[title]
We might be in the midst of a slightly concerning ‘false autumn’, but summer is not over just yet. There are here are plenty of free activities taking place in the capital this weekend for those wanting to soak up the season’s final rays, while not breaking the bank. Because even if payday has finally come around, if you’re anything like us you’re still a little scared to check your bank balance after a summer of serious spending!
From a mini south London carnival, to a huge weightlifting extravaganza, and a free party curated by NTS and Rinse FM DJs, here are the five best free things to do in London during the final weekend of August.
📍 Things to do in London this weekend.
The best free things to do in London this weekend, August 29-31
1. Be amazed by a human/robot acrobatic act at the Greenwich + Docklands International Festival
This weekend, the Greenwich + Docklands festival is all about the collaboration between humans and technology. Saturday and Sunday will see a series of free events and performances that fuse impressive tech with amazing feats of human endurance and strength. Visitors will be able to spy Robopole, where human circus performers will dance with a giant robotic arm, and Walking On The Wall, where intrepid performers will use a metal contraption to defy gravity and scale walls.
Greenwich, various venues, SE10. Aug 30-31. Free.
2. Keep the carni vibes going at Camberwell Carnival
Got a hankering to keep the Notting Hill Carnival party going? Head to Camberwell Green where south London’s answer to NHC will be carrying on the festivities with an energetic ode to the south London community. Expect live music sessions, dance workshops, cultural parades, steel pans, global street food, panel discussions and free rum punch, all brought to you by the local people of Camberwell.
Camberwell Green, SE5 7AN. Sat Aug 30. Free.
3. Cheer on the Red Roses in the Women’s Rugby World Cup
Still riding the high from the Lionesses’ spectacular Euros win? The summer of sport is not over yet, as the Women’s Rugby World Cup kicked off last week. We’re still in the group stage, and this Saturday England will take on Samoa. There are plenty of places to catch all the action in the Big Smoke, from the official fan zone at Battersea Power Station, to giant screens in Canary Wharf, and the Asahi Open Arms which takes over the Queen’s Head in Shoreditch.
Various. Until September 27. Free.
4. Celebrate the Adidas Superstar at 180 The Strand
Sneakerheads, assemble. To mark the return of the absolutely classic crep, the Adidas Superstar, the sports brand is putting on a three-day shindig at 180 Studios on the Strand. The trainer, born in 1969, has become known for walking the intersection of sneakers, streetwear, rap and sport over the past 50 years, so naturally the weekend-long celebration of the legendary shoe will combine all those things too. Highlights include performances from Ghetts and Confidence Man, with musical lineups curated by London radio stations NTS and Rinse FM. In the daytimes there will be workshops, panels and open skate sessions.
180 The Strand, WC2R 1EA. Aug 29-31. Free.
5. Get ripped at Lift: LDN
This is one for the creatine heads. Gymshark’s Lift: LDN will take over Drumsheds all weekend with an event entirely dedicated to getting swole. Grab your most protein-rich brekky and head to the former IKEA warehouse where there’ll be training sessions, DJ sets, live competitions, talks, exclusive Gymshark garb and meet and greets to compare your quads with internet athletes like CBum, Whitney Simmons, Sam Sulek and Lily Lifts.
Drumsheds, N18 3HF. Aug 30-31. Free.
Plan a great start to autumn with our roundup of the best things to do in London in September
One of London’s most legendary nightclubs is returning for one weekend this autumn
Get the latest and greatest from the Big Smoke – from news and reviews to events and trends. Just follow our Time Out London WhatsApp channel.
Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out London newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox.