The best things to do this weekend in London

Brought to life by the creative minds behind Crudo and Tiny Wine, buzzy new opening Rocola complements its regular menu of Latin American favourites with a rotating line-up of guest chefs, starting with Dubliner Nico Reynolds serving up Irish Caribbean inventions. The open-kitchen venue has a welcoming neighbourhood vibe, aiming to be the sort of community social space where there's always something going on.

Running from June to September 2026, East Bank's free open-air The Music Is Black Festival at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is a major eight-month cultural season dedicated to celebrating Black British music. The festival features four distinct themed weekends, with the upcoming one, Power & Respect, amplifying the vital contributions of Black women and non-binary individuals within the music industry.

The Museum of Architecture has launched an open-air Bonsai Treehouses Exhibition in a tranquil Connaught Village garden square, showcasing unique bonsai specimens alongside imaginative treehouse concepts centred around the theme "Together." Attendees can participate in interactive, creative workshops and access exclusive seasonal discounts at neighbouring independent boutiques, while a six-week "Nature's Architects Summer Camp" in Oxford Square introduces design thinking principles to children aged 5 to 12.

Right, we've had the Britain's Next Top Gaffer show, we've watched the lads qualify with flying colours, we've hummed and hawed over who gets a seat on the plane, and we've cheered England on through the night. Now the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals are here, and venues all across London are firing up the telly to show the match. We've rounded up the best spots for watching it finally come home right here. Time to kick back and kick off!

Football isn't the only sports mania gripping the nation this year. Fans of smaller, fuzzier balls are turning up in droves at the All England Lawn Tennis Club and packing in the seats at public screenings to watch Djokovic, Sinner, Gauff, Osaka, and others grunt and smash their way through one of the more intriguing Wimbledon Championships in recent years. Here are the top places where you can join in the fun for free.

University of Arts London's free summer exhibition programme is the perfect way to spend a weekend for those looking to discover new art forms, reimagine old aesthetics and uncover the next generation of creative changemakers in some of London's most iconic art institutions. Don't miss highlighted exhibitions taking place at Central Saint Martins, Camberwell College of Arts and Chelsea College of Arts.

Canary Wharf has opening a brand new destination for swimming in London called Sea Lanes. It's 50-meter floating, natural water lido at Eden Dock designed for year-round open-water swimming, thermal therapy, and waterside socialising. With temperatures hitting record highs this summer, it couldn't have picked a better time to arrive, so grab your swimmers and head over!

British Summer Time (BST) Festival is back in Hyde Park with a stellar line-up. From K-Pop to Country, Mumford & Sons to Lewis Capaldi, there's truly something for every music lover at this festival. Can't get a ticket to any of the concerts? Don't worry, entrance to the festival grounds is free during the Open House weekdays and there are plenty of opportunities for a memorable time; like running a 3km with Mo Farah or watching Wimbledon in the gorgeous surrounds.

Tucked away behind Somerset House, this relaxed riverside venue offers a sun-drenched sanctuary for daytime dining, transitioning into a high-energy nightlife hotspot come the weekend. Its signature Setlife Saturdays have quickly become an essential fixture for Central London's young creative crowd, bringing together top-tier house and amapiano DJs, live performances, interactive games, and more, fuelled by a steady flow of spicy margaritas and globally inspired snacks.

One of the most eagerly awaited exhibitions of 2026, “Frida: The Making of an Icon” chronicles the Mexican painter's evolution from a folk artist into a global feminist and cultural phenomenon. The comprehensive exhibition showcases over 130 of Kahlo's works alongside personal photographs, archival documents, memorabilia, and pieces by creators she influenced, offering a profound look into the life of one of the 20th century's most fearless visionaries.

Faulty Towers The Dining Experience brings the hit 1970s sitcom “Fawlty Towers” to your dinner table, combining participatory theatre with a three-course meal for an uproariously funny night out. Though based on the scripted show, the improvisational nature of the performance, revolving around each evening's guests, means it's different every time. Performances run from Thursday to Sunday evenings, with matinees available at weekends.

Notting Hill's buzzy Asian fusion restaurant, Caia, escalates its late-night atmosphere by hosting a rotating line-up of premier London DJs in its subterranean lounge, The Green Room. Guests can enjoy open-fire cooking and house cocktails alongside the vinyl sessions, which showcase an eclectic blend of rare tracks, classic funk, and disco completely free of charge.

