Covent GardenSeptember 2026

What’s on in Covent Garden.

Name: The Bayeux Tapestry Returns to England
Start: 2026-09-10
End: 2027-07-11
Location: The British Museum

The historic Covent Garden Market and Piazza

A date with
the neighbourhood.

Your essential guide to the latest events, pop-ups, and seasonal celebrations in London’s most vibrant neighbourhood.

See the latest highlights

Piazza shops: Closed · opens 10am tomorrow

Use this independent guide to build a day around the Piazza: start with the current installations and exhibitions below, leave time for the market halls and street performers, then add dinner or a West End show.

Short-run events can change at little notice. Check with the venue for final times, prices and booking; our links also help you explore nearby shops, restaurants and things to do.

13 current highlights

On now & coming up around Covent Garden

A hand-picked mix of short-run events, free installations, useful offers and nearby exhibitions. Details last checked 10 September 2026.

Save the date

Covent Garden Christmas Lights Switch-On

Thursday 12 November · The Piazza, Covent Garden

Covent Garden's famous Christmas lights are switched on for the season across the Piazza and neighbouring streets. This year's 'The Theatre of Christmas' theme brings live festive performances and a countdown to the moment the lights come on.

Timings to be confirmed nearer the date Plan your visit

Free exhibition

Portrait Award 2026

25 June - 7 October · National Portrait Gallery, Floor 2

See a wide-ranging snapshot of contemporary portraiture, bringing together work by talented newcomers, gifted amateurs and established artists in a free display.

Free Visit venue

Music and nightlife

September Nights at STEREO

Wednesdays-Sundays in September · STEREO, Covent Garden

Plan an evening around STEREO's weekly mix of food, cocktails and music: lounge nights on Wednesdays, hip-hop and R&B on Thursdays, sing-along Fridays, live music and dance sets on Saturdays, and a relaxed Sunday Social.

Check individual nights for entry and booking Explore food and drink

Major exhibition

The Bayeux Tapestry Returns to England

10 September 2026 - 11 July 2027 · The British Museum

A landmark loan brings the Bayeux Tapestry to the British Museum. The nearly 1,000-year-old embroidery tells the story leading to the Norman Conquest in a remarkable sequence stretching about 70 metres.

Ticket information from the museum Explore nearby attractions

Dining experience

CABARET: The Kit Kat Club at Balthazar

Fridays, 25 September-30 October · Balthazar, Russell Street

Balthazar teams up with the West End production of CABARET for a limited run of Friday dining events inspired by the Kit Kat Club, designed as a theatrical start to an evening in Theatreland.

Booking required Find pre-theatre dining

Halloween cocktails

The Haunting Pop-Up Bar

1-31 October · Russell Street, Covent Garden

The team behind Miracle at Henrietta brings a Halloween cocktail experience to Russell Street. Expect theatrical drinks and unsettling surroundings throughout October, with reservations already open.

Reservations available · drinks priced separately Explore bars and restaurants

Restaurant reopening

Story Cellar Returns to Neal's Yard

Reopened 1 September · Story Cellar, Neal's Yard

Chef Tom Sellers' Neal's Yard restaurant is serving again, centred on rotisserie cooking with charcuterie, house terrine, daily grills, fish and smaller plates on the menu.

Reservations recommended Explore places to eat

In-store event

Friday Happy Hour at GANNI

Every Friday, 4pm-7pm · GANNI, Floral Street

Ease into the weekend at GANNI on Floral Street, where Friday-afternoon shoppers can browse the latest collections with complimentary refreshments and a sociable in-store atmosphere.

Free to visit Explore Covent Garden shops

Garden events

Lunchtime Sessions at The Phoenix Garden

Selected lunchtimes and workshop dates · The Phoenix Garden, St Giles

Step away from the West End bustle for gentle lunchtime sessions and occasional workshops in this community garden near Seven Dials. Check the organiser's latest schedule before making a special trip.

Activities vary Explore things to do

Student offers

Student Discounts in Covent Garden

Available at participating venues · Across Covent Garden and Seven Dials

Students can save at dozens of restaurants, shops and lifestyle brands around Covent Garden. The proof required varies by venue, so bring valid student ID and check each offer before ordering or buying.

Valid student ID required Explore Covent Garden

Theatre-ticket offers

Showtime Specials

With a same-day West End theatre ticket · Participating Covent Garden venues

Turn a theatre ticket into more than a show: participating restaurants, bars, beauty and lifestyle stores offer selected treats or savings when you present a valid ticket for that day.

