Watching the Olympics on the big screens

The Rio De Janeiro Olympics kick off on 5 August 2016, with the Paralympics following on 7 September. Although many of us had the opportunity to watch the games in person in our beloved capital four years ago, this year it’s unlikely many of us will be jetting over to South America. So why not watch our Team GB athletes on the big screen so you can soak up some of the ‘lympic atmosphere. Check out the venues hosting pop-up screens around town, with plenty of food and drink on offer too to keep you fuelled as your watch our sportsmen and women go for gold.

• 5 – 21 August : Boxpark

Watch the Olympics on the big screen while sitting on deckchairs. Plenty of food and drink establishments will be selling refreshments and snacks. Free. Boxpark, Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch, E1 6GY. Nearest station: Shoreditch High Street. For more information, visit the Boxpark website.

• 5 – 21 August : The Big Screen @ Bluebird

Bluebird on the King’s Road will be hosting screenings of the Rio Olympic Games on a giant outdoor screen in their sunny courtyard. You can watch the action while sipping champagne or Pimms from the bar or eating from the café menu. Bluebird, 350 King’s Road, Chelsea, SW3 5UU. Nearest stations: Fulham Broadway, South Kensington or Sloane Square. For more information, visit the Bluebird website.

• 5 – 21 August : Big Screen @ Merchant Square

Watch the Olympics on the big screen in Paddington. Food and drink will be available, including Pimm’s. Open until 10pm nightly. Free. The Lawn, Paddington Basin, Paddington, W2 1JS. Nearest station: Paddington. For more information, visit the Merchant Square website.

• 5 – 21 August : Summer Screen @ Canary Wharf

Watch the Rio Olympics outdoors at Canary Wharf. Bars and restaurants nearby will be serving food and drink. Times vary. Free. Canada Square Park, Docklands, E14. Nearest station: Canary Wharf. For more information, visit the Canary Wharf website.

• 5 – 21 August : Summer Of Sport @ St Katharine Docks

A big screen in St Katharine Docks next to Tower Bridge will be screening the Rio Olympics, Cricket Test Series and the America’s Cup sailing. Nearby restaurants and bars will be serving drinks. 10.30am-8pm daily. Free. The Piazza, St Katharine Docks, 50 St Katharine’s Way, E1W 1LA. Nearest station: Tower Hill or Tower Gateway. For more information, visit the St Katharine Docks website. To read more about St Katharine Docks, read Metro Girl’s blog post.

• 5 – 21 August : Rio in Dalston

A roaming festival in Dalston, a fusion of sport and culture to run alongside the Rio Olympics. Featuring games on the big screen, special guests, live music, DJs, percussion, dance, costumes, film, photography, poetry, spoken word, games, workshops, food and drink. Many events are free. At various events around Dalston. Nearest station: Dalston Junction. For more information, visit the Rio In Dalston Facebook page.

• 5 to 24 August : Big Screen On The Beach @ Watford

As part of their month-long Big Screen On The Beach event, there will be daily highlights of the Rio Olympics on the big screen. The pop-up beach will also feature plenty of sand, family activities, movie screenings and more. 10am-10pm daily. Free entry. The Parade, High Street, Watford, WD17. Nearest station: Watford Junction. For more information, visit the Watford.gov.uk website.

Return to the site of the 2012 Olympics at Beach East in Queen Elizabeth Park

• 5 August – 18 September : Screenings @ Pop Fields

Watch a host of sporting events, including the Rio Olympics, Paralympics and US Open Tennis on the big screen in Pop Fields, the outdoor space next to Pop Brixton, where you can buy food and drink from local vendors. Free entry. Pop Fields, 49 Brixton Station Road, Brixton, SW9 8PQ. Nearest station: Brixton. For more information, visit the Pop Brixton website.

• 6 – 21 August : Olympics screenings @ The Scoop

There will be daily screenings of the Olympics as part of the London Bridge City Summer Festival. The area will play host to the Official Team GB Fan Zone during the Rio games, featuring screenings and sporting opportunities. The London Riviera will also be open serving food and cocktails. Free. The Scoop, Queen’s Walk, SE1 2DB. Nearest station: London Bridge. For more information, visit the London Bridge City Summer Festival.

• 6 – 21 August : Olympic screenings @ BeachEast

Watch the games in the home of the London 2012 Olympics at a pop-up beach resort. Featuring a sandy ‘beach’, huge kid’s paddling pool, funfair rides, two beach bars and a host of sporting events and activities. Free entry. BeachEast, Stratford Waterfront (near former Olympic Stadium & Pool), Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford, E15 2DU. Nearest stations: Stratford and Hackney Wick. For more information, visit the BeachEast website.

• 7 – 21 August : Celebrate Summer Big Screen @ Broadgate Circle

Watch the games on the big screen, as well as host performances, family-friendly activities and themed menus from nearby eateries. Free. Broadgate Circle, City of London, EC2M. Nearest station: Liverpool Street. For more information, visit the Broadgate Circle website.

• 7 – 18 September : Paralympics Screenings @ Merchant Square

Watch the Rio de Janeiro Paralympics on the big screen in Paddington. Food and drink will be available. 10am-10pm. Free. The Lawn, Paddington Basin, Paddington, W2 1JS. Nearest station: Paddington. For more information, visit the Merchant Square website.

For a guide to what else is on in London in September, click here.

For a list of London’s urban beaches this summer, click here, or for the capital’s pop-up, open-air cinemas, click here.

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