Giles Guide: Things to Do in London

Looking for exciting ways to spend your weekend in London? Check out these must-see events and activities happening around the city this weekend. From immersive cocktail experiences and lively brunches to unique cultural events there is so much to discover.

Battersea Park in Concert

As a three-day open-air concert in Battersea Park, this event offers a spectacular lineup of performances in the heart of London. Bringing together classical, West End, and jazz music, with each day dedicated to a different genre. The program includes performances by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, a "Night at the Musicals," and a grand jazz finale with Ronnie Scott's Jazz Orchestra. In addition to the music, attendees can indulge in gourmet picnics, enjoy top-notch street food, and participate in family-friendly activities like the Kids Tipiland.

Date and Time: August 24th - 26th 4:30pm- 9:30pm approx.

Location: Battersea Park, SW11 4NJ

Price: Varying ticket prices. General Admission Adult tickets starting from £43.10

Event Link: For details about the event and to book tickets click here

 

Notting Hill Carnival

The Notting Hill Carnival is a vibrant, annual celebration of Caribbean culture held in the streets of London's Notting Hill neighbourhood. Established in 1966, this colourful event features lively parades with extravagant costumes, infectious calypso and soca music, and a wide array of Caribbean food stalls. Drawing over a million visitors each year, it is one of the largest street festivals in Europe. The carnival celebrates diversity and community spirit, honouring the rich cultural heritage of the Caribbean diaspora in the UK.

Date and Time: August 25th - 26th 10:00am - 10:30pm

Location: Multiple locations depending on the event attending

Price: Free no ticket required

Event Link: For details about the event and the daily schedule click here

 

Greenwich + Docklands International Festival (GDIF)

Experience a spectacular celebration of outdoor theatre, dance, and live performances set against iconic London landmarks. As London’s leading festival of free outdoor theatre and performing arts, this dynamic festival transforms the city into a vibrant stage, showcasing innovative and diverse artistic expressions from around the globe. With captivating performances and immersive experiences for all ages, it’s a must-visit event that brings art and culture to the heart of the community. Discover the GDIF this weekend for an unforgettable festival that celebrates creativity and imagination in the great outdoors!

Date & Time: This event runs performances at varying times from 23rd Aug - 8th Sep

Location: Takes Place across Royal Greenwich, Docklands and Tower Hamlets

Price: Free

Event Link: For more details about the event and exact times of performances click here

 

Hampton Court Palace Food Market

The Hampton Court Palace Food Festival offers a unique culinary experience in the stunning setting of Henry VIII's former palace. Visitors can indulge in a variety of street foods, sample craft beers, wines, and boutique drinks, and explore over 150 stalls featuring artisan products. The event also includes family-friendly activities like garden games and face painting, making it a perfect day out for all ages. Admission to the festival includes access to the palace and its beautiful gardens, adding a historical touch to the gourmet festivities.

Date and Time: August 24th- 26th 10:00am - 6:00pm

Location: Hampton Ct Way, Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9AU

Price: £30.00 for a peak adult ticket but prices vary depending on age

Event Link: For details about the event and to book your ticket click here

 

London Margarita Rumble x Jose Cuervo

Visit Hackney Wick this weekend for the fifth annual London Margarita Rumble. A fiesta like no other with top bars and restaurants across the city competing for the tittle for best margarita. Attendees can enjoy unlimited margarita tastings with the price of their ticket while enjoying the entertainment and lively atmosphere. Check out Two More Years this weekend as it hosts this event for delicious drinks and an amazing time.

Hours: August 25th with various time slots

Location: Two More Years, 7 Roach Rd, Fish Island, E3 2PA

Price: £37.50 per person for unlimited margarita tasting

Event Link: For more information about the event and to book your ticket click here

 

The Leadenhall Vintage Furniture & Flea Market

Step back in time and discover a range of vintage furniture, home décor, and eclectic collectibles at the Leadenhall Market. Doing away with expensive replicas and focusing on quality and affordability, the Flea market provides an antidote; a celebration of mid-century living from the 50s and beyond, the event offers up TOP vintage traders, all offering furniture and homewares without costing the earth. The market is a must-visit for antique enthusiasts and those looking to add character to their homes.

Date and Time: August 25th 12pm- 5pm

Location: Leadenhall Market, Gracechurch Street, EC3V 1LT

Price: Free entry but reserve a spot with the link below

Event Link: To reserve your ticket click here

 

Beryl Cook/ Tom of Finland

Visit Studio Voltaire for the last weekend of the Beryl Cook/ Tom of Finland exhibition. Bringing together the work of these two cultural icons for the first time this exhibit explores the interconnected ideas surrounding gender, sexuality, taste and class. Both artists had a distinct and coherent way of hyper-realising the body making this pairing so powerful. This exhibit also showcases some archival pieces that have never been seen by the public. Be sure to visit this weekend before it is gone.

