19 Cool Events Happening This Summer
The Face Magazine: Culture Shift
National Portrait Gallery
A celebration of the original cool-girl bible, this exhibition dives into The Face magazine’s game-changing era – when fashion, music and attitude collided to define a generation. Running from the 80s through to the early 2000s, The Face launched the careers of Kate Moss, Alexander McQueen and a wave of legendary stylists and photographers. Expect 200+ striking images, from McQueen’s Joan of Arc cover moment to raw, era-defining shoots by Corinne Day, Nick Knight and Jamie Morgan.
Until 18th May
Visit NPG.ORG.UK
Do Ho Suh: Walk the House
Tate Modern
Forget everything you know about exhibitions. Korean artist Do Ho Suh has recreated homes from his life in see-through pastel fabric, down to the tiniest detail. Think corridors, doors and even sinks made of floating coloured mesh. It’s dreamy, nostalgic and unlike anything you’ve seen before. The show explores identity, memory and what it means to feel at home – but it also just looks really cool. Bring your mates, your camera and prepare to get lost (in a good way).
Until 19th October
Visit TATE.ORG.UK
Olivia Rodrigo
BST Hyde Park
Olivia Rodrigo is taking over Hyde Park for one epic night as part of British Summer Time. Her Guts world tour has already been a sell-out and this London stop promises all the hits – from angsty bangers like ‘Get Him Back!’ to the emotional punch of ‘drivers license’. Supporting her are alt-pop favourites Girl in Red and The Last Dinner Party, making this one of the most stacked BST line-ups yet.
27th June
Visit BST-HYDEPARK.COM
Dot to Dot Festival
Bristol & Nottingham
Dot to Dot is a haven for music discovery; the city-based, multi-venue festival brings together emerging talent from across the globe. Past alumni include Florence + The Machine, The XX and Ed Sheeran, so you might just catch your new favourite artist before they hit the mainstream. Expect small venues, intimate sets and a cool crowd hopping from gig to gig.
24th May (Bristol); 25th May (Nottingham)
Visit DOTTODOTFESTIVAL.CO.UK
Just For One Day
Shaftesbury Theatre
Relive the magic of Live Aid in this new musical that takes audiences back to one of the most iconic concerts of all time. With hits from Queen, U2, David Bowie and more, this high-energy show celebrates the unifying power of music. Expect nostalgia, powerful storytelling, and a live concert feel that recreates the atmosphere of that unforgettable day in 1985. The cast bring to life the backstage drama and onstage glory, making it a must-see for fans of classic rock, 80s culture, or anyone who just loves a good sing-along.
From 15th May
Visit THELIVEAIDMUSICAL.COM
London Craft Week
This citywide celebration of craftsmanship returns with over 400 events across London, from hands-on pottery and weaving workshops to behind-the-scenes studio tours and pop-up exhibitions. It’s your chance to discover some of the UK’s most exciting makers, designers and artisans. Whether you're into jewellery, textiles or woodwork, there’s plenty to explore – and it’s the perfect excuse for a creative day out with friends.
12-18th May
Visit LONDONCRAFTWEEK.COM
Loyle Carner
O2 Academy Brixton
Fresh off the success of his third album hugo, Loyle Carner is bringing his “hopefully !” tour to Brixton for four nights this autumn – and tickets have just gone sale. Known for his emotionally raw lyrics and laid-back, jazz-inflected beats, the south London rapper has carved out a distinct voice in UK hip-hop. These shows promise a powerful mix of spoken word, live instrumentation and crowd-rousing energy – all delivered in his signature heartfelt style. With tracks that explore identity, fatherhood and growing up mixed with newer experimental sounds, Carner’s performances strike a rare balance between intimacy and scale. Whether you’ve been following him since Yesterday’s Gone or only just discovered hugo, this is the chance to hear one of the UK’s most thoughtful lyricists in his hometown.
2nd-5th November
Visit ACADEMYMUSICGROUP.COM
Wide Awake Festival
Brockwell Park
For those who love their music a bit leftfield, Wide Awake is back with a carefully curated mix of indie, post-punk, electronica and experimental sounds. This year’s line-up includes Slowdive, Young Fathers, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, and Squid – plus a ton of newcomers. Taking place in south London’s Brockwell Park, it’s a one-day festival with a big reputation for spotlighting the next big thing.
23rd May
Visit WIDEAWAKELONDON.CO.UK
Stereophonic
Duke of York's Theatre
This buzzworthy new play channels the same gritty, glam rock energy that made Daisy Jones & The Six a must-watch. Set in a 1970s recording studio, it follows a rock band on the brink of stardom – and collapse – as they try to lay down the album that will define their legacy. Written by David Adjmi with music by Arcade Fire’s Will Butler, the show is equal parts intense drama and musical gold. Already a hit on Broadway, it promises an immersive backstage pass into fame, ego and creative chaos.
Opening in May
Visit DUKEOFYORKSTHEATRE.CO.UK
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Wet Leg
O2 Academy Brixton
Wet Leg are taking over Brixton’s O2 Academy for one electric night of indie chaos. Known for their punchy lyrics, infectious energy and chaotic stage presence, this Isle of Wight duo have fast become a must-see on the festival circuit. Expect big mosh moments, cult-favourite tracks like ‘Chaise Longue’ and ‘Wet Dream’, and the kind of gig that’ll have you bragging you were there before they hit stadium status. Support comes from London trio Mary In The Junkyard, so arrive early to soak up the whole thing.
