Things To Do This Bank Holiday Weekend In London: 3-5 May 2025
Our three-day bank holiday guide featuring festivals, shows, markets and more.
All weekend
BANK HOLIDAY: Just two weeks after the Easter long weekend, we've another bank holiday weekend. If you're lucky enough to have three days off work to fill, peruse our guide to spending a bank holiday weekend in London. We've got you covered whatever you fancy (and whatever the weather), from long walks, guided tours and sporting pursuits, to pubs to visit for a pint.
POLYGON LIVE: Music festival Polygon Live London invades Crystal Palace Park, with performances from Arooj Aftab, Gold Panda and Nitin Sawhney. The idea is that you feel the music 'above, under, and through' you. You might be vibrating for the rest of the summer... speaking of which, check out our guide to the best music festivals happening in the capital this year. 2-4 May
GRAND DESIGNS LIVE: One of the UK’s grandest home and garden events has undergone a heck of a transformation, and our readers can check it out for FREE. Claim a pair of complimentary tickets to Grand Designs Live and head to Excel London to get inspired by leading designers, explore cutting-edge products and services, and go behind the scenes of the long-running namesake TV show. FREE, 2-5 May (sponsor)
CANALWAY CAVALCADE: If you go down to the canal over this weekend, you're in for a big surprise. Dozens of canal boats moor up in Little Venice for the Canalway Cavalcade, a vibrant festival with live music, children's activities and an illuminated boat parade. FREE, 3-5 May
RUISLIP LIDO RAILWAY: Choo choo! The Ruislip Lido Railway (which we're partial to riding ourselves) holds a Gala Weekend with two visiting locomotives, where the public can get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to keep the railway running. Visit the workshop and yard, sit in some of the locomotives on display, and — if you like what you see — find out about becoming a volunteer. 3-5 May
VESNA FEST: Woolwich Works hosts Vesna Fest, a celebration of Ukrainian culture and creativity spanning an art exhibition, an open mic night, a craft fair, dance workshops and family-friendly crafting activities, many of which are free. 2-9 May
SICILYFEST: Immerse yourself in the flavours of Sicily at this huge festival dedicated to the south Italian island's food culture. Get your hands on authentic artisanal products (pistachio pesto, anyone?), sample a bellissimo selection of passed-down-the-generations delicacies, and enjoy live performances from Italian musicians. It takes place at Islington's Business Design Centre and tickets start at just £5. 1-4 May (sponsor)
JEWELLERY MARKET: Across the whole bank holiday weekend, the Indie Jewellers' Market is in residence at Coal Drops Yard in King's Cross. Shop jewellery from 80+ emerging and established designers, makers and studios. 1-5 May
PECKHAM FRINGE 2025: Now in its fourth year, almost 30 shows are on the schedule of this year's Peckham Fringe, which takes place at its regular venue of Theatre Peckham’s Main Theatre, as well as expanding into Canada Water Theatre for the first time. This weekend see Reparations, about a woman who's spent three years in prison for shoplifting, and Street Smart, about a single mother and maths genius from Peckham who is constantly underestimated. 1 May-6 June
HIROSHIGE: The British Museum offers a look at the career and legacy of one of Japan's most celebrated artists, Utagawa Hiroshige, with new exhibition Hiroshige: artist of the open road. View his depictions of landscape, nature and daily life in Japan in the 19th century, including prints, paintings, books and sketches, many of which have never been on display before. 1 May-7 September
POWER OF GARDENING: Find out how gardeners have sown the seeds of change throughout history at the British Library's new exhibition, Unearthed: The Power of Gardening. Books, manuscripts, photographs, artworks and historical tools are on display, including the first English gardening manual and the world's oldest mechanised lawnmower, showing gardening as a force for creativity, resilience and community. 2 May-10 August
ROBBIE WILLIAMS: A new exhibition opens a Moco Museum featuring artworks by Robbie Williams... yes, that Robbie Williams. Radical Honesty is a solo show of the singer's sculptures, some of which are on display for the first time, along with his paintings. 2 May-24 October
OF THE OAK: One of the oldest trees at Kew Gardens is the focus of world-premiere digital art commission, Of The Oak, launching on Saturday. The 12-minute interactive video installation is shown on a six-metre-high LED portal in the gardens, tracking the Lucombe oak across four seasons. 3 May-28 September
TULIP FESTIVAL: Over 100,000 tulip bulbs bring a riot of colour to the gardens of Hampton Court Palace for its annual Tulip Festival — one of the UK's largest displays of planted tulips — which closes this weekend. Wander through the formal gardens and historic courtyards, and see 'floating' bowls in the Great Fountain and a free style of planting in the kitchen gardens. Find other places to see tulips in and around London. Until 5 May