Terms and exclusions apply Find theatre tickets

Fitness

Studio Classes at Peloton London

Classes run throughout the week · Peloton Studios London, Floral Street

Join an instructor-led session at Peloton Studios London, with a programme spanning cycling, bootcamp, yoga and meditation at its Floral Street studio.

Advance booking required Explore active experiences

Family afternoon tea

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea

Available on selected dates · One Aldwych

One Aldwych turns afternoon tea into a playful family experience inspired by Roald Dahl's chocolate-filled story, with imaginative sweet and savoury treats for children and grown-ups.

Ticketed · advance booking advised Find afternoon tea experiences

What to See & Do

🎭 Street Performers in the Piazza

Daily performances

Covent Garden Piazza

The iconic Covent Garden Piazza hosts live street performances every day. Expect a rotating mix of opera singers, classical musicians, magicians, acrobats and comedy acts performing throughout the afternoon and early evening.

Free to watch: All performances take place at approved pitches and are free to enjoy, adding to the area's unique atmosphere.

🧭 A family day out in Covent Garden

Ideas for weekends and school holidays

Across Covent Garden

Pair the free Piazza performances with the London Transport Museum, colourful Neal's Yard and an early family meal. At peak weekends and during school holidays, allow extra time and reserve ticketed attractions before travelling.

Explore family-friendly ideas

🛍️ Covent Garden Markets

Open throughout the week

Apple Market & Jubilee Market Hall

Apple Market and Jubilee Market Hall are open throughout the week, offering arts, crafts, jewellery, gifts, antiques and collectables. The mix of traders and stalls changes by day, so there's always something new to discover.

Nearby, Earlham Street Market also runs during the week, selling food, clothing and everyday items.

🍽️ Seasonal Food & Dining Experiences

Autumn 2026

Throughout Covent Garden

Autumn brings cosy dining back to Covent Garden. Restaurants roll out warming seasonal menus, and the area's pubs and wine bars come into their own as the evenings draw in. It's also a lovely time for pre-theatre set menus before a West End show.

✨ Pop-Ups & Retail Experiences

Rotating throughout the year

Piazza, Market Building & Seven Dials

Covent Garden regularly hosts short-term retail pop-ups and brand activations, particularly around the Piazza, Market Building and Seven Dials. These experiences change frequently and often include fashion, beauty, lifestyle and gift-focused concepts.

🎨 Art, Culture & Creative Spaces

Rotating exhibitions year-round

Galleries around Covent Garden

Small galleries and creative venues in and around Covent Garden feature rotating exhibitions throughout the year. Displays often include photography, illustration, fashion and contemporary art, with many exhibitions free to enter.

🌈 Neal's Yard & Seven Dials

Extended evening & weekend hours

Neal's Yard & Seven Dials

Neal's Yard and Seven Dials remain popular spots for independent shopping, cafes, bars and restaurants. Seasonal decor, extended opening hours and occasional local events make these areas especially lively during evenings and weekends.

🎪 Theatre & West End Shows Nearby

Performances throughout 2026

West End theatres

Covent Garden sits at the heart of London's West End theatre district, with multiple theatres just a short walk away. Major musicals, long-running productions and new plays run throughout the year, making the area ideal for theatre-goers before and after shows.

Book your tickets

Things to Do in Covent Garden

From exploring the iconic Apple Market and watching world-class street performers to discovering hidden courtyards, romantic restaurants, and family fun, find out what makes Covent Garden truly special.

All Things to Do

Experiences in Covent Garden

1 Covent Garden Shows & Musicals 2 Covent Garden Food & Drinks 3 Covent Garden Christmas Activities 4 Covent Garden Fine Dining Experiences 5 Covent Garden Afternoon Tea 6 Covent Garden Halloween Activities 7 Covent Garden Nightlife & Bars 8 Covent Garden Classical Concerts & Opera 9 Covent Garden Street Food 10 Covent Garden Walking Tours 11 Covent Garden Silent Disco Experiences 12 Covent Garden Hop-on Hop-off Tours 13 Covent Garden Family-Friendly Activities 14 Covent Garden Entry Tickets 15 Covent Garden Pub Crawls & Bar Tours 16 Covent Garden Christmas Market Tours 17 Covent Garden Dinner Shows 18 Covent Garden Markets & Market Tours 19 Covent Garden Harry Potter Tours 20 Covent Garden Arts & Crafts Workshops

West End Show Offers

Experience the magic of London’s West End — book your theatre tickets securely through our trusted partner, Theatre Tickets Direct.

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Things to Do in and around Covent Garden

From street performers and historic markets to world-class theatre, discover the best activities right in Covent Garden. Book easily via our trusted partners.

Things to Do in London

Explore the best tours, attractions, and activities in and around London. Book easily via our trusted partners.