London is pulling out all the stops this weekend. RAYE takes over The O2 for multiple nights, Morrissey makes his long-awaited return, Tracey Emin opens her biggest-ever exhibition, and several beloved West End shows take their final bows. Here's everything worth your time and money in London this weekend.
Look, I've lived in this city long enough to know that every weekend in London claims to be "unmissable." But this one genuinely is. You've got a major Tate Modern opening, two O2 Arena headliners, a world premiere musical at Drury Lane, and not one but three closing-night-or-bust situations across the West End. Throw in Arsenal hosting Chelsea on Super Sunday, and honestly, the hardest part of this weekend is choosing what to skip.
I've spent the week cross-checking dates, filtering out the noise, and picking events that actually deserve your precious London weekend. Some are free, some will cost you a decent chunk of rent money, and one involves drinking as much beer as you physically can in five hours. No judgement on which one you prioritise.
As always, you can bookmark any of these on AllEvents to keep your weekend plans organised. Let's get into it.
How this list works: Events are ordered roughly by when they start across the weekend (Friday → Saturday → Sunday), mixing categories so you're not reading about five gigs in a row. Each entry tells you what it is, why it matters, who should go, when it happens, and what you need to know before you leave the house.
What: Grammy and BRIT Award-winning artist RAYE brings her massive arena tour to The O2 for multiple nights this weekend, with support from ABSOLUTELY and AMMA. Friday February 27 and Sunday March 1 fall within the weekend window, part of a four-night London residency.
Why go: RAYE's live shows have become the stuff of legend since her album My 21st Century Blues rewrote the rules on what British pop music could sound like. This isn't just a concert, it's a full theatrical experience with orchestral arrangements, raw emotional moments, and genuinely jaw-dropping vocals. The O2 dates sold fast for good reason.
Who it's for: Anyone who cares about seeing one of the UK's most important artists at the peak of her powers. Fans of Adele, Jorja Smith, and Amy Winehouse will feel right at home.
When: Friday February 27, 6:30 PM and Sunday March 1, 6:30 PM
Need to know: The O2, Greenwich. Tickets have been moving fast, so check availability on AllEvents or The O2's site. Jubilee line to North Greenwich drops you right at the door. Budget for a long night because RAYE does not rush.
What: The biggest retrospective of Tracey Emin's career opens at Tate Modern this Friday, featuring 90 works spanning four decades. Painting, sculpture, video, neon, textiles, and yes, that unmade bed. This is OPENING WEEKEND.
Why go: Love her or find her confronting, Emin is one of the most significant British artists alive. This exhibition traces her evolution from YBA provocateur to something far more tender and searching, particularly her work since her cancer diagnosis. The Tate has also scattered her neon works across 22 locations in 11 London boroughs to mark the opening, so you might spot one on your walk home.
Who it's for: Art lovers, culture vultures, anyone curious about one of Britain's most confessional artists. Even if you've only heard of "the bed," this will change how you think about her work.
When: Opens Friday February 27, runs until August 31, 2026
Need to know: Tate Modern, Bankside (Southwark or Blackfriars tube). Tickets £20, or just £5 if you're 16-25. Weekday mornings will be quieter, but opening weekend has a buzz you can't replicate. Book ahead because this will be one of 2026's most visited exhibitions.
What: East End Dubs' Eastenderz label takes over Drumsheds for a night of relentless tech house and minimal, with Hot Since 82, SOSA, Kolter, Djoko, Cristina Lazic, and Jamback rounding out an enormous lineup across the 360-degree mega-venue.
Why go: Drumsheds is one of those venues that genuinely changes how you experience dance music. The 360 booth, the sheer scale, the sound system that hits you in the chest. Eastenderz parties are known for going harder than most, and this lineup is designed for people who want to dance until their legs give out.
Who it's for: Dedicated electronic music fans who secured tickets when they went on sale. If you didn't, this is your reminder to act faster next time, because Drumsheds events sell out almost instantly.
