June in London is like a glossy fashion editorial come to life—equal parts spectacle, trend report and offbeat charm. This month, the city rolls out the red carpet for SXSW’s London debut (yes, really), welcomes the return of open-air theatre in Regent’s Park, and transforms its Tube map into a musical tapestry. And while the weather might still be flirting with indecision, your calendar shouldn’t be: design lovers, music obsessives and anyone who’s ever Instagrammed a negroni next to a sculpture will find their social lives maxed out. It’s London in high definition—messy, marvellous, and buzzing with ideas.
But don’t mistake the cultural chaos for a lack of refinement. This is still the city of private gardens behind locked gates, of opulent jazz at the Barbican, and of £15 gyros served alongside Chaka Khan at Hampton Court Palace. You can sip natural wine while watching a Broadway transfer in a royal park, or ponder feminist critiques of luxury consumerism at a gallery in Fitzrovia. Whether you're soaking in the scent of Regent’s Park roses or queuing for an outdoor screening of The Godfather in Peckham, the through-line is always the same: unapologetic curiosity, with a side of British irreverence.
Culture and Entertainment
SXSW London
(2–7 June)
Forget the long-haul flight to Austin—SXSW has officially landed in Shoreditch. For its first-ever London edition, the festival will stretch across more than 70 music events in venues like Village Underground and Shoreditch Town Hall, showcasing the next wave of global music talent. There’ll be over 400 panels and talks covering tech, fashion, politics and the business of being interesting in 2025. Film fans, take note: 250 screenings, including international premieres, are also part of the programme. No surprise, then, that the creative crowd is already blocking out their entire week.
The Great Exhibition Road Festival (8–9 June)
Science, tech, design and culture collide in South Kensington’s museum district for one weekend only. Think of it as a street party curated by the V&A, the Science Museum and the Natural History Museum, with immersive workshops, live experiments, and performances spilling out into Exhibition Road. It’s child-friendly but grown-up curious—ideal for people who want their entertainment with a side of intellectual chaos.
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
If you like your musicals with a bit of pollen and a glass of rosé, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is your summer safe space. Shucked, the Broadway corn-fed comedy, makes its UK debut this month (until 14 June), and it’s the perfect gateway musical for anyone who finds Wicked a bit much. Later in the month, expect a Rodgers and Hammerstein triple bill and an adaptation of Malorie Blackman’s Noughts & Crosses. Go early to stroll through Queen Mary’s Gardens, stay late for the pop-up corn kitchen and bar.
Barbican Summer Jazz Series
Mon 16 Jun—Sat 26 Jul 2025
This is jazz with a capital J—a curated programme of smooth sounds, avant-garde experiments and showstopping vocals. The Barbican’s Summer Jazz Series brings a global roster of performers into its Brutalist home, offering everything from classic standards to unexpected collaborations. Details are still under wraps, but based on last year’s lineup, expect a mix of jazz legends and next-gen improvisers.
Musicals
Hercules at Theatre Royal Drury Lane
From 6 June
Disney’s animated cult classic comes to life in an all-singing, all-dancing stage extravaganza, directed by Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon, Aladdin). Expect feel-good power ballads like “Go the Distance,” witty new songs by Alan Menken and David Zippel, and a truly divine production featuring glittering set design and a gospel choir of Muses. It’s family-friendly, but with enough Broadway polish to charm even the most jaded theatre-goer.
Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club
Ongoing
Few shows in the West End match the immersive intensity of Cabaret at the Playhouse Theatre, reimagined as the decadent, dimly lit Kit Kat Club. This seductive revival has become a must-see for visitors and locals alike, with a rotating cast of A-listers (past headliners include Eddie Redmayne and Jessie Buckley) and a bold new staging that blurs the line between theatre and spectacle. Book a premium table for champagne and a front-row seat to the chaos.
MJ the Musical at Prince Edward Theatre
Ongoing
This Tony Award-winning show about Michael Jackson’s 1992 Dangerous World Tour goes behind the music to explore the man, the myth and the movement. Expect note-perfect choreography, standout performances (especially from the lead), and a megamix of hits — from “Smooth Criminal” to “Man in the Mirror.” For those nostalgic for peak-era pop brilliance, it’s unmissable.
