Art of London
A free evening and late-night art and culture programme takes over London’s West End, bringing together contemporary art, music and immersive experiences across galleries, public spaces, bars and clubs. Many galleries stay open later than usual, making this an ideal after-dark cultural event.
The programme opens with Rise and Shine, a seven-metre light installation by London-based artist Lakwena Maciver in Piccadilly Circus. Alongside large-scale light art, the event features digital artworks, pop-up experiences and special gallery events. Highlights include an after-hours DJ night at the National Gallery, which remains open until midnight.
📍West End | 3–10 February 2026
Orchids Festival
Celebrating its 30th edition, the annual Orchids Festival returns to Kew Gardens with a vibrant winter escape. This year’s festival draws inspiration from Chinese traditions and design, showcasing dramatic orchid displays inside the Princess of Wales Conservatory.
The festival also highlights Kew’s scientific research and conservation work. In the evenings, visitors can experience the displays under atmospheric lighting during special Orchids After Hours events.
📍Kew Gardens | 7 February – 8 March 2026
Six Nations Rugby Tournament
One of Europe’s most prestigious sporting events returns as the Six Nations Rugby Championship brings together England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, France and Italy. The tournament runs from February to March, with each team playing every other team once, alternating home advantage each year.
Known for its long traditions and intense rivalries, the championship culminates in the iconic Super Saturday finale.
📍Twickenham Stadium | 7 February 2026
Dracula
A bold new stage adaptation of Dracula arrives in London, presented as a cinematic and contemporary theatre experience. Cynthia Erivo, known from Wicked, performs all 23 roles in this visually striking production.
Director and adaptor Kip Williams reimagines Bram Stoker’s gothic classic in an intense cine-theatre style, where decaying castles, lurking shadows and a slowly building sense of dread take centre stage.
📍Noël Coward Theatre | 7 February – 30 May 2026
National Pizza Day
National Pizza Day is an annual celebration dedicated entirely to pizza. Across London, pizzerias mark the day with special menus, discounts and one-off events. This makes a great excuse to explore some of the city’s best pizza spots.
📍London-wide | 9 February 2026
Inside Aardman: Wallace & Gromit and Friends
The third temporary exhibition at Young V&A goes behind the scenes of the iconic British animation studio Aardman. The exhibition celebrates beloved characters such as Morph, Shaun the Sheep, and Wallace & Gromit.
With a strong focus on interactive and educational elements, visitors can explore how stop-motion animation is created. It’s even possible for them to try creating their own animations. While open to all ages, the exhibition is especially designed for children ages 8–14. One ticket allows multiple visits during the exhibition period.
📍Young V&A | 14 February – 15 November 2026
Sleepless in Seattle (Live in Concert)
Spend Valentine’s Day in romantic style with Sleepless in Seattle shown on a large HD screen, accompanied by a live orchestra performing the film’s soundtrack. Making its London debut, this concert-film experience blends Nora Ephron’s beloved love story starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, containing classic songs by Louis Armstrong and Nat King Cole.
The evening also features A Wink and a Smile, written for the film by Harry Connick Jr., which earned composer Marc Shaiman an Academy Award nomination.
📍Southbank Centre | 14 February 2026
Lunar New Year
London celebrates the Lunar New Year in mid-February 2026 as the Chinese calendar welcomes the Year of the Horse. The city comes alive with large-scale public celebrations, particularly in Chinatown and the West End.
Expect colourful lion and dragon dances, cultural performances, street food stalls and community events, making this one of London’s most vibrant annual festivals.
📍Chinatown & West End | 21–22 February 2026
Banksy: Limitless
This major exhibition presents an extensive overview of the work of the elusive street artist Banksy. Featuring approximately 250 pieces, the show includes original works, rare prints, large-scale installations, digital works, photographs, and sculptures.
Highlights include well-known works such as Infinity Room, Cinderella’s Carriage and Grin Reaper, alongside newly recreated installations based on original artworks.
📍Sussex Mansions, Old Brompton Road | Until 22 February 2026
Equanimity Festival
Focused on calm, balance, and holistic well-being, the Equanimity Festival is part of the ongoing Mind Your Brain campaign. The festival offers experiences designed to support both mental and physical well-being.
Highlights include a wild spa at Lewis Cubitt Square, featuring wood-fired saunas, cold plunge pools and ice baths in collaboration with Urban Ice Tribe, as well as guided workshops in the Slomo Tipi and wellbeing events hosted by local partners.
📍King’s Cross | Until 31 March 2026
