Find out what’s on in London in April, including the Oxbridge boat race, the Vaisakhi festival and the London Games Festival.

April 2022 is sure to be a whole lot better than 2021, when the UK was in the middle of a phased exit from lockdown. With the weather getting warmer and summer fast approaching, London’s festival and event calendar is really kicking off.

This year, Easter weekend falls on 15-18 April so expect the capital to really come to life with a host of family and chocolate-themed activities. There is also an early May bank holiday weekend starting on 30 April.

Look out for the  for family-friendly activities.

• 31 March – 3 April 2022 : London Coffee Festival

Java lovers should head to the East End for this four celebration of coffee. Featuring tastings, coffee masters, food & wine pairing, Global Coffee School, DJs and more. Entry times via timed sessions. Thu and Fri daytime for industry only. Open to public: Fri 4pm-8pm, Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 10am-5pm. Tickets from £24. Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, Spitalfields, E1 6QR. Nearest station: Shoreditch High Street or Aldgate East. For more information and tickets, visit the London Coffee Festival website.

• 1 – 2 April 2022 : The Creative Craft Show

An event for stitchers, sewers and hobbycrafters, featuring workshops, demonstrations and talks. Open 10am-4pm. Tickets: Adults from £10, Children free if accompanied by an adult. ExCel, Royal Victoria Dock, Docklands, E16 1XL. Nearest stations: Prince Regent or Custom House (DLR). For more information, visit the show’s official website.

• 1 – 3 April 2022 : London Spanish Film Festival – Spring Weekend

Three day film event ahead of the London Spanish Film Festival in September, featuring several new Spanish language releases. Tickets TBA. Cine Lumiere, 17 Queensberry Place, Kensington, SW7 2DT. Nearest station: South Kensington. For more information, visit the London Spanish Film Festival website.

• 1 – 10 April 2022 : London Games Festival

In-person and online festival to promote gaming and interactive entertainment, including a Trafalgar Square exhibition, LGF World Stage, Games Finance Market, the Now Play This exhibition, BAFTA Games Awards, industry talks, and more. For more information, visit the Games London website. 🐻

• 1 – 18 April 2022 : Dino Kingdom

Enjoy an immersive pre-historic adventure with life-sized, animatronic dinosaurs, augmented reality, 3D mapping technology exhibits, excavation site, fun fair, food and drink and more. Open daily 10am-4pm (timed entry). Tickets: Adults £14/£17, Children 3-15 yrs £12/£15, infants free. Dino Kingdom London, Gunnersbury Park, Popes Lane, W3 8LQ. Nearest stations: Gunnersbury, South Ealing or Acton Town. For more information, visit the Dino Kingdom website. 🐻

• 1 April – 4 September 2022 : 150 Years of the Royal School of Needlework

Retrospective exhibition of one of the country’s oldest arts organisations. Open 11am-6pm. Tickets: £12.65. Fashion & Textile Museum, 83 Bermondsey Street, SE1 3XF. Nearest stations: London Bridge or Tower Hill. For more information, visit the museum website.

• Now until 2 April 2022 : Wandsworth Common Spring Beer Festival

The 12th annual beer festival returns to SW18, featuring 100 beers and 25 ciders to sample. Also featuring live entertainment. Open Wed 6pm-11pm, Thu 1pm-11pm, Fri 12.30pm-11pm, Sat 1pm-11pm. Tickets: £10-£40. Royal Victoria Patriotic Building, John Archer Way, Wandsworth, SW18 3SX. Nearest station: Clapham Junction, Wandsworth Town or Wandsworth Common. For tickets, visit Eventbrite.

• 2 – 19 April 2022 : Power UP

Interactive gaming events explores five decades of video games and consoles. For ages 5 and over. Tickets from £8. Science Museum, Exhibition Road, South Kensington, SW7 2DD. Nearest station: South Kensington. For tickets and more information, visit the Science Museum website. 🐻

• 3 April 2022 : Oxbridge Boat Race

Watch the historic annual boat race between the Cambridge and Oxford University crews. Thousands will line the banks between Putney Bridge and Mortlake to watch the action. Women’s boat race @ 2.23pm and Men’s boat race @ 3.23pm. Free. Nearest stations: Putney Bridge, Hammersmith, Ravenscourt Park, Stamford Brook, East Putney, Chiswick or Barnes Bridge. For more information, visit the Boat Race website. 🐻

