London's Best Events This May

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By Jasmine Lee Kennedy Lead Editor, DesignMyNight Jasmine is our Lead Editor, specialising in restaurants, bars and culture, with 10 years' experience in the industry. Last updated on 11th June 2026

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.




Sky Garden

Discounts available on certain events

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).

DRAGBUS London

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.

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 luxurious afternoon tea experiences, tea walks, tasting menus and so much more.

Silent Sounds Boat Party

@ The Silent Disco Boat on Saturday 18th July 2026 and 2 other Saturdays

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 £27.50, 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.

CHOOKY presents: Supper Club

@ The William Morris Pub on Thursday 25th June 2026

If you want to make the most of the endless June twilight, grab a ticket to CHOOKY's Midsummer Supper Club for a spectacular celebration of the summer solstice.

This lively pop-up brings the best traditions of Denmark and Sweden to life with live music and a stunning four-course feast packed with smoke, fire-cooked dishes, fresh herbs, and summer berries for £45 per person. 

Trapeze Bar

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

Fabulous Brunch Events

Looking to spice things up a little this May in London? Check out what Fabulous Brunch Events have to offer. From Lady Gaga-themed bottomless brunches to buff bingo on a summer rooftop terrace, there's a whole range of unmissable events and experiences to explore. 

SUPA DUPA FLY

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

Moonshine Saloon: Western Cocktail Experience

@ Moonshine Saloon on Various dates from Tuesday 23rd June 2026

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.

The Hip Hop Orchestra Brunch - Shoreditch

@ Blues Kitchen Shoreditch on Every Saturday

Move to the biggest beats this May at the Hip Hop Orchestra Brunch. With incredible live performances from the Re:Imagined Orchestra and DJ sets throughout the day, you'll hear all the hip hop, RnB and afrobeats anthems you know and love.

To fuel up your dancing feet, there's all kinds of banging burgers and BBQ dishes up for grabs. Snap up an bottomless ticket and it gets even better, with 90 minutes of free-flowing booze.

The Slow Jams Bottomless Brunch (Old Queens Head)

@ The Old Queens Head on Every Saturday

Get ready for a hearty slice of RnB nostalgia at the Slow Jams Bottomless Brunch. North London's smoothest daytime party serves up the biggest hits from all your faves.

We're talking Aaliyah, Nelly, Ashanti, Usher and Destiny's Child. As you groove to classic tunes, you can make your way through delicious NYC-style pizza and 90 minutes of free-flowing prosecco, mimosas and rum punch.

Rouges 70's & 80's Disco and Funk

One of London's most intriguing hidden gems, the Rivoli Ballroom is a Grade II listed beauty. One of the last of its kind in the city, it adds old school glamour to any event.

Get on down to its Rouges 70's & 80's Disco and Funk nights to shake your tailfeather to the biggest hits from across the decades. DJ Kobayashi will be behind the decks to keep you moving all the way through to 2am. Tickets to this night of non-stop nostalgia start from just £17.60.

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.

Red Dog's Bottomless Country Brunch

@ Red Dog Saloon Shoreditch on Saturday 27th June 2026

Make the most of the long weekend with a country-themed brunch at Red Dog Saloon Shoreditch. This Nashville-inspired event combines live country music with hearty American comfort food and free-flowing drinks.

For £48.06 per person, guests can enjoy 90 minutes of unlimited cocktails, prosecco and lager alongside dishes like burgers, sandwiches and crispy chicken tenders. 

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.

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.

The Big Bakes

Discounts available on certain events

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.

Soul Supper Fridays @ One Ninety Four London Mayfair

@ ONE NINETY FOUR on Friday 26th June 2026 and 7 other Fridays

Add some Motown magic to your May at Soul Supper Fridays. After a glass of fizz on arrival and a delicious two-course feast, you'll groove to the tunes that have defined American music for decades.

Expect to tap your toes and shake your tailfeather to all the classics from Marvin Gaye, Temptations, Four Tops, Supremes, and many more legendary artists. Tickets to this epic night of entertainment start from just £30.74.

BOUGIE DRAG EVENTS LTD

Bougie Drag are hosting some epic bottomless brunches 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.

House of Burlesque...SPEAKEASY

@ QT at The Middle Eight Hotel on Every Saturday

Make it a May to remember at the House of Burlesque Speakeasy. London's most fun secret is back with a night of fun, feathers and fizz.

Underneath the buzzing streets of the West End, the 'Burlesque Queen', Tempest Rose, will guide you through a night of tassel twirling, fan dancing, glittering cabaret and fabulousness. Grab your tickets from just £16.50.

