Kensington Events Calendar: January – March 2026
Kensington Events Calendar: Early 2026
As we kick off 2026, Kensington confirms its status as London's cultural heartbeat. From high-flying circus acts to thought-provoking art exhibitions, the first quarter of the year is packed with unmissable experiences. Here is your curated guide to what's happening in January, February, and March 2026.
Spectacular Performances
Cirque du Soleil: OVO
Dates: January 9 – March 1, 2026 Location: Royal Albert Hall Book tickets at Royal Albert Hall
The world-renowned Cirque du Soleil returns to the iconic Royal Albert Hall with OVO, a high-energy production that plunges audiences into the colorful, buzzing world of insects. Expect breathtaking acrobatics, vibrant costumes, and a non-stop riot of energy. It’s the perfect post-holiday treat for families and thrill-seekers alike.
Major Museum Exhibitions
Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A)
South Kensington
- Design and Disability (Ends February 15, 2026): A groundbreaking localized exhibition exploring the history of design for and by disabled people, featuring innovative objects like the first adaptive Xbox controller.
- Marie Antoinette Style (Ends March 22, 2026): Your last chance to see this dazzling showcase of the French Queen's enduring influence on fashion, from 18th-century court wear to modern haute couture.
- Enthoven Unboxed (Ends March 29, 2026): A free display celebrating 100 years of collecting theatre and performance history.
- Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art (Opens March 28, 2026): Mark your calendars for this major retrospective of Elsa Schiaparelli, the surrealist designer who turned fashion into art.
Natural History Museum
South Kensington
- Space: Could Life Exist Beyond Earth? (Ends February 22, 2026): An interactive journey allowing you to touch moon rock and explore the possibilities of life on Mars.
- Wildlife Photographer of the Year (Ongoing until July 2026): The world-famous competition returns with stunning images of the natural world.
Science Museum
South Kensington
- Water Pantanal Fire (February 6 – May 31, 2026): A powerful photographic exhibition documenting the environmental crisis in the Pantanal wetlands.
- Future of Food (Extended to September 2026): Explore how technology and innovation might solve the global challenge of feeding a growing population sustainability.
Local & Seasonal Events
St Patrick's Day Festival
Date: March 16, 2026 (Parade date approx.) Location: Central London (Parade typically starts near Hyde Park Corner) Join the celebrations as the annual parade winds its way from Hyde Park Corner to Trafalgar Square, filling the streets with music, dance, and a sea of green.
Kensington Farmers' Market
When: Every Sunday, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Location: Phillimore Walk Discover fresh, seasonal produce for your 2026 healthy start. From organic vegetables to artisan breads and cheeses, it’s a favorite spot for locals to shop and socialize.
Planning Your Visit
Kensington is busier than ever in early 2026. We highly recommend booking tickets for major exhibitions like Marie Antoinette Style and OVO at least a few weeks in advance.
Stay With Us: The Holiday Inn London - Kensington Forum is perfectly situated just minutes from these attractions. After a day of exploring, relax in our newly renovated rooms or enjoy a cocktail at the Forum Bar.