Events in London in June 2026: Festivals, Exhibitions + Things to Do
June is one of our favourite times to visit London.
The weather is warm (but not too hot) and long summer evenings bring lots of opportunities for sightseeing. Schools are still in session in the U.K and there are no bank holidays so it’s also a quieter time to visit, enabling visitors to enjoy less busy attractions and public transport.
This guide focuses on the best events and experiences happening in London in June 2026 that you can plan your perfect trip.
If you want to know what weather to expect in June and what to pack, read our comprehensive guide to visiting London in June.
Key events in London in June 2026
London in June is all about getting outside to enjoy the great British summer! You’ll also be treated to some of the U.K’s most iconic events.
Trooping The Colour 2026
Trooping the Colour is a special ceremony to celebrate the official (not actual) birthday of the British monarch. The public ceremony has been held since 1748.
The ceremony starts with King Charles inspecting hundreds of troops in Horse Guards Parade. This is followed by a parade of the armed forces from Horse Guards Parade along a flag decked Mall to Buckingham Palace.
Expect cavalry, marching bands and incredible pomp and pageantry. This year the parade will feature 1,400 service personnel, 200 horses and 400 musicians. There’ll also be a gun salute and a fly past by the Royal Air Force (at 1pm).
Members of the Royal Family ride horses or travel in carriages alongside the parade so it’s a great chance to see some famous faces. At the end of the ceremony, the Royal Family appear on the famous Buckingham Palace balcony to greet the crowds and watch the fly past.
Trooping The Colour is an incredible sight and one that should not be missed if you are lucky enough to be in London on this date. It’s free to attend but expect large crowds and busy public transport. Seated and standing tickets for Horse Guards Parade are available by ballot until March (costing from £10) but viewing along The Mall is free.
Arrive early (very early!) to bag the best viewing spots. Wear comfortable shoes as you will be standing for a long time and come equipped for the weather as there is little shade. Bring snacks and drinks as you won’t want to leave your viewing spot once you’ve got it.
Where: The Mall
When : Saturday 13th June. The parade starts around 10.30 and finishes around 12.30.
How to get there: Charing Cross tube for the bottom of the mall and Green Park or St.James Park for the top of The Mall.
The Colonel’s Review
The Colonel’s Review takes place a week before Trooping of the Colour. It is an identical parade but without the involvement of the royal family or the fly past.
However, it’s equally impressive and, as it draws smaller crowds, you may be able to get a better viewpoint.
You will still see over 1400 service personnel and 400 musicians marching along The Mall. The parade starts from Horse Guards Parade at 10.30 am and finishes at 12.25pm.
Viewing spots on The Mall are free with seated and standing tickets for Horse Guards Parade available by ballot until March (costing from £10)
Where: The Mall
When : Saturday 6th June.
How to get there: Charing Cross tube for the bottom of the mall and Green Park or St.James Park for the top of The Mall.
Summertime in royal parks
As well as enjoying summer blooms, June is all about picnics in the parks.
You’re spoilt for choice between St. James Park, Green Park, Kensington Palace gardens, Hyde Park or Greenwich Park. For one of the best free views in London, grab a picnic and climb the hill in Greenwich Park.
Alternatively, head to Kew Gardens, London’s largest UNESCO site. June events include outdoor Tai Chi, forest bathing and an outdoor cinema. Films this season include a ‘Mamma Mia’ sing-a-long and ‘Wicked For Good’.
Cinema tickets are in addition to garden entry and must be booked in advance here.
Where: Kew The Movies at Kew Gardens
When : 18th – 21st June
How to get there: Kew Bridge overland station or Kew Gardens tube station.
London Open Gardens
Want to see parts of London normally closed to visitors? Then coincide your visit for London Open Gardens weekend.
Over 120 gardens which are normally closed to the general public open for pre-booked ticket holders as part of a fundraising event for local charities.
Gardens open for 2026 include the Royal College’s garden of medicinal plants, Belgravia Square and Hanover Gardens.
