Find out what events and exhibitions are on in London this month, including beer festivals, Happy Place Festival, the Notting Hill Carnival and more.

 

The summer is flying by as the final month of the season arrives. Expect to see a lot less Londoners in town and a lot more out-of-towners and visitors from abroad as the city becomes continues to be a tourist magnet. There’s also a Bank Holiday at the end of the month (29 August), so expect plenty of events on over the long weekend. This year sees the long-awaited return of the Notting Hill Carnival, following two years on hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

School holidays continue for the remainder of the month so there is plenty of events and activities for children taking place around the capital.

Look out for the 🐻 for family-friendly activities.

• 1 – 28 August 2022 : Camden Fringe

The Camden Fringe returns for its 16th year, bringing over 200 productions of theatre, comedy and fringe fun to venues across the borough of Camden, including Camden People’s Theatre, Camden Comedy Club, Canal Café Theatre, Etcetera Theatre, The Phoenix Arts Club, The Little Angel Theatre, The Water Rats and the Hen And Chickens, among others. For more information and tickets, visit the Camden Fringe website.

• 1 – 29 August 2022 : This Bright Land

A summer celebration of community and culture in the courtyard of Somerset House, featuring performances, dance, music, talks, workshops, observation wheel and open-air vogue balls. Open 12pm-10.30pm. Free entry. Somerset House, Strand, WC2R 1LA. Nearest station: Temple. For more information, visit the Somerset House website. 🐻

• 2 – 6 August 2022 : Great British Beer Festival

Britain’s flagship beer festival returns with over 1,000 of British and international real ales, ciders, perries and beers with be available to try. Open Tues 2 5pm-10.30pm, Wed-Fri 12pm.-10.30pm, Sat 12pm-7pm. Tickets: £20 (inc festival glass, brochure and 2 half pint tokens). Olympia, Hammersmith Road, Kensington, W14 8UX. Nearest station: Kensington Olympia. For more information and tickets, visit the Great British Beer Festival website.

• 5 August 2022 : Food & Play Pop-up

An afternoon and evening of food and fun comes to Wimbledon, featuring international food, cocktail mixing demos, beer and cheese pairings, DJs, and games (table football, Connect 4, Giant Jenga, board games and more). From 12pm-9pm. Free entry. The Piazza, Wimbledon, SW19 1QB. Nearest station: Wimbledon. For more information, visit the Love Wimbledon website. 🐻

• 6 August 2022 : Happy Place Festival

A festival celebrating self-love and happiness. Featuring creative workshops, meditation, mindfulness, talks, yoga classes, and more. Open 9am-6pm. Tickets: Adults £35.75, Children 5-16 yrs £16.50, 4yr and under free. Chiswick House & Gardens, Burlington Lane, Chiswick, W4 2RP. Nearest station: Chiswick. For tickets and more information, visit the Happy Place website. 🐻

• 8 – 21 August 2022 : Carnaby Summer Festival 2022

Two week festival comes to the vibrant Soho district, including free workshops (e.g. candle-making and pottery painting, life drawing), interactive masterclasses with Carnaby locals, giveaways, live music, shopping offers, restaurant discounts and more. Times vary. Events take place in Carnaby Street and neighbouring streets, Soho, W1. Nearest station: Piccadilly Circus or Oxford Circus. For more information, visit the Carnaby London website. 🐻

• 10 – 11 August 2022 : Canal Zorbing at Merchant Square

Roll across the Paddington Basin in a giant Zorb. Times TBC. Free. Merchant Square, Paddington, W2. Nearest stations: Paddington and Edgware Road. For more information, visit the Merchant Square website. 🐻

• 10 – 22 August 2022 : King’s Cross Summer Sounds 2022

Free music festival returns to King’s Cross, with this year’s theme being ‘Connected Communities’. Performances daily at 6.30pm-8.30pm and Sundays 1pm-6pm. Free. Coal Drops Yard, King’s Cross, N1C 4DQ. Nearest station: King’s Cross St Pancras. For more information, visit the King’s Cross website. Check out Metro Girl’s blog post on the festival. 🐻

