London’s Best Festivals and Cultural Events in 2026

What's on in London in 2026

Planning a cultural trip to the UK’s capital this year? Looking for festivals in London in 2026? You’ll be spoilt for choice.

London is one of the world’s great festival cities. The city’s cultural calendar is jam-packed with incredible events, festivals, and community gatherings. From BST in Hyde Park and Notting Hill Carnival to Totally Thames and Diwali, you’ll find something to suit every taste.

In our guide, you’ll discover the best London festivals and events in 2026, so you can plan your upcoming trip.

Summer Festivals in London (June to August)

Summer is peak festival season in London. If you’re heading to the capital between June and August, put these dates in your diary.

British Summer Time (BST) Hyde Park 2026

June to July 2026

Tickets: From approximately £95, depending on the artist

This is always one of the top events of the summer in the city. Down the years, British Summer Time (BST) has seen the likes of the Rolling Stones, Taylor Swift and Adele take to the stage in one of the most famous parks in London.

BTS Hyde Park 2026 is held across June and July and features the likes of country legend, Garth Brooks, and K-Pop icons, ATEEZ, making their Hyde Park debuts. Plus, Lewis Capaldi, Maroon 5, and Duran Duran.

Look out for Pitbull's headline performance. Not only will the American rapper be performing his hits, but he'll also be trying to break a Guinness World Record with the fans, fans are encouraged all to come dressed wearing bald caps, sunglasses and suits.

Nearest Tube Station: Hyde Park Corner. To get there from Heathrow, jump on the Heathrow Express to London Paddington. From Paddington, either walk through Hyde Park (it should take around 20 minutes) or take the Circle line to Hyde Park Corner (10 minutes).

Notting Hill Carnival

Dates: 30 to 31 August 2026

Tickets: Free

Head down to Notting Hill over the August bank holiday to intoxicate your senses in the sounds, smells and sights of Notting Hill Carnival 2026. Europe’s biggest street festival and the second biggest carnival in the world takes over the streets of Notting Hill, Ladbroke Grove, Westbourne Park and Westbourne Grove and is completely free to enter.

To keep things calm, and if you've got the family with you, head down on the Sunday for Children's Day. The festival kicks off with the opening ceremony and the Children's Parade, as well as Dutty Mas, a Caribbean-style paint and powder party.

The following day is when the action really begins. The official parade takes place across three miles. Expect elaborate floats, dancers in bright costumes, and intense party energy. There's also plenty of live music, sound system clashes and incredible Caribbean food, and the jerk chicken is legendary.

Nearest Tube station: Notting Hill Gate or Ladbroke Grove. To get there from Paddington, it’s either a short walk or the Circle line to Notting Hill Gate (5 minutes). The stations can get very busy and are often exit-only.

Pride in London

Date: 4 July 2026

Tickets: Free

London's annual Pride parade and festival is one of the world's largest LGBTQIA+ events, transforming the city into a stage for visibility. The parade route runs from Marble Arch to Whitehall, taking in landmarks like Trafalgar Square. You’ll watch over 30,000 people in the parade, with floats from community groups and charities.

There’s also a free festival held in Trafalgar Square, as well as a range of stages spread across the city. This includes the Trans and Non-Binary Stage in Soho Square, the Global Majority Stage in Golden Square, and the Women’s Stage in Leicester Square. Expect everything from world class headliners to local cabaret acts.

Nearest Tube Station: Marble Arch for the parade start. From Paddington take the Bakerloo line to Oxford Circus then the Central line to Marble Arch. It should take you around 10 minutes.

All Points East

21-23 August / 28-30 August

Tickets: Around £75 for a day

This highly acclaimed multi-day festival in East London’s Victoria Park continues to draw huge crowds and features a range of genres including alternative, indie, and hip-hop. All Points East is spread across two weekends in August, with headliners including Jorja Smith (21 August), Lorde (22 August), Deftones (23 August), Tyler the Creator (28 & 29 August) and Twenty One Pilots (30 August).

Nearest Tube Station: Mile End. The quickest way from Paddington is to take the Elizabeth line to Whitechapel and change to the Hammersmith & City line or District line to Mile End. It’s then just a 15-20-minute walk to the festival entrances.

Autumn Cultural Events in London

Autumn is the cultural high season in London. Galleries and theatres launch their new seasons, and there are plenty of cultural events and festivals to attend.

Totally Thames

Dates: Throughout September 2026

This month-long festival celebrates the River Thames with over 100 events throughout September. Totally Thames 2026 runs along the entire 42-mile stretch of the Thames. Activities include river races, art installations, and open days at riverside historic buildings.

Frieze London and Frieze Masters

Dates: 14 to 18 October 2026

Tickets: Between £50 and £60 for a standard single-day entry. Combined tickets for both fairs are usually between £55 and £70.

Regent’s Park hosts the world’s most prestigious contemporary art fair, with leading artists from across the world showcasing their work. Held in a temporary pavilion in the park, at Frieze London you can expect to see contemporary art that truly pushes the boundaries.

And if you like your art a little more classic, check out Frieze Masters. Running at the same time, it focuses more on historical art and is a major event for collectors and art enthusiasts.

Nearest Tube Station: Baker Street. To get there from Paddington simply hop on the Bakerloo line to Baker Street (10 minutes), then it’s a short walk to Regent’s Park.

BFI London Film Festival

Dates: 7 to 18 October 2026

Tickets: Individual screenings start at £15 (Under 25s can get festival tickets for £6)

Showcasing over 200 films across 12 days at BFI Southbank and cinemas across London, the BFI London Film Festival is the biggest film festival in the UK. It’s the 70^th edition of the festival this year, so it’s expected to be bigger and better than ever before. Look out for world premiers, gala screenings and some special appearances from major actors and Hollywood stars.

Nearest Tube Station: Waterloo. From Paddington, take the Elizabeth line direct to Waterloo. You’ll be there in around 10 minutes.

Diwali on the Square

Dates: October 2026

The festival of light is celebrated by Hindus, Jains and Sikhs and symbolises the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.

There are many events happening across London, but the biggest is Diwali on the Square. Held in Trafalgar Square, it’s one of the largest Diwali celebrations outside India. The free, family-friendly event promises traditional dance, music and food, and is the perfect place to spend Diwali in London in 2026.

Nearest Tube Station: Charing Cross. Hop on the Bakerloo at Paddington direct to Charing Cross. It should take around 10 minutes.

Getting from Heathrow to London’s Festival Scene

Your London festival adventure starts as soon as you land at Heathrow. Simply hop on the Heathrow Express from any Heathrow terminal and you’ll arrive at London Paddington in just 15 minutes (21 minutes from Terminal 5).

Paddington is perfectly positioned for London’s festival scene. This is especially the case for the West London events like Notting Hill Carnival and BST Hyde Park (you can even walk), while the tube connections will have you at your chosen festival in no time, wherever it is in London.

London’s Cultural Calendar Awaits

London is a city that buzzes with energy at any time of year. Whenever you choose to visit, there’ll be festivals and a packed cultural calendar to choose from. And to start your trip in style, hop on the Heathrow Express and you’ll be in Central London in just 15 minutes.

Book your Heathrow Express tickets and start planning your cultural trip to London.