What’s on in London (19–25 May): flowers, art and architecture for free
LDN Calendar is here to bring you the best of London — with a fresh twist and a nod to every Londoner’s wallet.
Welcome to LDN Calendar – your new go-to guide for what’s on in London.
Each week, we’ll be bringing you the very best of what the city has to offer, from top events, gigs and exhibitions to exclusive deals and hidden gems worth shouting about.
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So, let’s get into it – here are the best things to do in London this week!
Here are the best free things to do in London this week (19–25 May).
We’ve picked one plan for each day, so you’ve got options no matter what your schedule looks like.
🌸 Monday 19 May – Chelsea in Bloom
Chelsea’s iconic floral festival kicks off its 20th edition today, running all week long. Shops, hotels and streets across the neighbourhood compete in a blooming lovely display – perfect for a springtime stroll and a reminder of one of the best things in life: London in full bloom.
📍 Chelsea | 🕙 19 May – 25 May
🏛️ Tuesday 20 May – RIBA Late: Under (Re)Construction
Last chance to explore 66 Portland Place before it closes for refurbishment. Expect live music, talks, performances and a screening of Tokyo Ride.
Limited-edition prints, raffles, and a proper celebration of architecture and creativity.
📍 RIBA, 7–10pm | 🎟️ Free (register online)
🖼️ Wednesday 21 May – Museo Jumex at South London Gallery
A stunning selection of contemporary works from Mexico City’s Museo Jumex lands in Peckham. Expect bold installations, sculpture, video and photography from international artists like Ana Mendieta, Jenny Holzer and Damián Ortega.
📍 Fire Station Galleries, SLG | 🕙 21 May – 31 August
🚲 Thursday 22 May – Cycling Shorts at Herne Hill Velodrome
Part of the Herne Hill Free Film Festival, this open-air screening brings short films about cycling to the iconic Velodrome — including Tour of Tigray, a story of resilience and landscapes in Ethiopia. Free entry, no ticket needed.
📍 Herne Hill Velodrome | 🕗 22 May – 8PM (doors 7.30PM)
🪖 Friday 23 May – Unsilenced opens at IWM London
This bold new exhibition on sexual violence in conflict unveils powerful stories from WWI to today — with testimonies, artefacts and striking visuals.
📍 IWM | 🗓️ 23 May – 2 November
🧠 Saturday 24 May – Everything is Connected at the Crafts Council
Neuroscience meets art in this striking exhibition exploring memory, dementia and the brain — with sculpture, sound, colour and stories of lived experience.
📍 Crafts Council | 🗓️ 22 May – 3 June
🎨 Sunday 25 May – Karl Stengel at gallery@oxo
Marking 100 years since his birth, this rare UK solo show explores the life and work of Hungarian artist Karl Stengel. Expect powerful pieces shaped by war, exile and the arts — from drawings and mixed media to poetic diaries.
📍 gallery@oxo, London | 🗓️ 21–30 May
🎸 Neighbourhood Weekender – Live in Warrington
Get ready for a weekend of indie anthems and festival vibes at Victoria Park!
📍 Victoria Park, Warrington | 🗓️ Sat 24 – Sun 25 May
🎶 Wide Awake Festival 2025 – London’s alt-music playground
A one-day explosion of leftfield sounds, emerging talent and underground icons.
📍 Brockwell Park, Brixton | 🗓️ Friday 23 May
🎸 Slam Dunk Festival
📍 South Hartfield Park / North Temple Newsam | 🗓️ Sat 24 – Sun 25 May
🎤 Steven Wilson live at London Palladium – Tuesday 20 May, doors 18:45
🎤 Jenny Hval live at Islington Assembly Hall– Wednesday 21 May, doors 19:00
🎤 Bess Atwell live at KOKO – Thursday 22 May, doors 18:00
🎤 The Sherlocks live at Electric Ballroom, Camden – Friday 23 May, doors 19:00
🎤 The Lovely Eggs live at Oslo Hackney – Friday 23 May, doors 18:30
🎤 Stanleys live at The Lower Third, Outernet London – Friday 23 May, doors 19:00
🎤 The Lumineers live at The O2 arena – Saturday 24 May, doors 18:30
🎷 Jazz Notes – Jazz Jam @ The Spice of Life – Sunday 25 May, 14:00–17:00
🎭 The Curious Case of Benjamin Button – now playing at Ambassadors Theatre
This enchanting West End musical reimagines F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic tale in a Cornish fishing village. With a 13-strong cast of actor-musicians and over 30 instruments on stage, it’s a magical story of love, time and belonging that’s truly one of a kind.
📍 Ambassadors Theatre
📅 Until 30 August 2025
🕒 Running time: 2h30 (including interval)
⏳ Last chance! Final week to catch Blood Wedding at Omnibus Theatre — Lorca’s classic gets a gripping, modern twist in rural England. Love, longing, and looming disaster. Ends 24 May. 🎭. Tickets!
⏳ Last chance: How To Fight Loneliness
Neil LaBute’s dark, tender new play is on its final week at Park Theatre. Love, regrets, ticking clocks — you know the vibe. Closes 24 May. Tickets!
🔥 This week we've been listening to the brilliant Lola Young and her latest banger.
🔍 We've been reading...
Half of young people are victims or frightened by knife crime
Victorian tiled railway maps restored at London’s Victoria Station
West London residents raise thousands to block 24-hour McDonald’s 'crime magnet'
Here are this week’s recommendations. You can follow us for more events and cultural tips on Instagram, X, and Bluesky. Some of the links are affiliate links, which means we earn a small commission if you book through us — it helps keep this project going. Thanks for your support and for subscribing!