20+ Things To Do In London This Summer

The sun’s out, and so are you. If you can be persuaded from the beer gardens, there’s a dizzying number of events and things to in London this summer. From exhibitions to festivals, flea markets to must-see sports fixtures – here’s our pick of the best events to make summer 2024 the most memorable yet. Don’t forget to pack some sunscreen.

Best Things To Do In London Summer 2024

Eye Of The Collector

A fittingly aesthetic venue will this year host the fourth edition of the art and collectible design fair. Eye of the Collector is housed in Chelsea Barracks’ Byzantine-style Garrison Chapel for 2024. Perhaps you’ll find the perfect piece to take home tucked in a bay.

Details: 27–29 June, The Garrison Chapel (SW1W 8BG), book tickets here.

Connect At The Yards

Fancy a day of wellness in the heart of the city? Head to Connect at The Yards, a one-day wellbeing festival perfect for fans of wellness, fitness and enhancing overall wellbeing. Guests can enjoy the likes of fitness classes, talks and workshops, art exhibits, live music, and a wellness marketplace, spread across multiple venues within The Yards, all day long.

Details: 9am–6pm on Sunday 7 July 2024 at St Martin’s Courtyard (Slingsby Place, London WC2H 9EF). Tickets can be purchased here, and C&TH readers get 20 percent off tickets with the code CT20.

Minuty Vineyard Feasts

Rosé wine lover? Head to Rosewood London’s terrace, which has transformed into Villa Minuty for the summer. The idyllic al fresco dining space is hosting two vineyard feasts, where diners will be treated to a three-course sharing menu featuring dishes like grilled lamb rump, and fennel and black olive salad, paired with Minuty’s latest vintages – all to the sound of live music.

Details: 29 June and 17 August 2024, book here

Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic

Returning to The Hurlingham Club this June is the Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic, one of the most intimate tennis events on the social calendar. For the past 27 years, the tournament has served as a precursor to Wimbledon, with everyone from Rafael Nadal to Maria Sharapova to Andy Murray playing there in the run-up to the Championships. Once again, Giorgio Armani is the title partner, and alongside the tennis you’ll have a chance to browse the Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic capsule, as well as the brand’s summer linen capsule. There are plenty of hospitality packages on offer too, featuring gourmet meals, champagne receptions and even meet and greets with the players.

Details: 25 – 29 June 2024, book tickets here.

 

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BST Hyde Park

BST Hyde Park’s line-up this year promises sizzle factor – Stevie Nicks, Kings of Leon and Shania Twain are among the big hitters, and Stray Kids will lure in those fans of K-pop or converts following last year’s Blackpink headline. Expect a big day out with even bigger tunes.

Details: 29 June–14 July, Hyde Park (W2 2UH), book tickets here.

Swan Lake by the State Ballet of Georgia

One of the best classical companies in the world present maybe the most beloved ballet of all time – the State Ballet of Georgia bring a star-studded cast of dancers to London’s Coliseum under the direction of Nina Anaiashvili. A twinkly night to remember. 

Details: 28 August–8 September, the London Coliseum (WC2N 4ES), book tickets here. 

 

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Southbank Meltdown Festival 

The Queen of Funk Chaka Khan curates this year’s Southbank Meltdown festival – the longest running artist-curated music festival in the UK. She’ll be joined by the likes of Todrick Hall, Emili Sandé, Lady Blackbird and the incredible House Gospel Choir. 

Details: 14–23 June, Southbank Centre (SE1 8XX), book tickets here.

WOW!house

Step inside a fantastical house curated by the world’s best interior designers. Whether you’re seeking a visual spectacle that’s somewhere between a living exhibition and your Pinterest dream boards, WOW!house is one of London’s biggest annual design events. dcch.co.uk

Details: 4 June–4 July, Design Centre Chelsea Harbour (SW10 0XE), book tickets here.

 

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Notting Hill Carnival

The August bank holiday is synonymous with Carnival – and each year around two million people head to Notting Hill and its surrounds for one of the biggest street parties in the world. If you enjoy a beat, this is for you.

Details: 25 & 26 August, Notting Hill (W11) and surrounding area, find out more here.

Visit A Playground For Grownups

This is how Roof East is best described, featuring vibrant colours and sparkles that really shine when the sun finally shows up. Shoot up the elevator – or climb the many stairs – to the rooftop carpark, transformed into a fun haven featuring a beloved rooftop cinema, street food vendors, a Birdies mini golf course, Sluggers batting cages, Arrows archery and Glitter Bowls. Enjoy ice-cold cocktails, tuck into delicious street food, and challenge your friends to a round of giant jenga before snuggling up with a blanket for a movie.

Details: Roof East is officially open for 2024 at 7 & 8 Stratford Multi Storey Car Park, Great Eastern Rd, London E15 1XE. roofeast.com

Pride

What’s summer without glorious Pride? The Pride parades are a colourful joy to behold – and there’s still time to apply to be part of it. If you’re keen to spectate, turn up early to ensure a good spot by the barrier, and if you’re late, just head to Soho to experience the party until the wee hours.

Details: 29 June, central London, find out more here.

