20 excellent things to do in London in September 2023

September concludes the summer, bidding farewell to the never ending stream of music festivals while welcoming classical music season. The month also hosts eminent events such as Open House, London Design Festival, FTWeekend Festival, and the return of Frieze sculptures in The Regent’s Park. With hopes for sunshine, here are our picks for 20 things to do in London.

Open House Festival

Image: View from world's end housing estate. © Phineas Harper.

#FLODown: Open House Festival is a two-week celebration of London's architecture and neighbourhoods, allowing access to both famous landmarks and hidden gems. Led by a community of Londoners, the festival offers open days at various buildings, along with tours and events that provide insight into the city's history, architecture, and diverse neighbourhoods. Featured highlights include exclusive visits to sites like the West India Dock Impounding Station, the Winscombe Street 1960s Terrace, the Sun Rain Rooms, the historically significant Markfield Beam Engine and House, as well as the Paxton Locher House. The festival also showcases locations such as Highpoint and Haberdashers' Hall.

Date: 6 – 17 September 2023. Location: Various locations in London. Website: openhouse.org.uk.

Future of Food Festival

#FLODown: Future of Food Festival is a new week-long festival taking place from 18 - 24 September 2023, across Regent Street and St. James's. The event aims to highlight the region's focus on sustainable food practices and celebrate Central London's lively restaurant scene.The event includes 23 restaurants, 17 events, and the introduction of Regent Street's inaugural Urban Farm. It will also feature educational and innovative activities that showcase the food and restaurant industry's leadership in sustainability. Date: 18 - 24 September 2023. Location: Regent Street and St James’s. Website: regentstreetonline.com.

Totally Thames Festival

Image: Photo by Wender Junior Souza Vieira.

#FLODown: The annual Totally Thames celebration, focusing on London's river, is back for 2023 with a fresh format. The event will have designated hubs every weekend along the river's course: Brentford, Greenwich, London Bridge and Southbank, Royal Docks, and Kingston upon Thames. Noteworthy features include an impressive daily water geyser installation by David Cotterrell, visible from various points including the IFS Cloud Cable Car, streets, bars, and City Hall; the St Katherine Docks Classic Boat Festival; a Climate Cabaret; the Great River Race; and an exhibition called Creative Flow: Kingston, Art and the River, delving into Kingston Upon Thames' artistic history.

Date: 1 September – 1 October 2023. Website: thamesfestivaltrust.org

Manchester Collective: After Dark

Image: Manchester Collective. © César Vásquez Altamirano.

#FLODown: Experience classical music like never before with Manchester Collective. This avant-garde ensemble, a Resident Artist at Southbank Centre, presents a late-night immersive event featuring minimalist gems and innovative takes on classical favourites. Renowned for their experimental programming and bold collaborations, Manchester Collective blends contemporary compositions and classical masterpieces.

Date: 22 September 2023. Time: 10.30pm. Location: Queen Elizabeth Hall,Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX. Price: £10. Book now.

FTWeekend Festival

Image: Kenwood House. Photo by Rob B.

#FLODown: Get ready for an exciting September at Kenwood House with the FTWeekend Festival! This event offers a range of engaging activities, including tastings, performances, and discussions covering topics like wine, politics, gardening, and more. Don't miss the chance to interact with notable figures like historian Simon Schama and journalist Rachel Reeves. You can also enjoy pottery sessions, explore Portuguese wines, and learn from experienced professionals to refine your palate.

Date: 2 September 2023. Time: 10am – 8pm. Location: Kenwood House, Hampstead Ln, London NW3 7JR. Price: from £129. Book now.

Wineyard Independent Wine Market

Image: Wineyard Independent Wine Market/

#FLODown: Discover Wineyard, the new one-day wine event launching this September at Round Chapel, Clapton. Wineyard will celebrate London's independent wine market, bringing together premier importers and producers. For £15, your ticket will include a tote bag, GoVino glass, and five tasting tokens. Explore wines while enjoying fantastic live music and food, along with a selection of kids' entertainment. Additionally, throughout the day, a series of masterclasses will be held, covering a range of topics about wine. Featuring renowned suppliers like Shrine to the Vine and Renegade Urban Winery, Wineyard promises a wholesome day out.

Date: 10 September 2023. Time: Noon – 7pm. Location: Round Chapel, 1D Glenarm Road London E5 0LY. Price: £15. Book now.

The Little Big Things

Image: The Litle Big Things.

#FLODown: Get ready for an unforgettable September at the Soho Place Theatre with the arrival of The Little Big Things. This extraordinary musical reveals a true story, tracing an ordinary family's journey through extraordinary challenges sparked by a life-changing event. Fuelled by unwavering parental support, they navigate an unpredictable future, underscoring the unbreakable power of familial bonds. Adapted from Henry Fraser's captivating autobiography, the musical boasts an explosive pop-infused soundtrack. Fraser, once a promising rugby prodigy, shattered expectations after a diving accident left him tetraplegic. Against all odds, his remarkable recovery catapulted him to success as an artist, speaker, and author.

