The 6 best free things to do in London this weekend [August 14-16 2026]

Photograph: Four Communications

Famed 18th century urbanite Samuel Johnson once announced that ‘when a man is tired of London, he’s tired of life’. But arguably even he’d be feeling somewhat weary at the prospect of a fifth heatwave hitting the capital (and making its once-green parks drier than his dreary philosophical novel Rasselas). If you’re dangerously close to getting fed up with the city in summer, here are some totally free London things to do this weekend that’ll get you inspired all over again. 

Watch a film by the canal, without paying London cinema prices. Make a splash at a free lido in Docklands that comes with its very own beach. See hip hop dance masters ZooNation in action at a big bargainous dance party. Whatever you pick, you can enjoy it safe in the knowledge that you'll be replenishing your reserves of Londony joy, without draining your bank balance. 

The best free things on in London this weekend, August 14-16 2026 

1. Jump into the water at the last weekend of Summer Splash

What do you mean you haven’t made it down to Summer Splash yet? This weekend is your very last chance to check out the pop-up lido, which lets you swim stress-busting laps against a glittering backdrop of city skyscrapers. There are also sandpits, deckchairs, and plenty of shade to relax in: show up and let your worries float downstream. 

Royal Victoria Dock, E16 1AF. Until Aug 16. Free.

Photograph: Royal DocksKids and adults taking a dip at Victoria Royal Docks' Summer Splash lido

2. Catch a leftfield gig at Coal Drops Yard

If you didn’t manage to bag tickets to one of London’s ever-changing line-up of day festivals, then Summer Sounds could be your saviour. This free fest has a lively programme of boundary-pushing sounds to savour outdoors in Coal Drops Yard. The weekend’s highlights include chaotic americana-indie band Little Grandad (Aug 14) and a celebratory showcase marking 35 years of jazz development charity Tomorrow’s Warriors featuring Mercury Prize-nominated vocalist ESKA (Aug 16). No need to book, just show up and discover your new fave musical genre.

Coal Drops Yard, N1C 4AB. Until Aug 23. Free.

3. Find creative family fun at Play Make Do

Stay strong against the lure of Peppa Pig World. The Barbican’s free weekend festival is packed full of family activities centred on playing, making, and doing. Friday’s playful line-up includes a clowning workshop, an interactive circus sesh, storytelling and creative dance session BoogiePod. On Saturday, you can learn finger knitting or make carnival props. Then on Sunday, there’s a chance to do hip hop workshops, Rueda Libre social dancing, and creative writing inspired by Black British history.

Barbican Centre. Fri Aug 14- Sun Aug 16. Free, reserve tickets for individual events in advance.

Photograph: Clowns Without BordersCircus fun at Play Make Do at the Barbican

4. Join a big queer party at Croydon Pride

For years, Croydon Pride has taken over Wandle Park for a one-day fest of LGBTQ+ joy. Now, it’s moving indoors to Boxpark for a celebration that’s set to have higher production values than ever, with its own stage for acts to strut across. This all-day event will have a packed line-up of drag acts, vocalists and DJs, hosted by Tiana Biscuit and Sophia Stardust. Get ready for ’90s nostalgia courtesy of Absolute Britney, camp choreo from the Alpha Dancers, and drag queen silliness from Drag Race star River Medway.

Croydon Boxpark, 99 George St, CR0 1LD. Sat Aug 15. Free.

5. Seize your last chance to go to Everyman on the Canal, before it closes

In winter, Everyman cinemas are a blissful haven from the chill, with their luxurious velvet sofas and cosy atmosphere of opulence. But they definitely know how to do summer, too, whether you’re enjoying the fierce aircon at an indoor screening or checking out the much-loved al fresco pop-up on the canal near King's Cross. The grand finale of this summer's programme includes an eclectic mix of faves, such as Paddington in Peru (Sat, 2.30pm), Matilda (Sat, 5pm), and Bridget Jones’s Diary (Sun, 7.30pm). Pull up a beanbag or plonk yourself down on the astroturf for a chill summer’s eve at the movies.

Granary Square, N1C 4AA. Until Sun Aug 16. Free.

Photograph: John SturrockEveryman’s Screen on the Canal

6. See the future of hip hop at ZooNation’s Southbank takeover

There’s something massively inspiring about watching young performers at the top of their game. Kate Prince’s hip hop company ZooNation has been massively influential in the dance world, training legions of new artists every year. See their fresh moves at its most exciting at this all-day Southbank showcase, part of its River Sessions series. Things will kick off at 2pm with a DJ warm-up and social grooves workshop. Then, you can watch dance, rap and movement battles, listen to spoken word, and even join in an open jam if you’re brave enough.

Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX. Sat Aug 15. Free.

Fill up your diary for August with our guide to the best things to do in London this month.

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