Those who like it hot are in luck this summer – not only are the temperatures hitting record highs, the National Portrait Gallery has also launched an exhibition focusing on Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe. Examining her creative agency and lasting pop-cultural impact, “Marilyn Monroe: A Portrait” features photographs of the star alongside works inspired by her, personal belongings, and more.

Anya Hindmarch has a reputation for epic pop-ups and brand collaborations for iconic British brands, think last year's Snoopy pop-up and the Hindmarch x Boots tote bag collab. This year, the much-loved high summer concept store, the Ice Cream Project, is back for the fifth year in a row. They're serving out a line of delicious, unexpected and nostalgic British flavours. Prepare for OXO, Lurpak, Mini Cheddars and so many other cult favourites to be reimagined for the cone. 

“1536” by playwright Ava Pickett has been showered with praise since its debut performance at the Almeida Theatre. Now, it's showing in the West End at the Ambassadors Theatre. The story follows the lives of three women in rural Essex, whose world begins to change in an increasingly frightening manner following the death of Anne Boleyn. It is both historical and eerily relevant, you won't stop thinking about this play once you've seen it.  

Tate Britain is hosting the first major European retrospective of the influential American artist James McNeill Whistler in 30 years. The comprehensive exhibition spans his entire career, from his formative teenage years in Russia to his ground-breaking later periods, showcasing both world-famous masterpieces and lesser-known works. A central highlight of the exhibition is his seminal 1871 portrait, "Whistler's Mother," a legendary piece of painting history that remains a global pop-culture fixture.

The hit Broadway musical adaptation of Tim Burton's classic comedy-horror film "Beetlejuice" is heading to London's West End for a limited-time run at the Prince Edward Theatre. The production brings the eccentric world-building and quirky characters of the original story to life on stage, utilising striking sets and an experienced cast. Given the enduring popularity of the franchise, this highly anticipated theatrical run is expected to sell out quickly.

If you are suffering the post-Met-Gala blues, visit the V&A's exhibition entitled 'Fashion becomes Art' to discover the weird, wonderful and utterly surrealist world of Elsa Schiaparelli. Elsa was inspired by Salvador Dalí's work and often created in collaboration with him. These collaborations produced some of her most iconic works such as the lobster dress and the shoe hat. To honour such an important career in the world of fashion, the V&A has pulled together an impressive 200+ object display to celebrate this formidable artist. 

Black Lines has returned to the National Theatre's riverside terrace, offering a range of their bottled cocktails on tap. Situated next to the KERB street-food market, the venue provides a spacious setting for outdoor drinks in the sun, if the latter is willing, complemented by beautiful views of the Thames.

Ten years after his death, the Lightroom venue has debuted a ground-breaking immersive exhibition that celebrates David Bowie's legendary creative legacy and iconic personas. By utilising the David Bowie Archive in New York, the production uses massive projection walls and spatial audio to surround visitors with rare footage and personal items, narrated solely by the artist's own voice.

A brand-new museum in East London, V&A East Museum (not to be confused with the nearby V&A East Storehouse) highlights creativity as a driving force for change around the world across five storeys of fascinating exhibits from the V&A's vast collection. It's one of the most significant new additions to London culture in years, and its inaugural exhibition, “The Music is Black: A British Story,” is dedicated to the influence of Black British music on UK and global culture. Memorable exhibits include Jme's Super Nintendo, outfits by Little Simz, Seal, and Skin, and more.

Hackney Flea Market hosts some of the capital's most popular flea markets, attracting a diverse crowd of bargain hunters and collectors in search of unique finds. The wide-ranging inventory, from affordable trinkets to high-end statement pieces, fosters a vibrant and energetic atmosphere. This weekend, the market heads to Olympic Park for the Giant London Flea, as much social occasion as bargain heaven.

The River Walk Market has resumed its weekly residency at Battersea Power Station, featuring a diverse array of independent food, drink, and craft traders every Sunday until late August. The riverside event showcases a mix of established favourites and new vendors, ranging from artisan cheese and vermouth producers to specialist pet brands. Set against the backdrop of the iconic historic landmark, the market provides a rotating shopping experience that complements the area's permanent retail and dining offerings.

One of the landmark exhibitions of the year, “Tracey Emin: A Life in Art” has launched at Tate Modern. Offering a major retrospective of the ground-breaking artist's four-decade career, it brings together iconic works like “My Bed” alongside rarely seen pieces across painting, neon, textiles, film, and installation, as well as newer works. The show charts Emin's confessional practice and deeply personal approach to art, exploring how she has continually transformed her own experiences into powerful reflections on love, trauma, and healing.

