Top London Festival Picks for Summer 2025

While Europe’s mega-fests consume headlines, including the monolithic Primavera Sound Barcelona, London has quietly assembled one of the most eclectic, considered, and community-rooted summers in recent memory. From courtyard pop to concrete techno temples, here’s a smartly curated guide to what’s happening and when; plus one unmissable out-of-town detour for the ultra-aficionados.

Somerset House Summer Series

Somerset House Courtyard, July 11–21

Always a midsummer gem, Somerset House turns its regal courtyard into an open-air venue for 10 days transcending a myriad of genres. Hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and alt-rock sit side-by-side, with featured sets from St. Vincent, FLO, Rizzle Kicks, and many more. Come for the music, stay for the golden hour lighting and the fleeting feeling of London-centric wonder.

Tickets can be found here.

Junction 2

Boston Manor Park, July 19–20

Now fully back in its natural parkland home, Junction 2 remains one of the UK’s best-run electronic festivals. High-spec sound, minimal branding, and line-ups that treat dancers with respect; this year includes stand-outs Sofia Kourtesis, Soulwax, and Deadmau5. An intriguing treat of well-oiled production and programming.

Tickets can be found here.

All Points East

Victoria Park, August 16–25 (various dates)

Stretching across mid-late August, APE’s rotating headliners pull serious names into east London:, this year including, Chase & Status, Cleo Sol, Raye, The Maccabees and many more. Each day feels like its own mini-festival, with deep support bills and one of the better major-fest set-ups in the capital's East end.

Tickets can be found here.

Rally

Southwark Park, August 17

An essential stop for the open-minded and genre-curious. After a strong debut in 2023, Rally returns with a day of avant-pop, art-rock, ambient electronics and off-centre hip-hop in leafy South-East London. With Floating Points at its helm, joined alongside by the notable likes of Geordie Greep, Mike, Moin, and Porridge Radio; the undulating end-of-summer celebrations amongst the woods.

Tickets can be found here.

South Facing

Crystal Palace Bowl, July—August (various dates)

A softer, slower alternative to the impaling moshpits. South Facing presents one-off shows in a natural amphitheatre, pairing heritage acts and contemporary innovators in South London's idyllic and iconic Crystal Palace Bowl. Featuring headliners such as Mogwai & Lankum, Busta Rhymes, Skepta, and Nile Rogers & Chic, it's bound to cater to those tastes of both modern and antiquated senses.

Tickets can be found here.

Supersonic (Birmingham)

Digbeth, September 5—7

Sitting just outside the London map but firmly on the radar for boundary-pushing fans, Supersonic remains unmatched for experimental noise, drone, doom, free jazz and unclassifiable oddities. Curated with care and community in mind, it’s the antithesis of algorithm-fed playlists; notable sets from the indelible Backxwash, Hirs Collective, Richard Dawson, and so many more.

Tickets can be found here.

Further info and ticket links for each festival can be found at their respective biographies above.