As August, and in turn most of the summer weather, slowly comes to a close, we’re turning our eyes to September and all that’s in store for us in London. But fret not – it’s not officially autumn until late September. You don’t quite need to head inside or start making buckets of hot chocolate just yet. And while we can probably expect the temperatures to drop, I reckon there are still a few summer-y days in store for us. Regardless of the weather, with everything going on, there’ll be no pleas to ‘wake me up when September ends’. Here’s our rundown of simply smashing things to do in London this September.
1. End summer with a bang at the last few festivals
September might not be prime time for music festivals, but there are still some events to check out and ring out summer with a festive-al bang. If you’re after some music-filled days as summer comes to a close, be sure to head to these festival dates:
🎶 Waterworks Festival (September 13)
🎵 Cosmic Void Festival 2025 (September 19 – 21)
🎶 HowTheLightGetsIn London 2025 (September 20 – 21)
2. Embark on a culinary journey through Southeast Asia (September 5-7)
A culinary festival celebrating all things Southeast Asia will take over Battersea Power Station this September. Central to this year’s offering at CelebrASIA is the new ‘Feasting Tent‘ where guests can experience Southeast Asia’s shared food culture. Food will come from celebrated chefs such as Budgie Montoya (APOY), Abby Lee (Mambow), and John & Desiree Chantarasak (AngloThai). There will also be 29 street food stalls serving up cult favourites from London’s top Southeast Asian chefs and pop-ups.
But there’s more than just food! CelebrASIA will also feature traditional dance and live music, craft workshops, an artisan market, games, activities, and more.
Find out more about the event here.
3. Take a ride through London on a vintage Art Deco Tube (September 5-7)
For the final time this year, the London Transport Museum is back with its heritage train journeys. Those lucky enough to nab a ticket can ride along the Metropolitan line in style in a beautifully-restored vintage Tube train and journey back in time.
4. Celebrate Black culture and creativity (September 6)
Black on the Square is a FREE annual event in London’s Trafalgar Square that celebrates and highlights Black culture and creativity. By celebrating “the people and communities who contribute to the capital’s creativity”, the event is a wonderful acknowledgement of London’s beautiful diversity. All are welcome to enjoy the food, entertainment, workshops, activities, stalls, and more.
5. Check out new modern and contemporary art artworks
There are certain artists whose work commands huge amounts of adoration and attention. Masters of their craft who create world-famous pieces that everyone talks about. In the modern and contemporary art fields, these names include the likes of Banksy, Warhol, KAWS, Haring, Basquiat, CES McCully, and Scharf. And there’s one museum, London’s Moco Museum, where you can see them all in one visit! Oh, and you can even check out through-provoking pieces from global chart-topping superstar Robbie Williams!
6. Wander around a fairy-themed flower festival (September 12-14)
For one weekend, London’s hidden gothic castle, Strawberry Hill House, will be taken over by a fairy-themed flower festival. The Flower Festival will transform the already stunning location with the addition of “enchanted staircases, goblin markets, and spellbound rooms—each crafted from British-grown blooms using foam-free, sustainable methods”.
7. Explore the city’s most exclusive private buildings (September 13-21)
This September, London’s Open House Festival is returning, affording Londoners the rare opportunity to step into some of London’s most exclusive establishments. Many of these places are usually off-limits to the public, making for an impressive chance for some snooping!
Unfortunately, the deadline has already passed for the ballot to visit the likes of 10 Downing Street, the BT Tower, and the BBC Broadcasting House. However, there are still plenty of buildings to explore, with over 700 other buildings and spaces opening their doors.
