10 London festivals worth leaving the house for this summer
Jazz, indie, hip-hop, dance and pop across the Capital
Don’t say it too loudly, but summer is just around the corner. For years now, London has been offering up a fine array of festivals featuring everything from rock and pop to underground dance music, hip-hop, jazz and much more besides.
With 2026 being a fallow year for Glastonbury, there will be many Londoners feeling the hole in their diary without the annual pilgrimage to Worthy Farm. Whether you’re pining for music and mayhem in a Somerset field or just looking for some great music in one of London’s fantastic parks and open spaces, then we’ve got you covered!
London’s festivals offer something for everyone, whether you’re looking for roots reggae, pounding beats, laid back jazzy vibes or vintage pop. Sit back, crack open a drink and dream of partying to your favourite tunes, on a (hopefully) sunny day in London this summer!
1. Field Day
- When: 23rd of May
- Where: Brockwell Park
- Notable artists: Floating Points, Honey Dijon, Andy C, Joy Orbison
Happening back-to-back with Cross the Tracks at Brockwell Park, Field Day is a festival that has gone through some pretty major evolutions since its inception in 2007.
In its early days, the event focused on indie and folk, but then changed tack significantly as it moved into electronica, hip-hop, grime and R&B. Before finding its current home, the event was staged at Victoria Park and even in a warehouse in Enfield. This year’s line-up features Floating Points, Honey Dijon, Andy C, Joy Orbison and many more.
2. Cross The Tracks
- When: 24th of May
- Where: Brockwell Park
- Notable artists: Little Simz, Joy Crookes
Established in 2019, Cross The Tracks has made a huge impact on the London festival scene. It focuses on showcasing a blend of jazz, funk, soul and hip-hop – often with a dash of dance music in there for good measure.
This year’s line-up features boundary-pushing afro-jazz collective Kokoroko, The Outlook Orchestra, Fabio and Grooverider and many more. The day will be closed in fine fashion by all-conquering UK MC Little Simz.
3. City Splash
- When: 25th of May
- Where: Brockwell Park
- Notable artists: Beres Hammond, Aidonia, Elephant Man, Gyptian
City Splash is a joy filled celebration of Caribbean and African music. It focuses predominantly on reggae, dancehall and afrobeats. This time, punters will be treated to a UK exclusive show from veteran reggae artist Beres Hammond, plus Aidonia, Elephant Man, Gyptian, Channel One and many more.
4. Mighty Hoopla
- When: 30th-31st May
- Where: Brockwell Park
- Notable artists: Lily Allen, Jessie J, Scissor Sisters
Mighty Hoopla is a gutsy and fun celebration of all things pop culture. Designed as an inclusive event, it celebrates LGBTQ+ artists and queer art. Expect pop nostalgia, drag acts, DJs and a whole lot more.
The line-up features headline sets on the Saturday and Sunday respectively from Lilly Allen and Scissor Sisters. Other artists on the bill include Jessie J, JLS, Five, Horse Meat Disco, Jodie Harsh and Heather Small.
5. Somerset House Summer Series
- When: 16th-26th of July
- Where: Edmond J Safra Fountain Court, Somerset House
- Notable artists: The Cribs, Three Scared Souls, Naïka, Benjamin Clementine
Arguably more of a concert series than a festival, the Summer Series is, however, a stellar set of events hosted by Somerset House in July. True to form, the event will feature both beloved classic artists and current innovators across a range of genres.
Taking to the stage in the beautiful Edmond J Safra Fountain Court will be Lightning Seeds, Black Country New Road, Flaming Lips, Benjamin Clemantine and more.
6. Jazz Café Festival
- When: 2nd of August
- Where: Burgess Park
- Notable artists: Ari Lennox, Greenta Peng, Smino
A relative newcomer to the London scene, Jazz café festival returns with its third edition in 2026. The event takes the musical ethos of the legendary Camden venue and showcases a range of soulful sounds and boundary-pushing artists.
Ari Lennox, Greentea Peng, Durand Bernarr, Boldy James and Smino are among the event’s stellar line-up.
7. Maiden Voyage
- When: 8th of August
- Where: Burgess Park
- Notable artists: SHERELLE, Helena Hauff, TYGAPAW, DJ Heartstring, HAAi, Job Jobse,
Organised by the team behind The Jazz Café, Maiden Voyage has been bringing unmissable line-ups showcasing the best of contemporary electronic music to London each summer since 2019.
Originally held in Stratford before moving to the Lea Valley – it now finds a home alongside Jazz Café Festival at Burgess Park. This year’s line-up features Confidence Man, ALCATRAZ, DJ Gigola, DJ Heartstring, Helena Hauff and many more.
8. Roots Picnic
- When: 8th-9th of August
- Where: Crystal Palace Bowl
- Notable artists: Nas, The Roots, Floetry, Nia Smith, Sasha Keable
Created by the legendary hip-hop group The Roots, this event originates from Philadelphia. London is being treated to the first international edition, which offers up two days of top-tier hip-hop, soul and jazz. It will, of course, feature The Roots, performing here with fellow legend Nas.
Other artists on the bill include Anthony Hamilton, Musiq Soulchild, Benny the Butcher, Yasiin Bey, Black Thought, Robert Glasper & Questlove and Common.
9. All Points East
- When: 21st-23rd August + 28th-30th August
- Where: Victoria Park
- Notable artists: Tyler, The Creator, Baby Keem, Jorja Smith, Tems, Lorde, Deftones, Idles, Twenty One Pilots
Each year since 2018, All Points East has brought hugely varied line-ups featuring big names and cult artists to Victoria Park. The 2026 edition keeps things going with another set of themed one-day events.
Major draws include Tyler, The Creator, Jorja Smith, Lorde and Twenty One Pilots. On Sunday 23 August, the series will host Outbreak Fest – a day of rock and metal featuring acts such as Deftones, Amyl and the Sniffers, Interpol and more.
10. GALA
- When: 22nd-24th May
- Where: Peckham Rye Park
- Notable artists: Giggs, CASSISDEAD, Seth Troxler, Todd Terje, Saoirse
GALA takes place on the May bank holiday weekend and is now London’s largest independent festival. This three-day event is proud of its independence and known for using high-quality sound systems and featuring a diverse selection of electronica and underground dance music.
The 2026 edition features one of its strongest line-ups. Giggs will play a much-anticipated homecoming set, while others on the bill include CASSISDEAD, Seth Troxler, Todd Terje, Saoirse and more.
Skip the search — follow Shortlist on Google News to get our best lists, news, features and reviews at the top of your feeds!
