All weekend
THE BIG WOOF: Dog-centric festival The Big Woof returns to King's Cross for a weekend of workshops, masterclasses, dog shows and agility courses. Browse a market full of canine-related products, hear talks by canine experts and watch a fashion show. FREE, 13-14 September
STEP INSIDE 25: Somerset House celebrates its 25th anniversary as a culture and events venue with Step Inside 25, a weekend of free events and activities, including pop-up basketball, silent disco experiences, drawing workshops and more — all inspired by some of the most successful exhibitions held here over the past quarter of a century. FREE, 13-14 September
BARNET FOOD FESTIVAL: A brand new food festival soars into the RAF Museum this weekend — and kids get free entry. Head to Barnet Food Festival to sample global cuisine from more than 40 traders, enjoy live music, and get stuck into all sorts of family-friendly fun (think giant inflatables, face-painting, and circus skills). Plus, be wowed by the museum’s incredible collection of historic aircraft while you're there. 13-14 September (sponsor)
MARKET ROOT: Creative market Market Root Vol.5, founded in London by Korean creatives, brings together over 70 independent brands from London and beyond to Copeland Park in Peckham. Browse a range of products including fashion, art, jewellery, skincare, homewares and food. 13-14 September
FREE PALACE GARDEN: It's an open garden weekend at Hampton Court Palace, meaning you can enter parts of the gardens and grounds without paying the usual admission fee. The Great Fountain Garden and the Kitchen Garden are among the areas which are open, though you'll need to pay to visit the palace itself, the maze and the Magic Garden Playground. 13-14 September
BURGER FEST: Foodies, head to Signature Brew on Blackhorse Road in Walthamstow for Burger Fest. A handful of traders each serve up their signature burger (priced at £10 or under), along with more creative chef's specials, with festival-goers able to vote for a winner. Given the venue, there's plenty of beer (and other bevvies) to refresh yourself with between tastings. 13-14 September
ARTIST BOOK FAIR: Head to the ICA for the launch of GLUE, the venue's new artist book fair, bringing together over 70 publishers for a weekend of exhibitions, talks and workshops. Celebrating artists, publishers and DIY book makers working across visual arts and contemporary culture, GLUE also offers a special exhibition and public programme championing the role of artist-led communities. 13-14 September
CERAMICS IN THE CITY: Local and international ceramic artists showcase and sell their wares at Ceramics in the City at the Museum of the Home in Hoxton. Browse and buy tableware, stoneware, ornamental objects and collector pieces — and watch live demonstrations by the artists. 13-14 September
DAVID BOWIE CENTRE: A long-awaited V&A museum dedicated to the late David Bowie opens as part of V&A East Storehouse on Hackney's East Bank on Saturday, housing 90,000 items related to the cosmic musician, including stage outfits, photos, hand-written lyrics and instruments. There's not room to display them all at once, so they'll be on rotation, giving you an excuse to visit again and again. It's likely to be busy for the first few weeks at least, so book ahead. From 13 September
LONDON DESIGN FESTIVAL: The 23rd edition of London Design Festival showcases London as the design capital of the world. We're expecting the usual blend of displays and exhibitions, talks and more, including The Flavour Library, an interactive experience where you pick a chocolate shell, filling and toppings — each representing a city's qualities — and watch as your choices transform an animated cityscape; and 11 Million Dots, one of Europe's largest public artworks which is appearing on the side of a building in Park Royal. 13-21 September
THUNDERBIRDS ARE GO: Notting Hill's Museum of Brands unveils a nostalgic exhibition featuring toys themed on Thunderbirds and other Gerry Anderson classics on Saturday. Marking 60 years since Thunderbirds first aired, and 50 years since the first broadcast of Space: 1999, the exhibition features over 400 items — many on public display for the first time — spanning toys, games and books. 13 September-February 2026
FILM FESTIVAL: The Clapham International Film Festival launches on Saturday showcasing a range of short and feature-length films, across several subjects and genres. Screenings take place at venues including Omnibus Theatre and The Landor. 13-21 September
FELT CHIPPY: This is your final chance to see one of our favourite exhibitions of the year. Textile artist Lucy Sparrow's Bourdon Street Chippy is a life-sized replica of a fish and chip shop... made entirely from felt. She's painstakingly created battered fish fillets, individual chips, branded condiment bottles, bowls of mushy peas — and even artworks for the wall and flyers for the notice board — entirely from felt and textiles. Incredible artistic skill meets charming whimsy. FREE, until 14 September (open Wednesday-Sunday)
LONDON PODCAST FESTIVAL: More than 15 shows and events take place at Kings Place for the final weekend of the London Podcast Festival. Both mainstream and more niche podcasts are recorded in front of a live audience, with some podcasts streamed online too. The Empire Film Podcast and Wrong Turns with Jameela Jamil are on the schedule, along with events to help you create your own podcast. And we've now written 'podcast' so many times that the word has lost all meaning. Until 14 September
SOHO JAZZ FESTIVAL: Get down with the trumpets at the Soho Jazz Festival, spanning 40+ shows and 15+ venues across five days. Highlights this weekend include an eight-hour jazz jam at Jack Solomons, and Sophie's Jazz Roast, closing the festival at Sophie's Soho. Single day and multi-day festival passes are available. Peruse the full line-up. 10-14 September
