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London Events Calendar

London runs a remarkably dense calendar of annual events — sport, culture, street festivals and seasonal traditions that make the city feel different month to month. Here's the overview.

January

Chinese New Year celebrations (late January or early February, depending on the lunar calendar) transform Chinatown and Soho. London Art Fair runs at Islington's Business Design Centre. Hotel prices are at their annual lowest.

February–March

Six Nations rugby at Twickenham when England are at home. St Patrick's Day parade (mid-March) through central London. The Oxford vs Cambridge Boat Race takes place on the Thames (late March or early April) — free to watch from the riverbanks.

April–May

London Marathon (usually mid-April) — the world's largest marathon, free to watch along the route. Chelsea Flower Show (third week of May). FA Cup Final at Wembley.

June–July

Trooping the Colour — the King's Birthday Parade (June), free to watch from the Mall and St James's Park. Wimbledon Championships (late June to mid-July). Pride in London (late June). Taste of London food festival in Regent's Park (June).

August

Notting Hill Carnival (August bank holiday weekend) — Europe's largest street carnival. Edinburgh Festival Fringe peaks (making London quieter than usual as many creative Londoners head north). Summer hotel prices are at their highest.

September–October

Open House London (mid-September) — hundreds of buildings normally closed to the public open their doors for a weekend, free. London Film Festival (October, BFI Southbank). Frieze Art Fair (October, Regent's Park).

November–December

Bonfire Night fireworks across the city (5 November and surrounding weekend). Christmas lights switch-on along Oxford Street and Carnaby Street (mid-November). Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park (mid-November to early January). New Year's Eve fireworks over the Thames (ticketed viewing areas, ballot opens earlier in the year).

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