The 6 best free things to do in London this weekend [July 10-12 2026]

This week, central London has had a distinctly sleepy feel. The World Cup’s punishing red-eye schedule has had fans celebrating til 4am then effortfully stumbling into work mere hours later. And even if you’re not following the footie, it's been hard to get a decent night’s kip in these consistently sweltering temperatures.

You don’t need me to tell you that sleep deprivation has a negative impact on the pre-frontal cortex: the sensible bit of the brain that governs impulse control. You've probably been tempted into no end of frivolous little purchases to make it through to Friday. A fruity vape here, a bougie pastry there, a pair of sunglasses you’re not nearly responsible enough to be trusted with... anything to get that life-giving rush of dopamine.

But consider this your sign not to let your brain chemistry run the show. Believe it or not, there are still ways to feel joy in London that don’t involve hammering your debit card until it squeaks for mercy. This city is full of fun things that are worth getting up early for - or staying up late for. Read on for the very best free things to do this weekend. 

The best free things on in London this weekend, July 10-12 2026 

1. Soak up the atmosphere at the big England game

Well, it goes without saying that the biggest free thing to do this weekend is England’s World Cup quarter-final face off with Norway. Centuries after the last Vikings left our shores, we’re going to be locked in combat with their goofy-yet-terrifying star striker Erling Haaland, who’s six foot five and lives on offal and raw milk. You’d be mad to miss it. Especially since London’s full of pubs, bars, and dedicated fan zones which are screening the match for free – and it starts at the far-from-painful time of 10pm, meaning that you don’t have to stay up til sunrise, unless you actively want to. 

Various locations. Sat Jul 11. Free.

2. Party to the sounds of Black female and non-binary musical pioneers

If you haven’t yet made it down to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park’s The Music Is Black festival, this weekend is a great time to do so. After last month’s celebration of grime and soundsystems, it’s Black women and non-binary artists’ time in the spotlight. There’ll be live music and DJ sets across three canalside spaces. Saturday’s line-up features live sets by neo-soul singers Lava La Rue and Terri Walker and a celebration of the 25-year career of London musician Cooly G. Then, on Sunday you can catch the likes of Yazmin Lacey and TYSON, south London DJ collective BORN N BREAD, and Kokoroko’s Sheila Maurice-Grey.

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Sat Jul 11 - Sun Jul 12. Free.

3. Learn some new moves at Streetz Fest

This free Tottenham festival is all about the power of dance to change lives. Local charity Streetz Ahead has been supporting young people to get moving for 30 years, so it’s throwing a big birthday celebration with loads of ways to get involved. There’ll be drop in street-dance workshops, roller disco, a silent disco tent, live performances and a giant flash mob. Plus all the usual festival trappings like food trucks and plenty of grass to stretch out your limbs after all that popping and locking. 

Lordship Wood, N17. Sat Jul 11. Free

4. Pick up some healthy freebies at a Holland & Barrett pop-up

Normally, Holland & Barrett contents itself with being a one-stop shop for anyone on a health kick, with aisles full of pills, potions and fibrous snacks ready to reinforce the most optimistic dietary schemes. But now, it’s aiming to take on Britain’s most famous social institution: the pub. Needless to say, its pop-up Clerkenwell watering hole The Wellness Tap will not be serving pints or scampi fries. Instead, punters will find electrolyte-rich brews, healthy snacks, and talks from experts about how to live a more wholesome existence. Best of all, it’s totally free, which means more cash for an actual, deliciously unhealthy pint after.

The Green, 29 Clerkenwell Green. Thu Jul 9 - Fri Jul 10. Free

5. Create your own puppet at a one-day storytelling fest

If you’ve got a knack for telling a good yarn, take things to the next level at this fun one-day celebration. Since May, Bermondsey residents have been getting into puppetry and storytelling at a series of workshops designed to unlock people’s creativity. This family-friendly one-day festival is the big culmination of it all, with live performances by talented locals and drop in workshops that are all about the joy of sharing stories. There’ll also be art workshops, food stalls, and plenty of space to relax in the peaceful setting of Bermondsey’s Spa Gardens.

Bermondsey Spa Gardens. Sun Jul 12. Free

6. Soak up the sun at a Hackney day party

Relax in a sunny Hackney courtyard at this chilled out day party by Wah Wah 45s label boss and DJ Dom Servini. From 3pm, laidback sets will soundtrack an afternoon of dancing, relaxing, and browsing stalls selling records, vintage clothing and accessories. There’ll even be free drinks for early birds, so make your way east before they all run out.

Hackney Downs Studios. Sat Jul 11. Free

Fill up your diary for July with our guide to the best things to do in London this month.

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