You are here: Home > Things to do > London by month > August in London

Things to do in London in August 2020

You can usually join revellers at Europe’s biggest street party in August in London, while families can discover plenty of child-friendly activities during the school summer holidays.
  • Summer is in full swing in August with plenty of open-air cinema and events usually on offer. 
  • August events usually include the Notting Hill Carnival, Film4 Summer Screen and Prudential RideLondon. 
  • Families are spoiled for choice with activities at top attractions during the summer holidays. 
  • The capital's main football season usually kicks-off this month. 

August is one of the warmest months of the year in London, when you can enjoy the capital’s many outdoor and open-air activities and make the most of the warm summer days. 

Children are on school summer holidays during August, so there are always plenty of family-friendly things to do in London and from home.

Some events have been cancelled or postponed due to coronavirus; but with many venues and attractions reopening with social distancing and safety measures in place, there's plenty to do in London in August. Just make sure you act responsibly when out and about, and cycle and walk where possible.

If you're not in London, find our pick of virtual events below and discover plenty more things to do from home in our Virtually London guide.

Virtual events in August

  • Join the virtual vegan extravaganza with the online edition of VegfestUK, bringing live cooking demonstrations, gigs, fitness classes and comedy to your home.
  • Hit play on your radio, TV or digital devices to tune into online concerts as part of the iconic BBC Proms classical music festival this month. 
  • Be transported to south London as the annual Crystal Palace Festival is hosted online, with live music, dance, theatre and more performances from local acts. 
  • Enjoy live music or get creative with fun workshops throughout August, during The Peninsulist Presents virtual festival.
  • Dig out your carnival costume and join thousands across the world in celebrating the iconic Notting Hill Carnival with a huge virtual Caribbean party from home. Bask in the culture, music and dance over three days of digital fun over the entire August bank holiday (public holiday) weekend. 
  • Fancy a film night at home? Register for the two-day World Cinema Film Festival. The free ticket gives access to short films, Q&As and competitions.  

Contact-free events this August 

If you're in London, walk or cycle to these contact-free events and activities in your local area. But remember to follow social distancing guidelines and act responsibly when out and about.

  • Eat out for less by making use of the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme, offering 50% off food and non-alcoholic drinks at registered restaurants across the capital. Options include The Parlour at Fortnum & Mason, Covent Garden's Frenchie, The Shard's Aqua Shard and Dishoom Carnaby. 3-31 Aug
  • Choose a challenge and get on your two-wheeler to fundraise for Prudential RideLondon, one of the greatest festivals of cycling which is taking place virtually this year.
  • Spend a summer evening at the socially distanced staging of Jesus Christ Superstar: The Concert, at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre.
  • Mark summer nights with the outdoor, socially distanced Kaleidoscope Festival in the grounds of the Alexandra Palace. Dance to top tunes from Norman Jay MBE, DJ Yoda and more.
  • Roll into Kew Gardens like you've never done before at a unique and unforgettable Summer Cycle tour of the enchanted gardens on an atmospheric evening. 

August events in London

Find a flavour of what's usually on in August below. Make sure to check the individual event for confirmation of this year's edition or plan ahead for next year.

Top London festivals

August bank holiday weekend in London

  • Europe's largest street festival, the Notting Hill Carnival, comes to west London with a huge Caribbean party. Join more than one million people for three days of colourful floats, parades, music and dance over the August bank holiday (public holiday) weekend. This year's event has been cancelled.

Find more things to do on the bank holiday weekend.

Unmissable London events

 

For more things to do in August in London, take a look at our events calendar and guide to what's on in London. And catch the best of the London stage with our guide to London theatre. Fancy a spontaneous break to London? Find out what you can do this weekend and what is on today. 

WEATHER: For average seasonal temperatures and rainfall, see our London weather page.

Sign up for our monthly enewsletter for year-round updates about what's on in London.

Explore by category