Gallery Hours: Wednesday – Sunday 10:00am – 5:00pm

Location: Studio Voltaire, 1A Nelsons Row, London SW4 7JR

Price: Free entry no booking required

Event Link: For more information click here

 

Bottomless Brunch and Crazy Golf

Escape to Swingers West End's sun-drenched terrace for the ultimate summer brunch featuring Ciroc Limonata. Experience the essence of the Amalfi Coast with refreshing cocktails, vibrant street food from Patty&Bun, and a round of crazy golf. Enjoy bottomless drinks and live DJs in a lush, Instagram-worthy setting that promises an unforgettable Saturday rooftop retreat. Your ticket includes 1.5 hours of unlimited drinks, £13 worth of street food, and a reserved table for 2.5 hours.

Date and Time: August 24th with two time slots

Location: 15 John Prince's St, W1G 0AB

Price: £55.00 per person

Event Link: For more information and to book your ticket click here

 

Between the Bridges

Between the Bridges is a vibrant pop-up event space located along London's South Bank, offering an eclectic mix of entertainment. From screening of the latest games to an array of ticketed and free events there is always a reason to visit Between the Bridges. This space also features a wide selection of street food vendors, craft beers, and fine wines, whether you're there for the music, the food, or the atmosphere, this is a must-visit spot for a fun and memorable experience along the Thames.

Location: The Queen's Walk, SE1

Price: Free entry but reserve a spot via the link below

Event Link: For a list of the events this weekend and to book tickets click here

 

 

Alcotraz

Step into the world of Alcotraz, London’s first immersive cocktail bar where you'll don an orange jumpsuit and navigate the perils of prison life. Inspired by Hollywood’s most infamous prison tales, this unique venue combines immersive theatre with bespoke cocktail crafting, allowing you to smuggle your own liquor past crooked guards and enjoy personalized drinks. With real metallic cells and a cast of engaging actors, Alcotraz offers a thrilling and intimate experience perfect for couples and groups alike.

Location: Unit 3B, 127 Hackney Road, London E2 8GY

Price: Ticket prices start at £42.50 per person

Event Link: For more information about time slots and to book your ticket click here

 

Battersea Park in Concert

As a three-day open-air concert in Battersea Park, this event offers a spectacular lineup of performances in the heart of London. Bringing together classical, West End, and jazz music, with each day dedicated to a different genre. The program includes performances by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, a "Night at the Musicals," and a grand jazz finale with Ronnie Scott's Jazz Orchestra. In addition to the music, attendees can indulge in gourmet picnics, enjoy top-notch street food, and participate in family-friendly activities like the Kids Tipiland.

Date and Time: August 24th - 26th 4:30pm- 9:30pm approx.

Location: Battersea Park, SW11 4NJ

Price: Varying ticket prices. General Admission Adult tickets starting from £43.10

Event Link: For details about the event and to book tickets click here

 

Notting Hill Carnival

The Notting Hill Carnival is a vibrant, annual celebration of Caribbean culture held in the streets of London's Notting Hill neighbourhood. Established in 1966, this colourful event features lively parades with extravagant costumes, infectious calypso and soca music, and a wide array of Caribbean food stalls. Drawing over a million visitors each year, it is one of the largest street festivals in Europe. The carnival celebrates diversity and community spirit, honouring the rich cultural heritage of the Caribbean diaspora in the UK.

Date and Time: August 25th - 26th 10:00am - 10:30pm

Location: Multiple locations depending on the event attending

Price: Free no ticket required

Event Link: For details about the event and the daily schedule click here

 

Greenwich + Docklands International Festival (GDIF)

Experience a spectacular celebration of outdoor theatre, dance, and live performances set against iconic London landmarks. As London’s leading festival of free outdoor theatre and performing arts, this dynamic festival transforms the city into a vibrant stage, showcasing innovative and diverse artistic expressions from around the globe. With captivating performances and immersive experiences for all ages, it’s a must-visit event that brings art and culture to the heart of the community. Discover the GDIF this weekend for an unforgettable festival that celebrates creativity and imagination in the great outdoors!

