With our last bank holiday being nearly three months ago now, I wouldn’t blame you if you’ve been counting down the days until a precious three-day weekend rolls around again. Well, it’s almost here – August 24–26 to be exact – and of course, you’ll want to make the most of it. Luckily, that’s where we come in: we’ve kept an eye and ear out for the best events, festivals, exhibitions, and more that will ensure a brilliant long weekend. If you’ve been hunting for things to do in London this August bank holiday, look no further…
1. Experience the joys of Notting Hill Carnival
No August bank holiday list would make sense without Notting Hill Carnival. An annual staple of the bank holiday weekend, the biggest Carnival parade in Europe is a vibrant celebration of Caribbean culture, where you can breathe in the aromas of Jamaican jerk chicken and Trinidadian roti, dance to the infectious rhythms of live steel bands, and lose yourself in the colourful flurry of the mas (masquerade) bands’ feathers and paint.
While the traditional early morning J’ouvert celebration has sadly been cancelled for 2024, the Notting Hill Carnival parades on Sunday, August 25, and Monday, August 26, are set to attract over 2 million visitors, as they do every year. Whether you’re in the parade yourself or heading along as a spectator, this will no doubt be the kaleidoscopic highlight of your bank holiday weekend.
2–3. Check out other Carnival-inspired events, away from the main celebration
If the crowds are too much, but you still want to soak up the spirit of Notting Hill Carnival (and I don’t just mean the rum), there are plenty of other Carnival-inspired events happening around London this August bank holiday weekend. Two such events are:
🎉 BOXPARK Croydon will host a two-day festival-style event. Kicking off the August bank holiday weekend, Friday, August 23, will see DJ sets from the iconic sound system Rampage, plus live disco and soul performances (including Kathy Sledge of Sister Sledge). Saturday, August 24, will see a selection of stellar DJs play pre-Carnival hits. And, of course, on both days, you’ll be able to treat yourself to BOXPARK’s street food and drinks.
🎉 Whether you’re going to Carnival or not, a banging hairstyle is still important, no? Award-winning hairstylist, Charlotte Mensah, will be hosting her famed braid bar at the Hair Lounge salon in Notting Hill on Carnival Sunday (August 25) and Carnival Monday (August 26), 12pm–6pm. With more than 30 years of experience under her belt, Charlotte will create the best braided looks for customers – oh, and her iconic nutmeg cake to nibble on while you’re in the chair!
4. See iconic F1® cars at the new Formula 1® Exhibition
Opening just in time for the bank holiday weekend (August 23), The Formula 1® Exhibition will bring a plethora of memorabilia, rare film and photography, and artefacts to London’s ExCeL Centre. Not only that, but you’ll get the chance to be close to some of the most impactful cars in F1®’s history, including the Lotus 72 that went on to secure 39 podium finishes, with 20 wins; and Red Bull RB16B with which Max Verstappen won the Formula 1® Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2021.
5. Try Secret London’s limited edition SushiDog roll
You may have heard the news: Secret London is making headlines this month, instead of just writing them. For one month only, we’ve partnered with ‘grab and go’ sushi wizards, SushiDog, to create our very own Secret London sushi roll – and the bank holiday weekend is the second to last weekend you can secure one!
Until September 1, head to one of SushiDog’s seven outposts across the capital, and be sure to order the ‘Asian Prawn Cocktail’ roll by Secret London. It is inspired by the much-loved British classic, but we were sure to honour SushiDog’s Asian influence too – and, because we are Secret London, there is a secret ingredient in the Marie Rose sauce. Will you guess it?
6. Treat your furry friend at the UK’s first street food market for dogs
From SushiDogs to actual dogs – Market Place Vauxhall will transform into ‘Barket Place’ for one weekend only, becoming the UK’s first-ever street food market for dogs.
In honour of the bank holiday Monday (August 26) also marking National Dog Day, vendors at the food hall will serve up dog-friendly versions of human food – for free, no less. These dog dinners will see spins on chicken tacos, salmon poke bowls, fish and chips, and many more.
7. Browse contemporary art at the newly opened Moco Museum
Fans of modern art can rejoice as the internationally acclaimed Moco Museum has recently opened here in London. The impressive museum, which has previous locations in Amsterdam and Barcelona, is home to one of the world’s leading collections of modern and contemporary art. It boasts famous works and installations by renowned artists.
With a visit to its London flagship this August bank holiday, you’ll be able to see works by Damien Hirst, Banksy, Andy Warhol, Yayoi Kusama, Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat, KAWS, and many more firsthand.
