This month has TWO bank holidays, which is reason enough to celebrate — and what better way to do it than to take your pick from the best events happening in the best city in the world?

We have everything from quintessentially British flower shows, fêtes and puppet festivals to neon-painted naked models and Comic Con, so you’ll be struggling to claim there’s nothing you fancy.

The Canalway Cavalcade

london events may
The always colourful Canalway Cavalcade | Photo by Garry Knight used under CC

A celebration of the nautical communities of London, this event is a great way to spend a British bank holiday by the water. Taking place along the Grand Union Canal, there will be 130 floating homes moored up in their decorative best for the pageant. As well as making for a very picturesque stroll, there will be some traditional entertainment along the way including Morris dancing, real ales, trade stalls, live music and entertainment for kids.

Mile End Vintage Furniture & Flea

Mile End Vintage Furniture & Flea
Photo by Sustainable company yorkshire ltd

The East London Vintage Furniture & Flea features 80+ stalls of mid century furniture, vintage homewares, retro fashion & accessories, flea and Y2K stalls mixed in with creators selling their wardrobes, and vintage sellers from all over the UK.


Covent Garden May Fayre and Puppet Festival

Convent Garden Puppet Festival
Photo by Ned Dyke-Coomes

See London’s oldest wooden puppet show with Punch, Judy and all their friends. There will be an accompanying brass band procession, workshops, clowns, folk music and refreshments.

Photo London

Photo by Misha Sokolnikov used under CC

Indulge yourself in your passion (if your passion happens to be photography that is) with this jam-packed weekend celebrating all things caught-on-camera. There will be book signings, special installations, a fair of 80 of the world’s top galleries and three major exhibits. Weekend tickets offer the best value for money, but day tickets are also available.

Soul Sacrifice & £6 Cocktails

Cool girl holding a cocktail
Photo by Justin de Souza

Enjoy live blues, soul & grooves from the Camden Blues Kitchen’s house band, including classics from the likes of Aretha Franklin, James Brown, The Rolling Stones & more, with cocktails for just £6.00 every Wednesday night.

Urban Village Fete

People enjoying the Urban Village Fete in Greenwich London
Photo by Wayne Hemmingway

A modern twist on the traditional British fete, this free event celebrates art, design, music and craftsmanship with creative workshops and stalls. DJ Bradley Zero and guests will be on the decks, plus there’s a range of international street food.

Free Jazz Sundays in Bermondsey Square

Photo by Amanda David

Make the most of the lazy Sunday afternoons with free jazz sessions in the sunshine in Bermondsey Square. Seating is provided and food and drinks can be purchased from local restaurants and coffee bars.

Kensington Dollshouse Festival

Photo by Kensington Dollshouse Festival

Prepare to have your mind blown at the Kensington Dollshouse Festival. See hand-made needlepoint cusions smaller than a thimble, fingernail-sized crystal chandeliers that actually light up, intricately inlaid tables and teeny tiny handbags.

Neon Naked Life Drawing

Model for Neon Naked
Model for Neon Naked | Photo by Neon Naked

Life drawing with a difference; the emphasis is on creativity, not a technically accurate portrait, so grab those neon pens or psychedelic pastels and let loose.

RHS Chelsea Flower Show

RHS Chelsea Flower Show
Photo by Herry Lawford used under CC

Everyone’s favourite flower show of the year, this iconic British institution is back with more incredible garden creations to make your green fingers twitch. Hours have been extended into the evening, so you can enjoy the views as the sun sets. The Chelsea Late Event on Friday is aimed at encouraging younger guests to attend and there will be live music, artisan food stalls and wandering artists for a creative garden party vibe.

MCM Comic Con

Photo by MCM Comic Con

The biggest pop-culture event in the UK, MCM Comic Con is back and bigger than ever — gathering cosplayers, film geeks and graphic novel enthusiasts together under one roof. There will be special guests, a chance to don your favourite costume or try the latest games, experience Asian food, manga and anime and meet your top authors and illustrators.

Head over to our Events section for all the other good things happening this month!

Written by:
BIO: Freelance writer, flâneuse and former blogger at London Girl About Town, Amanda is dedicated to sharing the latest on London's restaurants, bars, hidden quirks and general wonderfulness.
Filed under: Things to Do

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