![\"Caspian\u2019s](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1787279915_582_image.webp\")
\nPhoto: Alex BrennerCaspian\u2019s Storm (Greenwich Fair) <\/p>\n
There are a billion and one different things to do in London over the summer. Day festivals, bars, outdoor theatre shows and blockbuster exhibitions are all jostling for attention and competing for your time, and cash. But what happens when September is looming, and your bank account is\u00a0looking drier than one of Hackney\u2019s drought-stricken canals?<\/p>\n
Well, we\u2019ve got an idea or two. We\u2019ve hunted high and low across this city to find free things to do this weekend that are actually worth your time. Spectacular circus acts in the open air. Queer dance parties with the edgiest DJs around. Joyful street parties with live music. Don\u2019t let the fun run out when the funds run out. Read on for our pick of the very best events to enjoy, without getting your bankcard out.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The best free things on\u00a0in London this weekend,\u00a0August 21-23 2026\u00a0<\/p>\n
In a city where free theatre is harder to come by than an outdoor table at Towpath Cafe, Greenwich Fair is an annual miracle. It takes over the summit of Greenwich Park for a weekend of outdoor shows that play across multiple stages, with roving performers working the crowd. No need to book: just turn up, find a seat, and discover anything from\u00a0feminist high-wire act ElevateHer by Daughters of the Wire, to Kismat Walla by Thingumajig Theatre, a magical outdoor puppetry show inspired by South Asian street markets.<\/p>\n
Greenwich Park, Park Row,\u00a0SE10 8XJ. Sat Aug 22 – Sun Aug 23. Free.<\/p>\n
\nPhoto: Alex BrennerCaspian\u2019s Storm (Greenwich Fair)
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It\u2019s been a big old summer of LGBTQ+ partying, with Pride, Mighty Hoopla, and Body Movements all pulling fun-loving crowds of revellers. Now, it\u2019s time to head east and enjoy one of the last massive get-togethers of this year\u2019s queer calendar: and thankfully for everyone\u2019s bank balance, it\u2019s totally free. Queer Frequencies is\u00a0the latest in the series of free parties that began with The Music Is Ours back in June. It\u2019s a party that\u2019ll put Black queer music and culture front and centre , with a line-up curated by DJ Shy One, \u2018the Prince of Peckham\u2019 Mark-Ashley Dup\u00e9, east London creative Donnie Sunshine and DJ Joel Mignott. Head on over to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park for an afternoon of dancing and discovering new acts in the late August sunshine.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park,\u00a0E20 2ST.\u00a0Sat Aug 22 – Sun Aug 23. Free.<\/p>\n
Arts Emergency is a charity that\u2019s dedicated to making sure the next generation of creatives find their way into the spotlight, even as schools cut art, music, theatre and literature out of\u00a0the curriculum. Get a feel for what they do at this exciting two-day takeover at Southbank Centre. On Saturday, you\u2019ll find loads of ways to get moving, with workshops by dance groups Strut, Queer Salsa, and Polyjammerous. Then on Sunday, there\u2019s a one-off edition of storytelling open mic night Special Guest, where actors, writers and comedians tell stories inspired by words from the audience, backed up by a live band.<\/p>\n
Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road,\u00a0SE1 8XX.\u00a0Sat Aug 22 – Sun Aug 23. Free.<\/p>\n
![\"Pinterest](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1787279916_139_image.webp\")
\nPhotograph: PinterestPinterest
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Delight your friends and befuddle your enemies by getting some sparkling face gems at Pinterest\u2019s Mile End pop-up, which is all about getting festival-ready. You\u2019ll also be able to pick up e.l.f. cosmetics and learn how to use them from the pros, as well as getting your mitts on customisable\u00a0single use cameras and festival merch. And if the \u2018festival\u2019 you\u2019re going to is your very un-Pinterest-worthy disposable BBQ in your mate\u2019s arid backyard? Don’t worry, we won\u2019t tell \u2018em if you don\u2019t.\u00a0<\/p>\n
All Time Food and Wine, 564 Mile End Road, E3 4PH. Sat Aug 22. Free.<\/p>\n
Ridley Road Market is never quiet, but this Saturday it\u2019s going to be buzzing to a different frequency thanks to its annual summer party. From noon, it\u2019ll be soundtracked by the sweet sounds of steel pan bands, sound systems and African drumming workshops. There\u2019ll also be face painting for the kids, a free photobooth, fun interactive games to try \u2013 and of course, loads of delicious food from Ridley Road\u2019s many traders.<\/p>\n
Ridley Road Market, E8.\u00a0Sat Aug 22. Free.<\/p>\n
![\"Buzz](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1787279916_791_image.webp\")
\nPhotograph: Wembley ParkBuzz Gym\u2019s Soca dance class
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Bored of punishing 5k runs or tedious weight-training?\u00a0Try a fun new form of exercise at this free Wembley Park workshop, which will introduce you to the joys of Caribbean Soca dancing. Buzz Gym will lead you through an hour of fast-paced, rhythmic movement that’ll send you beaming into the rest of your Sunday.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Union Park, Wembley Park. Sun Aug 23. Free.<\/p>\n
Make the most of August with\u00a0our guide to the best things to do in London this month<\/a>.<\/p>\n Get the latest and greatest from the Big Smoke \u2013 from news and reviews to events and trends. Just\u00a0follow our Time Out London WhatsApp channel<\/a>.<\/p>\n