What's On in London Today
Old Spitalfields Market
market · market
Thursday, 28 May 2026, 08:00 – 18:00
Old Spitalfields Market, 16 Horner Square
Free entry
Historic East London market featuring independent retailers, craftsmen, artisans and street food. Open 7 days a week under a Victorian roof.
More info: https://oldspitalfieldsmarket.com/
Portobello Road Market
market · market
Thursday, 28 May 2026, 08:00 – 19:00
Portobello Road Market
Free entry
World-famous street market offering vintage fashion, antiques, handmade crafts, and food. Explore, bargain hunt and people watch. Open Monday-Sunday 8am-7pm
More info: https://visitportobello.com/
Ramses and the Pharaoh’s Gold: The Exhibition
museum · exhibition, history, museum
Thursday, 28 May 2026, 09:00 – 18:00
Battersea Power Station, Battersea Power Station
Discover ancient treasures! See Ramses the Great's artefacts in the UK for the first time. Ticket times vary.
More info: https://batterseapowerstation.co.uk/events/ramses-and-the-pharaohs-gold/
Book tickets: https://feverup.com/m/503872
Recurring: daily until 31 May 2026
From Ashes to Blossoms: 80 Years After Hiroshima
exhibition · exhibition, history, photography
Thursday, 28 May 2026, 09:00 – 18:00
Japanese Gallery, 23 Camden Passage, Angel, N1 8EA
Free entry
A moving free exhibition at Japanese Gallery in Angel marking the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. Original press photographs, military documents, personal testimonies, and survivor artworks.
More info: https://ezenfoundation.org/pages/hiroshima-exhibition
Recurring: daily until 16 July 2026
Media Networks
art · art, history
Thursday, 28 May 2026, 10:00 – 18:00
Tate Modern, Tate Modern
Free entry
Explore how artists responded to the impact of mass media in their work.
More info: https://www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-modern/display/media-networks
Mark Manders: Room with All Existing Words
art-galleries · art, exhibition, history
Thursday, 28 May 2026, 10:00 – 18:00
Bloomberg SPACE | London Mithraeum, Bloomberg SPACE, London Mithraeum, 12 Walbrook, EC4N 8AA
Mark Manders’ surreal installation blends sculpture and language, suspended between past and present above the Mithraeum ruins.
Water Pantanal Fire
photography · photography, exhibition, animals, nature, outdoor
Thursday, 28 May 2026, 10:00 – 18:00
Science Museum, Science Museum, Kensington
Free entry
Discover the fragile beauty of the Pantanal wetland through breathtaking photography. Free entry.
More info: https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/see-and-do/water-pantanal-fire
Recurring: daily until 31 May 2026
Cecily Brown: Picture Making
art-galleries · art, exhibition, gallery, nature, photography
Thursday, 28 May 2026, 10:00 – 18:00
Serpentine South Gallery , Serpentine South Gallery, Kensington Gardens, W2 3XA
Free entry
Experience Cecily Brown’s powerful new paintings and drawings. Celebrate nature, memory, desire.
More info: https://www.serpentinegalleries.org/whats-on/cecily-brown-picture-making/
Book tickets: https://serpentinegalleries.ticketing.veevartapp.com/tickets/view/list
Katharina Grosse, Bermondsey (2026)
art-galleries · art, exhibition, gallery
Thursday, 28 May 2026, 10:00 – 18:00
White Cube - Bermondsey, 144–152 Bermondsey Street London SE1 3TQ
Free entry
Explore Katharina Grosse's vibrant new exhibition, 'I Set Out, I Walked Fast', a return to White Cube London.
More info: https://www.whitecube.com/gallery-exhibitions/katharina-grosse-bermondsey-2026
Lisa Barnard: The Canary and the Hammer
photography · art, exhibition, outdoor, photography, history
Thursday, 28 May 2026, 10:00 – 20:00
The Photographers' Gallery, The Photographers' Gallery, 16-18 Ramillies Street, W1F 7LW
Free entry
A free outdoor exhibition unravelling gold's dark history of greed, power & global crisis. Soho Photography Quarter, 8th-31st May.
More info: https://thephotographersgallery.org.uk/whats-on/lisa-barnard-canary-and-hammer
David Hockney
art-galleries · art, exhibition, gallery, family
Thursday, 28 May 2026, 10:00 – 18:00
Serpentine North Gallery , Serpentine North Gallery, West Carriage Drive, W2 2AR
Free entry
Discover David Hockney’s captivating exhibition at Serpentine North, featuring his monumental 90m iPad frieze ‘A Year in Normandie’ capturing seasonal changes, plus new 2025 portraits and still lifes.
Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art
museum · art, design, fashion, exhibition, gallery
Thursday, 28 May 2026, 10:00 – 17:45
V&A South Kensington, V&A South Kensington
Explore the visionary world of Elsa Schiaparelli, a fashion icon whose designs blurred lines between art and clothing.
