Events in London April 2026

Dates, Free Festivals, Shows & Sport

When you land here, you do not need to overthink your plans, but you only need to decide what kind of April you want. Start at the top with our main events, then head to the categories to focus on what matters most: sport, concerts, shows, and seasonal highlights. Our events in London April guide is built for fast planning with our easy-to-scan events list and other additional things to do for this month.

Once you know what you want to see, match it to the best area to stay so you spend more time enjoying London and less time commuting. Everything is laid out to keep it simple—top picks first, then short sections you can skim, check, and book without the usual back-and-forth.

Last updated: 9th February 2026

Banner with marathon runners and Big Ben by Thames.Marathon Buzz Meets Big Ben Spring Skies | Top London Events April 2026

Events In London April Index

Disclaimer: Event details can change, so it’s worth double-checking the official venue or organiser page before you head out. We update this page as regularly as possible.


April 2026 Events at-a-glance

London International Ska Festival

  • Thursday 2nd to Saturday 4th April 2026 • Various venues (mainly Camden) • Tickets vary • Best for: live bands + proper London gig crawl

Easter Weekend (London highlights + long weekend)

  • Friday 3rd to Monday 6th April 2026 • Citywide • Mixed • Best for: families, long-weekend plans, spring city energy

The Passion of Jesus (Trafalgar Square performance)

  • Friday 3rd April 2026 • Trafalgar Square • Free • Best for: culture, iconic London setting

The Boat Race (Oxford vs Cambridge)

  • Saturday 4th April 2026 • River Thames • Free to watch • Best for: riverside atmosphere + classic London tradition

The London National Wedding Show

  • Saturday 11th to Sunday 12th April 2026 • ExCeL London • Tickets vary • Best for: wedding planning + catwalk shows + supplier deals

London Games Festival

  • Monday 13th to Sunday 19th April 2026 • Multiple venues • Mixed • Best for: gamers, pop-ups, city-wide programming

British Swimming Championships (Aquatics Centre)

  • Tuesday 14th to Sunday 19th April 2026 • Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park • Tickets vary • Best for: sport fans, indoor arena vibes

ITEC 2026

  • Tuesday 14th to Thursday 16th April 2026 • ExCeL London • Tickets vary • Best for: defence training + simulation tech + industry conference buzz

Vaisakhi in Trafalgar Square

  • Saturday 18th April 2026 • Trafalgar Square • Free • Best for: music, dance, family-friendly culture day

St George’s Day celebrations (London events around the date)

  • Sunday 19th April 2026 (celebration date) • Central London • Usually free • Best for: a very “London/England” day out

Brick Lane Jazz Festival

  • Friday 24th to Sunday 26th April 2026 • Truman Brewery (plus venues around Brick Lane) • Tickets vary • Best for: underground jazz + late-night sets + East London energy

TCS London Marathon

  • Sunday 26th April 2026 • City route • Free to watch • Best for: bucket-list crowd atmosphere

London Table Tennis Championships

  • Tuesday 28th April to Sunday 10th May 2026 • Alexandra Palace • Tickets vary • Best for: sport + big indoor venue energy

Explore further events in April in London 2026

Pick your week in 60 seconds

The quickest and best way to plan your April 2026 trip to London.

Step 1: Pick your trip vibe (choose one)

  • Long weekend energy: Friday 3rd to Monday 6th April (Easter weekend — great for first-timers)
  • Classic London tradition: Saturday 4th April (riverside crowds for the Boat Race)
  • Spring festival week: Monday 13th to Sunday 19th April (Games Festival + extra city buzz)
  • Big “London moment”: Sunday 26th April (Marathon day atmosphere)

Step 2: Choose where to stay (based on priorities)

  • Walkable sights + West End nights: Covent Garden / Soho / South Bank
  • Easy transport connections: King’s Cross / Paddington / London Bridge
  • Better value (still quick into Central): Stratford / Canary Wharf / Greenwich

Step 3: Book the “sell-out” stuff first

  • Headline concerts, prime theatre seats, and timed-entry attractions (especially during school holiday weeks)
Oxford and Cambridge crews racing past crowds on Thames river.Boat Race Action With Packed Riverside Crowds Nearby


current events in london april

April in London is when the city starts to feel brighter and busier again with longer days, more going on, and loads of reasons to get out and explore. From big ticket events and live sport to concerts, comedy, exhibitions, and West End nights, there’s usually something happening every week (and often every day).

