Your Complete Calendar of Culture, Dining, Sports & Unforgettable Experiences in London (Part 2)
Following on from last week’s guide to top exhibitions, sporting events & music-led experiences, let’s dive into even more events you must add to your London calendar.
West End Theatre & Performing Arts
London’s West End rivals Broadway for theatrical excellence. Here’s what’s playing and how to access the best shows.
Current Long-Running Productions
“& Juliet”
Shaftesbury Theatre
Jukebox musical asking “what if Juliet didn’t die?” featuring pop hits and spectacular performances.
National Theatre 2026 Highlights
Summerfolk
Playing at The Olivier Theatre from 6th March
Les Liaisons Dangereuses
Playing at Lyttelton Theatre from 21st March
Man and Boy
Playing at Dorfman Theatre from 30th January
The National Theatre on the South Bank produces groundbreaking work. The 2026 season is announced in stages throughout 2025 and early 2026.
Shakespeare’s Globe
Summer Season 2026
May – October 2026
Outdoor Shakespeare performances in an authentic Elizabethan theatre. The season is announced in spring 2026.
Royal Opera House
2025/26 Season
World-class opera and ballet continuing through summer 2026.
Pro Tips for Theatre Tickets:
- TKTS Leicester Square – Day-of discounted tickets (up to 50% off)
- Lottery tickets – Many shows offer £10-25 lottery tickets via TodayTix app
- Monday-Thursday matinees – Often cheaper and less crowded
- Student/Under-30 discounts – Available at most theatres with ID
Seasonal & Annual Events 2026
These recurring celebrations define London’s cultural calendar.
Chinese New Year
17th February 2026 (Year of the Horse)
Celebrations in Chinatown and Trafalgar Square with lion dances, performances, and food stalls. The parade takes place on Sunday, 22nd February, starting east of Trafalgar Square and running through Chinatown.
London Fashion Week
February 2026: Thursday 19th – Monday 23rd February
September 2026: Thursday 17th – Monday 21st September
St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival
Sunday, 15th March 2026
12pm – 6pm in Trafalgar Square
Parade through central London plus festival celebrating Irish culture.
Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race
Saturday, 4th April 2026
Historic rowing race on the Thames from Putney to Mortlake. Free to watch from riverbanks—arrive early for the best viewing spots.
London Marathon Festival
24th-26th April 2026
Weekend of running events culminating in the marathon on Sunday.
Chelsea Flower Show
19th-23rd May 2026
The world’s most famous flower show by the Royal Horticultural Society. Tickets sell quickly—book early.
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
May-September 2026
Shakespeare, musicals, and family shows in a beautiful outdoor setting. The 2026 season will be announced in spring 2026.
Pride in London
Saturday, 27th June 2026 (provisional)
One of the world’s biggest LGBTQ+ celebrations with a spectacular parade through central London.
Wireless Festival
10th-12th July 2026 (provisional)
Major music festival in Finsbury Park featuring hip-hop, R&B, grime, and pop artists.
British Summer Time Hyde Park
July 2026 (dates TBA)
Series of massive outdoor concerts in Hyde Park. The 2026 lineup will be announced early in the year.
Notting Hill Carnival
29th-31st August 2026 (August Bank Holiday Weekend)
Europe’s largest street festival celebrating Caribbean culture with parades, sound systems, and incredible street food.
Open House London
12th-13th September 2026 (provisional)
Free public access to 800+ buildings normally closed to visitors, including private homes, historic buildings, and modern architecture. This is an extraordinary opportunity to see London from the inside.
London Design Festival
14th-22nd September 2026 (provisional)
City-wide celebration of design with installations, exhibitions, and talks throughout London.
BFI London Film Festival
October 2026 (dates TBA)
Showcasing international cinema with premieres, retrospectives, and special events. The programme is announced in August/September.
Bonfire Night
5th November 2026 (and surrounding days)
Fireworks displays across London celebrating Guy Fawkes Night. Popular locations include Alexandra Palace, Battersea Park, and Victoria Park.
Lord Mayor’s Show
Saturday, 14th November 2026 (provisional)
Annual parade celebrating the new Lord Mayor of London with elaborate floats, bands, and military displays.
Christmas Lights & Markets
November 2026-January 2027
- Oxford Street Christmas Lights: Typically switch-on early November
- Regent Street Christmas Lights: Usually early November
- Covent Garden Christmas: Decorations and markets
- Winter Wonderland Hyde Park: Mid-November through early January
- Southbank Winter Market: November-January
Winter Lights Festival
January 2027 (typically mid-January)
Canary Wharf hosts stunning light installations by international artists. If you’re reading this early enough, the 2025 festival runs until 31st January!
New Restaurant & Bar Openings 2026
London’s dining scene never stands still. Here are the anticipated openings creating buzz:
Forza Wine Soho
Opening February 2026
The third site for this popular Italian small plates and wine bar, featuring an all-weather terrace in the West End.
Legado
The second Spanish restaurant from the chef behind Sabor, opening near Singburi and making Montacute Yards a notable dining destination.
The Chancery Rosewood
A new restaurant opening as part of the prestigious Rosewood hotel.
Michael Caines at The Stafford
Celebrated chef Michael Caines opens a new restaurant at The Stafford hotel.
Brasserie Constance
Another highly anticipated new opening for 2026.
Pro Tip: Restaurant openings are typically announced 2-4 months before launch. Check these sources regularly for the latest 2026 openings:
- Hot Dinners – London restaurant news
- BigHospitality – Industry news
- The Nudge London – Food and culture guide
- Eater London – Restaurant news and reviews
- Time Out London Food – Latest openings
Making the Most of Your 2026
London in 2026 promises to shine brighter than ever—from world-class exhibitions to unforgettable dining, electrifying sporting moments to intimate theatrical experiences.
My advice for navigating this incredible year:
Book early for major exhibitions and sporting events. The most popular experiences sell out months in advance. As soon as tickets become available, secure yours.
Sign up for venue newsletters. Museums, theatres, and venues often offer early booking access to subscribers before general release.
Be flexible with timing. Weekday matinees and off-peak times often offer better availability and pricing for popular events.
Explore beyond the blockbusters. Some of London’s most memorable experiences come from smaller venues and lesser-known events. Don’t overlook the hidden gems.
Make it social. London’s cultural calendar provides perfect opportunities to connect with friends, family, and new acquaintances. Share these experiences—they become even more meaningful.
Whether you’re a long-time resident or considering making London your home, 2026 offers countless opportunities to fall in love with this city all over again.
