As London summers go, this one has gotten off to a pretty great start. Festival season in full swing? Check. Food, drink, and even beach pop-ups appearing all around the city? Correct. All we’re in need of is that sweet sun to come back, then we’ll be riding the highest summer wave imaginable. And, we’ve thrown ourselves in London’s usual, splendid array of activities, from summer pop-ups, rooftop bars, new restaurants, the whole shebang. August looks to carry on that very trend with one of the biggest events of the year topping our list, a bank holiday weekend to look forward to, and a swathe of new and exciting things to do across the capital. Let’s get started, shall we?
1. Soak in the vibes at the inimitable Notting Hill Carnival
Cards on the table: the August bank holiday is the best weekend of the year, and that’s largely thanks to Notting Hill Carnival. Last year, the landmark event on the streets of west London – usually welcoming a two million-strong crowd – returned after a pandemic-induced two-year hiatus, so energy levels were, as expected, at their most rampant.
So, this year, you’d better be ready to bring that same energy and party like 2022… or any other year from 1966, when the celebration of Caribbean culture first took place. Meander through the streets and follow a colourful mas band, cut some shapes at a dance stage, or just soak in the atmosphere with a delicious plate of scran (from one of the 300 trading stalls), before shuffling through London’s finest free event.
Everyone should simply attend the carnival and explore it in all it’s glory for starters, but here’s a few extra highlights you should be checking out:
💃 Colours Carnival: Did you know you can buy a package and be IN Europe’s biggest street parade, instead of just watching from the sidelines? Amongst others, Colours Carnival is one of the mas bands (floats) in Notting Hill Carnival and on the Sunday, they host ‘j’ouvert’ or ‘dutty mas’, and you dance behind the truck, getting covered in paint; on the Monday, it is ‘pretty mas’, and you dance behind the truck in a gorgeous costume. You need to buy a package beforehand (you can pick one up here), which include your branded t-shirt (Sunday) or costume (Monday), food, unlimited refreshments, a wristband, commemorative drinks cup, goodie bag, access to the toilet trucks, security, on-float live performances, and more. Check out the full list of mas bands here.
🎶 One of the many sound systems: Look, you can spend all day walking around, but sometimes it’s best to hole up in one space for the day and have a boogie. Choose a sound system, one of the mobile units blaring music, and cut some shapes to all the eclectic beats on show throughout the weekend. Check out this guide to all the different sound systems.
🥁 Steelbands: You’ll be seeing a lot of these over the bank holiday weekend, just as you could at the very first Notting Hill Carnival in 1966 and in 1951 when the Trinidad All Steel Percussion Orchestra performed to the Southbank. Fast forward to August 2023, and there’s a stream of Steelbands performing at the carnival, and you can check out the full list here.
Notting Hill Carnival takes place on August 27 and August 28. The Sunday is Family Day, and the Monday is the Adult’s Parade. Both days will observe a 72-second silence at 3pm to pay respects to the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire. Find more information about Notting Hill Carnival here.
2. Witness a giant model of Mars at the Kensington and Chelsea festival
We’ve had a hulking great model of Earth float into London on a fair few occasions, and we’ve even seen the moon model making us sing That’s Amoré. But our neighbouring planet Mars hasn’t got the Luke Jerram model treatment just yet. Until this summer. Last year, Gaia was a worldly feature at the Kensington and Chelsea festival, but this time around they’re stepping into the other. The artist’s latest model, named Mars: War And Peace, will make up the spectacle in 2023, showing off an internally lit sculpture in various venues until August 13. Visitors will be able to marvel at the detailed craters, volcanos and mountains etched into the design and picture themselves stepping onto the planet to see there is, as Bowie questioned, Life On Mars?
Find more information about the Kensington and Chelsea Festival 2023 here.
3. Boogie at one of London’s many festivals this month
Though a few of them spill into the early weeks of September, this month can be accurately named as the last full month of festival season in London. Be sure to leave no overpriced tin of spirit and mixer undowned; no beads of glitter unapplied; and no dusty tent undanced in – you’ll miss it all when it’s gone. Handily, August comes right into its own for festivals around London, and there’s a cluster of artists ready to take to the stage across the month.