Matilda The Musical

The multi-award winning show from the RSC has been running for over 12 years – meaning, if you’ve not been yet, you’ve no excuse. Catchy songs by Tim Minchin will have you humming ‘Revolting Children’ for weeks.

Details: Ongoing, the Cambridge Theatre (WC2H 9HU), book tickets here.

T20 Vitality Blasts

A cricket late promises unparalleled drama squeezed into a single innings – these are speedy matches to whet your wicket. Hosted at Lord’s and the country over at county cricket venues. 

Details: ongoing, Lord’s Cricket Grounds (NW8 8QN), book tickets here.

 

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Wimbledon The Championships

Champions got you hooked on a racket sport? (Or perhaps you just love tenniscore). Wimbledon is the ultimate in tennis fixtures for the year. The ballot for tickets has now closed but don’t panic: there are still ways to see the action. You can buy limited show tickets each day – or a Grounds ticket – through the queue. But expect an early start – to be in for a chance to see the matches, you’ll need to be physically in the line from the small hours of the morning on the day you want to buy tickets for.

Details: 1–14 July, All England Lawn Tennis Club (SW19 5AE), find out more here.

Polo In The Park

The world’s biggest Polo festival promises big summer party vibes and an opportunity to dress up. For a fancy summer shindig, this is the perfect event – dust off your fascinator, and get stomping those divots.

Details: 7–9 June, Hurlingham Park (SW6 3RH), book tickets here.

Pub In The Park

Chef Tom Kerridge’s touring food and music festival, Pub in the Park, lands in Chiswick in June. It’s got a lineup of chefs that rival the musicians – from Mary Berry to Scouting for Girls, Ikoyi’s Jeremy Chan to Paloma Faith…

Details: 28–30 June, Chiswick House & Gardens (W4 2RP), book tickets here.

 

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The Big Flea Market

Nothing beats out a flea market – rummaging through piles of stuff to unearth a treasure, haggling down the price of a perfect piece, and whiling away a few hours on the hunt. Hackney Flea Market, despite name, organises flea markets all over London – the biggest one this summer takes over mega-venue Drumsheds (7 Jul 2024).

Details: ongoing, various locations, find out more and book tickets here.

Barbie: The Exhibition 

Proving dolls aren’t just for kids, the Design Museum’s Barbie exhibition is a blockbuster exploration of 250 remarkable objects that built a following of all ages. But there’s no denying this will be a particularly good one for the littles. 

Details: from 5 July, the Design Museum (W8 6AG), book tickets here. 

The Enormous Crocodile At Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre

Looking for a family-friendly summer show to see? This is it. Roald Dahl’s picture book comes to life – all singing and dancing. The enormous crocodile is wriggling through the jungle in search of naughty nibbles to eat… Larger-than-life puppetry in a fabulous open-air venue. 

Details: 17 May to 8 June, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre (NW1 4NU), book tickets here.

 

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Secret Brunch Day Raves

For those seeking something between day rave and immersive theatre, Secret Brunch’s events are worth keeping an eye out for. Would-be punters sign up to a mailing list which lets them know about ticket releases for heavily themed events – last year included Sahara Sunset, replete with sand and bellydancers – and locations are only released on the day of. Word for the wise: people take dress up for these events very, very seriously.

Details: ongoing, secret location, sign up to the mailing list here.

The Royal Academy Summer Show in London

It’s the world’s oldest open submissions show – meaning you’ll see art from amateurs, professionals, and a mix somewhere in between. It’s well co-ordinated though by a Royal Academician (this year sculptor Ann Christopher) and promises a jubilant celebration of the visual arts.

Details: tickets from £22, 18 June–18 August, book tickets here.

Kew Summer Fete & Barnes Summer Fair

A bit like your old village fete, but nestled in West London instead, the Kew Summer Fete (22 June 2024) promises a jolly time with fairground rides, a tug of war, and dog show. Proceeds go to local charities, and there are plenty of stalls to rummage around, too. If you miss this one, check out the Barnes summer fair instead (13 July 2024).

Details: Kew Summer Fete on 22 June, more info here; Barnes Summer Fair on 13 July, more info here.

 

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Classical Pride

A celebration of LGBTQ+ talent in classical music, Classical Pride is a festival in its second year, and this year adds live show, Classical Drag, to its roster (billed as ‘Drag Race lip sync battles but to opera’). Over seven days, expect an incredible lineup of the best queer musicians going.

Details: 3–7 July, various locations, book tickets here.

RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival

This summer in London, explore Henry VIII’s old digs – and see how the grounds transform for the world’s largest flower show. You’ll see fabulous florals, experience workshops in horticulture, and be able to shop all sorts of outdoor gear.

Details: 2–7 July, Hampton Court Palace (KT8 0DL), book tickets here.

West End Live

Trafalgar Square fills up each year for an annual celebration of all things musical theatre – West End Live is a weekend of song and dance and features over 50 performances. Best of all, it’s a non ticketed event – but, be warned, it operates on a one-in-one-out system and it gets busy very early.

Details: 22–23 June, Trafalgar Square (WC2N), find out more here.