London's Best Events This May

London is on its A-game this month. The usual mix of delicious foodie pop-ups, boat parties and film nights are a given, but May also sees one-off outdoor festivals and the return of incredible brunches following their departure last year. We've been out scouting once again, and come up with this list of the best events and things to do in London this May.

Last edited by Scarlett Welch

Last updated on 19th November 2025




Ballie Ballerson London

Discounts available on certain events

Themed ball pits, fruity cocktails and party tunes are all on the menu at big kids party spot Ballie Ballerson. Grab the gang and head over to their fun-loving venue in the heart of Shoreditch for a night of hilarious, easy-going fun.

Dabbers Social Bingo

Dabbers is the ultimate spot for buzzing rounds of bingo in the City. This is much more than just the game that your nan loves, it's live entertainment, hilarious hosts and a high-energy atmosphere while you play different games.

They also host a wide range of other events, starting from as little as £12 per person. Think quizzes, comedy nights, drag queen performances and so much more.

The Milestone Hotel and Residences

You won't be strapped for things to do at the historic and charming Milestone Hotel and Residences this May. Located opposite Kensington Palace, the gorgeous spot will be hosting a Chelsea Flower Show-inspired afternoon tea from £80 per person where you can devour the likes of honey, milk and black tea macarons or lemon meringue tartlets alongside bubbles. If you're more of a dinner kind of person, then you'll love chef Dan Putz's supper club dinner taking place on Thursday the 30th of May. Here you'll be able to indulge in gastronomic delights for £110 each. 

Big Red Pizza Tour

@ Detroit Pizza London on Saturday 13th December 2025

Calling all pizza enthusiasts - Big Red Pizza Tour is the ultimate way to taste your way through London's most iconic pizza spots.

This vintage bus tour takes you from Detroit-style pizza at Detroit Pizza London to Neapolitan delights at 081 Pizzeria, thin and crunchy Romana at Three Colts Tavern, and world-class London pizza at The Spurstowe Arms. Each stop features a unique slice that will leave you craving more, and with a cold Peroni in hand, this is one delicious ride you won't forget. Buckle up for the best pizza London has to offer.

Queen of Hoxton

Queen of Hoxton is coming back to life this May, with a jam-packed event schedule of unmissable parties, brunches and more. Whether you fancy belting out hip hop anthems or soaking up the sun on a gorgeous rooftop, this place is an absolute must.

Sounds Familiar Music Quiz - London

Sounds Familiar Music Quiz' events will have you and your mates on your feet, singing and dancing to classic party bangers in the cool surroundings of The Old Queen's Head. Blasting out everything from Stormzy to Meatloaf, Ed Sheeran to Tina, get your microphones and bevvies at the ready as you compete to guess the name of the song and artist.

Hip Hop Brunch™

Fan of all things reggae, dancehall and RnB? Then Hip Hop Brunch LDN is the place for you. Head to one of their wicked events and you'll be treated to a three-course meal, bottomless cocktails, tunes galore and bingo games.

Tonight Josephine

Can't wait to finally be let loose on the city this spring? Nab yourself a spot at Tonight Josephine as May sees the arrival of their epic bottomless afternoon tea. Join them in Shoreditch and Waterloo for free-flowing cocktails and tiers of sweet treats.

Events at Gipsy Hill Brewery

May at Gipsy Hill Brewery sees its Spring Celebration Beer Festival in full swing on the 4th. Tickets start from £10 and include two 1/3 beer tokens and a branded glass to its 10th birthday party celebrations. Expect to tuck into its signature sips along with some special editions that have been whipped up for the event. There will be live music and DJs to keep the vibes going way into the evening. 

The Big Bakes

Whether you head to their Tooting or Haggerston outpost, The Big London Bake is here to give you a fun thing to do this May. You've got 90 minutes to whisk, roll and drizzle your way towards a winning bake. Will you make a masterpiece or a mess? Nab tickets to find out.

Sherlock Escape Rooms

Do something a little different this May in London, as the official live game of Sherlock has landed. Taking place online and outdoors, this immersive mystery will have you playing detective with footage from the actors to guide you along the way. 

Barrio Bars

When in doubt? A bottomless brunch is always the answer to lacklustre weekends, and Barrio's is no different. The vibrant group of Latin-style bars is hosting a roster of themed events throughout May, from daytime bashes to musical bingo sessions.

THE DOUBLE R CLUB

Looking for a mystifying burlesque show to keep you entertained this month? Then check out The Double R Club, who host regular events at Walthamstow Trades Hall. The one and only Benjamin Louche will be your host, with a lineup of fantastic performers guaranteed.

Expect Lynchian cabaret with a dark theme to it, , all for as little as £10 per person. There'll even be free shots and mini doughnuts on arrival, while stocks last.

Fabulous Brunch Events London

Looking to spice things up a little this May in London? Check out what Bougie Drag & Boy Toy have to offer. From world-class drag shows to bottomless dinners and buff bingo brunches, there's a whole range of unmissable events and experiences to explore. 