8. Walk with dinosaurs at Jurassic World: The Experience
Dinosaurs definitely went extinct millions of years ago… right? Well, then, why are they currently tucked away in a lab facility in Battersea? Okay, so maybe the dinosaurs at Jurassic World: The Experience aren’t exactly real – but the experience sure is “the closest you’ll ever come to living dinosaurs”. And while the baby dinosaur specimens are downright adorable, the life-size predators will have you running for the hills. But don’t fret – you’re completely safe… We think…
9. Explore design in London (September 13-21)
Every year, the London Design Festival takes over the city with showcases, exhibitions, workshops, and more to promote the city as “the design capital of the world”. London’s districts each showcase a unique aspect of design, or how their area’s culture has influenced design. Altogether, the festival transforms the city into a walking museum with plenty to discover. This year’s unmissable sights include Beacon (a large sculptural lighting installation), Consume (a pop-up immersive installation reacting to brand and logo worship), and Dwellings, Rehomed (re-imagined birdhouses scattered around the Design Museum’s garden.
Find out more here.
10. Celebrate creativity and independent artists at the London Illustration Fair Pop-Up (September 13)
The London Illustration Fair Pop-Up returns to Old Spitalfields Market this September with a showcase of “some of the UK’s most exciting illustrators and independent artists”. It’s the chance to check out works from brilliant talent, discover your new favourite artists, and even shop for your own unique pieces.
11. Dive into the story of history’s most infamous shipwreck
Rediscover the story of the Titanic through the unique and immersive Titanic Echoes From The Past experience. Blending history, technology, and emotion, visitors will experience the story of “the world’s most famous ocean liner” like never before.
12. Explore a floating museum of historic vessels (September 6 & 7)
The Classic Boat Festival will take over St Katharine Docks once again this September, as over 50 historic vessels turn the area into a floating museum. But this is much more than just a boat show. This is a chance to experience and touch living history – including the Dunkirk Little Ships that rescued 330,000 Allied troops in 1940. (Psst… It’s also free!)
13. Hop aboard a vintage bus on a free journey around London (September 13)
For one day only, a series of vintage London buses will be journeying through the streets of the capital. And you can take a ride on one of them without having to pay a penny! Running along the 54 route between Woolwich and Elmers via the likes of Blackheath, Lewisham, Catford, and Beckhenham, there’s no need for a ticket or booking – just flag the bus down and hop on! If you’re really lucky, you might even get an old-school bus ticket from the conductor!
14. Take your puppy pal to a paw-fect wellness festival for dogs (September 13-14)
Coal Drops Yard is set to become London’s most pawesome hangout spot for one weekend only this September. The Big Woof Festival is returning for two tail-wagging days of fun that are jam-packed with everything a dog (and their human) could possibly dream of. The doggy-focused festival is completely free to attend and will feature everything from a dog fashion show to dog yoga, dog massage, and more.
15. Munch your way through the UK’s best burgers (September 13-14)
An enormous celebration of the UK’s very best and most hyped burger traders will land in London for its inaugural event this September. Taking over Signature Brew, Burger Fest UK will treat attendees to a wealth of burgers, cocktails, craft beer, and exclusive chef specials. There will even be a special burger pizza. Plus, the event will host The UK Burger Championships, where ticket holders will get to pick the very best patty-slingers in the country.
16. Celebrate David Bowie at the inaugural ZIGGYFEST (September 6)
A one-day Bowie festival will touch down at London’s Bowie-inspired restaurant, Ziggy Green, this September. ZIGGYFEST will feature a reunion of Bowie’s past collaborators, live music, art, and talks. And there will even be a lookalike competition, with London’s Bowie impersonators competing for the crown.
17. Get warmed up for Negroni Week at these London Negroni Lounges
Negroni Week is fast approaching (September 22-28), and everyone knows there’s no Negroni without Campari. So to mark the occasion, some of London’s best bars and restaurants are opening Negroni Lounges with Campari for the entirety of September and October (with some here to stay permanently!). For delicious negroni twists from bespoke menus, live music and DJs, negroni masterclasses and more, visit Bar Jackie, Nessa, Equal Parts, The Night Jar Carnaby, and Darby’s Next Door. Book tickets to see renowned italo disco DJs at Equal Parts (September 25) and Darby’s Next Door (September 26). And don’t forget to collect a limited edition post card print by Lena Yokoyama at each bar, as they are forming a Negroni Week art trail (while stocks last!). You can even enjoy a curated menu of Campari cocktails at the UK’s first Negroni Bar by Campari, open permanently at The Alchemist Monument!