We have summarised the current events in London for April 2026. This is the more detailed part of the guide, but structured in a simple way with what it is, when it’s on, why you might like it, and a few quick tips to help you plan.

London International Ska Festival

At the London International Ska Festival, which has run since 1988, fans from all over the world gather to celebrate ska music. Based around Camden Town, bands and DJs take over well-known London venues, sometimes including special events like a Thames cruise. Expect ska, rocksteady, reggae, dub, and 2 Tone.

Event Dates: Thursday 2nd to Saturday 4th April 2026

Why go: A full-on city festival vibe with loads of gigs across different venues (easy to mix with sightseeing).

Cost range: ££ (ticketed)

Quick Tips Before You Go:

  • Tube: Depends on the venue (plan your travel per night)
  • Top tip: If there’s a weekend wristband option, it’s usually the easiest way to commit without overthinking each night
  • Crowd tip: Friday + Saturday nights are the busiest—arrive earlier than you think

Easter Weekend 2026

Easter is widely celebrated in London, with events and festivities happening across the city. You can attend church services, family-friendly egg hunts, and seasonal food and drink events. Visitors can also book concerts, exhibitions, and theatre performances, while parks and gardens offer a great backdrop for picnics and outdoor time.

Dates: Friday 3rd to Monday 6th April 2026

Why go: A popular long weekend with loads happening across the city.

Cost range: Free–£££ (depends on what you book)

Quick Tips Before You Go:

  • Top tip: Book theatre + timed-entry attractions early
  • Crowd tip: Do museums early in the day; evenings are best for shows

The Passion of Jesus (Trafalgar Square performance)

This is one of those uniquely London events that surprises people with a full-scale, open-air performance in the heart of the city. It’s moving, crowded, and very memorable, even if you only drop by for part of it.

Date: Friday 3rd April 2026

Why go: A major free public performance in central London.

Cost range: Free

Quick Tips Before You Go:

  • Tube: Charing Cross / Leicester Square / Embankment
  • Best time: Arrive early (it fills up fast)
  • Crowd tip: Aim for the edge of the square if you want an easier exit

The Boat Race (Oxford vs Cambridge)

The Boat Race is one of London’s most iconic spring events, featuring a high-energy rowing showdown between Oxford and Cambridge on the River Thames. The riverbanks fill up with spectators, the atmosphere is lively, and it’s a great excuse for a riverside day out, complete with pubs, parks, and views along the route.

Date: Saturday 4th April 2026

Why go: A classic London spectacle, and it's free to watch with proper spring energy.

Cost range: Free (food/drinks paid)

Quick Tips Before You Go:

  • Best areas to watch: Putney / Hammersmith / Barnes
  • Best time: Get there early for a good riverside spot
  • Crowd tip: Walk between viewing points — it’s often better than standing still

The London National Wedding Show

This event is ideal for anyone planning a wedding, bringing a wide mix of suppliers under one roof, from planners and photographers to florists and dress designers. Attendees can explore the latest bridal fashion, sample food and drink, and get practical advice from experts to help shape the day.

Date of Event: Saturday 11th to Sunday 12th April 2026

Why go: A packed, high-energy show with catwalk moments and loads of wedding planning ideas in one place.

Cost range: ££ (ticketed)

Quick Tips Before You Go:

  • Tube/DLR: Custom House (Elizabeth line / DLR)
  • Top tip: Go early for a calmer first hour, then stay for a catwalk time slot
  • Crowd tip: Midday gets busiest—late afternoon can feel more breathable (especially on Saturday)

London Games Festival

London Games Festival is a city-wide celebration of video games and interactive entertainment, featuring talks, showcases, hands-on demos, family-friendly sessions, and industry events. Whether you’re into indie titles, major studios, or simply want something different to do in London, it’s an enjoyable way to spend a few hours.

Dates: Monday 13th to Sunday 19th April 2026

Why go: A different side of London; modern culture, meetups, demos and showcases.

Cost range: Free–££ (varies by event)

Quick Tips Before You Go:

  • Best time: Weekday evenings + weekend sessions
  • Crowd tip: Book any ticketed event early, as some events cap numbers

British Swimming Championships (Aquatics Centre)

The British Swimming Championships are a very popular event on the UK calendar, with top swimmers (including para-swimmers) coming to London for proper high-stakes racing. It’s also easy to dip in for a session and its great if you fancy a change from museums and shows.

