The 2026 Babes About Town London Hot List is here! I’ve rounded up 26 things to look forward to in London 2026, from baby friendly raving to family friendly theatre, big exhibition openings, pop-up festivals and family cinema. The world might be going to Hades on a hand grenade but we can still have fun!
On a more serious note, the arts have always been a refuge through stormy times. They give us a reason to come together, learn from each other, and remember the best of humanity. I hope this guide (and my blog in general) offers you and your loved ones more moments of joy, connection, resonance and imagination through this year and beyond. Happy reading!
26 Family Friendly Things to Look Forward to in London 2026
Big Fish Little Fish Family Rave at Fabric, 77A Charterhouse Street, EC1M 6HJ (Farringdon tube/rail)
The ‘greatest rave on earth’ is back at legendary night spot Fabric with a circus theme. DJs Pendulum’s Perry and Toshiki Ohta bring the bass and techno, while fun-loving families tear up the dance floor. This family rave always sells out so grab your tickets while you can! Ages 0-8 and grownups. 2-4.30pm; adult £15.02/child £11.86/pre-walking infant FREE (Jan 25)
Samurai at the British Museum, Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG (Russell Square tube)
From medieval Japan to modern pop culture, the evolution of the male and female samurai comes into focus through battle gear, luxury objects, costumes, games, fashion and film. 10am-5pm daily (8.30pm Fri); adult from £23/under 16s FREE (Feb 3-May 4)
Cynthia Erivo in Dracula at Noel Coward Theatre, 85-88 St Martin’s Lane, WC2N 4AU (Leicester Square tube)
Cynthia Erivo, star of Wicked and a 3 x Oscar nominee + a TONY, Emmy and Grammy winner (phew) takes on Bram Stoker’s immortal gothic horror. She’s playing all 23 roles in Kip Williams’ blood-pumping show. Ages 12+. 7.30pm (Mon-Sat) & select matinees 2.30pm (Wed & Sat); £30-£220 (Feb 4-May 30)
Who Let the Gods Out at Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB (South Wimbledon tube)
My boys and I used to love this book. Now author Maz Evans has adapted her hilarious tale for a staged romp with music by composer Luke Bateman. Watch Elliot Hooper try to save the world (and his mum) with the help/hindrance of some epic Greek gods. Post show Q&A with the author on select dates. Ages 8-13. Various start times from 10am-2.30pm (Wed-Sun); from £12.50 (Feb 7-Mar 22)
Imagine Children’s Festival at Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
London’s biggest and best annual cultural festival for kids returns with another brilliant mix of theatre, talks, readings, workshops, art and interactive fun. Highlights: The Show for Young Men (Feb 13-15), Andy and the Odd Socks (Feb 15), The Sleepover Club (Feb 15), Jacqueline Wilson (15), Horrible Histories: The Concert (Feb 17), Liz Pichon (Feb 18), Quentin Blake’s Mrs Armitage on Wheels (Feb 18-21), Little People, BIG Dreams (Feb 18 & 19), ZooNation’s Hip Hop Half Term (Feb 20), CBeebies Wildlife Jamboree (Feb 20), Katie Kirby: The World of Lottie Brooks (Feb 21). Multiple dates, ages times and prices – some activities FREE! (Feb 11-21)
Inside Aardman: Wallace & Gromit and Friends at Young V&A, Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green, E2 9PA (Bethnal Green tube)
Aardman turns 50 this year and Young V&A invites you behind the scenes. See how your favourites like Wallace & Gromit, Shaun the Sheep and more are brought to life through stop motion animation. All ages. 10am-4.30pm daily; £11 (from Feb 12)
Wuthering Heights (UK cinemas)
Heathcliff! Out in cinemas on Galentine’s Day, this swoon-worthy adaptation of Emily Bronte’s classic novel stars Margot Robbie (Barbie) and Jacob Elordi. It’s written and directed by Emerald Fennell with a soundtrack album from Charlie XCX. Rated 15. (out Feb 13)
Voyage to the Deep – Underwater Adventures at Horniman Museum, 100 London Road, Forest Hill SE23 3PQ (Forest Hill overground)
Dive deep under the waters at this exhibition inspired by Jules Verne’s ‘20,000 Leagues Under the Seas’. Board the legendary ‘Nautilus’ submarine or play Captain Nemo’s Bubbly Pipe Organ, among other activities. All ages. 10am-5.30pm; adult from £9.80/child from £7/family from £20.20/under 3s FREE (from Feb 13)
Dear Zoo at Little Lyric, Lyric Square, King St, W6 0QL (Hammersmith tube/overground)
Rod Campbell’s millions-selling lift the flap book takes a big leap onto the stage. Watch the characters write to the zoo and wait for their delivery. Will it be a cheeky monkey, a jumpy frog or a perfect puppy? Puppets, music and audience interaction for ages 2+. 1pm & 4pm (Mon) & 11am, 1pm & 4pm (Tue-Thu); £15-£25 (Mar 2-5)
