London events in February 2026

What’s On + The Best Things To Do

Planning a trip and looking for London events February 2026? This guide helps you plan your dates easily without the stress of missing out. Start by choosing when you’re visiting, then select your top three must-see events.

Next, match your plans to the best area to stay so you spend more time exploring and less time commuting. We highlight the top events and include easy booking options for major sporting fixtures, headline concerts, and popular shows. You’ll find the biggest highlights at the top, followed by quick categories you can scan.

Last updated: 27th January 2026

London February events 2026 banner with Chinatown lanterns and West End theatre lights.China Town + London Theatre | Top London Events February 2026

London Events In February 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.


February 2026 Events at-a-glance

London Muslim Shopping Festival

  • Saturday 7th to Sunday and 8th February 2026 (Ramadan dates from Tuesday 17th February to 18th March)• From ££ • Best for: pre-Ramadan shopping, modest fashion, halal food & family day out

Kew Orchids (Orchid Festival)

  • Saturday 7th February to Sunday 8th March 2026 • Kew Gardens • From £ (entry) • Best for: indoors, colour, photography

Six Nations Rugby (England Home Games)

  • Saturday 7th February + Saturday 21st February 2026 • Twickenham • From ££ • Best for: sports atmosphere

February Half-Term Week (most London boroughs)

  • Monday 16th to Friday 20th February 2026 • Citywide • Mixed • Best for: families

London Fashion Week

  • Thursday 19th to Monday 23rd February 2026 • Multiple venues (London) • Varies • Best for: city buzz, fashion lovers

Chinese New Year in London (Festival Weekend)

  • Saturday 21st to Sunday 22nd February 2026 (Official Lunar New Year falls on Tuesday 17th February) • Chinatown/Trafalgar Square • Mostly free
  •  Best for: everyone, culture + food

Pancake Day: Inter-Livery Pancake Races

Tuesday 17th February 2026 • Guildhall Yard • Free to watch • Best for: quirky London

BAFTA Film Awards (Ceremony Day)

  • Sunday 22nd February 2026 • London • TV/invite • Best for: film fans (and themed screenings around it)

Explore further events in February in London 2026

Pick your week in 60 seconds

A quick way to plan your February 2026 London trip (in under a minute)

Step 1: Pick your “trip vibe” (choose one)

  • Festival vibes: Saturday 21st to Sunday 22nd February (big weekend energy + events)
  • Family/half-term: Monday 16th to Friday 20th February (busy attractions + kid-friendly plans)
  • Sports atmosphere: Wednesday 7th or Saturday 21st February (best chances for matchday buzz)
  • Winter colour + photos: Kew Orchids: Wednesday 7th February to Sunday 8th March (bright, indoor, weather-proof)

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

  • Six Nations tickets, prime theatre seats, and timed-entry attractions (especially during half-term)
Chinatown London lanterns at dusk in February – Soho street scene for London events guide.London Chinatown Lanterns in February, Soho


Current Events in London February 2026

February offers a diverse range of events and activities for those looking to make the most of the month. Below is a list of various options to explore.

Chinese New Year

London’s Chinese New Year celebrations are one of the city’s biggest and most vibrant cultural weekends. Expect a buzzing atmosphere around Chinatown and the West End, with performances, parade energy, traditional dancing, and plenty of street-food temptations nearby.

Dates: Saturday 21st to Sunday 22nd February 2026

Why go: London’s biggest free cultural weekend — performances, parade energy, and amazing food in Chinatown.

Cost range: Free to attend (food/markets paid)

Quick Tips Before You Go:

  • Tube: Leicester Square / Charing Cross / Piccadilly Circus
  • Best time: Late morning to early afternoon for the main buzz
  • Crowd tip: Arrive early and avoid peak Tube times right after major performances

Ice Rink Canary Wharf

Sliding beneath Canary Wharf's shimmering skyline is one of the best winter activities in London. The grand roof will be illuminated with more than a thousand sparkling fairy lights, making this occasion the most thrilling yet. We are certain that no matter the weather, this winter's day trip won't be hampered by weather conditions.

Dates: Saturday 25th October 2025 to Sunday 22nd February 2026

Why go: A classic winter activity with a skyline backdrop — great for couples, friends, and photos.

Cost range: ££ (paid tickets)

Quick Tips Before You Go:

  • Tube: Canary Wharf (Jubilee line / Elizabeth line / DLR)
  • Best time: Weekday evenings for atmosphere, or earlier slots for fewer crowds
  • Crowd tip: Book ahead for weekends and half-term — peak slots go quickly

Six Nations Rugby (England Home Matches)

The Six Nations is one of the biggest sporting events of the year, and a Twickenham matchday is a full-on London experience. Expect packed pubs, huge atmosphere, and a proper “big day out” feeling from start to finish. The official games run from 7th February to 14th March, but the London home games are on 7th and 21st February.

Dates: Saturday 7th February 2026 + Saturday 21st February 2026

Why go: The matchday atmosphere is unreal — one of the best crowd experiences in London.

