10 Cultural Ways To Spend This June Weekend

Discover London’s rebel radio history

Pirate Radio has a long and storied history in London, a rebellious force that gave Black British music and underground sounds a platform when mainstream stations wouldn’t. The Barbican is celebrating with a month-long series of activations, so expect live radio broadcasts, talks, listening sessions, film screenings and workshops.

Youth-led station Reprezent Radio takes over this Saturday, airing live from a custom-built studio with four themed broadcasts. Expect pirate radio stories, exclusive sets and special guests.

When: June 7th
where: The Barbican
website: www.barbican.org

Explore London’s world-class gallery scene

London Gallery Weekend is the world’s largest event of its kind, and unique among global gallery weekend events in the breadth and diversity of its participating galleries. An extensive programme scheduled by galleries specially for the weekend includes talks, family workshops and special events.

The event takes place over three days, each focusing on a different area of London. Free for all to attend, it provides an opportunity to discover and explore London’s first-class gallery scene, celebrating the city’s diverse cultural and creative communities.

when: June 6th-8th
where: Across London
Website: www.londongalleryweekend.com

Get involved at this fashion festival

East London’s Spitalfields is being taken over this weekend for the third Fashion District Festival, featuring a packed programme of events celebrating sustainable, circular and regenerative fashion.

Watch the live fashion performance showcase, browse the curated pop-up shop, explore resale events, and try your hand at one of the MAKE workshops.

Watch the live fashion performance showcase, browse the curated pop-up shop, explore resale events

when: June 3rd-8th
where: Spitalfields
Website: www.fashion-district.co.uk

Get a look at these private London gardens

London has the most green space out of any major capital of Europe, yet too many of our parks and gardens are hidden away from the public.

For one weekend only, these oases of greenery are open to the rest of us. Discover rooftop gems, community spaces and historic walled enclosures – hopefully, if we show enough enthusiasm, one day they’ll throw away the lock and key for good.

when: June 7th & 8th
where: Across London
Website: www.londongardenstrust.org

Embrace summer at this pop-up

To mark the UK launch of its new lotion Body Badalada, Sol de Janeiro is activating a new immersive pop-up series across UK cities, and London is up first this weekend. Bringing the brand’s signature energy and sensory experience directly to consumers, The Badalada Roadshow begins at Westfield White City before heading to Newcastle and finishing in Birmingham.

Guests can explore a fully immersive brand world, including an experience tunnel, photo moments, exclusive samples and gifts, a product experience zone, and fragrance consultation carts.

when: June 5th-8th
where: Westfield White City
Website: www.soldejaneiro.com

Learn about the ocean in Greenwich

Ocean Court is the central area of the National Maritime Museum and home to some of the largest objects in the collection. Following a major refurbishment project, it’s now also the place to explore the ocean itself.

With a giant ‘map of the world according to fish’, new objects and displays, plus a wave of colour washing over the walls. Ocean Court will reopen this Saturday with a free festival celebrating World Ocean Day, kicking off a summer season of ocean events, family activities and community engagement.

When: From 7th June,
where: National Maritime Museum,
website: www.rmg.co.uk

Try out this new sushi restaurant

We love to see a new sushi restaurant pop up in London, especially one on the more affordable end of the spectrum. Eel Sushi Bar is a brand new, casual, speedy spot full of high-quality, expertly prepared sushi and sashimi in Notting Hill.

Fully a la carte and walk-in friendly, it serves non-stop from noon to 10pm every day at its 12-seater bar. A new gem that is well worth checking out.

A new gem that is well worth checking out.

where: 118 Talbot Rd, London W11 1JR

Enjoy the Design Biennale at Somerset House

London Design Biennale returns to Somerset House from 5-29 June 2025 for its 5th edition, showcasing world-leading design, innovation, creativity and research by exhibitors from across the globe.

The three-week international exhibition features curated installations accompanied by a programme of events, thought-leadership talks, performances and workshops.

when: June 5th-29th
where: Somerset House
website: www.londondesignbiennale.com

Secure Taste of London tickets

If you love food as much as we do, you’ll already have your eyes on the city’s most exciting summer festival in the calendar – Taste of London. Held from 18th to 22nd June at The Regent’s Park, the festival brings together some of London’s hottest restaurants and chefs in a culinary experience unlike any other. From masterclasses with the very best in the business to wine tastings and foodie conversations, Taste is all about celebrating fabulous food.

Plus, if you use the code ‘illyespresso‘ when you book, you can score a free espresso martini from illy.

when: June 18th-22nd
where: Regent’s Park
Book now

Bookmark this neighbourhood festival

Book ahead for the first Mount Street Neighbourhood summer festival, which celebrates the area’s unique public outdoor spaces, new storefront seating areas, alfresco culinary offerings and exclusive tea experiences at its iconic hospitality outposts.

The first Mount Street Neighbourhood summer festival, which celebrates the area’s unique public outdoor spaces

when: June 12th-14th
where: Mount Streeet
Website: www.mountstreetneighbourhood.com