• 5 – 26 April 2022 : The Arks of Gimokudan

Filipino artist-designer Leeroy New presents his first UK large-scale installation to mark Earth Day 2022. The installation will feature three ships made of recycled and reused materials and waste. Free. Somerset House courtyard, Strand, Westminster, WC2R 1LA. Nearest station: Temple. For more information, visit the Somerset House website. 🐻

• 7 April 2022 : SicilyFEST London 2022

A celebration of Sicily and its food, wine, produce and culture. Also featuring a kids’ area and DJs. Open Thur 5.30pm-10pm, Fri 11am-10pm, Sat 11am-8pm, Sun 10am-5pm. Tickets: £2.50 (advance), £3 (on the door). Business Design Centre, 52 Upper Street, Islington, N1 0QH. Nearest station: Angel. For more information, visit the FeverUp website. 🐻

• 7 – 10 April 2022 : Roy’s Art Fair

Roy’s Art Fair returns, aiming to make art more affordable and accessible. Meet and buy direct from the artists, take part in workshops and check out installations. Open Thur 5pm–8.30pm, Fri 2pm-8pm, Sat 12pm–6pm, Sun 12pm-5pm. Free. At Bargehouse, Oxo Tower Wharf, South Bank, SE1 9PH. Nearest stations: Waterloo, Blackfriars or Southwark. For more information, visit the Roy’s People Art Fair website.

• 7 – 12 April 2022 : F R A G M E N T S Festival

An experiential festival featuring short events dotted across the City celebrating the 100th anniversary of T S Eliot’s poem The Waste Land. Tickets: £20 (all-access). Events take place at 22 City of London churches. For more information, visit the festival’s website.

• 8 – 10 April 2022 : Now Play This 2022

Festival of experimental games returns to the capital. Open Fri 12pm-8pm, Sat 11am-7pm, Sun 11am-6pm. Tickets: £9/£6.50 conc. Somerset House, Strand, Westminster, WC2R 1LA. Nearest station: Temple. For more information, visit the Somerset House website. 🐻

• 8 – 10 April 2022 : Ceramic Art London

Contemporary arts event, featuring exhibitions, talks, and opportunities the buy. Open Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 10am-5pm. Tickets: Adults £16, Children free. Central St Martins, Granary Square, King’s Cross, N1C 4AA. Nearest station: King’s Cross St Pancras. For more information, visit the Ceramic Art London website.

• 8 April – 29 August 2022 : Football – Designing the Beautiful Game

Explore the stories of design from the world of football. Open Sun-Thu 10am-6pm, Fri-Sat 10am-9pm. Tickets: Adults from £16.80. Design Museum, 224-238 Kensington High St, Kensington, W8 6AG. Nearest stations: Earls Court, High Street Kensington or Holland Park. For booking, visit the Design Museum website.

• 8 April – 11 September 2022 : Inspired!

Exhibition explores how visual artists have taken inspiration from the literary arts. Opening hours TBC. Tickets: £8. Guildhall Art Gallery, Guildhall Yard, City of London, EC2V 5AE. Nearest station: St Paul’s, Bank or Moorgate. For more information, visit the City of London.gov website. Check out Metro Girl’s blog post on the exhibition.

• Now until 10 April 2022 : Telegraph Hill Festival

Arts and entertainment festival in South East London, including music, open studios, art shows, interactive exhibits, classes, workshops, talks, literary events, plays, performance art and music events. Lots of events are free, but some will cost. At various venues across New Cross, Nunhead, Hatcham, Brockley and Honor Oak. For more information, visit the Telegraph Hill festival website. 🐻

• 11 April – 26 October 2022 : Magnificent Maps of London

London Metropolitan Archives show off their historical map collection in a new exhibition. Featuring maps from the 16th century to present day. Open Mon-Thu 10am-4pm. Free entry. London Metropolitan Archives, 40 Northampton Road, Clerkenwell, EC1R 0HB. Nearest station: Angel. For more information, visit the City of London.gov.uk website.

• 12 April – 31 May 2022 : Travel Photographer of the Year (TPOTY)

Check out 138 photographs of landscapes and people from around the world in an outdoor exhibition. Open 24/7. Free. Granary Square, King’s Cross, N1C 4DQ. Nearest station: King’s Cross St Pancras. For more information, visit the TPOTY website. 🐻

• 15 April 2022 : The Passion of Jesus

Gather in Trafalgar Square to watch the Easter story performed by the Wintershall Players. Expect donkeys, doves, a 100-strong cast and a re-enactment of the Crucifixion. Performances at 12pm and 3.15pm. Free. Trafalgar Square, Westminster, WC2N 5DN. Nearest stations: Charing Cross, Embankment, Piccadilly Circus or Leicester Square. For more information, visit the Wintershall Players website. 🐻

• 15 – 18 April 2022 : Mind Body Spirit

Festival of wellbeing, featuring workshops, demonstrations and performances on the live stage, lifestyle studio, yoga space, wellbeing spa, mantra lounge, pop up temple, yoga silent disco and more. Open Fri-Sun 10am-7pm, Mon 10am-5pm. Tickets: £18/£20. Olympia London, Hammersmith Road, Kensington, W14 8UX. Nearest station: Kensington Olympia. For more information, visit the MindBodySpirit website.

