Summer culture in London
Check out just some of the fantastic free and low cost things to love in London this summer. In the words of The 5th Dimension, "Let the sunshine in!".
The Great Get Together
15 June 2024
In celebration of its ten-year anniversary, this free community event brings together local residents, families, and friends through entertaining activities across music, dance, arts, sports, and food.
Main stage performances, activities and workshops will be provided from all five East Bank partners. With electrifying performances to interactive workshops and different cuisines, there is something for everyone.
Friends and families are invited to celebrate East London, East Bank, and honour London’s Olympic legacy as the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games approach.
London Festival of Architecture
1 to 30 June 2024
The month-long celebration of architecture and city-making returns with this year’s theme of ‘Reimagine’ reflected across the programme of events, activities and workshops including free walking tours, talks and exhibitions.
Great Exhibition Road Festival
15 and 16 June 2024
A free annual celebration of science and the arts each summer in South Kensington for all ages.
Enjoy hands-on workshops, fascinating talks, performances and installations from iconic museums, research and culture organisations, including Imperial College London, the Natural History Museum, Science Museum, V&A and many more.
Plus, you can indulge in food from all over the world and enjoy eclectic performances from the Royal College of Music and Royal Albert Hall.
Wandsworth Arts Fringe
7 to 23 June 2024
Bringing together brand new theatre, experimental music and dance, inventive cabaret, and work-in-progress shows from comedy's rising stars to a variety of venues all across the next London Borough of Culture. Let loose under Putney Bridge at a Midsummer Night's Rave.
Take the whole family to a Peruvian folk-inspired puppet show. Bask in a classical sound bath. Or get creative yourself with a writing, drama, dance or craft workshops.
West End LIVE
22 and 23 June 2024
London’s annual free celebration of theatre returns featuring live performances from London's most celebrated West End musicals, with over 50 performances expected to take place over the weekend.
The event is free to the public. No tickets are required, with entry operated on a first come, first served basis
West End LIVE is presented by Westminster City Council and the Society of London Theatre, with support from the Mayor of London.
London's International Festival of Theatre (LIFT)
5 June to 27 July
LIFT has been bringing global stories to London and transforming the city into a stage since 1981.
This year's festival is full of bold and relevant culture, international perspectives, and thought-provoking performances, including Milan's legendary maker Chiara Bersani, takes over The Old Bailey’s grand hall with the monumental and poetic L’Animale.
More information about London's International Festival of Theatre (LIFT)
SAFAR Film Festival
18 to 30 June 2024
The UK’s largest festival of Arabic films returns for its ninth edition, showcasing compelling films from across the Arab region that explore the theme On Dreams, Hopes & Realities.
Curated by Rabih El-Khoury, this year's festival features work from pioneers like Michel Khleifi and Tahani Rached, as well as debut films by emerging talents such as Amjad Al Rasheed and Sofia Alaoui.
At a time of war in Gaza, Palestine sits at the programme’s heart while stories from Sudan, the Gulf and the wider region bring varied dimensions to this year’s theme.
Find more great things to do in London this Summer
From free festivals to iconic exhibitions, there are so many fun and free things across the city to enjoy.