All weekend
AFFORDABLE ART FAIR: The Affordable Art Fair pitches up in Hampstead, selling thousands of contemporary artworks with prices starting at £100, and 100 galleries from all over the world taking part. Painting classes, family mornings and a pop-up rooftop bar with views across the Heath are on this year’s schedule. 6-10 May 2026
WOMEN IN ART FAIR: The Women in Art Fair returns to gallery@0x0 with a four-day programme showcasing work by women artists, curated prizes and a series of talks and workshops. 7-10 May 2026
DULWICH FESTIVAL: This is the first weekend of this year’s Dulwich Festival, celebrating the culture and history of the local area, and the programme is packed. Go maypole dancing in Dulwich Square, try disco yoga or kirtan chanting, take a tour of Christ’s Chapel, and much, much more. 8-17 May 2026
HOT SAUCE FESTIVAL: How hot is too hot for you? Find out at the Hot Sauce Festival in Peckham, where hundreds of small-batch sauces from dozens of traders are available to try and buy, along with live music, games, street food — and a bar for those all-important, palate-cleansing drinks. 9-10 May 2026
PALACE GARDENS: Hampton Court Palace opens its formal gardens to the public for free on selected Garden Open Days across the year — including this weekend. The grounds include the Great Fountain Garden, the Privy Garden, the Kitchen Garden, the Pond Garden and the Lower Orangery, though note you’ll still need to pay to visit the maze, the playground or the palace itself. This is the last Palace Open Garden Weekend until September, so make the most of it. FREE, 9-10 May 2026
ZOMBIE ANT FUNGUS: Head to the Royal Institution this weekend for the premiere of a radical new performance blending neuroscience, mycology, sound and behaviour. Zombie Ant Fungus: The chemistry of control explores the world of parasitic fungi, with each performance followed by a panel of experts discussing the piece and looking deeper into the science and art behind it. Note that a different panel takes part each day. 9-10 May 2026
HENRY MOORE: Renowned artist Henry Moore’s work is shown in new exhibition Monumental Nature across Kew Gardens from Saturday. It spans 30 outdoor sculptures and an indoor display at the Shirley Sherwood Gallery featuring more than 90 smaller works, including drawings, models and sketchbooks. A family trail and sensory activity guide are available too. 9 May-January 2027
SEEDS OF EXCHANGE: Last chance to see Garden Museum exhibition Seeds of Exchange, which examines botanical exchange between Canton (Guangzhou) and London in the late 18th century, displaying a collection of Chinese botanical art and research for the first time in Britain, since it was commissioned 235 years ago. Until 10 May 2026
Saturday 9 May
ART OF CHAMPAGNE: Storyteller Daniel Hausherr leads an exclusive out-of-hours tour of portraits of women who shaped history, at the National Portrait Gallery, followed by a champagne tasting with Martin Dibben, highlighting women who have influenced the development of the tipple. 9.50am-11.50am
LIBRARIES OF LONDON: Join Open City for the libraries of London cycle tour, a 5.2-mile journey exploring the architectural history of bookshops and public libraries from Bloomsbury to the East End. Led by Justin Manley, the route visits the expansive British Library, Holborn Library and the Bishopsgate Institute before finishing at the Whitechapel Gallery. 10.30am-1.30pm
A WOMAN’S WORK: Elinor Cleghorn, author of Unwell Women, leads A Woman’s Work guided tour around the Foundling Museum in Bloomsbury. Explore the radical history of mothering and how the 18th century stigmatisation of single mothers necessitated the creation of the Foundling Hospital. 11am
AROUND THE MARBLE ARCH: Guildhall Library hosts a two-hour guided Walk: Around the Marble Arch starting from Paddington Station. Led by Pete Smith, the route explores a spot where high life meets lowlife, featuring stories of a man living in a clock, a Victorian painter with a dark secret, and a picnic table for endangered species. 11am-1pm
