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Summer Events in London 2026: What to See During Your City Living Stay
Our short stay and holiday rentals department has some great apartments to stay in this summer - visit www.city-living.london
The English summer season is packed with events designed to reward us all for our patient hibernation. From world-class concerts and theatre to food festivals, design exhibitions and iconic sporting events, London comes alive during the summer months.
If you’re planning a short stay in London, summer 2026 offers something for every interest. Whether you’re visiting for business, relocation or a longer break, here’s a small selection of the highlights happening across the capital this year.
Major Concerts in London
Some of the biggest names in music will be performing in London this summer.
At the O2 Arena (https://www.theo2.co.uk), Olivia Dean, Raye, Ariana Grande and Lily Allen are all scheduled to appear. Meanwhile Wembley Stadium (https://www.wembleystadium.com) will host large-scale performances from The Weeknd, Bruno Mars and Bon Jovi.
For visitors staying in London this summer, these venues are easily accessible from central locations across the city.
Discover London’s Jazz Scene
If you prefer something a little more underground, the Brick Lane Jazz Festival (https://bricklanejazzfestival.com) returns for three days in June.
Set across a collection of intimate East London venues, the festival showcases an exciting mix of emerging talent and established artists.
Outdoor Music in Hyde Park
British Summer Time Hyde Park (https://www.bst-hydepark.com) has become one of London’s signature outdoor music festivals.
Since launching in 2013, the event attracts global artists such as Garth Brooks, Maroon 5 and Lewis Capaldi. The scale and atmosphere is something that has to be experienced to be believed.
Events for Gamers
The Dungeons and Dragons Fan Expo at the O2 Arena (https://www.theo2.co.uk/events) takes place on 21 and 22 August, bringing together traders, gamers and collectors from across the UK.
Food Festivals in London
Taste of London (https://london.tastefestivals.com) returns to Regent’s Park in June, offering five days of culinary experiences, masterclasses and artisan food.
Design Events in London
Clerkenwell Design Week (https://www.clerkenwelldesignweek.com) takes place over three days in May and remains one of the most important design festivals in the UK.
The Chelsea Flower Show
The Chelsea Flower Show (https://www.rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-chelsea-flower-show) is one of London’s most prestigious events, held in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea and broadcast by the BBC.
The BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall
The BBC Proms (https://www.royalalberthall.com/tickets/proms) returns for its annual eight-week season of orchestral music at the Royal Albert Hall (https://www.royalalberthall.com).
Opera and Ballet at the Royal Opera House
The Royal Opera House (https://www.roh.org.uk) presents a summer programme including The Marriage of Figaro.
London Art and Antiques Fairs
The LAPADA Art and Antiques Fair (https://lapadalondon.com) returns to Berkeley Square in Mayfair in October.
Tennis in London: Queen’s Club Championships
The Queen’s Club Championships (https://www.lta.org.uk/fan-zone/queens-club-championships) take place in West Kensington in June, offering a strong Wimbledon warm-up.
Outdoor Theatre in Regent’s Park
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre (https://openairtheatre.com) hosts productions including Anansi the Spider in August and September.
Shakespeare in London
Shakespeare’s comedies are performed across London venues, including Shakespeare’s Globe (https://www.shakespearesglobe.com), throughout the summer.
West End Theatre Highlights
War Horse returns to the National Theatre (https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk), while The Book of Mormon continues at the Prince of Wales Theatre (https://thebookofmormonmusical.com/london).
Stay Close to London’s Summer Events
Each of these events is between two and sixty minutes’ travel from City Living’s seven centrally located London properties.
For visitors planning a short stay in London, City Living offers professionally managed apartments that provide comfort, convenience and easy access to everything the capital has to offer during the summer season.
Check out our short stay apartments: www.city-living.london