8. Enjoy music under the sun and stars at Battersea Park In Concert
Pack your hampers and picnic blankets. You can take picnics in the park to a whole new level thanks to Battersea Park In Concert. The emerald expanse will be playing host to three days of open-air picnic concerts over the bank holiday weekend, with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, Jazz stars from Ronnie Scott, singer Myleene Klass, and the world’s greatest composers all taking to the stage to fill the sky with classical masterpieces and musical hits.
9. Sip Wild West-inspired drinks at a rootin’ tootin’ cocktail experience
Immersive cocktail experiences are having a moment in London – and Moonshine Saloon is a great spot to visit. You’ll be transported from Aldgate to the Wild West with a swing of the saloon door, and enter a world of sheriffs, gambling, and illicit booze smuggling (it’s BYOB – and the bartenders will whip this up into four fancy cocktails).
Throughout the experience, you’ll be part of a wider storyline, and you’ll get the chance to interact with live actors as it all builds to a dramatic conclusion.
Benefit from a 20% discount on tickets to Moonshine Saloon London this August bank holiday by applying the code BANKHOL20MSH at check-out. Valid for visits on August 22–25 midday only.
10. Enter a mind-altering world of optical illusions
If you find yourself in Knightsbridge this August bank holiday weekend, it won’t just be the London prices that’ll get your head in a spin. Sitting opposite Harrods, you’ll find Paradox Museum, a world of optical illusions. Following success in other cities around the world, this now London museum offers over 50 different installations that’ll play tricks on your eyes and brain. Some you simply observe, while others you can step right into and become part of.
Intrigued as to why some optical illusions work? This museum offers insights into the science behind some of its illusions too.
11. Head up to an apple-themed hideaway, with Jack Daniel’s Apple and Secret London
Looking for an unforgettable summer hotspot in London? Make a beeline for our Apple Hideaway with Jack Daniel’s, open at Dalston Roofpark. Live DJs, games, and stunning city views await – alongside delicious Jack Daniel’s cocktails, of course. Think Jack Apple & Lemonade and Frozen Jack Appletinis to a selection of Jack Flavours shots.
While The Apple Hideaway is open every Wednesday–Sunday, from 5pm, until September 26, Dalston Roofpark will be hosting specific ticketed events for the bank holiday weekend, which you’ll need to attend to access the rooftop – you can find out more on the Dalston Roofpark website.
12. Transport yourself to the streets of South Korea, without leaving London
Following the success of the Delight: Media Art Exhibition, the team behind the Korean art showcase returned to London Bridge with a new and improved exhibit. Currently sitting under one of the arches near Borough Yard, you’ll find PULSE: Beyond Delight, a digital art exhibition with the ability to transport you to the city of Seoul.
PULSE uses state-of-the-art media, sound, and light to create an immersive environment. The artworks have a particular focus on South Korea’s culture, tradition, and innovation. This exhibit is a great escape from the buzz of central London.
Benefit from a 20% discount on tickets to Pulse: Beyond Delight this August bank holiday weekend by applying the code BHOLS20PUL at check-out. Valid between August 22–26, 11.59pm.
13. Catch this Wes Anderson-inspired exhibition on its last weekend in London
Having wowed Londoners and tourists since late 2023, Accidentally Wes Anderson: The Exhibition finally closes its doors in the capital on August 25. This August bank holiday weekend will be the last time you’ll be able to see the stunning travel photography, inspired by the iconic director Wes Anderson, in London – at least for the foreseeable.
The photography exhibition shines a light on over 200 locations around the world that could be straight out of a Wes Anderson film, thanks to its colour or composition.
14. Play a few rounds of the wackiest bingo game ever
If you’ve not yet played Bongo’s Bingo, you are missing out. The award-winning game combines traditional bingo, dance-offs, audience participation, and mini-raves – and for the August bank holiday weekend, it’ll also be noughties themed. Taking place on the bank holiday Saturday (August 24), you can expect Here at Outernet to be home to stripping men, a shower of Coco Pops, sing-alongs, and more. Whether you get a line of numbers on your score sheet is neither here nor there.
15. Combine footie crowds and DJ sounds at a London restaurant
Indian BBQ restaurant, Brigadiers, will be hosting a tale of two halves this long weekend. Seeing in the bank holiday in style, Friday (August 23) will set BBQ sharing classics from the tandoors, charcoal grills, and classic Indian smokers side by side with live DJ sets and an all-new cocktail menu.
Saturday, August 24, will be Brigadiers’ Saturday Sports Sizzler. All the Premier League action will be on the big screens, and guests can enjoy free-flowing beer, and sharing plates of sizzlers and kebabs.