🎉All Points East (August 18 & 25-28): Victoria Park – perhaps the jewell in the London day festival crown, this year’s lineup features sets from Stormzy, The Strokes, Jungle, Dermot Kennedy, Haim, and many, many more.
🕺Field Day (August 19): Victoria Park – part of the All Points East setup, and in the very same space, but with an entirely different lineup dedicated to all things dance music. Head down for the likes of Bonobo and Aphex Twin this year.
😎 Hospitality In The Woods (August 19): Beckenham Place Park – veering south of the river, we find ourselves at a festival that’ll make the drum and bass heads giddy. Netsky, High Contrast, Calibre and more are along for the ride.
🎆 We Are FSTVL (August 25, 26 & 27): Damyns Hall Aerodrome, Upminster – back to the east we go – and with good reason! These guys are playing host to The Prodigy, Skream, Andy C, Annie Mac and more. In the words of Gareth Keenan: “That’ll be a quiet night at the library… NOT.”
🛳️ Maiden Voyage (August 27): Lee Valley Showground, Waltham Cross – the team behind Camden’s finest Jazz Café also happens to run a festival every summer. Richie Hawtin, Herrensauna XXL, Moxie, Jules, and CASISDEAD are along for the ride this year.
Read our guide to the music festivals of London right here.
4. Sink a few pints at the UK’s biggest beer festival
The Great British Beer Festival are proposing a five-day toast in London, asking anyone with a love for the – perhaps greatest? – alcoholic beverage to take part in their world at the Olympia. On August 1-5, the annual festival returns with over 900 (!) beers to choose from, no matter if you’re hankering for an ale or a fancy modern IPA.
At the beer fest, you’ll also get to learn the ins and outs of your pints before knocking them down your gullet. Weave around to find stalls on the history of the stuff before creating a sensible (or not) stomach lining at the food stands as you tap your feet to the live music throughout the day, or even take on the almighty pub games.
Find out more and book your space here.
5. Have a peek into Abbey Road studios
Yes, THAT Abbey Road Studios – the one where the fab four put their noggins together and created some of the most influential, beloved sounds ever created. It’s rare for the space to open up to the public, but the setting that birthed Here Comes The Sun, Come Together, and a chasm of other bulletproof tracks is set to be available for tours in the summer. Kevin Ryan and Brian Kehew, who co-authored “Recording The Beatles” are taking visitors around the space to chat through the techniques used by Liverpool’s finest to record their records. Despite the band singing You Never Give Me Your Money, you will have to shell out for this experience at £135, but for diehards, it might just be worth every penny.
The Abbey Road Studios tours take place across six days on August 4-6 and August 11-13. You can find more information and book your spot here.
6. See who gets crowned champions of British Street Food at these annual awards
Get someone talking about food in London, and they’ll inevitably have a thing or two to say about where you can truly find the best street food. There’s a lot of it going around, but these awards taking place at Hackney Bridge should give you some idea of where you’ll find some top-tier scran on the go in the city. The British Street Food Awards finals take place between August 18-20, and previous winners include the likes of MeatLiquor and Bao, so who knows? You might just get a chance to try out a spot that’ll later go on to become a staple around London.
Read more about the British Street Food Awards here!
7. Take a trip to the beach
This summer has been a mixed bag so far when it comes to the weather. Cloudy, rainy days have reared their heads after a promising start to the warm season, but we can hope August delivers more of the that June energy while still not ramping up to the 40°C that last summer cursed upon us. All we ask is for some consistent sun to give us ample chances to head out to the beach. Yes, this may be a roundup of things to do in the capital city, but even the most dyed-in-the-wool Londoner would struggle to admit they don’t daydream about trips to the beach over the summer months. We’re counting it, okay? Good? Good.
Have a look at our roundup of the very best beaches near to London to plan your adventure this summer.