MUSIC MARKET: The Independent Label Market returns to Coal Drops Yard in King’s Cross with a curated selection of UK indie music labels, alongside live performances and DJ sets on the main stage. Plus, local brewers present their drinks at the London Brewers’ Market, running alongside this event. 11am-6.30pm
SOUND BITES: Music and food festival Sound Bites comes to Syon Park with a mix of street food traders, chef demo stages, pop‑up kitchens and live music. Today’s performers include The Hoosiers, Ricky Wilson and Natasha Hamilton, with daytime family-friendly feasting leading into headline DJ and band sets in the evening. 11.30am-10.30pm
CAJUN APRÈS-MIDI: King’s Cross venue Jamboree hosts an afternoon of high-energy Cajun Après-Midi featuring the Là-bas Cajun Band. The session kicks off with a dance lesson followed by live music, waltzes and blues, culminating in an “electric jam” where guest musicians are invited to join the band on stage. FREE, 1.30pm-5pm
LONDON’S PORT HISTORY: Explore the vast Victorian docks built for steamships on this guided walking tour from Royal Victoria Dock to Pontoon Dock. Led by Rob Smith of Footprints of London, the route examines the legacy of the Royal group of docks, covering the 1889 dock workers’ strike and the industrial history of the area. 2pm-4pm
NATURAL VOICES: Walthamstow Trades Hall hosts its resident choir, Natural Voices, for a special performance of their summer set. The afternoon showcases the group’s latest repertoire before they head off for festival season, culminating in a massive choral sound that fills the historic hall. 2.30pm
A MIRRORED MONET: Set in Paris in 1916, musical A Mirrored Monet follows Claude Monet as he wrestles to finish The Water Lilies. The piece uses music and projections to recreate Belle Époque cafés and studios. See it at the Charing Cross Theatre, before it closes today. 2.30pm/7.30pm
HUGH BONNEVILLE: Hugh Bonneville plays C.S. Lewis opposite Maggie Siff as Joy Davidman in Shadowlands, based on a true story about an unexpected love that upends Narnia author Lewis’ life. See it at Aldwych Theatre — final performances today. 2.30pm/7.30pm
I’M SORRY, PRIME MINISTER: Another theatre show closing today, political satire I’m Sorry, Prime Minister stars Griff Rhys Jones as Jim Hacker and Clive Francis as Sir Humphrey Appleby in the age of being cancelled, at the Apollo Theatre. 2.30pm/7.30pm
PAINT GIRL DINNER: Head to the London Art Bar in Holborn for Paint Girl Dinner, a creative sip and paint session inspired by Wyland Tondelier’s Summer Table For Two. All art supplies are provided as a professional artist guides you through creating your own masterpiece, with a themed playlist to set the mood. 3pm-5.30pm
THE SWEENEY REUNION: The Cinema Museum hosts an afternoon of nostalgia dedicated to the classic British police drama with The Sweeney Reunion 6. Presented by Misty Moon, the event features a Q&A with guest Judy Matheson, who appeared in the episode ‘Selected Target’, followed by a meet and greet where fans can purchase autographs. 4pm
SATURDAY AFTERNOON COMEDY: The Spice of Life in Soho hosts a high-energy matinee session of stand-up featuring a resident host and four guest comedians. Previous line-ups for Saturday Afternoon Comedy have featured acts seen on Live at the Apollo and Taskmaster. 4pm
BLIND DATE: Canada Water venue Corner Corner hosts a live Blind Date show where contestants are matched up with a screen between them. Expect plenty of laughter (and questionable decisions) as you watch strangers shoot their shot in real time based on chat and blind confidence. 7pm
SHRINK SOLVES MURDER: Leading psychotherapist and agony aunt Philippa Perry is at the Royal Geographical Society in Kensington to discuss her debut crime novel. Joined by broadcaster and priest Richard Coles, she explores how her professional insights into secrets and egos helped shape this new tale of a therapist-turned-sleuth. 7.30pm-8.45pm
