Cool And Quirky Events In London 2026

Dance across the decades at the Rouges 70's & 80's Disco and Funk nights. This series of events at one of London's last remaining 1950s ballrooms is packed with non-stop hits and old school glamour.

Behind the decks, DJ Kobayashi will keep the vibes high and the tunes flowing all the way to 2am. Tickets to this night of nostalgia start from just £17.60.

Why go out to the pub when you can go all the way back to the magical era of Motown? At Soul Supper Fridays, you'll boogie to the biggest tunes from the likes of Marvin Gaye, Temptations, Four Tops and Supremes.

After a glass of fizz when you walk in the door, there's a two-course dinner, with a choice of succulent chicken or falafel balls up for grabs - followed up with a decadent dessert. Grab your ticket to the tunes that defined American music for just £30.74.

If you haven't already, make sure to check out Sky Garden, a gorgeous venue found at the top of The Walkie-Talkie building in the City of London. Found rubbing shoulders with the clouds, this buzzing hangout is keeping you entertained with a killer roster of events, from sunrise sessions through to music nights, yoga in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows and breakfasts to boot.

For an afternoon full of delicious cocktails and even better Southern-inspired food, head to the Hip Hop Brunch, an event that'll completely change the way you see lazy Saturday afternoons. Alongside an amazing dining experience, guests will have the chance to unwind to the sound of their favourite urban tracks and even practice spitting lyrics in a hip hop karaoke session. As fun-loving events go, this is definitely near the top of the list.  

Returning to Richmond Athletic Ground, Burger Fest UK 2026 is where over 20 of the UK's best burger traders throw down for the coveted UK Burger Championship belts, with the winners decided by public vote. Yes, your stomach gets a say.

Expect classic cheeseburgers capped at £10, wild one-off creations, DJ sets, eating competitions and live cooking demos, all wrapped up in a buzzy outdoor festival atmosphere. 

Enter the enchanted prison of Hexmoor, the world's first immersive wizarding bar where you're not just a guest - you're an inmate. Clad in your official jumpsuit, you'll be locked up with a cast of dark wizards and drawn into a world of magical intrigue. With live actors, immersive theatre, and the chance to collaborate with characters to plan your escape, this is a fully interactive experience that challenges your magical instincts.

To tailor your night behind bars, choose from three ticket options: enjoy three magical cocktails for £49.50, upgrade to four for £57.50, or for £77.50, receive four cocktails and a custom wand, hand-delivered by Willbott's Wand Shop as part of the experience.

Buck' N Bull Saloon is the ultimate crossover of British nightlife and Southern U.S. charm. Known for its epic Country Bottomless Brunches and neon-lit after-parties, this roaming country fest is a boot-stomping sensation. Dive into a whirlwind of mechanical bull challenges, high-energy line dancing, and unforgettable live performances from Nashville's rising stars.

Whether you're a country diehard or just curious to see what all the yeehaw is about, Buck' N Bull will have you two-stepping 'til the lights come up.

Prison isn't too bad when you've got cocktails. Sneak your favourite bottle of alcohol into this high-security prison and one of the inmates will shake you up something special. But in this immersive drinking experience, you better not get caught.

Searching for something a little out of the box? The London Cabaret Club is a great choice. Located in Holborn, this quirky venue has an epic lineup of immersive shows to enjoy in the glamorous space, all complemented by lovely fine dining plates and Champagne.

In need of something cool and quirky? We've got the thing for you. Head along to The Murdér Express at Pedley Street Station for an immersive dining experience, with a three-course feast and top-notch entertainment where live actors get you involved in the murder mystery to solve the case. 

London's most fun secret is back. Beneath London's iconic West End, the House of Burlesque Speakeasy brings you stockings, feathers and pure fabulousness.

Expect fan-dancing divas, tantalising tassel-twirlers, cabaret glitterati and spectacular live performances. With a 6pm kick off time, you can soak up the show before dinner or stick around for the after party to dance long into the night.

• Location: 350 Brockley Road, Crofton Park, SE4 2BY
• Price: from £13.20 per person
• Activity type: dancing, retro club night, live DJ
• Why we recommend: it's one of the quirkiest nights out that feels like a time capsule where you can swap small talk for spins on a vintage dancefloor and do something together

We think that Northern Soul at the Rivoli Ballroom is a total gem. It's a full retro immersion, set inside one of London's last surviving ballrooms, complete with glittering decor and a proper sprung dancefloor that practically begs you to get moving.

Instead of squeezing into a crowded bar, you're stepping into a space where the main event is dancing to hours of Northern Soul classics, rare tracks and unexpected throwbacks. Whether you're attempting spins, laughing through your lack of coordination, or fully committing to the rhythm, it gives you something shared to enjoy.

Flight Club across Shoreditch, Islington and Victoria have unique down to an art. Not only can you expect fairground interiors that light up the space, complete with rocking horses and littered in lights, join them for interactive darts games like never before alongside pizzas and trophy cocktails.

• Location: 231 Cambridge Heath Road, E2 0EL
• Price: from free
• Activity type: comedy, live performance, alternative night out
• Why we recommend: we love that you're part of the crowd reacting, laughing, sometimes even groaning, as the night unfolds. It's interactive, and it gives the whole experience a slightly offbeat, anything-goes feel

We think that Backyard Comedy Club delivers something different every single night. With a mix of seasoned pros, TV comedians and brand-new acts testing material, no two shows are the same.

With themed nights like Comedy Knockout or midweek showcases sitting alongside bigger headline acts, it's the kind of place you can return to again and again without it ever feeling repetitive. Perfect if you want a night out that's full of giggles and super affordable too. 

