July has arrived, bringing with it a plethora of summer favourites. From Wimbledon, the Euros, and the Tour de France to the Olympics, the sporting calendar is packed. Alongside these events, London will host a variety of summer festivals including BST Hyde Park and Wireless, along with a brand-new festival making its debut. From outdoor sports screenings, summer exhibitions and beloved movie showings to classical music performances in repurposed car parks, July offers a wealth of activities in the city. Here's our guide to events not to miss in London this July 2024.

Taylor Swift: Songbook Trail

#FLODown: An exhibition dedicated to pop star Taylor Swift will be on display at V&A South Kensington in July. Featuring 16 iconic looks from her personal collection, the free exhibition vividly traces Swift's fashion evolution from her early days in country music to her global pop sensation status.Curated displays showcase the interplay between Swift's costumes and the V&A's rich collections, offering a compelling exploration of her creative journey and cultural influence. Click here for more.

Date: 27 July 2024 - 8 September 2024. Location: V&A South Kensington, Cromwell Rd, London SW7 2RL. Price: Free. vam.ac.uk.

Click here for our guide to summer exhibitions at V&A South Kensington.

Horniman Plant Fair

#FLODown: In July, the Horniman Museum and Gardens will host the Plant Fair in partnership with the Plant Fairs Roadshow. Explore a wide variety of plants from independent nurseries, including cottage-garden favourites, shade-loving plants, alpines, trees, shrubs, and succulents. Chat with specialist growers for expert advice. Enjoy talks covering soil health, underground ecosystems, and our connection with the earth, with speakers such as Alys Fowler, Claire Ratinon, Nadeem Perera, and Sam Lee. Don't miss guided tours of the gardens too!

Date: 6 July 2024. Time: 11am to 4pm. Location: Horniman Museum and Gardens, 100 London Rd, London SE23 3PQ. Price: Adult £10, Child £2.50. horniman.ac.uk.

 Cocktails in the City

#FLODown: Cocktails in the City returns to Bedford Square Gardens in July with its Summer Series' Games Edition. This alfresco festival features 20 of London's top bars, including newcomers like The Royal Cocktail Exchange and Gaia Mayfair, alongside returning favourites such as The Coral Room. Expect unique cocktails, thrilling bartending competitions, and new attractions like The Dover Yard B Corp Bar showcasing sustainable spirits. The event also offers cocktail-making classes, garden games, live music, a Silent Disco, and a diverse selection of international street food.

Date: 11 - 13 July 2024. Location: Bedford Square Garden, Bedford Square, London, WC1B 3ES. Price: £22 per person, including welcome cocktail, live music and tasting sessions.Book now.

Multi-Story Orchestra at Bold Tendencies

#FLODown: The award-winning Multi-Story Orchestra returns with their 2024 programme, featuring the reimagined 'Verified', premiering at Peckham’s Bold Tendencies on 4th and 5th July. 'Verified 2024', with songs by Multi-Story’s Young Artists and a script by Peckham playwright Montel Douglas, explores the complexities of social media and the quest for authenticity. With orchestral compositions by Artistic Director Kate Whitley and contributions from songwriters Fran Lobo and Abimaro Gunnell, the performance promises to be unforgettable.

Date: 4 - 5 July 2024. Time: 7pm – 8pm.  Location: Bold Tendencies, Multi storey Car park, 7th-10th Floors, 95a Rye Ln, London SE15 4ST. Price: from £8. Book now.

Summer of Sport: Wimbledon Championships and UEFA Euro 2024

#FLODown: The beloved Wimbledon Championships return from 1 - 14 July 2024. If you didn’t manage to snag tickets this year, fear not, as Wimbledon will be shown on huge screens at various locations in the city, including Battersea Power Station and Borough Yards. You can even watch the finals overlooking the city skyline at the Rooftop Film Club in Peckham. Click here for our guide on where you can watch Wimbledon 2024 in London.The UEFA Euros, which kicked off in June, will continue until 14 July. Click here for our guide on where you can watch all the action.

Other events to look forward to include the Summer Olympics in Paris, running from 26 July - 11 August 2024, and the Tour de France, taking place from 29 June - 21 July 2024.

Date: Wimbledon 2024: 1 - 14 July 2024; UEFA Euro 2024: 14 June – 14 July 2024.