• 10 – 31 August 2022 : The Provibers @ Leadenhall Market

Entertainers The Provibers, famed for their interactive experiences at the UK’s top festivals, bring festival fun to the City’s historic Leadenhall Market. Every Wednesday from 12pm. Free. Leadenhall Market, Gracechurch Street, City of London, EC3V 1LT. Nearest stations: Bank, Monument or Fenchurch Street. For more information, visit the Leadenhall Market website. 🐻

• 11 – 13 August 2022 : Cocktails in the City

The London summer series of the popular cocktail festival continues over three weekends monthly between July and September. London’s top bars host their own pop-ups, alongside live music, street food, silent disco, tastings and demonstrations. All cocktails are £8.50. Open 12pm-4pm and 5pm-10pm. Tickets: £20 (daytime or evening slots). Bedford Square Gardens, Bloomsbury, WC1B. Nearest stations: Goodge Street or Tottenham Court Road. For tickets, visit the Cocktails In The City website.

• 12 – 13 August 2022 : London Craft Beer Festival

Popular beer festival returns to London, featuring over 100 world-class breweries. There will also be street food stalls and live music. Open daily 11.30am-11pm. Tickets (early or evening sessions) from £57.50. Tobacco Quay, Wapping Lane, Wapping, E1W 2SF. Nearest stations: Shadwell or Wapping. For more information and booking, visit the London Craft Beer Festival website.

• 13 – 14 and 20 – 21 August 2022 : Icons of Wembley Silent Disco Tour

Dance and sing your way round Wembley Park as you listen to some of Wembley’s biggest performers in a Silent Disco. Times vary. Ages 6 years and over. Tickets: Adults £24, youth £19. Meet at Black Sheep Coffee, 2 Olympic Way, Wembley, HA9 0GU. Nearest station: Wembley Park. For more information, visit the Wembley Park website. 🐻

• 18 – 21 August 2022 : APP World SUP Tour Stop 2022

A weekend of water fun, including watching the Pros battling it out for the London SUP Open, SUP Yoga lessons, youth clinics, introductory paddle sessions, live sport, music, entertainment, and more. Times vary. Free. Middle Dock and Wood Wharf, Canary Wharf, E14. Nearest station: Canary Wharf. For more information, visit the Canary Wharf website. 🐻

• 18 August – 30 October 2022 : Stranger Things – The Experience

An immersive experience bringing you into the world of 1980s Hawkins, Indiana. Featuring a 1 hour experience, ’80s themed mixtape medley with food and drink, photo opportunities, merchandise and more. No under 5 yrs. Open Wed-Fri 5pm-9pm, Sat-Sun 11am-9pm. Tickets from £39. Troubadour Brent Cross Studios, Tilling Road, Brent Cross, NW2 1LW. Nearest station: Brent Cross. For tickets, visit the experience website. 🐻

• 20 August 2022 : Thamesmead Festival

One-day celebration, featuring live music, carnival, food stalls, dog show, dance, craft stalls and more. From 12pm-7pm. Free entry. Southmere Park, Hartslock Drive, Thamesmead, SE2 9XA. Nearest station: Abbey Wood. For more information, visit the Thamesmead website.

• Now until 21 August 2022 : Summer Exhibition @ Royal Academy of Arts

An eclectic exhibition of 1,500 pieces of art submitted by professionals to unknown artists. Open daily 10am-6pm. Tickets: £18. Royal Academy of Arts, Burlington House, Piccadilly, W1J 0BD. Nearest stations: Green Park or Piccadilly Circus. For more information, visit the Royal Academy of Arts website. Read Metro Girl’s blog post on last year’s exhibition.

• 25 – 27 August 2022 : Arrow FrightFest

Horror fantasy film festival sees over 70 screenings during five days. Including premieres of The Lair, Dark Glasses, Fall and Something In The Dirt. Times vary. Tickets: Single £14.50, Thurs day pass £37, Fri-Sat day pass £65, Sun-Mon day pass £55, festival pass £200. Cineworld Leicester Square, WC2H 7NA and Prince Charles Cinema, 7 Leicester Place, WC2H 7BY. Nearest stations: Leicester Square or Piccadilly Circus. For more information, visit the FrightFest website.

