Things to Do in London in May 2026

May is one of the best times to experience London. The spring weather is usually mild enough for long walks along the Thames, the parks are fully in bloom, and the longer evenings give the whole city a relaxed, outdoor energy. This month brings a mix of events that highlight both the city's historic traditions and its thriving cultural scene.

Early in the month, look up to spot the Lady Mayor's Hot Air Balloon Regatta. Scheduled for May 11, this unique spectacle sees dozens of colorful hot air balloons floating directly over central London, creating an incredible contrast against the historic skyline. It is the perfect time to explore the ancient core beneath the flight path, perhaps by taking The City of London Guided Walking Tour to see how the famous Square Mile has evolved from Roman Londinium to a modern financial hub.

Later in the month, visitors from all over gather for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, opening on May 19. As a cornerstone of the British calendar, this world-famous event showcases highly innovative garden designs and stunning floral displays. Even if you aren't a gardening expert, the sheer creativity and scale of the exhibits offer a fantastic glimpse into both traditional horticulture and modern environmental design.

For a quieter indoor experience, the first major UK exhibition dedicated to the Spanish painter Francisco de Zurbarán opens on May 2. Zurbarán offers a rare chance to see his renowned, soaring altarpieces and highly detailed still lifes up close. Celebrated for his vivid naturalism, this exhibition provides an excellent cultural retreat if you happen to encounter one of London's classic spring rain showers.

As ever, London has rich offering this month when it comes to music. Classical heads might want to check out the world premiere of Teddy Abram's Making America: Requiem for America at the Barbican, while blues fans could check out three-time Grammy winner Bobby Rush at the Jazz Cafe. And in terms of cinema, the best venue in London — the Prince Charles — hosts an entire day of Scorsese films on the 25th.

Between colorful skies, vibrant gardens, and historic art, May provides a brilliant backdrop for a trip. Whether you are visiting for the late May Bank Holiday or simply passing through, wandering the streets remains the most authentic way to uncover the city's layers. Ready to explore London on foot? Join one of our Walkative! tours in London and discover the city with a passionate local guide!

Date	Event	Category
May 2 - August 23	Zurbarán Enter the spellbinding world of visionary Spanish painter Francisco de Zurbarán in his first major UK exhibition. Explore his soaring altarpieces and exquisite still lifes celebrated for their vivid naturalism.	🖼️ Exhibition	More details →
May 7 - June 6	An Ideal Husband (Theatre Show) A theatre production of Oscar Wilde's classic play, offering an evening of wit and social commentary at the Park Theatre.	📅 Other	More details →
May 11	Lord Mayor's Hot Air Balloon Regatta A unique event where numerous hot air balloons take to the sky over central London, creating a memorable spectacle for residents and visitors.	🎪 Festival	More details →
May 11-17	London Craft Week An annual celebration bringing together over 1,000 established and emerging makers through a mix of free and ticketed events.	🖼️ Exhibition	More details →
May 17-17	Making America: Requiem for America The BBC Symphony Orchestra presents Brent Michael Davids's searing work which confronts hard truths about America's founding. A contralto narrator and an ensemble of Native American singers guide the audience through a deeply moving musical arc.	🎵 Concert	More details →
May 19-23	RHS Chelsea Flower Show A world-famous garden show presenting stunning floral displays, innovative garden designs, and the latest horticultural exhibits.	🎪 Festival	More details →
May 20	Beetlejuice the Musical The highly anticipated Broadway transfer of Beetlejuice the Musical opens at the Prince Edward Theatre in London's West End.	📅 Other	More details →
May 25-25	Scorsese Day A special cinema event at The Prince Charles Cinema featuring back-to-back screenings of Martin Scorsese classics: Mean Streets, Raging Bull, and Goodfellas.	📅 Other	More details →
May 25	Spring Bank Holiday National holiday in GB	🎄 Holiday
May 27-27	Bobby Rush Three-time Grammy-winner and Blues Hall of Famer Bobby Rush brings his electrifying performance to The Jazz Cafe. Experience blues as it was meant to be heard: alive, fearless, and full of soul.	🎵 Concert	More details →