Date: 2 September - 25 November 2023. Location: 4 Soho Place, Charing Cross Road, W1D 3BG. Price: from: £30. Book now.

London Design Festival

Image: LDF22. Into Sight Sony Design. Photo by Ed Reeve.

#FLODown: The 21st London Design Festival, taking place this September, promises to be a dynamic celebration of design excellence. The festival features events, exhibitions, and installations that elevate designers and creative businesses with the support of the Mayor of London and Bloomberg Philanthropies. As a global design hub, the festival draws 360,000 annual visitors, offering free experiences to inspire future creatives. The 2023 programme showcases innovative installations, museum exhibits, Design Districts, Fairs, and the Global Design Forum, addressing pressing global challenges. Notable projects reinterpret architect Sir Christopher Wren's legacy in modern contexts, while Pentagram's iconic design identity continues to shape the festival's visual language. Click here for the full programme of events.

Date: 16 - 24 September 2023. Website: londondesignfestival.com.

Frieze Sculpture 2023

Image: Ayşe Erkmen, Moss Column, 2023, stone, moss and copper, height 5m, Ø60. Courtesy Dirimart and the artist.

#FLODown: Frieze Sculpture, the renowned free public art exhibition, will return to London’s Regent’s Park this September. Curated by Fatoş Üstek, the exhibit will showcase 22 global artists amid the park's historic English Gardens. From established names like Ghada Amer to emerging talents, the exhibition explores transformation, political empowerment, rituals, and social concepts through site-specific projects, enhanced by performances and discussions. Frieze Sculpture coincides with Frieze London and Frieze Masters (11 - 15 October 2023).

Date: from 20 September – 29 October 2023. Location: The Regent’s Park. Price: Free. Website: frieze.com.

Waterworks Festival

Image: © Photography by Jake Davis | Khroma Collective

#FLODown: Waterworks Festival is back this September for its third instalment at Gunnersbury Park. Featuring a diverse lineup representing London's underground music scene, highlights include artists like Eliza Rose, Flowdan, Palms Trax, Sherelle, and more. With seven stages featuring top-notch sound systems, including the Orbit stage with an all-female lineup and 360-degree sound, the festival offers a unique day-to-night experience as the sun sets earlier in the season.

Date: 16 September 2023. Location: Gunnersbury Park, Popes Ln, London W3 8LQ. Price: from £60. Book now.

Strawberry Hill House Flower Festival

Image: Strawberry Hill House Flower Festival 2023.

#FLODown: The Strawberry Hill House Flower Festival is making its much-awaited return this September for its fifth consecutive year. Organised by Leigh Chappell and Janne Ford, the event will highlight a stunning presentation of the finest British-grown flowers. It's noteworthy for its dedication to environmentally friendly foam-free floristry practices, as well as its showcase of innovative designs by some of the UK's top floral designers.

Date: 22 – 24 September 2023. Time: 11am – 5pm. Price: from £19. Concessions available.Under 14’s Free. Book now.

Colourscape Music Festival

Image: Colourscape Music Festival. September 2023. © MTotoe.

#FLODown: Colourscape returns to Clapham Common this September, offering the chance to navigate through vibrant inflatable tunnels, don colourful cloaks, and enjoy live music as you explore. Engage in hour-long sessions to capture photos and completely engage in this distinct journey. Colourscape is an immersive labyrinth of light and colour, featuring interconnected chambers that participants can explore. Since 1989, the annual Colourscape Music Festival at Clapham Common combines contemporary music with colour for a unique experience.

Date: 9 – 17 September 2023. Location: Clapham Common (by the Windmill Pub). Price: from at £7. Book now.

Last Night of the Proms

Image: Royal Albery Hall. © Johen Redman.

#FLODown: The Last Night of the Proms is the finale of the BBC Proms, a premier classical music festival held annually at London's Royal Albert Hall. With millions worldwide tuning in, it unites classical music enthusiasts and fulfills founder-conductor Henry Wood's 1895 vision of making classical music accessible. This year's event, led by conductor Marin Alsop, features celebrated musicians like cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason and soprano Lise Davidsen, accompanied by the BBC Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, closing eight weeks of outstanding music in the city.

Date: 9 September 2023. Location: Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2AP. Website: royalalberthall.com.

Late Night Full Moon Manifestations at Lift 109

Image: Lift 109 Full Moon Manifestations.Battersea Power Station. Photo by London from the Rooftops.

