Live music at the Lambeth Country Show in Brockwell Park

Summer is in full swing with the capital bursting to life with indoor and outdoor events as every turn. Of course, Wimbledon dominates a big chunk of July (3-16th) with tennis, Pimm’s and strawberries the order of the day. The end of the month, the school holidays kick off so there will be plenty of harassed parents looking for ways to entertain their children. So find some inspiration whatever your age or budget in Metro Girl’s guide to what’s on this July.

To find out where London’s urban beaches are this summer, click here.

• 1 July : Art Night

A free contemporary arts festival takes over spaces, venues and landmarks in the capital for one night only, featuring art, architecture, dance and music. Every year, a cultural institution is invited to focus on a different part of London. This year, the event will take place in the East End with the Whitechapel Gallery and independent curator Fatos Ustek. 6pm-4am. Free. For more information, visit the Art Night website.

• 1 – 2 July : Eat Drink Ealing

Food and drink festival returns for a second year, featuring gourmet food stalls, artisan beverages, wine tasting, live music, cookery courses, children’s activities and more. Tickets: £3 (children under 12 go free). Ealing Common, W5. Nearest station: Ealing Broadway or Ealing Common. For more information, visit the Ealing Summer Festival website.

• 1 – 2 July : Chorus Festival

Annual festival celebrating the power of the voice, featuring choirs from the Nordic regions. Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, South Bank, SE1 8XX. Nearest stations: Waterloo, Embankment or Westminster. For more information, visit the Southbank Centre website.

• 1 – 31 July : Rum Festival @ The Jam Tree

Both branches of The Jam Tree will be hosting a month-long celebration of the mighty rum. Featuring Bottomless Brunches with live steel bands, cocktail masterclasses, salsa lessons, Caribbean supperclubs, BBQ and more. The Jam Tree, 541 King’s Road, Chelsea, SW6 2EB. Nearest station: Fulham Broadway or Imperial Wharf or The Jam Tree, 13-19 Old Town, Clapham, SW4 0JT. Nearest station: Clapham Common. For more information, visit The Jam Tree website.

• 2 July : Eid Festival

Festival to celebrate Eid and mark the end of Ramadan. Including a food festival, live music, performances, shopping and children’s activities. 12-6pm. Free. Trafalgar Square, Westminster, WC2. Nearest station: Charing Cross, Piccadilly Circus or Leicester Square. For more information, visit the London.gov.uk website.

• Now until 2 July : Hampstead Summer Festival

The festival takes place in and around Hampstead, including the Big Fair on Heath Street (2 July), open art competitions, poetry, art and literacy events, pub quizzes and more. Many activities are free. For more information, visit the Hampstead Summer Festival website.

• Now until 2 July : Carters Steam Fair @ Hornsey

The vintage travelling funfair sets up camp in Hornsey, featuring rides from the late 19th century to the 1960s. Open 11am-9pm. Free admission. Priory Park, Hornsey, N8 8QR. Nearest station: Hornsey. For more information, visit the Carters Steam Fair website.

• Now until 2 July : East End Film Festival

For its 16th year, the East End Film Festival has been spread out to five weekends. Featuring screenings, Q&As, a Twin Peaks-themed ball and more. At venues across East London, including a Masonic temple. For more information, visit the East End Film Festival website.

• 4 July : La Traviata – Royal Opera House BP Big Screen

Watch the Royal Opera House’s production of La Traviata live on the big screen. 7pm. Free. At Lyric Square (Hammersmith), Trafalgar Square or General Gordon Square (Woolwich). For more information, visit the Royal Opera House website.

• 4 – 9 July : Hampton Court Palace Flower Show

Flower show in the grounds of Hampton Court Palace. Celebrity and expert speakers include Chris Packham, Charlie Dimmock, Michaela Stracham, Pippa Greenwood, Christine Walkden, Helen Bostock, Martin Hughes-Games, David Domoney, Justin Fletcher, Hemsley & Hemsley, among others. Open Tues-Sat 10am-7.30pm, Sun 10am-5.30pm. Advance tickets range from £19 to £36.50 depending on full/half-day and RHS membership. Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey, KT8 9AU. Nearest station: Hampton Court (from Waterloo). For more information and tickets, visit the RHS website.

