Free Things To Do In London This Bank Holiday

1. Greenwich+Docklands International Festival

Back for another jam-packed year, Greenwich+Docklands International Festival kicks off this weekend with a groundbreaking programme of free outdoor theatre, art installations, and dance performances. Until the 10th of September, iconic London sights including St Paul's Cathedral and Greenwich Park will be the backdrop for circus dance parties, vertical performance showcases, and a light installation of 12 life-sized swans that can be seen swimming poetically along the Royal Victoria Dock. Go on, you know you want to check out the schedule so you don’t miss out.

‍25 August - 10 September 2023

‍Location: Across London

‍Website

2. Free Crazy Golf At Swingers City

It’s Swingers’ 7th birthday and they’re giving us a gift! How could we say no to that? Hurry down to Swingers City on the 28th August for an unforgettable birthday party offering free games of crazy golf for the whole day between 12pm and 10pm. Upon arrival, you can immediately begin celebrating with a glass of Perrier Jouet champagne or even an exclusive birthday cocktail, the Lucky Number Seven, made with Mermaid Pink Gin, cherry liqueur, and prosecco - because of course, there’s no party without popping a bottle or two… or many. Now, you didn’t think they’d forget about the hungry golfers did you? Street food stalls including Pizza Pilgrims, Breddos Tacos, and Patty&Bun will all be there for the ride serving up special dishes for the special price of, you guessed it, £7.

‍28 August 2023

‍Location: 8 Brown’s Buildings, London EC3A 8AL

‍Website

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3. The Big Woof

For this weekend only, King’s Cross will be filled with furry friends of all shapes and sizes in celebration of International Dog Day 2023. The Bank Holiday celebration will see a programme of free events including dog shows to showcase the best sitters, waggy tails, and tricksters; tarot card readings for your pooch with professional readers and mediums; and photoshoot experiences that will capture your best friend’s cutest angle. The area’s dog friendly venues and Canopy Market will also get involved setting up stalls full of pawsome accessories, apparel, and tasty treats. 

‍26 - 27 August 2023

‍Location: King’s Cross, London N1C

‍Website

4. Victorian Vauxhall

Roll up, roll up, the circus awaits you! For one Saturday only, Vauxhall’s Pleasure Gardens will be taken back in time to the Victorian era and transformed into a retro funfair. Grab your free ticket and immerse yourself in all of the delights of the day with circus acts, vintage games, and sweet treats galore. Whether you have little ones or are guilty of just being a big kid yourself, you’ll love getting involved in face painting, dance classes, circus school, and some great live music throughout the day. Furry friends are also welcome for a grand Bank Holiday in the sun (fingers crossed).

‍26 August 2023

‍Location: Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, Vauxhall Walk, London SE11 5HL

‍Book Now

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5. Notting Hill Carnival

Would it be August Bank Holiday without spending at least one day at Notting Hill Carnival? Absolutely not. Set your alarms and get on your most vibrant outfit because the party starts at 10am on Sunday and 12pm on Monday with the usual sound systems, parades, and live stages with performers who have been preparing all year to get you into the carnival spirit. As usual, there will be over 300 food stalls offering cuisines from all over the world so get ready to tuck into some delicious jerk chicken, Trinidadian Roti, Guyanese Pepper Pot, as well as a variety of vegan and veggie options. Looking for a carnival afterparty? Find exactly that and some other feel-good carnival events happening in London this weekend.

‍26 - 28 August 2023

‍Location: Across Notting Hill

‍Website

Main photo credit: Greenwich+Docklands Fest

‍Celebrate Bank Holiday weekend with other exciting events happening in London this weekend… or get stuck into the Premier League games in these buzzy live sport pubs.