When: Friday February 27, 7:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Need to know: Drumsheds, 6 Glover Drive, Edmonton (Meridian Water station). This is SOLD OUT. If you've got tickets, you're in for one of the best nights of the year. Check the AllEvents listing for full lineup details.
What: Electronic producer Tourist (aka William Phillips) headlines O2 Academy Brixton on his biggest UK tour to date, with support from Duskus. Known for his cinematic, emotionally-charged electronic music and his Grammy-winning songwriting work.
Why go: Tourist's music sits in that rare space between club music and something genuinely beautiful. His live shows lean heavily into extended, immersive compositions that average six minutes per track, turning Brixton Academy into something closer to a cathedral than a club. It's one of those gigs where people actually stop talking and listen.
Who it's for: Fans of Bonobo, Jon Hopkins, and Bicep. Anyone who wants their electronic music with actual feeling. Also great for a first date if you want to seem cultured.
When: Friday February 27, 7:00 PM
Need to know: O2 Academy Brixton (Victoria line to Brixton). Tickets available on AllEvents. Doors at 7 PM, so grab dinner on Brixton Market beforehand and walk over.
What: The Crafts Council's annual contemporary craft and design fair returns to Somerset House for its 22nd edition, with 40 specialist galleries from around the world showcasing and selling ceramics, glass, jewellery, furniture, metalwork, wearable art, and sculpture. Prices start at £500.
Why go: Collect is one of those London events that makes you realise how much skill and beauty exists in contemporary craft. This isn't your local pottery fair. We're talking museum-quality pieces from international galleries, curated talks, and the kind of objects that make you seriously reconsider your IKEA furniture choices. The Somerset House courtyard setting doesn't hurt either.
Who it's for: Design obsessives, collectors, anyone who appreciates handmade objects, and people who want to buy something genuinely special rather than another candle.
When: Friday February 27 – Sunday March 1 (Fri 11am-8pm, Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 11am-5pm)
Need to know: Somerset House, Strand (Temple or Covent Garden tube). Tickets from £22. The Saturday tends to be busiest, so Friday evening or Sunday morning are your best bets for actually being able to see the work properly.
What: The former Smiths frontman plays a UK-exclusive one-night-only show at The O2 Arena. Whatever your feelings about the man, this is a rare London appearance from one of the most distinctive voices in British music history.
Why go: Morrissey live is still Morrissey live. The voice remains extraordinary, the setlist typically pulls from across his entire career (including Smiths classics), and O2 shows carry a ceremonial weight that smaller venues can't match. His London concerts have become increasingly rare, and "final tickets remain" suggests this one is nearly full.
Who it's for: Smiths devotees, indie rock lifers, and anyone who's ever dramatically lip-synced to "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out" in their bedroom. Also for people who want to people-watch one of the most passionate fanbases in music.
When: Saturday February 28, 6:30 PM
Need to know: The O2, Greenwich. Tickets on AllEvents or The O2's site. Limited availability. Same Jubilee line journey as RAYE, different emotional experience entirely.
What: After a two-year West End run at the Prince Edward Theatre, MJ The Musical takes its final bow on Saturday. The jukebox musical tells the story of Michael Jackson's life through the lens of his 1992 Dangerous World Tour, featuring a soundtrack of his biggest hits.
Why go: Whether MJ is your thing or not, this production has been a genuine crowd-pleaser, with performances that leave audiences on their feet. The final performance always carries extra electricity, both from the cast giving everything and the audience knowing this is it. If you've been meaning to go "at some point," that point is literally now.
Who it's for: Musical theatre fans, MJ devotees, and anyone who's been procrastinating on their "must-see West End" list.
When: Saturday February 28 (check performance times; likely matinee and evening)
Need to know: Prince Edward Theatre, Old Compton Street, Soho (Leicester Square or Tottenham Court Road tube). Check AllEvents for ticket availability. Final performances tend to sell out, so don't dawdle.
