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Don't listen to anyone who tells you summer’s over. You don’t need that kind of negativity in your life. And pay no mind to your post-August bank balance, either, even if it’s making you wonder if you should stay indoors all weekend batch-cooking cheap-and-nourishing lentil soup. Because although we’re technically in meteorological autumn, the weather’s still warm, the days are long(ish) and London’s full of fun outdoor events to enjoy that are totally free.
This weekend, Friday September 5 to Sunday September 7, has loads of cultural activities you can enjoy without rousing your credit card from its peaceful slumber. Celebrate the Thames at a riverside arty party, enjoy free outdoor performances, or explore southeast Asia without shelling out for flights at a free indoor festival. Here are the six best free things to do in London in the first weekend of September.
📍 Things to do in London this weekend.
The best free things to do in London this weekend, September 5-7
1. Dance all day at an east London block party
This city’s summer influx of day festivals might be (mostly) over, but your opportunities to party outdoors aren’t. For the first time ever, Barking Riverside’s Emerge East festival is holding a big outdoor dance event, with sound systems, street vendors, and closed-off streets to revel in. Capital Xtra's Robert Bruce will host an afternoon line-up of DJs including Shayna Marie, Amps and Tone before things finish up at the very sensible hour of 9pm.
Barking Riverside, IG11. Sat Sep 6. Free.
2. Clamber aboard historic vessels at a boat festival
This autumn’s Totally Thames festival is packed with fantastic ways to enjoy London’s storied waterway. And one of the most enjoyable of them is this weekend. Over 60 historic vessels from all over the UK will travel to central London for St Katharine Docks Classic Boat Festival, including the legendary rescue boats of Dunkirk, HMS Trumpeter, and the Navy P2000 vessel. There’ll be live music, talks and kids activities, as well as chances to climb aboard these old school ships. Aye aye, captain!
St Katharine’s Dock, EIQ. Sat Sep 6. Free.
3. Travel to south east Asia without leaving London
Battersea Power Station’s celebration of south east Asia’s cultures is back, and it's transforming this cavernous shopping centre into a colourful wonderland. Lanterns, sculptures and immersive installations will decorate the space, while dance and music performances introduce you to the sounds of the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. And of course, there’s plenty of delicious food too, with feasting tables curated by chefs including Abby Lee of Mambow and Great British Menu star Budgie Montoya, as well as stalls where you can pick up delectable snacks.
Battersea Power Station, SW11. Sat Sep 6-Sun Sep 7. Free.
4. Watch a precarious performance on a seesawing platform over a lake
Greenwich and Docklands International Festival is drawing to a close this weekend, and it’s going out with a splash thanks to lake-based performance The Weight of Water. Dressed in smart business suits, six physical theatre performers will struggle to stay upright as the staircase they're standing on seesaws and rocks. It’s a metaphor for the precarity of life as the threat of climate change looms, set against the gorgeous rural-feeling backdrop of Thamesmead. Well worth the journey.
Birchmere Lake, SE28. Fri Sep 5-Sat Sep 6. Free.
5. Join a massive, free celebration of Black culture
Black on the Square is back this weekend for its third year, serving up live music, food, and family fun on Trafalgar Square. And this time, the theme is ‘Inter-generate’, putting the spotlight on Black nightlife. Disco legend Janet Kay will perform, alongside DJ sets from Born n Bread, dance from Ballet Black, and spoken word from OPAL. There’ll also be workshops, kids’ activities, and a chance to try street food from Caribbean classics to plant-based puds.
Trafalgar Square, WC2. Sat Sep 6. Free.
6. Cheer on the Red Roses in the women’s rugby world cup
Move over, Lionesses. There’s a new ball game in town, and so far the UK’s putting on a pretty good show. The group stage of the tournament ends this weekend, and with England, Scotland and our Irish neighbours having already qualified for the knock-outs, we’re free to sit back and enjoy the final round of games without any nail-biting ahead of next weekend’s quarter finals. Check out our roundup of the best screenings and watch parties right here.
Various. Until September 27. 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
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