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 performances in a purpose-built open-air theatre set within the romantic ruins of Holland House. Founded in 1996, the company is renowned for unearthing rare works alongside beloved classics. The 2026 season features 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. The evening experience is enhanced by the park setting, and many audience members enjoy picnics in the grounds before the performance. The covered auditorium means performances continue even in light rain — a very British necessity.

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.

12 March – 23 August 2026 · Kensington Gardens

David Hockney's first exhibition at the Serpentine brings his epic 70-metre frieze A Year in Normandie to London for the first time — over 100 iPad paintings tracing the changing seasons and light in the artist's French garden through the pandemic years, inspired by the Bayeux Tapestry. The show also debuts new work made for the occasion, including still lifes and frontal portraits of Hockney's close circle united by a recurring gingham tablecloth motif, plus a site-specific digital mural in the Serpentine's garden. Admission is free.