SUMMER HOLIDAYS: With schools closed, we've put together a guide to spending the summer holidays in London, packed full of family-friendly events, exhibitions and outdoor activities. On a budget? There are plenty of free things to do in the summer holidays. In the mood for a show? Here's our pick of family-friendly musicals and theatre productions in London over the summer.
CAMDEN FRINGE: The Camden Fringe takes place this month, bringing theatre, music, comedy and dance to venues across Camden. Highlights of the 400+ performances include musical comedy Rabbie Burns' Bottom Drawers; a witty, bilingual take on Romeo and Juliet; a satire about Elon Musk being lost in space; and Power Power, a silly comedy about hospitality and superpowers. Overwhelmed by the choice? Take a look at our picks for Camden Fringe 2025. 28 July-24 August
COSTA DEL CROYDON: A pop-up beach appears on a car park rooftop in central Croydon. Feel the sand between your toes in a giant sand pit, try bungee trampolines, a water splash zone... Who needs Brighton anyway? FREE, 1-31 August
OPEN-AIR SHAKESPEARE: The 'Scottish play' is the latest show being performed in the open-air at the Actors' Church in Covent Garden. See a visceral version of Shakespeare's dark tragedy Macbeth. Make it a double bill: on the same days, A Place for Us theatre company also performs its take on Romeo and Juliet. 1-4 August
SECRET CINEMA DOES GREASE: Grease is the word down in Battersea Park, as Secret Cinema's latest venture recreates the world of Pink Ladies and T Birds. Immerse yourself in the halls of Rydell High alongside Danny and Sandy, with live performances of hits such as Summer Nights popping up around you, and the film playing on multiple screens throughout the venue. 1 August-7 September
FELT CHIPPY: Oh my cod! Felt artist Lucy Sparrow strikes again, and there's a special plaice in our hearts for her latest work. The Bourdon Street Chippy is a full-sized replica fish and chip shop made entirely from felt — that's the 'food', the counter, and even the artworks on the wall. We can't wait to skate on over and see it. FREE, 1 August-14 September
EVERY BRILLIANT THING: One-person play Every Brilliant Thing comes to Soho Place, with a different famous face on stage every night. Lenny Henry, Ambika Mod, Sue Perkins and Jonny Donahoe take it in turns to star in the story of a seven-year-old who starts a list of everything that's brilliant about the world, and continues it into adulthood. Check the schedule for who's performing on which dates. 1 August-22 September
PARADISE IN THE CITY: Four stages make up music festival Paradise in the City, a new event coming to Boston Manor Park, curated by electronic music visionary Jamie Jones. Expect to see artists playing house and techno against a backdrop of cutting-edge sound and state-of-the-art production. 2 August
THAMESMEAD FESTIVAL: South-east London is the place to be when the free Thamesmead Festival returns to Southmere Park. Several stages pop up, with local performers showcasing their talents, spanning R&B, soul and rap music — and lots more. FREE ENTRY, 2 August
ICE WEEKEND: Once a year, the London Canal Museum in King's Cross holds an ice weekend, celebrating the space where ice was stored before the days of refrigeration. Venture into its Victorian ice well (Sunday only), descending by ladder into the underground space where ice used to be stored — and take part in all manner of ice-themed activities back above ground. Basically, if you like ice you will love this. 2-3 August
JAZZ CAFE FESTIVAL: For the second time, Camden's Jazz Cafe curates its own live music festival, spanning a range of genres and playing out in Burgess Park in south London. Soul musician Masego headlines, alongside American rapper Westside Gunn, making his highly anticipated UK stage debut. 3 August
WAR HORSE: The National Theatre's beloved puppetry show War Horse brings its UK tour to the New Wimbledon Theatre. Based on Michael Morpurgo's book of the same name, it's the story of a young boy's beloved horse, sold to the Cavalry and shipped to France at the start of the First World War. Age 10+. 5-16 August
INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION: The 166th edition of the Royal Photographic Society's International Photography Exhibition opens at Chelsea's Saatchi Gallery, showcasing contemporary photography from around the world, on topics including family, identity and environmental issues. FREE, 5 August-18 September