8. Get the bucket and spade out at one of London’s beach pop-ups
If you’re slamming down your fists at the last inclusion; vehemently believing that you shan’t be leaving the big city for any reason, then there may be a way around this beachy dilemma. Popping up around London in the summer are a spray tan of golden sands – imitating the real thing, yes, but still getting us in the mood for when that trip to the beach does come. Pick up a piña colada and shut your eyes – it’s basically Barceloneta Beach, isn’t it?
Here are a few suggestions for beach pop-ups in London over the summer.
🏖️Walthamstow-On-Sea – Big Penny Social are getting the sand in for the first time, allowing Zone 3 beachgoers to enjoy both a frozen cocktail and a portion of fish and chips.
🪣The Beach Club at the Montague – Russell Square welcomes back its beach huts, coconut cocktails and tasty BBQ dishes for another year of sun-kissed shenanigans.
🍹Limin’ – the South Bank hub is actually a year-round beach affair, and the London Trinadian restaurant has plenty of rum cocktails to go around.
🩴Fulham Beach Club – the Ibiza of west London is back for another year with day beds and beach huts.
9. Attend a reimagining of a fair that dates back to the 12th century
At the end of the month, Londoners will have the chance to attend not only the largest fair in the city, but a fair that reimagines one that dates all the way back to the 12th century. The Bartholemew Fair melds together live performances, entertainment including vertical dancing, and even an immersive circus experience. Kicking off on August 31, and taking place for three weeks, there’s an entirely free programme for you to work your way through, and will be just the tonic for curing those end-of-summer blues. View the full agenda for the free Bartholemew Fair here.
10. Hang out with everyone’s favourite bear at Blenheim Palace
A day out at the grandiose Blenheim Palace is a spectacle in and of itself, but when you introduce the blue-and-red donning bear that hails from Peru? Then it truly is adventure time. Paddington™ Lo-Commotion brings an immersive outdoor space to the palace, leading you to a hunt for buried treasure with an entertaining splash of the Paddington™ tale thrown in. It’s a perfect activity for the whole family, and there’s plenty of storytelling, interactive performance and puppetry to look forward to. We’re off to make a marmalade sarnie, but you should secure your place at the experience here!
11. Head to one of London’s best pubs for International Beer Day (August 5)
Yep, beer is so good that it has its own day. And be gone with anyone that would complain about that! To celebrate, you most definitely should head down to one of these fine establishments to pay your respects to the beer gods, just to keep them happy, you know. Or else they might do something mad and make the average price of a pint really expensive in Lon- never mind. But still, head to the pub on August 5 — it’s a Saturday, and even if you don’t like beer, you can celebrate with your tipple of choice.
Here’s a list of some of the best pubs around London!
12. Soak in the atmosphere of the Women’s World Cup from the other side of the world
Sure, the Women’s World Cup may be taking place in Australia and New Zealand, but if you thought that you can’t hatch a plan to watch the games alongside other fans in London, think again. July 20 marks the start of the tournament, but the crunch stages all take place throughout the month of August, with the all-important final scheduled for August 20 at 11am (UK Time). Yes, it’s an unusual time to watch the footy, but the World Cup doesn’t come around all that often, and fans of the England Lionesses will be hoping for repeated success after their triumph at the Euros last summer.
📦 BOXPARK (multiple locations) – you all know the drill by now. The trio of event spaces across London have become synonymous with live sport and getting showered by beers, and that’s no different this time around.
⚽ ETM Sports Bars (multiple locations) – another set of bars scattered around London; all with the promise to show all England group games, including the final matchup against China on August 1. The following games will be time-dependent, but there are plenty of big screens on hand early in the morning to enjoy the matches.
13. Cut some shapes at a London gig
There’s nothing quite like a gig in summer. Sure, the festivals may have the outdoors, but at a gig, you’ll be able to drink in that feeling of being able to walk in when it’s still light and out wearing just a t-shirt. Can’t do that in winter can ya?! Can ya?! No. Anyway, as always there’s a quite frankly eye-watering amount of gigs every single day in the city, and here are a few of the highlights.