Dates: Tuesday 14th to Sunday 19th April 2026

Why go: Proper championship atmosphere, world-class racing, and it’s genuinely great live

Cost range: ££ (ticketed sessions)

Quick Tips Before You Go:

  • Tube/DLR: Stratford / Stratford International (then Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park walk) (best approach for the Olympic Park area)
  • Top tip: Pick one session (heats or finals) rather than trying to do the whole day
  • Crowd tip: Finals sessions are the buzziest—book those first if you want atmosphere

ITEC 2026

ITEC is a major defence training and simulation conference and exhibition. It is very much a large-scale industry event, with advanced tech on show and a strong international audience. If you’re in London for work, or you’re interested in military training technology, it’s one of April’s standout specialist events.

Dates: Tuesday 14th to Thursday 16th April 2026

Why go: Europe’s leading defence training tech event with lots of innovation around simulation and training systems, all under one roof.

Cost range: Tickets vary (registration/pricing depends on attendee type)

Quick Tips Before You Go:

  • Venue: Hosted at ExCeL London (easy to reach on the Elizabeth line/DLR).
  • Top tip: If you’re going for networking, aim for a full day (not just a quick visit)—the value is in the conversations as much as the exhibits.
  • Crowd tip: Mornings are best for calmer floor-walking; afternoons tend to feel busier and more meeting-heavy.

Vaisakhi Festival

Vaisakhi is a vibrant celebration of Sikh history and tradition. It marks the Sikh New Year and commemorates the founding of the Khalsa, with colourful processions, traditional music, energetic dancing, and shared community meals.

Date: Saturday 18th April 2026

Why go: Free, lively, family-friendly, with loads to see without spending much.

Cost range: Free (food stalls paid)

Quick Tips Before You Go:

  • Tube: Charing Cross / Leicester Square / Piccadilly Circus
  • Best time: Early afternoon for the strongest buzz
  • Crowd tip: There will be many people, so go with a “wander + sample” mindset and don’t over-plan

St George's Day Celebrations

On St. George's Day, Trafalgar Square is filled with celebrations honouring England's patron saint. The city comes alive with festivities honouring the country's rich history, mythology, and pride, allowing residents and tourists to join in the celebration. Featuring traditional and modern entertainment, family-friendly events, street performers, quests, market booths, and English street food vendors.

Date: Sunday 19th April 2026 (Official St. George's Day is Thursday 23rd April 2026)

Why go: A free festival day with a classic London setting and easy access.

Cost range: Free

Quick Tips Before You Go:

  • Tube: Charing Cross / Leicester Square / Embankment
  • Best time: Midday to mid-afternoon
  • Crowd tip: Pair it with a walk to Covent Garden after

Brick Lane Jazz Festival

This is East London at its coolest: a packed weekend of live sets and late-night energy, with the festival spread across the Brick Lane area. It’s an excellent option if you want something more “local scene” than a big arena show.

Dates: Friday 24th to Sunday 26th April 2026

Why go: A proper neighbourhood festival that turns Brick Lane into a multi-venue jazz party—great for music lovers who want that underground London vibe.

Cost range: ££ (tickets vary by event/pass)

Quick Tips Before You Go:

  • Top tip: Plan one “must-see” set per day, then leave space to discover—this festival is best when you keep it flexible.
  • Crowd tip: Evenings feel busiest—arrive early for the first set you care about most.
  • Local tip: Pair it with street food and a wander around Spitalfields/Shoreditch before your first show—perfect warm-up.

London Marathon

The London Marathon is a popular event attracting runners from around the world. It features a 42.2 km route passing by iconic landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, and The Cutty Sark. With around 38,000 spectators, the marathon creates a festive atmosphere and is a celebration of London's diverse communities. 

Date: Sunday 26th April 2026

Why go: One of London’s biggest days — incredible crowd energy and a truly memorable city moment.

Cost range: Free to watch

Quick Tips Before You Go:

  • Best viewing ideas: Choose a spot where runners pass twice (or near a station for an easy exit)
  • Best time: Late morning into early afternoon
  • Crowd tip: Don’t aim for the most famous pinch points unless you love mega-crowds

London Table Tennis Championships

If you’re referring to the major London table tennis event in 2026, the headline tournament is the ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals (London 2026). It begins in late April and continues into May, making it a great option if your trip overlaps the end of April.