Please drink responsibly.
18. Hear the sounds of jazz fill Soho (September 10-14)
Jazz will be heard all throughout Soho this September when the Soho Jazz Festival returns. Across 5 days and 15 venues, jazz will be pouring out of every doorway in the area – with as many as 40 shows on offer for jazz fanatics.
19. Take a photography workshop high in the sky (September 9-11)
Battersea Power Station’s Lift 109 is offering the chance for budding photographers to hone their camera skills at The Skyline Photo School. Attendees will get hands on advice and support from “London’s original rooftop photographer and the eye behind @londonfromtherooftops, James Burns” as they snap their own shots of the city’s iconic skyline. And it all happens at the top of Battersea Power Station’s northwest chimney to capture the most breath-taking images of the city.
20. Compete in a free sports tournament in Brent Cross Town
Taking place on September 13-14, The Play-Offs is a free, competitive socialising event in Brent Cross Town. Designed to test your skills, speed, and teamwork, the Play-Offs is an opportunity to gather your friends and family and take on a series of challenges that’s just as fun for seasoned sports lovers as it is for complete beginners. The tournament will be set up as a circuit of different activities. So gather your team, sign up and get ready to try your hand at Chase Tag®, the high ropes, the climbing wall, Last One Standing, BungeeRun, Batak Pro, and baseball!
21. Celebrate Halloween early at Phantom Peak Hallowed Peak (from September 19)
The open world immersive experience, Phantom Peak, will receive its annual autumnal, Halloween-y makeover this September to become Hallowed Peak: The Lunar Festival. The all-ages experience (it’s spooky not scary) sees visitors exploring the mysterious story behind the reappearance of the town’s Mayor Furbish – who was long presumed dead. The 4-hour adventure includes a haunted puzzle hunt, a world of different storylines and characters to explore, seasonal food and drink, and more.
22. Chow down on curry at the free Brick Lane Curry Festival (September 19-21)
For the first time in almost a decade, the Brick Lane Curry Festival is finally returning. The free-to-attend festival will bring the heat as it showcases the legendary local curry houses, shining a spotlight on the rich culinary traditions of the area. The festival will feature more than just curry, though, encompassing workshops, shopping, and cultural experiences. But naturally, there will be plenty of fiery curry to chow down on.
23. Try out one of London’s newest restaurants
In London, there is a never-ending stream of new restaurants opening all the time. If you fancy being among the first to try one of the newest dining spots in the city, head to these openings this September:
🔥 ADOH! (Opens September 8) – Sri Lankan street food
🍜 Cô Thành (Opens September) – Vietnamese food made famous in Anthony Bourdain’s ‘No Reservations’
🍔 Heard. (Opens September) – The second burger spot from Michelin-starred chef Jordan Bailey
🍝 Carbone (Opens September…?) – The New York Italian dining institution
🍣 Aki London (Opens September) – A new Japanese restaurant in a converted bank
24. Marvel at the Big London Tattoo Show (September 19-21)
The Big London Tatt00 Show returns for the fourth year this September – and it’s bigger than ever before. Expanding from a two day event to a three day celebration of tattooing, attendees can expect a wealth of artists, demonstrations, live performances and more. The show will feature over 500 artists, live graffiti demonstrations, custom car exhibits, and more. It’s sure to delight anyone with an interest in the artform, regardless of whether you’re a tattoo novice or enthusiast.
25. Listen to world-class jazz performances for FREE – in a cellar…?
This September, Brunswick House’s acclaimed weekly jazz nights, Jazz in the Cellars, will return. Kicking off on September 2 and running each Tuesday, the drop-in musical evenings will feature internationally renowned jazz artist Mark Kavuma and the Banger Factory. Head on down for a free evening of jazz in intimate and atmospheric surroundings, amidst the historic vaulted stone cellars.