Hamilton at Victoria Palace Theatre
Ongoing
Still one of the hottest tickets in town, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Pulitzer Prize-winning Hamilton continues to deliver explosive performances, razor-sharp lyrics and a revolutionary take on history. Whether you’re seeing it for the first time or returning for a repeat dose of “The Room Where It Happens,” it remains a culturally essential experience in London’s theatre calendar.
Concerts in London this June
If live music is your thing, London’s venues are hosting an exciting lineup of artists this June. Here are some highlights not to miss:
John Legend — 1st June, O2 Arena
Kylie Minogue — 2nd June, O2 Arena
Don Toliver — 4th June, O2 Arena
Beyoncé — 5th June, O2 Arena
Jorja Smith — 5th June, Eventim Apollo
Lionel Richie — 6th June, O2 Arena
Robbie Williams — 6th June, Emirates Stadium
Alessia Cara — 9th June, Roundhouse
Dua Lipa — 20th June, Wembley Stadium
Chris Brown — 22nd June, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Five (Actually Fun) Touristy Things to Do in London
Walk from Somerset House to Tate Modern across the Thames
Start at Somerset House (go early, grab a coffee in the courtyard), cut through to Waterloo Bridge for that cinematic skyline, and end at Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall. It’s the kind of cultural stroll that makes you feel like you live in London — even if you don’t.
Ride the top deck of the 19 bus from Islington to Sloane Square
A front-row seat to London’s character in motion. Pass through Angel, Clerkenwell, Holborn, and down King’s Road — all for under £2. Better than any sightseeing tour bus. Bonus points if it’s golden hour.
Take a tour of Dennis Severs’ House in Spitalfields
The most stylishly surreal historic house in the city — candlelit, scent-layered, and eerily silent. It’s part time capsule, part theatrical experience, and weirdly emotional. Fashion editors love it for atmosphere references.
Visit the Sky Garden at sunset (book in advance, it’s free)
The best panoramic view in London and more relaxed than The Shard. There’s a bar and lush indoor garden vibe. You’ll be surrounded by couples taking selfies and girls in Réalisation Par, but it’s worth it.
See a fashion exhibition at the V&A or Somerset House
There’s almost always something good on. The V&A’s fashion curation is world-class — think McQueen, Chanel, or 90s clubwear retrospectives. Somerset House is the cool cousin: more experimental, often hosting emerging designers or concept shows tied to current culture.
Festivals, Food and Fun
Mighty Hoopla (Until 1 June)
One part music festival, one part glitter-drenched fever dream, Mighty Hoopla is back in Brockwell Park with its signature cocktail of camp and chaos. This year’s headliners include Kesha and Ciara (a sentence that could’ve been lifted from a 2007 dream journal), with support from Loreen, Kate Nash, and a surprise guest that’s got queer Twitter in a chokehold. Come for the music, stay for the choreographed crowd singalongs.
LIDO Festival (6–15 June)
Victoria Park's Lido Field is hosting one of summer’s most eclectic lineups. Week one leans cerebral and synth-heavy, with Massive Attack, Jamie xx and Air all taking the stage. Week two shifts to hardcore, hip-hop and hyperpop, with Charli XCX’s ‘Partygirl’ night featuring 070 Shake, The Dare and A.G. Cook. Sunday closes on a chill note with London Grammar, Róisín Murphy and Celeste. Dress accordingly.
BST Hyde Park
A who's-who of Gen Z idols takes over Hyde Park this June, with Olivia Rodrigo and Zach Bryan bringing major streaming power to the BST stage. Expect screaming fans, well-dressed crowds and a merch queue longer than your morning commute. You didn’t hear it from us, but you might want to spring for the VIP garden ticket.
Hampton Court Palace Festival (11–22 June)
It’s hard to top watching Chaka Khan perform in Henry VIII’s backyard. Hampton Court Palace Festival delivers peak British summer energy, with wood-fired pizzas, gyros, and fizz flowing in the shadow of a Tudor-era royal residence. The 2025 lineup includes Tom Jones, Rag’n’Bone Man, Elbow and a live podcast taping with The Good, The Bad & The Rugby. Your history teacher would be proud.
Taste of London (18–22 June)
Regent’s Park becomes a gourmet playground with dishes from Empire Empire, Roti King, Oblix, Roka and more. Michelin-starred chefs serve fire-pit demos, while indie brands like Truffle Guys and Tart Beer Co offer tasting stalls that are basically content gold for your Instagram grid. Foodie heaven, minus the queues (if you go early).