Jaja’s African Hair Braiding at Lyric Hammersmith, Lyric Square, King St, W6 0QL (Hammersmith tube/overground)
Enter Jaja’s, the bustling Harlem salon where West African braiders work their magic. Writer Jocelyn Bioh and director Monique Touko (the team behind the smash hit School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play) reunite for this Tony Award-winning comedy about a space where secrets spill and dreams explode. Ages 12+. 7.30pm (Mon-Sat) & select matinees 2.30pm (Wed & Sat); from £10 (Mar 18-Apr 25)
Fairy Tales at The British Library, 96 Euston Road, NW1 2DB (Euston tube/rail, King’s Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
Journey into enchanted lands with timeless characters through books, costumes, pop-ups, art, puppetry and illustrations. Discover how fairy tales have transformed across generations. Whatever you do, don’t wake the troll! From 9.30am daily; tickets tba (Mar 27-Aug 23)
A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley St, SE1 2HZ (London Bridge tube/rail)
Young lovers, a mischievous fairy, and a character named Bottom: Shakespeare’s bewitching comedy has lots to entertain kids. Billed as “a feast of magic and mayhem for everyone aged 7 and above”, this version is Unicorn Theatre’s first co-production with the Royal Shakespeare Company. Ages 7+. Various shows from 10.30am; from £10 (Mar 21-May 3)
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest at the Old Vic, The Cut, SE1 8NB (Waterloo tube/rail)
Clint Dyer (Get Up, Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical) directs a powerful take on Ken Kesey’s countercultural novel, starring Aaron Pierre (the voice in Mufasa: The Lion King) and Giles Terera. Set in a psychiatric facility, it tackles themes like difference, division and defiance; how to use your voice against crushing systems; and the true cost of freedom. Ages 14+. 7.30pm (Mon-Sat) & 2.30pm (Wed & Sat); from £13 (Apr 1-May 23)
Diversity: Soul at London Palladium, Argyll Street, London, W1F 7TF (Oxford Circus tube)
Famous from Britain’s Got Talent, Diversity are known for their hard-hitting messaging delivered through infectious, breath-taking hip hop dance routines. In their latest show, Soul, they challenge us to rethink AI and what it means to be human. 7.45pm (Thu-Sat) & 2.30pm (Sat); from £36 (Apr 9-11)
The Music Is Black: A British Story at V&A East Museum, 107 Carpenters Rd, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford, E20 2AR (Stratford tube/rail/overground/DLR)
One of the first shows at the brand new V&A East Museum. Marvel at Black excellence, struggle, resilience and joy in this landmark exhibition spanning 4 continents, 12 decades and 125 years of Black music-making in Britain. Times and tickets tba. (from Apr 18)
Michael (UK cinemas)
Jaafar Jackson (Michael’s nephew) is already causing a stir in the trailers of this much talked about biopic directed by Antoine Fuqua (Training Day). Follow the superstar’s (super bumpy) journey from The Jackson 5 to global domination. Rated PG. (out Apr 24)
Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration at New River Head, 173 Rosebery Ave, Clerkenwell EC1R 4TY (Angel tube)
Remember House of Illustration? After outgrowing their King’s Cross space, they’ve relocated to an industrial heritage site with more room for exhibitions, events and workshops. See original art from Quentin Blake’s archive, take part in activities or just hang out in the cafe or gardens. All ages. Times and tickets tba (from May)
The Rapping Princess at Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB (South Wimbledon tube)
Meet Shiloh, a little princess who loves music – except she can’t sing. But then she discovers a unique talent that opens up her world. This funky fairytale is based on award-winning author Hannah Lee and Allen Fatimaharan’s popular picture book. Ages 3-6. 10.30am & 1.30pm (Wed-Sun); from £13.50 (May 16-Jun 21)
High Society at Barbican Theatre, Barbican Centre, Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS (Barbican tube)
Cole Porter’s songbook underscores this lavish production with a 28-strong cast. It stars Helen George (Call the Midwife, The King and I) as bride-to-be Tracy Lord, torn between old and new flames and a tabloid reporter on the hunt for gossip. Ages 8+. 7.30pm (Mon & Wed-Sat) & 2.30pm (Tue, Thu & Sat); £35-£150 (May 19-Jun 11)
