Free things to do in London this week.
Looking for more free things to do in London? Here are 102 of em! We've also compiled this epic map of free stuff in London, and have a helpful guide to where to see art in London for free, and where you can catch cheap and free comedy.
Catch a free talk this week
As always, London's teeming with free talks and lectures across a range of topics. Here are our picks for this week:
MUSICAL FAIRIES: Gresham College hosts Professor Dominic Broomfield-McHugh to talk about the hypnotic fairy world in Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, and why it has inspired so many musical adaptations throughout the centuries. 22 September.
LONGITUDE RECONSIDERED: Richard Dunn, Keeper of Technologies and Engineering at the Science Museum, gives a free online talk about the 18th century development of new methods for finding a ship's position at sea, and how they came closely bound up with clockmaker John Harrison, making him a British hero. 23 September.
SHAKESPEARE IN THE CITY: Though more closely associated with Stratford Upon Avon, William Shakespeare spent much of his life in London. Learn about the traces of the playright which can still be found in and around the City, in a free Guildhall Library talk by tour guide Pete Smith. 24 September.
Watch this final free summer film screening
Recent Disney sequel Moana 2 is the chosen film for the final Summer Movie Night at Merchant Square in Paddington this year. Arrive in plenty of time to grab a deckchair, then sit back and watch the film play across the canal, with food and drink available to buy from nearby cafes and shops. A jacket or a blanket might be a good bet.
24 September.
Celebrate disabled artistry at Liberty Festival 2025
A fantastical forest and an Elvis on the toilet feature as part of Liberty Festival, a celebration of disabled artistry, taking place in Wandsworth this week.
All shows and workshops on the programme are free, happening at venues including Battersea Arts Centre and the Clapham Grand. It kicks off with an opening party on Wednesday, followed by Elvis Died of Burgers, a show featuring four neurodiverse artists exploring the thin line between the hilarity and tragedy of overeating, on Thursday. A walk-through forest, personalised love letters and a huge picnic also feature on the programme.
24-29 September.
Drop into Islington Archives for a display on local politics
As it does every last Thursday of each month, Islington Archives flings opens its doors, for a free drop-in session, inviting us to take a look at a specially-curated display. This time, it's unique items connected to local politicians including Britain's first Asian MP, Dadabhai Naoroji; the first Black woman Mayor of Islington, Cllr Valda James; and the first openly gay Mayor in England, Bob Crossman. Make sure you book a timed slot.
25 September.
Feast your eyes on a floating fire garden
Head over to Royal Victoria Dock on Thursday or Friday evening to see Rekindling, a mesmerising fire installation on both land and water. It's by French fire alchemists Compagnie Carabosse (behind the epic London's Burning installation back in 2016), who worked with local communities to create it. Rekindling features sounds, music and stories from around the area, telling the story of the Royal Docks' evolution from industrial powerhouse to a centre for enterprise, innovation and culture.
It's part of Royal Docks Originals, the free art and culture festival continuing until 4 October. While you're in the area, look out for Royal Reflections & Sweet Hope, a vibrant neon installation located between the IFS Cable Car and City Hall, topped with Chila Burman's life size neon tiger sculpture (in situ for a year).
25-26 September (sponsor)
Stay late at Tate Modern
As we reported earlier this summer, Tate Modern is staying open later each Friday and Saturday evening, beginning this Friday. That gives you up to three extra hours to explore the galleries and exhibitions, after many of the daytime crowds (including school trips!) have left.
This week, there are special events happening to launch the lates, including live music, collaging workshops, and 10-minute talks from Tate staff and volunteers, all free (though there are some paid activities too, including film screenings and artist talks).
As always, entry to the permanent collection is free, with a charge for some special exhibitions.
From 26 September.
Celebrate harvest at a windmill
Celebrate the annual wheat harvest and the histories and crafts of milling and artisan bread making at Brixton Windmill's family-friendly harvest festival. Children can take part in baking and corn dolly making workshops, with live music, Morris dancing and stalls to browse too.
28 September.
Watch sheep being herded over a central London bridge
It's that time of year again, when herds of sheep take over a central London bridge for the day.
The London Bridge Sheep Drive and Livery Fair is one of London's wackiest annual events. Each year, a chosen celebrity has the honour of herding sheep over Southwark Bridge while the public watch, followed by a livery fair at the north end of the bridge — keep an eye on the website for this year's celeb announcement. It's free to watch and to attend the fair.
28 September.
See what's on at Streatham Free Film Festival
Ongoing this week and into next week, Streatham Free Film Festival is just that — a programme of free film screenings in various locations around Streatham. The Last Showgirl, Practical Magic, and Crackerjack are among this week's films.
Until 4 October.
Other cheap things to do in London this week
Events and things that'll cost you a fiver or less.
🖋️ Celebrate the 800th anniversary of the 1225 issue of Magna Carta with a talk by Jessica Nelson, Head of Collections Expertise & Engagement at the National Archives. Hear how the historical document went on to influence the political landscape throughout the reign of Henry III and beyond. Watch in person, or online. £5, 25 September.
🚂 The Battersea Society hosts local historian Sue Demont for a talk about Clapham Junction, an erroneously-named station (it's located in Battersea) which, over its 162 years, has become one of Britain's busiest — known nationally and internationally. £5, 25 September.
