Free things to do in London this week.
Walk The Line
A reminder that The Line — a walkable free art trail stretching between North Greenwich and Stratford — invites you to complete as much (or as little) of it as you fancy, admiring installations by the likes of Rasheed Araeen, Gary Hume, Abigail Fallis, Madge Gill and Yinka Ilori. What’s more, every weekend throughout the summer, a cohort of friendly Youth Guides is scattered along the trail, happy to engage in a chat, and impart further insights into the artworks.
All summer.
The Solar System in Kingston
If you happen to be around Fairfield Recreation Ground in Kingston with the kids this summer, there’s a chance keep them distracted for a while, with To the Moon & Beyond: Kingston’s Solar System Walk. Stuck up around the park are information sheets on the Sun, Moon and various planets — providing a fun and free way to get steps in, while brushing up on stellar stats.
Until 30 September.
Summer Screens
There are two chances to catch a film at the free Canary Wharf Summer Screens open-air cinema this week.
Make like it’s summer 2023, with Greta Gerwig’s Barbie on Tuesday evening. Margot Robbie stars as the eponymous toy steps into the real world and gets a reality check. As for Ryan Gosling? He’s just Ken.
Then on Saturday morning, there’s a family screening of Pixar film Wall-E, about a lonely robot who falls in love.
4 and 8 August.
London meets Goa
Willesden Gallery, located within Willesden Green Library, opens a new exhibition on Tuesday, showcasing portraits from daily life in both London and Goa. Daily People is the work of London-based artist Marcio Menino Fernandes, and celebrates the diversity of our city through quiet moments and everyday faces.
4-16 August.
Coram’s Fields Playday
The annual Coram’s Fields Playday — taking place on Wednesday — sees families invited into the Bloomsbury park for a free day of activities celebrating Article 31 of the United Nation’s charter on the Rights of a Child, which states every child has the right to play. Trampolines, an inflatable obstacle course, a stage, a sports zone and a reading corner are all part of the event, which also marks an impressive 90 years since Coram’s Fields opened.
5 August.
Pocket Garden Sessions
Rising Shropshire songwriter Danny Griffiths brings his indie-alternative anthems to the riverside for a free lunchtime concert on Thursday. Part of the Summer by the River programme, the performance takes place in the Putting Down Roots Pocket Garden near Morgan’s Lane. Catch a lunchtime set from an emerging artist known for big, melodic hooks.
6 August.
London’s odd traditions
We’re huge fans of the bizarre rituals and ceremonies which take place in London every year. If you are too, head to Guildhall Library on Thursday afternoon for a free talk about the capital’s many fascinating customs and observances.
6 August.
Japanese film screening
Watch a free screening of documentary Bon-Uta: A Song from Home, which follows residents of Fukushima who were displaced by the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami of 2011. The film — which is screened at Japan House London (Kensington) on Thursday — looks at the potential loss of their centuries-old Bon dance traditions as a result of the displacement.
6 August.
Free Guinness
To mark International Beer Day on Friday, the Guinness Open Gate Brewery London in Covent Garden is giving away free brews (craft, pint of Guinness or pint of Guinness 0.0). Head to the on-site Old Brewer’s Yard pub from 12pm, and if you’re among the first 100 people to order, your beer is on the house (of Guinness).
7 August.
Upgrade Yourself
Somerset House hosts Upgrade Yourself Festival, a free two-day event for 16-30 year-olds hoping to work in creative industries. Rather than a traditional careers fair, it’s a chance for young people to connect with industry experts through workshops, mentoring sessions and creative activities.
7-8 August.
Costa Del Croydon
A pop-up beach once again appears on a car park rooftop in central Croydon — ideal for free summer holiday entertainment. Feel the sand between your toes in a giant sand pit, try bungee trampolines, a water splash zone… and, new for 2026, adults-only evenings on Thursdays. Who needs Brighton anyway?
7-31 August.
Thamesmead festivities
The free Thamesmead Festival pitches up on the banks of Southmere Lake on Saturday. Four stages are filled with local performers showcasing their talents, spanning R&B, soul and rap music — and headlined by 10-piece collective Natalie Williams & the Soul Family Band. Also happening: craft workshops, kids’ entertainment, a local market and loads more.
8 August.
Family fun in Paddington
To mark the launch of a new Paddington-themed Monopoly board, a free Family Fun Day is being thrown in Norfolk Square Gardens, featuring live music, face painters, a helter-skelter, family-friendly inflatables and a giant Mr Monopoly you can have your photo taken with.
8 August.
Art in the Park
Take the family to Windmill Gardens, alongside Brixton Windmill on Sunday, for an afternoon of free al fresco crafting. Art in the Park is a chance to take part in various craft workshops including paper flower making, t-shirt painting, junk plants, nature collages and kaleidoscope making. Different activities are available for children, adults and families, so the event is suitable for all ages.
9 August.
