London is starting to heat up, which can only mean one thing: the return of the King’s Cross Riviera!
Capturing the essence of the fashionable French Riviera with its long, hazy summer days along the Côte d’Azur, King’s Cross is once again preparing to become a chic urban oasis by the water and the ‘go-to’ spot for fun this summer.
From mid-June, visitors can enjoy the annual programme of fun-filled summer activities which this year includes some exciting new additions and several returning classics.
New for 2025 is the Sounds of the Riviera series. To help mark 10 years of King’s Cross Summer Sounds in August, King’s Cross will be putting on a sizzling, eight-week lineup of music-themed events as well as a month-long installation by sound and light artist, Natural Symphony.
Sounds of the Riviera will include a new music programme curated by one of London’s most exciting {new} {DJs/musicians} which culminates with the free, 11-day Summer Sounds festival – watch this space for more information!
But before these exciting details are revealed, here’s the jam-packed line-up of summer events…whether it’s the return of King’s Cross Pétanque, a film at Everyman on the Canal or a browse around one of the summer-themed art exhibitions, there really is something for everyone…and it’s mostly all FREE!
Here’s what’s on (in date order):
NEW FOR 2025: Nature | Connected by Natural Symphony – 6 – 29 June
This exhibition by award-winning sound and light artist, Natural Symphony explores the profound connection between nature and humanity and invites visitors to step inside an interactive installation in the heart of Granary Square. The month-long exhibition offers a unique sensory experience which immerses visitors in nature’s healing power, inspiring us to take action to protect our environment. More here: https://www.kingscross.co.uk/event/nature-connected
King’s Cross Pétanque – 19 June to 14 September
Back by popular demand, King’s Cross Pétanque returns for its third year! Located in Pancras Square, visitors can once again enjoy one of France’s most beloved games – with a traditional King’s Cross twist. Bringing a dose of fun in the sun, there will be two FREE 15-metre pétanque courts, so grab family, friends or colleagues and enjoy a game of boules this summer. Whether you’re aiming for victory or just looking to have a good time, there’s no better way to create some lasting summer memories.
London Cycle Festival – 20 – 22 June
One of the most anticipated events in the cycling sphere, the VIA Criterium is rolling back into King’s Cross as part of the London Cycle Festival this summer. This exciting three-day festival will celebrate all things cycling and promises an unforgettable weekend of race action and community activities for cycling enthusiasts, spectators and participants of all ages to enjoy.
Markets, markets and MORE markets! – June – end of summer
King’s Cross is well known for hosting some of the best markets in town and this summer will be no different. Visitors can browse the pan-Asian homeware and food stalls at the Shotengai Market on Lower Stable Street, look for a new must-have illustration from London’s freshest artist-led, Illustrators Fair or find something fun and crafty at Crafty Fox.
Dates for your diary:
Wine Car Boot: 14 June
Shotengai Market at Lower Stable Street: 12–15 June, 17-20 July and 14-17 August
Thai Market: 27–29 June
Illustrators Fair:12-13 July
Crafty Fox: 12-13 July
Everyman on the Canal – 30 June to 17 August
For an al fresco movie night, Everyman on the Canal is once again gracing the grass steps on Granary Square from the end of June. Visitors can enjoy the warmth of a lazy summer evening catching a film at London’s favourite waterfront open-air cinema. More than 100 films will be screened, from standout blockbusters and family favourites to much-loved cult classics, along with live music sessions. And don’t forget, you can catch the Wimbledon Tennis Championships too (Monday 30 June – Sunday 13 July)!
10 years of King’s Cross Summer Sounds – 7 to 17 August
London’s much-loved FREE music and performance festival, King’s Cross Summer Sounds is making a grand return this summer – and this year it is celebrating its 10th anniversary with some of the most popular acts from the last 10 years! Across 11 days, visitors can enjoy music, dance, puppetry, and for the first time, sculpture. Featured artists include legendary flamenco guitarist and composer, Paco Peña, who opened the show ten years ago, as well returning favourites Yolanda Brown, West End Musical Showcase and Toy Corton’s Sounds Queer. The lineup will also include new names like emerging young folk singer, Sam Wilkinson and the UK’s leading brass band for drum and bass and garage house, Brass Rascals. More of the programming will be announced soon, including a special 10th birthday celebration to mark the occasion.
Chrissy Cullen, Related Argent’s Place Marketing Director for King’s Cross, said: “We can’t wait to bring yet another summer of unmissable events and experiences to the King’s Cross Riviera this year. Our summer programme offers something for everyone: whether it’s spotting one of the pop-up artists at Sounds of the Riviera, taking in a film, browsing the many markets or heading to our much-loved music festival, there is no shortage of things to do, see and explore! As always, all these experiences are truly affordable and accessible for our visitors, making King’s Cross the go-to destination this summer.”
