Summer loving! 9 amazing things to do in London this August
We round up the best things to do in London this August
Are you staying in the City this month, or fleeing the urban heat to enjoy these climes somewhere more appropriate, like a beach?
If you’re staying put in the Square Mile this August, fear not: we’ve got you covered. Here are some of the best things to do now that it’s peak summer.
9 things to do in London this August
NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL
Dust off your sequins for Europe’s biggest street festival, celebrating Caribbean culture, food, and music in West London. The event was founded in 1966 by community activist Rhaune Laslett as a method of uniting the local community – comprising Irish, West Indian and many other nationalities – in the face of violent racial tension. What was once a low-key music festival for local children has grown over five decades into a sprawling party attended by upwards of a million people. Onlookers on Saturday will be treated to a youth steelpan competition followed by the country’s renowned adult orchestras, but over the two days expect various street parties with DJs and live music events and the main parades beginning both days at 10:30AM (children on Sunday and adults on Monday). 29 – 31 August, Sunday and Monday; free admission, nhcarnival.org
HAMPTON COURT PALACE FOOD FESTIVAL
Hampton Court Palace, once home of Henry the Eighth, opens its doors to foodies this summer. Visitors will have the chance to explore flavours from far reaching corners of the world: authentic Burmese from Rangoon Kitchen, Ethiopian cuisine from Amen Jerk BBQ and drinks from Bubble Jusu. Live music will be hosted by TV warm-up comedian Stuart Holdham at the bandstand, and the programme features the Through the Decades duo, who sing classic hits, and the Abba sisters. A silent disco will also be held on Saturday. There’s entertainment for children provided in the ‘Get Messy’ area, filled with crafting activities. £29 for adults, £14.50 for children, Hampton Court Palace, Open from 10am on 29 – 31 August 2026, hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace
OUTDOOR CINEMA
The Barbican is hosting film screenings across the summer months, opening the iconic sculpture court to the public on select dates. Envisioned in the late fifties as a space which seamlessly blended Brutalist architecture with modern living, the outdoor cinema programme solidifies the building’s long history as a provider of artistic expression and creativity. The eclectic mix of films programmed this August includes Offside, Jafar Panahi’s classic about female Iranian football fans, Japanese sci-fi movie Ghidorah: The Three Headed Monster and French New Wave classic Pierrot Le Feu. Bring blankets as it tends to get chilly in the evenings. The Barbican, Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS, barbican.org.uk/whats-on/2026/ event/outdoor-cinema-arrival, £20, 8pm onwards
BATTERSEA PARK IN CONCERT
Over three days of music, enjoy sounds from the London African Gospel Choir, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the Amy Winehouse band. Bring your own food and drink or purchase from the official traders, including wine partners Domaine Des Jeanne, who will be hosting pre bookable tasting sessions. General admission ticketholders are welcome to bring their own chairs, too, or viewing areas with seating provided are available. Adult general admission £49. 45, Battersea Park, 28 – 31 August, batterseaparkinconcert.com/theprogramme
MUSIC IS BLACK FESTIVAL
A unique cultural celebration, this festival highlights the impact, evolution and future of black LGBT music. ‘Queer Frequencies’ is week three of the Music is Black Festival hosted in the new East Bank cultural quarter in Stratford, and runs in late August. On the lineup, a celebration of “sound, culture and community,” featuring electronic dance musicians Sistamatic, LilC and Ken Styles, and there’s poetry and art inspired by the queer clubbing scene. Sadler’s Wells East, 22-23rd August, queenelizabetholympicpark.co.uk/ themusicisblackfestival/queer-frequencies
SUMMER SPLASH LIDO
Open for three weeks throughout August, the Summer Splash is perfect for cooling off after a long work day. Funded by the Greater London Authority and operated by the Royal Docks team, this open water lido is free to use. Food and drink can be purchased at nearby restaurants such as the Italian ZeroSette, and the former tobacco house turned pub The Fox. l Royal Docks, until 16 August, royaldocks.london/whats-on/royal-docks- summer-splash, free ACTION ARENA The UK’s biggest inflatable assault course arrives in London this summer. Suitable for all ages, this arena offers the opportunity to test your skills against colleagues and friends. Provided courses include the XXL arena for those taller than 1.2m and the mini arena for those aged between 2 and 7. Chiswick House & Gardens, Saturday 15 & Sunday 16 August, Action Arena XXL from £13.50. Mini Action Arena from £8.95, chiswickhouseandgardens.org.uk/event/action-arena-2026/
BODY MOVEMENTS
Radical and experimental, Body Movements returns to Southwark park this August. The queer festival supports grassroots LGBTQ talent and this year’s line up includes British drill artist CEECHYNAA, house and electronic dance selector Cakes Da Killa, dance collective Horse Meat Disco and the House Gospel Choir. This festival stays true to its roots as a space for queer self-expression, offering everyone a safe environment in which to party. Southwark park, Sunday 30 August (Music starts at 10:30pm), final release £76.70, bodymovements.co.uk
ALL POINTS EAST
Since its founding in 2018, All Points East has platformed world renowned artists in east London, and this year is no different. The first weekend of the line-up will feature electro-pop artist Lorde and PinkPantheress, the drum and bass artist fresh off the success of her recent single Girl like me. The following weekends host US rapper Tyler the Creator, musical duo Twenty One Pilots, British singer- songwriter Jorja Smith and rock-punk band Hot Milk. Victoria Park, 22 – 30 August, allpointseastfestival.com; £84.95