• Now until 5 July : Masterpiece London

An imaginative art and antiques fair for traditional and contemporary. Featuring a week of cultural, culinary and social experiences. Tickets from £28. Royal Hospital, Chelsea, SW3 4SL. Nearest station: Sloane Square. For more information, visit the Masterpiece London website.

• 5 July – 8 October : Frieze Sculpture

Free outdoor sculpture exhibition in Regents Park, featuring 23 new and significant creations by 20th-century masters and leading contemporary artists, including Rasheed Araeen, John Chamberlain, Urs Fischer, Gary Hume, KAWS, Alicja Kwade, Michael Craig-Martin, Eduardo Paolozzi, Jaume Plensa, Thomas J Price, Ugo Rondinone and Hank Willis Thomas. Regents Park, Marylebone, NW1. Nearest station: Regents Park, Great Portland Street or Camden Town. For more information, visit the Frieze website.

• 6 July – 17 August : Tales Of Silk & Music Festival

Historic Devonshire Square in the City of London is celebrating UK-India Year Of Culture with an Indian dance festival. Featuring performances from world class dancers. During the festival, Cinnamon Kitchen will be hosting a Summer Pavilion and Bombay Sapphire Gin Garden. Performances every Thursday at 12.30pm. Free to watch. Devonshire Square, City of London, EC2M. Nearest stations: Liverpool Street or Aldgate. For more information, visit the Devonshire Square website. Read Metro Girl’s blog post on the festival.

• 7 – 9 July : Just V Show

Lifestyle festival for vegans, vegetarians or those who want to live a more plant-based diet. Open 10am-5pm. Tickets: £10 (includes entrance to Love Natural Love You and The Allergy & Free From Show, also on in the same venue). Olympia, Hammersmith Road, Kensington, W14 8UX. Nearest station: Kensington Olympia. For tickets, visit the Just V Show website.

• 7 – 9 July : Foodies Festival

The travelling food festival sets up camp at Blackheath. Celebrity guests include Bake Off winner Candice Brown, ‘Deliciously Ella’ Woodward, Rosemary Shrager, Adam Simmonds, Jack Layer, Billy Wright and Tony Rodd. Tickets: £16. Circus Field, Blackheath Common, Shooters Hill Road, Blackheath, SE3 0UA. Nearest station: Blackheath or Maze Hill. For tickets, visit the Foodies Festival website.

• Now until 8 July : Greenwich and Docklands International Festival

Nine day celebration of free outdoor performing arts, including theatre, dance, and street arts. At various venues across Greenwich and Docklands. For more information, visit the Greenwich and Docklands International Festival website.

• 8 July : London Korean Festival

Family festival celebrating Korean culture, featuring K-pop concert, food, drink, craft, games, traditional costumes, taekwondo demonstrations, drummers and more. Tickets: Free entry during 11am-5,30pm, evening concert 7pm onwards £30. Olympia, Hammersmith Road, Kensington, W14 8UX. Nearest station: Kensington Olympia. For tickets, visit Eventbrite.

• Now until 9 July : Pride In London

Two week festival celebrating gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities. Featuring music, talks, screenings, walks and performances. The highlight is the free parade on 8 July from Portland Place (Regent Street) 1pm to Whitehall (ending approx. 4.30pm). For more information, visit the Pride London website.

• 14 July : Turanot – Royal Opera House BP Big Screen

Watch the Royal Opera House’s production of Turanot live on the big screen. 7.30pm onwards. Free. At Alexandra Palace, Lyric Square (Hammersmith), Trafalgar Square, The Scoop (London Bridge) or General Gordon Square (Woolwich). For more information, visit the Royal Opera House website.

• Now until 14 July : Zoo Nights

London Zoo are hosting late summer evening openings for adults-only on Fridays through June. As well as getting to see the animals without the presence of screaming children, you’ll also get to enjoy the zoo lit up in neon, take part in Zooniversity Challenge or follow a forensics trail. There will also be entertainment and a world food market. 6-10pm. Tickets: £17.50. London Zoo, Outer Circle (Regent’s Park), NW1 4RY. Nearest stations: Camden Town or Regent’s Park. For more information and booking, visit the Zoological Society London website.

