Events in London in July 2026: Festivals, Exhibitions + Things to Do
July is a fun, vibrant time to visit London.
The weather is warm (hopefully!) with long summer evenings providing extended opportunities for sightseeing. You’ll be able to see a lot more in July than you will in shorter winter days in December.
Schools will still be in session in England and July doesn’t have any bank holidays so it’s not peak visitor time. However, schools in Scotland and Europe will be on summer holidays so you will experience busy attractions and transport.
This guide focuses on the best events and experiences happening in London in July 2026 that you can plan your perfect trip.
If you want to know what weather to expect in July and what to pack, read our comprehensive guide to visiting London in July.
Key events in London in July 2026
A visit to London in July should focus on two things – getting outside to enjoy the great British summer and making the most of balmy summer nights.
Wimbledon 2026
The All England Lawn Tennis Club Championships – otherwise known simply as Wimbledon – is the oldest tennis championship in the world. It has been running since 1877. Wimbledon’s grass courts and strict white dress code are world famous.
In 2026 the championships run from Monday 29th June until Sunday July 12th. Most tickets have already been allocated to local tennis clubs via the ballot system but it is possible to queue on the day and get in.
The queues for Wimbledon day tickets are legendary with many visitors sleeping overnight in the queue. If you want one of the main courts – Centre Court or Number 1 court – you will need to be prepared to queue overnight or extremely early in the morning!
Another option is to queue for a Grounds Pass which allows access to the grounds and to all the outside courts. It’s an easier and cheaper way to experience Wimbledon.
I recommend dressing for the weather (there is little shade or shelter) and bring a picnic as food inside Wimbledon isn’t cheap!
Before you visit, read this comprehensive guide compiled by the All England Tennis Club to Wimbledon’s queuing system (and etiquette!).
Alternatively, if you don’t want to waste valuable vacation time queuing, you can watch Wimbledon live on big screens dotted around the capital. My top picks would be the free-to-view screens in Covent Garden, Portman Square or Canary Wharf.
- Where: All England Lawn Tennis Club, Wimbledon
- When : Monday 29th June – Sunday 12th July
- How to get there: Walk from Southfields or Wimbledon Park tube stations or pay to ride one of the tube-venue shuttle buses provided during the tournament.
London Pride
This year London Pride is taking place in early July. It consists of a huge parade and free events across the capital.
The main parade starts at 12 pm when over 35,000 marchers will march from Hyde Park Corner along Piccadilly towards Piccadilly Circus. The parade continues south down Haymarket, passes Trafalgar Square, and finishes on Whitehall.
There will be live music, cabaret and dance performances on stages such as the Main Stage in Trafalgar Square and the Women’s Stage in Leicester Square. It will be a riot of noise and colour and lots of fun.
London will be exceptionally busy on this day so allow plenty of time to reach your destination.
- Where: Central London
- When: Saturday 4th July
- How to get there: Hyde Park Corner or Charing Cross tube
Buckingham Palace Summer Opening
One of the most eagerly awaited events of the British summer is the seasonal opening of Buckingham Palace.
Using a multimedia guide, visitors can explore 19 rooms within the palace including the Throne Room, Blue Drawing Room, Ballroom and Grand Staircase. It is a must for Royal and history fans.
Tickets must be pre-booked in advance and are likely to sell out. Tickets can be purchased here.
- Where: Buckingham Palace
- When : July 9th – September 27th
- How to get there: Green Park or St. James Park
Summertime in Royal Parks
July in London is all about the parks.
You’re spoilt for choice between St. James Park, Green Park, Regents Park, Kensington Palace gardens, Hyde Park or Greenwich Park.
You can enjoy boating on the Serpentine in Hyde Park, admire the blooms in St.James Park or grab a picnic and climb the hill in Greenwich Park for one of the best views of the capital.
Alternatively, head to Kew Gardens, London’s largest UNESCO site. July events include the largest collection of outdoor sculptures of renowned artist Henry Moore, outdoor Tai Chi, forest bathing, guided tours and temperate yoga!
