21 Must-Visit London Pop Ups To Add To Your May Diary

Enjoy free live music at Opera Holland Park

May marks the highly anticipated return of Opera Holland Park’s Songs on the Steps recital series. Free to all, these intimate, open-air performances promise a curated mix of familiar arias and fresh new discoveries performed by the talented singers from the 2026 season.

Taking place once a fortnight from May 15th onwards, there’s no need to book. Simply show up, find a patch of grass or a spot on the grass and soak up 40 minutes of world-class music for free.

Where: Opera Holland Park Theatre, Ilchester Pl, London W8 6LU
Website: www.operahollandpark.com

Check out this magazine pop-up

Print is far from dead, and magCulture is proving it with a massive six-week residency at Selfridges. Taking over the ground floor Duke Street entrance, the pop-up features over 200 of the best niche and indie titles from around the globe. Whether you’re a fashion enthusiast, cinephile, or a beauty obsessive, you’ll find you’ll find all the best titles stocked on these shelves.

Taking over Selfridges, this pop-up features over 200 of the best niche and indie magazine titles.

Where: 400 Oxford St, London W1A 1AB
Website: www.magculture.com

Explore the flowers at the annual Chelsea In Bloom festival

From May 18th through to the 24th, Chelsea will be in full bloom, as it celebrates its annual world-class floral art show. The theme of this year’s free festival is Out of this World and is set to feature over 125 cosmic floral displays. Think a UFO hovering over Pavilion Road, and a massive globe on the King’s Road to celebrate David Attenborough’s 100th birthday

If your feet get tired of exploring the lunar landscapes at Duke of York Square, you can even snag a complimentary rickshaw ride from Sloane Square.

Where: Main hubs include Sloane Square, King’s Road, Sloane Street, Duke of York Square, and Pavilion Road.
Website: www.chelseainbloom.com

Dive into this immersive feast

For one night only, on May 5th, electronic legends Bicep are trading the festival stage for the immersive surrounds of HERE at Outernet. This isn’t your average gig, though, but rather, SENSORA promises a multi-sensory feast for a serious cause. Conceived by brothers Mark and James Tuttiett in aid of The Brain Tumour Charity, the evening pairs an intimate Bicep set with a six-course Michelin-starred menu.

Where: Charing Cross Rd, London WC2H 8LH
Book here

Go on a city-wide scavenger hunt

To celebrate the launch of its brand-new app, Atis is hiding 100 QR codes across London, in a city-wide scavenger hunt where the prize is a free lunch.

Simply download the app to access a virtual map pinpointing the code locations. If you’re fast enough to find and scan one, you’ll bag £15 in credit to spend on one of their cult-favorite bowls. The codes will be hidden from May 6th onwards, so keep your eyes peeled.

For those who miss out on the big prize, don’t worry, you can still bag £5 off your first order during the launch month.

Website: www.atis.com

Attend a fertility event

Navigating the world of fertility can feel like a minefield of conflicting advice, which is why Wild Nutrition is taking over The Greenhouses in Marylebone for a day of clarity. They’re offering free, 30-minute one-to-one consultations with expert nutritional therapists to help cut through the noise with evidence-based guidance.

Taking place on May 7th, Spaces are super limited and strictly first-come, first-served, so you’ll want to move fast to secure your slot at this Marylebone sanctuary.

Where: The Greenhouses, Marylebone Rd, London, NW1 4AQ
Website: www.wildnutrition.com

Celebrate Whispering Angel’s 20th anniversary in style

This May, elevate your happy hour at the Fenchurch Terrace, perched 37 floors up in the iconic Sky Garden. To celebrate Whispering Angel’s 20th anniversary, the terrace has been transformed into a floral, Provence-inspired sanctuary overlooking the London skyline.

Running all through May and into the summer months, the terrace showcases a sharing menu by Fenchurch’s Chef de Cuisine Kerth Gumbs, designed to pair perfectly with a chilled bottle of Whispering Angel Rosé.

