet friendship. This fascinating display brings together art and history – and proves that even during wartime, culture found a way to connect.
GO: Visit www.wallacecollection.org for more information.
Thursday 16 April
Admire the artwork of Paula Rego
Explore the evocative drawings of Paula Rego at Story Line at Victoria Miro, which runs from 16 April to 23 May. This deeply personal exhibition spans her career from the 1950s onwards, and features intimate drawings and rarely seen works. It’s a moving insight into her storytelling through art.
GO: Visit www.victoria-miro.com for more information.
Friday 17 April
Be charmed by a candlelit concert
Add a dose of culture to your calendar. Enjoy Beethoven in an atmospheric setting. On 17 April, you can join a candlelit concert at St Mary Le Strand Church, and the marvellous musicians from The Piccadilly Sinfonietta. Plus, they will be joined by the pianist Warren Mailley-Smith.
GO: Visit https://feverup.com for more information.
Saturday 18 April
Join Vaisakhi in Trafalgar Square
Vaisakhi celebrations return to Trafalgar Square today. This free festival celebrates Sikh and Punjabi culture with live music, dance performances, talks and plenty of delicious vegetarian food. Expect a joyful, colourful atmosphere – dancing is encouraged.
GO: Visit www.london.gov.uk for more information.
Sunday 19 April
Celebrate St George’s Day in Trafalgar Square
It’s time to celebrate St George’s Day. From 12pm to 6pm, Trafalgar Square hosts the free, family-friendly event. Hosted by the Mayor of London, it brings together live music, dance, workshops, crafts and street food. Admired for his bravery, the event celebrates the patron saint of England.
GO: Visit www.london.gov.uk for more information.
Monday 20 April
Dig into a dining deal at Rotunda
Enjoy a Monday treat at Rotunda with its gate-to-table dining concept. All beef is sourced from its own farm in Northumberland, where the animals are grass-fed and free to roam. For £20, enjoy a steak with chips and a glass of Bordeaux, or just £15 for the food alone. Mondays just tasted a whole lot better.
GO: Visit https://rotundabarandrestaurant.co.uk for more information.
Tuesday 21 April
Watch Tori Amos at the Royal Albert Hall
Tori Amos performs at the Royal Albert Hall tonight, bringing her voice and piano mastery to London. Expect an evening of emotional storytelling, powerful vocals and timeless songs. It’s a performance that promises to strike a chord or two.
GO: Visit www.royalalberthall.com for more information.
Wednesday 22 April
Step into the wonderful world of David Bowie
Step into the immersive world of David Bowie at You’re Not Alone, opening at London’s Lightroom. With 360-degree projections, rare footage and immersive visuals, this exhibition places you right at the heart of Bowie’s universe. It’s a must for fans – and a dazzling experience for anyone who appreciates a bit of stardust. If you want to go one step further, read our guide to Starman-approved sights in London.
GO: Visit https://lightroom.uk for more information.
Thursday 23 April
Mark William Shakespeare’s birthday
Happy birthday, Shakespeare. Celebrate his big day with events across the country. From performances to themed celebrations, it’s a day dedicated to the Bard’s legacy. Whether you’re revisiting a favourite play or discovering one for the first time, it’s a reminder that great stories truly stand the test of time. If you want to get into the spirit, head to Shakespeare’s Globe and watch A Midsummer Night’s Dream, or take a trip to his hometown, Stratford-upon-Avon, to learn about his origin story.
GO: Visit www.shakespeares-england.co.uk for more information.
Friday 24 April
Join Friday Lates at The National Gallery
Art, music and a late-night wander. Alice Boyd and Rachel Kitchlew perform two sessions tonight, from 6.30pm to 7pm and 8pm to 8.30pm. With the gallery open later and special events each week, it’s the perfect way to combine culture with a relaxed Friday evening.
GO: Visit www.nationalgallery.org.uk for more information.
Saturday 25 April
Last chance to visit Our Freedom: Then and Now
Taking place at the Southbank Centre, his powerful exhibition explores what freedom means through images captured by 22 photographers across 60 community projects. Featuring participants aged 0 to 100, it offers a moving reflection on history, identity and shared experience. It’s a thought-provoking show that reminds us freedom means something different to everyone.
GO: Visit www.southbankcentre.co.uk for more information.
Sunday 26 April
Cheer on the runners at the London Marathon
The London Marathon takes place today, filling the city with energy, determination and plenty of well-earned applause. The 26.2-mile route passes iconic landmarks like Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace, with thousands running in support of charity. Whether you’re running or cheering, it’s a true celebration of community spirit.
GO: Visit www.londonmarathonevents.co.uk for more information.
Monday 27 April
Take in tea at Lucky Cat 22 Bishopsgate
Elevate your Monday with afternoon tea at Lucky Cat 22 Bishopsgate by Gordon Ramsay. While the restaurant is famous for its lunch and dinner, it has also launched an afternoon tea. Available from Monday to Sunday from 2pm to 4.30pm, it offers tea with a view. Enjoy a selection of nigiri, sandos, sweets and, of course, tea. Take your pick from herbal, floral and classic teas, and take in the view with every sip. If you want to do your homework beforehand, watch Being Gordon Ramsay on Netflix.
GO: Visit www.gordonramsayrestaurants.com for more information.
Tuesday 28 April
Catch Ahmed Eid in concert
The Palestinian artist presents his new album min ghazzeh labaghdad, min haifa la Beirut. He will be joined by Daniel Avi Schneider and the Berlin-based band ILYF. Expect a vibrant mix of psychedelic and danceable sounds — this is one gig where sitting still may not be an option.
GO: Visit https://thelowerthird.co.uk for more information.
Wednesday 29 April
Watch singing sensation Olivia Dean
Olivia Dean headlines The O2, kicking off her UK tour. With her soulful voice and new album The Art of Loving, expect an unforgettable evening of smooth vocals and heartfelt songs. It’s the kind of concert that leaves you feeling warm and uplifted, as it's so easy to fall in love with Olivia.
GO: Visit www.theo2.co.uk for more information.
Thursday 30 April
Learn about Undercroft Skate Space
Celebrate 50 years of the Undercroft Skate Space at the Southbank Centre. Explore its rich history, iconic graffiti and the legendary community that has shaped London’s skate culture. Whether you skate or just spectate, it’s a fascinating slice of urban history, and proof that London is a playground open for everyone.
GO: Visit www.southbankcentre.co.uk for more information.
