The best music festivals in London for 2026

Pitchfork Music Festival is gearing up for another edition, with a jam-packed schedule of eclectic live music encompassing everything from avant-rock and post-punk to UK rap and deconstructed dance music on an ultra-eclectic line-up of 80 artists, including  a whole bunch of emerging talents you’ve likely never heard of but will no doubt feature on your Spotify Wrapped come December 2027. Gigs take place across a plethora of London’s best venues, including Colour Factory, Union Chapel, Village Underground, Earth Theatre, Royal Festival Hall and 93 Feet East.

Line-up includes: Actress, The Avalanches, Noname, Horse Jumper of Love, Panda Bear, Elijah Wolf, Psychedelic Porn Crumpets, Working Men’s Club, Bloodsports, Kiwi jr. 

Various London venues. Nov 2-8.

Every year, the EFG London Jazz Festival brings together the best and brightest of the genre in venues across the city, from the capital’s major arts venues like Southbank Centre and Barbican, to atmospheric gig spots like Village Underground, EartH Theatre and Union Chapel. The line-up promises a bounty of bops, whether you’re looking to discover some emerging talents or witness legends in action. And it’s not just jazz on offer either; there’s fado, electro-swing, trip-hop, drum and bass, and loads more. 

Line-up includes: Church of Sound, Dave Okumu & Friends, Ambrose Akinmusire Quartet, Emma-Jean Thackray, Morcheeba, Yasuaku Shimizu, Goldie, Kyoto Jazz Massive.

Various London venues. Nov 13-22.