What's On in Summer
Mayfair summers are like no other. Royal parks fill with picnic blankets and deckchairs, gallery doors swing open onto pavements full of pre-dinner conversation, hotel terraces fill for long lunches, and the streets slow to a gentler, sun-drenched pace. It's London at its most elegant and it all unfolds within a few minutes of our front door.
The May Fair Hotel sits in the heart of it, just two minutes' walk from Green Park and a short stroll from Buckingham Palace, the Royal Academy of Arts and Shepherd Market. Here is our guide to what's on near The May Fair Hotel this season, whether you're discovering Mayfair for the first time or you know these streets well, there's always something new to explore right outside your door.
Royal Academy Summer Exhibition
Burlington House, Piccadilly | 16 June – 23 August 2026
The world's longest-running open-submission art show is a five-minute walk from the hotel along Piccadilly. Expect new work across every medium from emerging and established artists, in one of Mayfair's grandest exhibition spaces.
Buckingham Palace Summer Opening
Buckingham Palace | 9th July – 27th September 2026
For these few weeks each year, the Palace's State Rooms open to the public, including the Throne Room and the Picture Gallery. The King's Gallery next door is running Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style until 18 October — the largest exhibition of the late Queen's fashion ever staged. Both are a ten-minute walk from the hotel through Green Park.
Pride in London
Central London | 4th July
London's biggest Pride parade sets off from Hyde Park Corner and travels along Piccadilly, passing right by the hotel's front door. Free to watch from the pavement, with celebrations continuing across the West End into the evening.
BST Hyde Park
Hyde Park | 27th June – 12th July 2026
London's biggest summer music festival returns to Hyde Park with headliners including Duran Duran, Pitbull and Lewis Capaldi. The park is a short walk or cab ride from the hotel — ask our concierge about the easiest route in on show nights.
Wimbledon
29th June to 12th July
The world's most famous tennis tournament returns for its 139th year, culminating in the women's final on 11 July and the men's final on 12 July.
The grounds are in SW19, about 40 minutes from the hotel, our concierge can help with transport on the day, or point you towards the best spots in Mayfair to watch the finals with a glass of Pimm's in hand.
Changing the Guard
Buckingham Palace | Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays, 11am
A fixture of any Mayfair stay the ceremony takes place outside Buckingham Palace, a ten-minute walk through Green Park. It's free to watch, but be sure to arrive early to secure your spot, as the best viewing positions along the railings fill up fast.
Serpentine Pavilion
Serpentine South Gallery, Kensington Gardens | June – October 2026
The Serpentine's annual architectural commission this year is by LANZA atelier. Set beside the Serpentine Gallery in Kensington Gardens, the pavilion is free to visit and hosts talks, performances and cultural events throughout the summer. Around a 20-minute walk through Hyde Park from Mayfair.