THE GREAT MUGHALS: This is the final weekend of the V&A's major exhibition focusing on the Mughal Court, an empire which ruled over modern-day India, Pakistan and Afghanistan for over 200 years from the 16th century. As the name suggests, The Great Mughals: Art, Architecture and Opulence focuses on the extraordinary creative output of the Golden Age of the Mughal Court. Until 5 May
SONY WORLD PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS: One of our favourite photography shows every year, the Sony World Photography Awards Exhibition is at Somerset House until this weekend, showcasing images taken all over the world in the past year, spanning portraiture, documentary photography, architecture, sports and more. Previously unseen works by the 2024 Photographer of the Year Juliette Pavy are also on show. Until 5 May
Saturday 3 May
UNSEEN BRIXTON: Unseen Tours, a not-for-profit social enterprise supporting formerly homeless people to become London tour guides, has a brand new walk in Brixton and Stockwell. The tour, led by Rah, explores the area's diverse history, with Rah sharing his own personal experience of homelessness in the area. Today's tour is the first of many, so check the website for alternative dates, as well as tours in other parts of town. 11am
GENERATION HOPE: A free programme of inspiring events created for young people, by young people, Generation Hope is in its final day at the Natural History Museum. It aims to inspire young people to become planet fixers through discussions and workshops on a wide range of topics. FREE, 11am-5pm
SOUTHERN OUTFALL: Crossness Pumping Station has a special open day themed around Southern Outfall, a site-specific artwork by volunteer Mhairi Vari, inspired by the confluence of sewer lines from across south London. Video installations, sound design, and sculpture feature in the piece, and there's a chance to meet Vari, ride the station's narrow gauge railway, take a vintage Routemaster from Abbey Wood station, view the current Great Stink exhibition and see inside the Beam Engine House. 12pm-4pm
SHAKE THE HIGH ROAD: Independent music festival Shake The High Road takes over various venues in Leytonstone — including pubs, bars and a church — for a day of 20+ live music acts and DJs. All venues are within easy walking distance of each other and one wristband gets you access to all events. 12.30pm-1am
SAPPHIC SPRING GALA: Eat Cute Supperclub and Societe Noir team up for the Sapphic Spring Gala, a dining event for queer sapphic individuals at Kindred in Hammersmith. Enjoy a multi-course cross-cultural meal by chef Fatti, switching seats during the meal to meet new people. 1.30pm-4.30pm
FAMILY RAVE: Barking Riverside is the location for today's Big Fish Little Fish family rave, marking May Day. Ravers of all ages can take to the dance floor together, led by resident DJ Savage Animal, with activities including face painting and an arts and crafts station provided. Flower themed clothing is encouraged. 2pm-4pm
SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP: Journalists Sarah Ditum, Hadley Freeman, Helen Lewis and Jesse Singal take the stage at Leicester Square Theatre to talk politics, MAGA 2.0, and the state of the so-called 'special relationship' between the UK and the United States. They're also taking questions from the audience. 3pm
GLITTERFEST: The newly-reopened Between the Bridges brings back Glitterfest, a night of R&B, hip hop, bashment and garage tunes, accompanied by dancers and live performances on stage. Expect festival-style vibes with free glitter makeup, confetti cannons and pyrotechnics. 5pm-11pm
BURLESQUE AND CABARET: The Hundred Watt Club makes its London debut with an evening of burlesque, circus, vaudeville, and comedy at Jacksons Lane. Artists including comedy character Cheryl Coal, burlesque performer Gina Stirling, world record holder hula hooper Amazi, sonic clown Charlie Partridge, and stunt artist Aurora Starr are among the performers. 7.30pm
SHOWDOWN: See six contestants going head to head in Showdown, a competition of acrobatics and circus skills, at The Albany in Deptford. Watch circus stunts paired with spoken word, music and comedy, and vote for your favourite performer to win. 7.30pm
LATIN MUSIC: As La Linea Latin music festival comes to a close, catch Juana Aguirre, a singer-songwriter and composer from Buenos Aires and founder of band Churupaca, performing live at Moth Club. Electronic and folk musician Montañera is the special guest. 7pm
PRIMARY SCHOOL BANGERS: Remember the heady days of screeching/shouting out certain songs with your mates in primary school assembly? Relive them at Primary School Bangers at Soho Theatre. Singer and music teacher James B Partridge leads the class in singalongs, paired with throwback mashups and comic reflections on growing up in the 90s. 9.15pm
SCARED TO DANCE: Head to The Victoria in Dalston for regular indie club night Scared To Dance, with tunes by the likes of Blondie, David Bowie, Phoebe Bridgers, Franz Ferdinand, The Ramones, Roxy Music and many more. Rock band Sunflower Bean are this week's guest DJs. 10pm
