What's on in London? May 2026

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This May, London is in full creative bloom.

From the iconic RHS Chelsea Flower Show to city-wide celebrations of craft, photography, and rare books, the capital is packed with inspiration. Outdoor theatre returns to Regent’s Park, while coffee culture and neighbourhood pop-ups add a relaxed seasonal buzz.

It’s a month of culture, creativity, and early summer energy across the city.

Chelsea Flower Show

London’s most iconic celebration of gardening returns with the world-famous RHS Chelsea Flower Show, taking place from the 19th – 23rd May 2026 in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea.

Expect breath-taking show gardens, innovative planting ideas, and spectacular floral displays from leading designers across the globe. Whether you’re a keen gardener or simply there to soak up the atmosphere (and perhaps a glass of Champagne), Chelsea offers a truly unforgettable day in bloom.

Distance from The Hari: 0.8 miles
Photo Credit: RHS | Sarah Cuttle

May Bank Holidays

Make the most of the May Bank Holiday’s with a stylish city escape at The Hari London. Their May Days Away package invites guests to slow down and savour spring in Belgravia with a touch of indulgence.

Expect a relaxed overnight stay with added comforts such as flexible check-in, seasonal welcome touches, and a glass of champagne for two at The Hari Bar & Terrace. Guests also receive complimentary tickets to a London exhibition, offering the perfect excuse to pair downtime with culture.

It’s a simple but elevated way to enjoy a long weekend in the city, balancing rest, discovery, and a hint of celebration.

Distance from The Hari: 0 miles
Photo Credit: The Hari

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Belgravia in Bloom

As Belgravia transforms for this year’s Belgravia in Bloom between the 18th – 24th, 2026, The Hari London invites guests into an enchanting world inspired by Snow White.

At the entrance, a striking floral installation featuring an ornate mirror surrounded by British-grown blooms and delicate apples brings the fairy tale to life. Inscribed with “You are the fairest of them all,” it offers the perfect photo moment, with guests invited to share their reflection for a chance to win a magical stay.

Inside, the story continues with a limited-edition cocktail menu created in partnership with Martin Miller’s Gin. Expect playful, apple-led creations with a touch of sparkle, alongside subtle in-room details that carry the fairy-tale theme throughout the hotel.

Distance from The Hari: 0 miles
Photo Credit: The Hari

London Craft Week

Discover the artistry behind some of the world’s most beautiful objects during London Craft Week, returning from the 11th – 17th May 2026. This city-wide celebration brings together makers, designers, and brands across more than 150 venues, showcasing everything from ceramics and jewellery to fashion and fine art.

Expect a rich programme of exhibitions, workshops, and behind-the-scenes experiences, offering rare access to studios, heritage craftspeople, and contemporary creatives alike. It’s a chance to explore London through craftsmanship, where tradition and innovation meet in unexpected places.

Distance from The Hari: Varied
Photo Credit: Africa Images

London Coffee Festival

London’s coffee scene takes centre stage at the London Coffee Festival, returning to the Old Truman Brewery on Brick Lane from the 14th – 17th May 2026.

A celebration of the capital’s café culture and global coffee creativity, the festival brings together hundreds of artisan roasters, baristas, and food brands. Expect tastings, brewing demonstrations, immersive workshops, and live competitions, alongside street food, music, and interactive installations. From latte art to coffee cocktails and expert-led talks, it’s a lively deep dive into everything coffee, whether you’re a dedicated enthusiast or just here for the caffeine-fuelled atmosphere.

Distance from The Hari: 5 miles
Photo Credit: Sumali IBNU Chamid

Firsts London: Rare Book Fair

Step into a world of literary treasures at Firsts London, the UK’s premier rare book fair, taking place at Saatchi Gallery in Chelsea from the 14th – 17th May 2026.

Bringing together around 100 international booksellers, the fair showcases everything from rare manuscripts and historic maps to first editions, ephemera, and unique printed works that span centuries of storytelling and ideas.

This year’s theme, “Revolution,” explores how books and written works have shaped political, cultural, and scientific change throughout history—offering visitors the chance to discover objects that quite literally helped shape the world.

Distance from The Hari: 0.6 miles
Photo Credit: Suzy Hazelwood

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre

With longer evenings, comes the return of the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre season, one of London’s most atmospheric theatre experiences. Running from May through September 2026, the programme blends new writing, Shakespeare, dance, and major musical revivals in a truly unique outdoor setting.

Highlights include the season opener Sherlock Holmes, a new mystery set in Victorian London, followed by a contemporary dance piece A Life in Four Seasons, and Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream reimagined for midsummer nights in the park.

Distance from The Hari: 4 miles
Photo Credit: Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre

Photo London

Immerse yourself in the world of photography at Photo London, the UK’s leading international fair for photography and image-based art. Returning from the 14th – 17th May 2026 (with a VIP preview on 13 May), the event brings together renowned photographers, global galleries, and emerging talent under one roof.

This year marks an exciting new chapter as the fair moves to Olympia London in Kensington, offering expanded exhibition spaces alongside a dynamic programme of talks, installations, and curated showcases.

Distance from The Hari: 2.6 miles
Photo Credit: Sayeed Chowdhury

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What’s on in London – May 2026