Head to The Scoop and More London for the Free Festival and Albanian Festival

Can you believe it’s summer already? With the long warm nights, festival season is in full swing with tons of alfresco events. There’s cultural celebrations, film festivals, free outdoor theatre and open gardens, among many others activities so there’s plenty to do whatever our interests. Here’s Metro Girl’s pick of the best things on in London this June.

For a guide to open air cinemas in London, click here.

For a guide to open air screenings of Wimbledon and other sport this summer, click here.

• 1 – 30 June : London Festival Of Architecture

A month long celebration of architecture, with this year’s theme being ‘work in progress’. Featuring talks, installations, tours, exhibitions, open studios, film screenings, debates and conferences. At various venue around town. For more information, visit the London Festival of Architecture website.

• 2 – 16 June : Spitalfields Summer Music Festival

Two week festival incorporating classical music, contemporary music, family activities and bespoke tours. Some events are free, while others will cost. For more information, venues and tickets, visit the Spitalfields Music website.

• 3 – 7 June : Soho Create

A five day festival celebration the best of Soho’s creative scene, including discussions, speeches, talks, chats, drinks, performance and parties. Speakers include Kelly Hoppen MBE, Angela Hartnett, David Lan, Stephen Mangan, Alan Yentob, Gareth Pugh, Jessica Hynes, Jo Malone, Mike Figgis, Ms Dynamite, Maureen Lipman CBE and many more. Various locations in Soho. Nearest stations: Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square and Tottenham Court Road. For more information, visit Soho Create.

• 3 – 5, 10 – 30 June : More London Free Festival

Free fringe festival of music and theatre at The Scoop, near Potter’s Field Park by the Thames. Featuring include Camillo Menjura, The Magic Lantern, Rex Domino, The Pantaloons perform Pride & Prejudice, Arthur Lea, Bellatrix, We Used to Make Things, Music Fridays presented by Sunday Best, Stick In The Wheel and much more. The Scoop, Queen’s Walk, SE1 2DB. Nearest tube: London Bridge. For more information and listings, visit the More London website.

• 5 – 7 June : Nine Elms Horticultural Spa & Apothecary Experience by Loop.pH

As part of the Chelsea Fringe Festival, relax in a temporary structure that is part greenhouse and part pneumatic bubble. Visitors are invited to ephemeral and futuristic tea ceremony, where your drink is ‘served through clouds of fragrant medicinal fog consumed through breathing and absorbed into the skin’. There will also be workshops. Free. 12-8pm. Riverside Gardens, Nine Elms Lane, Vauxhall, SW8 2DU. Nearest station: Vauxhall. For more information, visit the Nine Elms London website.

• 5 – 7 June : Polo In The Park

Bringing polo from the country estates into London. As well as watching the polo, there is plenty of entertainment and food and drink venues, including Mahiki Bar; Lanson Champagne Garden; Fentiman’s Botanical Garden, Pimm’s Bus, luxury shopping village and Club Med Kids. Tickets: £30-£45 (adults), £10-15 (children). Hurlingham Park, Fulham, SW6 3RH. Nearest tube: Putney Bridge or Parson’s Green. For more information and tickets, visit Chestertons Polo In The Park’s website. To read about Metro Girl’s visit to Polo In The Park, check out this post

• 5 – 7 June : Stoke Newington Literary Festival

A festival featuring readings, workshops and performances at venues across the suburb, including the Town Hall, Library and Abney Park Cemetery. Tickets range from free to £12. Will Self, Michael Rosen, Tracey Thorn, Tom Huddleston and Zoe Williams among the names taking part. For more information and tickets, visit the Stoke Newington Literary Festival website.

• 5 – 7 June : Carters Steam Fair @ Peckham Rye

The vintage travelling funfair sets up camp in Peckham Rye, featuring rides from the late 19th century to the 1960s. Open Fri 4-10pm; Sat 12-10pm and Sun 12-8pm. Free admission. Peckham Rye, SE15 3UA. Nearest station: Peckham Rye, Nunhead or East Dulwich. For more information, visit the Carters Steam Fair website.