 Festivals in London

#FLODown: Several exciting festivals are set to light up London this month. BST Hyde Park, running from 5- 14 July, will feature stellar headliners such as Kylie Minogue, Robbie Williams, Andrea Bocelli, and Kings of Leon, among others. Kew the Music, taking place from 9 - 12 July, will showcase JLS, Beverley Knight, Mika, and more. Wireless, happening from 12-14, promises performances from Nicki Minaj, Doja Cat, 21 Savage, and other top artists. Additionally, a new festival, Big Smoke curated by Skepta, will debut on 6 July. Click here for everything you need to know about festivals in London this July.

Everyman Screen on the Canal at King's Cross 

#FLODown: Everyman Screen on the Canal is back in July, with free outdoor film screenings at King’s Cross from 1 July - 18 August 2024. On show will be  popular films like Barbie, The Little Mermaid (2023), and Dune II, as well as the Wimbledon Tennis Championship. For the first time, Everyman is also introducing Everyman on the Water at The Brentford Project, running from 1 July - 31 August 2024, offering a similar mix of films and sporting events. Both locations provide good vibes and a relaxed atmosphere with bean bags, snacks, and drinks. Early arrival is recommended as events are un-ticketed.

Date: 1 July – 31 August 2024. Location: Canalside Steps, Granary Square, King's Cross; The Brentford Project, Brentford, TW8 8EW. everymancinema.com.

 Battersea Games

#FLODown: Battersea Power Station will host The Battersea Games from 1 July - 8 September 2024. Visitors of all ages can enjoy a variety of activities, including a 100m running track, a Rocket Padel pop-up court, cycle speed racing, and a climbing wall. The event kicks off with The Wimbledon Experience from 1 - 14 July, followed by the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. From 26 July - 11 August, the venue will be an Official Team GB Fanzone, and from 28 August - 8 September, it will transform into an Official Paralympics GB Fanzone.

Date: 1 July - 8 September 2024. Location: Battersea Power Station, Circus Rd W, Nine Elms, London SW11 8DD. batterseapowerstation.co.uk.

Peninsula Summer

#FLODown: Greenwich Peninsula, London's unique riverside neighbourhood, is set to host a variety of exciting events this summer. From Wild Swing mini golf and outdoor cinema to a global music festival and a jazz and food event, the lineup promises diverse entertainment. Designer Kitty Joseph will bring vibrant art installations to the riverside, marking her largest public display yet. Accessible by the Jubilee Line, IFS Cable Car, or Uber Boat, it offers a fresh perspective on London's summer scene.

Date: July – September 2024. Location: Greenwich Peninsula, Soames Walk, London SE10 0SQ. greenwichpeninsula.co.uk.

Crazy Smooth: In My Body

#FLODown: The European Premiere of Crazy Smooth: In My Body features Canada's top street dancers in a powerful performance about the challenges of ageing in hip-hop culture. With original music by DJ Shash’U, and choreographed by an international team, the show combines demanding dance with personal stories collected by writer Alejandro Rodriguez. Highlighting survival, triumph, and defeat, it includes dancers like DKC Freeze (born 1965) and Tash (born 1971). This performance is part of the Southbank Centre’s "You Belong Here" summer programme, which focuses on themes of belonging and welcome.

Date: 18 –⁠ 20 July 2024. Time: 7.30pm. Location: Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX. Price: from £20. southbankcentre.co.uk.

UNIQLOTate Play: Oscar Murillo

#FLODown: UNIQLO Tate Play is back with artist Oscar Murillo's The Flooded Garden at Tate Modern. Visitors of all ages are invited to contribute to a vast collaborative painting in the Turbine Hall, drawing inspiration from Monet’s Water Lilies and Murillo’s Surge series. Murillo’s works, which delve into social themes, will be showcased in the South Tank. This free programme, promoting art and play, offers some of the most enjoyable family-friendly fun in the city!

Date: 20 July – 26 August 2024. Location: Tate Modern, Bankside, SE1 9TG. Price: Free. tate.org.uk.

