![Woman in colourful attire at Notting Hill Carnival](https://offloadmedia.feverup.com/secretldn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/25140209/shutterstock_1105681169-min-1024x683.jpg)
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 into London’s usual, splendid array of activities: 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
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Cards on the table: the August bank holiday is the best weekend of the year, and that’s largely thanks to Notting Hill Carnival. The landmark event on the streets of West London usually welcomes a two million-strong crowd and has been back at its very best for the last two years after a pandemic-induced hiatus, so expect another lively year this time around.
So, this year, you’d better be ready to bring that same energy and party like 2023… 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 many hundreds of trading stalls), before shuffling through London’s finest free event.
Everyone should simply attend the carnival and explore it in all its glory for starters, but here are 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, 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 2024, 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 25 and August 26. The Sunday is Family Day, and the Monday is the Adult’s Parade.
2. 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 16-18 & 23-25): Victoria Park – perhaps the jewel in the London Day festival crown, this year’s lineup features sets from Kaytranada, Loyle Carner, Mitski, LCD Soundsystem, The Postal Service and Death Cab For Cutie.
🕺Field Day (August 24): 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 Justice and Pinkpantheress this year.
😎 Hospitality In The Woods (August 24): Beckenham Place Park – veering south of the river, we find ourselves at a festival that’ll make the drum and bass heads giddy. Pendulum (DJ Set), LTJ Bukem, Flava D and more are along for the ride.
🪩Rally (August 24): Southwark Park – a debut event last year is back for another round in South London, welcoming the likes of bar italia, Move D, Mount Kimbie and more to their party.
Read our guide to the music festivals of London right here.
3. Head to a giant pick-your-own sunflower field
If you pop to London Bridge and catch the right train, you’ll soon be at Tulley’s Farm; feeling less pain. Why? You’ll have reached a field full of bright sunflowers that truly match the (hopefully) sunny day, and once they hit the season in August, they’ll be ready to gawk at and even pick for yourself! The Sunflower Festival can be found in the West Sussex countryside, and on certain dates throughout the month, you can escape the city to soak in 12 acres of idyllic and colourful flowers. Find out more about Tulley’s Sunflower Festival here.
4. Speed into a Formula 1® Exhibition in London
Going around exhibitions at a leisurely pace is always encouraged, but this one is all about speed. Anyone with a passing interest in cars and racing should be zooming up to this one and parking themselves in front of the giant collection of Formula 1® memorabilia, artefacts, rare photography, and much more over at ExCeL London from August 23. Find out more and book your spot here.
5. Settle in at a host of free Olympic screenings across London
Sure, they might be in Paris this time around… but since the Olympics only comes around every four years, you best believe we’ll be cheering the athletes on from London. Many a big screen is going up in the city throughout the whole games from when the flame is lit until the closing ceremony on August 11. From deckchairs in Marylebone to a Team GB fanzone in King’s Cross, check out our list of London’s free screenings of all the action this summer!
6. Attend a unique yoga class in the stunning Painted Hall
Would feel pretty foolish about passing up the chance to swap the local gym for a Painted Hall that sits within a UNESCO World Heritage site for your next yoga class, wouldn’t you? Don’t do it then, is all the advice we’ve really got. The stunning setting at Old Royal Naval College takes place on the last Friday morning of each month, and August’s will be led by Lucía Jiménez on the 30th. Find out more and book your spot here.
7. Take the little ones to a ‘Horrible Science’ trail at Kew Gardens
You should always have Kew Gardens in mind when it comes to summer plans, but this time around there’s a gloriously gross and spectacular interactive tour that both kids and adults alike will love. The ‘Horrible Science’ trail runs until the beginning of September, and comes alongside your standard fair into the botanical gardens. Expect to see ‘Fiendish Flowers’, ‘Vicious Veg’ and much more at this heap of horticultural learning. Find out more about the trail by reading our full article, and get your ticket to the gardens here!
8. Pick up a unique gift at the Royal Parks shop at Hyde Park
Most Londoners have probably lost count of how many times they’ve flocked to Hyde Park on a weekend to take advantage of all its healing properties among the greenery and the wildlife. But, as you walk past the Serpentine boathouse, you might just miss the sight of the Royal Parks Shop: a bright haven of trinkets and gifts that adds to the feel-good boost you’ve had on a stroll through Hyde Park.
Pick up a cuddly duck to remind you of the beautiful water in the park; books for birds and tree lovers alike; a beautiful Paddington Bear teddy; or a handy garden trowel and fork. You’ll be shopping for sustainable products, all while finding adorable presents for loved ones (or yourself!) in the process. Plus, when you purchase a gift at the shop, you’ll be directly contributing to the crucial Royal Parks charity work that maintains the eight beautiful parks; ensuring that they can continue to be enjoyed by everyone across the city.
You can find out more about the Royal Parks Shop in Hyde Park and plan your visit here.
9. Take in a world of contemporary art at the Moco Museum
Coming to Marble Arch in August is the treasure trove of contemporary art that is the Moco Museum; the space that has already attracted over 5 million visitors at locations including Barcelona and Amsterdam. The name itself means ‘modern contemporary’, and you’ll be treated to works from the likes of Damien Hirst, Andy Warhol, Yayoi Kusama, Banksy, KAWS, plus many more across this essential showcase of art.
Find out more about the Moco Museum’s London opening and book your tickets (with a sweet 30% discount when you do so before the space opens) here.
10. 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 24-26 for a day of filling up on street food – from the likes of Sticks’n’Sushi to Casa Mia to Sundeis – 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.
11. 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 that late-June energy while still not ramping up to the 40°C that we were cursed by a couple of summers back. 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.