• 5 June – 17 July : Sunset Safari

Mingle with giraffes at London Zoo

Late night opening at London Zoo is a bit different this year. Instead of previous years’ London Zoo Lates, this summer’s evening openings on Fridays are open to friends, couples and families. You can see the animals getting ready for bed on a self-guided Safari Trail. There will also be entertainment and a world food market. 6-10pm. Tickets start from £14.56/£20.80. London Zoo, Outer Circle (Regent’s Park), NW1 4RY. Nearest tube: Camden Town or Regent’s Park. For more information and booking, visit the Zoological Society London website.

• 6 June : Turkish Day

A celebration of Turkish culture, including food, guest speakers and entertainment in Trafalgar Square. Free. 12-8pm. Nearest tube: Charing Cross, Piccadilly Circus or Leicester Square. For more information, visit the London.gov.uk website.

• Now until 6 June : Brockley Street Art Festival

One week long celebration of street art, featuring local, national and international talent. Featuring activities for adults and children alike, including colouring competition, mural painting, live DJs and talks. Various venues around Brockley. For more information, visit the Brockley Street Art Festival website.

• 6 June – 31 August : Festival Of Love

The Festival Of Love returns to the Southbank Centre for the second year in a row, featuring love-themed music, exhibitions, performances, activities and other events. Highlights include the Big Wedding Weekend and exhibtion of neon artist Chris Bracey’s work in ‘Love And Liquid’. Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX. Nearest tube: Waterloo or Embankment. For more information, visit the Southbank Centre website.

• 7 June : Indonesia Day

Family event in Trafalgar Square showcasing the culture and traditions of Indonesia, featuring food, performances and cultural activities. Free. 12-6pm. Nearest tube: Charing Cross, Piccadilly Circus or Leicester Square. For more information, visit the London.gov.uk website.

• 8 June : Albanian Festival

A celebration of Albanian culture, including folk dancing, singing, poetry and an iPhone photography competition. Free. 4-9pm. More London, Queen’s Walk, SE1 2DB. Nearest tube: London Bridge. For more information, visit the More London website.

• 8 June : Trader Vic’s Tiki Cinema

Trader Vic’s in the London Hilton are hosting monthly screenings in their Tiki-themed bar and restaurant. This month’s screening is Dr No. Film starts at 7.30pm, food is served from 6pm. Tickets: £13 (including screening and a cocktail). Trader’s Vic, 22 Park Lane, Mayfair, W1K 1BE. Nearest station: Hyde Park Corner. For more information, visit the Trader’s Vic website

• 9 – 24 June : Theatre In The Square (Hammersmith Summer Festival)

BID teamed up with the Lyric Hammersmith to provide alfresco theatre performances. Productions include Boy Meets Girl, Monotone Man and Citizen Squid. Free. 12-3pm every Tuesday and Wednesday. Lyric Square, Hammersmith, W6 0ED. Nearest station: Hammersmith. For more information, visit the Hammersmith London website.

• 10 June : Royal Opera House BP Big Screens

The Royal Opera House’s production of La Boheme will be screened live on to big screens in Trafalgar Square and Walthamstow Town Square. Simply bring a cushion or blanket and find a spot. Free. 7pm. For more information, visit the Royal Opera House website.

• 10 June – 6 September : Carsten Höller: Decision

Belgium-born artist Carsten Höller’s exhibition explores perception and decision making, prompting an interactive experience for guests. You will then get the chance to exit the exhibition down a slide! Tickets: Adults £13.50-£15, Student £11. Hayward Gallery, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX. Nearest tube: Waterloo. For information and tickets, visit the Southbank Centre website.

• 11 – 14 June : Affordable Art Fair Hampstead

For those among us who aren’t loaded, this event is a chance for people to buy a unique piece of art or photography for their homes at an affordable price. There are over 100 galleries, with pieces for sale ranging for £40 to £4,000. Admission costs £10-£15 in advance/on the door. Lower Fairground Site, East Heath Road, Hampstead, NW3 1TH. Nearest tube: Hampstead. For more information and tickets, visit the Affordable Art Fair website.