26. Jump around at a gig
London is home to some of the best live music venues in the world (if we do so humbly declare), so you can bet there are plenty of incredible gigs to check out. Here’s who’s coming to town this September:
Coldplay (September 3, 4, 7, 8) – Wembley Stadium
St. Vincent (September 3) – Royal Albert Hall
Sophie Ellis-Bextor (September 8) – KOKO
Lewis Capaldi (September 16 – 18) – The O2
Daði Freyr (September 17 – 18) – Islington Assembly Hall
kneecap (September 18) – OVO Arena
PinkPantheress (September 18 – 19) – O2 Academy Brixton
Busted and McFly (September 19 – 21 & October 30 – November 1) – OVO Arena
Lord Huron (September 24) – O2 Academy Brixton
KOKOROKO (September 25) – O2 Academy Brixton
OneRepublic (September 26) – The O2
Oasis (September 27 – 28) – Wembley StadiumLady Gaga (September 29 – 30, October 2, 4) – The O2
Sigur Rós (September 30 – October 3) – Royal Albert Hall
Check out more don’t-miss London gigs here.
27. Lose yourself in the soundscapes of David Lynch (September 21)
For one night only, London’s Royal Festival Hall will celebrate the soundscapes that made Lynch’s films so hypnotic and arresting. In Dreams: David Lynch Revisited will transport listeners to their favourite Lynch films and hypnotic worlds with just a few notes. Pieces will come from a variety of sources, such as Blue Velvet, The Elephant Man, Mulholland Drive, and, of course, Twin Peaks.
28. Kick off oyster season
Common wisdom goes that oysters should only be eaten in months with an ‘r’ – and now that summer’s over, those ‘r’-months are finally upon us. With oyster season upon us, here’s ourpick of the best spots for super fresh, super delicious oysters to slurp up in London:
🦪 Rick Stein Barnes, Barnes
😋 The Oyster Shed, Monument
🦪 Plaquemine Lock, Islington
😋 Alba, Knightsbridge
🦪 Gaia Mayfair, Mayfair
😋 Randall & Aubin, Soho
29. Check out some art
London’s wealth of art galleries and museums results in a steady stream of new exhibitions to check out every month. September is no different, with some monumental new exhibitions opening.
EXHIBITIONS OPENING IN SEPTEMBER
🧡 Seen, (September 12 – 14): Royal National Institute of Blind People, Grimaldi Building – a free exhibition showcasing “22 powerful portraits of blind and partially sighted individuals from across the UK”.
💜 David Bowie Archive (Opens September 13): V&A East Storehouse – a backstage pass to the life and career of David Bowie, with over 80,000 items to explore.
💛 Theatre Picasso (September 17 – April 12, 2026): Tate Modern – an exhibition that dives into the artist’s relationship with performance.
🩷 Marie Antoinette: Style (Opens September 20): V&A South Kensington – a first-of-its-kind exhibition for the UK delving into Marie Antoinette’s influence on pop culture, fashion, and more.
💜 ‘Blitz: The Club That Shaped The 80s’ (September 20 – March 29, 2026): The Design Museum – explore the history of one of London’s most influential club nights.
❤️ Ubuntu – I am because we are (September 26 – December 12): Camberwell Space – “an exhibition and workshop programme celebrating the creativity and community spirit of Camberwell, Peckham and the wider borough of Southwark”.
EXHIBITIONS ENDING IN SEPTEMBER
🧡 Alien Shores (Ends September 7): White Cube – landscapes are reimagined as memories, dreams, and ephemeral suggestions of themselves.
💙 Hiroshige: Artist of the Open Road (Ends September 7): British Museum – “a rare insight into the career and legacy of one of Japan’s most celebrated artists”.