12. Enter the mind-bending realm of the Paradox Museum
For the first time in the UK, the mind-bogglingly bizarre and brilliant escape from normality that is Paradox Museum has landed. Hopping into a new Knightsbridge home, the people of London will get to experience the optical illusions and the science behind them – and even let you become part of the mystery! There’s an Upside-Down room, a Zero Gravity Room and even a Harry Potter-inspired room! Find out more about the unique wonders of Paradox Museum and book your spot here!
13. 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 — yes, it’s a Monday, but you can still celebrate with your tipple of choice.
Here’s a list of some of the best pubs around London!
14. Have a big ol’ singalong at a London gig
Sure – festival season might take the August headlines, but there are plenty of gargantuan London gigs happening all throughout the month that you’ll want to be on the barriers for.
💪 Bicep (August 2): Finsbury Park – get your dance on to pulsing beats down in the North London park to start your month in style.
😎 Rick Ross (August 4): Indigo At The O2 – the acclaimed US rapper is back in London for Hip Hop show you won’t want to miss.
🪩 Four Tet (August 10): Finsbury Park – more dancing in a park to some electronic beats? Don’t mind if we do…
🎤 Tom Grennan (August 10): Gunnersbury Park – what a voice Tom Grennan has on him, eh? Witness that live this month…
👟 KoRn (August 11): Gunnersbury Park – the titans of Nu Metal are playing a giant outdoor show in London this summer.
🌊 Justin Timberlake (August 11-12): The O2 – oh you didn’t get tickets to this? Cry me a river…
💃 Taylor Swift (August 15-17, 19-20): Wembley Stadium – go for Paramore and stay for the spectacle that is the Eras Tour.
👯 Peggy Gou (August 17): Gunnersbury Park – (it goes like… a huge crowd in Gunnersbury Park) Nanana.
🎙️ PJ Harvey (August 18): Gunnersbury Park – Let England Gunnersbry Park Shake.
🎸 Noah Kahan (August 21-22): The O2 – it’s stick season over at the O2…
✍️ Killer Mike and Shenseea (August 26): Scala – a combo for the ages will both perform on a lively night in King’s Cross.
15. Enter ‘Generation 2.0’ of the lively Hijingo
Many of you will have already been to the liveliest immersive bingo experience on the planet, but they’ve just given themselves an electric jolt to enter their ‘Generation 2.0’. Hijingo is taking on a ‘dusk-til-dawn in dystopia’ with a retention of their stylish neon lights and an addition of mind-blowing special effects and graphics to elevate the experience to a new level. AVA (Artificial Virtual Architect), an AI bot who now powers Hijingo, is also along for the ride, controlling a series of bots to dance to her tune and speak directly to the audience. It’s a technology that you have to see to believe, and it’s all soundtracked by the tunes of Fred Again…, Madonna, Bicep, Cardi B, Jamie XX and many more. Plan your visit and book your spot here.
16. 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.
17. See Wes Anderson in everyday life at this stunning exhibition
With his unique vision springing out at us when out at the cinema, we’re bound to spot the pastel shades and splashes of colour in everyday life too, right? That’s what the Accidentally Wes Anderson museum shows us: all the snapshots of a life that resembles the work of the esteemed director; whether its a red cable car against a blue sky or the lavish exterior of a hotel. Find out more about the exhibition and book your spot here.
18. Enjoy a London venue as part of Afternoon Tea Week (August 12-18)
There’s no substitute for a cup of Yorkshire Tea brewed yourself at home; 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 nifty 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 12-18) – 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.
19. Go to 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 the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra (taking on a reimagined Paul Simon’s ‘Graceland’ by the London African Gospel Choir) 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 24-26, and you can find the tickets here!
20. Witness a real-life martian invasion!
Jeff Wayne’s The War of The Worlds: The Immersive Experience has ensured the martian invasion is alive and kicking in London and you can go and experience it through the power of VR and the stunning, immersive score. Tracks like ‘The Eve of the War’ and ‘Forever Autumn’ will put a spring in your step and add the drama needed in this experience to take you away to Mars. Find out more and book your spot here.
21. Head to a brand new Farmer’s Market in London
Riverside East, the newly-opened events space, is well worth a visit on any weekend, but they’ve just announced a new series of big Farmer’s Markets that should tempt you with tasty produce. Delivering both the Riverside Market (20 stalls) and the BIG Market (40 stalls), you’ll be well looked after on a trip down to the riverside. In August you can find the former rocking up on August 11, and the larger proposition on August 31, and you’ll be able to find fresh cheese and bread as well as trinkets galore. Find out more about Riverside East here.
22. 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.
23. Keep exploring this marvellous city
There’s no end to what’s happening throughout London across the month, and this article is a mere snapshot of the infinite possibility. Here are a few more things we’ve been shouting about recently:
🍸 This London Cocktail Bar Will Transport You To Another World – And You Can Even Mix Your Own Drinks
🩷 A Huge Barbie Exhibition Has Landed At London’s Design Museum
🎆 The Immersive Gunpowder Plot Experience Is Like Stepping Into A History Book
😁 Get Your Happiness Boost At London’s Fun-Filled Dopamine Land
🏃 This Is (Possibly) The Most Efficient Sightseeing Tour Of London
🥪 This Iconic Bristol Sandwich Shop Is Bringing Its Mammoth Sarnies To London
🎨 A Hugely Popular Immersive David Hockney Retrospective Has Returned To London
☕ London Is Officially Home To Two Of The Most Beautiful Cafés On Earth
📚 The British Museum’s Secretive Round Reading Room Has Reopened To The Public
😋 These London Pubs Are Offering A ‘Bottomless Crunch’ Menu With Unlimited Crisps
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