Cost range: ££–£££ (tickets vary)

Quick Tips Before You Go:

  • Tube: Train to Twickenham (then walk/shuttle)
  • Best time: Arrive 60–90 minutes before kick-off for the full pre-match buzz
  • Crowd tip: Plan your return — stations get very busy straight after the final whistle

Kew Orchids

If you want a warm, colourful escape from February weather, Kew’s Orchid Festival is the perfect pick. It’s bright, tropical, and one of the best places in London for winter photography — all inside the conservatory.

Dates: Saturday 7th February to Sunday 8th March 2026

Why go: A winter mood-lifter — warm conservatory, colour, and one of London’s best February photo spots.

Cost range: ££ (Kew entry)

Quick Tips Before You Go:

  • Tube: Kew Gardens (District line / Overground)
  • Best time: Weekday mornings for a calmer visit
  • Crowd tip: Half-term gets busy — aim for early entry slots

Valentines Day

Are you looking for a unique way to surprise your Valentine on February 14 by surprising him or her with a date? It will be a day filled with lots of romantic events taking place in London, one of the world's most romantic cities. Choose one of the most romantic restaurants in London, find an adequate theatre show for both of you, wonderful tours to choose from, attractions and after-dark events.

Event Date: Saturday 14th February 2026

Why go: The city feels extra romantic — perfect excuse for a show, dinner, and a “London at night” plan.

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

Quick Tips Before You Go:

  • Tube: Depends on your plan (Central London is easiest for shows + dinner)
  • Best time: Early evening (start with a show or viewpoint, then dinner)
  • Crowd tip: Book restaurants and theatre tickets well ahead — this weekend sells out fast

Pancake Day

This is London at its quirkiest, fast, silly, and genuinely fun to stumble upon. The Inter-Livery Pancake Races are a brilliant “quick stop” event that feels very local, right in the heart of the City.

Date: Tuesday 17th February 2026

Why go: Quirky, very “London”, and fun to catch as a quick city moment.

Cost range: Free to watch

Quick Tips Before You Go:

  • Nearest Tube: St Paul’s / Bank / Moorgate (depending on route)
  • Best time: Arrive a little early to get a decent viewing spot
  • Crowd tip: It’s short and popular — treat it as a quick stop, not a full afternoon

London Fashion Week

It is one of the most prestigious fashion and creative industry events, taking place at 180 The Strand at the British Fashion Council. The biennial event attracts prominent fashion icons, designers, and enthusiasts from all over the world. London's status as a global centre of fashion will be celebrated through runway shows, invitation-only events, and speeches.

Dates: Thursday 19th to Monday 23rd February 2026

Why go: The city feels extra “alive” — pop-ups, people-watching, and a more electric vibe in central areas.

Cost range: Free to browse the city buzz / £££ if attending ticketed events

Quick Tips Before You Go:

  • Tube: Depends on venue (keep it general unless you list the main venue)
  • Best time: Afternoon into evening for the strongest “city energy”
  • Crowd tip: Expect busier Soho/Covent Garden — book restaurants ahead on Fri/Sat

BAFTA Film Awards

The BAFTAs bring awards-season buzz to London, and even if the ceremony is invite-only, the city still feels like it’s in “film mode”. It’s a great time to catch themed cinema screenings, nominee marathons, and special showings around the West End.

Date: Sunday 22nd February 2026

Why go: Awards-season buzz — great excuse for themed cinema screenings and a “film weekend” vibe in London.

Cost range: Mostly £ (cinema) / Ceremony is typically invite-only

Quick Tips Before You Go:

  • Nearest Tube: Depends on cinema choice (Leicester Square is an easy base)
  • Best time: Evening (pair with dinner + a screening)
  • Crowd tip: Book popular cinemas/screens in advance for BAFTA weekend

LGBT+ history month

In the UK, February is celebrated as LGBT+ History Month. By taking part in this annual commemoration of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and non-binary history, we are urged to increase our understanding of issues affecting the LGBT+ community.

The history of LGBT+ rights and related civil rights campaigns are also included in this celebration. It aims to enhance the acceptance of a society that is safer and more accepting of people with a wide range of sexual orientations and gender identities.

Dates: All through February 2026

Why go: A full month of talks, exhibitions and events celebrating LGBT+ history, culture, and community in London.

Cost range: Free–££ (varies by venue/event)

Quick Tips Before You Go:

  • Tube: Depends on the venue (many events are Central and East London)
  • Best time: Evenings and weekends (best for talks + screenings)
  • Crowd tip: Some smaller venues require booking — reserve free tickets where offered

holidays in February

Half-term is one of the busiest family travel weeks in London, packed with kid-friendly programming. Museums, attractions, and shows often add special activities.

Dates: Monday 16th to Friday 20th February 2026 (varies by borough)

Sports During February 2026

February is a strong month for sport in London because the city is fully back in season after the festive period. You’ll usually find a good mix of football, rugby, and indoor sport, with plenty happening on weeknights—ideal if you’re planning an itinerary around a show, a museum visit, and a live match in the evening.