❤️ Sara Flores: Bakis Mai (Ends September 7): White Cube – the first solo exhibition from “one of the foremost contemporary artists emerging from the Amazonian basin.”
🖤 Rolling Stones: Unseen ’63 (Ends September 10): Dockside Vaults – photos of the infamous band that have never before been seen by the public, from their early days as a group.
🩵 Duane Linklater: akâmi (Ends September 21): Camden Art Centre – a collection of sculpture, painting, sound installation, and more that breaks with museum conventions.
💚 Cecil Beaton’s Garden Party (Ends September 21): Garden Museum – an exhibition focusing on the intersection of Cecil Beaton’s work and the importance of flowers and gardens.
Check out London’s must-see free exhibitions here.
30. Tuck into a Marie Antoinette-inspired afternoon tea (from September 20)
This September, coinciding with the V&A’s new exhibition, London’s The Kensington hotel will launch a Marie Antoinette-inspired afternoon tea. Drawing from the infamous historical figure’s appetite for luxury and indulgence, the special afternoon tea takes cues from her “fashion, gardens and lavish court life” and will feature food that is “as ornamental as it is delicious.”
31. Play a friendly game of chess
Old Spitalfields Market has teamed up with the Chess In Schools charity to bring ‘Chess n Chill’ to the market. The games are open to all, from seasoned Grandmasters to total rook-ies. The pop-up events take place every Thursday evening until the end of September, from 6pm to 8pm.
32. Enter a real-life video game
Image: @punchdrunkint, via IG
Lander 23 is a new immersive experience from the Punchdrunk theatre company, which drops audience members/participants in the middle of a futuristic video game. You’ll join a crew of brave space explorers venturing into unchartered territories following the disappearance of another crew in the area. Can you finish their mission, uncover what happened, and stay safe?
33. Catch a show on the West End
Imge: @officialevita, via IG
NEW OPENINGS
💓 Not Your Superwoman (September 6 – November 1): Bush Theatre – a mother and daugher explore their identities following the difficult death of the family matriarch.
🍽️ 24 Hour Diner People (September 8 – 13): Soho Theatre – “a nonsense-soaked, joy-fuelled live-cartoon” encompassing the eccentric characters in a 12-hour diner.
💔 The Lady from the Sea (September 10 – November 8): Bridge Theatre – a new Ibsen adaptation finds a woman choosing between a past flame and her current life, where she feels she may have settled.
👻 The Weir (September 12 – December 6): Harold Pinter Theatre – “Brendan Gleeson leads a story of ghosts, memory and humanity.”
🗡️ Bacchae (September 13 – November 1): Olivier Theatre – a reimagining of the Greek tragedy, unapologetically updating it with music, movement, and rhythm.
🚗 Clarkston (September 17 – November 22): Trafalgar Theatre – Heartstoppers’ Joe Locke makes his West End debut in a story of two men travelling west in search of purpose and meaning in their lives.
🤣 The Importance of Being Earnest (September 18 – January 10, 2026): Noël Coward Theatre – the National Theatre’s sold-out production transfers to the Noël Coward Theatre with a star-studded cast.
👊 Punch (September 22 – November 29): Apollo Theatre – the aftermath of an impulsive punch that has fatal consequences.
🤦♀️ (the) Woman (September 24 – October 25): Park Theatre – “a raw look at motherhood, identity, and everything in between”.
🖼️ Lee (September 24 – October 18): Park Theatre – telling the story of Lee Krasner, artist and wife of Jackson Pollock, whose career was overshadowed by his own and exploring themes of plagiarism and originality.
⌛ Mary Page Marlowe (September 28 – November 1): The Old Vic – Susan Sarandon makes her UK stage debut in a time-jumping portrait of one woman’s life across 70 years.
ENDING SOON
💃 Burlesque The Musical (Ends September 6): Savoy Theatre – The show makes its West End debut following record-breaking, sold-out shows in Manchester and Glasgow.