• 14 – 16 July : Hyper Japan

A celebration of Japanese culture and products. Includes cuisine, drinking, shopping, live music and a mix of pop and traditional culture. Open Fri 14 12-8pm, Sat 15 9am-9pm, Sun 9am-6pm. Tickets: £15-£24. Tobacco Dock, 50 Porters Walk, Wapping, E1W 2SF. Nearest station: Shadwell or Wapping. For more information and advance tickets, visit the Hyper Japan website.

Jolly good fun at the Chap Olympiad

• 15 July : Chap Olympiad

A celebration of sporting ineptitude, featuring Umbrella Jousting, Bakewell Battles and Not Playing Tennis and plenty of gin and tonic. Eccentric dress encouraged. 12pm-9pm. Tickets: £25. Bedford Square, Bloomsbury, WC1. Nearest station: Goodge Street or Tottenham Court Road. For tickets, visit the Chap Olympiad website. For more information, read Metro Girl’s blog post on the event.

• 15 July : Liberty Festival

One day festival in east London featuring deaf and disability arts, street theatre, circus, live music, art, dance, DJs, food stalls and more. 1.30pm-6.30pm. Free. Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford, E20 2ST. Nearest station: Stratford. For more information, visit the London.gov.uk website.

• 15 July : Rotherhithe Festival

The Rotherhithe Festival returns featuring live music, food and drink market, craft stalls and community events. 11am-8.30pm. Free. King George’s Fields (off Moodkee Street), Rotherhithe, SE16. Nearest station: Canada Water. For more information, visit the Rotherhithe Festival website.

• 15 – 16 July : Lambeth Country Show

Over 100,000 people are expected at this annual extravaganza of entertainment, food, drink, farm life, funfair rides, general revelry and live music in Brockwell Park in Herne Hill. 12-8pm. Free. Brockwell Park (can be accessed from Norwood Road, Dulwich Road or Tulse Hill). Nearest station: Herne Hill (9 minutes from Victoria) or a 15 minute walk from Brixton tube. For more information, visit the Lambeth Country Show website. For Metro Girl’s blog post on a previous year’s LCS, click here.

• 15 – 16 July : Walthamstow Garden Party

A weekend of local and international talent produced by The Barbican, featuring music, theatre, storytelling, poetry, pop-up cinema, craft and design markets and Real Food Festival. 12pm-9.30pm. Free entry. Lloyd Park, Forest Road, Walthamstow, E17 5EH. Nearest station: Walthamstow Central. For more information, visit the Garden Party website.

• 15 – 30 July : Festival Of Archaeology

Nationwide event with events, such as walks and talks taking place at Kingston Museum, Fulham Palace, London Canal Museum, Brent Museum, Upminster Windmill, among others. Many events are free. For listings, visit the Archaeology Festival website.

• 17 – 23 July : The Grand Journey

Gin kings Bombay Sapphire have teamed up with Michelin-star chef Tom Sellers to host a pop-up immersive dining and cocktail experience. Travellers will step on board the Laverstoke Express train as they explore the myths and stories behind the botanicals used in Bombay Sapphire. Diners will feast on world-class dishes to accompany gin cocktails. Tickets: £30pp. The Banking Hall, 14 Cornhill, Bank, EC3V 3ND. Nearest station: Bank. For tickets, visit the Bombay Sapphire website.

• 20 July : Duck Race

Sponsor a rubber duck for charity as thousands are released in the Paddington Basin. 12pm-2pm. Free to spectate or sponsor a duck for £3. Merchant Square, Paddington Basin, W2 1JS. Nearest station: Paddington. For more information, visit the Merchant Square website.

• 20 July : Dragon Boat Regatta

Charity fundraiser Dragon Boat Regatta returns to the canal with Londoners welcomed to get involved or just spectate. 5-9pm. Free to spectate. Paddington Basin, W2 1JS. Nearest station: Paddington or Edgware Road. For more information, visit the Merchant Square website.

