Looking for things to do in London over the August bank holiday weekend (23-25 August 2025)? Our listings team has sifted through what's on in the capital to bring you this curated list of August bank holiday weekend events.
BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND: First things first, have a thorough read of our guide to spending the bank holiday in London, so you're guaranteed a good time... even if good weather isn't guaranteed. It contains ideas for cultural activities, sporting endeavours, new areas to explore and — perhaps most importantly — how to find a decent pub.
NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL: One of the biggest London events of the year (whose future is under threat due to funding issues), Notting Hill Carnival is a gigantic Caribbean festival that takes to the streets of west London over the August bank holiday weekend. Events begin on Saturday evening with the UK National Panorama Steel Band Competition (ticketed), followed by the slightly calmer family day on Sunday, then the main party on Monday. The streets get packed with Mas bands and sound systems, street food stalls and crowds soaking up the atmosphere/Red Stripe/rain. Read our Notting Hill Carnival guide for everything you need to know before you go. FREE, 23-25 August
OUTDOOR CINEMA: Various open-air and pop-up cinemas have screenings happening this bank holiday weekend. Swing by Barbican's Sculpture Court to see The Return of Godzilla (Saturday) or Fantastic Mr Fox (Sunday). Alternatively, Rooftop Film Club offers its usual eclectic mix at its two London venues (Peckham and Stratford) including About Time, Notting Hill, Moana 2, Sinners, and Pretty Woman.
SLAVERY REMEMBRANCE DAY: The National Maritime Museum in Greenwich marks Slavery Remembrance Day with workshops, screenings and other events on the Saturday of the bank holiday weekend. Themes this year are resistance, care, and collective memory — and the day culminates in an emancipation ceremony by the Thames, where everyone's welcome to join in a collective act of remembrance. FREE, 23 August
RALLY FESTIVAL: The third edition of RALLY Festival takes place in Southwark Park on Saturday, featuring post-punk experimental group Moin, along with rising London underground duo Bassvictim, DJ OK Williams, and singer-songwriter Sophie McAlister. 23 August
OPEN-AIR CONCERT: Head to Strawberry Hill House inn Twickenham on Sunday evening for an open-air concert by the Pasadena Roof Orchestra, performing the sounds of the roaring 1920s and elegant 1930s. Take a picnic, or buy refreshments there. 24 August
DOG SHOW: Walthamstow beer hall Big Penny Social holds its annual social dog show, Pooches and Pints, raising money for charity All Dogs Matter. The canine showdown sees pets go head-to-head in various categories. FREE ENTRY (donations welcome), 25 August
GORGEOUS GEORGIANS: West London National Trust property Osterley Park & House teams up with Horrible Histories for a family-friendly trail focusing on the Georgians, running until the end of August. Explore the house and grounds as you take part in 10 activities giving you an insight into Georgian life. Until 31 August
COSTA DEL CROYDON: Make the most of the last few days of the pop-up beach on a car park rooftop in central Croydon. Feel the sand between your toes in a giant sand pit, try bungee trampolines and a water splash zone... which beats cramming onto the train to Brighton on a bank holiday weekend. FREE, until 31 August
GREENWICH AND DOCKLANDS INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL: Free outdoor performing arts festival Greenwich and Docklands International Festival is back this summer, for two weeks of theatre, art, dance and circus in outdoor locations. Over the bank holiday weekend, that includes aerial performance Epiphytes in Greenwich Park, and Greenwich Fair. FREE, until 6 September
TURTLE TRAIL: 16 sculptures of the aquatic reptiles are dotted around locations including Covent Garden, Piccadilly Circus and Carnaby for the Tusk Turtle Trail, each individually designed by artists and celebrities, including musician and Tusk ambassador Ronnie Wood and photographer Rankin. FREE, until September
BOURDON STREET CHIPPY: Oh my cod! The Bourdon Street Chippy is a full-sized replica of a fish and chip shop made entirely from felt by textile artist Lucy Sparrow. Everything there is made from fabric — that's the 'food', the counter... and even the artworks on the wall. Skate on over to see it: it's in plaice until mid-September at Lyndsey Ingram Gallery in Mayfair, and though it usually opens Wednesday-Sunday, it's opening bank holiday Monday too. FREE, Wednesday-Sunday (and bank hol Monday) 11am-4pm, until 14 September
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