Top Things To Do In London This August

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This summer in London has been one to remember. The heatwaves, concerts, festivals and World Cup screenings – the city’s been filled with good vibes. But like everything in life, it’s got to come to an end and August sadly marks the last days of the sunny season.

However, as always in the capital, there’s a lot going on in the month ahead including food festivals, street parties, exhibitions and much more.

Check out the list below to see some of the budget-friendly things you can do to enjoy the end of summer in London.

Ronnie Scott’s Street Party

ronnie scott street party

Where: Frith Street, Soho

When: 1 August 2026

After returning for its second edition last year, iconic London music venue Ronnie Scott’s is hosting another huge street party this August. Comprised of two outdoor stages, the free event is hosted by will showcase some of the most talented names in jazz, soul, R&B and hip-hop. Among the names performing this year are Shae Universe, Guvna B, Ronnie Scott’s Gospel Choir and more. No tickets are required so you can literally just show up and enjoy the vibes!

Click here for more info on Ronnie Scott’s Street Party 2026.

London Reggae & Food Festival

london reggae and food festival

Where: Riverside East

When: 7 August 2026

Celebrate Jamaican Independence Day at the Reggae & Food Festival in Stratford! With music from the likes of Saxon Sound, Shayna Marie and Seani B, as well as food from authentic Caribbean traders, this celebration is due to be vibes on vibes. It’s a Jamaican Independence special so you know it’ll be a lit occasion celebrating the island’s vibrant culture.

For more tickets and more info about the Reggae & Food Festival, click here.

Black Eats Fest

black eats fest

Where: Hackney Bridge

When: 7-9 August 2026

Black Eats Fest is returning to Hackney Bridge for another weekend celebrating Black food and culture. Expect a range of vendors serving dishes from Africa and the Caribbean, as well as DJs, bars, a retail market and a bookshop. You can grab daytime tickets (12-4pm) to enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere, or the evening sessions (5-9pm) where things get a bit more lively with DJs spinning tracks as the sun sets.

Click here for more info about Black Eats Fest’s August event.

London Streetwear Market

london streetwear market

Where: Compressor House, Royal Docks

When: 8 August 2026

Need some new gear for autumn? The London Streetwear Market has you covered. Featuring over 35 emerging brands, this market offers you the chance to get ahead of the trend by discovering new brands and shopping exclusive pieces. London Streetwear Market’s resident tattoo artists will also be on deck to ink up anybody looking to get some fresh art on their skin. More than a market, this is a place for creatives to connect over their love of streetwear.

For tickets and more details on the London Streetwear Market, click here.

Dopereaders Club Presents: The Black Book Exchange

Where: Pop Brixton

When: 9 August 2026

Bookworms rejoice because the Dopereaders Club’s Black Book Exchange is back for a fifth time! The Dopereaders Club is devoted to help more people discover books by Black authors and their exchange is the perfect place to delve into Black literature. All you have to do is show up with a book by a white author, swap it for a book by a Black author and the exchange is done! There will also be live DJs and food vendors – making it a fun-filled day.

Click here for free tickets to the Black Book Exchange!

‘The Legacy of Notting Hill Carnival’ Exhibition

notting hill carnival

Where: Somerset House

When: 13-21 August 2026

Get carnival-ready by taking a trip to ‘The Legacy of Notting Hill Carnival’ exhibition. Taking place at Somerset House, this free exhibition celebrates 60 years of Notting hill Carnival by showcasing a collection of works highlighting the annual event’s heritage and cultural impact. At the exhibition you’ll be able to take in a range of pieces – including photography, video/film, sound and costumes – highlighting NHC’s history, preparing you for all the carnival festivities at the end of the month.

For more info on the exhibition, click here.

Jamaica Patty Festival

jamaica patty festival

Where: Myatt’s Fields Park, Camberwell

When: 23 August 2026

Patty lovers to the front! The free-to-attend Jamaica Patty Festival is back again this year, this time taking place in Myatt’s Fields Park in Camberwell. Here you’ll be spoilt for choice for Jamaican patties, while also taking in the vibes and sounds of Jamaica.

Click here for more details about this year’s Jamaica Patty Festival.

Greenwich + Docklands International Festival

greenwich docklands international festival

Where: Frith Street, Soho

When: 21 August-6 September 2026

Offering outdoor fun for all the family is the Greenwich + Docklands International Festival (GDIF). For just over two weeks the festival will host free outdoor theatre and performing arts showcases, with the majority of its August events taking place across Greenwich and Woolwich. From dancing and a live film shoot to poetry and live music, the GDIF will be full of creative performances spotlighting the city’s talented performing arts community.

For more information on the GDIF, click here.

Ball Out:3×3 bball qualifiers

Where: Finsbury Park

When: 23 August 2026

If the absence of the World Cup has you missing your fix of sport, fear not because Ball Out’s got you covered. The registered charity is hosting the national finals of its 3×3 tournament where teams of threes will go head to head to be crowned the champions. There’s a lot on the line as the winners of the Elite Men’s division will be given the opportunity to represent the UK at the FIBA 3×3 Challenger in the states, as well as a £2,000 prize. Expect music, good vibes and intense match-ups.

‘Poetic Justice’ Screening

barbican outdoor cinema

Where: Barbican Outdoor Cinema

When: 27 August 2026

Make the most of the warm weather this August with a visit to Barbican’s open-air cinema. The venue has been showing hit movies all summer long and on 27th August they’ll be hosting a screening of the 90’s classic, Poetic Justice, starring Janet Jackson and the late Tupac. A romantic flick under the stars? This screening is perfect for date night.

Click here for tickets and more info.

Notting Hill Carnival

notting hill carnival

Where: Streets of W10 & W11

When: 30-31 August 2026

Happy 60th anniversary to Notting Hill Carnival! Since being established in 1966, the annual celebration of Caribbean culture has grown to become one of London’s most anticipated events (and the biggest street party in Europe!) each summer. From the bright costumes and colourful floats to the thumping sound systems and delicious food stalls, Notting Hill Carnival is a vibrant affair that embodies the Caribbean. Make sure you head to the streets of W10 and W11 to take in the sounds and flavours of the islands!

Click here for more information about Notting Hill Carnival weekend.

Jazz & Soul Sessions Featuring Sofar Sounds

sofar sounds canada water

Where: Canada Water

When: Weekends in August

There’s nothing like smooth sounds in summer and you can get your fix of good music every weekend at Canada Water. Every weekend in August, Canada Water’s floating stage will host free sessions where you can watch performances from some of the best talent in jazz and soul. The programme line-up includes names such as Sophie Faith, Norman Jay MBE and Soul Sanctuary Gospel Choir (SSGC), with Sofar Sounds kicking each session off with a live warm-up performance. There will also be a special takeover by Black Eats, as well as a Vinyl Market where you can go crate digging to discover records.

For more information about the Jazz & Soul programme at Canada Water, click here.

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