• 20 – 21 and 26 – 28 July : Ealing Comedy festival

Comedy festival featuring Dara O’Briain, Julian Clary, Rob Beckett, Russell Kane, Milton Jones, Stephen K Amos, Phil Wang and more. Doors open 6.30pm. Tickets: £20. Walpole Park, Ealing, W5. Nearest station: West Ealing or Ealing Broadway. For more information, visit the Ealing Summer Festivals website.

• 21 – 22 July : It’s Only Arctic Roll But I Like It – KERB

Street food party market KERB returns to King’s Cross for one of its special weekenders, with the focus on old-fashioned favourites and nostalgic food. Featuring lots of street food, cocktails, live music and games. Open Fri 21 5pm-11pm, Sat 22 11am-9pm. Free entry. Granary Square, King’s Cross, N1C 4AA. Nearest station: King’s Cross St Pancras. For tickets, visit the Kerb website.

• 21 July – 3 August : Future Forest

Food and drink wizards Bompas & Parr are creating an immersive forest experience for both adults and child. For children, the Forest Zorb Lagoon provides the chance to walk, tumble and jump on water, while both young and old can walk through the Fruit Cloud – a walk-in fruit-flavoured mist. Opening hours vary. Free to enter. Future Forest, Westfield Stratford City, Olympic Park, Montfichet Road, Stratford, E20 1EJ. Nearest station: Stratford. For more information, visit the Westfield website.

• 22 July : Camberwell Fair

One day fair, featuring two music stages, games, market, food and drink with local businesses running pop-up stalls. 12pm-9pm. Free. Camberwell Green, SE5 7AS. Nearest station: Denmark Hill or Oval. For more information, visit the Camberwell Fair website.

• 22 – 23 July : Cadbury Little Pi-cow-so Masterclasses

Cadbury are hosting a two-day family event hosted by illustrator Rose Blake. Children will get the chance to meet Buttons, the Cadbury animatronic cow and learn how to sketch her. Goodie bags available to take home following the class. Time slots from 11.30am-5pm (Sat 22) and 10am-2pm (Sun 23). Free, but you must register for a free place. Open to families with children aged 4+. Level 4, Frobisher Rooms, Barbican Centre, Silk Street, City of London, EC2Y 8DS. Nearest station: Moorgate or Barbican. To book a place, visit Eventbrite.

• 22 – 23 July : Archikids Festival

Festival of architecture for 5-11 year olds in the City of London, featuring workshops and activities to inspire enthusiasm for design and construction. Free. For more information, visit the Archikids website.

• 24 July : Mr Fogg’s Explorer Series presents Kate Adie OBE

Legendary broadcaster Kate Adie talks about life on the frontline, before a Q&A. While being regalled with her amazing experiences, sip on Appleton Estate 12 Year Old Rum cocktails. Talk at 7pm. Mr Fogg’s Residence, 15 Bruton Lane, Mayfair, W1J 6JD. Nearest station: Green Park. For more information, visit the Mr Fogg’s website.

• 26 July – 13 August : Cubitt Sessions

A series of free concerts in King’s Cross, spanning music, immersive theatre, surreal comedy, movement, street culture, experimental jazz and improvised opera. Times vary. Free to watch. Lewis Cubitt Square, King’s Cross, N1C 4AA. Nearest station: King’s Cross St Pancras. For listings, visit the King’s Cross website.

• 27 – 30 July : BrickLive London

A festival of Lego, featuring brick pits, fan zone, Duplo, Lego minecraft zone, Star Wars Zone and many more. Tickets from £21.75. ExCel London, Royal Victoria Dock, E16 1XL. Nearest station: Prince Regent (DLR). For tickets, visit the Brick Live website.

• Now until 28 July : Pavilion Lates @ Dulwich Picture Gallery

A series of late night Friday events at the 200-year-old gallery and its temporary summer pavilion. 6pm-10pm every Friday except 7 July. Free entry, but you must reserve a place in advance. Dulwich Picture Gallery, Gallery Road, Dulwich Village, SE21 7AD. Nearest station: West Dulwich or North Dulwich. To find out more, visit the DPG website. For Metro Girl’s review of a Pavilion Late event, click here.

