What's on in London this weekend (19-20 September 2026)
Weekends in London are packed with possibilities, and we’ve rounded up the very best things to do in London this weekend. From indulging in tantalising dishes at Brick Lane Curry Festival to exploring exclusive private buildings during London Open House Festival, this guide highlights what’s happening right now, whether you’re planning ahead or making last-minute plans.
How we chose the best things to do this weekend
Each week, the Visit London editorial team reviews events, exhibitions and activities taking place across the capital. Our recommendations are based on first-hand experience, local expertise, value for money, and what’s especially unique to London right now.
Best things to do in London this weekend at a glance
🎟️ Best free event – Open House London
👨👩👧👦 Best for families – Water Lantern Festival
🖼️ Best for creatives – London Design Festival
🎭 Best for culture – I'm Every Woman: The Chaka Khan Musical
🍛 Best for foodies – Brick Lane Curry Festival
🍺 Best pop-up – Bermondsey Street Festival
💷 Best for under £20 – Banqueting House
1. Explore some of London’s most exclusive private buildings for free at London Open House Festival
The free-to-attend London Open House Festival taking place on 19 and 20 September, where hundreds of sites across the city throw open their (usually firmly locked) doors, giving visitors the chance to have a peek behind the curtain.
From guided workshops and tours to walking tours and drop-in sessions, there’s lots to enjoy this year, including drop-in sessions for the legendary likes of the OXO Tower, the Old Royal Naval College and the English National Ballet – to name a few!
Find more tours available during Open House Festival.
2. Singalong to legendary hits of Chaka Khan in I’m Every Woman: The Chaka Khan Musical
Witness the incredible untold life story and music of multi-platinum selling, 10-time Grammy winner and global icon Chaka Khan in I’m Every Woman: The Chaka Khan Musical.
Played by Alexandra Burke (Sister Act, The Bodyguard, The X Factor 2008 winner) get ready to experience a high-energy celebration of legendary hits and powerful storytelling, featuring many of her great hits including “I’m Every Woman”, “Aint Nobody” and “Higher Love”.
Be quick – the show wraps up at London’s Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre on 27 September.
3. Enter the dark side of the wizarding world
Things are getting wonderfully spooky at the Warner Bros Studio Tour, as the popular Dark Arts takeover returns this weekend.
Wander through iconic sets transformed with floating pumpkins, eerie lighting and Death Eater encounters, before venturing into the Forbidden Forest where Dementors lurk in the shadows.
New for 2026, discover the secrets behind the films' darker sound effects and learn how Voldemort's snake, Nagini, was brought to life on screen.
4. Celebrate the end of summer at the Totally Thames Festival
Welcome the golden hues of Autumn this weekend at the Totally Thames Festival, with a whole host of vibrant celebrations taking place, from street performances and live music to art installations, river races and family-friendly activities.
This weekend, see the Turning the Tide film installation live on the iconic Blackfriars Railway Bridge columns, see how the Mudlarks role has changed over the years at Lost and Found by Henry Reichhold or stroll beside the river Thames listening to the AFTERTIDE self-guided audio walk.
Discover more events at Totally Thames Festival.
5. Experience a different night out at FRAMELESS Lates
Ad feature by FRAMELESS
Elevate your evening at FRAMELESS Lates, where every Friday and Saturday from 6pm to 10pm, adults can enjoy London's largest immersive art attraction after hours. With a drink in hand, journey through extraordinary multi-sensory worlds, wander awe-inspiring landscapes and engage with world-famous artworks as iconic masterpieces are transformed into breathtaking immersive experiences.
Enjoy a laid-back evening that's perfect for couples and groups of friends looking for something different in the heart of London. After immersing yourself in the art, head to the Café Bar and unwind to a specially curated soundtrack, blending culture, conversation and creativity into a memorable night out.
6. Spice up your weekend at Brick Lane Curry Festival
Follow your nose to east London for the return of the Brick Lane Curry Festival on 20 September, a one-day celebration of Bangladeshi and South Asian food, culture and community.
Taking over Brick Lane, the free festival features street food stalls from local restaurants, live music, dance performances, chef demonstrations and a colourful parade complete with giant puppets.
Reserve a free spot at Brick Lane Curry Festival and enjoy 20% off at participating restaurants.
7. Soho's biggest jazz party returns
Celebrate 40 years of the Soho Jazz Festival as Europe's leading grassroots jazz festival returns to the West End, until 19 September.
Expect four days of live music across 10 Soho venues, with more than 100 independent artists performing everything from swing, blues and Latin jazz to contemporary and underground sounds.
