Best events in London in August 2023

Summer is in full swing in London, offering a plethora of exciting events to make for a fantastic August. Experience the vibrant return of Notting Hill Carnival, thrilling open-air cinema screenings, tasty food festivals, and outdoor dining experiences. Get ready to witness the triumphant return of the Australian Ballet, dance the night away to the classic tunes of Sister Sledge, and partake in rich cultural events at Somerset House. Here is our guide to 17 things you can do in London this August.

The Australian Ballet at the Royal Opera House

Image: Jewels, The Australian Ballet. Photo by Simon Eeles.

#FLODown: The Australian Ballet is making a triumphant return to the Royal Opera House in London this August after a 35-year absence. As part of their diamond jubilee celebrations, the company will showcase George Balanchine's acclaimed ballet masterpiece, Jewels. This marks the first time Jewels will be performed on an international stage. The ballet, presented in three parts, embodies the essence of different eras and locations, from 19th-century Paris to vibrant New York, and finally, the grand Mariinsky tradition. With five performances of Jewels and a special 60th Anniversary Gala, featuring diverse choreographic works, this promises to be a glamorous event on London's cultural calendar.

Date: Jewels - 2- 5 August 2023, 60th Anniversary Celebration - 6 August 2023. Location: Royal Opera House, Bow St, London WC2E 9DD. Price: £4 - £135. Book now.

51st Festival 2023

Image: 51st Festival. Photo by Perry Gibson.

#FLODown: Mark your calendars for an unforgettable experience this August as the 51st Festival returns, celebrating the very best of dance music with a lineup of over 100 iconic artists across six stages. With genres ranging from Soulful to Tech, Afro to Drum & Bass, the festival promises a day of fantastic music and endless fun. Featuring renowned artists such as Louie Vega and David Morales' Kings of House NYC, alongside Dimitri from Paris and DJ Spen, this event will be the perfect fusion of cutting-edge new music and nostalgic acts!
Date: 5 August 2023. Time: 11am-10pm. Location: Copthall Playing Fields, Champions Way, Page St, London NW4 1PS. Book now.

UNIQLO Tate Play

Image: Rasheed Araeen's interactive sculpture, Zero to Infinity. Turbine Hall, Tate Modern. July 2023. © MTotoe.

#FLODown:Discover the creative world of art and play at UNIQLO Tate Play, a delightful and free experience at Tate Modern designed for families of all ages. Inspired by the art on display, this interactive program offers a range of engaging activities, including the hugely popular Zero to Infinity by Rasheed Araeen. Dive into the realms of symmetry, geometry, and infinity through creative play.

Date: until 28 August 2023. Locations: Tate Modern, Turbine Hall, Bankside London SE1 9TG. Time: 10.30am – 6pm. Price: Free.

BBC Proms

Image: Samuel Sianipar

#FLODown: The BBC Proms 2023 is in full swing, and this month's lineup includes performances, such as Isata Kanneh-Mason playing Prokofiev's , Yuja Wang playing Rachmaninov's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, and John Wilson's Sinfonia of London with Benjamin Grosvenor performing Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No. 2. The Budapest Festival Orchestra, Stravinsky's The Firebird, and Sir Simon Rattle conducting Mahler's Ninth Symphony are also not to be missed. Ending the month, catch the Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra playing Rachmaninov's Symphony No. 3. It's a summer of unforgettable music at the Royal Albert Hall!

Date: 14 July – 9 September 2023. Location: various locations. Several at the Royal Albert Hall. Click here to discover Proms events.

The Arc: A Trilogy of New Jewish Plays

Image: The Arc: A Trilogy of New Jewish Plays

#FLODown: Emanate Productions is set to premiere The Arc: A Trilogy of New Jewish Plays at Soho Theatre. This triple bill, written by leading UK Jewish playwrights, explores pivotal moments of birth, marriage, and death through a distinctly Jewish lens. The talented cast, including Nigel Planer and Adrian Schiller, promises an unforgettable theatrical experience celebrating Jewish culture and heritage. With a mission to nurture Jewish artists and share urgent stories, Emanate Productions brings a contemporary light to the cycle of Jewish life, offering audiences a unique perspective.
Date:  15 - 26 August 2023. Location: Soho Theatre, 21 Dean Street, London, W1D 3NE. Price: from £16. Book now.