Cocktails In The City: Summer Edition sees London’s best bars in one space
© Bourne & Hollingsworth

• 28 – 29 July : Cocktails In The City – Summer Edition

A special summer edition of the hugely popular Cocktails In The City event, featuring 25 of London’s best cocktail bars, experimental dining and tastings in alfresco surroundings. All cocktails at show £7.50. Open Fri 28 5-10pm, Sat 12-5pm or 5.30-10pm. Tickets: £15. Bedford Square Gardens, Bloomsbury, WC1. Nearest stations: Goodge Street or Tottenham Court Road. For tickets, visit the Cocktails In The City website.

• 28 – 30 July : London Film And Comic Con

Celebration of your favourite films and comics with the chance to meet your idols. Celebrities include John Cleese, Christopher Lloyd, Alyson Hannigan, David Morrissey, Michael Rosenbaum, Zoe Wanamaker, Tia Carrere, Tom Wilson, Terence Stamp and many more. Tickets: Adults £17-£20, Children £12-£15. Olympia, Hammersmith Road, Kensington, W14 8UX. Nearest station: Kensington Olympia. For tickets, visit the London Film & Comic Con website.

• 28 – 30 July : Prudential Ride London

The annual cycling festival returns to London. Eight miles of road in central London will be closed to cars so people can experience cycling on safe and clear roads. Anyone is welcome to take part in the FreeCycle on Saturday 29th, while more serious cyclists will be passing through London on the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 on Sunday 30. To register, visit the Ride London website.

• 29 July : Holi Festival of Colours

Thousands of people wearing white come together in Wembley Park for a festival of music, dance and performance art. Inspired by the Indian Holi festival, participants will end up covered in multi-coloured powder. DJs and performers include Kristian Nairn, Lucky Charmes, Izzy Trixx, Brooks, Aevion, DJ Pinju and Bolly Flex. 12pm-10pm. Tickets from £29.99. Wembley Park, Engineers Way, Wembley, HA9 0TU. Nearest station: Wembley Park. For tickets, visit the Holi Festival website.

• 30 July : MySliceFest

London’s biggest celebration of pizza, featuring lots of the Italian fast food and live music. Acts include Delilah, DJ Luck & MC Neat, Bluey Robinson, Sammy Porter, Guy D’Angelo, DJ Rugrat and many more. Doors open 12pm. Tickets from £25. Wembley Park, Engineers Way, Wembley, HA9 0TU. Nearest station: Wembley Park. For tickets, visit MySliceFest website.

• 31 July – 27 August : Camden Fringe

The Camden Fringe returns for its 12th year, bringing over 270 productions of theatre, comedy and fringe fun to 22 venues across the borough of Camden, including Camden People’s Theatre, Camden Comedy Club, Canal Café Theatre and the Hen And Chickens. For more information and tickets, visit the Camden Fringe website.

• Now until 29 August : Russian Revolution: Hope, Tragedy, Myths

An exhibition to commemorate 100 years since the Russian Revolution by looking a propaganda from both sides. Including a first edition of the Communist Manifesto and Lenin’s handwritten application for a Reader Pass. Open Mon, Wed-Fri: 9.30am-6pm, Tues 9.30am-8pm, Sat 9.30am-5pm, Sun 11am-5pm. Tickets: £13.50 (free for members). PACCAR Gallery, The British Library, 96 Euston Road, NW1 2DB. Nearest station: Euston, King’s Cross or St Pancras. For booking, visit the British Library website. Enter Metro Girl’s competition to win a pair of tickets here.

• Now until 3 September : Star Wars Identities

Star Wars fans are in for a treat as over 200 costumes, props, models and artwork from the franchise are displayed in a special exhibition. Find your own Star Wars character in an interactive quest. Open 10am-6pm. Tickets: Adults £20-£25. Children £10-£15. The O2, Peninsula Square, Greenwich, SE10 0DX. Nearest station: North Greenwich. For more information, visit the Star Wars Identities website.

