From the thundering oars on the Thames to the quiet elegance of a million tulips, Spring is always a season of spectacular milestones in London! Here’s some of the unmissable events to get in your calendar covering art, culture, sport, and more.
Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art
Date: Opens 28 March 2026
A major surrealist fashion retrospective opens at the V&A South Kensington featuring her collaborations with Dalí.
Easter Weekend
Dates: 3-6 April 2026
London transforms over the four-day bank holiday with a number of events, including:
- The Passion of Jesus: On Good Friday, a massive, free open-air performance takes place in Trafalgar Square with over 100 actors.
- Royal Egg Hunts: The Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt at Hampton Court Palace (21 March - 12 April) blends Tudor history with chocolate rewards.
- London Zoo: The "Zoonormous Egg Hunt" (28 March – 12 April) offers a wildlife-themed trail that’s included in the standard entry price.
The Boat Race
Date: 4 April 2026
The historic rivalry between Oxford and Cambridge Universities returns for its 171st Men’s and 80th Women’s races. This isn't just a sporting event; it's a four-mile-long street party along the banks of the Thames, from Putney to Mortlake.
Head to the fan zones in Bishop’s Park (Fulham) or Furnivall Gardens (Hammersmith) for giant screens, street food, and a festive atmosphere. For a quieter view, try the embankment near Barnes Bridge, where the race is often decided.
Roundhouse Three Sixty
Dates: 8-29 April 2026
This month-long festival celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Roundhouse's relaunch in Camden. It’s a high-concept mix of live music, spoken word, and podcasts. Expect sets from artists like Kate Tempest and Imogen Heap.
Hampton Court Palace Tulip Festival
Dates: 11 April-5 May 2026
Over 110,000 tulips erupt in the courtyards of Henry VIII’s former home. It is widely considered Britain’s largest tulip display. The peak bloom is usually predicted from the start of the event to around 26 April.
London Games Festival
Dates: 13 April-19 April 2026
The world’s biggest celebration of video games and interactive entertainment takes over the city, centred around the Southbank and Trafalgar Square.
Look out for the Games Character Parade and large-scale outdoor installations. It’s a mix of business summits for pros and "hands-on" play zones for the public.
Vaisakhi on the Square
Date: 18 April 2026
Trafalgar Square hosts a massive, free celebration of Sikh culture. Expect incredible Langar (free vegetarian food), Gatka martial arts, and live Punjabi music.
The "New Icon" Opening: V&A East Museum
Date: 18 April 2026
The most anticipated museum opening of the decade happens this spring. Following the 2025 launch of the Storehouse, the full V&A East Museum officially opens its doors at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford.
The launch show is titled The Music is Black: A British Story - a massive exhibition celebrating the profound impact of Black British music on global culture.
David Bowie: You’re Not Alone
Date: Opens 22 April 2026
A brand-new immersive exhibition at Lightroom (King’s Cross) using 360-degree projections and rare footage to put you in the crowd of his most iconic concerts.
Brick Lane Jazz Festival
Dates: 24-26 April 2026
Forget what you think you know about jazz. This festival at the Old Truman Brewery and various venues on Brick Lane showcases London’s young, underground scene - blending jazz with hip-hop, neo-soul, and electronic beats.
The London Marathon
Date: 26 April 2026
Even if you aren’t running the 26.2 miles, the energy of the London Marathon is infectious.
The area around Cutty Sark (Mile 6) or Tower Bridge (Mile 12) offers the most iconic spectator backdrops, though they are the most crowded.
The alternative is the "Highway", a key section of the London Marathon route that runners pass twice, at approximately mile 14 (heading east) and mile 22 (returning west) in the Wapping and Shadwell areas.
RHS Chelsea Flower Show
Dates: 19 May-23 May 2026
The "World Cup of Gardening" returns to the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
Expect a focus on sustainable urban "forest bathing" and the much-anticipated return of garden gnomes (the "ban" is reportedly being teased as lifted for special exhibits!).
