LGBT+ HISTORY MONTH: February is LGBT+ History Month, with a wealth of events going on all over the country to mark the occasion. Find out what’s on in London, including exhibitions and tours.
SNOWDROPS: January and February are when the snowdrops drop, so keep an eye out for delicate white floors of the flowers in pockets of London. If you’re really keen to get a peep, consult our guide to the best places to see snowdrops in the capital.
WEST END AGAINST CANCER: The West End theatre community unites for Love Life: West End Unites Against Cancer, a one-night-only concert at Theatre Royal Drury Lane in support of One For The Boys, the men’s health charity working to break the silence around male cancer. Exact cast TBC but expect an all-star line-up of West End performers, creatives, musicians and supporters, all for a good cause. 1 February 2026
CLOWN CHURCH SERVICE 2026: Forget clowns in a Mini — this is a chance to see how many of them you can pack into a church. The Annual Grimaldi Clown Service takes place at All Saints Church in Haggerston on the first Sunday in February. Some seats are usually available for the non-clowning public, but they go fast. FREE, 1 February 2026
KIDS’ LIT FEST: Ross Montgomery, Alex Falase-Koya, Mariesa Dulak, Gareth P Jones, Jane Porter and Phoenix Comics creators are among the participants already announced for the 2026 Stepping Into Stories Kids’ Literature Festival in Herne Hill. 3-8 February 2026
SAMURAI: Legendary Japanese Samurai warriors come out swinging at a large new exhibition at the British Museum. It explores the samurai’s enduring legacy in games, fashion and film, with objects including the suit of armour sent by Tokugawa Hidetada to James VI and I, a Louis Vuitton outfit inspired by Japanese armour, and the popular, loosely historical video game Assassin’s Creed: Shadows. 3 February-4 May 2026
HIDDEN LONDON: From ghost stations to closed-off corridors frozen in time, there’s much more to the Tube than meets the eye. Uncover its secrets with London Transport Museum. This month’s Hidden London tours include the chance to discover Dover Street, a former station hidden within Green Park station. You can also explore the disused Aldwych station, admire Edwardian design in the usually off-limits parts of Piccadilly Circus, or travel back to the 1960s at Euston. Suitable for ages 10+ only. (sponsor)
IRANIAN FILMS: Masterpieces of the Iranian New Wave is a series of Iranian documentary and fiction films being screened at Barbican Cinema. They were all created as part of the Cinema-ye Motafavet, or Iranian New Wave grassroots movement in the 1960s-70s, and include The Carriage Driver, one of the finest examples of Iran’s popular classic comedies. 4-26 February 2026
SHADOWLANDS: Hugh Bonneville and Maggie Siff star in Shadowlands, a revival of the play about Narnia author C.S. Lewis and his relationship with spirited American poet Joy Davidman. See it at the Aldwych Theatre. From 5 February 2026
SIX NATIONS 2026: England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, France and Italy go head-to-head once again in the Men’s Six Nations rugby tournament. Whoever you’re cheering on, here’s where you can watch Six Nations in London. 5 February-14 March 2026
BLOODY BARNES: Things get mysterious in SW13 one weekend, as crime writing festival Bloody Barnes takes over OSO Arts Centre. It kicks off with a murder mystery dinner, followed by a series of events featuring the likes of local authors Sarah Govett and Biba Pearce, as well as ex-homicide detective Graham Bartlett and award-winning author Mark Billingham. 6-8 February 2026
COSI FAN TUTTE: Mozart’s Italian comedy masterpiece Così fan tutte gets the English National Opera treatment at the London Coliseum. Two men put their fiancées’ loyalty to the test, pretending to be called away to war before returning and attempting to seduce each others’ partners. 6-21 February
URSULA THE SEA WITCH: Ursula, villain of Disney’s The Little Mermaid, tells her own tale of sex, sorcery and suckers in Unfortunate: The Untold Story Of Ursula The Sea Witch at The Other Palace. Expect a pop soundtrack and filthy humour in a show that’s very definitely NOT for kids. 6 February-5 April 2026
WATER PANTANAL FIRE: The Science Museum opens free photography exhibition Water Pantanal Fire, showcasing shots by documentary photographers Lalo de Almeida and Luciano Candisani, who’ve captured the threats faced by the Pantanal wetland which spreads across Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay. FREE, 6 February-31 May 2026
WINTER WASSAIL: Get yourself over to west London to witness the Barnes Common Winter Wassail. Taking place at the Vine Road Recreation Ground, a Wassail Master oversees a session of storytelling, crafts and singing, in keeping with the traditional rural celebration to hope for an abundant crop in the coming year. 7 February 2026