Garage Brunch™

One of the best events in London in May 2026, this brunch party is so much more than simply bubbles and some eggs benny. Get ready for bottomless cocktails, awesome games and a great vibe all round.

The 90's Brunch™

Ladies and gents, it's time to Be Dope, Be Awesome. The 90s Brunch is all about letting loose and celebrating everything that was great about this glorious decade; there'll be sharing platters of brunch goods, bottomless Mimosas for an hour, lip-sync battles and a floor-slaying playlist of the greatest 90s classics on the speakers.

London Boat Party

Take your nights out up a notch with an evening on board the London Boat Party. Guaranteed to provide a fun-filled night of epic views, popular tunes and delicious drinks. these guys are bringing something a little different to the table.

Gosnells Of London

Across two locations - a Bermondsey taproom and a meadery in Peckham - Gosnells Of London has plenty going on. Whether it's a Eurovision viewing party, tastings, tours or mead brewing workshops, the event you choose is bound to be the highlight of your calendar.

What's On at Mrs Riot

This month, spice up your plans with a trip to Mrs Riot, the ultimate party bar in Covent Garden. Best known for their lively drag entertainment, you can always count on these guys for a good time, and they host multiple free events too.

Their bottomless drag brunches are a popular choice for weekend fun, or there's also drag bingo on Wednesdays. And if you fancy a boogie, then there's RnB evenings and their Funky Fresh Fridays to make the most of.

DRAGBUS London

Discounts available on certain events

If unique sightseeing tours and drag entertainment are your two favourite things, then check out Drag Bus. This is a two-hour tour of Central London on a double decker bus, where you'll journey past some of London's most iconic landmarks.

Expect non-stop drag entertainment from a talented queen - we're talking music, dancing, jokes and interactive games. You'll receive a welcome glass of prosecco, and there are more drinks available to preorder. If you're a big West End fan, they've also got a Magic of the Musicals event.

Backyard Comedy Club

If you're searching for fun things to do this May in London, look no further than a trip to Backyard Comedy Club. From mega headliners to up-and-coming stars on the UK circuit, this event has it all. Better yet, tickets start at just £7.50.

Bougie Drag Bottomless Brunch London

@ Vauxhall Arches / The Garden on Saturday 13th December 2025 and 23 other Saturdays

Save £5.00 on ticket Full Bottomless Brunch with discount code CYBER5
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Salsa! Temple are hosting a fantastic Bougie Drag Bottomless Brunch this May, complete with lip syncing battles, dance-offs and catwalk contests alongside a delicious dish and 90 minutes of free-flowing drinks served by butlers in the buff. There will be live DJs playing throughout the four-hour party, as well as guest performances from some of the stars of RuPaul's Drag Race UK.

The Exhibit

If you're in the Balham area, The Exhibit is a cracking spot to check out this month. Enjoy an awesome lineup of events from life drawings with a professional artist to horror movie screenings and hilarious comedy acts.

BOXPARK Shoreditch

This May, BOXPARK Shoreditch is turning up the volume on East London energy with its Summer In Shoreditch series, offering a packed lineup of events that blend food, music, and culture under one buzzing rooftop. Weekly highlights include live music Fridays featuring top London DJs and performers, the always-entertaining Big Fat Quizbox with prizes and cocktail specials, and the ever-popular Thursday dating for singles looking to mingle.

Mid-month, things get loud with Face Down, London's biggest pop punk, metal, and emo night on 15th May, while UK music icon DONAE'O headlines an all-day rooftop party on 24th May. Of course, no visit to BOXPARK Shoreditch is complete without diving into its unbeatable street food lineup. From the famously juicy Black Bear Burger to the irresistible bao buns at Satay Street and the flavour-packed wraps from Greekos Gyros, it's a foodie's paradise from brunch to late-night bites. 

Trapeze Bar

Looking for fun events in Shoreditch this May? Trapeze Bar is bringing the heat with a whole series of reopening parties, brunch dos and live performances from their East London haunt. Get your glad rags on, because the circus is back in town.

Moonshine Saloon: Western Cocktail Experience

@ Moonshine Saloon on Various dates from Friday 5th December 2025

It's BYOB, Wild West style. Successfully sneak your bottle of hooch into this cool West London Saloon and watch an expert mixologist whip it into a tasty old cocktail for you. Get yourself kitted out in boots and Stetson at one of the best upcoming events in London this May.

plonk

Looking for fun things to do outdoors this May? Head over to plonk, who are offering Londoners the chance to putt their golfing skills to the test. Kick-start the summer with a dose of healthy competition, as you take on quirky courses across the capital.

Old School R&B Brunch

Old School R&B Brunch will be returning this May for yet more daytime antics. Tickets start at just £38 and include live DJ sets, a two-course brunch feast and an hour of unlimited cocktails - all inside a top secret London location. Plus, there's a massive fifth anniversary sesh over at IndigO2 on Sunday 26th.

