The 6 best free things to do in London this weekend [August 21-23 2026]

Photograph: Rahil Ahmad

There are a billion and one different things to do in London over the summer. Day festivals, bars, outdoor theatre shows and blockbuster exhibitions are all jostling for attention and competing for your time, and cash. But what happens when September is looming, and your bank account is looking drier than one of Hackney’s drought-stricken canals?

Well, we’ve got an idea or two. We’ve hunted high and low across this city to find free things to do this weekend that are actually worth your time. Spectacular circus acts in the open air. Queer dance parties with the edgiest DJs around. Joyful street parties with live music. Don’t let the fun run out when the funds run out. Read on for our pick of the very best events to enjoy, without getting your bankcard out. 

The best free things on in London this weekend, August 21-23 2026 

1. Marvel at daring circus acts at Greenwich Fair

In a city where free theatre is harder to come by than an outdoor table at Towpath Cafe, Greenwich Fair is an annual miracle. It takes over the summit of Greenwich Park for a weekend of outdoor shows that play across multiple stages, with roving performers working the crowd. No need to book: just turn up, find a seat, and discover anything from feminist high-wire act ElevateHer by Daughters of the Wire, to Kismat Walla by Thingumajig Theatre, a magical outdoor puppetry show inspired by South Asian street markets.

Greenwich Park, Park Row, SE10 8XJ. Sat Aug 22 - Sun Aug 23. Free.

Photo: Alex BrennerCaspian’s Storm (Greenwich Fair)

2. Dance all day at Queer Frequencies 

It’s been a big old summer of LGBTQ+ partying, with Pride, Mighty Hoopla, and Body Movements all pulling fun-loving crowds of revellers. Now, it’s time to head east and enjoy one of the last massive get-togethers of this year’s queer calendar: and thankfully for everyone’s bank balance, it’s totally free. Queer Frequencies is the latest in the series of free parties that began with The Music Is Ours back in June. It’s a party that’ll put Black queer music and culture front and centre , with a line-up curated by DJ Shy One, ‘the Prince of Peckham’ Mark-Ashley Dupé, east London creative Donnie Sunshine and DJ Joel Mignott. Head on over to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park for an afternoon of dancing and discovering new acts in the late August sunshine. 

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, E20 2ST. Sat Aug 22 - Sun Aug 23. Free.

3. Learn some new moves at Southbank’s celebration of emerging creative talent

Arts Emergency is a charity that’s dedicated to making sure the next generation of creatives find their way into the spotlight, even as schools cut art, music, theatre and literature out of the curriculum. Get a feel for what they do at this exciting two-day takeover at Southbank Centre. On Saturday, you’ll find loads of ways to get moving, with workshops by dance groups Strut, Queer Salsa, and Polyjammerous. Then on Sunday, there’s a one-off edition of storytelling open mic night Special Guest, where actors, writers and comedians tell stories inspired by words from the audience, backed up by a live band.

Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX. Sat Aug 22 - Sun Aug 23. Free.

Photograph: PinterestPinterest

4. Get some free face gems at Pinterest’s IRL fest

Delight your friends and befuddle your enemies by getting some sparkling face gems at Pinterest’s Mile End pop-up, which is all about getting festival-ready. You’ll also be able to pick up e.l.f. cosmetics and learn how to use them from the pros, as well as getting your mitts on customisable single use cameras and festival merch. And if the ‘festival’ you’re going to is your very un-Pinterest-worthy disposable BBQ in your mate’s arid backyard? Don't worry, we won’t tell ‘em if you don’t. 

All Time Food and Wine, 564 Mile End Road, E3 4PH. Sat Aug 22. Free.

5. Relax to the sounds of the steel pan bands at Ridley Road’s street party

Ridley Road Market is never quiet, but this Saturday it’s going to be buzzing to a different frequency thanks to its annual summer party. From noon, it’ll be soundtracked by the sweet sounds of steel pan bands, sound systems and African drumming workshops. There’ll also be face painting for the kids, a free photobooth, fun interactive games to try – and of course, loads of delicious food from Ridley Road’s many traders.

Ridley Road Market, E8. Sat Aug 22. Free.

Photograph: Wembley ParkBuzz Gym’s Soca dance class

6. Start your Sunday with Soca in Wembley Park 

Bored of punishing 5k runs or tedious weight-training? Try a fun new form of exercise at this free Wembley Park workshop, which will introduce you to the joys of Caribbean Soca dancing. Buzz Gym will lead you through an hour of fast-paced, rhythmic movement that'll send you beaming into the rest of your Sunday. 

Union Park, Wembley Park. Sun Aug 23. Free.

Make the most of August with our guide to the best things to do in London this month.

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