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When summer starts to rear its head in London, saving money can be a tricky business. There are endless day fests, gigs, art exhibitions, theatre shows and restaurant openings that are hard to resist spending your hard-earned cash on, and we can’t blame you for wanting to go to them all (the FOMO is intense this time of year). But there comes a point when your bank account begs: ‘no more!’.
The great thing about this city, though, is that there will always be a load of fun free stuff going on too. So, if you want a low-spend weekend that doesn’t just involve rotting on your sofa, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a roundup of all the best things to do in London over the next few days without spending a penny.
The best free things to do in London this weekend
Walk through queer history at the British Museum
Over the next few weeks, the British Museum is hosting in-depth 70-minute guided tours titled ‘Desire, Love, Identity: Exploring LGBTQ Histories’. Knowledgeable volunteers talk visitors through a huge variety of objects ranging from the ancient world to the present day. They’ll illuminate the fascinating LGBTQ stories behind some of the museum’s most famous artefacts and lesser-known gems, including the Townley Diskobolos, the Gilgamesh Tablet and the Warren Cup. The tours are totally free, but you do need to book in advance.
British Museum, WC1E 7JW. Sat June 14. Free (advanced booking advised).
Pay homage to pirate radio at the Barbican
Youth-led, Brixton-based broadcaster Reprezent Radio is taking over the Barbican’s custom built studio on Saturday for a show dedicated to pirate radio and its legacy. And you can be there to watch in person. Running from midday, all the way through to 6pm, the broadcast will showcase how pirate radio shaped the sound of the UK, influencing genres from reggae and rare groove to jungle and drill. Shabba D of Kool FM, DJ Spoony of London Underground FM, and Sunrise FM DJ and radio presenter, Marcia Carr will all be joining as special guests. You can book a spot in the live audience here.
Barbican Centre, EC2Y 8DS. 12pm-6pm, Sat June 14. Free (advanced booking recommended).
Get involved in the wider programme at Little Simz’s Meltdown
While you do have to cough up some cash if you want to see any of the main live performances at Meltdown, there is a selection of equally great free stuff happening as part of the Southbank festival. On Saturday, there are talks all about career paths in design, fashion and acting, featuring appearances from actors Letitia Wright and Fady Elsayed, and fashion designer Tolu Coker. On the same day, you can catch pro dancers going head to head in a dance battle on the Riverside Terrace, then on Sunday there’s a chilled out ‘sip and sculpt’ session in which you can create a clay masterpiece, free of charge. You can find out more about each event here.
Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX. Sat June 14- Sun June 15. Free (booking required for select events).
Be serenaded by the London Symphony Orchestra in Trafalgar Square
On Sunday evening, Trafalgar Square will erupt with the sound of dramatic Italian opera and magnificent orchestral melodies. The London Symphony Orchestra will be parked on a stage in the centre of the plaza for BMW Classics – its annual free open-air concert. This year, the showcase is being led by chief conductor Sir Antonio Pappano and will feature 55 young musicians from east London’s Guildhall School playing a specially commissioned piece. There's no advanced booking needed but it’s recommended that you turn up from around 3.45pm for a decent spot.
Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DS. 5pm-6.40pm, Sun June 15. Free.
Head to Kensington Gardens to see the stunning new Serpentine Pavilion
The Serpentine’s 2025 Pavilion has officially landed. Every summer since 2000, the Hyde Park gallery has invited a world-renowned architect to design a fabulous temporary structure, which then plays host to a café and a programme of talks and entertainment. For the scheme’s 25th anniversary, Bangladeshi architect Marina Tabassum presents the very first moving pavilion, titled ‘A Capsule in Time’. Its curvaceous wooden structure is lined with translucent screens that filter the sun’s light like the leaves of a tree and its moving elements are inspired by shamianas, South Asian tents used for weddings, feasts and other ceremonial occasions.
Serpentine Gallery, W2 3XA. Until October 26. Free.
Got a bit more cash to splash? Check out our roundup of the best things do to this weekend
Or find some more wallet-friendly entertainment with our guide to the best free things to do in London
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