More info: https://www.vam.ac.uk/exhibitions/schiaparelli
Book tickets: https://www.vam.ac.uk/shop/ticket?cgid=461
Hurvin Anderson Exhibition
art · art, exhibition
Thursday, 28 May 2026, 10:00 – 18:00
Tate Britain, Tate Britain
Hurvin Anderson's first major solo show - 80+ vibrant paintings spanning the UK and the Caribbean.
More info: https://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-britain/hurvin-anderson
Recurring: daily until 23 August 2026
Greenwich Market
market · market
Thursday, 28 May 2026, 10:00 – 17:30
Greenwich Market
Free entry
Shop and stalls with art, antiques, crafts and clothing. Over a century of community spirit and talent. Open daily 10am-5:30pm.
More info: https://greenwichmarket.london/
Wallace & Gromit and Friends
museum · exhibition, film, family
Thursday, 28 May 2026, 10:00 – 17:45
Young V&A, Young V&A
Discover how Aardman's iconic characters come to life - a cracking day out for all ages at Young V&A.
More info: https://www.vam.ac.uk/exhibitions/inside-aardman-wallace-gromit-and-friends
Recurring: daily until 15 November 2026
Tracey Emin: A Second Life
art · art, exhibition, gallery
Thursday, 28 May 2026, 10:00 – 18:00
Tate Modern, Tate Modern
Step into the tender, confessional world of Tracey Emin's art and life.
More info: https://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-modern/tracey-emin
Camden Market
market · market
Thursday, 28 May 2026, 10:00 – 19:00
Camden Market, Camden Lock Place, NW1 8AF
Free entry
Vibrant market in Camden Town with vintage fashion, handmade jewellery, gifts and street food from around the globe. Open daily 10am-7pm next to Regent's Canal.
More info: https://camdenmarket.com/visit-us
Henry Moore: Monumental Nature
exhibition · art, exhibition, sculpture, outdoor, nature
Thursday, 28 May 2026, 10:00 – 19:00
Kew Gardens, Kew Gardens, Richmond
Discover towering sculptures by renowned artist Henry Moore across Kew's iconic landscapes.
More info: https://www.kew.org/kew-gardens/whats-on/henry-moore
Book tickets: https://shop.kew.org/tickets/event/kew-gardens-tickets/booking/?startdate=2026-05-09&enddate=2027-01-31
Catherine Opie: To Be Seen
art · art, exhibition, photography, gallery
Thursday, 28 May 2026, 10:30 – 18:30
National Portrait Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, London
A landmark UK debut: Catherine Opie's striking photographic portraits challenge who is seen, and who goes unseen.
More info: https://www.npg.org.uk/whatson/exhibitions/2026/catherine-opie-to-be-seen
Brick Lane Market
market · market
Thursday, 28 May 2026, 11:00 – 18:30
Brick Lane Market
Free entry
Hunt for bargains among bustling stalls with vintage fashion, antiques, and fabrics. Enjoy street food and curry houses. Multiple markets throughout the week
More info: https://www.trumanbrewery.com/web/markets.pl
Ranti Bam
art-galleries · exhibition, art, cinema, gallery
Thursday, 28 May 2026, 12:00 – 18:00
South London Gallery, South London Gallery, 82 Peckham Road, SE15 5LQ
Free entry
Immerse yourself in Sacred Groves, the SLG’s first solo show by British-Nigerian artist Ranti Bam, where clay, film and sound create a space for rest, spirit and gathering.
More info: https://www.southlondongallery.org/journal/2026-exhibitions/
Skate 50
art · sport, photography, cinema, film, exhibition
Thursday, 28 May 2026, 12:00 – 20:00
Southbank Centre - Undercroft, Southbank Centre, London
Free entry
Skate 50 celebrates 50 years of Southbank’s iconic Undercroft skate space with film, photography and sound, shaped by the skating community. Free - ticket required.
More info: https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/skate-50/
Encounters: Giacometti x Lynda Benglis
art · art, exhibition
Thursday, 28 May 2026, 12:00 – 20:00
The Barbican Centre, Barbican Centre
Intergenerational dialogue between Giacometti's sculptures and contemporary works by Lynda Benglis.
More info: https://www.barbican.org.uk/whats-on/2026/event/encounters-giacometti-x-lynda-benglis
Genuine Fake Premium Economy
art · art, exhibition
Thursday, 28 May 2026, 12:00 – 23:00
Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA), ICA, The Mall, SW1Y 5AH
Explore class, inheritance, and values through art. Three emerging artists question capitalism's impact.