Sister Sledge at South Facing Festival 2023

Image: Sister Sledge. Image courtesy of Brick

#FLODown: Iconic funk queens Sister Sledge are set to headline atCrystal Palace Bowl on 6 August 2023. Prepare for an unforgettable all-day party as they grace the stage with their timeless hits like We Are Family and Lost in Music. Joining them will be disco party favourites Horse Meat Disco, renowned DJs Greg Wilson and Norman Jay MBE spinning the best in disco and funk, and the uplifting sounds of House Gospel Choir. This soulful event is part of the South Facing concert series, bringing together high-profile artists across multiple genres for a series of unforgettable shows at the iconic open-air venue. Don't miss your chance to dance the day away and witness the legendary Sister Sledge live in London this August!

Date: 6 August 2023. Location: Crystal Palace Bowl, London SE19 2BA. Price: from £29.50. Book now.

Summer at Trafalgar Square

#FLODown: Summer on the Square is the National Gallery's free festival, returning for its second year to celebrate creativity and community in Trafalgar Square. The event features eight workshops led by artists, focusing on child-led art, design, and play activities. It aims to inspire the local community and visitors, forming part of Westminster City Council's Inside Out Programme. Activities will include bamboo construction, collaborative art galleries, and immersive 20th-century art experiences.  Click here to discover more free festivals in London.

Date: 1‒28 August 2023. Location: North Terrace, Trafalgar Square. Website: nationalgallery.org.uk

Free art at stately homes or former Royal residences

Image: Queen’s House. Greenwich. July 2023. © MTotoe.

#FLODown: Queen’s House and Kenwood House offer free art experiences with impressive collections. Kenwood House boasts a renowned collection of masterpieces by esteemed artists such as Gainsborough, Reynolds, Rembrandt, and Turner, spanning various periods and styles. Located in Greenwich's UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Queen's House features art that seamlessly integrates historic paintings with contemporary pieces, including the country's first unsupported spiral staircase, the Tulip Staircase. Both locations provide a delightful day out for art enthusiasts and culture lovers, surrounded by vast parks, they are also perfect for a leisurely stroll or a relaxing picnic in the summer sunshine. Location: Kenwood House, Hampstead Lane, Hampstead, London, NW3 7JR. Website: english-heritage.org.uk. Location: Queen's House, Royal Museums Greenwich, Romney Road, SE10 9NF. Opening hours: Daily 10am - 5pm. Website:  rmg.co.uk

Food & Drink Festivals

Image: Hampton Court Palace. Photo by KT Likes Coffee

#FLODown: There are plenty of food and drinks festivals in London this August, including Hampton Court Palace Food Festival from 26-28 August 2023. Here, you can explore Henry VIII's Palace, savour street food and boutique drinks, and experience live music, games, and family fun in the glorious Palace gardens. London’s Craft Beer Festival returns to Tobacco Dock on 11-12 August 2023. Enjoy an all-inclusive experience with your ticket covering all the beers. Try over 700 beers from world-class breweries!

Location: Hampton Court Palace Food Festival, Hampton Court Palace, Hampton Ct Way, Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9AU. Location: London Craft Beer Festival, Tobacco Dock, Tobacco Quay, Wapping Lane, London, E1W 2SF.

Notting Hill Carnival

Image: Notting Hill Carnival. August 2019. © Nike Akinfenwa

#FLODown: August in London is synonymous with Notting Hill Carnival! Proudly claiming the title of Europe's biggest street festival honouring Caribbean culture, it has become an intrinsic part of the city's vibrant summer scene, warmly embraced by locals and visitors alike. Come the August bank holiday weekend, the streets come alive with an explosion of colours, music, mouthwatering street food, and a parade with bold costumes. Since its inception in 1964, Notting Hill Carnival has woven itself into the very fabric of London's, creating cherished memories for millions who joyfully participate in this extraordinary event.

Date: 27- 28 August 2023. Location: Notting Hill. Website: nhcarnival.org

 Outdoor cinema

Image: Rooftop Film Club, Bussey Building in Peckham. Image courtesy of Rooftop Film Club

#FLODown: Experience the vibrant essence of London's summer with open-air cinema screenings throughout August, featuring a variety of films, including opportunities to see the newly released Barbie and Oppenheimer movies. From the renowned Rooftop Film Club, which will be hosting daytime screening sessions for kids this summer, to the Outdoor Cinema at the Barbican, there are abundant options to enjoy outdoor cinema in the city, including free movie showings along the picturesque canal in King's Cross. Don't miss this opportunity to enjoy blockbuster hits, family classics, and beloved films under the stars in these beautiful settings. Click here to discover more locations for outdoor cinema in London this August.  