What: David Attenborough's latest deep-sea documentary Ocean gets the full live orchestral treatment at the Royal Festival Hall. The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra performs Steven Price's score live while the film plays on a massive screen, with a vocal ensemble adding extra texture.
Why go: Honestly? Because watching BBC nature footage on a big screen with a live orchestra is one of those experiences that genuinely moves people. Steven Price won an Oscar for Gravity and his ocean score is predictably stunning. Add Attenborough's narration and footage of the deep sea, and you've got a Saturday night that beats most restaurant reservations.
Who it's for: Nature documentary fans, classical music lovers, families looking for something special, and anyone who cried during Blue Planet.
When: Saturday February 28, 7:30 PM
Need to know: Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre (Waterloo tube). Tickets vary. This is a one-night event, so don't assume you can catch it next week.
What: London Comic Con Spring returns to Olympia for its annual two-day celebration of pop culture, featuring celebrity guests, autograph sessions, photo shoots, panels, and a cosplay extravaganza. Hundreds of vendors selling comics, memorabilia, art, and enough Funko Pops to fill a warehouse.
Why go: Spring Comic Con is the first big convention fix of the year and always draws a solid roster of TV and film guests. It's also just genuinely fun to wander around Olympia watching people absolutely nail their cosplay. The energy is infectious even if you're not a hardcore collector.
Who it's for: Comic book fans, pop culture enthusiasts, cosplayers, families with kids who are into anything from Marvel to anime, and anyone who enjoys a good nerd day out.
When: Saturday February 28 – Sunday March 1, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM both days
Need to know: Olympia, Hammersmith Road (Kensington Olympia station, District line). Tickets on AllEvents. Saturday is always busier, so Sunday morning is your window if you want breathing room. Bring cash for the indie vendors.
What: Two-time Olivier Award winner Sheridan Smith and comedian Romesh Ranganathan (in his West End debut) star in Alan Ayckbourn's darkly comic psychological drama at the Duke of York's Theatre. This limited run closes Saturday, making this your absolute last chance.
Why go: The casting alone makes this worth it. Sheridan Smith doing what she does best in a psychological unravelling, paired with Romesh Ranganathan proving he's more than a panel show regular. Ayckbourn's script is wickedly dark, and closing night audiences always bring an energy that transforms the performance.
Who it's for: Theatre lovers, fans of either performer, and anyone who appreciates dark comedy that actually gets under your skin.
When: Final performance Saturday February 28
Need to know: Duke of York's Theatre, St Martin's Lane (Leicester Square tube). Tickets on AllEvents or at the box office. This has been well-reviewed, so final-week tickets are going fast.
What: The Mall Tavern's annual all-you-can-drink beer festival returns for its fourth year, featuring 100 beers from 50 independent breweries across five-hour sessions. Friday evening and Saturday sessions available (Saturday daytime sold out at time of writing).
Why go: One hundred beers. All you can drink. Five hours. From independent breweries you've probably never heard of but will absolutely become obsessed with. The Mall Tavern curates this with genuine care, and it's become one of London's best beer events precisely because it champions smaller producers rather than the usual suspects.
Who it's for: Craft beer enthusiasts, people who enjoy discovering new breweries, and anyone who thinks a five-hour tasting session sounds like the perfect Friday evening. Designated driver friends not required but recommended.
When: Friday February 27, 5 PM – 11 PM; Saturday February 28, 12 PM – 5 PM (Saturday daytime sold out) and 5 PM – 11 PM
Need to know: The Mall Tavern, Notting Hill Gate (Central/District line to Notting Hill Gate). Tickets via Eventbrite. Saturday daytime has sold out, but evening sessions may still have availability. Eat before you go. Seriously.
What: Nicola Coughlan (Bridgerton, Derry Girls), Éanna Hardwicke, and Siobhán McSweeney lead this revival of J.M. Synge's iconic Irish dark comedy at the National Theatre's Lyttelton stage. A young man walks into a pub claiming to have killed his father, and chaos ensues. Closing this weekend.
