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 Scarlett Welch

Last updated on 28th March 2025



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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tonight Josephine

Discounts available on certain events

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.

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.

Sherlock Escape Rooms

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. 

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. 

Event - The Great Gatsby on the Thames

@ Dixie Queen on Thu, 1st May 2025 @ 18:00 - 22:00

Step aboard the Dixie Queen and experience an unforgettable evening on the Thames, where the roaring 20s meet modern luxury. For the first time ever, Thames Luxury Charters opens its doors to the public for The Great Gatsby on the Thames.

Expect live entertainment, immersive experiences, and jaw-dropping surprises, all set against the iconic London skyline. Sip on signature cocktails, indulge in exquisite bites, and try your luck at the casino tables, all while posing in front of a 360° photo booth. With exclusive event enhancements like a bespoke gin bar and stunning floral installations, this is an evening of unparalleled luxury.

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.

Moonshine Saloon: Western Cocktail Experience

@ Moonshine Saloon on Various dates from Tuesday 1st April 2025

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.

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.

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.

Lil' Nashville: Nashville Honky Tonk Bar, Live Country Music, Line Dancing & BBQ Night

@ Lil' Nashville on Sat, 31st May 2025 @ multiple start times (see ticket info)

Situated in Chiswick, Lil' Nashville is a country-themed bar and restaurant that hosts a regular lineup of entertainment. This month, they're promising a night of live country music, line dancing and barbecue, recreating America's honky-tonk scene in London.

There'll be live bands and singers playing throughout the evening, while their talented line dancing team teach you some traditional Tennessee moves. DJs will keep the party going until midnight, and there's the option to tuck into some tasty US-style food as well.

Mr Fogg's Cocktail Experiments

@ Mr Fogg's Apothecary on Saturday 5th April 2025 and 32 other Saturdays

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'.

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.

Haus Of Cabaret

This month, Haus Of Cabaret 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.

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.

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.

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.

Silent Sounds Boat Party

@ The Silent Disco Boat on Saturday 19th April 2025 and 10 other Saturdays

Save 10% on ticket 3rd Release Ballie Ballerson with discount code 2025
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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, with three different DJs playing the best of hip hop, pop and RnB.

There are three bars on board, which you can take advantage of while admiring the views. Tickets start from just £27, and you can head to Ballie Ballerson for the after-party once you're back on dry land, where you'll receive a 40% discount on their usual entry fee.

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.

Hip Hop Brunch™

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.

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.

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.

Rye Lane Beer Festival

@ Eko Brewery London on Sat, 17th May 2025 @ multiple start times (see ticket info)

This May, Eko Brewery in Peckham are hosting the Rye Lane Beer Festival, split across both an afternoon an evening session. Tickets cost £49 per person, including unlimited drinks and a free Eko-branded festival glass.

There's a curated lineup of breweries from all over the UK, who will be pouring their very best tipples for you to try. You'll also be able to enjoy tasty street food from a number of vendors, and there'll be live music and DJs throughout.

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. 

The Comedy Hump

@ Backyard Comedy Club on Wednesday 2nd April 2025 and 2 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.

Bougie Drag Bottomless Brunch London

@ Vauxhall Arches / The Garden on Saturday 12th April 2025 and 16 other Saturdays

Save £5.00 on ticket Bougie Drag Bottomless Brunch Ticket - 1pm with discount code SPRING5
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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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

Mr Fogg's

May at Mr Fogg's is all about indulgence and discovery. Join them at the Victorian Gin Tasting Masterclass at Mr Fogg's Hat Tavern & Gin Club for a curated gin journey, or solve a thrilling Murder Mystery at Mr Fogg's Residence.

For a whimsical escape, dive into the Topsy Turvy Tea at Mr Fogg's Pawnbrokers, where fun and flavour collide. May also brings the return of delightful brunches like the Botanical Brunch at Mr Fogg's Botanical Tavern, making it the perfect time to immerse yourself in the quirky charm of Mr Fogg's world.