• 16 April 2022 : Vaisakhi festival

Trafalgar Square hosts a celebration of Sikh and Punjabi tradition, heritage and culture. Featuring entertainment, Gatka martial arts demos, Sikh art, Indian tea (Langar), and snacks. From 1pm-6pm. Free. Trafalgar Square, Westminster, WC2N 5DN. Nearest stations: Charing Cross, Embankment, Piccadilly Circus or Leicester Square. For more information, visit the London.gov.uk website. 🐻 

• 16 – 17 April 2022 : Le Beat Bespoke

Indoor music festival returns celebrating 21st Century Modernist and Sixties inspired underground music culture. Featuring live bands, DJs, vintage market, guest clubs, all-nighters and Go Go dancers. Tickets range from free to £12. At various venues in East London, including Oslo, Paper Dress Vintage and Strongrooms. For more information and tickets, visit Le Beat Bespoke website.

• Now until 17 April 2022 : Francis Bacon – Man and Beast

New exhibition focuses on artist Francis Bacon’s fascination with animals. Open 10am-6pm. Tickets: £22-£24.50. Royal Academy of Arts, Burlington House, Piccadilly, W1J 0BD. Nearest station: Green Park or Piccadilly Circus. For more information and tickets, visit the RA website.

• 17 April – 5 June 2022 : Mexican Geniuses – A Frida and Diego Immersive Experience

An immersive, digital art show brings visitors into the paintings of Mexican artists Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. Open Tues-Thur 10am-7pm, Fri & Sun 10am–8pm, Sat 10am-8.30pm. Tickets: Adults from £19.90. Location TBD. For more information and tickets, visit the Mexican Geniuses website. 🐻

• Now until 18 April 2022 : Bob Marley – One Love Experience

An immersive experience celebrating the late, great singer, along with previously unseen photographs and memorabilia. Open Mon-Sun 10am-6pm. Tickets: Standard £18/£24, Children 9-14 yrs £10, Under 8s free when accompanying an adult. Saatchi Gallery, King’s Road, Chelsea, SW3 4RY. Nearest station: Sloane Square. For tickets, visit the Saatchi Gallery website. 🐻

Head to Ally Pally for the Cycle Show

• Now until 18 April 2022 : London Handel Festival 2022

Six weeks of concerts, talks and walks celebrating Fredrick Handel, with this year’s theme being “New Beginnings”. Venues includes Handel’s parish church St Georges in Mayfair, as well as the Foundling Museum, Stone Nest, St Martins-in-the-Fields church, Village Underground, Grosvenor Chapel, St John’s Smith Square and St Vedast. Ticket prices range from free to £75. For more information and booking, visit the London Handel Festival website. 🐻

• 21 – 24 April 2022 : London Art Fair

The 34th edition of the LAF returns to the capital, featuring over 100 galleries selling and displaying contemporary and modern art. Also including curated exhibitions, talks and tours. Open Thur 11am–9pm, Fri 11am–7pm, Sat 11am–7pm, Sun 11am–5pm. Tickets: Day pass £18, Premier Pass £36, Children under 14 free. Business Design Centre, 52 Upper Street, Islington, N1 0QH. Nearest station: Angel. For more information, visit the London Art Fair website.

• 21 April – 2 May 2022 : La Linea

The London Latin Music Festival returns at venues across the capital. Venues include Ritzy Picturehouse, Rich Mix, Union Chapel, Jazz Cafe and more. For more information, visit the Como No website. 

• 21 April – 31 July 2022 : Underbelly Festival

Underbelly returns to London and sets up camp at two sites for its programme of entertainment. Featuring comedy, music, cabaret, circus and more. Tickets vary. At Earls Court, Empress Place, SW6 1TT , nearest station: Earls Court; and Cavendish Square, Marylebone, W1G 0PU. Nearest station: Oxford Circus or Bond Street. For listings and tickets, visit the Underbelly website. 