- What: Henry Moore: Monumental Nature
- When: May 9th 2026 to 31st January 2027
- How to get there: Kew Bridge overland station or Kew Gardens tube station.
London Festivals in July 2026
London Beer Festival
If craft beer is your thing, head to the two day London Beer Festival in Southwark Park.
It will showcase over 800 beers for you to try (!) as well as street food and live music.
Tickets are for afternoon or evening sessions lasting four hours each. Your entry fee includes all your beer and a souvenir cup.
Tickets are available here.
- What: London Beer Festival, Southwark Park
- When: 17th and 18th July
- How to get there: Surrey Quays overland station or Bermondsey tube station.
Hyde Park Music Festival
This summer-long outdoor music festival has a packed July schedule. Big name acts in July include Lewis Capaldi, Mumford and Sons and Duran Duran.
It’s a great venue but as it’s outdoors you need to be prepared for the weather!
Tickets can be bought in advance here.
You can also enjoy the Open House section of the festival which offers a diverse range of events at cheap prices. For example, on July 3rd you can enjoy an evening of classical music with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with tickets starting from just £7.95.
- Where: Hyde Park
- When: Throughout July, check schedule here
- How to get there: Hyde Park tube
Outdoor theatre and cinema in July
There’s no better way to enjoy balmy summer nights than at an outdoor theatre or cinema.
Regents Park open-air theatre is performing Shakepears’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ until July 18th and the musical ‘Cats’ starts on July 25th. Evening and matinee performances are available with tickets starting from as little as £15pp. Regents Park is best reached by Regents Park tube station or Great Portland Street tube.
The most famous outdoor theatre in London, The Globe, is performing modern adaptations of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ and a flamenco-inspired version of ‘Love’s Labour’s Lost.’ Evening performances cost £10 for standing tickets and between £25 and £65 for seats.
The schedule varies during July so check before travelling which show is being performed that day.
- Where: The Globe Theatre, Bankside Cultural Quarter
- How to get there: London Bridge, Blackfriars, Mansion House, St. Pauls and Southwark tube stations are all within a 10-15 minute walk of the theatre.
Outdoor cinemas pop up all over London in July. One of my favourites is along the canal towpath at Kings Cross / Coal Drop Yards.
The stepped landscaping is perfect for seating and you can expect this summer’s lineup to include classics such as ‘Some Like It Hot’ and ‘Grease.’ They’ll also be showing Wimbledon and other sporting events such as the football World Cup.
Best of all, it’s completely free!
You can check what’s on here.
- Where: Regent’s Canal Towpath
- When: 29th June – 16th August
- How to get there: Kings Cross tube
Exhibitions or events you won’t want to miss in July 2026
Queen Elizabeth: Her Life in Style
This exhibition is proving to be the standout London exhibition of the summer. It showcases the largest ever collection of clothing worn by Queen Elizabeth II.
It features 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 very popular so we recommend booking your July tickets as soon as possible here.
- Where: The King’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace
- When: 10th April – 17th April 2027
- How to get there: St. James Park or Green Park tube stations
Summer Exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts
If you love art, the annual exhibition of work by new and emerging British artists is a must visit. It has been held every year since 1769.
In addition to paintings, you can expect sculpture, architectural works, photography and films. If you’re looking for a unique souvenir, this is the place to come as many works of the artworks are for sale.
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.
‘Sufi Life and Art’ at the British Museum ends on July 27th. You can also enjoy ‘Early Netherlandish Art’ and ‘Ancient Egypt – Magic and Medicine’ which both run throughout July.
Visit the Tate Modern for the ‘Tracey Emin – A Second Life’ exhibition or the much anticipated ‘Frida – the Making of an Icon’ featuring the works of Frida Kahlo.
The V&A is hosting an exhibition about women print makers in July or alternatively, you can visit the new V&A East Storehouse to see their collection of David Bowie memorabilia.
July offers a busy schedule of events, festivals and seasonal activities. It’s a great time to visit to make the most of your sightseeing days but if the weather gets too hot you can always nip into an air-conditioned museum or gallery or head to the river for a cooling breeze on a boat trip!
Read more – Events in London in May | Events in London in June
