Explore the Best Activities in North London This Bank Holiday Weekend (May 23-25)
Are you looking for exciting ways to spend the upcoming bank holiday weekend in North London? From lively street festivals to cultural exhibitions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here’s a curated list of notable events happening across the area. Feel free to share additional suggestions in the comments!
- Angel Comedy Street Party – A Morning of Laughter and Community
Location: The Bill Murray, N1 | Date: 24 May | Cost: Free
Kick off your weekend with the Angel Comedy Street Party, where top comedians perform from the roof of The Bill Murray in Angel. Audience members sit on hay bales in the street, enjoying drinks under the sun. The event is free, open from 2 pm, with early arrival recommended as seating is first-come, first-served. Donations support the Islington Centre for Refugees and Migrants.
- StrEATlife Street Food Festival – Gourmet Bites with Scenic Views
Location: Alexandra Palace, N22 | Dates: 23-24 May | Cost: Free
Indulge in diverse street food offerings from over twenty food trucks set against panoramic views from the south-facing terrace at Alexandra Palace. Savor lobster rolls, jerk chicken, vegan bowls, alongside local beers and cocktails. The festival features live music and DJs throughout the weekend. Gates open at 12 pm, closing at 8 pm, with dogs on leads welcome.
- Charity Super.Mkt – Vintage Shopping for a Good Cause
Location: Coal Drops Yard, N1C | Dates: 21-25 May | Cost: Free
Discover pre-loved fashion treasures at the Charity Super.Mkt, a pop-up vintage market styled like a supermarket. All proceeds benefit charities such as the British Heart Foundation and Havens Hospices. The market operates from Thursday to Sunday, 10 am-6 pm, and until 5 pm on Monday, offering designer labels, sustainable fashion, and on-site clothing repairs.
- Our Stokey Market – Local Artisan Finds
Location: Church Street, N16 | Dates: 23-24 May | Cost: Free
Browse through vintage clothing, handcrafted homeware, ceramics, art, rugs, and jewelry from local artisans at this popular market in Stoke Newington. The market runs both days from 11 am to 5 pm, providing a perfect opportunity to support local makers. Enjoy a coffee break and bring along your canine friends.
- The Big Buzz Festival – Celebrating World Bee Day
Location: Wray Crescent Park, N4 | Date: 23 May | Cost: Free
Join the community at Wray Crescent Park for a family-friendly festival honoring bees. Enjoy circus workshops including plate spinning, hula hoops, and juggling, starting at noon. A magician performs at 3 pm, captivating audiences with illusions and audience participation. The event features face painting, vegan food stalls, honey tastings, craft stalls, and a playful tug-of-war between kids and parents. Event runs from 12 pm to 4 pm.
- MarkMakerz Street Jam 2026 – A Live Street Art Extravaganza
Location: Market Road Football Pitches, N7 | Dates: 23-25 May | Cost: Free
Experience the vibrant energy of London’s street art scene at this annual jam hosted by MarkMakerz. Live mural painting takes place across three days, with artists like Wumzum, Hamtheillustrator, Hybrid Desire, and Kieron Boothe. Concurrent music performances create an immersive cultural experience, running from 12 pm to 6 pm each day.
- Enfield Pageant of Motoring – Classic Cars and Vehicles
Location: Enfield Playing Fields, EN1 | Dates: 23-24 May | Cost: Entry fee
Celebrate automotive history at one of North London’s longest-standing events. Over two days, enjoy a display of hundreds of classic cars, motorcycles, military vehicles, and hot rods. Highlights include motorcycle stunt shows, car club parades, and the impressive display of the World’s Fastest Jensen, clocked at 194 mph after Bonneville Speed Week. The event also features live music, fairground rides, food stalls, and a dog show on Sunday, with free parking available.
- Haringey History Talk – Why Do We Spell the Borough’s Name Differently?
Location: Wood Green Library, N22 | Date: 23 May | Cost: Free
Delve into the intriguing history behind the spelling variations of Haringey and Harringay. Hugh Flouch from the Hornsey Historical Society has dedicated twenty years to researching this question—without a definitive answer. Join the discussion from 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm for an insightful exploration of local history.
- London Rivers Week – Discover Your Local Waterways
Location: Various sites across London | Dates: 23-31 May | Cost: Free
London Rivers Week marks its 10th year with walks, talks, and community events celebrating the city’s rivers. In North London, participate in activities such as a walk through Camley Street Natural Park, a sensory river walk at Headstone Manor Park, or a river clean-up at Yeading Brook. Some events have limited availability, so early booking is advisable.
- Family Day at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
Location: Regent’s Park, NW1 | Date: 24 May | Cost: Ticketed
Enjoy a day full of outdoor family entertainment at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. The programme includes “The Marvellous Myth Hunter,” an interactive adventure show, a harpsichord concert by Bach to Baby, a family rave called Fly-Kid, sensory play for young children, and finger sports activities. A delightful outing for children and parents alike.
- Ashley Road Open Garden & Plant Sale – A Hidden Green Sanctuary
Location: 36 Ashley Road, N19 | Dates: 24-25 May | Cost: Free
Visit a stunning private garden in Archway as part of the National Garden Scheme. Highlights include Japanese maples, a fernery, a bog garden, and a lily pond. The garden also hosts a plant sale featuring unusual ferns, perennials, and vegetables grown from garden cuttings. Enjoy homemade cream teas and cakes in the tranquil setting. Open from 2 pm to 6 pm on both days.
- Criminal: An Untold History – Exploring Homelessness and Justice
Location: Museum of Homelessness, N4 | Dates: 21 May – 25 July | Cost: Free
Discover the complex history of homelessness and its criminalization in Britain through this engaging exhibition. Featuring works from contemporary artists alongside historical material, the exhibit challenges perceptions and highlights resistance movements. Open throughout the summer, it offers a thought-provoking cultural experience.
- GROW Plant Sale – Community Grown Greenery
Location: The GROW Farm, N20 | Date: 25 May | Cost: Purchase-based
Support sustainable farming at GROW’s plant sale in Totteridge. Featuring vegetables, herbs, flowers, and pollinator-friendly plants—all grown with ecological principles. The sale provides an excellent chance to pick up thriving plants while learning from expert growers. Solidarity pricing makes this accessible for all.
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Enjoy your bank holiday weekend exploring the vibrant culture, outdoor activities, and community spirit that North London has to offer!