#FLODown: Battersea Power Station's Lift 109 is hosting Full Moon Manifestation workshops, offering a unique experience 109 metres above ground under the full moon's influence. Participants will enjoy breathtaking views of London while engaging in breathing, meditation, and self-development exercises. Led by spiritual practitioner Roxy Marrone, these workshops aim to harness the moon's power for manifesting dreams, shifting mindsets towards abundance, and aligning with positive universal vibrations. This event is part of the 'Lift 109 Lates' series, providing special after-hours experiences at the chimney lift.

Date: 29 September and 28 October 2023. Location: Lift 109,Battersea Power Station, Circus Rd W, Nine Elms, London SW8 5BN. Price: £45 includes Lift 109 ascent, Full Moon Manifestation experience and a soft drink. Book now.

Paint & Sip With A Purpose!

Image: Artist Guan Chow. © Joey Li.

#FLODown: Leiho and Baron's Court Project are hosting an art class with guest artist Guan Chow. Guan's art helped him overcome anxiety and loneliness, and he'll share his journey, including his famous 'rainbow tree' painting. Join them for inspiration and creativity! All materials, drinks, and snacks provided.

Date: 20 September 2023. Time: 6pm- 8.45pm.Location: Union Chapel,19b Compton Terrace London N1 2UN United Kingdom. Price: from £16.50. Get 10% off booking with the code 'FLO10' .Book now.

HowTheLightGetsIn Festival

Image: @howthelightgetsinfestival

#FLODown: Kenwood House will host yet another festival this September, the HowTheLightGetsIn festival. This festival seamlessly weaves together impassioned philosophical debates and live music, resulting in an unparalleled experience tailored for aficionados of esoteric thought. Attendees eager to exchange and shape their perspectives on the world will discover an ideal platform in this festival to do so. Whether relishing live comedy performances by some of the UK's most talented or engaging in thought-provoking discussions over a meal with expert speakers, HowTheLightGetsIn promises an extraordinary adventure for those seeking a novel and distinctive festival encounter.

Date: 23 - 24 September 2023. Location: Kenwood House, Hampstead Ln, London NW3 7JR. Price: from £138. Book now.

London Podcast Festival

Image: The London Podcast Festival.

#FLODown: Mark your calendars for the grand return of London Podcast Festival. Premier podcasting talents from the UK and US will take the stage at Kings Place, offering you not just the pleasure of listening, but the excitement of witnessing your favourite hosts in action. Since its 2016 launch, the festival has showcased over 600 podcasters, and this year's lineup includes prominent shows like No Such Thing As a Fish, Drunk Women Solving Crime, Dope Black Mums and Dads, and the Two Twos podcast.

Date: 7 -17 September 2023. Location: Kings Place Music Foundation, 90 York Way, London N1 9GE. Price: From £9.50 + booking fee. Book now.

Peckham Festival

Image:Peckham Festival. Photo by Yaneva Santana.

#FLODown: Peckham Festival returns this September for its seventh year, celebrating Peckham's vibrant creative community through music, art, workshops, and collaborations. Partnering with local luminaries like GALA, Balamii, and BornNBred, the festival offers diverse music lineups. The Copeland Gallery hosts Staying Power, delving into Black British identity through immersive art, dance, film, and music. Made in Peckham opens 200 artists' worlds via open studios, while Pexmas presents a trove of 100 makers. New partners Ourhood Community and Voir-X spotlight Black-owned brands and emerging designers, infusing fresh energy into the celebration. Engaging family workshops, from skateboarding to literature, promise a lively experience for all.

Date: 15 – 17 September 2023. Location: Peckham Festival is running out of locations across SE15. Price: Free. Website: peckhamfestival.org.

Punchdrunk The Burnt City

Image: Punchdrunk The Burnt City. Photo by Julian Abrams. Performer Miranda Mac Letten.

#FLODown: This month marks your final opportunity to catch Punchdrunk's The Burnt City. Set in a dystopian landscape, the show invites audiences to explore a sprawling set, from palaces to the underworld of Troy, while following characters and uncovering mysteries. Directed by Felix Barrett and Maxine Doyle, the play is a distinctive promenade performance lasting up to three hours. It is suitable for individuals aged 16 and older (16-17 year-olds can attend with a guardian).

Location: One Cartridge Place, London, SE18 6ZR. Price: from £65. Book now.

The Multi-Story Orchestra: The Endz

Image: The Endz. The Multi-Story Orchestra. Photo by Ambra Vernuccio.

#FLODown: The Endz is an innovative musical creation by a group of talented youths from Peckham, in collaboration with the Multi-Story Orchestra, known for performing in unconventional spaces, such as car parks. Through rap, spoken word, and songs, the piece sheds light on the impact of social inequality on the young generation's lives. It addresses modern-day themes of friendship, heartbreak, and loss, while confronting issues like escalating knife crime rates and reduced youth service funding. With a choir of over 100 singers and a full symphony orchestra, the performance combines exceptional musicianship with poignant social commentary.

Date: 23 September 2023. Time: 5.30pm and 8.30pm. Location: Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX. Price: from £10. Book now.