Sunday 4 May
UGLY DUCK FLEA: Explore over 40 curated stalls featuring vintage and antique items at the Ugly Duck Flea, taking place in a former Victorian tannery in Bermondsey. Furniture, lighting, homeware, art, vinyl, fashion and jewellery are available, and the venue is close to Maltby Street market for food and drink. 10am-5pm
BLACKHORSE BEER MILE: Big celebrations in Walthamstow as the Blackhorse Beer Mile celebrates its third birthday with special events at the breweries and tap rooms along the hoppy route. The action centres on Big Penny Social, which has DJs and a live band throughout the afternoon. 12pm-1am
VE DAY: One of London's VE Day 80 celebrations takes over Stephens House and Gardens in Finchley, aiming to replicate the VE Day celebrations which took place there in 1945. Maypole dancing, war film screenings, and a Finchley Society display of objects relating to wartime are on the schedule, and at 6pm there's a recreation of this photo, taken in 1945. FREE, 1pm-8pm
BUNHILL: Tour guide Jonathan Wober tackles one of the most intriguing areas of London, around Bunhill Fields. Discover nonconformist burial grounds, one of the oldest regiments in the British Army, a 90 year-old public baths and wash-house, the site of London's first outdoor swimming pool and one of its most unusual churches. 2.30pm
HEROES & VILLAINS: Performers from the West End take to the stage at Cadogan Hall, performing classic hero and villain songs from animated films including The Prince of Egypt, Hercules, The Lion King, Shrek, The Little Mermaid, Anastasia and more. 2.30pm/6.30pm
PROSPECTIVE COLLECTIVE: Jamboree in King's Cross welcomes Prospective Collective, who'll be playing old jazzy classics for a couple of hours this afternoon. Grab yourself a beer, and chill the rest of your Sunday away. FREE, 3pm-5pm
UNSEEN: Unseen is a commissioned mural that's a creative response to chemsex, and its stories of vulnerability, community and truth. This afternoon the Divine in Dalston hosts Unseen: Setting the Scene, a chance for artists and creatives to hear more about the mural, and how you can get involved. FREE, 4pm
SWEET STICKY JAM: Head to The Lower Third on Denmark Street for live neo-soul, funk, hip-hop, jazz and R&B music night Sweet Sticky Jam, and enjoy performances by STORRY, RiverShaws, and Aaron and Dann Dib among others, culminating in a collaborative jam session. 7pm-10.30pm
JAMES BOND CONCERT: Theme songs, chase music, incidental cues and suites from across the James Bond film series are performed live at Q The Music's James Bond Concert Spectacular at Fairfield Halls in Croydon. Songs such as Goldfinger, Diamonds Are Forever, Live and Let Die and Nobody Does It Better are performed by musicians from various UK orchestras. 7.30pm
Bank holiday Monday 5 May
TRAFALGAR SQUARE BLACK HISTORY: Join the Black History Walks team for a tour around the Trafalgar Square area with a focus on African/Caribbean history. Hear about African kings and Queen Victoria, African Resistance leaders of the 1860s, media propaganda, the planned mis-education of indigenous people and much more. 10am-12pm
VINTAGE MARKET: The So Last Century Retro and Vintage Fair pitches up at Beckenham Place Mansion, with 50 vintage traders selling furniture, homewares, posters and print, books, records, clothes and plenty more. 10am-5pm
LORD OF THE RINGS: Can't face the bank holiday crowds? Hole up in the Prince Charles Cinema in Leicester Square and watch the extended editions of all three Lord of the Rings films back-to-back, in a marathon screening. That's over 11 hours of action from Middle Earth. 10.30am
MUSIC ALL-DAYER: Live music pub the Half Moon in Putney hosts a bank holiday special of its regular New Moon sessions, bringing musicians including local band Tipsy Moths, singer-songwriter Adam Rivers, and acoustic duo Issy & Will to the stage. 2.30pm
VE DAY CHOIR: As part of London's VE Day 80 commemorations, the Imperial War Museum hosts local London choirs for an afternoon of live performances of songs from the 1940s to the present day. Expect to see plenty more VE Day events in the coming week. FREE, 3pm-3.30pm
COSMIC RHAPSODY: The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra presents the world premiere of Lim Cosmic Rhapsody for Piano and Orchestra at Barbican. The new, 42-minute piece of music was inspired by NASA's return to space after a decade-long hiatus, and blends orchestral writing with song and animation. Gershwin's I Got Rhythm Variations and Holst's The Planets also feature in the concert. 7.30pm
IS THIS WORKING?: Take a look at the world of work in 21st century Britain. Author Charlie Colenutt is at Waterstones Victoria to discuss his book Is This Working?, for which he travelled the country talking to 100 strangers about their jobs, including a lorry driver, a sex worker and a hedge fund manager. 7.30pm
WICKED SINGALONG: Finish the bank holiday weekend on a high note, as Rooftop Film Club hosts a singalong screening of musical film Wicked at its Stratford location. The Wizard of Oz prequel stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo as witches Galinda and Elphaba. 8.15pm