What you can typically expect in London in February:

  • Football (Premier League + cups): London’s biggest clubs often have fixtures throughout February, with a mix of league matches and cup ties.
  • Rugby (Six Nations atmosphere): February is a prime time for rugby fans, with busy pubs and matchday crowds adding to the atmosphere.
  • Indoor sport: When the weather is chilly, indoor venues often host basketball, darts, and other arena events, alongside one-off tournaments and exhibition games.

If your goal is to catch one standout sporting moment, February is a reliable choice—there’s usually something on most weeks. Just keep in mind that exact schedules can change due to TV selections and cup progress.

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

    Natural History Museum London Hintze Hall crowd.Inside Natural History Museum (South Kensington)

    What’s on in February by category

    Here’s what’s worth doing in London in February 2026, grouped by category so you can skim it fast and start shaping your days.

    Kick off with the free museums, then pick one bookable highlight such as an exhibition, show, concert or comedy show based on your vibe and budget. If you spot a ticket widget, use it as your shortcut to check dates, prices, and availability in seconds.

    museums (mostly free)

    Perfect for a first day in London (and ideal in cold or wet weather).

    • British Museum (free)
    • National Gallery (free)
    • Tate Modern (free)
    • V&A (free)
    • Natural History Museum (free)
    • Science Museum (free)

    Want more options? Explore my guide to London’s best museums (by area + interests).

    Exhibitions (Limited-Time)

    • 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 (free)
    • 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

    Comedy (Best Nights)

    • Garry Starr: Classic Penguins (Garrick Theatre) — Sunday 1st to Sunday 22nd February 2026
    • The Lily Foundation Comedy Gala (The Comedy Store, Leicester Square) — Monday 2nd February 2026 (8:00 pm)
    • Dead Ringers: 25th Anniversary Tour (London Palladium) — Monday 2nd February 2026
    • I’m Sorry, Prime Minister (Apollo Theatre) — Friday 30th January to Saturday 9th May 2026

    Concerts & Live Music

    • BBC Symphony Orchestra: Oramo conducts Stravinsky & Lindberg (Barbican Hall) — Friday 6th February 2026 (19:30)
    • LSO: Debussy, Berg & Rachmaninoff (Barbican) — Thursday 26th February 2026 (19:00)
    • Tōru Takemitsu: Between Sound and Silence (Southbank Centre) — Saturday 28th February 2026 (19:00)
    • Morrissey (The O2 Arena) — Saturday 28th February 2026 (18:30)
      Lyceum Theatre London Lion King.The Lion King at Lyceum Theatre London West End

      Theatre, musicals & live entertainment

      Why February is great: cosy nights, strong midweek availability, and loads of first-timer classics.

      Popular long-running picks:

      • The Lion King
      • Wicked
      • The Phantom of the Opera
      • Les Misérables
      • Hamilton
      • ABBA Voyage

      Booking tip: Midweek is usually easier (and often better value) than Friday and Saturday.

      Want what’s on during your dates? Use the widget below to browse February 2026 shows and book tickets (I display a few highlights, with more available inside the widget).

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

        Practical planning so your trip runs smoothly

        Where to stay:

        • First-timers: Covent Garden, Soho, South Bank
        • Best connections: King’s Cross/St Pancras, Paddington, London Bridge
        • Better value: Canary Wharf, Greenwich, Stratford (fast links into Central)

        Contactless/Oyster is easiest: Tube for speed, buses for sightseeing.

        February weather tip: Cold + damp is common — pack layers, a warm waterproof jacket, and comfy shoes.

        Booking tips (simple + effective):

        • Theatre: Midweek = easier tickets and sometimes cheaper
        • Kew Orchids: timed entry can apply — reserve early
        • Six Nations: tickets and travel sell quickly
        • Chinese New Year weekend: plan your route + arrive early
        Paddington Station London entrance with people walking.London Paddington Station Entrance

        Choose the best time to go in February

        • Want the biggest buzz? Aim for festival weekends (Chinese/Lunar New Year + city pop-ups).
        • Want fewer crowds? Choose midweek and avoid half-term.
        • Travelling with kids? Plan around half-term week and book early.
        • Want winter colour indoors? Kew Orchids is your safest February win.
        • Sports atmosphere? If England play at home, Twickenham matchday is the big one.

        London Events In February FAQs

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

        In February 2026, the biggest free, event-led moment is the Chinese New Year weekend (21st to 22nd February), with central London performances and street celebrations. For free exhibitions and event-style programming, check what major museums and venues are running that month (openings, talks, late sessions) and treat these as your “free, ticketed-feel” highlights.

        Is February a good time to visit London?

        Yes! February is a strong month to visit London for what’s on. Expect Chinese New Year, a full schedule of West End shows, plus plenty of concerts, exhibitions, and sports tournaments, often with better midweek availability than peak months.

        When is February half-term in London in 2026?

        For most boroughs, half-terms fall between Monday 16th and Friday 20th February 2026.

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