Why go: Nicola Coughlan on a National Theatre stage is exactly as good as you'd hope. The production has divided critics a bit (some found the direction heavy-handed), but Coughlan's performance has been universally praised. Plus, this is the LAST chance to see it before it disappears.
Who it's for: Theatre fans, anyone who adores Nicola Coughlan, and Irish diaspora who want a dose of Synge's particular brand of wild comedy.
When: Final performances this week, closing Saturday February 28
Need to know: National Theatre, South Bank (Waterloo tube). Check the NT website for remaining performance times. If you can't get tickets, NT Live broadcast screenings may follow.
What: The London Museum Docklands' blockbuster exhibition about mudlarking on the Thames closes on Sunday. Featuring treasures pulled from the riverbed including a 1920s prosthetic eye, a Tudor wooden tankard, Roman coins, and hundreds of other objects that tell the story of London's relationship with its main waterway.
Why go: This exhibition has been one of 2025-26's sleeper hits. The objects are fascinating (a prosthetic eye! from the TWENTIES!), but it's the storytelling that makes it special, weaving together centuries of London life through what washed up on the foreshore. If you've been meaning to go, Sunday is literally your last day.
Who it's for: History buffs, mudlarking enthusiasts, families (kids find this stuff genuinely interesting), and anyone curious about what's hiding under the Thames.
When: Final day Sunday March 1 (10 AM – 5 PM, last entry 3:45 PM)
Need to know: London Museum Docklands, West India Quay (West India Quay DLR or Canary Wharf tube). Tickets from £16. Go early because final-day crowds can be significant.
What: The world premiere concert of Sea Witch, a brand-new musical reimagining the origins of a feared sea villain (very much in the Little Mermaid universe), starring Michelle Visage (RuPaul's Drag Race), Natalie Paris, and Mazz Murray (Mamma Mia!). One day only at the legendary Drury Lane.
Why go: A world premiere of a new musical at Drury Lane doesn't happen every weekend. Michelle Visage bringing her larger-than-life presence to a dark fairy tale origin story is inspired casting. The concert format means stripped-back staging but full vocal power, and "Beware of the Storms," the lead single, has already been generating serious buzz.
Who it's for: Musical theatre fans who want to say "I was there when..." Drag Race viewers, anyone who loves a villain origin story, and people who enjoy catching new shows before they potentially transfer.
When: Sunday March 1, 3:00 PM and 7:30 PM performances
Need to know: Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Covent Garden (Covent Garden or Holborn tube). Tickets on AllEvents. Two performances only, so pick your preferred time and book now.
What: The biggest Premier League London derby of the season. Arsenal host Chelsea at the Emirates in a Sunday afternoon clash that could have major implications for the title race. Kickoff 4:30 PM GMT.
Why go: Arsenal-Chelsea is always box office, but this season's fixture carries extra weight with both sides in the thick of the title conversation. The Emirates atmosphere for big matches has improved massively in the Arteta era, and there's nothing quite like the collective intake of breath when Saka picks up the ball on the right.
Who it's for: Football fans, obviously. But also anyone visiting London who wants to experience a proper Premier League matchday atmosphere, even if you're watching from a nearby pub.
When: Sunday March 1, 4:30 PM GMT
Need to know: Emirates Stadium, Holloway (Arsenal tube or Holloway Road). Tickets are listed on AllEvents but expect premium prices for this fixture. If you can't get in, every pub in North London will be showing it. Note: AllEvents listed this as Feb 28, but it's actually Sunday March 1.
What: Ska-punk veterans Less Than Jake bring their Winter Circus Tour to Brixton Academy with an absurdly stacked support lineup: The Bouncing Souls, The Aquabats!, and Bar Stool Preachers. Four bands, one Sunday, maximum chaos.