• 25 – 28 August 2022 : Bank Holiday Weekender @ Number 90

East London destination Number 90 are hosting four days of festivities over the long weekend, including music from The Disco Express, S.A.S.H and Half Baked Records, as well as 2-4-1 burger and cocktail offers on select days. Number 90 Bar & Kitchen, 90 Wallis Road, Hackney Wick, E9 5LN. Nearest station: Hackney Wick. For more information, visit the Number 90 website.

• 25 August – 3 November 2022 : Jurassic World – The Exhibition

Immerse yourself in scenes inspired by the classic film franchise as you get up close with dinosaurs. Open Mon-Wed 10am-6pm, Thu-Fri 10am-8pm, Sat 9am-8pm, Sun 9am-6pm. Tickets: Adults from £26, Children from £18.50. ExCeL London, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, E16 1XL. Nearest stations: Custom House or Prince Regent. For more information, visit the Jurassic World Exhibition website. 🐻

• 26 August – 11 September 2022 : Greenwich & Docklands International Festival

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. Check out Metro Girl’s blog post on the festival. 🐻

• 27 August 2022 : Victorian Vauxhall

A Victorian funfair, featuring circus acts, performers, ice cream, music and vintage games. 2pm-6pm. Free. Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, Vauxhall Walk, SE11 5HL. Nearest station: Vauxhall. For more information, visit the Be In Vauxhall website. 

• Now until 28 August 2022 : Mulan Rouge 

An immersive, foodie, theatrical mash-up of Disney’s Mulan and Baz Luhrmann’s Moulin Rouge! Overs 18s only. Dress Code: ‘A hot Paris night in the Mulan Rouge’. Times vary. Tickets: £45-£60. The Vaults, Leake Street, Waterloo, SE1 7NN. Nearest stations: Waterloo, Lambeth North or Waterloo East. For more information, visit The Vaults website.

• 28 – 29 August 2022 : Notting Hill Carnival

Long-running institution returns to the streets of West London for the first time in three years. Plenty of soundstages will be dotted around featuring a wide range of music. Then of course there’s the carnival itself. Sunday is more geared towards children, while Monday is the adults’ day. Free. Check the TFL website for transport information because many stations will be closed. For more information, visit the Notting Hill Carnival website.

Football – Designing the Beautiful Game @ the Design Museum

• Now until 29 August 2022 : Football – Designing the Beautiful Game

Explore the stories of design from the world of football. Open Sun-Thu 10am-6pm, Fri-Sat 10am-9pm. Tickets from £16.80. Design Museum, 224-238 Kensington High St, Kensington, W8 6AG. Nearest stations: Earls Court, High Street Kensington or Holland Park. For booking, visit the Design Museum website.

• Now until 29 August 2022 : Surrealism Beyond Borders

Exhibition of surrealism artworks of over 50 years. Open daily 10am-6pm. Tickets: £18. Tate Modern, Bankside, SE1 9TG. Nearest station: Blackfriars. For more information, visit the Tate website.

• Now until 29 August 2022 : Our Time On Earth

An immersive exploration of radical ideas for the way we live on Earth. Open Sun-Wed 10am-6pm, Thu-Sat 10am-8pm. Tickets: £18. Curve, Barbican Centre, City of London, EC2Y 8DS. Nearest stations: Moorgate or Barbican. For more information, visit the Barbican Centre website.

• 31 August 2022 : Wembley Park Antiques Market

Dozens of antique traders set up stalls, selling decorative antiques and collectibles, vintage and retro memorabilia, and unique home and garden furniture and salvage. 7.30am-4pm. Free entry. Green Parking, Canada Lane, Canada Gardens, Wembley, HA9 0SJ. Nearest station: Wembley Park. For more information, visit the Wembley Park Antiques Market website.