A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS: Stage and screen actor Martin Shaw stars as Sir Thomas More — scholar, ambassador, Lord Chancellor and friend to King Henry VIII — A Man For All Seasons at the Harold Pinter Theatre. See the historic figure forced to choose between his loyalty and his own conscience, for which he eventually pays the ultimate price. 6 August-6 September
SUMMER CYCLE: Your once-a-year chance to ride a bike through Kew Gardens comes in the form of the Summer Cycle, an evening event open to everyone. Bring your own bike and cycle through the gardens and past the famous glass houses, on two wheels. 7 August
COCKTAILS IN THE CITY: The second and final edition of this year's Cocktails in the City takes place at Bedford Square Gardens, opening the usually-private park to ticket holders, with 20 of London's best bars appearing in pop-up form to serve their tipples. There are also street food stalls, live music, a silent disco, ice carving and cocktail making workshops. 7-9 August
SUMMER SOUNDS: Free music festival Summer Sounds is back at King's Cross, with live concerts every evening, and family sessions on Sunday afternoon. Flamenco guitarist Paco Peña, folk singer-songwriter Sam Wilkinson, and R&B artist Nathanael Coke are among this year's performers, and don't miss Songs From The Shows, a Saturday evening performance of West End stage hits. FREE, 7-17 August
THE SPELL OR THE DREAM: The latest installation in the courtyard at Somerset House is Tai Shani's The Spell or The Dream. It features a luminous blue figure caught in a suspended state atop a plinth, accompanied by a newly commissioned soundscape, and aims to provoke a discussion around how we can build a better future together. It's one of our art critic's picks for the best exhibitions to see in London this summer. FREE, 7 August-14 September
TWELFTH NIGHT: Shakespeare’s tragicomedy, Twelfth Night, or What You Will opens at the Globe Theatre, telling the story of twins separated in a shipwreck, along with a lovesick duke, a mourning heiress and a besotted steward. 8 August-25 October
AFTERNOON TEA WEEK: Not that we ever need an excuse to tuck into a scone and a couple of cakes, but Afternoon Tea Week falls in August. Why not celebrate at one of London's best themed afternoon teas, or perhaps the best afternoon teas near London's tourist attractions, and combine it with a day of sightseeing? We also know the best afternoon teas for children, and, if it's all sounding a bit expensive, we've got a guide to London's most affordable afternoon teas too. 11-17 August
ALL POINTS EAST: Chase & Status, RAYE, The Maccabees... just a few acts on the impressive line-up at this year's All Points East Festival in Victoria Park. Fingers crossed the In The Neighbourhood free programme of events on non-gig days returns this year too. 15-24 August
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A spectacular bank holiday weekend awaits at Battersea Park in Concert
An open-air disco. Silver screen soundtracks under the stars. Sunset picnics accompanied by live jazz and blues. Battersea Park in Concert is back — bringing three al fresco shows to one of London's best-loved green spaces across the bank holiday weekend.
The fun kicks off on Saturday 23 August with an exciting new show, Symphonic Disco, featuring the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Joined by a disco band and powerhouse vocalists, they'll be reimagining dancefloor classics from the likes of Chic, Dua Lipa and Sophie Ellis-Bextor. The orchestra's back on Sunday 24 August, for A Night at the Movies. Here, they'll perform soundtrack selections from some of the greatest movies of all time including Star Wars, James Bond and Wicked — topped off with a stunning fireworks finale.
Finally, on Monday 25 August, the baton is passed to the legend that is Jools Holland, rocking up with his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra to help you see out the long weekend in style. Expect special guests, performances by YolanDa Brown and Marvin Muoneké, and a specially curated salute to the 'First Lady of Song', Ella Fitzgerald.
All of it takes place in the beautiful Battersea Park, where you're encouraged to make a day of it. Bring the kids (there are children's activities during the day and the entire event has a relaxed, family-friendly vibe). Bring your own picnic (don't forget the prosecco and ice packs!). Or just bring yourself (there's an amazing range of food and drink available to purchase onsite). Summer evenings don't get much more idyllic than this.
Battersea Park in Concert takes place Saturday 23 August-Monday 25 August. Get your tickets today.