🎤 Pusha T (August 1): Eventim Apollo Hammersmith – critically-acclaimed hip-hop star takes to the west London stage as part of his UK tour.
🌸 Mac DeMarco (August 1): Hackney Empire – the last of a three-night run in the east London venue for the jangly and ever-catchy singer/songwriter.
🫧 The Dirty Nil (August 5): The Underworld – flamboyant and bubblegum cool Canadian punk rockers have a delivery of riffs and bamboozingly gigantic choruses for a sweaty Camden club in August.
😎 Skindred (August 5): Pryzm – while they may be well-known for their crowd-controlling festival sets, a bounce and a party is always easy to come by when going to see Skindred.
🕺Peggy Gou (August 6): Finsbury Park – an outdoor affair with the beloved DJ rolling into the park after a host of support acts.
🎸 Ben Howard (August 7): Rough Trade East – soothing guitar and vocals in an intimate Brick Lane setting.
🎉 N-Dubz (August 11): Gunnersbury Park – the trio is well and truly back and here to spin out some ragers from the 2000s — this time at a leafy green space in Acton.
💃 The Skints (August 11): PowerHaus (formerly Dingwalls, Camden) – ska punk meets smatterings of reggae to create a luscious and undeniably ‘London’ sound.
🎶 The World Is A Beautiful Place And I Am No Longer Afraid To Die (August 12): Oslo – the band with the longest title ever (and a gorgeous sound, at that) saunter into Hackney.
🤗 First Aid Kit (August 12): Crystal Palace Bowl – sisters Johanna and Klara Söderberg treat London to some dreamy Swedish folk notes.
🎆 Shanti Celeste (August 12): KOKO – Chilean DJ brings her revered house and techno beats over to the newly revamped Camden venue.
😈Limp Bizkit (August 13): Gunnersbury Park – endearingly obnoxious and champions of nu metal, Fred Durst & co are certain to have thousands of fists in the air yelling “give me something to break”.
⭐ The Weeknd (August 18): Wembley Stadium – the starboy returns to the biggest of stages to put 90,000 fans in a trance.
🥲 Boygenius (August 20): Gunnersbury Park – a supergroup – made up of Phoebe Bridgers, Julien Baker, and Lucy Dacus – at the top of their game are getting ready to make a whole park of fans start tearing up again.
🎷 The Xcerts (August 20): Rough Trade East – the Scottish three-piece are feeling like falling in love with a London crowd yet again.
🎙️clipping. (August 22): HERE at Outernet – experimental and lively hip-hop group bring the noise to central London.
🪩 Jon Hopkins (August 29): Royal Albert Hall – legendary electronic producer hits the esteemed venue for a show with the BBC Symphony Orchestra.
Find out about gigs in London at our handy monthly guide.
14. Celebrate 10 years of a south London institution
Celebrating a decade in London, the Peckham Pelican has a month-long show for Londoners to enjoy. Since August 2013, the space has welcomed over 100 exhibitions and is now putting on one until September 2 to celebrate their journey into double figures. The exhibition will dig through their past-show archives and collate some of their favourite photos, posters, and artworks. There will also be a section that shows off the best of their worst online reviews, and their collection that asked the question Are You A Pelican Or A Pelican’t? Better still, the site will be offering a sweet 10% off pints for the entire duration of the show, so there’s no reason not to get yourself over there throughout August. Read more about Peckham Pelican here.
15. Have a royal feed over at Hampton Court Palace
Hampton Court Palace is worth a visit at any time of the year for the maze alone (and maybe the historic palace and grounds), but during the bank holiday weekend, it becomes a haven for those looking for a noble feed. Head over on August 26-28 for a day of filling up on street food – from the likes of BEYRoots to The Grumpy Dumpling to Churros – and filling your bags up to take produce home with you. Better still, there’s a plethora of activities to enjoy throughout your visit, including live music at the bandstand, face painting at the family area, pop-up bars and electric bike test rides. Not so shabby an occasion, and one fittingly taking place at the royal grounds.