Lambeth Country Show (8–9 June)
A charmingly chaotic mashup of village fair, music fest and cider-fuelled social experiment, the Lambeth Country Show returns to Brockwell Park with vegetable sculpture contests, live animals, and Owl Olympics (yes, that’s a thing). Bonus: it’s free.
London Open Gardens (7–8 June)
Explore more than 100 normally off-limits gardens—from private rooftops in Soho to William Morris’s riverside retreat in Hammersmith. The annual event supports green space initiatives, but it’s also a rare chance to nose around the city’s best-kept secret: other people’s beautiful outdoor spaces.
Where to Dine: Top Restaurants to Book in London
For evenings when you want to experience London’s vibrant and refined dining scene, here are six restaurants that combine atmosphere, elevated cuisine, and a true sense of occasion:
Osteria Romana — Roman classics done with flair, rustic yet refined, perfect for lovers of authentic Italian fare with a modern edge.
HUMO — A sleek, contemporary space offering elevated Mediterranean dishes with a creative twist, ideal for sharing plates and cocktail culture.
Mountain — Tomos Parry’s latest venture in Soho, showcasing British ingredients through the lens of Spanish cooking, with an intimate, buzzing atmosphere.
Saltine — A seafood-focused spot bringing fresh, bold flavours and inventive plating, great for a special occasion by the water.
Maison François — A stylish Parisian-inspired bistro in Marylebone, combining classic French dishes with a casual, convivial setting.
Chiltern Firehouse — The Marylebone institution still going strong, where celebrity sightings meet expertly crafted dishes in a chic, historic building.
Art and Design
London Gallery Weekend (6–8 June)
London’s galleries open their doors for free artist talks, exhibitions and curated itineraries by the likes of Gucci’s Sabato De Sarno and Royal Academy curator Tarini Malik. Explore 125 galleries including Hauser & Wirth, Cob and Cooke Latham, where artist Kofi Perry debuts a haunting new soundscape.
Yoshitomo Nara at Hayward Gallery
One of Japan’s most recognisable artists, Yoshitomo Nara finally gets his UK due with this major Hayward Gallery retrospective. Expect wide-eyed punk girls, surrealist rebellion and enough emotional tension to make you want to call your therapist. It’s dark, cute and essential viewing.
Edward Burra at Tate Britain
This long-overdue retrospective traces the life of British painter Edward Burra—from 1920s Paris cabarets to Harlem nightlife to wartime landscapes. With over 80 paintings on display, it's a vivid journey through expressionist colour, social satire and counterculture cool.
Milly Thompson at Soft Opening
BANK collective alum Milly Thompson presents new and recent work addressing femininity, consumerism, and ageing bodies—with her trademark mix of irony and sincerity. Come for the middle-aged feminist rage; stay for the hyper-saturated visuals.
London Design Biennale (5–29 June)
Held at Somerset House, this year’s Biennale takes on the theme of Surface Reflections, with creative director Dr. Samuel Ross MBE (yes, of A-COLD-WALL*) steering the ship. Expect immersive installations and national pavilions from Japan, Malta, Hong Kong and Peru—all riffing on how internal and external worlds shape design.
World Press Photo Exhibition 2025
More than just news photography, this globally renowned exhibition showcases raw, moving and award-winning photojournalism that captures the spirit—and crises—of our times. Emotional, educational and deeply human, it’s on view at the LCC.
Three Afternoon Teas Worth Dressing Up For
The Connaught - Mayfair
Quintessentially British with just the right amount of quiet drama. Served in Jean-Georges’ light-filled conservatory, this is where you go when you want to pretend you’re in a couture campaign (and maybe spot someone who actually is).
Bread Ahead Tea House – Pavilion Road, Chelsea
Tucked away on one of Chelsea’s chicest streets, this is a nostalgic, Wes Anderson-esque experience with retro crockery, Victoria sponge, and miniature éclairs. Come for the cakes, stay for the people-watching.
Claridge’s, Mayfair
Afternoon tea as haute ritual. Think art deco surroundings, mint green china, and service so polished it feels theatrical. The menu changes with the seasons, but the scones and Cornish clotted cream are constants — and utterly iconic. Book weeks in advance.
