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The first week of autumn is drawing to a close, and the weather is looking appropriately crisp – dare we say even a tad chilly – over the coming weekend. As the weather gets colder and darker, it might be tempting to spend all weekend indoors making roast dinners, taking baths and reading novels, particularly for those of us whose payday doesn’t arrive until next week.
But if you’re willing to wrap up warm and get outside, there’s plenty of free fun to be had over your precious two days off. From a massive sporting fixture to a free arts festival in the London Docklands, these are the best free things to do across the city this weekend.
RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in London this weekend.
The best free things to do in London this weekend, September 26-28
1. Watch the Red Roses take on Canada in the Rugby World Cup Final
It’s the big one! England’s Red Roses have reached the final of the Women’s Rugby World Cup for the seventh tournament in a row. On Saturday afternoon they’ll face Canada for a chance to lift the World Cup trophy for the first time since 2014, and on home soil to boot. Tickets for the Twickenham fixture have long since sold out, but there are a whole bunch of pubs, sports bars and local rugby clubs across London that’ll be following the action, with plenty of free screenings on offer. Check out our roundup of the best ones here.
Various venues. Sat Sep 27, 4pm kick off. Free.
2. Learn about the rich past of SW3 at the Chelsea History Festival
Some of SW3’s most illustrious institutions have joined forces once again for the seventh edition of this local history festival, which features over 80 events exploring Chelsea’s colourful past, many of which are free of charge. This weekend, visitors can enjoy free entry to Chelsea Physic Garden, join British military history Ben Barry for a free talk at the National Army Museum, and enjoy a spirited performance from the Chelsea Pensioner Singers, free of charge.
Various Chelsea venues. Until Sun Sep 28. Free.
3. Check out a floating ‘fire installation’ at Royal Docks Originals
Taking over east London’s docklands over three weeks this autumn, Royal Docks Originals is a brand new, biennial festival featuring more than 50 free events across the industrial riverside district, including art installations, live music, performances and creative workshops inspired by the area’s unique heritage and landscape. This weekend, catch Rekindling a large-scale ‘fire installation’ inspired the area’s pivotal role in London’s story and the memories and hopes of its community, by French street art group Compagnie Carabosse.
Outside City Hall, E16 1ZE. Thu Sep 25 and Fri Sep 26. Free.
4. Watch some traditional oompah bands at a London Oktoberfest celebration
You don’t have to travel all the way to Germany for a lederhosen-clad knees-up this Oktoberfest – and you don't even have to wait until October. Munich’s world-famous beer festival is very much on in London this weekend, with massive steins of beer, endless varieties of wurst and traditional oompah bands blowing brass like they don’t give a schnitzel all over the city. Better yet, some of London’s best Oktoberfest celebrations offer free entry, and one or two even promise beers on the haus for those who come in costume. Check out our roundup here.
Various venues. Until Oct 25. Free.
5. Join community bike ride Le Tour de Waltham Forest
Staged in honour of World Car Free Day, Waltham Forest Council’s annual biking bonanza offers cyclists of all experience levels the opportunity to get to know their neighbours and the local landscape on a series of guided rides ranging from a speedy 9km ride up to a 20km trek. The free event also promises food stalls, family-friendly entertainment and free bike checks on offer from Dr Bike. You can even borrow a bike for free, should you want to take part but don’t own your own set of wheels. Sign up for free here to take part.
Lloyd Park, E17 4PP. Sun Sep 28. Free (advance booking required).
6. Be part of a Guinness World Record Attempt at the Old Royal Naval College
Greenwich’s grand 18th-century Old Royal Naval College is a much-used movie location, regularly popping up in period dramas and action movies ranging from Bridgerton to Pirates of the Caribbean. And this weekend, the imposing institution is honouring its cinematic history by inviting members of the public to join a mammoth Guinness World Record attempt to host the largest gathering of people dressed as TV and film characters. Keen to play your part? Simply show up dressed as Jack Sparrow, Queen Charlotte, Sherlock, Bruce Wayne or another of these screen icons, and get ready to have a ball!
Old Royal Naval College, SE10 9NN. Sat Sep 27. Free.
Plan a great start to autumn with our roundup of the best things to do in London in October.
London’s new Bakerloop express bus service launches this weekend – with free rides for a week.
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