London's Best Events This May

London is on its A-game this month. The usual mix of delicious foodie pop-ups, boat parties and film nights are a given, but May also sees one-off outdoor festivals and the return of incredible brunches following their departure last year. We've been out scouting once again, and come up with this list of the best events and things to do in London this May.

Last edited by DEBBIE RICHARDSON

Last updated on 21st October 2024




Merchant House

One of the most fun places to be this month, Merchant House has plenty of masterclasses so you can become quite the cocktail expert. Choose between rum, whisky or gin, and get ready to learn about your favourite spirits.

Ballie Ballerson London

Themed ball pits, fruity cocktails and party tunes are all on the menu at big kids party spot Ballie Ballerson. Grab the gang and head over to their fun-loving venue in the heart of Shoreditch for a night of hilarious, easy-going fun.

The Milestone Hotel and Residences

You won't be strapped for things to do at the historic and charming Milestone Hotel and Residences this May. Located opposite Kensington Palace, the gorgeous spot will be hosting a Chelsea Flower Show-inspired afternoon tea from £80 per person where you can devour the likes of honey, milk and black tea macarons or lemon meringue tartlets alongside bubbles. If you're more of a dinner kind of person, then you'll love chef Dan Putz's supper club dinner taking place on Thursday the 30th of May. Here you'll be able to indulge in gastronomic delights for £110 each. 

Events at Gipsy Hill Brewery

May at Gipsy Hill Brewery sees its Spring Celebration Beer Festival in full swing on the 4th. Tickets start from £10 and include two 1/3 beer tokens and a branded glass to its 10th birthday party celebrations. Expect to tuck into its signature sips along with some special editions that have been whipped up for the event. There will be live music and DJs to keep the vibes going way into the evening. 

London Boat Party

Take your nights out up a notch with an evening on board the London Boat Party. Guaranteed to provide a fun-filled night of epic views, popular tunes and delicious drinks. these guys are bringing something a little different to the table.

Tonight Josephine

Can't wait to finally be let loose on the city this spring? Nab yourself a spot at Tonight Josephine as May sees the arrival of their epic bottomless afternoon tea. Join them in Shoreditch and Waterloo for free-flowing cocktails and tiers of sweet treats.

Backyard Comedy Club

If you're searching for fun things to do this May in London, look no further than a trip to Backyard Comedy Club. From mega headliners to up-and-coming stars on the UK circuit, this event has it all. Better yet, tickets start at just £7.50.

Gosnells Of London

Across two locations - a Bermondsey taproom and a meadery in Peckham - Gosnells Of London has plenty going on. Whether it's a Eurovision viewing party, tastings, tours or mead brewing workshops, the event you choose is bound to be the highlight of your calendar.

Old School R&B Brunch

Old School R&B Brunch will be returning this May for yet more daytime antics. Tickets start at just £38 and include live DJ sets, a two-course brunch feast and an hour of unlimited cocktails - all inside a top secret London location. Plus, there's a massive fifth anniversary sesh over at IndigO2 on Sunday 26th.

The 90's Brunch

Ladies and gents, it's time to Be Dope, Be Awesome. The 90s Brunch is all about letting loose and celebrating everything that was great about this glorious decade; there'll be sharing platters of brunch goods, bottomless Mimosas for an hour, lip-sync battles and a floor-slaying playlist of the greatest 90s classics on the speakers.

Bougie Drag Bottomless Brunch London

@ Fire & The Garden on Saturday 11th January 2025 and 22 other Saturdays

Salsa! Temple are hosting a fantastic Bougie Drag Bottomless Brunch this May, complete with lip syncing battles, dance-offs and catwalk contests alongside a delicious dish and 90 minutes of free-flowing drinks served by butlers in the buff. There will be live DJs playing throughout the four-hour party, as well as guest performances from some of the stars of RuPaul's Drag Race UK.

Silent Sounds Boat Party

@ The Silent Disco Boat on Saturday 25th January 2025 and 13 other Saturdays

Silent Sounds Boat Party is bound to be the highlight of your May calendar, promising the chance to drink and dance the night away while cruising past historic landmarks. Choose your channel on your headphones, and head to Ballie Ballerson for the after-party once you're back on dry land.

Garage Brunch

One of the best events in London in May 2025, this brunch party is so much more than simply bubbles and some eggs benny. Get ready for bottomless cocktails, awesome games and a great vibe all round.

SUPA DUPA FLY

Just in time for the warmer weather comes the legendary Supa Dupa Fly.  Beyonce brunches, old school events and terraced parties take place across some of London's coolest spaces, complete with guest DJs, top tunes and plenty of fun.

plonk

Looking for fun things to do outdoors this May? Head over to plonk, who are offering Londoners the chance to putt their golfing skills to the test. Kick-start the summer with a dose of healthy competition, as you take on quirky courses across the capital.

Barrio Bars

When in doubt? A bottomless brunch is always the answer to lacklustre weekends, and Barrio's is no different. The vibrant group of Latin-style bars is hosting a roster of themed events throughout May, from daytime bashes to musical bingo sessions.

Haus Of Cabaret

This month, Proud Cabaret City are pulling out all the stops with a lineup of fantastic events all week long. Fancy a dark, circus-themed cabaret performance from talented artists? Or something a little more exclusive with their secret burlesque society? They've got both of those. And for something a little more interactive, you can even attend their drag bottomless brunches on Saturdays, complete with karaoke, boozy bingo and a tasty two-course meal.

Sherlock: The Official Live Game

Do something a little different this May in London, as the official live game of Sherlock has landed. Taking place online and outdoors, this immersive mystery will have you playing detective with footage from the actors to guide you along the way. 