PAUL SIMON’S GRACELAND: Scottish singer-songwriter Gary Stewart and his six-piece band are at Artsdepot in North Finchley to perform a faithful rendition of the classic album, Graceland. The show marks the 40th anniversary of the record, masterfully recreating the South African rhythms and melodies that made it a universal hit. 7.30pm
GRAFFITI CLASSICS: Highgate’s Jacksons Lane hosts Graffiti Classics: The Comedy String Quartet for an all-singing, all-dancing musical cabaret. The group energetically clowns through a landscape ranging from Beethoven to Elvis, blending gypsy-folk, opera and stand-up comedy with virtuosic instrumentation. 7.30pm
MAY DISCO BALL: Blackheath Halls hosts the Haven’t Stopped Dancing Yet May Disco Ball for a night of feel-good 70s and 80s hits. DJ Lady G spins classic tracks in the Hearn Recital Room, accompanied by flash-mob style routines, free retro sweets, and prizes for the best fancy dress. 10% of profits from the event are donated to Cancer Research UK. 7.30pm
POP TARTS: East London queer venue The Divine hosts a high-energy night of camp glamour and drag excellence with POP TARTS. This special instalment serves as a fundraiser for the venue’s resident photographer, featuring a stacked line-up of kings and queens including host Violetta J’Adore, Duniya Dhoom and Rhina Stone. 8pm
COMEDY CABARET: Downstairs at the Kings Head hosts its weekly showcase of top-tier talent from the UK and international circuit. The line-up for this Comedy Cabaret includes Kuan-Wen, Paul Pirie, Otiz Cannelloni, Nick Elleray, and Alan Francis. 8.30pm
Sunday 10 May
BIG FUN WALK: North London Hospice’s annual fundraiser returns this weekend, and there’s still time to get involved. Be part of Big Fun Walk’s 30th anniversary celebrations on a storytelling-themed 5 mile or 10 mile stroll through London (character dress-up optional!) You’ll encounter stunning views and inspiring company as you traverse Hampstead Heath, Primrose Hill and Westminster, and there’s a celebration waiting for you at the finish line. From 9am. (sponsor)
MEDIEVAL JEWISH LONDON: The Medieval Jewish London History Day is a one-day festival bringing the City’s 11th-century Jewish community back to life. The programme features expert talks on everyday life and myths, a guided walking tour of the original Jewish quarter, and family activities including clay golem making, at Barbican. 9.45am-4.45pm
ART OF THE BLITZ: City Guide Jonathan Wober leads a two‑hour walking tour around St Paul’s Cathedral that examines paintings and drawings made during the Blitz, including work by David Shepherd, Richard Matthews, Ernest Borough Johnson and Esther Borough Johnson. The walk marks the 85th anniversary of the end of the Blitz. 11am
PUPPET FESTIVAL: One of those unique London events we love, the Covent Garden May Fayre & Puppet Festival is back. It celebrates the first recorded production of a Mr Punch show, as seen/recorded by Samuel Pepys in Covent Garden in 1662, and draws puppeteers from all over the country for a procession, church service, shows, stalls and workshops. FREE, 11am-5.30pm
HIDDEN GARDENS: Discover the City’s unexpected oases on the Hidden Gardens of London walking tour, which explores some of the 200 gardens tucked away among the Square Mile’s high-rises. Led by historian Bridget Chandler, the route visits churchyards transformed after the Great Fire and the Blitz, including a “garden in the air” at St Alphage Highwalk and the reputedly haunted Christchurch Greyfriars. 11am
VINTAGE FASHION FAIR: Chelsea Old Town Hall hosts the return of Frock Me! Vintage Fashion Fair, for rare antique clothing and textiles. Over 60 leading dealers gather on the King’s Road to showcase highly curated pieces ranging from the Victorian era to pre-loved designer labels like Biba and Ossie Clark. 11am-5.30pm