See the full list of open gardens and purchase your tickets here. A 2-day ticket costs from £26.
Where: Various including Westminster and Kensington and Chelsea
When: 6th – 7th June
London Festivals in June 2026
Taste of London Festival
Foodies will not want to miss this popular 5-day festival.
The day and nighttime festival brings together the best restaurants and chefs in London to create a huge pop-up street food festival. Restaurants featured this year include Eataly, Hakkasan and Ixchel.
In addition to eating, you can watch cooking and cocktail demonstrations, take a cooking class or enjoy live music.
Entry is by ticket only with add-on dining options available and should be pre-booked in advance here.
Where: Regents Park
When : 17th – 21st June
How to get there: Regents Park or Great Portland Street tube
West End Live 2026
Dubbed ‘the Glastonbury festival for theatre lovers’ this free outdoor event showcases some of the best musical numbers from West End shows.
There’ll be over 50 performances over two days from shows such as Hamitlon, Les Mis and Mamma Mia. It’s Europe’s biggest free musical theatre event and it’s guaranteed to be a fantastic party.
You’ll need to arrive early to bag a good spot and dress for the weather as there is no shade or cover.
Where: Trafalgar Square
When: 20th – 21st June
How to get there: Charing Cross or Leicester Square tube
Hyde Park Music Festival
This summer-long outdoor music festival kicks off on June 27th with Garth Brooks.
It’s a great venue but outdoors so be prepared for the weather!
Tickets can be bought in advance here.
Where: Hyde Park
When: 27th June
How to get there: Hyde Park tube
June theatre shows or concerts
What better way to enjoy balmy summer nights than at an outdoor theatre? If you agree, head to Regents Park open-air theatre.
‘Sherlock Holmes’ is a specially commissioned mystery play which ends on June 6th closely followed by a dance show ‘Life in Four Seasons’ from June 11th – 14th.
At the end of June you can catch Shakepeare’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ which runs from June 20th – July 18th. Evening and matinee performances are available with tickets starting from as little as £15pp.
Where: Regents Park
How to get there: Regents Park or Great Portland Street tube
Exhibitions or events you won’t want to miss in June 2026
Queen Elizabeth: Her Life in Style
This exhibition showcases the largest ever collection of clothing worn by Queen Elizabeth II.
It will feature over 200 pieces of clothing, jewellery and accessories from throughout the late Queen’s life including her christening gown, wedding dress and coronation dress. It’s a must visit for Royal fans but also for fans of fashion.
This exhibition is expected to be very popular so we recommend booking your June tickets in advance here.
Where: The King’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace
When: 10th April – 18th October 2026
How to get there: St. James Park or Green Park tube stations
Summer Exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts
This annual exhibition of new and emerging artists has been held every year since 1769.
In addition to paintings, you can expect sculpture, architectural works, photography and films with many works available to buy. If you’re looking for a unique souvenir, this is the exhibition to visit!
Tickets start from £23.50 and must be booked in advance
Where: Royal Academy of Arts, Burlington House, Piccadilly
When: June 16th – August 23rd
How to get there: Piccadilly or Green Park tube
London’s major museums and galleries
Most major museums and galleries in London are free to enter but will charge admission fees to limited-time exhibitions, including the ones listed below.
The British Museum has a range of exhibitions in June ranging from ‘Samurai’, ‘Sufi Life and Art’ and ‘Hawaii: Kingdoms Across the Ocean.’Â
Visit the Tate Modern for the exhibition of colourful paintings by Hurvin Anderson or by American artist James McNeill Whistler.
The V&A hosts an exhibition about women print makers in June or visit the new V&A East Storehouse to see their collection of David Bowie memorabilia.
June is a busy time in London and you’ll be spoilt for choice as to which festival or event to attend. We recommend including some of the free and ticketed events mentioned above as they will enhance your visit to London in June.
Be part of London’s summertime celebrations!
Read more – Events in London in April | Events in London in May
