London events in May
Get ready for a marvellous month with our selection of the best events, exhibitions and things to do in May 2020 in London
Prepare yourself for a marvellous May in London. Spring has officially sprung, the days are warming up and London’s parks are at their blooming best. Spend those sunny May days in London exploring the capital's great outdoors or sinking a drink (or two) on one of London's rooftop bars, which have just started to open. Be sure to make the most of not one, but two Bank Holidays in May, by checking out the city's new exhibitions and theatre shows. May in London is also the month of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, London Craft Week, London Wine Week, the Hackney Half Marathon, Chelsea Fringe and Museums at Night. Here's our guide to the best events, parties, pop-ups and things to do in May 2020 in London. You're in for one sweet, sweet month.
While your diary’s out, remember that it's never too early to start planning for June either.
RECOMMENDED: The definitive London events calendar
The best May events in London
Silent disco at the SEA LIFE London Aquarium
Experience one of our signature silent discos at the SEA LIFE London Aquarium. Don a pair of glowing headphones and tune into one of three channels as you immerse yourself in the world of water. Tickets are just £29 and include the silent disco, welcome drink and guided tours of the brand new jellyfish exhibition.
Summer by the River
Spent all your money on your summer hol? Keep yourself occupied for the rest of the balmy months at Summer by the River, a three-month festival that's totally free.
‘Henry IV Part 1, or Hotspur’
Shakespeare's beloved history play. Michelle Terry is jaw-droppingly good with her psycho take on rebel lord Hotspur.
AI: More Than Human
This massive interactive exhibition shows that the cleverest (or maybe the stupidest) thing humans have ever done is to create machines that can outwit us all.
The Monster
At 300 metres long and with 40 hazards, this giant inflatable obstacle course really is one huge beast. See if you can beat the wobble (and tackle the 18 metre-long mega slide), before thrashing around in a unicorn ball pit.
‘Wicked’
After its 2006 opening at Apollo Victoria, Oz prequel 'Wicked' continues to fill this massive theatre, but this stylish and bombastic musical still delivers, sailing over its patchy score thanks to a gravity-defying performance from its current leading lady Rachel Tucker.
‘Van Gogh and Britain’
A show all about the artists who influenced big Vinnie, and the ones he later inspired. There are some truly breathtaking paintings here.
The BBQ Club: Patch & Picnic
This summer barbecue bonanza created and helmed by chef Jimmy Garcia shows off his 7-course grilled barbecue creations on the rooftop terrace. Besides good food, you'll be able to get competitive with include Giant Jenga, Boules, Skittles, Beach Tennis and Swingball.
Museum of the Moon
Luke Jerram's six-metre glowing sculpture has Nasa-inspired detail. It's lighting up the Natural History Museum for the fiftieth anniversary of Apollo 11. We have lift off!
Lee Krasner: Living Colour
Expect vivid canvases that explode in fireworks of colour at this retrospective of innovative abstract expressionist Lee Krasner. It's the visual equivalent of one of those Pret ginger shots - a proper kickstart to spring.
Edvard Munch: ‘Love and Angst’
Prints from art's greatest miserablist. The eyes of his works follow you around the room, and they'll haunt you when you leave.
‘Toast’
Watch the adaptation of food writer Nigel Slater's memoir, Toast. Set in 1960s West Midlands and it'll also set your tastebuds well-seasoned.
Free events in May
Rare Birds Bohemian Market
The festival-themed market at 93 Feet East is heading for south east London. Head along to Peckham Springs to gobble down street food, sip on cocktails, pick up wavey garms from independent designers and vintage stalls and join denim customising workshops, all to a soundtrack from banging DJs and live acts.
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