LOVE LETTERS: Head to The National Archives in Kew this month for a timely dose of romance courtesy of the free Love Letters exhibition. Letters, poems, drawings and wills by both famous and unknown figures are on show, dating back 500 years across themes including Sacrifice, Heartache and Dangerous Love. Deeply personal and human emotions are captured, in documents written by or for royalty, Jane Austen and Oscar Wilde, among others. FREE, until 12 April (sponsor)
KEW ORCHIDS FESTIVAL 2026: You know spring is on its way when the Orchids festival returns to Kew Gardens. 2026 is China’s turn in the spotlight, with floral dragons, koi carp and pandas brightening up the glasshouse, showcasing some of the country’s many native orchid species. Orchid Lates are back too, offering adults-only evening events among the blooms, celebrating Chinese culture and food. 7 February-8 March 2026
DEEP AZURE: Chadwick Boseman’s 2005 play Deep Azure gets its UK premiere at Shakespeare’s Globe, with themes of violence, racism and police brutality. Inspired by the true events of university student Prince Jones, it’s a story of love, grief and justice in the wake of a man being killed by the police. 7 February-11 April 2026
SUPER BOWL 2026: 8 February is Super Bowl Sunday, when two of America’s finest NFL teams face off. Assuming you’re not jetting off to California to watch in person, here’s a guide to Super Bowl screenings and parties in London. It runs into the early hours, so consider booking Monday off work. 8 February 2026
WWF WINTER WANDER: Conservation charity the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is encouraging people to organise their own sponsored walk this month, to raise money for its work. To get involved in the Big Winter Wander, complete a 5k or 10k walk in your local area, either on your own or with family and friends. 9-22 February 2026
UCL ILLUMINATED: UCL kickstarts its 200th anniversary celebrations with UCL Illuminated, a light and sound show projected onto the institution’s Wilkins Building. Anyone can get tickets, whether you’re linked to UCL or not, and it includes an exhibition inside the building telling the story of UCL’s two centuries. 11-13 February 2026
IMAGINE FESTIVAL 2026: Southbank Centre’s Imagine Festival is back for February half term, celebrating all facets of kids’ literature, theatre, dance and music. The programme is packed, catering to all ages and budgets (plenty of events are FREE!), spanning performances and workshops. Highlights include CBBC stars Andy and the Odd Socks performing live on stage. 11-21 February 2026
CHICOS MAMBO’S TUTU: Comedic dance show TUTU is a family-friendly, gender norm-defying performance at the Peacock Theatre, which lovingly mocks the classic tutu, traditionally only worn by women, by introducing the unique TUTU trousers. Age five+. 11-21 February 2026
AFTER MISS JULIE: Liz Francis, Tom Varey and Charlene Boyd star in After Miss Julie, a tragedy about the daughter of a powerful MP striking up a forbidden flirtation with her father’s chauffeur. See the play at the Park Theatre. 11-28 February 2026
SEEDS OF EXCHANGE: The exchange of botanical knowledge shared between Canton (now Guangzhou) and London between 1766-1773 is explored in the Seeds of Exchange exhibition at the Garden Museum. It’s a chance to view a collection of Chinese botanical art and research for the first time in Britain since it was commissioned over 250 years ago. 11 February-10 May 2026
EXTRA/ORDINARY WOMEN: The real lives of a whole range of women who supported and inspired author Charles Dickens are revealed in Extra/Ordinary Women at the Charles Dickens Museum. Find out about the clues left in Dickens’ work which helps us to connect his fictional characters to their real-life counterparts, and view a portrait of the Dickens daughters, Katey and Mamie, on display for the very first time. 11 February-5 September 2026
LUCIAN FREUD: Opening at the National Portrait Gallery, Lucian Freud: Drawing into Painting is the UK’s first museum exhibition to focus on the artist’s works on paper, rather than his paintings. 12 February-4 May 2026
WALLACE & GROMIT: One of the exhibitions we’re most looking forward to this year is Inside Aardman: Wallace & Gromit at the Young V&A. The 50th anniversary of the stop-motion studio is celebrated with models, sets and storyboards from Aardman’s archives, many of which have never been on public display before. 12 February-15 November 2026
VOYAGE TO THE DEEP: Just in time for February Half Term (see below), the Horniman Museum unveils new family-friendly experience Voyage to the Deep – Underwater Adventures. Board the Nautilus submarine, crawl through shipwrecks, decipher codes and collect deep-sea specimens. From 13 February 2026. The same day, a free Octonauts trail launches at the museum.