Looking for something a bit different in the city? Well then, how does a ball-pit bar sound? One of London's most sought after activities, Ballie Ballerson are leaders when it comes to an unusual night out with cocktails and antics aplenty at their Shoreditch location. You'll find epic, themed brunches packed with free-flowing drinks for 90 minutes and unlimited pizza from £35 per person. 

Promising an off-the-chain daytime event of nostalgic merriment, The 90s Brunch gang invite you to their retro-themed parties. To start with there's to be an hour of bottomless Mimosas, as well as a delicious spread of 90s-inspired grub served in sharing platter style. There's a full-on 90s dress-up box, a playlist full of classics from the decade and prizes for the winner of the lip-sync battles.

Celebrate the best in UK garage as Garage Brunch takes over London with an array of music-fuelled epic celebrations. Serving up delicious breakfast dishes along with bottomless drinks, a banging soundtrack and live appearances, it's a must for garage lovers.

Get ready for a night to remember with Silent Sounds: On The Thames. This isn't just a party - it's a silent disco with a view. Step aboard The Dutch Master, a two-storey boat gliding past London's iconic landmarks, from Big Ben to Tower Bridge. Starting at just £27 per person, this is your chance to experience London nightlife like never before.

With three music channels blasting disco classics, house anthems, and party hits, the dance floor is alive with energy. Feeling parched? Grab a drink at one of the two onboard bars and take in the shimmering city views. And when the boat docks, the fun continues at Ballie Ballerson, where select tickets include free guest list entry to London's favourite ball pit cocktail bar.

The UK's biggest pizza festival, Slice-O-Mania, is back with its biggest ever event. Over 20 traders will be slinging dough as they fight for the UK Pizza Championship - and slices are just three quid each.

That's not all. There's a main stage packed with entertainment, games, DJs and competitions, plus a free spirits and cocktail tasting area.

The UK's first official Old School R&B Brunch, this lively event takes place at The Steel Yard in the City of London twice a month. Expect an afternoon full of non-stop RnB hits from their top DJs, alongside immersive games and plenty of interactive fun.

The experience begins with an hour of bottomless rum punch, and you'll get to tuck into a delicious two-course meal of Southern bites too. With karaoke and prizes to be won, this is much more than your typical brunch.

Head to the Bedford in Balham for Fiddle Paradiddle's Pop-Up Ceilidh. Every month, you can get stuck into a lively ceilidh, led by an expert caller and a talented live band.

When you're not dancing, be sure to check out all the great food and drink on offer.

Popular City pub The Star by Liverpool Street has always got something fun going on. They host open karaoke several times a week, where you can sing your heart out to a crowd, with over 20,000 songs to choose from and free entry.

Fancy something a little more boozy? Then check out their drag or 80s musical bingo-themed bottomless brunches - complete with 90 minutes of unlimited drinks.

Hosted at their site in Covent garden and Glaziers Hall in London Bridge, The Whisky Exchange's lineup of events are not to be missed. They're brilliant for drinks lovers, whether it's Japanese whisky or agave spirits, with a series of tastings to enjoy.

You'll get to learn more about the spirits that you love, while trying out a range of delicious samples.

Taking place at venues across London, The Reggae Brunch is a vibrant daytime event that promises non-stop fun. begin with an hour of bottomless rum punch, before getting stuck into the mouthwatering Caribbean food available to buy.

Their DJs will be playing all the very best of reggae, dancehall, soca and commercial hits, guaranteed to keep you dancing. Plus, there'll be fun games, giveaways, photo booths, dance-offs and more.

Head to the Wild West world of East London for this cowboy pop-up where the choice of booze is entirely up to you. Smuggle in your favourite bottle of hooch and let some expert mixologists whizz you up some stunning cocktails at this cool and quirky London event.

Not your standard boozy brunch, Electric Shuffle's take on our favourite weekend pastime pairs pizza and prosecco with plenty of shuffleboard action. On top of that, there's live music providing the soundtrack to a lively afternoon alongside unique industrial and neon interiors across London Bridge and Canary Wharf.

Raucous fun from the first minute, Sounds Familiar (across Soho, Islington and beyond) is more of a rowdy disco than a pub quiz. There's no need for sneaky Wikipedia checks on your smartphone here, as your task is to identify the name and artist of famous songs instead. You'll be up on the tables, dancing and belting out the tunes in no time at all.

Dig out your pedal pushers and dust off your denim jacket for a three-hour throwback extravaganza. At the 90's VS 00's Bottomless Brunch, you can expect all the hits from the past two decades, live singalongs, lip sync battles, conga lines and the best dance offs since Pulp Fiction.

There's plenty more to keep you entertained too. The resident ringmaster will guide you through an afternoon of circus fun and games, mouth-watering burgers and 90 minutes of bottomless beer, prosecco or cocktails.

When it comes to quirky events, The Two Brewers in Clapham has just the thing. Nab a ticket for Clandestine Cabaret and expect live burlesque performances from the likes of ZeeZee Stardust to Aya L'Storm, alongside a roster of video entertainment and much more.

Taking place at DUO in Clapham on a monthly basis, Wild Wild Steps is all about country music. These buzzing nights out promise all your favourite artists, from Dolly Parton to Shania Twain, Morgan Wallen and Zach Bryan.

They'll lead you in a line dancing lesson that will have even the most amateur dancers perfecting a routine, and cowboy-themed outfits are highly encouraged. Sip whiskey and soak up the Southern American vibes, with tickets starting from only £19.