If the first May bank holiday was a letdown weather-wise, this one is shaping up to be the Platonic ideal of a long weekend: sunny temps, longer evenings and a raft of events to suit any Londoner’s taste. There’s a pop-up beach in Walthamstow, a sculpture showcase atop a Peckham car park, live music in Soho, and much more. Read on to find Broadsheet London’s top picks for making the most of those three whole days of freedom.
Hit the beach without leaving Zone 3 at Big Penny Social
Walthamstow mega-pub Big Penny Social is back with its beach club – and it’s launching right on time for the bank holiday. Cool down with gelato by Hackney Gelato (or frozen cocktails), then challenge your friends to beach volleyball or dance to tunes by DJs.
Opens May 22.
@bigpennysocial
Take a piece of The Clove Club home at its archive sale
For the first time ever, two Michelin-starred modern British restaurant The Clove Club will host a spring archive sale, with no tickets or booking required. Simply turn up to the Shoreditch Town Hall and take your pick from crockery, tableware, bespoke Japanese ceramics and one-off pieces from the dining room. Wine-lovers can pick up rare vintages from the cellar, too, with producers like Domaine Francois Raveneau and Domaine de Trevallon.
May 24, 11am–3pm.
@thecloveclub
Catch live music in Kingly Court
Not only is Soho’s Kingly Court home to some of the capital’s best restaurants (see: Padella, Alta, Donia et al), this weekend, it will buzz with live music on Saturday and Sunday, curated by Soho blues bar Ain’t Nothin’ But.
May 23 & 24.
@thisissoho
Sip a free frozen Margarita in Covent Garden
Make it an extra-special Monday by sipping a complimentary frozen Marg at Seven Dials Market in Covent Garden. Yes, you read that correctly – Bar Nana on the ground floor will have 100 to give away from midday. While you’re there, grab a bowl of wonton noodle soup from Hong Kong cafe Hoko, or go suitably Mexican with tacos from Masa Tacos.
May 25, from midday.
@sevendialsmkt
Unleash your inner mega-fan at Holy Pop!
Take a break from the sun and step into an equally radiant exhibition at Somerset House, devoted to fandom and ephemera. Holy Pop! is a free-to-visit exploration of fan culture, devoid of cynicism, where you’ll find loving shrines to Prince and George Michael, a slice of the world’s biggest Spice Girls memorabilia collection, and – perhaps most intriguingly – a whole room dedicated to a piece of Nina Simone’s chewing gum, owned by musician and Nick Cave collaborator Warren Ellis.
Open until August 9.
@somersethouse
Take a dip in the River Thames (yes, really)
Earlier this week, a section of the Thames was granted “designated bathing water status” for the first time ever – which is great news for wild swimming fans. Given how busy the capital’s lidos and ponds become on warm days, an extra spot is very welcome. Its status as an official place to swim means regular water testing and maintenance and better protections for urban river swimmers.
Open daily.
Dance the weekend away at Gala
Todd Terje, Seth Troxler, Peach and many, many more will keep Londoners dancing at Gala, one of the capital’s best electronic music festivals. Tickets are still up for grabs for the Friday and Sunday, with the three days catering to different tastes across multiple stages: Sunday, for example, leans on disco and house.
May 22–24.
@thisisgala
Head to a street food party on Alexandra Palace’s terrace
Golden hour in London doesn’t get more beautiful than from the south-facing terrace of Alexandra Palace. Admire the skyline from the grand terrace at Streatlife, a free street food and craft beer festival running on Saturday and Sunday. Vendors include You Bao, Lebanese wrap-makers Lil Watan, Caribbean kitchen The Jerk Hub and The Waffle Float. There’ll be pints by Brixton Brewery, Margaritas, and live music and DJs.
May 23–24.
@yourallypally
Be first to try the Sunday lunch menu at Lardo
Big things are happening at Lardo, the buzzy Hackney diner known for its wine and Italian dishes. Its new head chef Marta Sandini is taking things in a bold new direction, and is launching Sunday lunch menus showcasing her distinctive and personal cooking style. For the long weekend, she’ll also serve it on bank holiday Monday, with dishes including her “ninja pizza”: an olive oil brioche bun stuffed with scamorza and ricotta and topped with Szechuan pepper. May 24 & 25, then weekly on Sundays.
@lardolondon
Go on a sculpture safari at Bold Tendencies 20th anniversary exhibition
Ascend to the top of the now-famous Peckham Multi-Storey Car Park – taking an obligatory selfie in its bubblegum-pink staircase on the way up – and you’ll find a suite of newly presented sculptures. The 2026 season from not-for-profit arts organisation Bold Tendencies is open, and it’s a free-to-attend showcase of sculptures, this year created on the theme of “euphoria”. Once you’ve got up close to works which include a an interactive letterbox inviting you to post your own notes and a self-driving robot, head to Frank’s Cafe for affordable, high-altitude cocktails. May 23 & 24.
@boldtendencies
Find pre-loved treasures at Charity Super.Mkt in Coal Drops Yard
For those who like their second-hand shopping a little more curated, Charity Super.Mkt is a great opportunity to find pre-loved designer labels and vintage gems from sellers across London. It’ll host Made Better sessions throughout the weekend, where shoppers can get hands-on guidance on how to refresh and repair their favourite garments.
May 21–25.
@coaldropsyard