• 12 June onwards : POP-Down Dining and Desserts

Luxury gastro firm Cuisson are launching a new dining concept entitled POP-Down In St James. Located in a spacious basement, guests will feast on four inventive, unusual courses while drinking a signature Cuisson cocktail. Alternatively, for those with a sweet tooth, there will be a dessert bar serving three courses of sweet treats. Takes place every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 7.30pm onwards. Tickets: £39 for 4 courses (available to purchase in advance through Grubclub). Cuisson Presents POP-Down-Dining and Desserts is located in the basement at Borough Barista, 15 Charles II Street, St James, SW1Y 4RW. Nearest station: Green Park. For more information, visit the GrubClub website. To find out more, check out Metro Girl’s blog post on the POP-Down.

• 13 June : Fork To Fork Food Festival

A new food festival to raise money for the Open Classroom Project. Featuring some of London’s most talented chefs, restaurateurs and producers. Including food and produce stalls, talks and tastings, craft beer, wine and artisan spirits, a world fete, secret picnic garden, live music and children’s activities. Tickets: £5 advance or £8 on the door). ARK Franklin Primary Academy, Harvist Road, Kensal Rise, NW6 6HJ. Nearest station: Kensal Green or Westbourne Park. For more information and tickets, visit Fork To Fork website.

• 13 June : Highgate’s Fair In The Square

Spring fair featuring entertainment, children’s activities, stalls, food and drink and live music in Highgate. 12.30-5.30pm. Pond Square, Highgate Village, N6 6BS. Nearest station: Highgate. For more information, visit the Fair In The Square website.

Taste London returns to Regent’s Park

• 13 June : The Big Noise Festival

A one day festival organised by the Big Issue Foundation. Acts include DJ Yoda, Slamboree, Scratch Perverts, and more. Money raised going to help the homeless. Advanced tickets from £18. 6pm-6am. The Coronet, 28 New Kent Road, SE1 6TJ. Nearest station: Elephant & Castle. For more information, visit the Big Noise Festival website.

• 13 – 14 and 20 – 21 June : Carters Steam Fair @ West Dulwich

The vintage travelling funfair sets up camp in Belair Park in West Dulwich, featuring rides from the late 19th century to the 1960s. Open Sat 12-10pm; Sun 12-8pm. Free admission. Belair Park, Gallery Road and Dulwich Common, SE21. Nearest station: West Dulwich. For more information, visit the Carters Steam Fair website.

• 13 – 14 June : Open Garden Squares Weekend

Two day event where over 200 private squares and community squares that are normally off-limits to the public open their doors. Tickets cost £10 in advance or £12 on the day and give you access to all gardens and a guidebook. For more information, visit the Open Square website.

• 13 – 14 June : Junipalooza Gin Festival

An event dedicated to gin, featuring fun, immersive installations that combine botanicals, industrial warehousing, music and drinking. Tickets start from £12.40. The Vinyl Factory, 51 Poland Street, Soho, W1F 7LZ. Nearest station: Oxford Circus or Piccadilly Circus. For more information, visit the Gin Foundry website.

• 14 June : Vauxhall Art Car Boot Fair

Once a year there’s a chance to pick up some bargains from the art world. Over 100 artists, Richard Strange’s Daylight Cabaret Futura, some wild performance pieces, gourmet hotdogs and live auction. From 12-6pm. Brick Lane Yard (corner of Brick Lane and Buxton Street), E1. Nearest station: Shoreditch High Street. For more information, visit the Art Car Boot Fair website.

Unique: 19 Princelet Street is open two days in June

• 14 and 21 June : Open days at 19 Princelet Street

A rare chance to see inside the Museum of Immigration at the unrestored 18th Century, which was home to Huguenots, Irish immigrants and a synagogue over the years. 19 Princelet Street. Free to visit, but donations are welcome. Open 12-5pm. Queues likely, so arrive early. 19 Princelet Street, Shoreditch, E1 6BH. Nearest tube: Liverpool Street, Aldgate East or Shoreditch High Street. For more information, visit the 19 Princelet Street website. Read about Metro Girl’s visit to 19 Princelet Street here.

• 17 – 21 June : Taste Of London

The hugely popular food festival returns to Regent’s Park. As well as a host of different cuisines to try, there’s also the chance to attend workshops and talks by Michel Roux Jnr, Neil Rankin, Theo Randall, Jason Atherton, amongst others. Will feature pop-ups of London’s best venues, including Aqua Kyoto, Barbecoa, Bluebird, Duck & Waffle, MEATliquor, Roka and SushiSamba. Tickets start from £17-27. Regent’s Park, NW1 4NR. Nearest tube: Regent’s Park. For more information and tickets, visit the Taste Of London website. For a post on last year’s Taste Of London, click here.