Why go: If you grew up on Warped Tour or spent your teens moshing at local punk shows, this lineup reads like a time machine. Less Than Jake are one of the most reliable live bands in punk, The Bouncing Souls are legends, and The Aquabats! are the most fun band on any bill they're on. Brixton Academy for ska-punk is also just chef's kiss.
Who it's for: Punk and ska fans aged 25-45 who want to feel 17 again. Also for younger fans discovering these bands for the first time. Fair warning: you WILL be sore on Monday.
When: Sunday March 1, doors 5:30 PM, curfew 10:30 PM
Need to know: O2 Academy Brixton (Victoria line to Brixton). Tickets on AllEvents. This is a standing gig, so wear comfortable shoes and prepare to sweat. Getting a pint from the upstairs bar is easier than fighting the ground-floor crowd.
What: The permanent ABBA concert experience at the purpose-built ABBA Arena near Stratford, featuring digital "ABBAtars" performing with a live band. Saturday has both a 3 PM matinee and 7:45 PM evening show.
Why go: I know, I know, it's been running for ages. But there's a reason it's still selling tickets, because it's genuinely spectacular. The technology is mind-boggling (the digital versions of ABBA look impossibly real), the band is tight, and by the time "Dancing Queen" hits, the entire arena is on its feet. If you haven't been yet, stop putting it off.
Who it's for: ABBA fans of all ages. Families. Date night couples. Your visiting parents. Basically anyone with a pulse and even a passing appreciation for Swedish pop perfection.
When: Saturday February 28, 3:00 PM (matinee) and 7:45 PM (evening)
Need to know: ABBA Arena, 1 Pudding Mill Lane, Stratford (Pudding Mill Lane DLR or Stratford tube + walk). Check AllEvents for tickets. Book the evening show for better atmosphere, though the matinee is great for families. Budget around £60-£180 depending on seating.
What: London's West End is illuminated with the UK's first and largest Ramadan light display, stretching across Coventry Street between Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square. Free, open to everyone, and on display daily from 5 PM to 5 AM.
Why go: It's free, it's beautiful, and it transforms one of central London's busiest streets into something genuinely magical. Now in its fourth year, the display features thousands of decorative lights with the message "Happy Ramadan" (changing to "Happy Eid" on March 18). Walking through on a Friday or Saturday evening, surrounded by the buzz of the West End, is one of those quintessentially London moments.
Who it's for: Everyone. Literally everyone. Families, tourists, locals heading to dinner, people killing time before a show. It's free and outdoors, so there's zero excuse not to swing by.
When: On display now through March 24, 2026. Daily 5:00 PM – 5:00 AM.
Need to know: Coventry Street, between Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square (both tubes work). Combine with dinner in Chinatown or Soho. No tickets needed. Just look up.
What: A curated vintage fair featuring 50 specialist traders selling mid-20th century furniture, lighting, ceramics, glass, textiles, original 1960s-70s posters, vintage fashion, and salvage, all inside the gorgeous Great Hall at Goldsmiths, University of London.
Why go: So Last Century is a cut above your average car boot. The traders are specialist dealers who actually know their stuff, the venue gives the whole thing a slightly grand feel, and the quality of the stock is genuinely impressive. Whether you're furnishing a flat or just browsing for a gift, it's a solid Sunday morning activity.
Who it's for: Vintage lovers, mid-century design fans, people decorating a new place, and anyone who'd rather spend Sunday morning rummaging through retro treasures than doom-scrolling.
When: Sunday March 1, 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Need to know: Great Hall, Goldsmiths University of London, New Cross (New Cross or New Cross Gate rail). Entry £3 advance on AllEvents. Cash is handy for some traders, though most take card now.
What: The new musical adaptation of the iconic film and bestselling novel, starring Vanessa Williams as Miranda Priestly, at the Dominion Theatre on Tottenham Court Road. With music by Elton John, this is one of the West End's hottest newer shows.