• Now until 22 April 2022 : Sculpture In The City 2021/2022

Free public art exhibition, bringing 18 contemporary pieces to the streets and spaces of the City of London. Free. 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 Sculpture in the City website. Check out Metro Girl’s gallery of the exhibition.

• 22 – 23 April 2022 : Cognac Show

Explore the world of Cognac and meet large and small producers of the tipple for tastings, cocktails, masterclasses and more. Open Fri 22 5.30pm-9.30pm, Sat 23 12pm-6pm. Tickets from £50 (includes tasting glass and two cocktails). Glaziers Hall, 9 Montague Close, London Bridge, SE1 9DD. Nearest station: London Bridge. For more information and tickets, visit the Cognac Show website.

• 22 – 24 April 2022 : The Cycle Show

The UK’s biggest cycling show returns to Ally Pally, alongside the London eBike Festival. Featuring test rides, expert advice, shopping and more. Open Fri-Sat 9.30am-6pm, Sun 9.30am-5pm. Tickets: Adults £16, Children 5-16yrs £7. Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7AY. Nearest station: Alexandra Palace or Wood Green. For more information, visit the Alexandra Palace website. 🐻

• Now until 24 April 2022 : Body Vessel Clay exhibition

Explore 70 years of ceramics amidst the striking interiors of Two Temple Place. Open daily 10am-4.30pm. Free entry. Two Temple Place, 2 Temple Place, Temple, WC2R 3BD. Nearest station: Temple. For more information, visit the Two Temple Place website.

• 26 April – 2 May 2022 : Marylebone Food Festival

Restaurants and cafes across Marylebone take part in a week-long foodie celebration. Featuring special festival menus, events and launch dinner hosted by Jay Rayner. At various venues in Marylebone Village, W1. Nearest stations: Bond Street, Marble Arch or Baker Street. For more information, visit the festival website.

• 29 April 2022 : Soane Lates – Spotlight on Soane

Late-night opening of the Soane Museum, with spotlight talks and wine. Timed entry at 6pm, 6.30pm, 7.30pm, 8pm. Tickets: £25. Sir John’s Soane Museum, 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, Holborn, WC2A 3BP. Nearest station: Holborn. For more information, visit the Sir John Soane Museum website.

• 29 April 2022 : London Docklands Late

Explore the Museum of London Docklands after hours and get a chance to see the London: Port City exhibition before it closes. Featuring live music, talks, screenings, creative activities, cocktails and food. Over 18s only. From 6.30pm. Tickets: £10. Museum of London Docklands, No.1 Warehouse, West India Quay, E14 4AL. Nearest stations: West India Quay or Canary Wharf. For booking, visit the Museum of London website.

• 29 April – 1 May 2021 : Italian Sparkling Wine Festival

Taste over 60 types of Italian wine from over 15 wine specialists. Open 4pm-10pm. Tickets: £20-£30 (inc bespoke Eataly wine glass and limited-edition pouch). Eataly, 135 Bishopsgate, London, EC2M 3YD. Nearest station: Liverpool Street. For tickets, visit the Eataly website.

• 30 April – 2 May 2022 : Canalway Cavalcade

A unique waterways and community festival at Little Venice. Features stalls, bands, kids’ activities, Morris dancers, a Real Ale bar, food and pageant of boats. Open Sat-Sun 10am-6pm, Mon 10am-5pm. Free. Little Venice, Maida Vale, W2. Nearest station: Warwick Avenue. For more information, visit the Inland Waterways Association website. For Metro Girl’s blog post on a previous year’s Cavalcade, click here. 🐻

• 30 April – 8 May 2022 : Grand Designs Live

Find inspiration to improve or build your home with experts and top brands. Open 10am-5pm. Tickets: Standard advance £12-£15, Standard on-the-door – weekday £17, weekend £20. ExCel, Royal Victoria Dock, Docklands, E16 1XL. Nearest stations: Prince Regent or Custom House (DLR). For more information, visit the show’s official website.