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.

Blame Gloria Covent Garden

Spice up your May plans with a trip to Blame Gloria, Covent Garden's vibrant party haven. This quirky venue is filled with bold, colourful decor, and they're serving up an affordable cocktail menu at all times.

Their bottomless brunches are the real star of the show, themed around either ABBA or 90s and 00s throwbacks. Expect to hear all your favourite tunes as drag queens bring the entertainment. Plus, you can pair burgers with 90 minutes of unlimited beer, prosecco and select cocktails.

Jam Presents Live Music in Peckham

@ CLF Pop Up on Thursday 25th June 2026 and 3 other Thursdays

Jam Presents is a must-attend residency that prioritises music discovery and genuine community vibes. Now settled into its new home just a stone's throw from Peckham Rye station, this long-running series, curated by local artist Lou since 2012, offers an intimate stage for spellbinding emerging talent.

Each session features a handpicked lineup of artists, such as URI, SKYLU, and James Crowley, performing original sets that range from soulful grooves to open-hearted experimentation. Since these sessions frequently sell out, booking ahead is essential to secure your spot at one of the city's most cherished grassroots music nights.

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. 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.

ONE HUNDRED SHOREDITCH

The second London edition of Swirl School will be taking place at One Hundred Shoreditch on Saturday the 2nd of May. After a series of sold-out global editions, the Swirlies crew arrives in East London for a one-night takeover of The Snug. Hosted by Amari Collins (aka VinDealer), known for her relaxed, irreverent approach to wine, the session reimagines the traditional tasting format.

Running from 6pm to 9pm, the three-hour experience includes six wines, playful 'naughty' pairings, games, and even a choreographed dance, designed to make wine tasting feel social and fun.

Greg Wilson Rooftop Day Party

@ Freight Brixton on Sat, 11th Jul 2026 @ 14:00 - 22:00

Freight Brixton is welcoming a true pioneer behind the decks this May. Starting his DJ journey at just 15, Greg Wilson went on to shape the UK's club culture in the late '70s and early '80s before returning in the 2000s with renewed acclaim.

Expect a masterclass in groove, spanning electro, funk, soul, and beyond. Tickets to this extra special day party are just £5.50.

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.

Big Top 90's VS 00's Brunch

@ Trapeze on Saturday 27th June 2026 and 70 other Saturdays

In the faded circus glamour of the Trapeze main bar, the resident ringmaster invites you to an afternoon of epic singalongs, dance offs and conga lines. At the 90's VS 00's Bottomless Brunch, you'll get down to live DJs spinning the biggest hits and deepest cuts of the past two decades.

To keep you in full flow, there's mouthwatering burgers and 90 minutes bottomless prosecco, beer and cocktails. Grab your tickets to this gloriously glamourous day out from just £43.94.

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. 

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.

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, some tickets are even free.

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 £7.70 per person. Think quizzes, comedy nights, drag queen performances and so much more.

Mr Fogg's Cocktail Experiments

@ Mr Fogg's Apothecary on Saturday 27th June 2026 and 20 other Saturdays

This May, snap up tickets from £62.64 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'.

Lil' Nashville

Do May the Southern way at Lil' Nashville. This place serves up creative cocktails, ice cold beers, seriously good cooking and epic entertainment.

Dive on into line dancing, BBQ, live music and plenty more at the regular Big Nash Bash. Tickets start from just £27.50.

Old School R&B Brunch

Old School R&B Brunch will be returning this May for yet more daytime antics. Tickets start at just £12.98 and include live DJ sets, or from £54 if you also fancy a two-course brunch feast and an hour of unlimited cocktails - all inside a top secret London location.

Hexmoor: Wizarding Prison

@ Hexmoor: London on Various dates from Tuesday 23rd June 2026

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.

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.

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.

THE F*CKING FABULOUS BRUNCH 2026

@ Amazing Grace Canary Wharf on Every Saturday

At The F*cking Fabulous Brunch 2026, the delicious dishes are just the beginning. After tucking into the likes of Korean fried chicken, stacked burgers and sweet pancakes, it's time to dance, dance, dance.

DJs will be behind the decks spinning the very best house, old-school classics, funky house, and disco tunes. Grab a bottomless ticket and you'll get 60 minutes of unlimited beer, wines, prosecco and cocktails to sweeten the deal.

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.

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.

FRAMELESS

@ Frameless on Various dates from Monday 22nd June 2026

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.