Where: 1, Sky Garden Walk, London EC3M 8AF
Website: www.skygardenlondon.com

Book a class at this wellness festival

Fitzrovia Quarter is back with its Wellness Festival, and this May, it is all about the “30-minute reset.” Coinciding with Mental Health Awareness Week, from May 11th to the 17th, the program will feature over 50 activations designed to seamlessly fit into your hour lunch break.

The star of the show is the rooftop at CREO, where you can catch sunrise sound vibrations, F45 circuits, or FS8 Pilates for either free or just £1, with proceeds going to charity.

Where: 60 Margaret Street, London W1W 8TF
Website: www.fitzroviawellnessquarter.com

Search for treasures at The Giant London Flea

On May 24th, head to East for The Giant London Flea. Taking over the massive multi-storey car park at the Olympic Park, this is officially the city’s largest indoor flea market. It’s a treasure trove, with over 150 traders stocking an eclectic array of one-of-a-kind pieces.

Since it’s right by the canalside bars of Hackney Wick, you can celebrate your finds with a celebratory pint by the water afterwards. It’s the ultimate sustainable Sunday out.

Where: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford, London E15 2GZ 
Website: www.hackneyfleamarket.com

Attend this wine club

Calling all wine lovers. On May 14th, Pier and Pour Wine Club will be taking over London’s iconic Fulham Pier. This month’s session, ‘The Art of Rosé’, promises a curated lineup of premium bottles ranging from classic, mineral-driven Provence pale pinks to punchy New World favourites.

Between the nibbles served with each glass and picturesque views of the Thames, this is the perfect spot to toast to the warmer evenings.

With nibbles served with each glass, and pictureque views of the Thames, this is the perfect spot to toast to the warmer evenings.

Where: Fulham Pier, London SW6 6HH
Book here

Add a touch of sparkle to the month with Pandora

Launching on May 6th, Pandora will be bringing its new Garden of Dreams collection to life with a floral-filled pop-up in the heart of the city. Designed to celebrate their latest nature-inspired designs, the space is set to be a sensory escape from the London bustle.

Expect dreamlike floral displays, bouquets of fresh flowers to take home, and even the chance to win an engravable piece of jewellery. Lucky dip prizes will also be up for grabs and redeemable at Pandora’s Oxford Street store.

Where: Seven Dials, Covent Garden
Website: www.pandora.com

Check out this Ronnie Scott’s residency

If you can’t snag a table at Soho’s most famous jazz haunt, head to the 15th floor of art’otel Battersea Power Station instead. Pérola is teaming up with Ronnie Scott’s for an exciting new music series.

Kicking off on May 28th, with the electrifying Afro-Latin group, Sarabanda, this residency promises soulful music sets, delicious food and of course, panoramic views of the city. Quite frankly, we can’t think of a better way to spend a Thursday night.

Where: 1 Electric Blvd, Nine Elms, London SW11 8BJ
Website: www.perola.com

Bowie nights

Following the recent opening of David Bowie: You Are Not Alone at the Lightroom, a series of ‘Bowie Nights’ has been launched and will take place across the summer months.

The May lineup is looking particularly stacked. Catch legendary graphic designer Jonathan Barnbrook on the 19th, or head down on the 26th to attend a panel hosted by Miranda Sawyer, featuring six of Bowie’s iconic photographers.

For those who just want to soak up the atmosphere, look out for the ‘Bowie Lates’ every Friday. May 1st kicks off with a 70s theme, complete with themed cocktails and a dress-up-encouraged dancefloor.

For those who just want to soak up the atmosphere, look out for the ‘Bowie Lates’ every Friday.

Where: 12 Lewis Cubitt Walk, London N1C 4DY
Book here

Celebrate World Malbec Day with this menu

To celebrate World Malbec Day, Gaucho has teamed up with wine expert Hannah Crosbie to curate a month-long spotlight on the Terrazas de los Andes winery.

The menu collaboration features full-bodied Malbecs and fresh Chardonnays, which have each been carefully paired with Gaucho’s hero dishes. It’s a sophisticated, flavour-first tribute to Argentina’s winemaking heritage that’s running across all Gaucho locations throughout the first half of May.

