As September rears its head, many will be looking to fill their August bank holiday weekend with a range of fun activities as summer soon draws to a close.
Luckily, in London, there is always an abundance of events to keep you busy, particularly on a long weekend.
From lively music events to bustling food markets, here’s our pick of the best things to do in London over the August bank holiday weekend.
The largest street festival in Europe returns for its 60th anniversary. Expect spectacular costumes, pounding sound systems and thousands of people dancing to the sound of steel drums as the parade marches through west London.
The main Carnival, which is free to attend, takes place on Sunday 30 and Monday 31 August, with a special Panorama and Junior Panorama steel band ticketed event happening on Saturday 29 August.
Performers in costume take part in the main parade of the Notting Hill Carnival
AFP/Getty
Sunday is the more family-friendly day, though it still gets very busy, with performers and attendees taking to the streets from 6am for J’Ouvert (‘opening of the day’). This is followed by the official opening ceremony at 10am, before sound systems take over from midday onwards.
Monday is typically the largest and loudest of the days, as thousands of performers take to the streets for the iconic Adults’ Parade, which begins at 10.30am. Sound systems and live performances kick in from 12.00pm onwards.
Organisers have said this year’s celebrations will likely be bigger than ever before, dubbing the event the Diamond Jubilee. First launched in 1966 by a local resident who wanted to bring the community together, it has since spawned into a world famous spectacle.
An array of artists will take over Victoria Park in east London for an epic three days of live music from a variety of genres.
This weekend, All Points East will see Tyler, the Creator take over on Friday 28 and Saturday 29, while Twenty One Pilots will headline on Sunday 30, for the final day of the festival.
Last week, Jorja Smith, Lorde, and Deaftones headlined for the first three days of the multi-weekend festival.
Ahead of the musical offerings, a fun and free-entry mid-week community programme is being held in the east London Park, in partnership with Tower Hamlets Council.
Featuring an array of activities fun for all the family, such as an outdoor cinema and numerous street food vendors, the event runs from Monday 24 to Thursday 27.
Venturing over to south-east London, Round the Dock in Canada Water will enjoy its final weekend this upcoming bank holiday.
The dockside has been packed with an array of activities over the past six weeks, ranging from live music performances, workshops and dance classes.
For its final weekend, guests can browse through a market featuring vinyls, art and fashion, as well as enjoy the selection of street food and drinks available to their heart’s content.
All events are free to attend, and Round the Dock will conclude on Sunday 30 August.
4. Efectos Especiales, Greenwich Peninsula
Greenwich will be transformed into an immersive live cinematic set, as performers descend upon the Peninsula on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 August.
Efectos Especiales, created by Argentinian artists Luciana Acuña and Alejo Moguillansky, is an interactive production transforming Peninsula Square and Design District into a full on action movie set.
efectos especiales
Expect leaping dancers, artificial weather and loud music as performers seek to immerse passers-by in the spectacle which blurs the lines between film, theatre and live performance. It needs to be seen to be believed.
The free performance is part of Greenwich+Docklands International Festival, which runs from August 21 to September 6.
5. Hampton Court Palace Food Festival
Foodies, it’s time to eat your heart out at Hampton Court Palace, Henry VIII’s former residence.
Guests can browse the more than 150 artisan producers and independent stalls at the festival, which is running from 29 to 31 August.
Families can participate in a range of activities alongside all the munching, including face painting, a silent disco and arts and crafts. In a new feature for 2026, attendees can also enjoy live cooking demonstrations from a range of talented chefs in the Regina Kitchen.
Tickets to the event will also give guests access to the grounds of the historic palace, as well as its gardens.
6. Battersea Park In Concert
The four-day series of open-air concerts will return to south London park for its fourth year running.
Between 28th and 31st August, Battersea Park in Concert will see performances from the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra, and The Amy Winehouse Band.
People enjoy the sunshine in Battersea Park
AFP/Getty
It will also feature an exclusive performance from South African singer Jeremy Loops, who will be joined by London African Gospel Choir for the “Sounds of South Africa” on Friday, 28.
Guests can bring in their own picnic to enjoy as they sit back to enjoy a variety of musical acts, from blues and jazz to orchestral performances.
