Kensington and Chelsea, London

26 May – 22 August 2026 · Holland Park

One of London's most magical summer experiences, Opera Holland Park presents a season of opera in a purpose-built open-air theatre set within the romantic ruins of Holland House. The 2026 season runs 26 May–22 August with seven productions: La fanciulla del West, Così fan tutte, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, The Bamboo Princess, Turandot, Die Fledermaus, and Un ballo in maschera. Many audience members picnic in the park beforehand; the covered auditorium means performances continue even in light rain. The 2026 season closes on 22 August — check the company website for residual tickets and for next year's programme, usually announced in winter.

12 March – 23 August 2026 · Kensington Gardens

Hockney's first — and last — exhibition at the Serpentine. The artist died at home in London on 11 June 2026, aged 88, while this show was still running; it is now the capital's farewell. The 90-metre iPad frieze A Year in Normandie (over 100 paintings of the seasons in his French garden, inspired by the Bayeux Tapestry) is joined by still lifes and portraits of his close circle, plus a garden mural that remains on view until 20 September. The gallery exhibition itself closes on 23 August 2026 — the last days, with extended Friday and Saturday hours. Admission is free; expect queues.

25 June – 28 August 2026 · Borough-wide

The borough's own annual contemporary art festival, Kensington + Chelsea Art Week (KCAW) returns in 2026 as FRINGE, a community-curated edition built around the theme "Web of Life" — exploring belonging, ecology, waterways, sound, and collective identity. A free public art trail of interconnected commissions, installations, and performances threads across the borough, linking North Kensington, Holland Park, Kensington High Street, and Chelsea Theatre. Alongside the trail are over 30 free workshops, artist talks, large-scale sculpture sessions, a tiny cinema, live music, and a canalside café. It's one of the best ways to experience the area's creative community, and almost everything is free to enjoy.