Beetlejuice the Musical at the Prince Edward Theatre, Old Compton St, W1D 4HS (Leicester Square tube)
After spooking out Broadway, Tim Burton’s classic comedy arrives in the West End, for a limited haunting only. Teenager Lydia, a pair of newly-deads and the mischievous Beetlejuice are about to bring the house down in a head-spinning production described as ‘screamingly good fun’. Ages 12+. 7.30pm (Mon-Sat) & 3pm (Fri & Sat); from £20 (May 20-Apr 17, 2027)
Marilyn Monroe: A Portrait at National Portrait Gallery, St Martin’s Place, WC2H 0HE (Charing Cross tube/rail)
The NPG marks a Hollywood icon’s 100th birthday in style with these portraits by some of the 20th and 21st centuries’ greatest. See the acclaimed pin-up model, actress and star captured by Andy Warhol, Pauline Boty, Cecil Beaton, Eve Arnold, Richard Avedon and many others. All ages. 10.30am-5pm daily (9pm Fri & Sat); tickets tba (Jun 4-Sep 6)
Toy Story 5 (UK cinemas)
Woody, Buzz and the gang are back. This time, it’s tech that’s giving them trouble. Watch what happens when our favourite toys come up against the latest kid craze… electronics! We can’t wait for this reunion of one of Disney Pixar’s best animated series, directed by Andrew Stanton. Rated PG. (out Jun 19)
Frida: The Making of an Icon at Tate Modern, Bankside, SE1 9TG (Southwark tube, Blackfriars tube/rail)
The ‘many selves’ of Frida Kahlo take centre stage in a landmark exhibition featuring 130+ works. It tells the story of how she became an artist, an activist, and one of the most influential figures in modern history. All ages 10am-6pm daily (9pm Fri-Sat); tickets tba (Jun 25-Jan 3)
Moana (UK cinemas)
The beloved Disney animation gets its live-action outing in the hands of Thomas Kail (Hamilton). Young Moana (Catherine Lagaʻaia) answers the call of the ocean to help restore prosperity to her island. Featuring Dwayne Johnson reprising his role as demigod Maui. Expected rating PG. (out Jul 10)
Tall Stories: 25 Years of The Gruffalo, Lyric Theatre, 29 Shaftesbury Ave, W1D 7ES (Leicester Square tube)
Tall Stories’ wildly popular stage version of the bestselling picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler turns 25 this year. Catch Mouse on his walk through the woods as he scares off predators with tales of The Gruffalo… if such a creature even exists! Songs and laughs for ages 3+. 11am & 2pm (Mon-Tue, Fri & Sun), 10.30am (Wed) & 10.15am (Sat); from £10 (Jul 17-Sep 6)
Dog Man the Musical at Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
From the brains behind Captain Underpants and Cat Kid Comic Club (Day Pilkey) comes this hilarious musical adaptation about a crime-biting sensation. Created by 10-year-old besties George and Harold, Dog Man is part dog, part man, and ALL HERO. Anticipate furniture-chewing hijinks. Ages 5+. Various times: 11am, 2pm, 2.30pm, 4.30pm & 6pm (Tue-Sun); from £27 + £3.50 booking fee (Jul 30-Aug 16)
MORE 2026 EVENTS TO LOOK FORWARD TO
- Little Angel Theatre’s 65th Anniversary Year (Jan-Dec)
- Slomo Spa at King’s Cross (Jan 15-Feb 22)
- Daughters of Persia at Kings Place, N1 (Jan 25)
- Palestine Looks Back at London Short Film Festival (Jan 30)
- Miles at Southwark Playhouse (Feb 4-Mar 7)
- Deep Azure at The Globe (Feb 7-Apr 11)
- Lucian Freud: Drawing into Painting at National Portrait Gallery (Feb 12-May 4)
- Summit: Ally Pally’s Rooftop Adventure at Alexandra Palace (opens Feb 14)
- Chiharu Shiota: Threads of Life at Hayward Gallery (Feb 17-May 3)
- Dana-Fiona Armour: Serpentine Currents at Somerset House (Feb 19-Apr 26)
- Wigs and Wiggles at Handrix Hendel House (Feb 22 & Apr 19)
- Choir Boy at Stratford East age 14+ (Mar 26-Apr 25)
- London Soundtrack Festival (Apr 9-12)
- Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style at The King’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace (Apr 10-Oct 18)
- Boy Blue: Cycles at Barbican Centre (Apr 11-12)
- In Other Worlds at Barbican (May 21-Sep 6)
- Julio Le Parc at Tate Modern (Jun 11-May 3)
- Project A Black Planet: The Art and Culture of Pan-Africana at Barbican (Jun 11-Sep 6)
- Tokyo Nights (immersive dining and Sumo), ages 18+ (June)
- Take That: The Circus (summer 2026)
- London Museum reopening, Smithfield EC1 (opens late 2026)
- Avengers: Doomsday (out Dec 18)
- Dune: Part Three (out Dec 18)
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**NB: Please note that all event timings and prices are subject to change/cancellation at short notice, so always check ahead with the venue before making a trip!**
The Value of Feeling Secure in Family Finances
