Full May Events & Festival in London 2026

May is one of the best months to visit London. Spring is in full bloom, parks are vibrant, the weather is mild, and the city’s cultural calendar is packed with world-class festivals, sporting events, exhibitions, and outdoor celebrations. Whether you’re visiting for music, flowers, food, sport, or arts, London in May 2026 truly offers something for everyone.

This complete guide covers the major May 2026 events and festivals in London, including confirmed dates, locations, highlights, and travel insights to help you plan your visit with ease.

Why Visit London in May?

• Pleasant spring temperatures (average 12–18°C)
• Longer daylight hours for sightseeing
• Outdoor festivals and open-air events
• Peak cultural and sporting season
• Lively atmosphere without peak summer crowds

May is ideal for combining sightseeing with unforgettable event experiences.

1-🌸 Chelsea Flower Show 2026

Dates: 19–23 May 2026
Location: Royal Hospital Chelsea, SW3
Tickets: Booking required

One of the world’s most prestigious gardening events, the Chelsea Flower Show transforms London into a floral masterpiece. Organised by the Royal Horticultural Society, the show features:

• Designers show gardens
• Floral marquees
• Sustainable gardening innovations
• Celebrity designers and royal appearances

Best for: Garden lovers, photographers, luxury travellers
Travel tip: Book transport early as the surrounding roads become extremely busy.

2- 🎭 West End Theatre Season – Spring Highlights

Dates: Throughout May 2026
Location: West End, Central London

May is peak season for London theatre, with many productions launching spring premieres and limited-run performances. Expect:

• Award-winning musicals
• Classic and contemporary plays
• Celebrity-led productions
• Family-friendly shows

Popular areas: Covent Garden, Soho, Leicester Square
Tip: Evening shows pair perfectly with pre-theatre dining.

3-🏃‍♂️ Hackney Half Marathon Weekend 2026

Dates: 16–17 May 2026
Location: Hackney, East London

More than just a race, this is a festival-style running weekend combining sport, music, and street culture. Highlights include:

• Half marathon race day
• Live DJs and bands
• Street food markets
• Community celebrations

Best for: Sports fans and active travellers
Note: Expect road closures in Hackney on race day.

4- 🎶 Camden Music Festival – Spring Edition

Dates: Early to mid-May 2026
Location: Camden Town

Camden celebrates its legendary music heritage with live performances across multiple iconic venues. Genres include:

• Indie and alternative
• Rock and punk
• Emerging UK artists

Venues: Camden Assembly, Electric Ballroom, local pubs
Best for: Live music lovers and nightlife explorers

5- 🍔 London Food Festivals & Street Food Markets

Dates: Throughout May 2026
Locations: South Bank, King’s Cross, Shoreditch, Hyde Park

May is peak season for London’s food festivals and outdoor markets, featuring:

• Pop-up street food festivals
• International cuisine weekends
• Vegan and sustainable food events
• Craft drinks and dessert festivals

Top food areas:

• South Bank riverside stalls
• King’s Cross Coal Drops Yard
• Shoreditch food markets

6- 🎨 London Craft Week 2026

Dates: 11–17 May 2026
Location: Multiple venues across London

A city-wide celebration of craftsmanship, design, and creativity. Events include:

• Artisan workshops
• Gallery exhibitions
• Luxury brand showcases
• Live demonstrations

Best for: Art lovers, designers, and luxury shoppers

7- 🎡 Hyde Park Spring & Outdoor Events

Dates: Throughout May 2026
Location: Hyde Park, W2

Hyde Park comes alive in May with seasonal outdoor activities such as:

• Fitness events and bootcamps
• Open-air performances
• Family-friendly attractions
• Pop-up cafés and leisure spaces

Best for: Families and casual visitors.

8-🖼️London Coffee Festival

Date: 14 -17 May 2026 at 10:30 pm IST
Location: The Truman Brewery, Commons at Old Street Works.

The London Coffee Festival is a vibrant celebration of all things coffee, attracting coffee aficionados and industry professionals from around the world. The UK’s biggest coffee and artisan food festival launches with an exciting programme of live music, speciality coffee tastings, and hands-on demonstrations by leading baristas. Running until the 15th, the event also features expert-led workshops where visitors can master brewing techniques, explore artisan coffee, tea, and gourmet foods, and discover the art of chocolate pairing. The festival is hosted at the iconic Old Truman Brewery on Brick Lane.

9-🖼️Photo London at Somerset House

Date: 14 -17 May 2026 at 10:30 pm IST
Location: Somerset House, London WC2R 1LA, United Kingdom

Explore a stunning showcase of world-class photography set within the historic surroundings of Somerset House. This exhibition brings together exceptional works from over 20 countries, featuring photography from more than 100 galleries, and highlights both renowned artists and exciting new, emerging talent from across the globe.

🖼️ Major Museum & Gallery Exhibitions – May 2026

Dates: Throughout May
Locations: Bloomsbury, South Bank

London’s world-class museums often launch major exhibitions in spring, making May ideal for culture-focused trips.

• International touring exhibitions
• Contemporary art showcases
• History and archaeology features

Tip: Many museums are free, though special exhibitions may require tickets.

⚽ Premier League Final Fixtures – Season End

Dates: Mid to late May 2026
Location: Stadiums across London

May marks the dramatic conclusion of the English football season, with decisive fixtures and title races.

• Arsenal
• Chelsea
• Tottenham Hotspur
• West Ham United

Best for: Football fans and sports tourism
Note: Match dates depend on official fixtures.

🎆 Early May Bank Holiday Events

Date: Monday, 4 May 2026
Location: Citywide

The Early May Bank Holiday brings:

• Special markets
• Outdoor concerts
• Family events
• Extended attraction hours

It’s one of the liveliest weekends of the month.

🚗 Getting Around London During May Events

May is a busy month with frequent road closures near event venues. Public transport can be crowded during festivals and bank holiday weekends.

Private chauffeur travel offers:

• Door-to-door convenience
• Comfortable, climate-controlled vehicles
• Stress-free navigation around event traffic
• Reliable pickup after late-night shows

Travel Reference: Visit May 2026 Events with JAF Executive Travels

If you’re attending multiple May 2026 events and festivals in London, JAF Executive Travels provides a premium chauffeur service ideal for:

• Chelsea Flower Show visits
• West End theatre nights
• Sporting events and concerts
• Full-day sightseeing combined with festivals

With professional drivers and luxury vehicles, JAF Executive Travels ensures you experience London’s busiest and most exciting month in complete comfort.