Find out more information on the Hampton Court Food Festival here.
16. Laugh your head off at this summer comedy festival
With a delightfully hilarious lineup of James Acaster, Katherine Ryan, Lolly Adefope, Rhys James, and many more, the inaugrul Roundhouse Comedy Festival haven’t done half bad in putting a series of laughs together. Kicking off proceedings on August 5 and running all the way until August 23, guests can expect bagfus of spectacular sets. If you’re not heading to Fringe in Edinburgh this year, then making it over to the Roundhouse should be on your agenda to get that injection of stand-up in. Find out more details about the Roundhouse Comedy Festival here.
17. Take the kids to a workshop at the postal museum
This month, the Postal Museum is marking 20 years since the final mail rail delivery with a ‘summer of invention set of workshops for children being run to learn more about the systems of stamps, sorting machines, robots and rail mail. On the agenda, there are games, arts & crafts, games, shows and more, which take place every single Thursday, Friday, and Saturday throughout the school holidays. Find out more and book your spot here.
18. Or enjoy one of these other great things to do with kids this summer
Talking of summer holidays, there’s plenty of fun activities to enjoy for the whole family this summer. From the biggest adventure playground in Hobbledown Heath to a huge summer of fun at London Zoo to a swanky bouldering centre, the city is awash with ways to keep the little ones entertained. Check out our handy guide that details the very best things to do with kids in London here.
19. Go to town on some tequila cocktails
July may have held National Tequila Day, but who’s really telling you that you can only have margaritas on one measly day of the year? In the words of Alicia Keys: NO ONE. The folks at Tequila Town definitely subscribe to this widely-held view, hosting three events dedicated to the Mexican spirit across the bank holiday weekend. Five selected bars will be on hand to serve you up your favourite tequila-based cocktails, and you can combine them with the appropriate food (tacos) from vendors set up on site, all the background of live DJs all day. Find out more and book your space to Tequila Town here.
20. Have a bookish day out
London is a city steeped in literature, so why not theme your day out around it all? Potter around London and check out the famous Globe Theatre before sifting through the countless bookshops and then ending at a wine bar meets bookstore. Couldn’t ask for a more main-character energy day around the bookish corners of the big smoke.
Read our handy guide to the most literary locations around the city.
21. Go to view a statue of a legend
At the end of July, Arsenal recognised their decorated manager Arsène Wenger, the man who led them to their famous Invincibles season, with a statue outside the Emirates Stadium in north London. He joins the likes of fellow legends Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, Tony Adams and Herbert Chapman as the figures cast in bronze, and you can head up to the stadium now to catch a snap of the legendary manager. Read more about the statue here.
22. Bag yourself some free street food
You’re told to never turn down a free lunch, so it might be time to pencil in running over to a new street food market before midday to bag some street food on the house to your calendars on August 3. KERB+ are celebrating the launch of their brand new weekly market on Fleet Place by giving away the first 100 meals served there, completely gratis. The market opens up at 11:30am, and the free food runs on a first come first served basis, so you’ll need to be fast and ready for an early lunch (or late breakfast of champions). Even if you miss out on the free goodness, London is still being blessed with a great new street food spot with rotating options every week, so we won’t be too bitter if we’re the 101st person to turn up. Read all about the new market here.
23. Explore somewhere outside of central London
We like to tell you about lots of things to do in the centre of our lovely capital, but if you’ve never explored some of the outer zones then you’re seriously missing out. It’s summer, so why not change that right now? Use this handy guide to wander around a few stunning nooks and crannies, then thank us later.