 Dalston Yard

#FLODown: *THIS LAUNCH HAS BEEN DELAYED UNTIL AUGUST* Dalston Yard, opening on 5 July 2024, is set to become East London's vibrant new cultural hub. Led by Dominic Cools-Lartigue, known for his work with Street Feast, this 27,000 square foot venue brings together art, music, wellbeing, and engaging talks. With ten kitchens showcasing global culinary talent, curated bars by mixologist Rich Woods, and artistic installations including murals by Joy Yamunsangie and Jazz Grant, Dalston Yard promises a dynamic experience. Emphasising community engagement and sustainability, it aims to foster creativity and connection while celebrating London's diverse cultural landscape.

Location: Hartwell St, London E8 3DU. dalstonyard.com. 

Summer Exhibition 2024

#FLODown There are several exhibitions to see in London this month, with one of the highlights being the 256th Summer Exhibition at the Royal Academy. Whether you're a seasoned visitor or experiencing it for the first time, it's a quintessential part of London's summer. This year's theme, 'Making Space,' curated by Ann Christopher RA, showcases a diverse array of sculptures, paintings, and textiles by invited artists and Academicians. Don't miss this vibrant celebration of creativity and innovation in the heart of the city.

Click here for our review of the 2024 Summer Exhibition.

Date: 18 June – 18 August 2024. Location: Royal Academy of Arts, Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BD. Price: £22 - £24.50. Book now. 

Somerset House Summer Series

#FLODown: The Somerset House Summer Series, presented by American Express, returns this July with an exciting lineup of open-air performances from 11 - 21 July 2024. Held in the iconic courtyard of Somerset House, the festival spans eleven days of live music ranging from rap and R&B to soul and rock. Featuring a diverse array of global artists, including Pip Millet, Fatoumata Diawara, Amadou & Mariam, Corinne Bailey Rae, Smino, The Amazons, Hania Rani, The Big Moon, Cory Henry, Hak Baker, and closing with the legendary Patti Smith Quartet, Summer Series is an intimate and vibrant musical experiences amidst the historic setting of Somerset House.

Date: 11 - 21 July 2024. Location: Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA. somersethouse.org.uk.

BBC Proms 

#FLODown: The BBC Proms returns to London from 19 July - 14 September 2024, spanning eight weeks of daily orchestral performances and other musical events. Hosted primarily at the iconic Royal Albert Hall, the Proms will feature over 90 concerts, providing ample opportunities to attend a concert and enjoy the music.

Date: 19 July – 14 September 2024. Location: Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2AP. Price: from £10. royalalberthall.com.

JAZZ RE:FEST 2024

#FLODown: JAZZ RE: FEST , now in its 11th edition, celebrates jazz with a spotlight on emerging talents alongside established international artists. This year's lineup features KYRA, Summer-Pearl, Insxght, Sultan Stevenson, Knats, and other special guests. Over the past two decades, JAZZ RE:FEST has played a pivotal role in the UK jazz scene by supporting young artists through band development programmes, DJ nights, partnerships, and an award-winning record label. The festival continues to push the boundaries of live jazz music while fostering a vibrant community of musicians and enthusiasts alike.

Date: 20 July 2024. Location: Southbank Centre. Price: Standard Entry Free. southbankcentre.co.uk.

The Lord Mayor’s Hot Air Balloon Regatta

#FLODown: The Lord Mayor’s Hot Air Balloon Regatta, a highlight of London’s summer calendar, returns this July with over fifty vibrant hot air balloons launching from Battersea Park. This impressive event not only fills the city skyline with a breathtaking display of colours but also supports the Lord Mayor's Appeal, raising funds for local charities. Watch as the balloons glide past iconic landmarks like Buckingham Palace and the London Eye, offering a unique and uplifting experience that celebrates community spirit while enjoying the beauty of London.

Hot air ballooning requires ideal weather conditions—calm winds, clear skies, and good visibility—which is why the Lord Mayor’s Hot Air Balloon Regatta schedules several standby dates each year.

Possible dates in July 2024: Sunday 7th, Sunday 21st, Sunday 28th. balloonregatta.com.

RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival

#FLODown: Returning this July, the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival is set to return with breathtaking garden designs, exquisite floral displays, exclusive shopping experiences, and inspirational talks—a quintessential English summer garden party where visitors can immerse themselves in beauty, ideas, and expert tips to enhance their own gardens.

Date: 2 - 7 July 2024. Location: Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey, KT8 9AU. Price: from £30.85. Book now.