• Now until 2 September 2022 : Summer by the River

A host of free entertainment returns to the riverside location, including family theatre, live music, DJs, film screenings, Platinum Jubilee events, dance classes and more. Times vary. Free. London Bridge City, between London Bridge and Tower Bridge (south of the river), SE1. Nearest stations: London Bridge or Tower Hill. For more information and listings, visit the London Bridge City website. 🐻

• Now until 4 September 2022 : The Beach @ Brent Cross

London’s largest beach returns for the summer, along with street food, games and rides. Open daily 12pm-9pm). Entry: £5 pp (£4 advance). Brent Cross Shopping Centre, Prince Charles Drive, Brent Cross, NW4 3FP. Nearest station: Brent Cross. For more information, visit the Brent Cross website. 🐻

• Now until 4 September 2022 : 150 Years of the Royal School of Needlework

Retrospective exhibition of one of the country’s oldest arts organisations. Open 11am-6pm. Tickets: £12.65. Fashion & Textile Museum, 83 Bermondsey Street, SE1 3XF. Nearest stations: London Bridge or Tower Hill. For more information, visit the museum website.

• Now until 4 September 2022 : Jeff Wayne’s The War of the Worlds – The Immersive Experience

An immersive experience inspired by the classic story. Travel back in time to Victorian London and the Martian invasion of 1898. Experience immersive theatre, virtual reality, augmented reality, holograms and other cutting-edge technology. Overs 12 only. Times vary. Tickets: £40-£130. The Old Metal Exchange, 56 Leadenhall Street, City of London, EC3A 2BJ. Nearest station: Aldgate or Fenchurch Street. For booking, visit the War of the World’s website. Check out Metro Girl’s review of the show.

• Now until 4 September 2022 : Doctor Who – Time Fracture

Fans of the Time Lord will love this immersive, theatrical experience as you ‘travel’ back to 1940s Mayfair during the Blitz. Times vary (experience lasts 2hr 15mins). Age 8+. Tickets from £29.95. UNIT HQ, 1-8 Davies Mews, Mayfair, W1K 5AB. Nearest station: Bond Street. For booking, visit the Doctor Who: Time Fracture website. 🐻

• Now until 4 September 2022 : Symbiosis: Living Island

Exhibition of the large-scale art and architecture project, Inujima ‘Art House Project’, which is transforming the small Japanese island of Inujima. Open Mon-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 12pm-6pm. Free entry, but booking recommended. Japan House London, 101-111 Kensington High Street, Kensington, W8 5SA. Nearest station: High Street Kensington. For more information, visit the Japan House London website. 🐻

• Now until 11 September 2022 : Roku Gin Summer Terrace

Roku Gin is hosting a summer pop-up with Roku shaved-ice gin cocktails and Japanese street food, along with Takoyaki masterclasses. Open Mon-Wed 5pm-9pm, Thur-Sun 12pm-9pm. Pantechnicon, Halkin Arcade, 19 Motcomb Street, Belgravia, SW1X 8LB. Nearest station: Hyde Park Corner or Knightsbridge. For more information, visit the Belgravia LDN website.

• Now until 11 September 2022 : Inspired!

Exhibition explores how visual artists have taken inspiration from the literary arts. Opening hours TBC. Tickets: £8. Guildhall Art Gallery, Guildhall Yard, City of London, EC2V 5AE. Nearest station: St Paul’s, Bank or Moorgate. For more information, visit the City of London.gov website. Check out Metro Girl’s blog post on the exhibition.

• Now until 18 September 2022 : Superbloom @ Tower of London

The historic moat surrounding the Tower will be filled with flowers to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. As well as flower displays, there will also be a sound installation and sculptural elements. Various tickets available with or without the main Tower of London visit. Tickets (Superbloom only): Adults from £12, Children from £6.60. Tower of London, Tower Hill, EC3N 4AB. Nearest station: Tower Hill or Tower Gateway. For more information, visit the Tower of London website. Check out Metro Girl’s gallery of the installation. 🐻

• Now until 25 September 2022 : Beatrix Potter – Drawn to Nature

Exhibition celebrating the life and works of author Beatrix Potter. Open 10am-5.15pm. Tickets: £14. Victoria & Albert Museum, Cromwell Road, Kensington, SW7 2RL. Nearest station: South Kensington. For tickets, visit the V&A website. 🐻

• Now until 25 September 2022 : Feminine Power – The Divine to the Demonic

A cross-cultural look at the influence of female spiritual beings from the world’s religions and faiths. Open 10am-5pm. Tickets: Adults from £12. British Museum, Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury, WC1B 3DG. Nearest stations: Tottenham Court Road or Russell Square. For more information and booking, visit the British Museum’s website.