Marking 50 years of Aardman, the Young V&A in East London is hosting “Inside Aardman: Wallace & Gromit and Friends”, a major exhibition celebrating the studio's stop-motion legacy. Featuring more than 150 items – including original puppets, props, sketches, and concept art – it lifts the lid on the craft behind the beloved characters while tracing the wider history of stop-motion through pieces from the V&A collection. Designed with families in mind, the exhibition also includes hands-on activities.

With country music's growing mainstream appeal, line dancing has become a fun and social way to let loose, and Lil' Nashville has established itself as the home of line dancing in London. Weekly one-hour beginner classes take place on Wednesdays and Saturdays for ages 12+, while Sunday sessions cater to intermediate dancers looking to refine technique and tackle more dynamic choreography. After each class, the dance floor stays open for social dancing, with food and drinks rounding out the full Lil' Nashville experience.

The Royal Air Force Museum has launched a series of hands-on, family-friendly workshops where children can build models of iconic aircraft like the Supermarine Spitfire and the infamous Messerschmitt. The Airfix Model Club runs across ten weekends in 2026, guiding young engineers through each project. Participants receive an engineer's licence to track their progress, unlock a mystery model, and enjoy discounts on Airfix kits in the museum shop.

On every second Sunday of the month, the Vagina Museum in Bethnal Green hosts the Writer's Gym, a meetup for budding storytellers. Taking place in the museum café, the workshop offers a chilled, supportive environment with fresh prompts each session to encourage playful experimentation and creativity. Open to all genres and abilities, it welcomes anyone from complete beginners to more seasoned writers.

Wes Anderson fans have a solid reason to swing by the Design Museum, as the director's archive of around 600 props, costumes, and sketches is on show. The big draw is the three-metre-wide model of the Grand Budapest Hotel, which looks just as sweet in person as it does on screen. You can also check out the “Asteroid City” vending machines, Margot Tenenbaum's fur coat from “The Royal Tenenbaums” and plenty of tiny stop motion pieces from “Fantastic Mr Fox” and “Isle of Dogs”. Booking ahead is advised.

Paddington Bear has taken to the stage in a brand-new musical at London's Savoy Theatre. Featuring original songs by Tom Fletcher of McFly and directed by Luke Sheppard of “& Juliet” fame, the show brings the beloved story of the marmalade-loving bear from Peru to life. Suitable for audiences aged four and up, “Paddington the Musical” promises a heart-warming adventure for everyone.

The David Bowie Centre at V&A East Storehouse is the permanent home of the music icon's vast archive, featuring over 90,000 items covering his lengthy career, including costumes, instruments, diaries, lyrics, and photographs. Visitors can access a working archive through the V&A's Order an Object service and enjoy curated displays, film screenings, and installations celebrating Bowie's cultural legacy.

On the third Sunday of each month, Chiswick transforms into Cheesewick for London's only dedicated cheese market. Held at Old Market Place, it features over 200 cheeses and gourmet treats from UK cheesemongers, with seasonal specials and new traders keeping the selection fresh. Run by local women, the market champions community spirit and supports charities through regular donations.

Open on Fridays and Sundays only, the Crystal Palace Museum explores the history of the architectural masterpiece that gave its name to the entire area. Three times the size of St Paul's Cathedral, the Crystal Palace was originally built to house the Great Exhibition, later relocated, and finally destroyed in a fire in 1936. You can see original bits and pieces at the museum, as well as photographs, scaled models, and other exhibits exploring the building's fascinating past.

“Stranger Things: The First Shadow,” a prequel to the popular Netflix series, is making waves in London's West End as a major theatrical hit. The play, unfolding the backstory of the series' villain Henry Creel, is co-directed by Stephen Daldry and Justin Martin, and has been praised for capturing the essence of “Stranger Things” as well as putting on an astounding visual feast.

Head on a Greek journey to the island of Skopelos for an unforgettable evening of dining and dancing at this “Mamma Mia”-inspired event. As the sun sets, discover yourself at Nikos' family-run taverna, feasting on a tasty four-course Greek meal, including dishes like Greek mezze, salad, confit lamb shoulder, and slow-cooked beef with garlic-roasted potatoes. A live band will play iconic ABBA tracks throughout the night, ensuring the dance floor stays lively with their best hits.

Our event calendar highlights the top things to do in London.