Something in the air tells us that this August is going to be a good one – and, no, it’s not the high pollen levels. With the Olympic Games kicking off in Rio on the 5th, we’ll have an excuse to drink and watch other people do the athletic stuff. And London doesn’t disappoint with its selection of events, pop ups and festival this summer. We’re expecting an awe-filled August in the city!
1. The 2016 Olympic Games are here! 5th – 21st August
As if it’s been 4 years since London 2012?! We may not have the eyes of the sporting world on London this time, but we’re sure going to be watching Rio from here. If you work near Paddington, head to Merchant Square on your lunch breaks, where they’ll be screening the Olympics (with drinks) at lunch time. They’re kicking off the event with a Brazilian Summer Party at on 4th August!
2. Night of Festivals: 6th – 7th August
[Night of Festivals in Hamburg, Germany]In celebration of the Rio Olympics, Night of Festivals brings street performers, live Brazilian music and dance to the South Bank.
3. Camden Fringe: 1st – 28th August
[Camden Fringe]If Edinburgh is a bit too far, London’s got the next best thing. For a weird and wonderful celebration of music, theatre and comedy, Camden Fringe is putting on over 250 productions across 25 locations. Check out the full line up here.
4. Notting Hill Carnival: 28th-29th August
[Notting Hill Carnival]Whether you’re going to avoid Notting Hill like the plague or already have your carnival outfit sorted, Britain’s biggest street party is back and we can’t wait to get our jerk chicken fix!
5. The BBC Proms
[BBC Proms]This year, the Proms will be performed at a whole bunch of new and exciting venues, such as Camden Roundhouse, Shakespeare’s Globe and a carpark in Peckham. For full listings, check out the website.
6. The London Craft Beer Festival returns: 12th-14th August
[London Craft Beer Festival]A three day celebration of beer will take place in the Oval Space. We don’t need any more convincing, do you? Hop to it.
7. Hopefully the weather holds up for more outdoor cinema fun…
[Luna Cinema: Tower of London]The outdoor cinema offering continues in full swing throughout August. If you want some film-spiration, Luna Cinema are screening Spectre tomorrow night (2nd August) in the grounds of Kensington Palace. Tickets are £17.50 and can be bought here. They also have screenings in the Tower of London, Kew Gardens, Brockwell Lido and more gorgeous places around London.
7. AND Film4’s Summer Screens return to Somerset House
[Somerset House]Film4’s Summer Screen is back for another year, showing a range of classic, cult and contemporary films over a two week period.
8. With the heat, though, comes the inevitable struggles…
[We do empathise a little bit…]By all means continue moaning about how much you’re sweating on the central line…but for heaven’s sake, please keep your clothes on.
9. You can cool off at Splash Fest: 7th August
[Splash Fest]Be a big kid for a day (we recommend taking a younger sibling, cousin, niece or nephew along with you – if there is one available) and splash out on some aquatic fun in Battersea Park! Book your tickets here and get 20% off using the code: splashsecret
10. School’s well and truly out for the summer…
[We feel you, Tina]Which means an abundance of school kids all over the place. And when we say place, we mean Camden. No doubt they’ll be zombified whilst searching for rare ones on Pokemon GO. But hey, there’s also an abundance of fun, big kid-friendly water obstacle courses – so we can’t really complain.
11. Gin Festival returns: 26th – 28th August
[Gin Festival]If Notting Hill Carnival isn’t your scene but you quite like a good G&T, then head to Tobacco Docks for the bank holiday weekend. You’ll be able to try over 100 different gins, enjoy live entertainment and food (and all without having to queue for a porter-loo).
12. Foodies Fest at Alexandra Palace: 27th – 29th August
[Foodies Fest]Another festival to enjoy if you’re avoiding Notting Hill. This one is the ultimate foodie heaven, with plenty of star chef guests set to turn up. In fact, everyone and their dog is going to be there. (No really, you’re allowed to bring your dog).
13. WingFest: 20th August
[WingFest]Pop along to Gillett Square in Dalston on 20th August and cast your vote for London’s best chicken wings. Only one wing can rule them all!
14. There’s a retro gaming-come-silent disco on a yacht: 5th & 26th August
[Retro Gaming vs. Silent Disco]The ultimate retrotainment is right on Royal Victoria Dock! Have a play on some really retro games and have a dance at the silent disco… all on board a yacht. The Sunborn Yacht, in fact. Now that’s some fancy venue for a spot of gaming. And dancing. You can book your tickets for the next event here.
16. The Game’s Afoot: The Sherlock Holmes Experience runs throughout August.
[Can you solve the crime?]Whodunnit for Sherlock fans! Throughout the whole of August, you can have a whack at some mysterious cases of your own. Les Enfants Terribles Theatre Company and Madame Tussauds have come together to present The Game’s Afoot. Search for clues, interview suspects and solve the case.
17. The Spirit of Tiki comes to Greenwich: 14th & 15th August
The true spirit of Tiki Culture is coming to Greenwich this August in the form of a two day summer party! Expect plenty of rum cocktails and tropical vibes, all set within a huge outdoor beach in city. You can get more info and tickets here. P.S. A complimentary rum cocktail and a souvenir mug are included in the price.
NOTE: Since the unfortunate fire at Studio 338, this event has been cancelled. The organisers are currently searching for a new venue. We will keep you updated.
18. Nola Rola comes to The Yard, Vauxhall
[Hope you’re hungry…]If you haven’t heard of it yet – Nola Rola is a food experience like no other. Set in the lovely space, The Yard, for £29 you can indulge in a bottomless ribs and whiskey punch… The idea is you ‘do your worst’ in two hours – but you won’t get away with it if you don’t finish what is on your plate. For more info and to book your place, see here.
19. Holi Festival of Colour Comes to Wembley Park: 13th August
For its 4th year in London, Holi Festival is going to be seeing Wembley Park covered in a powdery rainbow cloud. If you’re a fan of getting beautifully messy, this is certainly the festival for you.
20. Free live music @ Lewis Cubitt Square: 30th July – 13th August
[King’s Cross]The square in King’s Cross are putting on a programme of fantastic diverse live music, immersive theatre, surreal comedy, street culture and improvised opera – all of which are free to watch. The bar opens at 6pm and performances start at 7pm. To see the full programme, check out their website.
21. Camden Market gets a new line-up: 12th August
KERB will park up in Camden Market, bringing 35 brilliant food traders to North London.
Plus, we have some very exciting news to tell you this August. The first ever #SecretLondonSessions will run on Saturday 13th August! Find out more here.
NB: Keep an umbrella with you throughout August. We know it’s well and truly summer, but it pays to be pessimistic in London.
