Beyond the 9-5: The Best Things to Do in London this May

Pub in the Park, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and the men’s FA Cup final are just some of the events to look forward to this May.

Naomi Chadderton

An experienced editor and journalist specialising in news and lifestyle.

Introducing Beyond the 9-5, our round-up of all the best things to do in London each month. In May we have iconic cultural events, a huge football game and plenty of reasons to eat (and drink) our way through the month. Cheers!

1Celebrate Tate Modern’s 25th Birthday

Tate Modern is turning 25 this May and, as to be expected, it’s marking the occasion in style. Over one celebratory weekend, visitors can enjoy an impressive number of events, from artist talks, workshops and guided tours to live music, DJ sets and curated food and drink. Highlights include moving performances that explore art, ecology and society, plus the return of iconic works like Louise Bourgeois’ towering spider Maman. It’s a wonderful excuse to revisit this world-class gallery or discover it anew.
May 9th–12th, Bankside, London. Free entry: Full programme

2Update your Homeware at the Newly Opened IKEA

After years of anticipation, IKEA is finally opening its doors on Oxford Street – and yes, the famous meatballs will be there too. From Thursday May 1, you’ll be able to browse the Swedish giant’s stylish, affordable homewares without trekking out to the suburbs, so whether you’re after a new reading lamp, a few smart storage solutions, or just fancy a nostalgic wander followed by lunch, it’s well worth a look. Expect opening day excitement to match the occasion.

IKEA Oxford Street opens May 1st. 214 Oxford Street, London.

3See the Most Tony-Nominated Show of all Time on the West End

Among the more welcome exports from across the Atlantic this year is Stereophonic, the most Tony-nominated play in Broadway history. Written by David Adjmi, with original songs by Will Butler of Arcade Fire, it offers a fictionalised but emotionally charged take on the turbulent studio sessions that inspired Fleetwood Mac’s iconic Rumours album. With bandmates falling in and out of love as they laid down tracks, it’s as much about heartbreak as it is harmony. The best bit? Following rave reviews in the US, the production arrives directly in the West End this year.

From May 24th: Duke of York’s Theatre, Covent Garden.

4Marvel at Stunning Horticultural Displays at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show

A highlight of London’s spring calendar, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show returns this month and, as always, we are in for a treat. This year, Monty Don unveils his first-ever Chelsea garden - a dog-friendly haven complete with a 'shaggy lawn' of daisies and clover, celebrating relaxed gardening, while The British Red Cross debuts with the 'Here for Humanity' garden reflects global humanitarian efforts through alpine-inspired design. Elsewhere the Wildlife Trust will present a lush British Rainforest Garden, spotlighting the UK's rare temperate rainforests. We can hardly wait.

May 20th - 24th: RHS

5.Watch the First Non-Shakespeare Play to be Performed on the Globe’s Outdoor Stage

While Arthur Miller’s The Crucible has been revived many times, this particular production marks a milestone: it’s the first non-Shakespeare play to grace the Globe’s iconic outdoor stage. Directed by Ola Ince, this drama about the Salem witch trials and McCarthyism feels particularly poignant in the space that has long celebrated the Bard. The Globe has always championed new writing, and though it can be a challenge to draw in a tourist-heavy crowd, The Crucible’s sweeping narrative and large cast make it a perfect fit.

May 8th – July 12th: Shakespeares Globe.

6Check Out the British Museum’s Latest Exhibition

One for art aficionados, the British Museum is unveiling a new groundbreaking exhibition this month, Ancient India: Living Traditions. A world-first, it delves into the origins of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism through a rich collection of over 180 artefacts, including 2,000-year-old sculptures, paintings, drawings and manuscripts. Expect a pluralistic perspective on sacred art and its enduring influence on nearly two billion people worldwide, with highlights including symbolic footprints preceding human depictions of Buddha and cosmic serpents in Hindu art.

May 22nd – October 19th: British Museum

7Indulge your Inner Bookworm at the New Fleet Street Literary Festival

London's literary scene welcomes a new gem this May: The Fleet Street Quarter Festival of Words. Celebrating the area's rich history as the birthplace of the printing press, the festival offers over 40 events across esteemed venues like Dr Johnson’s House and New Street Square – we’re particularly looking forward to seeing Booker Prize-winning author Ben Okri, historian Sir Richard Evans and screenwriter Ed Docx discussing the adaptation of Slow Horses from page to screen. There will also be plenty of insightful discussions on topics ranging from freedom of speech to the impact of AI on storytelling, so don’t miss out.

May 14th – 17th. Various venues across the Fleet Street Quarter, London.

8Feast to your Heart’s Delight at Pub in the Park

One of our favourite events of the year, Pub in the Park, curated by Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge is back at Gunnersbury Park this month, with the three-day celebration combining gourmet pub fare with live music in a relaxed outdoor setting. Featured London restaurants include The Tamil Prince, The Bull & Last, Bouchon Racine and The Butcher’s Tap & Grill, while music-wise expect Soul II Soul, Jack Savoretti, Ministry of Sound Classical, and a Britpop battle featuring Blur2, Noasis, and Pulp’d on the roster.

May 30th – June 1st. Gunnersbury Park.

9Watch the Men’s FA Cup Final at Wembley

The 144th FA Cup Final takes place at Wembley Stadium this May, where two of the best teams in England will battle it out for one of football’s most coveted trophies. With the chance to succeed Manchester United as champions of the historic cup, this is sure to be a thrilling encounter, there’s bound to be an electric atmosphere and a true spectacle that celebrates the beautiful game at its finest.

May 17th.