Exploring North London: Exciting Activities for the Bank Holiday Weekend (May 2-4)
As the May bank holiday approaches, North London offers a diverse array of events and activities suitable for all interests. From vibrant markets and cultural festivals to family-friendly fun and historical tours, there’s something to enjoy for everyone. Here is a curated list of must-visit happenings this weekend. Feel free to share additional suggestions in the comments!
GROW Plant Sale at The GROW Farm
Location: Totteridge, N20
Dates: 4 May | Operating Hours: 10am – 2pm
Experience the joy of sustainable gardening at GROW’s community farm in Totteridge. On both May bank holidays, the farm hosts a plant sale featuring a wide variety of vegetables, herbs, and flower plants—all cultivated using agroecological practices. Choose from items like tomatoes, courgettes, kale, rosemary, foxgloves, and lupins. The event adopts a solidarity pricing model and offers opportunities to explore the farm and receive gardening advice from experienced growers. No pre-registration required; just turn up and enjoy a day immersed in nature.
Indie Jewellers’ Market at Coal Drops Yard
Location: Kings Cross, N1C
Dates: 30 April – 4 May | Free Entry
Discover unique handcrafted jewellery from over 70 independent designers at Coal Drops Yard. Each day features a fresh lineup of artisans showcasing precious metals, gemstones, ceramics, Murano glass, and statement pieces not found on mainstream high streets. Alongside the market, an accompanying Korean food festival runs for most of the event, offering delicious culinary treats. Open daily from 11am to 6pm, this market is a celebration of creativity and craftsmanship.
Sicily Fest at Business Design Centre
Location: Islington, N1
Dates: 30 April – 4 May | Ticketed
Indulge in authentic Sicilian cuisine and culture at Sicily Fest, now in its eleventh year. Held at the Business Design Centre on Upper Street, this vibrant festival features regional wines from Mount Etna, artisan pasta, pistachios, panelle, pizza fritta, and cannoli. Enjoy lively music performances throughout the event and immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Sicily’s culinary heritage.
May Day Celebrations at the Marx Memorial Library
Location: Clerkenwell Green, EC1R
Date: 4 May | Free Entry
Delve into London’s revolutionary history with a May Day celebration at the Marx Memorial Library, a Grade II listed site where Lenin once penned his exile newspapers. The day includes guided tours, stalls, tea and cake, and keynote speakers on the steps at 12:30pm. The May Day march departs from outside the library at 1pm, heading toward Trafalgar Square. The event runs from 11am to 3pm and offers a blend of history, activism, and community spirit.
Bruce Castle Heritage Open Day
Location: Bruce Castle, N17
Date: 3 May | Free Entry
Discover the historic treasures of Tottenham with a day packed with heritage activities. Bruce Castle Museum hosts curator-led tours starting at noon, alongside heritage walks, bell-ringing at 10:30am, and a guest talk at 2:30pm. Visitors can explore a medieval church, Tudor manor house, Victorian cemetery chapels, and enjoy complimentary tea and cake at the Old Kitchen Café. The open day runs from 10:30am to 4pm, providing a wonderful opportunity to connect with local history.
May Day Fair at Kentish Town City Farm
Location: NW5
Date: 4 May | Admission: £1 adults, 50p children
Celebrate spring at Kentish Town City Farm’s lively May Day Fair. The event features animal handling sessions, maypole dancing, food stalls, homemade cakes, and a raffle. It’s a family-friendly affair, so arriving early is recommended to enjoy all the activities from 12pm to 4pm.
Spring Plant Sale at Harington Scheme
Location: Highgate, N6
Date: 2 May | Free Entry
Support a local charity dedicated to empowering young people with learning disabilities. The Harington Scheme hosts a plant sale in their greenhouse, offering herbs, perennials, and spring bedding plants. Live music by London Metropolitan Brass, a raffle, and homemade cakes make this a delightful way to kick off the week. Open from 10am to 1pm.
Round the Square Celebrations in East Finchley
Location: East Finchley High Road, N2
Date: 2 May | Free Entry
Join the community as East Finchley unveils its new performance and event space with an afternoon of entertainment. The program includes live music, dance performances by Fixation Academy, folk music, and a community choir. Children can enjoy a glitter bar (£3), and visitors can indulge in half-priced ice cream at Budgens. The festivities run from 2pm to 4pm.
Roots 2 Love Festival in Kilburn
Location: Kilburn Square, NW6
Dates: 1-2 May | Free Admission
Celebrate Kilburn’s vibrant community at the Roots 2 Love festival. The two-day event features live music, DJ sets, food stalls, maypole dancing, gardening workshops, storytelling, and a Wall of Belonging to highlight local stories. The festival kicks off at Metroland Studios on Friday evening at 6pm and continues at Kilburn Square on Saturday from 1pm to 7pm, fostering community connection and cultural expression.
Coggers Family Funfair at Broomfield Park
Location: Palmers Green, N13
Dates: 1-4 May | Entry: £2 per person, £5 for a family of four
Enjoy classic funfair rides, lights, and entertainment at Broomfield Park during the bank holiday weekend. The funfair is token-operated, with tokens available on arrival. Gates are open from 12pm to 8pm each day, offering an exciting outing for families seeking plenty of amusement.
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