Where: Available across all Gaucho restaurants
Website: www.gaucho.com

Escape the city for a long weekend

If you fancy escaping the city for a weekend this month, why not move in with a Michelin-starred chef? Adam Handling is opening the doors to his private home in Carbis Bay, Cornwall, from the 29th to the 31st May, for an ultra-exclusive 72-hour residency. Guests can expect an immersive weekend of food, foraging, masterclasses and more.

With only one weekend available in May on a first-come, first-served basis, it’s the ultimate getaway for the serious foodie looking to escape the city for a night or two.

Website: www.adamhandlingcollection.com

Head to JOIA for an evening of live-fire cooking

If you can’t wait for the return of Taste of London in June, you’re in luck. The festival is launching a brand-new series called Taste of the City, and they’re kicking things off in style at JOIA Rooftop. Perched high above Battersea, the Fire Feast will take place on May 7th and will bring together four of the capital’s most exciting chefs for a one-night-only celebration of live-fire cooking.

Perched high above Battersea, the Fire Feast will bring together four of the London’s most exciting chefs for one night only.

Where: 15th Floor, 1 Electric Blvd, Nine Elms, London SW11 8BJ
Website: www.joia.com

Deep dive into South African wine in Soho

Soho favourite 10 Greek Street is turning its spotlight on the Cape this month with its latest wine series. The theme is ABC: (Almost) Anything But Chenin, a clever deep dive into South Africa’s most exciting white wines that aren’t the flagship grape. Think rare Grenache Gris, amphora-aged Sauvignon Blanc, and elegant Semillon, all available by the glass or carafe to pair with their famously seasonal menu.

If you want the full experience, clear your diary for May 20th. The restaurant is hosting a special dinner with the legendary Adi Badenhorst, a pioneer of the Swartland Revolution. Think small plates paired with Adi’s celebrated wines.

Where: 10 Greek St, London W1D 4DH
Website: www.10greekstreet.com

Try this afternoon tea experience

If you prefer your sightseeing with a side of sophisticated botanicals, clear your calendar on May 14th for a gin-soaked journey through London. Hosted by No.3 Gin’s Global Brand Ambassador Alicia Stark, this Afternoon-Tini experience kicks off with a refreshing welcome spritz at Berry Bros. & Rudd before boarding a bespoke bus for a tour of London’s most iconic landmarks. Guests will be treated to a curated menu of three tea-inspired mini-Martinis perfectly paired with a quintessentially British afternoon tea spread.

Website: www.no3gin.com

Try this pizza takeover

Hackney Wick’s pizza scene is getting a serious upgrade as Dough Hands takes over the shipping container kitchen at All My Friends. On May 7th, it will be serving up a menu of massive 20-inch pies and XL slices.

Known for her bold and slightly alternative toppings, founder Hannah Drye will be bringing some new additions to the menu, including Garlic Sausage with Pistachio Pesto, and a spicy-sweet Coppa and Pineapple combo kicked up with Guindilla peppers.

Where: Unit 1, Hamlet Estate, 96 White Post Lane, London E9 5EN
Website: www.allmyfriends.com

Enjoy the Cinco de Mayo festivities

Why settle for just one day of celebrations when you can have a full week? Novikov Restaurant & Bar is making Cinco de Mayo a week-long affair with festivities commencing on May 5th and ending on the 9th.

Expect a dedicated margarita menu featuring zingy ginger and jalapeño “Caliente” serves, alongside a premium selection of tacos. From 9pm nightly, live Latin band Los Chicos will also take over the lounge, turning the sophisticated Mayfair spot into a high-energy fiesta.

Where: 50A Berkeley St, London W1J 8HA
Website: www.novikov.com

Try an exclusive five-course tasting menu

Great Fosters Hotel is raising the bar this month with an ultra-exclusive dining experience at its Michelin-starred restaurant, The Tudor Pass. In a rare partnership with Dom Pérignon, Chef Stefano Di Giosia has designed a five-course tasting menu specifically to complement the iconic Champagne house’s finest vintages.

Guiding you through every pour will be Dom Pérignon brand ambassador, Charlie Alford, sharing the stories woven into each bottle. Taking place on May 14th, this isn’t one to miss, so make sure to book your tickets in advance.

Where: Stroude Rd, Egham TW20 9UR
Book here