A late May village fête scene with bunting, stalls, and long evening sunshine

Top Picks

Spring Bank Holiday Weekend

23–25 May 2026 Near London

Not every listing gets a golden ticket

We check a frankly silly number of local websites and keep the spring bank holiday plans that are nearby, properly described, and worth your time. Same process as always — just pointed at the end of May.

Happening Saturday 23 May 2026 to Monday 25 May 2026.
Picked for London, not somewhere halfway across the county.
Only Local Gems and Curated venues make the cut, because standards are still a thing.
Listings with proper descriptions get bumped up the list. Three words and a shrug will not do.

Our 10 picks near London

Agirê Jiyan - 23/05/261

Agirê Jiyan - 23/05/26

at Islington Music

Agirê Jiyan are one of the most respected and influential Kurdish bands of their generation, known for their powerful fusion of traditional Kurdish music with contemporary arrangements and deeply resonant lyrics rooted in identity, resistance, and hope. Their upcoming concert in London represents a historic milestone: Agirê Jiyan’s first-ever performance in the UK since reuniting. This special night will not only celebrate their reunion but also reaffirm their enduring place in Kurdish music and culture, offering audiences an unforgettable evening of passion, nostalgia, and renewed creative energy. *By purchasing a ticket to this event you are agreeing to adhere to Islington Assembly Hall's terms and conditions: https://islingtonassemblyhall.co.uk/customer-terms-conditions-2022/* *All tickets to shows at Islington Assembly Hall are subject to a Venue Levy of £1.50 + VAT. As a Grade II listed building, this levy will be reinvested into Islington Assembly Hall and its services, meaning the customer experience can continue to be enhanced.* Presented by CEFTUS (Centre For Turkey Studies). This is a 16+ event.

2.5 milesSat 23 May£1.50
Local gemSee the details→
Live Music
Rapunzel2

Rapunzel

at The Albany

Ages 5-10 // Rapunzel, trapped in a tower by a wicked witch, must seize her destiny and plan her own escape. Bethan Woollvin’s bold, funny twisted fairytale retelling published by Two Hoots is brought to life by award-winning Wrongsemble—bursting with music, magic, and madcap schemes in a fresh theatrical adventure with no prince in sight!

4.8 milesSat 23 May
Local gemSee the details→
Community
Xenia Saturday Session4

Xenia Saturday Session

at Whitechapel Gallery

Xenia hosts a regular Saturday morning session for women to meet, exchange stories, and learn English using objects and stories from shared histories. All women, including trans+ individuals, are welcome to drop in.

2.5 milesSun 24 May10:00
Local gemSee the details→
CommunityWorkshops & Classes
Family Day6

Family Day

at Regents Park Open Air Theatre

Regent's Park Open Air Theatre is an award-winning theatre and a London landmark. A firm fixture of summer in the city, the theatre provides a cultural hub in the surroundings of a Royal Park.

3.3 milesSun 24 May£18
Local gemSee the details→
Community
Cardiac Exercise Group8

Cardiac Exercise Group

at Cambrian Community Centre

A friendly and supportive exercise group focused on cardiovascular fitness, aiming to meet guidelines for moderate-intensity physical activity most days of the week. This is a pay-as-you-go session.

8 milesSat 23 May13:30£8
Local gemSee the details→
Sports & FitnessWellness & Wellbeing

More Top Picks

Keep the good ideas rolling

If this page has done the trick, there is more where that came from.

Round-upFamilies This WeekendTen family-friendly picks with proper details, decent venues, and no mystery listings that leave you guessing.Round-upFree Things This WeekendA smarter list of local free picks for the weekend, chosen for quality, clarity, and the sort of detail that saves a wasted journey.All PicksBack to Top PicksSee all our curated round-ups in one place.