SEEN PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION: The Royal National Institute of Blind People takes over the Grimaldi Building in King's Cross for Seen Photography Exhibition. 22 powerful portraits by photographer Joshua Bratt showcase the lives of blind and partially sighted people, individuals thriving in their careers, pursuing their passions and overcoming barriers. FREE, 12-14 September
MARKFIELD ROAD FESTIVAL: Taking place in South Tottenham, Markfield Road Festival is a free arts festival for all ages. 2025's programme includes open arts studios, short films screenings, life drawing, and yoga sessions with the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation. FREE, 12-14 September
FLOWER FESTIVAL: The Faery Tale Castle is the enchanting theme of this year's flower festival at Strawberry Hill House. Wander through the house and gardens, viewing special displays created by floral designers from across the UK. Expect spinning wheels, a witch's perfumery, flying carpets, a goblin market... and a giant spider lurking in the gardens. 12-14 September
HERITAGE OPEN DAYS: Not only do we get Open House (below) in September, but Heritage Open Days too. This nationwide programme of events — including 34 in London — ushers you inside hidden places, to celebrate history and culture. In London that includes walks, behind-the-scenes tours, a chance to visit the crypt at St Alfege in Greenwich, and an open day at the College of Optometrists. FREE, 12-21 September
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Visit private spaces in the City of London
It's Open House Festival, the absolute best time of year in London for anyone who loves architecture, history... and getting inside buildings that are normally off-limits.
In the City of London, there are more than 65 free (and rather exciting!) things to see and do on the Open House programme, kicking off this weekend. Visit historic and modern buildings, including churches, livery halls and museums — and get to know them better with a packed programme of talks and tours.
See inside Wren's Temple Bar, last surviving gateway to the City of London, now the livery hall of the Architects' Company. Visit The Maughan Library at King's College London, the capital's first fireproof building, built to house records of the Court of Chancery. Take a guided tour of Mansion House, the official residence of the Lord Mayor of the City of London. Go on a walk focusing on film locations in the City, which you'll recognise from Harry Potter, Mission Impossible and James Bond.
Visiting with kids? Several family-friendly activities are available including crafting at Guildhall Art Gallery, dressing up at Dr Johnson's House, and plenty more to entertain the whole clan — check the full programme for details.
Open House 2025 runs 13-21 September. See what's on in the City of London and get planning your weekend — and next week too. Advance booking required for some events.
Saturday 13 September
A DAY ON THE LANE: Marylebone Lane goes traffic-free for the day, offering a programme of live music, creative workshops, fitness classes, pop-up stalls — and special offers and events in local shops, restaurants and businesses. 10am-4pm
WILDLIFE ART EXHIBITION: Annual art exhibition David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation - Wildlife Artist of the Year pops up at Mall Galleries, showcasing wildlife-themed artworks from around the world, ranging from recycled plastic sculptures and intricate pencil drawings to vast colourful oil paintings. All artworks are for sale, with 50% of proceeds going to the charity's conservation work in Asia and Africa. FREE, 10am-5pm
DOG SHOW: Take your pooch along to Parsons Green for the Brain Tumour Research Campaign dog show. Enter your pet for categories including Golden Oldie, Waggiest Tail, and Most Appealing Eyes, and stick around until the end for the Best in Show judging. Human entertainment including stalls, competitions and street food runs throughout the day too, all raising money for the charity. 10.30am-5pm
LEADENHALL CRAFT MARKET: Solo Craft Fair pops up at Leadenhall Market, giving you the chance to shop from several London-based creative businesses in one place, all within the beautiful Victorian market building. Look out for a free creative workshop taking place between 12pm-3pm, exact craft/skill TBC. 12pm-5pm
FAT TONY'S: DJ Fat Tony brings his Ibiza-style dance party to The Anthologist by Drake & Morgan in Moorgate, in the form of a brunch rave. Expect house and disco beats, surprise guest DJs, dancers and a full-scale production — and choose between seated brunch, dance floor or drinks tickets. 12pm-6pm
DAY PARTY: Though normally an after-dark venue, Ministry of Sound embraces the trend for daytime raves with an open-air courtyard party this afternoon, feat. bass-driven beats from artists such as DJ Q, Teedee, and Higgo. 2pm
TINA THE MUSICAL: It may be Simply The Best, but Tina - The Tina Turner Musical ends its lengthy run at the Aldwych Theatre tonight. Sing and dance along to a celebration of the late singer's life via a jukebox musical featuring her top hits including Proud Mary and Private Dancer. 2.30pm/7.30pm
FAWLTY TOWERS: I know nothing! Beloved British sitcom Fawlty Towers also wraps up its time on stage at the Apollo Theatre today, with Danny Bayne, Paul Nicholas, Joanne Clifton and Helen Lederer heading up an 18-strong cast, recreating classic moments from the 1970s TV series. 2.30pm/7.30pm. Not yet had enough of Basil's antics? Faulty Towers: The Dining Experience continues, near Russell Square.
