FeaturedGet ready to explore the City of London’s rich array of ancient and modern buildings for free during Open House Festival 2026.
12.09.2026
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20.09.2026
This article relates to June 2026. To find out about the latest events happening across the City now, you can view our What's On page to search by date and topic.
The heatwave has well and truly highlighted the beauty of the Square Mile and got us all out and about enjoying the events, green spaces and experiences the City of London has to offer.
We can’t promise the weather for June, but we can certainly promise a host of exciting things to do, so buckle up and get involved, as this summer season truly has something for everyone in store.
1. Celebrate the past, present, and future of the LGBTQ+ community this Pride Month (1 June to 3 July)
This Pride Month, the City of London is coming alive with a huge range of events, from church bells and wine tastings to walking tours and a full-day celebration. There’s so much to get involved in, so go forth and be loud and proud:
- Pride anthems on the Bow Bells (June 1, 5, 12, 19 and 26): Join a special flag-raising ceremony on 1 June, followed by the historic Bow Bells playing pride anthems. The bells of St-Mary-Le-Bow will also be ringing out every Friday from 6pm with anthems from ABBA to Cher.
- Walking tours (Monday-Friday weekly): Join daily walking tours exploring over 2000 years of queer history within the Square Mile. Plus, if you join on Monday or Friday, it’s free! Timed perfectly for a lunchtime amble, this is a great opportunity to explore the history of the City.
- Barbican Cinema (9 June–7 July): A decade before the Stonewall Riots, homosexuality was still criminalised in the UK and USA. This Barbican film series explores the brave Directors sharing their queer art in a world which was far less accepting of them.
- Pride on the Plaza (1 July): A full day celebration with live music, community stalls, walks, talks and an afterparty. Save the date for 1 July as this is set to be a huge new celebration for the Square Mile.
- Humble Pride wine tasing and speed tasting (3 July): How about some pride-themed wine events? Sign us up! Humble Grape are hosting a Pride speed tasting event on the eve of London Pride, and are also inviting you to a Pride silent disco, of course with lots of wine in tow!
- Bishopsgate Institute (4, 8, 12 & 25 June): An historic institution within the City, and for the LGBTQ+ community, Bishopsgate Institute are hosting a Pride Month launch event, and regular tours of the queer archives collection.
- Classical Pride (June 10–14): Celebrating the best of LGBTQ+ music in classical form, this queer celebration takes over multiple venues in June to showcase the best of pride in classical music.
Alexandra Cottrell
2. Get in the spirit of the sunshine with Leadenhall Market's Summer Sessions (Every Friday in June)
Kick off your summer in style at Leadenhall Market with their Summer Sessions. Every Friday, the market will be transformed into a joyous summer spectacle.
You can expect weekly live music, hands-on experiences, roaming performers, creative workshops and more.
And while you’re there, why not settle down with a cocktail or a pint to watch the performances? After all, you’re in the best place to do so.
3. Dive into the Roman History of London at the Billingsgate Roman Baths (Every Saturday in June)
Did you know there’s an entire world under the pavement you tread every day? Take a step down into Roman London and explore the rich history that has survived 2,000 years of building, fires, bombings and more!
Every Saturday, you can join a guided tour of the Billingsgate Roman Baths and descend into the basement of an office block you’ve probably walked past and ignored! First built around 150AD, you’ll get to experience a real slice of London’s history.
4. Shape the City you love at the London Festival of Architecture (1–30 June)
The London Festival of Architecture returns this year under the theme of ‘Belonging’. This month-long celebration of architecture and city making invites you to explore over 400 events across London and think about the question, ‘what does it really mean to Belong?’
In the Square Mile, you’ll find everything from walking tours exploring migration, a walking theatre show, talks, workshops, and so much more. We’ve picked a few highlights from the LFA programme we’d recommend you check out:
- Migration Museum Walking Tour (3, 13 & 18 June)
- Ironmongers Hall – Self-guided Tour and Afternoon Tea (5 June)
- Citypoint Summer Pavilion (1–30 June)
- From the Thames to Eternity (1–30 June)
With nearly 100 events taking place in just the City of London, make sure to visit the full programme to find something you want to get involved in.
