Looking for fun things to do in the UK this summer? Believe us when we say: this country has got the goods. From Brighton to Manchester and everywhere in between, you'll find a whole host of cool events and venues sprouting in city spaces, including beachy courtyards to relax in, pub garden entertainment, immersive movie nights and seaside music festivals. Read on to find out more about the best summer pop-ups in the UK this year.
This summer, head on over to Bel & The Dragon Wendover, a wholesome pub that's classy and modern. Outside, you'll find its cinema in the garden events showing some cracking films from July onwards, such as The Greatest Showman, Much Ado About Nothing and more. Secure your tickets and look forward to refreshing pints and some gastro delights.
Wing Fest 2026 transforms London Stadium, Hoclkey Social Club, Lloyds Amphitheatre, Victoria Baths and Peddler Market into the ultimate chicken wing celebration. This three-day festival offers a mix of competitive eating, music, and entertainment centred around one question: who really does the best wings?
With 45 contestants presenting 90 different wing varieties, you can sample wings across three fierce categories - Best Buffalo Wing, Best Wild Wing, and Best BBQ Wing - all priced at £1.50 per piece to encourage tasting as many flavours as possible. Alongside the wing battles, the event features live BBQ demos, bourbon masterclasses, street entertainment, and DJs spinning summer vibes well into the evening. And the Splash Zone adds a playful twist with water games and activities, plus there's free axe throwing to keep the fun going.
Giving the old Digbeth Arena a fresh face, Luna Springs is the UK summer pop-up to check out this year. Located in the heart of Birmingham's coolest quarter, the outdoor bar and event space is bringing you a season of movie nights, bottomless brunches and live music.
One of the UK's prettiest summer pop-ups, The Lawn Club is the Manchester hangout designed with sunny days in mind, whether you're taking a seat on the foliage-covered terrace or lounging on their sprawling grass area. Head over to Hardman Square and get sipping on refreshing spritz cocktails and craft beers from the outdoor bar, while relaxing on comfy bean bags or cute deckchairs.
@ Hambleden Lock on Various dates from Saturday 18th July 2026
It wouldn't be peak season without the return of one of the best summer pop-ups in the UK. The Lockdown Lodge is back for 2026, reclaiming its coveted spot on the banks of the Thames.
Renowned for its fleeting, exclusive nature and high-calibre execution, this temporary waterfront haven perfectly captures the essence of a British summer. With multiple start times and dates stretching from mid-July, it's a seasonal must-visit that effortlessly outshines static, brick-and-mortar dining spots.
Alcotraz presents a unique outdoor prison yard experience in Liverpool's city centre, blending immersive entertainment with craft cocktails and a playful prison theme. You'll enter the open-air Yard, where you can enjoy signature drinks served in inventive vessels like repurposed oil cans and modified prison boots. The 'tool shed' acts as the covert bar where visitors and inmates alike can trade the prison's currency - contraband cigarettes - for your favourite libations.
You can engage in a variety of activities, including basketball on the yard or hanging out in themed areas, all while soaking up the atmosphere. Alcotraz offers multiple booking options ranging from small group visitor passes to full inmate experiences complete with prison uniforms and drink tokens, as well as private hire for larger groups.
Get on down to The Old Crown in Birmingham for their lineup of Food Fests. Swing by the best-loved boozer to get your smackers around scrumptious food, from juicy burgers to enticing Indian eats, complete with live music, DJs and free entry.
A fabulous pop-up bar in London, Brixton Jamm has had its summer makeover and it's ready to host. Head down to the South London haunt for beach vibes and brunch parties with some of the coolest DJs in the city, as well as quizzes, drag bingo and other fun events.
London's urban beaches offer the perfect city staycation with a mix of sandy escapes, vibrant bars, and delicious street food. From The Montague On The Gardens' Bahamas-inspired tropical pop-up with palm trees and bottomless cocktail masterclasses, to Walthamstow-On-Sea's classic British seaside vibe complete with beach huts, draft beers, and fish and chips, there's something to satisfy every beach lover.
For a Mediterranean twist, the Marzamemi Festival in Richmond channels Sicilian coastal charm with live music, authentic Italian eats, and family-friendly fun. Meanwhile, LIMIN Southbank serves up Caribbean sunshine with bold flavours and a beachy outdoor terrace, and Pont Plage at Le Pont de la Tour transforms the Thames riverside into a French Riviera-style retreat, complete with sand, pétanque, and chic French bites. Croydon's Costa Del Croydon rooftop brings summer fun with real sand, live entertainment, and a kid-friendly zone, making London's pop-up beaches a must-visit this season.