More info: https://www.ica.art/exhibitions/genuine-fake-premium-economy
Paulo Nimer Pjota
art-galleries · art, exhibition, gallery, history, animals
Thursday, 28 May 2026, 12:00 – 18:00
South London Gallery, South London Gallery, 82 Peckham Road, SE15 5LQ
Free entry
Brazilian artist Pjota blends art history, mythology & pop culture in vivid oil/tempera/acrylic paintings. Mythical beasts, dragons & cosmic motifs fill a magical mural environment, remixing realities into a bold new universe.
More info: https://www.southlondongallery.org/journal/2026-exhibitions/
Live at Larry's - Jazz Evenings
music · music
Thursday, 28 May 2026, 17:00 – 23:00
Larry's, National Portrait Gallery, WC2H 0HE
Live jazz evenings whilst dining in the glitz and glam of Larry's, with an extensive wine list and cocktail menu. Wed 20:00-23:00, Thu-Sat 17:00-23:00.
Band Night
music · music, pub
Thursday, 28 May 2026, 19:00 – 01:00
The Good Mixer, 30 Inverness St, London NW1 7HJ
Free entry
Discover fresh sounds every Thursday from 7pm. New & emerging bands & artists. Free tickets online.
More info: https://www.thegoodmixer.co.uk/events
Quiz Night at The Hanbury
quiz · quiz
Thursday, 28 May 2026, 19:00 – 23:00
The Hanbury, 33 Linton St, London N1 7DU
Prove you're the brains of the bunch! Join an ever-popular quiz night every Thursday at 7pm. Great questions, good laughs & brilliant company await.
More info: https://www.thehanbury.co.uk/events/pub-quiz/
Recurring: weekly
Bingo at The Hercules
social · pub
Thursday, 28 May 2026, 19:00 – 23:00
The Hercules, 504 Holloway Rd, London N7 6JA
Eyes down at 7pm! Lively Thursday bingo nights with fantastic cash prizes, friendly faces & vibrant pub craic. Just turn up and test your luck!
More info: https://www.theherculesholloway.co.uk/weekly-bingo/
Open Mic Night at The Victoria
music · music, pub
Thursday, 28 May 2026, 19:00 – 22:30
The Victoria, 34 Scotland Green, N17 9TT
Free entry
Open mic night featuring solo acts or duos performing original songs, covers, or spoken word. Bring your instrument or use our guitar and keyboard. Free drink for performers!
Buck Bingo at The Roebuck
social · pub, bingo
Thursday, 28 May 2026, 19:30
The Roebuck, 50 Great Dover St, SE1 4YG
Buck Bingo! Last Thursday of the month at 7:30 PM. Games, prizes & fabulous drag performances hosted by Luqchérie.
More info: https://www.theroebuck.net/whats-on/
Live Sessions
music · music, pub
Thursday, 28 May 2026, 20:00 – 23:00
The White Horse, 20-22 Peckham Rye, SE15 4JR
Free entry
Amplifying South East London's music groups and talent. Thursdays 8pm–11pm. £5 negronis 6–9pm.
More info: https://www.whitehorsepeckham.co.uk/whatson/
Quiz Night at The Waverley Arms
quiz · pub, quiz
Thursday, 28 May 2026, 20:00 – 23:00
The Waverley Arms, 202 Ivydale Road, Nunhead, SE15 3BU
Weekly pub quiz featuring picture rounds, music trivia, mystery voices & more. Win £50 cash or wine. Every Thursday 8pm.
More info: https://www.waverleyarms.com/whats-on/
Recurring: weekly
Quiz Night at The Duchess
quiz · quiz
Thursday, 28 May 2026, 20:00 – 23:00
The Duchess, Hammersmith
Test your brains & soak up the vibes at one of Hammersmith's best quiz nights. Every Thursday, 8pm!
More info: https://www.theduchesshammersmith.co.uk/events/pub-quiz/
Recurring: weekly
Thursday Live Music at The Ship
music · music, pub
Thursday, 28 May 2026, 20:30
The Ship, 68 Borough Rd, SE1 1DX
Free entry
Join us every Thursday at 8:30pm for brilliant live music and proper fun at The Ship Southwark.
More info: https://www.theshipsouthwark.co.uk/events/thursday-live-music/
Quiz Night - Skehan's
quiz · quiz
Thursday, 28 May 2026, 20:30 – 22:30
Skehan's, 1 Kitto Rd, SE14 5TW
Quiz Night every Thursday 8:30pm at Skehan's! Music, sport & pop culture rounds. Win prizes. £1 entry, no limit!
More info: https://www.skehans.com/events/quiz
Recurring: weekly
Havering Global Orchestra
music · music, family, society
Friday, 29 May 2026, All day
Hope Café, 80-84 Market Pl, Romford, RM1 3ER
Free entry
Free weekly rehearsals in Romford! Open to everyone, all skill levels and instruments. Build friendships and share cultures through music.
More info: https://haveringlondon.com/event/havering-global-orchestra/
Recurring: weekly