LONDON BOOKSHOP CRAWL: London Bookshop Crawl encourages you to visit as many independent bookshops as possible over the course of one weekend — with events at various shops around the capital (as well as online) to foster a community of book lovers. The aim, of course, is to support London’s independent bookshops, while treating yourself to a few new reads. 13-15 February 2026
SEURAT AND THE SEA: Get a look at the seascapes of French artist Georges Seurat, at the Courtauld Gallery’s new exhibition Seurat and the Sea. 27 paintings, oil sketches and drawings made by Seurat during the five summers he spent on the northern coast of France feature. 13 February-17 May 2026
VALENTINE’S DAY 2026: Looking for ways to woo your significant other this Valentine’s Day? Try one of London’s romantic days out, or visit one of these romantic restaurants. London’s full of romance and love-themed events, but they’re not just for couples; there’s plenty to get up to on and around 14 February, whether you’re with a date, mates or flying solo. 14 February 2026
CLIMB ALLY PALLY: See London from a whole new perspective as Summit: Ally Pally Rooftop Adventure launches in mid-February. The highest roof-walk in the UK takes you 130 metres above sea level for panoramic views over the capital. From 14 February 2026
FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2026: With most schools closed for a week this month, take a look at our guide to February half term events in London, including family-friendly shows and exhibitions, one-off events and more. 14-22 February 2026
THE JOLLY POSTMAN: Get a dose of childhood nostalgia at the Postal Museum’s exhibition dedicated to children’s book The Jolly Postman. Janet and Allan Ahlberg’s tale comes to life in an interactive and family-friendly exhibition in which you can follow his rounds, delivering letters to the Three Bears’ cottage and to Cinderella at the palace. 14 February 2026-January 2027
LONDON WINTER RUN: Up for a physical challenge? Sign up for the London Winter Run, and power through a 10K, traffic-free route around London, raising money for Cancer Research UK. Not much of a runner? Line the route and cheer the fundraisers on. 15 February 2026
LUCIE JONES: West End singer Lucie Jones takes over the London Palladium for an evening of live music spanning hits from the shows. 16 February 2026
CHINESE/LUNAR NEW YEAR: 17 February 2026 is Chinese New Year/Lunar New Year, with plenty of events going on around London to welcome in the Year of the Horse. 17 February
SPACE BY LUXMURALIS: Trafalgar Square church St Martin-in-the-Fields gets a glow-up as light show wizards Luxmuralis take over the building. Space uses sound and light both inside and outside the building to explore humanity’s relationship with space, including footage of the first rocket launch. 17-21 February 2026
LONDON HANDEL FESTIVAL: From Heavenly Harmony is the theme of the 2026 London Handel Festival, which celebrates the composer’s music through a series of concerts and events at venues including the Foundling Museum, the Charterhouse and Handel Hendrix House. 18 February-28 March 2026
SERPENTINE CURRENTS: Swing by the courtyard at Somerset House to get a glimpse of new installation Serpentine Currents by Dana-Fiona Armour. The illuminated sculpture is in three parts, taking the form of an endangered sea snake species with an LED surface animated using ocean data from the British coastline. FREE, 19 February-26 April 2026
BROKEN GLASS: Arthur Miller’s Broken Glass returns to the stage at the Young Vic. Set in 1938 New York, it’s the story of a woman called Sylvia Gellburg who experiences a mysterious paralysis when she hears about Kristallnacht and other worrying events happening in Germany. 21 February-18 April
SOHO CALLING 2026: Music festival Soho Calling takes place across several venues, with performers from across the UK and Europe. Choose between an All Access wristband to hop between the venues, or tickets for one specific place. 25 February 2026
PRUE LEITH: Recently-retired GBBO judge Prue Leith is at the Royal Geographical Society to reflect on her remarkable life and share insights from her new memoir Being Old… and Learning to Love It! There’s a chance for the audience to ask questions at the end too. 25 February
TRACEY EMIN: Tate Modern opens long-awaited Tracey Emin exhibition, A Second Life, featuring 90 works spanning the artist’s 40-year career, including painting, video, neon, textile, sculpture and installation works. And yes, *that* bed will be there too. 26 February-30 August
