With February underway and hopefully your finances recovered from the holidays, it’s a great time to start planning fun activities and outings for the year ahead.
As December approaches, take time to appreciate all the special moments you’ve experienced – both the unexpected and the planned – throughout the year.
If you’re someone who loves trying new experiences, you might be curious about what’s happening this year that goes beyond the typical London tourist spots and predictable light shows.
According to studies like one from Eventbrite, 2026 will mark a return to genuine, in-person experiences. People are expected to spend less time on their phones and more time connecting with others in real life, prioritizing authentic and meaningful interactions.
As a total cinema lover, I’ve been noticing some really interesting themes popping up in films this year. It’s like filmmakers are really getting into super-specific interests – things that really resonate with individual passions. There’s also a big focus on characters exploring self-improvement and new experiences, almost like a wellness journey. But what’s really striking me is the emphasis on quiet moments – a character simply listening to a song, or taking the time to create something beautiful like a wreath. It’s like a reminder to slow down and appreciate the small things.
As TopMob’s expert on fun outings – and someone who loves trying unique experiences – I’ve gathered the top trends for this year and explained how to make the most of them.
Biggest experience trends we’re leaning into in 2026
Embracing whimsy
Everyone needs a little fun in their life! “Whimsy-maxxing” – embracing playful, spontaneous activities like taking up an unexpected hobby (think skateboarding or line dancing) or even dressing up in something silly – is a great way to add joy to your year. Interest in “whimsy” actually surged in the US, with Google searches hitting a record high for the second year running, and “year of whimsy” becoming a popular search term in January.
I’ve been trying to embrace whimsy lately, and honestly, the key is just letting go and not taking things too seriously! It’s about being a little weird, spontaneous, and maybe even a little messy. As Angelina Nicolle says, really go for it – whether that means dressing up for fun or just running around outside like a kid. It’s all about giving yourself permission to be carefree and confident, and it feels amazing!
Three experiences to get you started:
- Women’s Lucky Charms Workshop
- Harmonica Masterclass
- Foraging walk and tasting
Get niche
It used to be easy to find friends through simple groups like book clubs or crafting circles. Now, people are forming communities around very specific, combined interests – finding spaces where what they do meets who they are. It’s similar to wanting a social media feed perfectly customized to your tastes, though having everyone think exactly like you isn’t always ideal.
Recent research from Eventbrite shows that people are increasingly drawn to highly specific social groups – think book clubs with wine, or LGBTQ+ line dancing. It’s less about fitting into broad categories and more about connecting with others who share unique combinations of interests. The key takeaway? Don’t hesitate to pursue your passions, even if they’re niche – start that running group with coffee, find fellow fans of your favorite anime – but also be open to connecting with people who have different perspectives.
Three experiences to get you started:
- Crash Course in Archaeology at the British Museum
- Rock ‘n Stroll Walking Tour
- Funky Cheese and Shoreditch Day Date
Grandma-core
Activities like crafting and gardening, often called “slow activities,” are well-known for boosting our mood. Recent research from Anglia Ruskin University in 2024 showed that arts and crafts can be just as good for your mental wellbeing as having a fulfilling job. Now, these types of activities are becoming a popular new way to socialize. Things like flower arranging, bingo, crafting with drinks, and puzzle nights are moving away from being seen as old-fashioned and becoming trendy. This makes sense, given how much more aware people are of their mental health – socializing now often includes these calming and intentional experiences. Plus, sharing an activity is a great way to connect with people, and especially to make new friends.
Three experiences to get you started:
- Flower arranging workshop
- Bingo nights
- Tea blending classes
Wellness-maxxing
It’s no surprise that health and wellness has become a massive $2 trillion global industry, constantly appearing in our news feeds and magazines. New fitness, diet, and health trends emerge weekly, with recent popular choices like saunas and cold plunges building on the outdoor swimming craze of 2022. We’re also seeing the wellness industry incorporate things that weren’t traditionally considered ‘wellness’ – for example, running clubs are now styled like nightclubs with bright lights and accessories, festivals combine music with activities like yoga and kayaking, and healthy cooking classes are everywhere.
Three experiences to get you started:
- Wim Hof Method Experience
- Neon Night Run
- Audi presents Wilderness Festival 2026
Total immersion
After the pandemic, immersive experiences – like dazzling light shows and virtual reality exhibits – became incredibly popular in London. But people soon realized that paying over £25 to simply see artwork projected onto a wall, or quickly walk through a short movie exhibit, wasn’t worth the money.
Today’s most memorable experiences go beyond just entertainment – they fully immerse you in the moment. Whether it’s dining that complements a film, or escape rooms that feel like you’re in a horror movie, this added depth makes the experience truly worthwhile.
Three experiences to get you started:
- Taste Film Presents
- Boom Lab
- Become Sherlock Holmes For A Day
Music without the club
As a total film and music lover, I’ve definitely noticed a trend: more and more artists are blending music with themes of mental wellbeing and a slower pace of life. It feels like people are really craving those moments of calm these days, whether they find them in a timeless classical piece or something newer like Madeline’s work. It’s a beautiful thing to see.
Three experiences to get you started:
- Natural History Museum Silent Disco
- Cinema listening parties
- Bridgerton candlelight concert
History comes back
Shows like The Rest is History demonstrate how much we can learn from the past, and how relevant it still is today. People are clearly fascinated with history, whether it’s through museum visits, exploring National Trust properties, or listening to historians. If you’re looking for a great event, I recommend the Cheltenham Literature Festival this year. It offers a wide variety of talks, workshops, and activities for everyone, no matter your interests.
- The Rest is History Live
- Treasures of the British Library
- London Literary Tour & Writing Workshop
Authors
Read More
- Best Controller Settings for ARC Raiders
- How to Get to Heaven from Belfast soundtrack: All songs featured
- 10 Most Memorable Batman Covers
- 10 Best Anime to Watch if You Miss Dragon Ball Super
- Netflix’s Stranger Things Replacement Reveals First Trailer (It’s Scarier Than Anything in the Upside Down)
- Wife Swap: The Real Housewives Edition Trailer Is Pure Chaos
- Best X-Men Movies (September 2025)
- Star Wars: Galactic Racer May Be 2026’s Best Substitute for WipEout on PS5
- 32 Kids Movies From The ’90s I Still Like Despite Being Kind Of Terrible
- How to Froggy Grind in Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3+4 | Foundry Pro Goals Guide
2026-02-17 13:44