IMBERBUS: Alright, so it's not in London, but it is a top-notch (and very popular) event featuring London buses, so indulge us for a second. Imberbus is an annual parade of double-decker London buses from Warminster to Chitterne, via Salisbury Plain and a collection of bucolic villages. Why? It all dates back to residents of the small village of Imber being turfed out of their village by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) in 1943, and never being allowed to return — full story here. 16 August
BARBICAN OUTDOOR CINEMA: There's an eclectic range of films on offer at Barbican's Outdoor Cinema this summer, from Dune to Little Shop of Horrors to Fantastic Mr Fox. All films are shown on a giant screen in the open-air Sculpture Courtyard, with food and drink available to buy nearby. 20-31 August. Have a browse of the other outdoor cinemas popping up in London this summer.
THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE: Step into Narnia with The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe at Sadler's Wells. Join Lucy, Edmund and Peter as they venture through the back of the wardrobe, marking the novel's 75th anniversary. Age seven+. 20 August-7 September
COLDPLAY: A Film For The Future is the film created to accompany Coldplay's newest album, Moon Music, and it's being shown in a limited number of screenings at Lightroom in King's Cross, coinciding with the band's Wembley shows. As is Lightroom's way, viewers will be completely immersed in the film, with projections on the walls, floor and ceiling. 21 August-8 September
GREENWICH AND DOCKLANDS INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL: Free outdoor performing arts festival Greenwich and Docklands International Festival returns, for two weeks of theatre, art, dance and circus in outdoor locations. Highlights include Above and Beyond, a parkour performance through Woolwich, and The Weight of Water, a dance and circus show on a floating stage, mimicking the perils of climate change. FREE 22 August-6 September
SLAVERY REMEMBRANCE DAY: The National Maritime Museum in Greenwich marks Slavery Remembrance Day with workshops, screenings and other events. The 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
BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND: The month comes to an end with a glorious, three-day bank holiday weekend. Make the most of the extra day with our guide to spending the bank holiday in London, so you're guaranteed a good time... even if good weather isn't guaranteed. 23-25 August
NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL: Notting Hill Carnival is back on the streets of west London for three days of Caribbean-style entertainment. Expect the usual heady mix of Caribbean culture, samba, mas, soca and calypso, dazzling costumes... and lots and lots of people. Here's everything you need to know about this year's event. 23-25 August
FOOD FESTIVAL: Feast your eyes on the surroundings of Hampton Court Palace, and your stomach on goodies from the Hampton Court Palace Food Festival, which is held in the palace gardens. Tuck into street food, browse and buy artisan products including wine, rum, cakes, pastries, coffee and cheese. There's also live music at the bandstand, garden games and a Bluey meet and greet for kids. 23-25 August
MEATOPIA: Carnivores, unite! BBQ festival Meatopia fires up at Tobacco Dock, with chefs from all over the world each serving one speciality dish, cooked over wood or charcoal. Throw in multiple bars and live music and DJs, and you've got quite the party. 28-31 August
ANIME & GAMING CON: What claims to be the UK's largest anime convention comes to Hammersmith, with merch, gaming, comics and cosplay. Expect appearances from anime rapper Shao Dow, as well as a chance to meet voice actors from anime productions. 29-31 August
BRENTFORD ART TRAIL: Various venues around the area open their doors for the Brentford Art Mile, showcasing work by local artists. Ceramics, photography and painting are on display at venues including the Musical Museum, and the Museum of Water & Steam. This year's full trail will be published some time in August. 29-31 August
DEAF REPUBLIC: Adapted from the poems of Ukrainian-American author Ilya Kaminsky, Deaf Republic at Royal Court Theatre tells the story of a deaf boy in occupied territory who is shot for disobeying orders he couldn't hear — and the fall out that has on the rest of the town. 29 August-13 September
THE PRODUCERS: Mel Brooks' musical adaptation of The Producers is back in town, opening at the Garrick Theatre, telling the story of a struggling Broadway producer and accountant who attempt to create the biggest flop in theatre history... only for it to be a roaring success. 30 August-February 2026
BI PRIDE: An event where people who experience attraction beyond gender can be freely visible and celebrate themselves and their identities, Bi Pride UK takes place at Kings Place in King's Cross, offering talks, stalls from LGBTQ+ organisations and live performances. Full programme TBC at time of writing. FREE, 31 August
OUTDOOR CULTURE: Cross your fingers for decent weather this month, then make the most of it with London's al fresco culture options. Theatre, films, art and live music can all be enjoyed in the open-air if you know where to look and what to book... which we do, naturally.