• Now until 30 September 2022 : Klimt – The Immersive Experience

Step into the world of Austrian artist Gustav Klimt in an immersive, 3D art experience. Open Mon-Fri: 10am-8pm, Sat-Sun 9am-9pm. Tickets: Adults from £24.90, Children from £15.90. The Boiler House, 152 Brick Lane, Spitalfields, E1 6RU. Nearest stations: Shoreditch High Street, Liverpool Street or Aldgate East. For tickets, visit the Klimt Expo website. 🐻

The Serpentine Pavilion returns for the summer

• Now until 16 October 2022 : Serpentine Pavilion

Visit the temporary structure in the grounds of the Serpentine Gallery in Kensington Gardens. This year’s Pavilion is designed by Chicago-based artist Theaster Gates with the architectural support of Adjaye Associates. Free to visit, but also contains a pop-up café inside. Kensington Gardens, W2 3XA. Nearest stations: Lancaster Gate, Knightsbridge or South Kensington. For more information, visit the Serpentine Gallery website. Check out Metro Girl’s gallery of the pavilion. 🐻

• Now until 26 October 2022 : Magnificent Maps of London

London Metropolitan Archives show off their historical map collection in a new exhibition. Featuring maps from the 16th century to present day. Open Mon-Thu 10am-4pm. Free entry. London Metropolitan Archives, 40 Northampton Road, Clerkenwell, EC1R 0HB. Nearest station: Angel. For more information, visit the City of London.gov.uk website.

• Now until 30 October 2022 : Peaky Blinders – The Rise

An immersive theatrical experience bringing the world of Peaky Blinders to north London. Ages 14yrs and over. Time slots vary. Tickets: £42-£72. Camden Garrison, North Yard, Camden Stables Market, 842 Chalk Farm Road, Camden, NW1 8BF. Nearest stations: Chalk Farm or Camden Town. To book, visit the Immersive Peaky Blinders website.

• Now until Spring 2023 : Sculpture in the City 2022/2023

Free public art exhibition, bringing 19 contemporary pieces to the streets and spaces of the City of London. Free. At various sites around the Square Mile. Nearest stations: Fenchurch Street, Monument or Liverpool Street. For more information and a map of the artworks, visit the Sculpture in the City website. 🐻

• Now until 5 March 2023 : When Flowers Dream

An exhibition from artist Tanya Schultz (Pip & Pop) featuring installations made from sugar, candy and assorted craft materials. Opening times vary depending on season. Tickets included with gardens entrance. Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art, Kew Gardens, Brentford Gate, Kew, TW9 3AB. Nearest station: Kew Gardens. For more information, visit the Kew Gardens website.

• Now until July 2023 : Scenes in the Square

Check out bronze sculptures of iconic film characters around Leicester Square. Eight interactive characters, such as Laurel & Hardy to Wonder Woman will be placed in the square for four months. Free. Leicester Square, Westminster, WC2H 7DE. Nearest stations: Leicester Square or Piccadilly Circus. For more information, visit the Leicester Square website. Check out Metro Girl’s gallery of the exhibition. 🐻

Find out what else is on in London

Guide to London’s open-air cinemas in summer 2022

King’s Cross Summer Sounds 2022 | Free music festival returns to N1

Zoetropes, rainbow foam and flying hammocks | Greenwich + Docklands International Festival is back for 2022

Superbloom at the Tower of London | Moat is transformed into a floral tribute to the Queen

Serpentine Pavilion 2022 | A look inside Theaster Gates’ Black Chapel

Guide to what’s on in London in September 2022

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