Why go: Vanessa Williams channelling Meryl Streep's legendary character is worth the ticket price alone. The Elton John score gives the show a musical backbone that elevates it beyond a simple film-to-stage transfer, and the fashion and staging are predictably gorgeous. If you're going to see one West End musical this weekend, and you've already ticked off the closings, this is the one generating the most conversation.
Who it's for: Musical theatre fans, fashion lovers, anyone who's watched the film more times than they'd admit, and people who want to see Vanessa Williams command a stage.
When: Friday February 27, 7:30 PM; Saturday February 28, 2:30 PM & 7:30 PM
Need to know: Dominion Theatre, Tottenham Court Road (Tottenham Court Road tube, literally next door). Tickets via AllEvents or the Dominion box office. Book the Saturday matinee if you want to double up with something else in the evening.
Fulham vs Tottenham at Craven Cottage
Sunday's other London derby, kicking off at 2 PM. Craven Cottage is one of the most charming grounds in the Premier League, right on the Thames. If you can score tickets, the atmosphere for a Spurs visit is always lively. Listed on AllEvents.
Highgate Heritage Weekend – Saturday and Sunday at Lauderdale House and Waterlow Park. Saturday is Local Heritage Fair day with 20 local organisations and afternoon talks; Sunday is Family Day with all-ages activities. FREE.
David Hockney: Some Very, Very, Very New Paintings – FINAL WEEK at Annely Juda Fine Art in Hanover Square. Never-before-seen paintings finished by Hockney in recent months. FREE entry and closes February 28, so Friday or Saturday only.
Milkfest '26 at Indigo at The O2
British blues festival headlined by Squeeze's Chris Difford, with 10+ acts. Sunday March 1, 2 PM. Profits go to Dementia UK.
Fierce Queens: Unframed, Unstitched... Unapologetic! – LGBTQ+ History Month celebration at Queen's House, Greenwich, with drag performances, cabaret, workshops, and gallery takeovers. Friday February 27, 7 PM – 11 PM.
50-Hour Improvathon – An improvised comedy soap opera in 25 two-hour episodes at Pleasance Theatre, Islington. Running from Friday 7 PM through Sunday. Drop in for one episode or binge the whole thing like the unhinged person you are.
What are the best free things to do in London this weekend?
The Ramadan Lights on Coventry Street are a must-see (daily 5 PM – 5 AM), the Highgate Heritage Weekend is free all weekend, and the David Hockney exhibition at Annely Juda Fine Art is free but closes Saturday. Tracey Emin's neon works have been installed across 22 locations around London to mark her Tate Modern opening, so keep your eyes peeled.
What's closing or ending in London this weekend?
MJ The Musical plays its final West End performance Saturday February 28 at Prince Edward Theatre. Woman in Mind with Sheridan Smith and Romesh Ranganathan closes Saturday at Duke of York's. The Playboy of the Western World with Nicola Coughlan closes Saturday at the National Theatre. Secrets of the Thames at London Museum Docklands closes Sunday March 1. David Hockney's paintings at Annely Juda close Saturday.
Are there any big sporting events in London this weekend?
Arsenal host Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on Sunday March 1 at 4:30 PM (Premier League). Fulham host Tottenham at Craven Cottage on Sunday March 1 at 2 PM.
What West End shows are running in London this weekend?
Besides the closings mentioned above, current highlights include The Devil Wears Prada (Dominion), Hamilton (Victoria Palace), The Lion King (Lyceum), Wicked (Apollo Victoria), Les Misérables (Sondheim), and The Book of Mormon (Gielgud). ABBA Voyage continues at its purpose-built arena near Stratford.
Is it Ramadan in London right now?
Yes, Ramadan 2026 is underway. The Coventry Street Ramadan Lights are on display daily, and many restaurants across London are offering special iftar menus. It's a beautiful time to experience London's multicultural character.
This weekend in London? Stop scrolling and start booking. The closings won't wait, the openings won't be this fresh again, and RAYE won't be at The O2 forever. Find all these events and more on AllEvents.