• 19 and 22 – 25 June : British Summer Time Film Festival

Aside from the paid-for concerts at the British Summer Time Festival in Hyde Park, there will be also free access to the site on select days. Entertainment includes a film festival (screenings at 6pm and 8.30pm), street food market, performances by theatre company Chickenshed and trapeze lessons from Gorilla Circus. Hyde Park, W2 2UH. Nearest station: Hyde Park Corner or Marble Arch. For more information, visit the British Summer Time website.

• 20 – 21 June : West End LIVE

The casts of some of the West End’s biggest shows perform live in Trafalgar Square over the weekend for free. Sat: 11am-6pm, Sun: 12noon-6pm. Nearest tube: Charing Cross, Piccadilly Circus or Leicester Square. For more information, visit the West End Live website.

• 20 – 28 June : Camberwell Arts Festival

Nine day festival celebrating the arts and creative talent of Camberwell, featuring open houses, supper clubs and much more. For more information, visit the Camberwell Arts Festival website.

• 20 June – 5 July : Hampstead Summer Festival

Now extended to two weeks long, the festival takes place in and around Hampstead, including the Big Fair on Heath Street (5 July), open art competitions, poetry, art and literacy events, pub quizzes and more. Many activities are free. For more information, visit the Hampstead Summer Festival website.

• 21 – 27 June : Pride In London

Six day festival celebrating gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities. Featuring music, talks, screenings, walks and performances. The highlight is the free parade on 27 June from Baker Street (1pm) to Whitehall (ending approx. 4.30pm). For more information, visit the Pride London website.

• 22 June – 10 July : City Of London Festival

One month long festival across the City to entertain residents, workers and visitors. Features music, visual arts, dance, cabaret, film, walks and talks. Venues include Broadgate Circle, Devonshire Square, Sky Garden, The Gherkin and pop-up venue The Bowler Hat. A majority activities are free, but some performances cost up to £23. For more information, visit the City Of London Festival website.

The City Of London Festival returns to the Square Mile

• 24 June : Science Museum Lates : The Next Big Thing

The Science Museum have teamed up with the Royal Society to find ‘the next big thing’ as the theme for this month’s late adults-only opening. They’ll be experts exploring a variety of subjects, as well as live music, Punk Science comedy show and a silent disco. Free. 6.45-10pm. Science Museum, Exhibition Road, South Kensington, SW7 2DD. Nearest tube: South Kensington. For more information, visit the Science Museum website.

• 24 – 28 June : Crystal Palace Overground Festival

Four day community arts festival in featuring live music stage, food and craft stalls, arts workshops, sports and children’s activities. Takes place in various venues around the Crystal Palace triangle. Nearest train/Overground: Crystal Palace. For more information, visit the festival website.

• 25 June – 18 October : Serpentine Pavilion

Visit the temporary structure in the grounds of the Serpentine Gallery in Kensington Gardens. This year’s Pavilion is designed by Spanish architects Selgascano. Free to visit, but also contains a café inside. Kensington W2 3XA. Nearest tube: Lancaster Gate, Knightsbridge or South Kensington. For more information, visit the Serpentine Gallery website. For Metro Girl’s post on last year’s Pavilion, click here.

• 26 June – 5 July : Greenwich and Docklands International Festival

Nine day celebration of free outdoor performing arts, including theatre, dance, and street arts. At various venues across Greenwich and Docklands. For more information, visit the Greenwich and Docklands International Festival website.

• 28 June : London Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival

Forty dragon boat teams will race at the London Regatta Centre in Docklands. As well the race, the free festival includes martial arts displays, live East West music festival, traditional lion and dragon dancing, a Hong Kong food festival, cultural festival and children’s games. 10am-5pm. Nearest tube: Royal Albert (DLR). For more information, visit the London Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival website.

