London United Kingdom

O2 Academy Islington

16 Parkfield St, London N1 0PS, UK Open in Google Maps

O2 Academy Islington, London, hosts 8 upcoming events between 23 Sep 2026 and 22 Jan 2027, with tickets from £103. General admission from £130.62.

Tickets from £103
On sale now 8 upcoming events

Some events here are sold only by the venue or the club. O2 Academy Islington official site

Upcoming shows and schedule

Across September 2026 – January 2027, O2 Academy Islington hosts 8 upcoming events. Featured headliners include VÆB, Humanity's Last Breath, LA Guns, Antarctic Monkeys, and Beret. Tickets currently start from £103.

Area and accommodation

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Upcoming events at O2 Academy Islington

How much are tickets at O2 Academy Islington?

The lowest price each part of the house has been listed at across 8 upcoming dates. Seats are sold by individual block, so a specific date may differ.

Where you sitTickets fromDates listed
General admission£130.628

What time do doors open at O2 Academy Islington?

Door opening times vary for each event and are usually listed on the event page and your ticket. It is advisable to check the specific event details for accurate timings.

Most upcoming dates start at 18:00 (4 of 8 listed dates); each event page carries its own start time.

Door times vary by event — check your ticket or the venue's own website on the day.

About O2 Academy Islington: Layout, History & Architecture

The building housing O2 Academy Islington at 16 Parkfield Street began its life as the Rex Cinema, an Art Deco picture house that opened in 1930. While its exterior retains hints of this interwar architectural heritage, the interior has been significantly reconfigured for its current purpose as a live music venue. It opened in 2003 as the Marquee Club before adopting the O2 Academy branding. The hall is designed primarily for standing audiences, with a stated capacity of 800, allowing for an intimate yet energetic concert experience.

The main performance space features a flat standing floor directly in front of the stage. Above and to the rear, a compact, horseshoe-shaped balcony provides a limited number of unreserved seated positions, offering elevated sightlines over the general admission crowd. However, these seats are often removed to expand standing capacity for busier events. While the architectural bones speak to an earlier era, the current fit-out is functional and robust, typical of a modern mid-sized music venue.

Acoustically, the space is engineered for amplified sound. Its rectangular shape and relatively low ceiling ensure direct sound projection, delivering a punchy and immediate audio experience that suits rock, pop, and electronic genres. While not designed for the nuanced reverberation of a classical concert hall, the PA system effectively fills the auditorium, providing a consistently impactful sonic environment. Minor sightline obstructions from structural elements can occur towards the rear or extreme sides of the main floor, though the elevated balcony generally offers clear views.

The Live Experience & Current Schedule

Arrival at O2 Academy Islington typically involves queues forming along Parkfield Street, managed efficiently by security staff leading to a single main entrance. Patrons proceed through standard bag checks and security screening before entering the foyer, which houses several bars on both the ground floor and balcony levels, providing convenient access to refreshments without having to navigate back through the main crowd. The main standing area can become densely packed during sell-out shows, fostering a close proximity to the stage that many find desirable for energetic performances. Those preferring more personal space or an elevated perspective often gravitate towards the balcony, where unreserved seating, when available, allows for a more relaxed viewing experience.

With 8 live performances scheduled, upcoming entry prices start from £103. The atmosphere within the hall is typically vibrant and direct, reflecting the intimate scale of the venue. The next confirmed event on the calendar is VÆB on 23rd September 2026.

How do I get to O2 Academy Islington, London?

O2 Academy Islington is at 16 Parkfield St, London N1 0PS, UK. Open in Google Maps

By train and tube

The closest National Rail and London Underground station is Highbury & Islington. This station is served by the Victoria Line, Overground, and Great Northern rail services. From Highbury & Islington station, the O2 Academy Islington is a short, approximately 5-minute walk away. Simply exit the station and follow the signs for Upper Street; the venue is a stone's throw from there.

By bus

Numerous bus routes serve the Upper Street area, providing excellent connectivity. Key bus routes that stop very close to the venue include:

  • 19, 30, 43, 47, 73, 271, 341 These buses stop at or near Islington Town Hall, which is just a few minutes' walk from the O2 Academy Islington. It's advisable to check Transport for London (TfL) for the most up-to-date route information and service updates.

By car and parking

While driving is an option, it is generally not recommended due to limited parking availability and potential congestion in the area. If driving is necessary, several car parks are within a reasonable walking distance:

  • NCP Car Park Islington: Roseberry Avenue, London EC1R 4RP (Approx. 10-15 minute walk)
  • Angel Car Park: St Mary's Path, London N1 9LW (Approx. 10-15 minute walk)
  • Islington Council Car Park: Upper Street, London N1 2UD (Limited spaces, check availability)

Please note that parking in central London can be expensive, and it is always recommended to book parking in advance where possible. The venue is also within the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), so ensure your vehicle complies or you are prepared to pay the daily charge if applicable.

Accessibility

The O2 Academy Islington is committed to making live music accessible to everyone. The venue has a dedicated team to assist visitors with disabilities, and they work closely with event promoters to ensure the best possible experience.

  • Wheelchair Access: The main entrance provides step-free access. There is a dedicated wheelchair viewing area within the main auditorium, offering excellent sightlines. Due to limited space, it is essential to book accessible tickets in advance.
  • Assistance Dogs: Assistance dogs are welcome at the venue.
  • Accessible Facilities: Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Hearing Assistance: While the venue doesn't have a specific hearing loop system, they can advise on the best viewing positions for sound clarity.
  • Personal Assistant Tickets: A personal assistant ticket is provided free of charge for individuals who require assistance. Proof of disability may be requested.

Visitors requiring specific accommodations are strongly advised to contact the venue directly in advance of their visit to discuss their needs and ensure arrangements are made. They can be reached via the contact details on the official O2 Academy Islington website.

Entry and security

The main entrance is located directly on Parkfield Street. Queue arrangements typically form outside the venue, extending along the street, especially for popular events. Security procedures include bag searches and walk-through metal detectors. To ensure sufficient time for entry, security checks, and finding your preferred viewing spot, it is advisable to arrive at least 30-45 minutes before the advertised stage time, particularly for general admission standing shows. Doors usually open 60-90 minutes before the first act.