Mr Fogg's Cocktail Experiments

@ Mr Fogg's Apothecary on Various dates from Saturday 28th December 2024

This May, snap up tickets from £58 per person to Mr Fogg's Cocktail Experiment and enter the mysterious Elixir Room where you can unleash your inner Victorian mad scientist and whip up your own concoctions. Begin by sipping a complimentary 'vaccine' drink before assisting in creating a potion of your own and enjoying the rest prepared for you by expert 'pharmacists'.

Trapeze Bar

Looking for fun events in Shoreditch this May? Trapeze Bar is bringing the heat with a whole series of reopening parties, brunch dos and live performances from their East London haunt. Get your glad rags on, because the circus is back in town.

Queen of Hoxton

Queen of Hoxton is coming back to life this May, with a jam-packed event schedule of unmissable parties, brunches and more. Whether you fancy belting out hip hop anthems or soaking up the sun on a gorgeous rooftop, this place is an absolute must.

Moonshine Saloon: Western Cocktail Experience

@ Moonshine Saloon on Sunday 22nd December 2024 and 5 other dates

It's BYOB, Wild West style. Successfully sneak your bottle of hooch into this cool West London Saloon and watch an expert mixologist whip it into a tasty old cocktail for you. Get yourself kitted out in boots and Stetson at one of the best upcoming events in London this May.

Albert's Schloss London

Whatever day of the week it is, you can count on Albert's Schloss London to provide all kinds of lively entertainment. They host live music every single weekday from 4 until 7pm, alongside cabaret shows on Tuesdays, pianists taking requests on Wednesdays and Sunday roasts paired with musical performances to round off the week. All of their events are totally free, and you can enjoy all kinds of German food and beers from all over Europe while you're here.

The Exhibit

If you're in the Balham area, The Exhibit is a cracking spot to check out this month. Enjoy an awesome lineup of events from life drawings with a professional artist to horror movie screenings and hilarious comedy acts.

Rivoli Pop up Cinema

Home to some of the best pop-up cinema screenings in London, Rivoli is bringing its popular pastime back this spring with a whole host of events in May. Expect all the classics; from The Goonies and Pulp Fiction to The Breakfast Club and E.T.

The Big Bakes

Whether you head to their Tooting or Haggerston outpost, The Big London Bake is here to give you a fun thing to do this May. You've got 90 minutes to whisk, roll and drizzle your way towards a winning bake. Will you make a masterpiece or a mess? Nab tickets to find out.

Brixton Jamm

Hosting some of the most fun events in London in May, The Brixton Courtyard is proving you don't have to be in a dark room to get into the club vibe. Bringing in a wealth of incredible DJs, it'll be table dancing until dawn at this lively spot.

Dabbers Bingo

Back for good from May, Dabbers is returning to London once again. Join them for the chance to get your bingo on with a slap-up selection of incredible events including outdoor and virtual sessions as well as bottomless brunches.

Sky Garden

Located in 20 Fenchurch Street, Sky Garden has plenty to offer this May. From epic VIP music nights with cocktails and music to morning yoga sessions and breakfasts or sunrise sessions, these folks offer the swankiest things to do (with a killer view to match).

Avora: A New-World Cocktail Experience

@ Roscorp Laboratories on Various dates from Sunday 22nd December 2024

Avora: A New-World Cocktail Experience at Roscorp Laboratories in Hoxton is an immersive cocktail bar brought to you by the masterminds behind Alcotraz and Moonshine Saloon. Marvel at theatrical sets and glowing neon foliage as you embark on a mission over one hour and 45 minutes (from day to night), sipping on innovative concoctions and befriending local inhabitants to uncover the enchanted secrets of the land. 

The Comedy Hump

@ Backyard Comedy Club on Wednesday 1st January 2025 and 5 other Wednesdays

Looking for free things to do this May in London? The Comedy Hump is a fantastic monthly event in Bethnal Green with absolutely no entry charge. You'll find some of the biggest stand up stars gracing Backyard Comedy Club's stage, showcasing new and old material that will have you in fits of laughter throughout. Previous performers have included Rhod Gilbert, Ed Gamble, Angela Barnes and so many more, so you're bound to see some serious talent here.

Sounds Familiar Music Quiz

Sounds Familiar Music Quiz' events will have you and your mates on your feet, singing and dancing to classic party bangers in the cool surroundings of The Old Queen's Head. Blasting out everything from Stormzy to Meatloaf, Ed Sheeran to Tina, get your microphones and bevvies at the ready as you compete to guess the name of the song and artist.

Hip Hop Brunch LDN

Fan of all things reggae, dancehall and RnB? Then Hip Hop Brunch LDN is the place for you. Head to one of their wicked events and you'll be treated to a three-course meal, bottomless cocktails, tunes galore and bingo games.

Fabulous Brunch Events London

Looking to spice things up a little this May in London? Check out what Bougie Drag & Boy Toy have to offer. From world-class drag shows to bottomless dinners and buff bingo brunches, there's a whole range of unmissable events and experiences to explore. 

Visit London's Top Attractions

As the weather has finally started to improve but it's not yet sweltering, May is the perfect time to visit some of London's best attractions. Whether you're strolling around Kew Gardens, visiting one of our city's many museums or taking a trip up The Shard, there's no shortage of sights to be seen in the capital. There are lots of royal attractions to choose from too, and there's no better time for those than around the anniversary of the King's coronation.

Sofar Sounds

@ Secret Location on Wed, 12th Oct 2022 - Tue, 31st Dec 2024

Sofar Sounds is one of the most unique events to try out this month, as everything about this intimate, musical experience is a total surprise. You'll find out the location 36 hors before, which is bound to be somewhere stunning and unusual like a museum, a church or even a rooftop. The artists are a mystery too, with three live performers who will only be revealed when they take to the stage.