Date & Time: This event runs performances at varying times from 23rd Aug - 8th Sep

Location: Takes Place across Royal Greenwich, Docklands and Tower Hamlets

Price: Free

Event Link: For more details about the event and exact times of performances click here

 

Hampton Court Palace Food Market

The Hampton Court Palace Food Festival offers a unique culinary experience in the stunning setting of Henry VIII's former palace. Visitors can indulge in a variety of street foods, sample craft beers, wines, and boutique drinks, and explore over 150 stalls featuring artisan products. The event also includes family-friendly activities like garden games and face painting, making it a perfect day out for all ages. Admission to the festival includes access to the palace and its beautiful gardens, adding a historical touch to the gourmet festivities.

Date and Time: August 24th- 26th 10:00am - 6:00pm

Location: Hampton Ct Way, Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9AU

Price: £30.00 for a peak adult ticket but prices vary depending on age

Event Link: For details about the event and to book your ticket click here

 

London Margarita Rumble x Jose Cuervo

Visit Hackney Wick this weekend for the fifth annual London Margarita Rumble. A fiesta like no other with top bars and restaurants across the city competing for the tittle for best margarita. Attendees can enjoy unlimited margarita tastings with the price of their ticket while enjoying the entertainment and lively atmosphere. Check out Two More Years this weekend as it hosts this event for delicious drinks and an amazing time.

Hours: August 25th with various time slots

Location: Two More Years, 7 Roach Rd, Fish Island, E3 2PA

Price: £37.50 per person for unlimited margarita tasting

Event Link: For more information about the event and to book your ticket click here

 

The Leadenhall Vintage Furniture & Flea Market

Step back in time and discover a range of vintage furniture, home décor, and eclectic collectibles at the Leadenhall Market. Doing away with expensive replicas and focusing on quality and affordability, the Flea market provides an antidote; a celebration of mid-century living from the 50s and beyond, the event offers up TOP vintage traders, all offering furniture and homewares without costing the earth. The market is a must-visit for antique enthusiasts and those looking to add character to their homes.

Date and Time: August 25th 12pm- 5pm

Location: Leadenhall Market, Gracechurch Street, EC3V 1LT

Price: Free entry but reserve a spot with the link below

Event Link: To reserve your ticket click here

 

Beryl Cook/ Tom of Finland

Visit Studio Voltaire for the last weekend of the Beryl Cook/ Tom of Finland exhibition. Bringing together the work of these two cultural icons for the first time this exhibit explores the interconnected ideas surrounding gender, sexuality, taste and class. Both artists had a distinct and coherent way of hyper-realising the body making this pairing so powerful. This exhibit also showcases some archival pieces that have never been seen by the public. Be sure to visit this weekend before it is gone.

Gallery Hours: Wednesday – Sunday 10:00am – 5:00pm

Location: Studio Voltaire, 1A Nelsons Row, London SW4 7JR

Price: Free entry no booking required

Event Link: For more information click here

 

Bottomless Brunch and Crazy Golf

Escape to Swingers West End's sun-drenched terrace for the ultimate summer brunch featuring Ciroc Limonata. Experience the essence of the Amalfi Coast with refreshing cocktails, vibrant street food from Patty&Bun, and a round of crazy golf. Enjoy bottomless drinks and live DJs in a lush, Instagram-worthy setting that promises an unforgettable Saturday rooftop retreat. Your ticket includes 1.5 hours of unlimited drinks, £13 worth of street food, and a reserved table for 2.5 hours.

Date and Time: August 24th with two time slots

Location: 15 John Prince's St, W1G 0AB

Price: £55.00 per person

Event Link: For more information and to book your ticket click here

 

Between the Bridges

Between the Bridges is a vibrant pop-up event space located along London's South Bank, offering an eclectic mix of entertainment. From screening of the latest games to an array of ticketed and free events there is always a reason to visit Between the Bridges. This space also features a wide selection of street food vendors, craft beers, and fine wines, whether you're there for the music, the food, or the atmosphere, this is a must-visit spot for a fun and memorable experience along the Thames.

Location: The Queen's Walk, SE1

Price: Free entry but reserve a spot via the link below

Event Link: For a list of the events this weekend and to book tickets click here

 

Alcotraz

Step into the world of Alcotraz, London’s first immersive cocktail bar where you'll don an orange jumpsuit and navigate the perils of prison life. Inspired by Hollywood’s most infamous prison tales, this unique venue combines immersive theatre with bespoke cocktail crafting, allowing you to smuggle your own liquor past crooked guards and enjoy personalized drinks. With real metallic cells and a cast of engaging actors, Alcotraz offers a thrilling and intimate experience perfect for couples and groups alike.

Location: Unit 3B, 127 Hackney Road, London E2 8GY

Price: Ticket prices start at £42.50 per person

Event Link: For more information about time slots and to book your ticket click here