COLLECT 2026: Annual art fair Collect is back at Somerset House, showcasing museum-quality contemporary craft and design curated by the Crafts Council. 40 specialist galleries from across the globe take part, showcasing and selling ceramics, furniture, glass, jewellery, wearable art, metalwork, sculpture and textiles — with prices starting at £500. 27 February-1 March
UNDERGROUND (AND SURFACE): Large-scale paintings of sections of the Tube by Jock McFadyen go on display at Guildhall Art Gallery, accompanied by sound effects recorded by Pogues musician Jem Finer. Underground (And Surface) combines familiar, yet uneasy, tableaux of London with the mechanical-but-melodic sounds we hear every day. 27 February-20 September 2026
London exhibitions and shows closing in February 2026
A few things are closing this month too. February 2026 is your last chance to see:
HMS PINAFORE: All aboard HMS Pinafore at the London Coliseum, as Gilbert & Sullivan’s opera set aboard a Royal Navy warship gets a revival. Josephine, the captain’s daughter, falls for a lowly deckhand, despite her father’s plans for her to marry the First Lord of the Admiralty. Until 7 February 2026
JUST FOR ONE DAY: The story of the 1985 Live Aid concert is told through musical Just For One Day at the Shaftesbury Theatre, featuring music by David Bowie, Queen, U2, Madonna, Elton John and others. Until 7 February 2026
PHOTO PORTRAIT PRIZE: See the work of talented young photographers, gifted amateurs and established professionals in the Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait Prize at the National Portrait Gallery. Both formal commissioned portraits and more spontaneous and intimate moments feature — see full details of the prize winners. Until 8 February 2026
HITCHHIKER’S GUIDE: Hold onto your towel and head to Riverside Studios for a stage adaptation of Douglas Adams’ Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, a chance to follow the zany, intergalactic adventures of Arthur Dent, Ford Prefect, Zaphod Beeblebrox, Marvin the Paranoid Android et al. live on stage for the first time in years. Until 15 February 2026
LOST DAGGER: Twickenham’s Strawberry Hill House has an exhibition about a 16th century Ottoman dagger, which he believed to have once been owned by Henry VIII. On the death of Strawberry Hill’s Horace Walpole, the dagger was sold to Shakespearean actor Charles John Kean who used it as a prop on stage, but after his death in 1868, it disappeared without a trace. Until 15 February 2026
BALLET SHOES: Noel Streatfeild’s children’s book Ballet Shoes comes to life on stage at the National Theatre, telling the story of three adopted sisters who fight to pursue their individual passions. Age seven+. Until 21 February 2026
SPACE AT NHM: Could life exist beyond Earth? That’s the topic of the current space-themed exhibition at the Natural History Museum, which showcases some of the evidence that life could exist elsewhere in the universe. Highlights include a chance to touch a piece of the Moon, smell the moons of Jupiter, or to drive a mini Mars rover. Until 22 February 2026
SUBLIME SPACE: The Heath Robinson Museum’s exhibition, Sublime Space, showcases work by William Heath Robinson alongside nine contemporary artists, David Inshaw, Ray Richardson, Jemma Powell, Jonathan McCree, Sue Arrowsmith, Daniel Sturgis, Peter Coyte, Ralph Steadman and Barnaby Barford — to explore our relationship with nature and landscape. Until 22 February 2026
WAYNE MCGREGOR: Celebrated choreographer Wayne McGregor is the subject of Infinite Bodies at Somerset House, offering an insight into his three-decade career through multi-sensory choreographic installations, performances and experiments. Until 22 February 2026
THUNDERBIRDS: Thunderbirds are go at Notting Hill’s Museum of Brands, which showcases the toys — and other Gerry Anderson classics — in its current exhibition. More than six decades since the show first aired, get a look at objects including die-cast Dinky Toys vehicles, board games and various annuals related to the franchises. Until 28 February 2026
WOMAN IN MIND: Sheridan Smith stars as Susan in Alan Ayckbourn’s dark comedy psychological drama Woman in Mind at Duke of York’s Theatre. After a bump on the head, her life splits into two worlds. Until 28 February 2026
NATIONAL THEATRE: Nicola Coughlan, Éanna Hardwicke and Siobhán McSweeney are among the impressive cast of The Playboy of the Western World at the National Theatre, about a young man who walks into a pub claiming to have killed his father. Until 28 February 2026
MJ THE MUSICAL: It’s a Thriller, but you’ve only got until the end of the month to see MJ The Musical before it moonwalks out of the West End for good. Michael Jackson’s life story, and particularly his 1992 Dangerous World Tour, is told through a soundtrack of his songs. Until 28 February 2026