Watch the tennis on a pop-up screen this summer

• 29 June – 12 July : Great British Summer (Wimbledon Screenings)

Sit in deck chairs to watch free screenings of Wimbledon tennis at three venues across the capital. Includes the 6th floor roof terrace at One New Change (Cheapside, EC4M 9AF. Nearest tube: St Pauls), 1st floor roof terrace at Cardinal Place (Victoria Street, Victoria, SW1E 5JD. Nearest tube: Victoria) or New Street Square (located off Fleet Street, Holborn, EC4A. Nearest station: Chancery Lane or City Thameslink). Open daily during the tournament from 12-10pm. For more information, visit the Great British Summer website.

• 29 June – 12 July : Strawberries And Screen (Wimbledon Screenings)

Watch the tennis for free at Kings’ Cross on deckchairs. Lewis Cubitt Park, Handyside St Kings Cross, N1C 4UZ. Nearest station: King’s Cross St Pancras. For more information, visit the Kings Cross website.

• 29 June – 18 August : Summer Screens @ Canary Wharf

Grab a blanket or a picnic and watch some of the summer’s biggest sporting events on the big screen, including Wimbledon tennis, Grand Prix, British Golf Open and live opera from the Royal Opera House. Free. Times vary. Canada Square Park, Docklands, E14. Nearest station: Canary Wharf. For more information, visit the Canary Wharf website.

• Now until 19 July : Udderbelly Festival

Udderbelly returns to the Southbank for a seventh year, featuring three months of comedy, circus, cabaret and family shows at affordable prices in an inflatable upside down cow venue. Jubilee Gardens, off Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX. Nearest tube: Waterloo. For more information and tickets, visit the Udderbelly website.

• Now until 2 August : Alexander McQueen – Savage Beauty

The first retrospective of the late fashion designer Alexander McQueen, from his MA graduate collection to his final, unfinished Autumn/Winter 2010 collection. Tickets: £17.60 adults, £16.50 OAPs, £9 students. Victoria & Albert Museum, Cromwell Road, Kensington, SW7 2RL. Nearest tube: South Kensington. For tickets and more information, visit the V&A website.

• Now until 2 August : Time Run

A new live quest meets immersive theatre in a new twist on the ‘escape  the room’ games. For groups of three to five people, you will join Edwardian inventor Luna Fox on a journey through time. Tickets: £24 (off-peak), £29 (peak). 9-15 Helmsley Place, London Fields, E8 3SB. Nearest station: London Fields. For booking, visit the Time Run website. Read Metro Girl’s post on Time Run for more information and to see the trailer.

• Now until 30 August : Wildlife Photographer Of The Year exhibition

An exhibition of the annual Wildlife Photographer Of The Year – the 50th year of the competition. Although entrance to the museum is free, this exhibition is ticketed. Adults: £12.60, Children & Concessions: £6.30. Open 10am-5.50pm daily. Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, South Kensington, SW7 5BD. Nearest tube: South Kensington. For more information and booking, visit the NHM website.

• Now until 31 August : The Secret Garden pop-up restaurant and bar

Pop-up supremo Jimmy Garcia returns to Clapham with his culinary creations and cocktails in a new venue. Using ingredients from the finest garden produce, the SG will offer tasting menus, Sunday roasts and table BBQs. 409 Clapham Road, Clapham North, SW9 9BT. Nearest station:Clapham North. For booking, visit Jimmy’s Pop Up website. Read Metro Girl’s post on The Secret Garden for the menu and more details.

• Now until 27 September : London Wonderground

The London Wonderground Festival returns to the Southbank for a fourth year – an entertainment extravaganza in Jubilee Gardens, near the foot of the London Eye and by the Southbank Centre. It includes cabaret, children’s show, comedy, burlesque and alfresco drinking. Headlining this year’s Wonderground is cabaret-meets-circus show Scotch & Soda. Open daily until 11pm. Free to get in, but tickets required for shows. Nearest station:Waterloo, Embankment or Westminster. For more information, visit the Wonderground website.

• Now until 8 October : Victorian London In Photographs

Exhibition of archive shots of Victorian London on show at the London Metropolitan Archives. Free entry. Opening times: Mon and Sat 9.30am-4.45pm, Tues-Thurs 9.30am-7.30pm, Closed Fridays and Sundays. London Metropolitan Archives, 40 Northampton Road, Clerkenwell, EC1R 0HB. Nearest station: Farringdon. For more information, visit the City Of London website.

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