Best Events In 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 updated on 24th March 2023




Ballie Ballerson London

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.

Hackney Funhouse

Step inside a rundown motorhome for this unique cocktail experience and stir up some of the finest molecular mixes in the city. Putting you in charge of the shaking, it's a masterclass-cum-immersive event you won't forget in a hurry.

Skylight

One of the summer's most anticipated pop-ups, this unique rooftop bar at Tobacco Dock is bringing you bookable booths, day beds, garden games and cocktails all year around. 

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.

GIN HOUSE BURLESQUE

Join the city's premium vintage showgirls at secret east London haunt The King's Head Member's Club for a sizzling showcase of spectacular talent. Offering the ultimate date night or quirky experience, these gals are equipped with the finest in burlesque, circus and vaudeville delights.

Up On The Roof

If you fancy fun house music events in London, make your way to The Prince of Wales Brixton for an epic evening. You'll get to jam out to the likes of Todd Terry, Aline Rocha, Rio Tashan and Rob Alldritt. Tickets go for just £10 per person so be sure to check it out.

DRINK & PLAY: The Hunt for The Smoking Caterpillar - Comedy escape room + immersive theatre experience

@ Ninth Life on Saturday 15th April 2023 and 13 other Saturdays

For quirky things to do in London this May, look no further than heading down the rabbit hole with The Hunt for The Smoking Caterpillar. This immersive theatre experience and escape room sees you chatting with all the kooky characters to complete your quest.

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.

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.

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.

Brixton Jamm

Hosting some of the best events in London this 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.

Sherlock: The Official Live Game

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. 

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.

Bar Elba

Craving some top-quality cocktails, bites to eat and stunning views this May in London? That's where Bar Elba comes in. Swing by the Waterloo rooftop bar and soak up the sun with bottomless brunches, suppertimes sessions and plenty more waiting for you.

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.

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.

THE DOUBLE R CLUB

The Double R Club is returning to Bethnal Green Working Men's Club this May, so get ready for one helluva night. Hosted by the brilliantly bizarre Benjamin Louche, this event will see you enjoying live jazz, cabaret and burlesque.

Hip Hop Brunch LDN

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.

The Grid: Cocktail infused escape room

@ Neosight Headquarters, Bankside Arches, SE1 8BU on Various dates from Friday 24th March 2023

This springtime, it's time to try something a little bit different in the city and head to The Grid's HQ escape room. Their events are jam-packed as you'll be racing against the clock on this super secret mission. You'll get to operate artificial intelligence tools and solve various puzzles while sipping two cocktails.

The Murdér Express Part Deux -Jewel Of The Empire: Award Winning Immersive Theatrical Dining Experience

@ Pedley Street Station on Various dates from Friday 24th March 2023

Get ready for an immersive experience like no other with The Murdér Express Part Deux -Jewel Of The Empire at Pedley Street Station. Find out the culprit for the murders and the missing jewels, while feasting on a fabulous menu from Louisa Ellis.

Blingo - Hip Hop Bingo

Did somebody say hip hop bingo? Blingo just did. This cool event is available across multiple London locations and promises to bring non-stop RnB tunes, opportunities to showcase the best moves in their dance offs and lip sync battles for those with top-notch skills. 

Bada Bingo

Taking the classic British game up a notch this May are Bada Bingo. They're fronting a crazy night of fun that combines paddle play, clubbing, dance-offs and hilarious hosts, with the chance to win plenty of prizes and some naughty surprises in store too.

Garage Brunch

One of the best events in London in May, 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.

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.

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.

Sounds Familiar Music Quiz

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.

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.

SUPA DUPA FLY

Discounts available on certain events

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.

Meantime Brewing Company

For a brilliant and boozy afternoon, check out some of Meantime Brewing Company's epic events. From exploring breweries and getting a grand tour to trying a slew of your favourite beer, it makes for a hoppy good time with friends.

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.

Dabbers Bingo

Back for good from May, Dabbers is returning to London once again. Join them for the chance to get your bingo on with a slap-up selection of incredible events including outdoor and virtual sessions as well as bottomless brunches.

Now That's What I Call Brunch!

It's all kicking off at 100 Wardour St when Now That's What I Call Brunch rolls into town. On the 7th and 28th of May, they're bringing the house down by hosting brilliant bottomless events, featuring tasty multi-course meals and top-notch tunes, from Britpop to global hits.

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.

Rivoli Pop up Cinema

Home to some of the best pop-up cinema screenings in London, Rivoli is bringing its popular pastime back this spring with a whole host of events in May. Expect all the classics; from The Goonies and Pulp Fiction to The Breakfast Club and E.T.

Hyper Reality

This cyberpunk immersive entertainment venue in East London is bringing you karaoke, VR experiences and more. If you're after something a little different from your May proceedings, then heading here is a great bet.

Neverland

Neverland in London is giving you plenty to look forward to in spring with its events. Enjoy delicious bottomless brunches in a stunning garden, drag-drenched bingo nights or a beach paradise at its tropical themed party.