Dates: Tuesday 28th April to Sunday 10th May 2026

Why go: It’s elite-level team table tennis—fast, intense, and a seriously cool live-sport pick that’s a bit different from the usual London staples.

Cost range: ££–£££ (ticketed)

Quick Tips Before You Go:

  • Tube: Wembley Park / Wembley Central (depends on venue day—Wembley is a key hub for the event)
  • Top tip: Knockout rounds are the most dramatic—aim for those if you want “big match” tension
  • Crowd tip: Weekends sell fastest—lock tickets early if you’re travelling for it

Sports During April 2026

By April, London's sports calendar feels fully alive again, with football in full swing and more outdoor events taking place. You’ll still find football throughout the month, but April is also when London’s “big day out” sporting moments start showing up, making it easy to pair a match with sightseeing, food, and an evening show.

What you can typically expect in London in April:

  • Football (Premier League + cups): high-stakes fixtures, with cup ties and derby tension depending on the calendar.
  • Rugby (club fixtures): late-season games still bring atmosphere, especially around the pubs near major grounds.
  • Outdoor events: runs, cycling events, and occasional one-offs, helped by longer evenings.
  • Indoor sport: steady arena schedules (basketball, combat sports, and more) if the weather turns.

For one standout sports moment, April is a strong bet. Just remember, schedules can change due to TV selections, cup progress, and late fixture updates.

To make planning quicker, we’ve included a sports ticket widget below showing sporting events happening in April 2026. You can browse what’s on, compare dates, and click through to check availability and prices.

    Natural History Museum hall with whale skeleton and visitors below.Museum Crowds At The Famous Natural History

    What’s on in April by category

    April is one of the easiest months to plan in London because you can mix free indoor classics with spring outdoor highlights, then add one bookable event each day to secure a great evening.

    If it’s your first day, start slowly, with a museum or gallery, so you don't overwhelm yourself with how big London is while spending a lot. Then, choose one paid highlight per night, like a show, comedy set, concert, or exhibition, and build the rest of your plans around it.

    If you spot a ticket widget, use it as a quick filter. It is the fastest way to line up your dates with what is actually available, without hopping between tabs.

    Museums (mostly free)

    What Do You Want London To Feel Like Today?

    • Ancient and legendary: British Museum
    • Classic and iconic: National Gallery
    • Cool and modern: Tate Modern
    • Elegant and detailed: Victoria & Albert Museum
    • Dinosaurs and drama: Natural History Museum
    • Hands-on fun: Science Museum

    Want more options? Explore my London museums guide by area and interests.

    Exhibitions (Limited-Time)

    Explore exhibitions in London because the city feels like it resets after winter. Galleries roll out fresh spring programmes, big museums push new headline shows, and loads of smaller displays are easy to fit into a day without heavy planning.

    Exhibitions and Displays for April 2026

    • Samurai • British Museum, Bloomsbury • Tuesday 3rd February to Monday 4th May 2026
    • Water Pantanal Fire • Science Museum, South Kensington • Friday 6th February to Sunday 31st May 2026
    • Seeds of Exchange: Canton and London in the 1700s • Garden Museum, Lambeth • Wednesday 11th February to Sunday 10th May 2026
    • Lucian Freud: Drawing Into Painting • National Portrait Gallery, West End • Thursday 12th February to Monday 4th May 2026
    • Stubbs: Portrait of a Horse • National Gallery, Trafalgar Square • Thursday 12th March to Sunday 31st May 2026
    • Sufi Life and Art • British Museum, Bloomsbury • Monday 27th October 2025 to Sunday 26th July 2026
    • Martin Parr: A Fair Day • The Photographers’ Gallery, Soho • Monday 9th February to Sunday 19th April 2026
    • Tracey Emin: A Second Life • Tate Modern, South Bank • Friday 27th February to Monday 31st August 2026

    Comedy Shows

    April is when London comedy really hits its stride. You have the choice of big-name stand-up nights, smaller club shows that feel more “local”, and theatre-style comedy you can turn into a full West End evening. It’s also a great month to book comedy because you can keep your days flexible (museums, walks, markets) and then lock in one funny night to finish the day properly.