Mr Fogg's Cocktail Experiments

@ Mr Fogg's Apothecary on Various dates from Sunday 7th December 2025

This May, snap up tickets from £58 per person to Mr Fogg's Cocktail Experiment and enter the mysterious Elixir Room where you can unleash your inner Victorian mad scientist and whip up your own concoctions. Begin by sipping a complimentary 'vaccine' drink before assisting in creating a potion of your own and enjoying the rest prepared for you by expert 'pharmacists'.

Mr Fogg's

May at Mr Fogg's is all about indulgence and discovery. Join them at the Victorian Gin Tasting Masterclass at Mr Fogg's Hat Tavern & Gin Club for a curated gin journey, or solve a thrilling Murder Mystery at Mr Fogg's Residence.

For a whimsical escape, dive into the Topsy Turvy Tea at Mr Fogg's Pawnbrokers, where fun and flavour collide. May also brings the return of delightful brunches like the Botanical Brunch at Mr Fogg's Botanical Tavern, making it the perfect time to immerse yourself in the quirky charm of Mr Fogg's world. 

Sky Garden

Located in 20 Fenchurch Street, Sky Garden has plenty to offer this May. From epic VIP music nights with cocktails and music to morning yoga sessions and breakfasts or sunrise sessions, these folks offer the swankiest things to do (with a killer view to match).

Brixton Jamm

Hosting some of the most fun events in London in May, The Brixton Courtyard is proving you don't have to be in a dark room to get into the club vibe. Bringing in a wealth of incredible DJs, it'll be table dancing until dawn at this lively spot.

The Comedy Hump

@ Backyard Comedy Club on Wednesday 7th January 2026 and 11 other Wednesdays

Looking for free things to do this May in London? The Comedy Hump is a fantastic monthly event in Bethnal Green with absolutely no entry charge. You'll find some of the biggest stand up stars gracing Backyard Comedy Club's stage, showcasing new and old material that will have you in fits of laughter throughout. Previous performers have included Rhod Gilbert, Ed Gamble, Angela Barnes and so many more, so you're bound to see some serious talent here.

Hexmoor: Wizarding Prison

@ Hexmoor: London on Various dates from Friday 5th December 2025

For an afternoon full of cocktails, magic and great photo opportunities, head to Hexmoor in Hoxton. This immersive experience is the first of its kind: a wizarding prison brought to you by the team behind Alcotraz, Moonshine Saloon and Avora.

Get stuck into the story, working with inmates played by live actors to break free from prison. You'll be given quirky jumpsuits to wear, and everyone can enjoy three bespoke cocktails as part of the ticket price - with the option to add on extras like a custom wand or your own Wizard's License.

Silent Sounds Boat Party

@ The Silent Disco Boat on Various dates from Friday 27th March 2026

Silent Sounds Boat Party is bound to be the highlight of your May calendar, promising the chance to drink and dance the night away while cruising past historic landmarks. Choose your channel on your headphones, with three different DJs playing the best of hip hop, pop and RnB.

There are three bars on board, which you can take advantage of while admiring the views. Tickets start from just £27, and you can head to Ballie Ballerson for the after-party once you're back on dry land, where you'll receive a 40% discount on their usual entry fee.

Albert's Schloss London

Whatever day of the week it is, you can count on Albert's Schloss London to provide all kinds of lively entertainment. They host live music every single weekday from 4 until 7pm, alongside cabaret shows on Tuesdays, pianists taking requests on Wednesdays and Sunday roasts paired with musical performances to round off the week. All of their events are totally free, and you can enjoy all kinds of German food and beers from all over Europe while you're here.

Merchant House

One of the most fun places to be this month, Merchant House has plenty of masterclasses so you can become quite the cocktail expert. Choose between rum, whisky or gin, and get ready to learn about your favourite spirits.

SUPA DUPA FLY

Just in time for the warmer weather comes the legendary Supa Dupa Fly.  Beyonce brunches, old school events and terraced parties take place across some of London's coolest spaces, complete with guest DJs, top tunes and plenty of fun.

FRAMELESS

@ Frameless on Various dates from Friday 5th December 2025

If you want to try something totally new this month, then head to Frameless in Marble Arch. This immersive art exhibition reimagines classic works of art, bringing them to life right in front of your eyes.

There are four different rooms as part of this multi-sensory experience, each with a unique theme. Expect to see pieces from the likes of Kandinsky, Monet, Van Gogh and many more, taking it all at your own pace.

The Ivy (London-Wide)

This May, in celebration of the Chelsea Flower Show, The Ivy Collection has partnered with Lillet to launch a delightful cocktail menu that brings the best of spring straight to your glass. Available at Ivy restaurants nationwide, the fruity and floral drinks are the perfect way to toast the season, all while celebrating the blooms and beauty of the renowned flower show.

But that's not all. The Ivy has teamed up with their resident garden expert, Ryan Cahill, to share top gardening tips that will help Brits turn their own outdoor spaces into stunning, Chelsea Flower Show-worthy gardens. From planting advice to design inspiration, Ryan's insights will have you reimagining your own backyard. Plus, there's a chance to win tickets to this year's event, so you could be soaking in the floral splendour in person.