Lift 109

Image: Lift 109. Battersea Powers Station. November 2022 Photo by Joshua Atkins.

#FLODown: Experience Lift 109 at Battersea Power Station, a unique glass elevator journey taking visitors 109 meters to London's iconic chimneys for breathtaking 360-degree skyline views. The experience includes an immersive exhibition, interactive displays, and even Sundown Sessions where the elevator transforms into a dance floor. A must-try activity for both locals and tourists, Lift 109 offers an unforgettable and versatile experience.

Location: Battersea Power Station, Circus Rd W, Nine Elms, London SW8 5BN. Price: Adult £15.90, Child £11.50, Family £50.40. Book now.

Outdoor dining

Image: Jurema Terrace. Mandrake Hotel, June 2023. © MTotoe 

#FLODown: Summer is the perfect time for outdoor dining, and London has plenty of options to offer in August. With charming terraces like Petersham Nurseries, where you can enjoy Italian-inspired dishes amidst blossoming bougainvillea. Stylish rooftops like Alto by San Carlo offer exquisite Italian cuisine and live entertainment under a retractable roof, while hidden gems like The Towpath Café provide a relaxed atmosphere and wholesome dishes along Regent's Canal. Relish the warm weather while savouring classic cuisines in scenic settings like The Ivy Chelsea Garden, a pioneer of al fresco dining with its spacious terrace bursting with flowers and foliage. Jurema Terrace at the Mandrake Hotel offers a luxurious urban oasis adorned with lush greenery. From elegant riverside spots to trendy urban rooftops, August in London beckons!

Click here to discover more of our pick of the best outdoor dining locations in London.

Tour the Thames

Image: London skyline from the Thames. July 2023. © MTotoe.

#FLODown: This summer, why not explore the Thames in a different way with Thames Lates? Experience a thrilling 50-minute speed experience along the river, accompanied by tunes from DJ Mikee Snooze from Oslo Hackney. If you prefer a more serene ride, hop on the Thames clipper for just £8.20 and journey from Embankment Pier to Greenwich. Along the way, marvel at iconic London landmarks such as the Tate Modern, the Shard, and the Walkie Talkie building, creating wonderful memories on this scenic route.

Camden Fringe

Image: Camden. May 2023. © MTotoe.

#FLODown: The Camden Fringe is returning for its 17th season with over 300 confirmed shows, making it the biggest festival yet. The event features a diverse mix of weird and wonderful performances at various small venues in North London. Click here to discover what’s on.

Date: until 27 August 2023. Location: various locations. Website: camdenfringe.com

 

Summer in the courtyard Somerset House

Image: The Bright Land at Somerset House. August 20222. © MTotoe

#FLODown: Get ready for an exciting London summer at Somerset House with a string of fantastic events! Enjoy open-air, family-friendly gatherings at the Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court on weekdays, featuring food & drink pop-ups and delightful fountains. Weekends offer live events and performances from diverse creatives, including Chila Kumari Singh Burman's ice cream van installation inspired by her Punjabi heritage. Don't miss the open-air Vogue Ball by Vogue Rites and the performance Counterpoint by Shobana Jeyasingh Dance. The Black Girl Festival 2023, the UK's first and largest festival for Black women, girls, and non-binary individuals, also returns to Somerset House, offering a vibrant celebration of community and culture. Additionally, an intergenerational gathering for queer families and their supporters promises to make the festivities even more inclusive.Click here for the full line-up of events.

Date: 1-28 August 2023. Location: Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA.

The Battersea Games

Image: The Battersea Games at Battersea Power Station. © Charlie Round Turner

#FLODown: Throughout August experience a sporting extravaganza at Battersea Power Station with The Battersea Games. Discover a diverse range of activities, including padel, running, basketball, and fitness classes by Nike, BMF, and lululemon. Furry friends can join in with dog-friendly agility courses. Inside the Power Station, relish nostalgic fun with Bounce Ping Pong and vintage arcade games, or explore cool virtual reality experiences by DNA VR. Compete in Boules at the scenic Coaling Jetty. With a vibrant selection of cafes, bars, restaurants, and street food pop-ups along the Riverwalk, Battersea Power Station is the ultimate summer destination.
Location: Battersea Power Station, Circus Rd W, Nine Elms, London SW11 8AL. Website: batterseapowerstation.co.uk