Outdoor events in June: summer calendar 2019

CULTURE

Wander through Sculpture in the Square

Christie's Auction House is brings masterpieces outside this summer with a free pop-up sculpture garden

in St James's Square. So now you can picnic surrounded by works by famed British sculptors Henry Moore, Barry Flanagan and Lynn Chadwick.

Find eclectic wonders in Greenwich and Docklands

Greenwich and Docklands International Festival is a celebration of summer with a huge variety of open-air performances by acts from pretty well all over the world.

Along with dance, theatre and circus, there are street parties, immersive adventures and acrobatic feats. And everything is totally free to attend and enjoy.

See Shakespeare in your local garden square

Shakespeare in the Squares bring one of the bard’s most magical plays to the four-sided pastures of London.

The theatre troupe will perform A Midsummer Night’s Dream, in 21 different garden squares, from St. James's to Connaught. Find your local and book now for magic and romance under the open sky.

Discover a star artist at the Summer Exhibition

The Royal Academy's Summer Exhibition is the art event of the season. The open submission format means you can discover total newcomers alongside established talents. Make a beeline for the courtyard and marvel at a large-scale installation by Leeds-born sculptor Thomas Houseago.

Be part of Beach Club Cinema

Swap dim rooms for sandy toes at Fulham's Beach Club Cinema. Every Tuesday for eight weeks there's a different classic film, which you can enjoy form a cosy cabana with bottomless popcorn, pizza and prosecco.

Enjoy a fairy tale opera in Regent's Park

The beloved story of Hansel and Gretel is told in song and dance as Englebert Humperdinck's opera is re-imagined for an outdoor production at the Open Air Theatre. Sung in English, it promises to be accessible, engaging and full of fairy tale magic.

Join the groundlings at Shakespeare's Globe

Experience Shakespearean comedy performed and staged in authentic Elizabethan style at The Globe Theatre. To be part of the action and join in on the japes, book a standing ticket and become a 'groundling'. With mistaken identity, revelry and romance, Twelfth Night is a lively choice for a summer's day.

Find art in unlikely locations

Art Night is London’s largest, free contemporary arts festival and most of the works are site specific, utilising some unlikely locations. This year will see pop-ups at a Polish deli, a fishmongers, a church and a car park. Festivities start at 5pm in King’s Cross and 7pm in Walthamstow and run throughout the night.

SPORT

Watch world-class tennis at Queen's Club

Not just a Wimbledon warm-up act, The Queen's Cup (aka the Fever-Tree Championships) is one of the most prestigious tournaments in tennis. It's also the players' preferred tournament. And it's easier to nab tickets, too.

Back a winner at Royal Ascot

Rub shoulders and bump hat brims with the Queen herself at Royal Ascot. As much about fast horses as magnificent hats, the smartest racing event of the year is well worth a trip to Berkshire. And remember that if you back a winner, etiquette dictates all the spoils should be spent on champagne.

FOOD & DRINK

Taste your way around a foodie festival

Forty of London's leading restaurants are appearing in pop-up form in Regent's Park for Taste of London. Chefs form the likes of Hoppers, Bao, Bar Douro and Lina Stores will each prepare tasting portions of three different dishes. So you can eat your way through the city's culinary highlights.

Find seaside feasts in central London

London Secret Beach has all the flavours of the seaside, right here in the heart of London. The new pop up , which is part of London Secret Garden on Cromwell Road is all sand, deckchairs, massive mojitos and tiger prawns. Bliss - especially since you're still in the comforts of SW7.

Dine on the banks of the Thames

Before Coal Drops Yard upped King’s Cross’s cool factor, Rotunda was drawing in crowds with its spacious, sun-kissed canal-side terrace. We love the farm-to-table menu and spritz cocktails including basil and black olive caipirinha, and Sicilian sunset.

Gorge on the world's best Gelato

The world's best gelato makers flock to Covent Garden for a very cool festival. Each of the 16 chefs will present a new flavour, and it's up to you to taste all the creations and vote for the winner.

Savour la dolce vita on Selfridges rooftop

When it's too sunny to shop, stop for aperitivos at Selfridges chic rooftop restarant. alto by San Carlo conjures la dolce vita with trailing vines, fragrant orange blossom and a menu of hearty Italian food. Bellisimo!

Sip sundowners and see the city skyline

Ascend ten stories to the Aviary terrace bar and rooftop restaurant to see a panoramic view of the London skyline. Food is served all day, but we recommend booking ahead for sunset and working your way through the inventive cocktail list.

Find botanical bliss in Richmond

Escape the concrete jungle at Richmond's idyllic Bingham Riverhouse. The recently renovated restaurant/hotel combines fine-dining with serene gardens, a charming terrace and a fascinating literary history (previous visitors include W.B Yeats, John Ruskin and Robert Browning).

FESTIVAL

Get endorphins pumping at Sweatlife

Luxe athleisure brand Lululemon are bringing together the creme de la creme of London fitness for a high-energy wellness festival. Sweatlife spans the heart-racing HIIT of Barry's Boot Camp to the zen meditation of Triyoga.

Get lost at Glastonbury Festival

Everyone should go to Glasto at least once in their lives (here's how to guarantee you get a ticket). The great granddaddy of music festivals is all about good karma, superlative acts and glorious vibes.

2019's line up is as eclectic and prestigious as ever, spanning gilded pop from Kylie Minogue to classic punk rock courtesy of The Cure.