Free things to do in London this week.
The OG starchitect
Closing this weekend, a major free exhibition at Sir John Soane's Museum pulls together drawings and objects centred on 'rockstar of the English Baroque/the original starchitect', Sir John Vanbrugh — including his plans for Blenheim Palace and Castle Howard. It's a chance to learn more about the man whose work was still often overshadowed by contemporaries Nicholas Hawksmoor and Sir Christopher Wren.
Until 28 June. If you're into architecture, check out free events on the final full week of the London Festival of Architecture 2026 programme.
100 years of Royal Ballet School
The Royal Ballet School (RBS) celebrates its centenary with a host of free events and activities in the Covent Garden Piazza throughout this week.
Join in with free full-length ballet classes, screened live on Covent Garden's big screen direct from the RBS. There are also daily screenings of student performances, choreography showcases and dance-inspired films including Billy Elliot the Musical, Center Stage and Save the Last Dance
Plus: a new sculpture, the Strength and Grace Butterfly — crafted entirely from pointe shoes by former English National Ballet dancer and artist Amber Hunt — goes on display as part of the festivities.
22-27 June.
Talk with the animals
ZSL, the conservation charity which runs London Zoo, continues its bicentenary celebrations with a free public lecture on Tuesday evening. Hear how different forms of media have shaped the way we see nature, from natural history broadcasting to today's citizen science.
Zoologist, wildlife presenter and filmmaker Billy Heaney hosts presentations, panel discussions and an audience Q&A about how important storytelling is in conservation, in order to bring people closer to nature.
23 June.
Shakespeare's Globe chat
Members of the creative team behind the upcoming production of Bertolt Brecht's anti-war protest play Mother Courage gather at Shakespeare's Globe on Tuesday evening. This panel discussion and Q&A delves into the world of the play and its contemporary relevance, offering a deeper look at the themes explored in Anna Jordan's new adaptation.
Note: although tickets are classed as 'free', there's a £3 fee per transaction for this one.
24 June.
Climate change solutions
The Natural History Museum opens its doors for Generation Hope: London Climate Action Night on Wednesday. The free evening, aimed at 18-35 year olds but open to everyone, explores nature-based solutions to the climate crisis. Part of London Climate Action Week, the event features pop-up science stations, a discussion on urban heat and guided tours of the Fixing Our Broken Planet gallery.
24 June.
When people stop waiting
Ever wanted to make a meaningful change, but not sure where to start? On Wednesday evening, Walthamstow's Big Penny Social screens short film Actionism, about what happens when people stop waiting for permission and start building power together. It's followed by a Q&A with Ellie, whose story is told in the film, and Beccy, a member of Re-Action Collective.
24 June.
Textiles pioneer
Dr Silvija Banić gives a lunchtime lecture at the V&A South Kensington on Thursday, exploring the legacy of Spitalfields pattern drawer Anna Maria Garthwaite. The talk celebrates the museum's recent acquisition of a dress fabric based on Garthwaite's work; the pioneer introduced the principles of painting into the loom.
25 June.
Dickens' 'best and truest friend'
Professor Christine Skelton, author of Charles Dickens and Georgina Hogarth: A Curious and Enduring Relationship, discusses Hogarth’s role in preserving Dickens' reputation. Hear about the woman described as his 'best and truest friend' in a free talk, which you can watch either at the Dickens Museum in Bloomsbury, or online via livestream.
25 June.
Free outdoor film
London's spoiled for outdoor cinema in summer, but catching a flick can be pricey. Not so at Lower Marsh, which holds its first free al fresco screening of the year on Thursday.
Cool Runnings, the 90s fave about a Jamaican bobsled team pursuing Olympics glory, is shown for free, as the Waterloo street goes traffic-free and a large screen is erected. Arrive early for pre-film entertainment and to get your fill of refreshments from local businesses.
25 June.
Happy 125th, Horniman
Forest Hill's Horniman Museum celebrates its 125th birthday with a free (but ticketed) day of events this Saturday. Watch local and young musicians and DJs across three stages, plus arts and crafts, Smallympics, object handling, a storytelling tent, tours and trails... all with top-notch views of the London skyline. There are food and drink stalls too.
27 June.
Riverside summer fete
Community event Royal Wharf Summer Fete is a family-friendly waterfront celebration, open to everyone on Saturday, with free entry. The programme includes live music and DJ sets, fitness classes, a craft market with independent traders, street food, garden games and children's workshops.
27 June.
Southwark Pride
Ahead of the big Pride in London festival next week, Pride in Southwark keeps the celebrations local. It begins with a protest march from the London LGBTQ+ Centre to Mint Street Park to defend and promote LGBTQIA+ rights, followed by a community event with music, spoken word and other entertainment in the park all afternoon.
27 June.
Soca dance sesh
Get yourself to Union Park South in Wembley on Sunday morning for a soca dance class, where you'll start your day with a fast-paced, high-energy workout routine set to rhythmic Caribbean sounds. If yoga isn't enough to get you in the zone, soca may be what you're seeking. Book a free slot.
28 June.