🎶 Evita (Ends September 6): London Palladium – the Rachel Zegler-starring production with an iconic balcony performance outside the theatre comes to an end.
👩⚖️ Inter Alia (Ends September 13): Lyttelton Theatre – a female criminal judge at the top of her career balances the raising of her sons and her marriage.
🕵️ The Daughter of Time (Ends September 13): Charing Cross Theatre – an inspector investigates Richard III as a ‘cold case’ and runs into scheming Shakespearean actors, opinionated nurses, and a lovesick American.
📺 Good Night, Oscar (Ends September 21): Barbican Centre – Taking place after a talk show taping, Good Night, Oscar traces “Hollywood’s first celebrity meltdown”
👰 Till The Stars Come Down (Ends September 27): Theatre Royal Haymarket – a wedding brings together family, but a changing world strains their familial bond.
34. Marvel at “The Greatest Card Magician in the World” (September 10)
Image: @andrewfrostmagician & @plosiveprods, via IG
Hot off a run of shows at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Andrew Frost is bringing his card wizardry magic-ry (?) to London’s Underbelly Boulevard Soho. Having been described as “The Greatest Card Magician in the World”, it’s up to you to decide whether or not he lives up to the hype. Either way, you’re sure to be dazzled by the blend of comedy, magic, and theatre.
Find out more and grab tickets here.
35. Get the pints in for Oktoberfest
Despite what you might think from the name, Oktoberfest traditionally kicks off in September, not October. Instead, the weeks-long celebration ends in October. Regardless of when it starts and ends, though, it’s a spirited celebration of great beer, great food, and great (depending on who you ask) brass bands. Plenty of London venues are honouring the traditional dates with celebrations through September. Head here for pints a-plenty:
🍺 Albert’s Schloss Soho (September 20 – October 12) – one of the only places in the world to be serving all of the ‘Big Six’ Oktoberfest beers direct from Munich.
🍻 Five Points Brewery (September 18 – 21) – expect special Oktoberfest-inspired dishes from resident BBQ legends, From The Ashes, and an array of ultra-fresh lagers.
🍺 German Gymnasium (September 19 – October 30) – the King’s Cross restaurant transports guests to the heart of Bavaria for a celebration of German culture, cuisine and bier. Turn up in lederhosen and you’ll even get a free stein of bier.
🍻 Bermondsey Bierkeller (September 20 – October 31) – 7 weekends of a wild and raucous Bavarian experience, every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
🍺 Between The Bridges (September 26-27, October 3-4 & 10-11) – expect overflowing two-pint steins, Bavarian street food, live brass music, and more. Grab your tickets here.
36. Indulge in delicious BBQ (September 26-28)
The almighty meat feast that is the Fume BBQ festival is returning this September with a smoke-y, warming autumnal edition of the event. Tickets net attendees access to mouthwatering flavours and expert grilling from 16 top pitmasters from around the world. Get ready to graze, sip and savour your way through a world of BBQ as grilling season comes to a close.
Find out more and grab tickets here.
37. Head to a brand new water-side pizza and beer destination
East London’s ever-popular CRATE Brewery (see above) is opening a second site this September, bringing their sudsy beers and more-ish pizzas to Wood Wharf. Just like the OG spot, the new opening will be right on the water, and will feature all the same drinks, foods, and events that make the existing site so popular.
38. Check out some wheel-y cool cars while doing some shopping (September 27-28)
The Classic Car Boot Sale is celebrating its 10th anniversary this September with a weekend-long event featuring “over 100 hand-picked vintage traders, … live DJs, street food and unique shopping opportunities”. This event will also feature, for the first time ever, the opportunity to purchase items directly from the Royal Opera House archives – such as rare costumes and accessories.
39. Keep exploring this jaw-dropping city
Well, we can’t put everything in one article, can we? So here are even more fantastic things we’ve written about recently that you don’t want to miss in London.
More things to do inspiration…
😁 Fab and FREE things to do in London
🚶♀️ The VERY BEST London activities you need to try at least once