24. Attend a Morley’s x Heinz pop-up
In a matchup for the ages, London’s chickenshop champions Morely’s have joined forces with condiment gods Heinz to create a brand new Fried Chicken Sauce. A very special pop-up is celebrating the launch of this, and you’ll get the chance to experience both brands in a unique way over at the Standard in London. Between August 7 – September 3, a limited edition menu featuring the likes of caviar-topped – yes, caviar-topped – fried chicken, glazed-to-order wings and ice cream with ketchup-dusted sherbert will be available to try. And as it’s the Standard, you grab yourself a mean cocktail to go alongside your fried chicken, which shouldn’t go amiss. Find out more and book your spot here.
25. Attend a thought-provoking art exhibition
Every month brings with it new opportunities to check out the ever-evolving world of art in the city of London. While there’s always a treasure trove of permanent collections, there’s also plenty that are in and out in a flash, and these are some to keep on your radar for the month of August.
Exhibitions opening in August
❤️ London Calling! (opens August 18): Pure Evil Gallery – an exhibition celebrating 50 years of skateboarding in Britain, bowing down to the pioneers and key figures of the movement.
🧡 Red Rope (August 12-13): Southbank Centre – a projection of artwork, poetry, dance and music that portray the fragility of the ocean created by artists with Down’s Syndrome, autism, and other learning difficulties.
Exhibitions closing in August
💛 Anything Is Pawsible (closes August 3): Romeo and Juliet’s Café – adorable photograph exhibition of cats, dogs, puppies and kittens who are also up for adoption following the display.
💚 New Ancients (closes August 4): GUTS Gallery – exploring how myths can deepen our knowledge of the world we live in, with work by Marina Abramović, Jade Blackstock, Maggie Dunlap, and more.
💙 Maria Prymachenko (closes August 31): Saatchi Gallery – a collection of work from the late Ukrainian artist that is being exhibited in the UK for the first time.
💜 Sunburn (closes August 31): Studio West – a selected group of emerging international artist make up this exhibition on the sensory themes of summer.
26. Enjoy an afternoon tea up in the sky
Afternoon Tea is an activity usually enjoyed at ground level, but who explicitly said that this has to be a hard and fast rule? In August, you’ll be able to scale the O2 and be treated to some scones, sarnies and cakes to enjoy alongside the 360-degree views out over London from the North Greenwich vantage point. Like Batman peering over Gotham City, but, instead of worrying about catching the Joker, you’ll just have sweet treats to worry about. Sounds like a fair trade-off from where we’re stood.
Find more information and book your Afternoon Tea climb (on selected sessions between August 7-12) here!
27. Or enjoy another London venue as part of Afternoon Tea Week (August 7-13)
There’s no substitute for a cup of Yorkshire Tea brewed yourself at home, and that’s an indisputable fact, I’m afraid. But, every so often, it’s okay to fancy the whole process up and add in some booze, sandwiches and the fancy little cakes that look quite nice on the Instagram feed. No one will judge you (well, I can’t speak for your followers, but who cares anyway). Since many enjoy the tradition of adding a sprinkle of class to their days out, we’ve got a handy guide – and for those who aren’t too keen on tackling their fear of heights, there’s plenty that don’t fall under the same criteria as the entry above. August is also the month that celebrates Afternoon Tea Week (August 7-13) – yes, an entire week – so there’s no better time to book yours in… apparently.
Check out our guide to the Afternoon Teas around London here.
28. Attend the UK’s breakdancing championship
Jump over to Outernet to get your spins on as you witness the best breakdancers in the country, all in one room. On August 12 a special show to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop is taking place, which is free to attend for all in the immersive space. Then, on August 13, between 7pm-11pm, with 16 ‘b-boys’ and eight ‘b-girls’ competitors battling it out to qualify for the Red Bull BC One World Final in Paris this October. It comes ahead of breaking making its Olympic debut next year, and you can grab your tickets for the event at Outernet this month right here.
29. Try a mouthwatering new sandwich at one of London’s favourite outdoor drinking and dining venues
Japanese Chicken Shop are setting up shop at Vinegar Yard, and they’re bringing with them a mouthwatering sandwich – packed generously with a slap of crispy fried chicken and slathered with condiments including the pineapple jam, kewpie mayo, dark soy caramel, charred cabbage variant. Oh, and the first 100 people to arrive at the new shop on Friday, August 4 will receive a free sandwich from Japanese Chicken Shop to celebrate the opening. Find out more about Japanese Chicken Shop here.