WAYZGOOSE: The St Bride Foundation in Fleet Street hosts its annual celebration of letterpress, bringing together the UK’s inky community for a day of stalls and networking. Browse letterpress supplies, type, ornaments, and second-hand books from over 20 specialist traders, or try your hand at printing on historic presses in the foundation’s workshop. 11am-4pm
BEALTAINE: The Irish Cultural Centre in Hammersmith hosts Bealtaine – May Day Celebration, an immersive storytelling journey led by Máire É (Mary Ellen). This ancient fire festival celebration explores the mythology of the goddess Ériu through a blend of Irish language, poetry and meditation to mark the beginning of summer. 11.30am
HUBFEST: HUBFEST 2026, comes to The Fox and Firkin in Lewisham. It’s a vibrant community festival raising funds for the Lewisham Donation Hub. Expect live music and DJs alongside poetry, creative workshops and street food in the venue’s large garden. While the daytime is family-friendly with free entry for under-16s, the music continues late into the night for the over-18s. 12pm-12am
DAVID BOWIE: Feeling Gloomy returns to The Phoenix in Cavendish Square for an afternoon of David Bowie, a wall-to-wall celebration of the Thin White Duke. The session starts with deep cuts and rarities before building to a final 105 minutes of non-stop hits, accompanied by Bowie visuals and sing-alongs. 1pm-4.30pm
LONDON HAT WALK: Watch (or join) a group of people parading their most magnificent headwear. The London Hat Walk is all about showing off your lid and making new friends, following a route along the river from Tate Modern towards Tower Bridge. Anyone’s welcome to take part… as long as you’re wearing a hat! FREE, 2pm
MURDER CASES: Former murder detective David Swindle and journalist Cheryl Fergus-Ferrell go behind the scenes of Britain’s most chilling investigations, at The CryerArts Centre in Carshalton. Murder: A search for the truth explores the reality of high-profile cold cases, the psychology of serial killers like Peter Tobin and the lasting impact of crime on victims’ families. 2pm
AFTERNOON POEMS: Head to the romantic surroundings of Keats House in Hampstead for Afternoon Poems: The Nightingale and other Birds. Poetry Ambassadors lead a free hour of readings featuring works by John Keats and others, alongside an art exhibition inspired by the birdsong recently heard again on the heath. FREE, 2.15pm-3.15pm
WIFI WARS: An interactive live show where the entire audience competes in games and quizzes, comedian Steve McNeil hosts WiFi Wars at Artsdepot. Using Guinness World Record-breaking technology developed at the Royal Institution, players use their own smartphones or tablets to battle it out in real time across retro video games and modern puzzles. 3pm
WE ONLY COME OUT AT NIGHT: Islington’s legendary Hope & Anchor hosts We Only Come Out At Night, a dark and atmospheric music fundraiser for the London Wildlife Trust. The evening features a four-band bill including distorted alt-rock from The Silent Era and sets by Penny Skint, Carrie Abyss, and The Fourth Talisman, with all profits supporting the protection of the capital’s green spaces. 6pm
SIGNATURE BREW COMEDY: Walthamstow’s Signature Brew offers a high-calibre night of stand-up in association with Nice & Spiky Comedy. Signature Brew Comedy Club features a headline set from Sindhu Vee, alongside Rachel Fairburn, Josh Weller and John Meagher. 7pm
HEAVY METAL PUB QUIZ: As Hackney’s week-long dive bar festival comes to an end, Saint Monday Brewery in London Fields holds a heavy metal pub quiz, ideal for anyone wanting to flaunt their (head)banging knowledge on the genre. 7pm
AMY BIRD: London-based singer and regular at the 606 Club, Amy Bird brings her own group to the Chelsea venue for an evening of soul, funk and Americana. The setlist features deep cuts from the likes of Chaka Khan, The Isley Brothers and the Tedeschi Trucks Band, performed alongside a four-piece band of top-tier session musicians. 8pm
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