OUTDOOR CINEMA: As an extension to the above, London's awash with outdoor cinemas, from ones on rooftops to those in palace grounds, and alongside canals. Get booking to watch cult classic and new release films in the open-air this summer.
DAY TRIPS FROM LONDON: Need to get out of the city for a day or two? We hear you. Check out our Beyond London section for day trip inspo, weekends away in the UK, and city breaks further afield. At the moment, we're loving these Sussex seaside towns, relaxed weekends in Southwold, and this gorgeous country house with links to Harry Potter and Henry VIII.
LAST CHANCE: A few things are closing this month (or very early next month) too. It's your last chance to go to:
- REPETITIVE BEATS: A virtual reality experience taking you back to the Acid House scene of 1989, followed by a small exhibition, at Barbican. Part of the wider Feel The Sound summer season of events. Until 3 August
- THAT BASTARD PUCCINI: A play about a race between two of Italy’s hottest composer, Giacomo Puccini and Ruggero Leoncavallo, to compose an opera about the enchanting love story of La Boheme. See it at Park Theatre. Until 9 August
- EXTRAORDINARY WOMEN: Compton Mackenzie's 1928 comic novel Extraordinary Women comes to the stage at Jermyn Street Theatre, set on the Mediterranean island of Sirene, peaceful in the aftermath of the First World War, until a group of extraordinary women arrive. Until 10 August
- POWER OF GARDENING: The British Library looks at how centuries of gardening have empowered communities and shaped the natural world in exhibition Unearthed: The Power of Gardening. Objects on display include botanical illustrations and the world's oldest mechanised lawnmower. Until 10 August
- MRS WARREN'S PROFESSION: See Imelda Staunton and her real-life daughter Bessie Carter in Mrs Warren's Profession at Garrick Theatre, about a mother and daughter living through estrangement. Until 16 August
- NYE: Michael Sheen stars in (some performances of) Nye at the National Theatre about the life of former Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Nye Bevan, and his contribution towards creating the NHS. Until 16 August
- BRIXTON CALLING: Play Brixton Calling tells the true story of the 23-year-old who bought a derelict cinema for £1 in 1983, called it The Academy, and built legendary music venue, the Brixton Academy. See it at Southwark Playhouse. The same venue also shows The White Chip, about living with addiction and coming alive through recovery. Both until 16 August
- SWIMMING EXHIBITION: Dive into Splash!, Design Museum's exhibition about the history of swimming. It's fashion-heavy, tracking the designs of swimwear through the years, with a few nods to lido architecture and other aspects of the sport along the way. Until 17 August
- ISLINGTON'S LOST WATERWAYS: Undercurrent is an exhibition at Islington Museum about the histories of the Walbrook River, the River Fleet and Islington’s healing wells. FREE, until 19 August
- ROUGH MAGIC: The Globe Theatre's family-friendly show set in the world of the Weird Sisters of Macbeth. Until 23 August
- A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM: The Bridge Theatre's immersive, acclaimed take on Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, performed in the round with aerial silk stunts, confetti cannons and break-outs of dancing. Choose between standing or seated tickets. Until 23 August
- 101 DALMATIANS: A puppet-centric stage adaptation of the pooch-heavy book/film, at the Eventim Apollo in Hammersmith. Age five+. Until 30 August
- OSCAR AT THE CROWN: A brand-new, purpose-built bunker on Tottenham Court Road is the setting for Oscar at The Crown, a new musical celebrating the life and work of Oscar Wilde at a time when the world is ending. Until 31 August
- HORRIBLE HISTORIES: A whistle-stop tour through British history with the Horrible Histories team, via Boudica, King John, the Magna Carta and the Gunpowder Plot. Until 31 August
- ALICE IN WONDERLAND: Take a trip down the rabbit hole with Alice in Wonderland at Marylebone Theatre. Look out for the Cheshire Cat, the White Rabbit and co as you follow Alice on her adventures through Wonderland, using puppets. Until 31 August
- GORGEOUS GEORGIANS: Osterley House's family-friendly Gorgeous Georgians trail, in collaboration with Horrible Histories, teaching youngsters about Georgian life. Until 31 August
