Summer has arrived in London, bringing with it a vibrant array of events and activities. From midnight theatre under the stars to parks filled with music and laughter, there is something for everyone to enjoy. This guide highlights the best things to do in London this summer, curated by the Standard team.
Major Summer Spectacles
London's summer calendar is packed with iconic events. The Serpentine Summer Party, Wimbledon, and the Henley Royal Regatta are back, drawing crowds with their blend of sport, culture, and socialising. For those seeking a more relaxed vibe, a host of festivals, art shows, and open-air entertainment provide the perfect backdrop for summer fun.
Festivals and Music
With Glastonbury taking a break this year, many Londoners are heading to Green Man and End of the Road festivals. Meanwhile, the Love Supreme jazz festival attracts a trendier crowd, and Camp Bestival offers family-friendly fun. Within the city, All Points East in Victoria Park features headliners like Tyler, the Creator and PinkPantheress, while BST Hyde Park hosts Duran Duran, Lewis Capaldi, Pitbull, and Maroon 5.
Theatre and Arts
Regent's Park Open Air Theatre and Opera Holland Park offer accessible opportunities to enjoy live performances. The Tate Modern's Frida Kahlo exhibition, "Frida: The Making of An Icon," runs from June 25 to January 3, showcasing her major works alongside personal artefacts. The Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration, newly opened in Clerkenwell, is a perfect escape from the heat, featuring three galleries, a library, and gardens.
Outdoor Cinema
The Barbican's Outdoor Cinema returns to the Sculpture Court from August 19-30, with a curated programme including Denis Villeneuve's Arrival and Poetic Justice. Everyman on the Canal in Granary Square offers free screenings from June 29 to August 16, featuring films like Little Women and Bend it Like Beckham on a first-come, first-served basis.
Musicals and Theatre
Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical by Secret Cinema runs from July 22 to September 13 in Battersea Park, allowing audiences to step into the 1978 film. Trainspotting the Musical, written by Irvine Welsh, premieres on July 15 at the Theatre Royal Haymarket. Pride, based on the 2014 film, tells the story of LGBT+ solidarity with striking miners and plays at the Dorfman Theatre until September 12.
Concerts and Performances
Ariana Grande's Eternal Sunshine Tour includes a 10-night residency at the O2 from August 15 to September 1. The Roundhouse Comedy Festival from August 1-18 features acts like Jack Rooke, Katherine Ryan, and Joe Lycett, with under-30s tickets available for just £5. The Music is Black festival offers four weekends of free music at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park from July to September.
Unique Experiences
Sea Lanes Canary Wharf opens on June 19, featuring a 50-metre natural-water pool, saunas, and a community clubhouse. The Greenwich + Docklands International Festival runs from August 21 to September 6, with free theatre and installations, including a new work by French choreographer Mehdi Kerkouche. The Somerset House Summer Series from July 16-26 hosts concerts in the Edmond J Safra Fountain Court, featuring artists like Naïka and The Flaming Lips.
Family and Community Events
Notting Hill Carnival celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, remaining a symbol of London's vibrant community spirit. The Greenwich Comedy Garden returns to the Old Royal Naval College from July 15-19 with stand-up from John Robins, Fern Brady, and others. For a unique theatrical experience, midnight matinees at Shakespeare's Globe on June 20, July 31, and September 11 offer magical performances of A Midsummer Night's Dream, Much Ado About Nothing, and As You Like It.
