What's On This Summer
There's nowhere quite like London in summer. Royal parks fill with picnic blankets and deckchairs, gallery doors swing open onto pavements full of pre-dinner conversation, and the streets slow to a gentler, sun-drenched pace. From open-air theatre and royal pageantry to world-class art and summer festivals, the city comes alive with things to see and do.
Here's our guide to what's on across London this season. Whether you're discovering the city for the first time or know it like your own, there's always something new to explore
Royal Academy Summer Exhibition
Burlington House, Piccadilly | 16 June – 23 August
The world's longest-running open-submission art show returns to Burlington House, just moments from Mayfair. Spanning painting, sculpture, photography and architecture from emerging talents through to Royal Academicians, it's one of London's most beloved cultural institutions. Galleries stay open late on Fridays and Saturdays, with DJ sets every Friday in July and a gin bar running Thursday to Sunday.
Outdoor Cinema
Barbican | 19 - 30 August
Silk Street's brutalist Sculpture Court transforms into an open-air screening room for the Barbican's Outdoor Cinema, with a summer line-up spanning French New Wave classics, Japanese animation, and cult favourites from Madonna to Janet Jackson. Curated cinema under the stars, with dinner, drinks and popcorn all part of the night.
Regent's Park Open Air Theatre
Regent's Park | All Summer
Theatre under the open sky returns to one of London's most beautiful Royal Parks this summer. The season opens with A Midsummer Night's Dream, runs through the eagerly awaited return of CATS, and closes with Anansi the Spider, alongside live music and special events throughout. A magical, alfresco way to spend a London evening.
All Points East
Victoria Park | 21 – 30 August
East London's biggest festival returns to Victoria Park across six headline days this summer. Jorja Smith and Tems open the weekend, Lorde and Tyler, The Creator headline back-to-back nights, and Twenty One Pilots close out the festival, alongside Outbreak Fest's heavier lineup featuring Deftones, IDLES, Amyl and the Sniffers and Interpol. A vibrant addition to any London summer visit, with free community programming running alongside the main stages throughout the week.
The Changing Of 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
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.