30. Mark 400 years of Shakespeare’s First Folio by enjoying these free live performances
400 is a big old birthday for that old bard, so honouring his oeuvre should certainly be on your lists this month. You can wander down to the Fleet Street Quarter on your lunch break and check out a free performance by Troubadour Stageworks at Apex Temple Court Hotel (August 8, 15 and 29) and Stationers’ Hall (August 22). The First Folio, which collects Shakespeare’s work together was first printed in this area, and his most decorated works will be championed throughout the month and through until October. Read more about it here!
31. Try a new cocktail menu from the first winners of the Michelin Guide’s cocktail awards
It might be something of an insult to explain the Michelin Guide here, but many might be unaware that its first cocktail award was introduced just earlier this year. The winner of the inaugural award? That would be Park Chinois, the lavish Asian restaurant in Mayfair with Makis Kazakis as their head bartender. This very team who claimed the Exceptional Cocktail Award in the esteemed dining guide are now coming out with a brand new menu, featuring cocktails made up with Porcini mushrooms, discarded banana peel, or a concoction of herbs and spices. It’s the only place around where you can claim you’ve been served by a Michelin guide winning bar team – that new menu is begging to be sipped and savoured.
Find out more about Park Chinois here.
32. Book a Christmas day out months in advance
Look, I’ll be real with you. To put it mildly, I’m concerned, upset and violated by the weather we endured throughout July, so if summer is going to continue its disappearing act in August, you can’t really blame people for looking ahead to the twilight months of the year. Winter Wonderland, the annual festive fair in Hyde Park, is on many a reveller’s radar from November, but tickets go on general sale this month (August 2), so keen elves and reindeer may want to snap them up and secure their place extra early. Find out more about booking information here.
33. Consider yourself stuffed at this giant pizza party
If you’re an ever-growing pizza restaurant in London, there’s only one way to celebrate a big milestone. Pizza Pilgrims are chucking us a rather large bone for their 10th anniversary; throwing a giant, you guessed it, pizza party. Over at the Camden Beer Hall, you can try limited edition pizza and brews, the latter of which was created in celebration of Napoli winning Serie A. In keeping with the football theme, you’ll also be able to take part in a keepy-uppy challenge with a lemon, as well as take a tour of the brewery with beer tasting, pizza-making masterclasses, and a cheese-pulling competition. Find out more here.
34. Enjoy a day out at the theatre
Much like the rotating world of art exhibitions in London, there is always plenty on at the theatre all year round, so get booking and grab those binoculars if you’re up in the gods.
New openings
🔍 Scream Queer Murder (August 1-12): King’s Head Theatre – a comedy murder mystery set in the ’50s which skewers queer stereotypes and identity, both in this time and the present day.
🧓 Pension Europa (August 3-4): Wonderville – Austrian theatre company aktionstheater brings their thought-provoking production on life in modern Europe.
❤️ As You Like It (August 18 – October 29): The Globe – Shakespeare’s romantic comedy tale telling the story of Rosalind and Celia begins its run at the famous theatre this month.
Ending soon
⚽ Dear England (closes August 11): National Theatre – critically-acclaimed state of the nation play by James Graham which features Joseph Fiennes as Gareth Southgate in a fictionalised play about the English football team.
🍍Spongebob The Musical (closes August 27): Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre – adventures from the pineapple under the sea takes to the stage.
35. Attend a gym class for those that have experienced cancer
Cancer has touched most of our lives to varying extents, and everyone takes comfort in different ways, whether it’s your battle, or the battle of watching someone you hold dear go through the illness. From now until October, Gymbox is partnering with Battle Cancer to help give people that are suffering, have suffered, or are dealing with the fallout of cancer find a space with a group class to share their experience in a bid to build a strong community around the challenge. Anyone can drop into the classes on an ad hoc basis, and they are open to any fitness level across the twelve-week period. Find out more and sign up for the classes here.
