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Summer in London feels like it’s been going on for an eternity at this point. Endless heat has turned the grass into golden stubble, tanned the skin of even the palest of city-dwellers, and made us collectively forget what it’s like to wear long trousers. And if you’ve been surviving the sky-high temperatures by drinking endless blueberry matcha lattes and icy sgroppinos, your bank balance might be looking just as barren as your local park. But fear not, we’ve got some free ways to stay cool and have fun this weekend, without burning through your precious funds.
Whether you’re in the mood for waterside jazz, Pokémon-centric silliness or a literary knees up, we’ve got something to lift your spirits this weekend. Read on for our pick of London events that’ll help you make the most of summer in the city - and you don’t need to make it rain to enjoy them.
RECOMMENDED: London Tube and Train Disruption This Weekend [August 8-9 2026].
The best free things on in London this weekend, August 7-9 2026
1. Celebrate the 10th birthday of Pokémon GO
If you downloaded Pokémon GO when it launched, got instantly obsessed with hunting rare Charizards in your local park... then totally forgot all about it, maybe it’s time for a revisit? This addictive game has millions upon millions of users worldwide, who’ve trawled over 100 billion kilometres while playing the game. Quite a few of them will be beating a path to Boxpark Shoreditch this weekend for a free celebration of all things Pokémon GO. Head over for free coffee, prize draws, in-game rewards, and experiences inspired by the fantastical world of this much-loved game.
Boxpark Shoreditch, E1 6GY. Sat Aug 8-Sun Aug 9. Free.
2. Check out new food festival Kerb Goes East
If you’re a sucker for East and South East Asian flavours, you definitely won’t want to miss this special edition of Kerb. Head to Surrey Quays' Corner Corner and you’ll find delights including Singaporean curry puffs from Old Chang Kee, nasi goreng from Indonesian eatery Borobudu, or Hong Kong-style French toast from Cantoast Bakery. It’s an affordable way to try new treats, while you browse crafts from Urban Garden Fair and listen to live music.
Maritime Street, SE16 7LL. Sat Aug 8-Sun Aug 9. Free.
3. Visit the happy world of Mr Men at a Battersea Power Station takeover
Remember Mr Men books? For a brief moment in primary school, the greatest status symbol of all was having the complete set, so that the spines made up a cute little pic. Revisit those simple days at Battersea Power Station’s fun family-friendly celebration of Roger Hargreaves’ books. There’ll be interactive storytelling sessions, workshops where you can make your own wooden characters or door plaques, and an activity trail where you can unlock free gifts. It’ll be basically impossible to be a Mr Grumpy with so much free fun on offer.
Battersea Power Station, SW8 4NN. Sat Aug 8-Mon Aug 10. Free.
4. Listen to live jazz and soul in Canada Water
If you want to feel like you’re at a festival without any admin (or expense), Canada Water is the place to be this weekend. Round the Dock is serving up a chilled weekend line-up of music on a floating stage, ready to lift your spirits and soothe your soul. The August-long programme kicks off this weekend with a session from jazz luminary Mark Kavuma & The Banger Factory, who'll unleash an afternoon of jazz, soul, gospel and groove. Bring a blanket to sit on and soak up those laidback summery vibes.
Canada Water, SE16 6BB. Until Aug 30. Free.
5. Celebrate legendary secondhand store Skoob Books
Bloomsbury wouldn’t be half as literary without Skoob Books, the gigantic secondhand shop that’s a site of pilgrimage for students and all-round bibliophiles. This weekend, it’s throwing a party to celebrate the culture it’s built up since it started over half a century ago. There’ll be a big quiz, books for sale, a history of the shop, and a show and tell of some of the most intriguing ephemera from its teeming collections.
Horse Hospital, Colonnade, WC1N 1JD. Sun Aug 9. Free.
6. Belt your heart out at a free outdoor karaoke party
Typically, karaoke sessions take place under the cover of darkness, in small rooms where only an intimate circle can hear your frighteningly intense rendition of Natalie Imbruglia’s ‘Torn’. But don’t you deserve a bigger audience? Get the crowd your vocal talents deserve at Bearpit’s annual free karaoke knees up at Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens. From 4pm til 8pm on Saturday, the mic is open and the vibes are impeccable. Turn up ready to unleash your biggest bangers to a buzzing, well-lubricated crowd of karaoke obsessives.
Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, SE11 5HL. Sun Aug 9. Free.
Make the most of August with our guide to the best things to do in London this month.
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