• Now until 8 May 2022 : Van Gogh Self-Portraits

Vincent Van Gogh’s self-portraiture is explored in a new exhibition. Entry times from 10am-5.15pm. Tickets: Adults £16-£20, Under 18s free. The Courtauld Gallery, Somerset House, Strand, WC2R 0RN. Nearest station: Charing Cross, Embankment or Temple. For tickets, visit the Courtauld Gallery website. 🐻

The Art of Banksy exhibition has now been extended until May 2022
© Art of Banksy exhibition

• Now until 22 May 2022 : The Art of Banksy

Exhibition of Banksy’s art made up of pieces from private collections (although not curated or authorized by the artist himself). Expect prints, canvasses, screen prints, sculptures and other unique works. Open Mon-Wed & Sun 10am-6pm, Thu-Fri 10am-9pm, Sat 9.30am-7pm. Tickets: £14.50-£29.50, under 6s free. 50 Earlham Street, Covent Garden, WC2H 9LJ. Nearest stations: Leicester Square or Covent Garden. For tickets, visit the Art of Banksy website. Check out Metro Girl’s blog post on the exhibition. 🐻

• Now until 5 June 2022 : Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Witness the beauty and diversity of the natural world in this annual photography exhibition. Open Mon-Sun 11am-5.50pm. Tickets: Adults £15.50, Children £9.25. Natural History Museum, South Kensington, SW7 5BD. Nearest station: South Kensington. For more information and booking, visit the NHM museum website. 

• Now until 11 June 2022 : 20s People

A series of events and an exhibition marks the release of the 1921 Census of England and Wales. Including the immersive exhibition, The 1920s: Beyond the Roar, as well as exploring the archives, audio dramas, webinars and online talks. The National Archives, Kew, Richmond, TW9 4DU. Nearest station: Kew. For more information, visit the National Archives website. Check out Metro Girl’s blog post on the exhibition.

• Now until summer 2022 : Superblue London

AA Murakami, the artist duo behind Studio Swine, present a multi-sensory, immersive experience which explores the relationship between humans and nature. Open Tues-Thur: 10am-7pm, Fri-Sun: 10am-8pm. Tickets from £11-£13 (online), £13-£15 (walk-in). Superblue London, 6 Burlington Gardens, Mayfair. W1S 3ET. Nearest station: Green Park or Bond Street. For more information and tickets, visit the Superblue website.

• Now until 28 August 2022 : Mulan Rouge

An immersive, foodie, theatrical mash-up of Disney’s Mulan and Baz Luhrmann’s Moulin Rouge! Overs 18s only. Dress Code: ‘A hot Paris night in the Mulan Rouge’. Times vary. Tickets: £45-£60. The Vaults, Leake Street, Waterloo, SE1 7NN. Nearest stations: Waterloo, Lambeth North or Waterloo East. For more information, visit The Vaults website.

• Now until 29 August 2022 : Surrealism Beyond Borders

Exhibition of surrealism artworks of over 50 years. Open daily 10am-6pm. Tickets: £18. Tate Modern, Bankside, SE1 9TG. Nearest station: Blackfriars. For more information, visit the Tate website.

• Now until 4 September 2022 : Doctor Who – Time Fracture

Fans of the Time Lord will love this immersive, theatrical experience as you ‘travel’ back to 1940s Mayfair during the Blitz. Times vary (experience lasts 2hr 15mins). Age 8+. Tickets from £29.95. UNIT HQ, 1-8 Davies Mews, Mayfair, W1K 5AB. Nearest station: Bond Street. For booking, visit the Doctor Who: Time Fracture website. 🐻

• Now until 4 September 2022 : Jeff Wayne’s The War of the Worlds – The Immersive Experience

An immersive experience inspired by the classic story. Travel back in time to Victorian London and the Martian invasion of 1898. Experience immersive theatre, virtual reality, augmented reality, holograms and other cutting-edge technology. Overs 12 only. Times vary. Tickets: £40-£130. The Old Metal Exchange, 56 Leadenhall Street, City of London, EC3A 2BJ. Nearest station: Aldgate or Fenchurch Street. For booking, visit the War of the World’s website. Check out Metro Girl’s review of the show.

• Now until 25 September 2022 : Beatrix Potter – Drawn to Nature

Exhibition celebrating the life and works of author Beatrix Potter. Open 10am-5.15pm. Tickets: £14. Victoria & Albert Museum, Cromwell Road, Kensington, SW7 2RL. Nearest station: South Kensington. For tickets, visit the V&A website. 🐻

• Now until July 2023 : Scenes in the Square

Check out bronze sculptures of iconic film characters around Leicester Square. Eight interactive characters, such as Laurel & Hardy to Wonder Woman will be placed in the square for four months. Free. Leicester Square, Westminster, WC2H 7DE. Nearest stations: Leicester Square or Piccadilly Circus. For more information, visit the Leicester Square website. Check out Metro Girl’s gallery of the exhibition. 🐻

Find out what’s on in London now

Exploring the stories behind the art | Inspired! exhibition launches at Guildhall Art Gallery

Jeff Wayne’s The War of the Worlds – The Immersive Experience review

Guide to what’s on in London in May 2022

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