36. Enjoy a dreamy concert series in Battersea Park
This open-air series is set to have concertgoers swooning over the classical, soul and jazz tones playing out over the leafy Battersea Park. Witness acts including Gabrielle, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Ronnie Scott’s All-Stars take to the stage as you sip down on a glass of wine with a picnic hamper to go alongside the music. Battersea Park In Concert takes place on August 26-28, and you can find tickets here!
37. Hear a legendary photographer speak about their experiences
You’ve got a know a thing or two about camerawork if your CV reads David Bowie, Led Zeppelin, Elton John, Diana Ross, and many more. Laurie Lewis is appearing at the Camden Collective to share thoughts on some of his iconic images. It’s part of the Camden Insire events, and Lewis will talk about his work that appears in many a private collection, and discuss his work as a photojournalist in countries including Nicaragua, South Africa, and Indonesia. All taking place in an evening discussion with Clash editor Robin Murray, this is not a talk to miss! Find out more about this event and more Camden Inspire activities here.
38. Witness a hip-hop fable on why beavers build dams
Ever wondered why beavers do… that? Well, instead of dusting off that encyclopedia, you can just listen to an eight-minute hip-hop fable that answers the very question while giving us the tale on ecology and how we should protect nature and wildlife. It comes in the form of a one-person act by Julian Alexander at the Royal Victoria Dock on August 6 and 7, where he will also perform his Rime of the Ancient Mariner.
Find out more about ‘Why Beavers Build Dams: A Hip-Hop Fable’ here.
39. Chow down on a patty between two slices to celebrate National Burger Day
Not that we need an excuse to tuck into a burger, but this is one national day you definitely want to be observing. Most of us have a favourite spot, and it’s an understatement to say London is awash with places to grab a tasty one, but here’s a greasy guide if you’re looking to try somewhere new.
40. Head to an 80s Power Trip night out
Many have heard of Hijingo – the raucous bingo hall in Spitalfields that packs a multi-sensory night out – but you won’t have seen it sprayed with the 1980s quite like this. Through August, an 80s Power Trip night will take over the space, with a theme that puts you into a brand new bingo hall show with playlist seeped in the glitter and the glam of the decade, with all the usual Hinjingo trimmings – food, drink, prizes – that you’ve come to expect. Read more about the new night out, which runs until August 25, here.
41. Have a whale of a time on a boat party
Every Saturday in August brings with it an opportunity. An opportunity to set sail into the rough seas (of the Thames) while having a song ‘n’ dance and a few shots. There are two floors of music on the boat to keep the night rocking, and there’s even an afterparty in London to flock to once you’re docked back up in the land. Read more and book your spot here.
42. Keep exploring this stunning city
Of course, we’ll continue shouting about things this month (and all year round), so you’ll never be short of activities in this big old place. Here are a few that we’ve enjoyed telling you about lately.
🎥 These Brilliant Outdoor Cinemas Are Popping Up In London This Summer
☀️ London’s Fabulous Free ‘Summer By The River’ Festival Is Back With A Full Roster Of Events
💯 We’re Leaving Our Secret London Stamp Of Approval At Our Favourite Local Businesses
📚 The Secret Alley Full Of Curious Old Bookshops
🦍 A Band Of Life-Sized Gorilla Sculptures Has Arrived In Central London As Part Of A Free Trail
🍷 Sip Wine Down In The Cellars At London’s Oldest Wine Bar
🍸 8 Places In London That’ll Transport You Back To The 1920’s
📹 25 Famous Filming Locations In London That You’re Sure To Recognise
🌳 This Sensational Sunday Market Is Heaven For Foodies
😋 The Picture-Perfect Portuguese Restaurant With The Strong Tile Game
More things to do inspiration…
200 fab and FREE things to do in London
The 500 best things to do in London
All our ideas for unusual places to visit in London
Also published on Medium.