10 Fun Things To Do In London This Weekend: A London Living Blog Guide
It’s the last weekend of May and we’re getting ready to dive into some fantastic London events. Whether you're into art, food, music, or wellness or family fun there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Here's our roundup of the best events happening in the city..
Celebrate Summer on the River
Kick off your summer at London Bridge City with the Summer by the River festival. This vibrant event marks the official start of the capital’s festival season, offering a plethora of activities to enjoy. Highlights include riverside movie screenings of popular films like Barbie, Wonka, and Back to the Future, as well as enchanting choir performances and live shows by up-and-coming artists from BBC Music Introducing. The festival also boasts an array of street food vendors, refreshing cocktails from pop-up bars, and outdoor screenings of Wimbledon and the Olympic Games. Don't miss the sunset DJ sets that will keep the party going as the sun goes down.
Address: London Bridge City, London
Website: http://londonbridgecity.co.uk
Dates: Thursday 30 May - Sunday 1 September
Sip and See the Future at Market Place Peckham
This Thursday, head over to Market Place Peckham for a mystic and culinary experience. From 5pm, enjoy free tarot readings and cocktail-making sessions with Yaz Smith, who will offer guidance on love lives, careers, and personal growth. After getting your future read, indulge in a variety of delicious foods from the venue’s vendors, including Mexican treats at Los Tacos and Greek favorites at Souvlaki and Chips. It's the perfect way to spend an evening in South East London.
Address: Market Place Peckham, Unit 10, The Aylesham Centre, Rye Lane, London SE15 5EW
Website: http://marketplaceuk.com
Price: Free
Date: Thursday 30 May
Get Cultured Across the Capital
London Gallery Weekend returns for its fourth edition, promising to be the biggest gallery weekend in the world. This three-day event showcases the capital’s top art institutions with a fabulous series of events. Highlights include the opening receptions for Marieke Bernard-Berkel's solo exhibition "All the World's a Stage" at Sherbet Green and Lucía Pizzani's "Rites, Seeds and Refuge" at Cecilia Brunson Projects. Download curated arty routes by notable figures like Edward Enninful and Hans Ulrich Obrist, and explore the latest exhibitions and events across the city.
Address: Various locations across London
Website: http://londongalleryweekend.art
Dates: Friday 31 May - Sunday 2 June
Munch Through a Brand-New Menu
Foodies, rejoice! Barge East in Hackney has unveiled a new menu that’s making waves. Enjoy dishes like homemade sourdough with wild garlic, aged beef tartar with smoked marrow croquettes, and British market fish, all featuring sustainable ingredients.
Address:
- Barge East, River Lee, Sweetwater Mooring, White Post Lane, London E9 5EN
- Dates: All menus available now
Website: http://bargeeast.com
Experience the Paddington Bear Experience
Starting on 31 May, immerse yourself in the world of Paddington Bear at County Hall. This multi-room, immersive experience brings the beloved ursine character to life with a full-sized train carriage that transports you to Paddington station, followed by a visit to the Brown family's house at 32 Windsor Gardens. The experience culminates in the Marmalade Day Festival, making it a delightful adventure for all ages.
Address: County Hall, London
Date: From 31 May
Website: https://paddingtonbearexperience.com
Explore the London Festival of Architecture
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the London Festival of Architecture is a month-long event packed with over 450 activities. This weekend, highlights include a self-guided walk through Bromley's Old Palace, a visit to Notre Dame de France church in Soho, and a guided walk focusing on regeneration in the Angel area. The festival offers a unique opportunity to appreciate the architectural beauty and urban development of London through public installations, talks, tours, and family-friendly events.
Dates: 1-30 June
Join The Big Lunch at Castle Square
Head down to Castle Square in Elephant and Castle on Saturday, 1st June from 11am to 4pm for The Big Lunch event. This community celebration is perfect for the whole family, featuring artistic workshops, face painting, and live music from a brass band. Enjoy delicious street food from Castle Square vendors and soak up the lively atmosphere. It’s a fantastic way to spend a sunny weekend with friends and family.
Address: Castle Square, 40 Elephant Rd, London, SE17 1EU
Date: Saturday 1st June
Website: https://www.castlesquarelondon.com/news/the-big-lunch/
Celebrate Summer at the Summer Street Fest
King Street in Hammersmith transforms into a traffic-free zone for the King Street Summer Street Fest, celebrating Pride with over 100 stalls, live music, and free activities. Some activities, such as guided walks and craft workshops, require advance booking, so be sure to check the website for details. It’s a vibrant, inclusive event that promises fun for all ages.
Date: Saturday 1st June, 11am-7pm
Price: Free
Website: https://www.lbhf.gov.uk/news/2024/05/hammersmith-summer-street-festival-returns-king-street
Enjoy Outdoor Theatre at Fulham Palace
Fulham Palace’s walled garden provides a picturesque setting for an outdoor performance of Shakespeare's "The Comedy of Errors". Suitable for ages 5 and up, this production invites you to bring a picnic or purchase snacks from the cafe to enjoy during the show. It’s a perfect cultural outing for the whole family in a beautiful historic setting.
Date: Sunday 2nd June, 2.30pm-4.30pm
Website: https://www.fulhampalace.org/whats-on/events/outdoor-theatre-the-comedy-of-errors/
Explore Judy Chicago’s Art at the Serpentine
Head to the Serpentine to explore pioneering feminist artist Judy Chicago’s psychedelic, swirling paintings. Known for her smoke-based desert performances and influential installation "The Dinner Party," Chicago’s work calls out injustice and promotes ecological activism. This exhibition focuses on her drawings and paintings, offering a vivid, technicolor critique of the patriarchy.
Location: Serpentine, Hyde Park
Date: Until 1 September 2024
Website: https://www.serpentinegalleries.org/whats-on/judy-chicago-revelations/
With such an eclectic array of events unfolding across London, there’s no shortage of fun to be had this weekend. Plus it’s the last weekend of May and the end of the half-term break, so there's no better time to dive into the art scene, experience a live performance, or unwind with great food and great company.
Enjoy your weekend!