IRISH FESTIVAL: Irish venue Nancy Spains in Monument celebrates the fact that we're halfway to St Patrick's Day (!) with an Irish culture festival. 12 live acts are on the programme spanning an impressive 15 hours, with snacks from the Emerald Isle to keep energy levels up, and your ticket includes a pint of Murphy's to get the party started. 3pm-5am
CROSSNESS CONCERT: Crossness Pumping Station, aka the 'Cathedral of Sewage', isn't the most obvious concert venue, but tonight, as part of Totally Thames festival, five innovative artists from London's contemporary jazz scene — namely Bridget Walsh, Rosie Turton, Isobella Burnham, Emanuela Monni and Jan Halen — join forces for a live performance in its Beam Engine space. 5.30pm-9pm
MURDER MYSTERY: Things get spooky at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, where two murder mystery experiences take place. Gather in the Painted Hall and spend 90 minutes exploring the historic buildings and interrogating suspects to piece together the scattered clues before time is up. 7pm/8.30pm
RIABELLION: Following her debut tour, Riawakening, Filipina comedian Ria Lina is back with Riabellion (these titles are going to become harder and harder to write aren't they) — her show about the state of the world, the eternal battle of the sexes, and the delight of throwing life up in the air after years of following the rules. It's on tonight at the Exchange in Twickenham. 7.30pm
Sunday 14 September
50 FIRST DATES: 2004 rom com film 50 First Dates has been reincarnated as a musical, telling the story of Henry, who starts dating Lucy, a woman with short-term memory loss, leading him to recreate their first date over and over again when she can't remember it. See it at The Other Palace from today. From 14 September
ANTIQUES FAIR: It's the time of the month when the Adams Antique Fair pitches up at the Royal Horticultural Halls in Westminster, bringing together 130+ traders from across Europe selling all manner of vintage goodies. 10am-4.30pm
GIANT LONDON FLEA: Alternatively, test out your bargain-hunting skills at the Giant London Flea in the Olympic Park. 100 traders specialising in vintage home decor sell their wares, spanning furniture and unique oddities. Takes place in a multi-storey car park, so no need to worry about the weather. 10am-5pm
RESPONSES TO DEMENTIA: Conway Hall marks Alzheimer's Awareness Month with a relaxed event delving into how we understand and can live well with dementia. Hear from experts including neuroscientist Prof Louise Serpell, take part in discussions and experience musical moments from dementia-friendly concert experts Songhaven. 1.30pm-4.30pm
SING FOR WATER: Another highlight of the Totally Thames programme this weekend, Sing For Water brings together an impressive 40 choirs — and more than 400 singers — for a free performance on the banks of the Thames in aid of WaterAid. Hear a mix of songs from new composition The Water by Katy Rose Bennett, as well as None Of Us Are Free, a moving and powerful anthemic rhythm and blues classic by Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil and Brenda Russell. FREE (though charity donations encouraged), 2.15pm
LADIES IN BLOOMERS: Experience a unique outdoor performance that merges music and horticulture at the Story Garden in King's Cross. The London Sinfonietta leads the world premiere of Omri Kochavi's Ladies in Bloomers, an immersive event featuring four singers and on-stage gardeners, paying tribute to pioneering female horticulturalists of the early 20th century. 6pm-8pm
SONORA SANTANERA: KOKO in Camden marks Mexican Independence Day (16 September) with a headline performance by Latin American big band La Sonora Santanera, who fuse mambo, cha-cha-cha, bolero, cumbia and merengue sounds. As part of the event, Josefa González-Blanco Ortiz-Mena, the Mexican Ambassador to the UK, gives the official Grito de Independencia, the ceremonial shout to kick off Mexican Independence Day celebrations. 7pm
A HORROR PLAY: Underbelly Boulevard Soho continues its Fringe Fix series, bringing the best of this year's Edinburgh Fringe to London, with Scatter: A Horror Play. The one-man show tells the story of a man who travels to a Welsh village to scatter his father's ashes, finding a horrifying legacy awaiting him. 7pm
DAGMARR'S DIMANCHE: Flamboyant spectre Hersh Dagmarr presents Dagmarr's Dimanche at Brasserie Zedel, featuring a blend of Kabarett and Chanson. Joined by pianist/arranger Frau Karen Newby, Dagmarr transports audiences through a decadent show incorporating tunes from Marlene Dietrich to the Pet Shop Boys. This month's special guest is illusionist Enrico Touché. 7.30pm
PIANO SINGALONG: The Winchester in Highgate welcomes back 'Dave the Keys' for another singalong around the piano — with everyone invited to wet their whistle with a beer or two, and give their pipes a work out. 8pm