• Now until 3 September : The Art Of The Brick – DC Super Heroes

Lego artist Nathan Sawaya has created an exhibition of Lego sculptures of Super Heroes and Villains including Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, The Joker and Harley Quinn. Open Sun-Wed 10am-6pm, Thurs 10am-8pm, Fri-Sat 10am-7pm. Tickets: Adults £16.50, Child £11. The exhibition is in a temporary structure on the corner of Upper Ground and Cornwall Road, South Bank, SE1 9PP. Nearest station: Waterloo. For booking, visit the Art Of The Brick website. For a review of the previous Art Of The Brick exhibition, click here.

• Now until 10 September : Magnum X Moschino Pleasure Store

Magnum ice cream is opening a pop-up store designed by Moschino creative director Jeremy Scott, where customers can personalise their own Magnums. Open Mon-Wed 10am-7pm, Thur 10am-10pm, Fri 10am-9pm, Sat 10am-10pm, Sun 10am-6pm. 21-23 Earlham Street, Seven Dials, Covent Garden, WC2H 9LL. Nearest stations: Covent Garden or Leicester Square. For more information, visit the Magnum UK website.

• Now until 10 September : Painted Hall Ceiling Tours

The Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College is undergoing a huge restoration. For a limited time only, visitors will be able to ascend 60ft to see the painted ceiling up close. Times vary. Tickets: Adults £10, Children £5. Old Royal Naval College, King William Walk, Greenwich, SE10 9NN. Nearest station: Greenwich, Maze Hill or Cutty Sark (DLR). To book, visit the Old Royal Naval College website. Read Metro Girl’s review of the tour here.

• Now 23 September : Alice’s Adventures Underground

Award-winning immersive theatre experience returns to The Vaults. Choose between Adventures In Wonderland for 5-10 years old and Alice’s Adventures Underground for 11 plus and adults. Tickets for Adventures In Wonderland: Adults £26.50, Children £15.50. Tickets for Alice’s Adventures Underground: Adults £39-£54. The Vaults, Launcelot Street (off Lower Marsh), Waterloo, SE1 7AD. Nearest station: Waterloo. For more information and booking, visit the Alice’s Adventures Underground website. For Metro Girl’s review of Alice’s Adventures Underground, click here.

• Now until 30 September : Underbelly Festival

The usual Udderbelly Festival and London Wonderground have merged to form the summer-long Underbelly Festival. Featuring comedy, circus, cabaret and family shows at affordable prices in the inflatable upside down cow venue, international street food, open-air bar. Festival grounds open daily until 11pm. Ticket prices for show vary, but a majority are under £20, free entry to festival grounds. Jubilee Gardens (off Belvedere Road), South Bank, SE1 8XX. Nearest station: Waterloo. For more information and tickets, visit the Underbelly Festival website.

• Now until 1 October : The World Of Anna Sui

Exhibition featuring over 100 looks from the American fashion designer’s archives dating back to 1991. Open Tues-Sat: 11am-6pm (or 8pm on Thurs), Sun 11am-5pm. Tickets: Adults £9.90, Concessions £7.70. Fashion and Textile Museum, 83 Bermondsey Street, Bermondsey, SE1 3XF. Nearest station: London Bridge. For booking, visit the Fashion and Textile Museum’s website.

• Now until 8 October : Serpentine Pavilion

Visit the temporary structure in the grounds of the Serpentine Gallery in Kensington Gardens. This year’s Pavilion is designed by Francis Kéré. Free to visit, but also contains a pop-up café inside. Kensington Gardens, W2 3XA. Nearest stations: Lancaster Gate, Knightsbridge or South Kensington. For more information, visit the Serpentine Gallery website. For Metro Girl’s post on this year’s Pavilion, click here.

• Now until June 2018 : Sculpture In The City 2017/2018

Free public art exhibition, bringing contemporary pieces to the streets and spaces of the City of London. At various sites around the Square Mile. Nearest stations: Fenchurch Street, Monument or Liverpool Street. For more information and a map of the artworks, visit the City Of London’s official website.

Click here for a guide to London’s music festivals this summer.

For London’s pop-up and open-air cinemas this summer, click here.

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