Summer Event Trends 2026
There's a new energy to summer events this year. The way businesses are bringing people together is evolving. Whether it's a Provençal-inspired dinner under the stars or a full-day company retreat at a historic English estate, the bar has been raised.
We sat down with the Story Team to share what's trending this summer and how to make your next event one guests will be talking about long after the last glass of rosé has been poured.
What trends are you seeing in summer events for 2026?
One of the biggest trends we’re seeing is clients combining their summer parties or socials with a conference, company update or team-building element earlier in the day. Rather than hosting a standalone party, businesses are looking to create more purposeful experiences that balance productivity with celebration.
There’s definitely been a shift towards events that feel more experiential and thoughtfully curated from start to finish, with a bigger focus on connection, culture and guest experience.
Are there any particular venues that work well for this format?
Some of our favourites include the Honourable Artillery Company, Gray’s Inn, The Brewery and Old Billingsgate.
These venues work brilliantly because they offer flexible indoor spaces for conferences or activities, alongside beautiful outdoor areas perfect for drinks receptions and summer celebrations in the sunshine.
For those who just want an outdoor summer space, what venues would you suggest?
Rooftop venues continue to be hugely popular, especially for summer socials and networking events. London has some fantastic options with skyline views, including Wagtail Rooftop Bar & Restaurant and Florattica Rooftop London.
For more of a relaxed garden party atmosphere, venues such as Charterhouse Square are a great option, with plenty of space for guests to mingle, enjoy garden games and soak up the summer atmosphere.
What are some of the top trending themes that you are seeing this summer?
Destination-inspired styling is everywhere this summer, with clients leaning into themes that feel immersive, transportive and full of personality.
What are some of the top trending themes that you are seeing this summer?
One of our favourite moodboards is Summer in Provence, which focuses on soft, sun-washed tones of lavender, butter yellow, sage green and warm neutrals, layered with natural linens, light woods and loose arrangements of wildflowers and herbs to evoke the relaxed charm of the French countryside.
For something more vibrant, An Amalfi Summer continues to be hugely popular. This theme combines tangerine, oceanic blue and citrus yellow with rattan accents, striped linens and Mediterranean-inspired details to capture the warmth and glamour of the Amalfi Coast.
We’re also seeing a rise in what we’ve been calling The Manor in Summer, a modern take on the English country house aesthetic, featuring soft greens, sculptural florals, candlelit dining and elegant garden party styling.
What about those looking for more of an offsite or away day?
There are so many incredible venues just outside of London that work perfectly for summer away days and retreats. Some of our favourites include Hever Castle, Osea Island and Wilderness Reserve.
These venues naturally lend themselves to immersive themes and experiences, from elegant English garden parties at Hever Castle to American summer camp inspired retreats at Osea Island complete with activities, wellness sessions and evening campfires.
More than ever, clients are looking for events that allow guests to properly switch off, reconnect and enjoy experiences outside of the usual office setting.