From intimate club sets and late-night jam sessions to surprise performances and a vintage double-decker bus hosting mobile gigs through Soho's streets, there’s lots to experience at this iconic jazz festival.
8. See Clapham Common Park in a new light
Watch Clapham Common shimmer after dark as the Water Lantern Festival arrives in London on 19 and 20 September for a glowing weekend of reflection, live music and community.
The experience invites visitors to personalise a lantern with a wish, memory or message, before joining thousands of others for a magical sunset release onto the water.
An atmospheric evening beneath the stars carries on long after the lantern launch, with live music, food stalls, interactive activities and open-mic moments.
Book your tickets for the Water Lantern Festival.
9. Indulge in a candid evening of spoken word, movement and song at the Southbank Centre
What would you tell your younger self? Find out at Letters to My Younger Future Self on 20 September at the Southbank Centre, a one-night-only celebration marking the 70th anniversary of the National Youth Theatre.
Blending spoken word, music and movement, the event brings together actors, writers, musicians and rising stars to share heartfelt letters packed with life lessons, reflections and advice.
Expect appearances and contributions from familiar names from stage and screen in an evening that promises laughter, honesty and plenty of food for thought!
10. Take a stroll through Bermondsey's biggest day out
Experience one of south London's most beloved community celebrations as the Bermondsey Street Festival returns for its 20th year.
For one day only on 19 September, Bermondsey Street closes to traffic and opens up to live music, street entertainment, independent traders, food stalls and family-friendly activities.
It’s free to attend and run entirely by volunteers, and is split across three main areas: Leathermarket Gardens, Bermondsey Street and Tanner Street Park, transforming SE1 into a giant neighbourhood party.
11. Last chance to step inside a lost Royal Palace
Discover one of London's best-kept historic secrets at Banqueting House, the last surviving part of the vast Palace of Whitehall.
This architectural masterpiece by Inigo Jones invites visitors to explore more than 400 years of royal history beneath Sir Peter Paul Rubens' magnificent painted ceiling, open until 20 September for its limited summer season.
Check out our Banqueting House guide with details on the immersive audio guides, interactive displays and tips for planning your visit.
12. Gear up for the London Cycling Festival
Swap four wheels for two at the London Cycling Festival on 20 September, a city-wide celebration of cycling taking place across 19 London boroughs.
With more than 30 free rides and events on offer, the festival welcomes everyone from seasoned cyclists to families and first-time riders. Expect traffic-free cycling zones, guided rides, live entertainment, food stalls, bike checks and activity hubs popping up across the capital, including Westminster, Tower Hamlets and the City of London.
Book your free place and discover a different side of London this weekend!
13. Support local makers at Wembley Park Summer Market
Discover shopping, street food and entertainment at the Wembley Park Summer Market on 20 September.
Part of Wembley Park's free Summer Rocks programme, the market is packed with handcrafted goods, jewellery, fashion and homeware, alongside food and drink from artisan producers.
14. Enjoy an alternative take on the Bayeux Tapestry
Missed out on first release tickets for the Bayeux Tapestry? Fear not, you can skip the queues and ale your way through history at The Beer Tapestry in Bloomsbury this weekend.
Greene King have unveiled an eight-metre embroidered artwork detailing the story of beer in Britian, from the Norman Conquest to modern brewing, and coincides with the arrival of the famous Bayeux Tapestry at the British Museum opposite.
Don’t forget to check out the limited-edition cask ale while you visit, of the same name.
15. See the city through a designer's lens at London Design Festival
See London transformed into a giant creative playground at the London Design Festival, open until 20 September.
Celebrating London's status as a global design capital, the city-wide festival features landmark installations, exhibitions, talks, special projects and immersive experiences across museums, galleries, public spaces and design districts.
Check out the full London Design Festival programme.
Things to do this weekend under £20
- 🛥️ Uber Boat – Best for riverside views
- 📮 Postal Museum – Best for riding the Mail Rail
- 👑 Royal Mews – Best for admiring royal coaches
- 🕵️ Jack the Ripper Museum – Best for true crime enthusiasts
- 🎉 Ballie Ballerson – Best for neon-lit fun
FAQs
What are the best things to do in London this weekend?
Our experts handpick the top things to do in London this weekend, from unmissable exhibitions and theatre shows to live music, street festivals and foodie hotspots. Check our guide for activities across London, including options under £20.
Can I plan a last-minute weekend in London?
Absolutely! Our guide includes timely recommendations and ongoing events, so you can plan a weekend at short notice. Many shows and exhibitions offer online booking for same-week visits.