23rd May 2025
Visit ACADEMYMUSICGROUP.COM
London Road
The National Theatre
London Road returns to the National Theatre, and it’s just as powerful as when it first hit the stage. Based on real interviews with residents of a town shaken by a string of murders, it’s a gripping and unexpected look at community, grief and resilience. The music is verbatim – meaning every line sung is lifted directly from real speech – creating something strangely hypnotic and emotionally raw. Directed by Rufus Norris and performed in the Olivier Theatre, it’s clever, challenging and totally unlike anything else in the West End right now.
6th-21st June
Visit NATIONALTHEATRE.ORG.UK
LCD Soundsystem
O2 Academy Brixton
LCD Soundsystem don’t do things by halves – and a ten-night residency at O2 Academy Brixton is proof. James Murphy and co are back in London this summer, offering a rare chance to hear iconic tracks like ‘All My Friends’ and ‘Dance Yrself Clean’ in an intimate setting. Whether you’re a long-time fan or only know them from festival playlists, this is your chance to experience the high-octane, disco-punk madness in person. The band is known for tight live shows and a setlist full of crowd-pleasers, so expect big communal singalongs and a euphoric atmosphere from start to finish. It's already one of the most anticipated residencies of the year, so move quick on tickets.
12th-22nd June
Visit ACADEMYMUSICGROUP.COM
Hercules
Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Disney’s Hercules is coming to the West End, and it’s set to be one of the biggest shows of the year. With direction and choreography from Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon, Mean Girls), this new stage adaptation promises all the hits from the animated classic, plus new songs from Alan Menken and lyricist David Zippel. Expect gospel-infused bangers, dazzling stagecraft and larger-than-life characters, all brought to life in one of London’s most iconic theatres.
6th June-10th January 2026
Visit HERCULESTHEMUSICAL.CO.UK
Evita
London Palladium
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic musical is getting a fresh new look this summer at the London Palladium – and it’s already one of the hottest tickets in town. Jamie Lloyd (known for bold, stripped-back productions) directs, with Rachel Zegler (yes, from West Side Story) taking on the role of Eva Perón in her West End debut. This version of Evita dials up the drama, focusing on power, politics and one woman’s rise to icon status. Expect powerful performances, sleek visuals and of course, that song – ‘Don’t Cry For Me Argentina’ has never sounded so good.
14th June-6th September
Visit LWTHEATRES.CO.UK
Boomtown Fair
Hampshire
Forget everything you know about festivals – Boomtown is something else. Part music festival, part immersive theatre, part wild five-day fever dream, it drops you into a fictional city filled with secret sets, trippy stages, street parties, and non-stop storytelling. It’s a full-blown world to get lost in. The 2025 line-up includes Sean Paul, Azealia Banks, Nia Archives, Honey Dijon, Maribou State, Rudimental, Overmono, and a special appearance from the Sex Pistols ft. Frank Carter. From dub and DnB to techno and punk, it has every genre covered. Add in The Wailers, BONEY M., CASISDEAD, and Hybrid Minds and you’ve got a soundtrack for total escapism.
6-10th August
Visit BOOMTOWNFAIR.CO.UK
Jazz Cafe Festival
Burgess Park
Camden’s iconic Jazz Cafe is hosting its inaugural festival in Burgess Park this September. Staying true to its roots, the line-up is full of familiar faces and new names, including Earl Sweatshirt, Gilles Peterson, Eliza, Baby Rose and Crazy P Soundsystem. The festival promises a day of soulful performances, blending jazz, hip-hop and R&B in a vibrant outdoor setting. With its rich musical heritage and commitment to showcasing both established and emerging artists, the Jazz Cafe Festival is set to be a must-attend event for music lovers looking to experience the best of London's diverse music scene in a unique and lively atmosphere.
3rd August
Visit THEJAZZCAFE.COM
Reading & Leeds Festival
Reading & Leeds Festival returns with a stellar line-up for 2025. Headliners include Chappell Roan, Hozier, Travis Scott, and Bring Me The Horizon. The festival also features performances from AJ Tracey, Becky Hill, Enter Shikari, Bloc Party, The Kooks, Limp Bizkit, D-Block Europe and many more. Notably, Travis Scott's performance will be his only European headline show of the year, and Hozier will play his first UK festival headline set.
21th-24th August
Visit READINGFESTIVAL.COM & LEEDSFESTIVAL.COM
All Points East
Victoria Park
East London’s celebrated festival All Points East returns to Victoria Park across two weekends in 2025. The festival welcomes Scottish DJ and producer Barry Can’t Swim for his first major festival headline show on 22nd August. Joining him are Australian act Confidence Man, Mercury Prize nominee Shygirl, and dance music favourite Marlon Hoffstadt. The line-up also features DJ Heartstring, Interplanetary Criminal, Salute, Chloe Caillet, Leon Vynehall (Live), Pretty Girl (Live), ATRIP, and many more. On Sunday 24th August, The Maccabees headline, marking a highly anticipated return. Bombay Bicycle Club, Dry Cleaning, The Cribs, Nilüfer Yanya, The Murder Capital, Divorce and Prima Queen join them.
16th-25th August
Born With Teeth
RSC
Born With Teeth at the Royal Shakespeare Company is a must-see. This new play delves into the tumultuous relationship between playwrights Christopher Marlowe and William Shakespeare. Expect sharp dialogue, historical intrigue, and a fresh take on the lives of these literary giants. It's a compelling exploration of ambition, rivalry, and the power of words.
Opening September
Visit RSC.ORG.UK
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