    Comedy Shows for April 2026

    • I’m Sorry, Prime Minister • Apollo Theatre • Friday 30th January to Saturday 9th May 2026
    • Alasdair Beckett King, King Of Crumbs • Leicester Square Theatre • Saturday 4th To Saturday 11th April 2026
    • Thomas Green, Brainstorm • Leicester Square Theatre • Thursday 9th April 2026
    • James Acaster • Bloomsbury Theatre • Wednesday 8th April 2026
    • Richard Herring’s Leicester Square Theatre Podcast • Leicester Square Theatre • Monday 20th April 2026
    • Ruby Wax • Leicester Square Theatre • Sunday 12th April 2026
    • Harry Enfield • Leicester Square Theatre • Sunday 19th April 2026
    • Garth Marenghi • Richmond Theatre • Saturday 25th April 2026

    Concerts & Live Music

    April’s live music scene in London really wakes up again. Spring tours roll into town, the big arenas start stacking weekend dates, and the classical calendar at places like the Barbican and Southbank Centre is packed with “proper night out” concerts you can build your plans around.

    Concerts for April 2026

    • Josh Groban • The O2 • Wednesday 1st April 2026
    • Tom Misch • KOKO • Wednesday 1st and Thursday 2nd April 2026
    • Garage Nation The Concert • The O2 • Friday 3rd April 2026
    • Bruce Liu Plays Ravel • Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre • Sunday 12th April 2026
    • Carnival Of The Animals • Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre • Wednesday 15th April 2026
    • Terence Blanchard A Requiem For Katrina • Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre • Friday 17th April 2026
    • Classic FM Live With Viking • Royal Albert Hall • Monday 20th April 2026
    • The Lord Of The Rings the Fellowship Of The Ring In Concert • Royal Albert Hall • Thursday 30th April 2026
      West End theatre entrance with Tina marquee and posters outside.Tina Turner Show at West End Nights At Aldwych Theatre

      Theatre, musicals & live entertainment

      April is a lively month for a proper London theatre night because the West End is in full swing, the evenings feel more vibrant, and you can pair a show with dinner and a walk without it being freezing. It also suits first-timers perfectly, since you have loads of long-running classics, plus limited-time shows that rotate in and out through spring.

      The widget below allows you to browse the April 2026 shows and book tickets at your convenience.

      Show schedules and availability can change, so always double-check dates and times before booking.

        Practical planning so your trip runs smoothly

        Use this quick planning section to choose where to stay, how to get around, and what to book first.

        Where to stay:

        Getting around: Contactless/Oyster is the simplest. Tube for speed, buses for sightseeing.

        April planning tip: Spring is usually mild, but London still flips quickly — pack layers and comfortable shoes (you’ll walk more in April than you expect).

        Booking tips:

        • Easter weekend: book popular attractions + theatre early
        • Boat Race day: arrive early and plan your route home
        • Trafalgar Square festival days (18–19 Apr): go early afternoon for peak atmosphere
        • Marathon Sunday: pick a viewing area near a station for an easy exit
        Red double-decker bus and Black cab passing elegant London buildings on a city street.The London Red Bus and Black Cab

        Choose the best time to go to London in April

        • Want the biggest atmosphere? Combine the Boat Race weekend and central London festivals.
        • Want fewer crowds? Avoid Easter weekend and go midweek.
        • Travelling with kids? Easter break is fun but busy, so book ahead.
        • Want iconic London energy? Marathon Sunday is unbeatable for city vibes.
        • Want something different? London Games Festival week is a great wildcard.

        London Events In April FAQs

        What are the best free events in London in April 2026?

        During April are some great free events to attend, such as The Boat Race (Saturday 4 April), The Passion of Jesus (Friday 3 April), Vaisakhi on the Square (Saturday 18 April), St George’s Day festival (Sunday 19 April), and the London Marathon atmosphere (Sunday 26 April).

        Is April a good time to visit London?

        April brings along spring energy, longer days, and great free events, festival weekends and more. All this without the peak summer crush.

        When is Easter in London in 2026?

        For 2026, the Easter Weekend starts from Good Friday, which falls on 3rd April, until Easter Monday, which falls on the 6th April, making this weekend a popular (and busy) time for a London trip.

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