Still feeling wiped out from last week’s heatwave? Thankfully the forecast ahead looks cooler – both temperature and event-wise.
There are breathtaking new exhibitions from the likes of Chinese artist Ai Weiwei, a retrospective of Arnaldo Pomodoro’s spherical wonders, and the continued resurgence of millennial rom coms through a Legally Blonde prequel.
And if you’re still feeling a bit warm, a trip to an air conditioned cinema is never a bad idea – although tense new comedy The Invite might still make you sweat.
Whatever you decide to do, stay hydrated – and keep scrolling to read more about what’s coming up.
Exhibitions and events
Ai Weiwei: Button Up!
When: 2 July – 9 September 2026
Where: Aviva Studios (Manchester, UK)
In this powerful new exhibition, world-renowned Chinese artist Ai Weiwei explores the last 200 years of global history, casting a critical eye through his monumental installations. From a 47m long inflatable migrant boat to a 3-tonne-heavy Murano glass chandelier made up of over 2,000 pieces – everything is astonishing in its scale and ambition. Through these, Weiwei constructs an unflinching interrogation into the past and present, and the injustices that have, and continue to, echo through time. Find out more here.
Arnaldo Pomodoro: una vita (a life)
When: Until 18 October 2026
Where: Gallerie d’Italia (Milan, Italy)
Best known for his spectacular Sphere Within Spheres, Italian sculptor Arnaldo Pomodoro left behind a monumental legacy that redefined the language of bronze. This awe-inspiring retrospective is a rare opportunity to see his works in person, tracing his creations from the 1950s through to the 2000s – unlocking hidden insights in the process. Its displays include monumental works like Sfera grande, a fibreglass version of his very first large Sphere, and archive-materials that the curators hope will inspire new perspectives on Pomodoro’s creations. Find out more here.
Bonus highlight: A reminder that this is the final month to see the Grand Palais‘ ‘Matisse 1941–1954’ in Paris, which ends 26 July.
Movies
The Invite
Where: Cinemas
When: 3 July
As the bible commands: Love thy neighbour. Although maybe there should be caveats…
After married couple Angela (Olivia Wilde) and Joe (Seth Rogen) invite their sexually open neighbours Pina (Penélope Cruz) and Hawk (Edward Norton) over for a dinner party, things take a turn for the suggestive – which in turn becomes explosive (and not in that way). In a similar vein to Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and Abigail’s Party, it’s a movie fuelled by the wine-swigging, simmering tensions of marital misery and repressed desires. And a simple sexual request is all it takes to ignite the fire in this blushing comedy about the ways we lose sight of ourselves through love.
Bonus highlight: Bee do bee do bee do! Minions alert! Minions & Monsters hits cinemas on 1 July.
TV series
Elle
Where: Prime Video
When: 1 July
The year is 1995, and a young blonde woman named Elle Woods (Lexi Minetree) is attempting to navigate the choppy waters of high school – with her pet Chihuahua and pink clutch bag in tow. This television prequel to Legally Blonde should come as no surprise – we’re living through an era of endless millennial reboots. But Elle was also oddly ahead of her time. She was channeling pink core, power blazers and main character energy long before social media came and made them a thing (you just know she’d be a lawfluencer too). Younger people should watch for a glimpse at the glory days of 00s teen girl movies, while older people should watch for the nostalgic horror of realising the original movie came out 25 years ago.
Music
Madonna: Confessions II
When: 3 July
Nothing screams summer like a new Madonna album – even if we all feel a bit too sweaty for the dance floor. The American singer’s 15th studio release arrives after a seven year hiatus, and is the sequel to her Grammy award-winning 2005 album, ‘Confessions on a Dance Floor’. It will also be her first album back with Warner Records, who first signed Madonna back in 1982.
A pulsating assemblage of dance-pop, EDM and hubristic house music, it also features collaborations with Sabrina Capenter and South Korean DJ Peggy Gou. Prepare to party like its 2005 once again.
Bonus highlight: Reportedly a favourite of legendary artist Marina Abramović, British band Mary in the Junkyard are releasing their new album ‘Role Model Hermit’ on 3 July.