City-Views, Luke O'Donovan
5. Enjoy music in a special setting with this year’s Music in City Churches (16–26 June)
Set across five churches in the Square Mile, this programme will take you ‘around the world’ as you explore everything from jazz arrangements, choral harmonies, orchestral favourites and more.
This is a great opportunity to experience world-class musicians in a historic setting, giving you an experience like no other.
Summer Music in City Churches.
6. Get active at the London Sports Festival (June 1–30)
It’s time to don the sweatbands and get the warm-up started as the London Sports Festival is in full swing (pun intended). This year, you can try your hand at a huge range of sports from padel, pickleball, table tennis, football and more.
Across June, you can get involved in:
- Pickleball at New Street Square
- Panna Football in Aldgate
- Padel Table Tennis in St Paul’s Churchyard
- Gold Table Tennis at St Paul’s Churchyard and One New Change
See the full Summer programme and reserve a spot online.
7. Get out and about with Open Gardens Festival (6–7 June)
Ever fancied a sneak peek into some of the green spaces around London that are normally closed? Well Open Gardens Weekend is the event for you.
The Festival is opening up over 120 green spaces across London, including some very intriguing Square Mile options. Some of the highlights include:
- Barbican Wildlife Garden
- Draper’s Hall Garden
- Inner Temple Garden
- The Stationers’ Company
- The Golden Baggers
You can explore the full programme and reserve tickets on the London Gardens Trust website.
8. Step into history at Dr Johnson’s House
Ever wanted to be sipping on bubbly while learning about history? Dr Johnhon’s House are offering just this with their Museum Late on 22 June.
You can also grab a 50% discount if you want to explore the historical spot on a Friday, or join them across June for their talks or walks on the literary and living history of London.
9. Inspire the kids and introduce them to a world of history, surprise and culture
Take the weekends with the kids to the next level and immerse them into a first-hand world of history, art and culture. With exquisite examples of London's history, some of the best art installations, and kids events all happening within the Square Mile, you can brighten up their weekends with these activities.
- Lego Challenge 2026 (20 June): For those aged 6–12, you're invited to use Lego to reimagine London and create a structure that centres belonging at its heart
- Visit London's Roman Amphitheatre: Explore this interactive and educational living remain of London's history as you introduce the kids into the real remains of Roman London
- St Paul's Dome (every Sunday): Explore the dome of St Paul's on Sundays and experience the beautiful London skyline once you climb the over 500 steps! Wear comfortable shoes, and be prepared for history, art and beauty
- Family activities at Guildhall Art Gallery (13 June): Second Saturday sessions always include hands‑on arts and crafts inspired by the Gallery’s collections and exhibitions, cosy story time sessions, and a dedicated book and play corner with comfy cushions, fun costumes and soft‑play building bricks for little ones.
10. Take some food to go and explore one of the City’s culinary marketplaces
The recent weather has got us all eating lunch in the closest green space we can find, and it made us think, where’s the best grab-and-go spot?
We collated a list of the City’s many food halls and markets so you don’t have to! Including some real highlights such as Petticoat Lane and St Paul's Market Place, if you’re on the hunt for a quick lunch, make sure to read our go-to list.
Petticoat Lane.
11. Celebrate Father’s Day in style (21 June)
Give dad what he deserves, which you’ll be able to find in the Square Mile! This Father’s Day, make it an easy one with our City-based recommendations.
- For any history buffs, explore Roman London at the Guildhall Art Gallery, the London Mithraeum or the Billingsgate Roman Baths
- For the culinary dad, explore the fine dining opportunities across the restaurants of the Square Mile
- Is Dad a wine lover? Explore some of the specialist wine bars dotted around the City of London
- How about beer? With a historic pub on every corner, why not take dad for a special pint (or 5) with a history and a story
12. Wander the displays and exhibitions of the Square Mile
Whether a seasoned critic or just want to dip your toes in, the Square Mile has some of the best art exhibitions in London. From the national institutions to local galleries, there’s a lot of art going around!
Project a Black Planet at Barbican Art Gallery: Explore the impact of Pan-Africanism on artistic and cultural production from the 1920s to the present, through over 300 works – from paintings and installations to posters, journals, and film.
Invasive Species, London’s Climate Story Bank and Monstrous Carbuncle at Hypha Gallery: Explore the THREE galleries (yep, you read that right) at No1 Poultry through Hypha Studios. From 5 June there’ll be three new shows to explore. With so many options, you’re bound to fall in love.
