Top 10 Free Events in London in May

Treat yourself to these fab free events

by Jen (follow Jen on Twitter: @JenBarnes207)

They say April showers bring May flowers… Hopefully they also bring sunshine for the two holiday weekends we have this month! But don’t worry, I’ve included some indoor events just in case London doesn’t behave the way we want.

#1 La Traviata | 20^th May

La Traviata is one of my all-time favourite operas and you can see it on the big screen, live from the Royal Opera House, in Trafalgar Square. Watch as Violetta falls in love with Alfredo (in the first 10 minutes of the opera-as is the operatic way) in this delightfully dramatic romance. Find out more through Royal Opera House’s website.

When: 20^th May
Where: Trafalgar Square

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 #2 Covent Garden May Fayre & Puppet Festival | 11^th May

Who doesn’t love some good old-fashioned family fun? Ok, so it’s a little kitschy but the six year old in me couldn’t resist including it! There’s a brass band and a plethora of Punch & Judy’s. Everything you need for a Sunday afternoon, I’d say! Find out more here.

When: 11^th May
Where: Covent Garden

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 #3 Tupac Martrir’s Looking Outside my Window | Until 31^st May

Dance, music, cinema, cuisine and performance all wrapped up into one exhibition.  Weekend events are usually £1 but weekdays tend to be totally free. There are daytime and late-night events so check out the calendar before you go!

When: Until 31^st May
Where: Rich Mix

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 #4 Prix Pictet | Opens 22^nd May

Love photography? Feel strongly about environmental issues? Then this is the exhibit for you. The theme of this year’s exhibit is ‘consumption’ and includes works from 11 photographers in 9 countries. Check it out.

When: Opens 22^nd May
Where: V&A

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#5 Streets of Spain | Until 5^th May

Spanish food and culture (and hopefully a little sun on the side) at the Southbank. Tapas, wine, live art installations and music will fill the sidewalks. Find out more through Southbank Centre’s website.

When: Until 5^th May
Where: Southbank Centre

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#6 Lates at the Science Museum | 28^th May

Hacking and Making are the themes of this month’s late night opening, with some 3d printing on the side. Kazoos, maracas and comedians are just a few highlights of this monthly free event. Who could resist?

When: 28^th May
Where: Science Museum

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#7 Chestnut Sunday | 11^th May

So I’m not 100% sure why it’s called Chestnut Sunday…but there will be a fairground, a 50s band, classic cars and historical re-enactment groups. Really, there’s something for everyone. More info here.

When: 11^th May
Where: Bushy Park

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#8 The Ballet School | 6^th-7^th May

Berlin-based trio signed to Bella Union. If you love 90’s pop, R&B and guitar, then pop over to The Social on the 6^th and Birthdays on the 7^th for a free concert.

When: 6^th -7^th May
Where: The Social/Birthdays

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#9 Under The Influence: John Deakin And The Lure of Soho | All Month

Soho was full of colourful characters in the 50s and we’re lucky that John Deakin captured them on film. You can find more info through thephotographersgallery.org.uk while you can watch an interview with the curator of the exhibition here.

When: Until 5th^th April
Where: Halcyon Gallery

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#10 LSO in Trafalgar Square | May 11^th

Pic taken by Timeout.com | © Kevin Leighton

Want to see the LSO but don’t have enough money to tickets? On May 11^th you can listen to Prokofiev’s First Symphony, music from the film Lieutenant Kijé and from the ballet Romeo & Juliet for free in Trafalgar Square.

When: May 11^th
Where: Trafalgar Square

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You may also want to check the best Free Film Screenings in London in May 2014.