Looking for things to do in London in June? Have a lookie here
You’re in plenty of time to book tickets to the best events in London, from theatre shows to art exhibitions, and there are always pop-ups opening across the city, but our handy guide features the best of what’s on in London in June so you won’t miss a thing.
With Pride celebrations taking over town, June might just be the most colourful month of the year, and with festival season also kicking into high gear this month, you should expect to be seeing a lot of glitter around. There’s no better time to get the bevs in, with World Gin Day, Beer Day Britain and English Wine Week all falling this month – why not get outside on a terrace or on a rooftop bar and enjoy a drink in the sunshine? Or you could head to the park and DIY your own spread during Picnic Week instead.
1. Get Down to Brockwell Park for Mighty Hoopla
Mighty Hoopla is returning to Brockwell Park for 2024 with another two-dayer and a lineup that’s even bigger than ever. Of course, it’s gonna be a total pop-fest as usual, with plenty of nostalgic acts set to make an appearance. Nelly Furtado and Jessie Ware will be headlining, with the likes of En Vogue, Rita Ora, Kim Petras, Alison Goldfrapp, Rachel Stevens, Eve, B*Witched, Jodie Harsh, Lynks, Maya Jane Coles, Louise, Rebecca Black, Georgia and more all performing across the weekend.
Sat 1st & Sun 2nd June 2024
Brockwell Park, Norwood Rd, London SE24 9BJ
mightyhoopla.com
2. Shop Black-Owned Businesses at This Market
The Black Culture Market is back this June with a summer edition ahead of Windrush Day, giving Londoners the chance to support emerging entrepreneurs and businesses of African and Caribbean descent. The market will be returning to its usual venue at Brixton‘s Department Store, stacked with stalls selling unique prints, jewellery, male grooming kits, skincare, gifts & cards, clothes, accessories and more – all from independent Black makers. It’s totally free to attend the market, but you need to register for entry.
Sat 3rd & Sun 4th June 2023
Downstairs at The Department Store, 248 Ferndale Road, London SW9 8FR
blackculturemarket.co.uk
3. Catch World Premieres of Theatre Shows at This Festival
The London International Festival of Theatre (LIFT) will land back in town this June, celebrating the arts. Every two years, LIFT fills the city with thought-provoking theatre and unforgettable performances from around the world and this year will be no different. Artistic Director Kris Nelson has curated a programme of progressive, innovative and eclectic acts for 2024 which will feature work from Canada, Taiwan, Ivory Coast, France, Italy, Cape Verde, Portugal, Brazil, Iran and Palestine.
Thurs 6th June – Sun 30th June 2024
Various venues across London
liftfestival.com
4. Explore the Legacy of Imperialism at This Exhibition
British-Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare has a major solo show – his first in London for over 20 years – on at Serpentine South Gallery. Suspended States explores the legacy of imperialism, the ecological impact of colonisation and the relationship of power to refuge by reimagining Western iconography. The show includes installations like ‘Decolonised Structures’, statues of colonial figures painted with Dutch wax print patterns; ‘Sanctuary City’, made of miniature buildings that represent places of refuge for the persecuted; and ‘The War Library’, where 5000 books covered in Dutch wax print represent conflicts and peace treaties.
Sat 1st – Sun 30th June 2024
Serpentine South Gallery, Kensington Gardens, London W2 3XA
serpentinegalleries.org
5. Visit 10 Downing Street’s Private Garden
Roll up, roll up! Visit the infamous site of that Partygate party this summer with a guided tour of the Downing Street gardens. More than 100 secret green spaces will be open to the public in June as part of 2024’s London Open Gardens weekend, including the PM’s private garden at Number 10. The half-acre site was originally constructed in 1736 and features a bronze sculpture by Barbara Hepworth, as well as rose beds commissioned by Margaret Thatcher (*shudder*). There’ll be 48 places available across two tours and visitors will be selected via a ballot which you can enter below – if you’re into that kind of thing.
Sat 8th – Sun 9th June 2024
10 Downing Street, London SW1A 2AB
londongardenstrust.org
6. Head to This Festival Curated by Chaka Khan
Meltdown Festival at the Southbank Centre has been curated by the likes of Yoko Ono, David Bowie, Nile Rodgers, Grace Jones, Christine and the Queens, and now the legendary Chaka Khan is taking the reins for 2024. She’s drafted in the likes of Morcheeba, Todrick Hall, Mica Paris, Incognito, Lady Blackbird, Rahsaan Patterson, House Gospel Choir, Balimaya Project and Speakers Corner Quartet in collaboration with the Guildhall Orchestra.
Fri 14th – Sun 23rd June 2024
Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX
southbankcentre.co.uk
7. Drink Champagne and Eat Hotdogs at Bubbledogs
Not your typical hotdog joint, Bubbledogs is returning with a pop-up at 45 Park Lane’s terrace this summer to serve up a menu of gourmet hotdogs and Champagnes to match. The dogs on the menu are made with only the top quality ingredients (from The Franconian Sausage Company) and include the likes of the ‘Native Dog’ (native lobster tempura, Marie rose sauce & beluga caviar), ‘The Kagoshima’ (A5 Wagyu striploin, Japanese mayo & shaved summer truffle) and the ‘Fourth of July’ (spicy BBQ sauce, coleslaw & crispy bacon). Other bits on the menu include tater tots spiced with Japanese togarashi, mac & cheese and Bubbledogs’ signature Buffalo Chicken Wings. And that’ll all be paired with a selection of grower Champagnes – because why the hell not.
Sat 1st – Sun 30th June 2024
45 Park Lane, London W1K 1PN
dorchestercollection.com
8. Watch Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Starlight Express
Get your skates on because Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Starlight Express, which ran in the West End from 1984 to 2002, is rolling back into the capital this June. And this time, the musical, which famously features performers on roller skates, will run in the purpose-built Starlight Auditorium at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre.
Sat 8th – Sun 30th June 2024 (excluding Mondays & Tuesdays)
3 Fulton Road, Wembley Park, Wembley HA9 0SP
starlightexpresslondon.com
9. Take a Look Inside Vivienne Westwood’s Wardrobe for Free
This June, Christie’s auction house will be selling items from the wardrobe of none other than Vivienne Westwood in a two-part public auction. But first, they’ll be displaying the pieces in a free exhibition at their St James’s site. The show will kick off on Fri 14th June, running for 10 days, and will feature clothing, shoes and jewellery from Westwood’s eponymous fashion house, some of which date back to the early 80s.
Fri 14th – Mon 24th June 2024
8 King Street, St. James’s, London SW1Y 6QT
christies.com
10. Get High in Stratford at Roof East
Fancy playing a round of crazy golf, catching a movie, hitting some bullseyes or shaking it out with a dance class? Well you can do it all at Roof East. Yes the Stratford rooftop is jam-packed with activities, including Rooftop Film Club, Sluggers batting cages, Birdies crazy golf, Arrows archery, Glitter Bowls lawn games, giant jenga, cornhole and table tennis. You can stay well fed and watered with the roof’s five bars and street food from the likes of Chick ‘n’ Sours, Piddaji and Cheeky Burger, and of course, you’ve got those mega views over the Stratford to enjoy.
Sat 1st – Sun 30th June 2024
7 & 8 Stratford Multi Storey Car Park, Great Eastern Road, London E15 1XE
roofeast.com