Jock McFadyen with Jem Finer: Underground (and Surface): Step into the sensory world of London’s Tube in Guildhall Art Gallery's immersive exhibition by Jock McFadyen RA and Jem Finer of The Pogues.
Room with All Existing Words at London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE: Mixing the old and the new, this art space sits atop an ancient Roman temple spanning nearly 2,000 years of history. You can explore the modern installation from Mark Manders, navigating how history is continually being rewritten, sharing what is preserved and what is lost.
Londoners on Trial: Crime, Courts and the Public 1244-1924: Explore the history of law and order across London’s history. Spanning from the medieval period to modern times, you’ll dive into the good, the bad and the ugly of punishment in London. The London Archives is located in Clerkenwell (between Farringdon and Angel), just outside the boundary of the City of London.
America and London at the City of London Heritage Gallery: Marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, this display celebrates the political, cultural and diplomatic links that have connected the United States and the City of London over more than two centuries.
13. Find a bespoke beauty at Leadenhall Market’s pop-up weekend markets (13 & 28 June)
Leadenhall Market is one of the most beloved spots across the City, and to add another feather to their cap, they host monthly pop-up markets, adding to their already brilliant shops and dining.
On Saturday 13 June join Leadenhall Market’s Saturday SoLo Craft Fair, bringing carefully selected independent artists and makers selling things from jewellery and art to textiles and toys. Think high-quality, hand-made pieces.
On the final Sunday of each month the Vintage Furniture & Flea Market rolls into town, bringing together traders flogging mid-century furniture, antiques, retro homeware, lighting and much more. It’s the spot guaranteed to make your guests ask 'Where did you get that?’
Leadenhall Market's Vintage and Flea Market
14. Treat your inner cinephile with the Barbican Cinema’s June programme (9 June to 7 July)
From Flemish specials to Pride, the Barbican Cinemas are bringing out a huge range of films for their June cinema programme. There will be relaxed screenings, senior community screenings and family film club across June to complement their themed programmes, so grab the popcorn and dive in.
Photo Credit: Daniel Hewitt
15. Explore London in a new light at The London Centre (Every Friday, plus 13 & 27 June)
London, but on a miniature scale. The London Centre boasts two huge scale models of both London and the Square Mile, allowing you to explore the whole of London up close and personal.
On top of the models, The London Centre also hosts weekly free model talks at 12.30pm, a great way to learn about the history and formation of our city.
16. Get on your feet and explore the city on foot
If the recent weather has inspired you to lace up your walking boots, you can head to the City Information Centre and get information on the City Visitor Trail. This trail will take you through the highlights of the City, gazing at some of London’s most recognisable icons, and the hidden gems of the Square Mile.
17. From Suffragettes to architecture, jump into the Bank of England Museum’s fascinating programme
The Bank of England Museum have pulled out all the stops this June with their varied programme, including a walking tour, museum late, architectural installation and educational talk.
Explore their resident exhibition, ‘Building the Bank – 100 years on’, and pair it with one of their events taking place across the month, who doesn’t love a 2-4-1?
Bank of England Museum
18. Explore the centre of justice at the Old Bailey
The Old Bailey is a historic institution important for delivering justice across the country, and now, you can have a peek inside without having to commit a crime! There will be guided tours this summer, including an edition with afternoon tea, plus they’re even hosting a silent disco, so you can have a once-in-a-lifetime experience this June.
19. Join a dramatised walking tour of the City of London, revealing the history of the East India Company (13 & 14 June)
Taking you through a journey of eight City locations, this immersive walking play explores the history of the East India Company, and the role it played in the success of the British Empire.
Five actors and a musician will join you on the journey, guiding you through history in a story about belonging and the origins of Empire.
'A London Lark Rising', immersive walking play around the City of London by London-based doctor and writer, Anu Kumar Lazarus
A date for your diary
Save 20% on City Beerfest tickets before 11 June!
City Beerfest is back this summer, on Thursday 2 July, offering an irresistible choice of over 55 beers from 13 outstanding brewers from the UK, Europe and Canada, tasty street food and fantastic live entertainment, all in the historic setting of Guildhall Yard to raise money for a worthy cause.
Book your tickets online by 11 June and receive a 20% discount.
