The big city has so much to see and do that it can be difficult to know where to start. Take the stress out of planning your summer trip to the capital with our latest blog. From high-energy street performances and the unmissable West End, to unique exhibitions and a Royal Summer Opening – no matter what you fancy, we’ve got you covered.
Keep reading to discover over 20 exciting things to do in London in August 2024!
The FRIENDS™ Experience
12th August – 3rd November
Could we BE any more excited? The FRIENDS™ Experience is in town, and it’s the perfect chance to relive all your favourite moments from the show. Imagine sipping coffee in Central Perk, lounging on Monica and Chandler’s couch, or reenacting Ross’s epic pivot routine. It’ll be like stepping right into the show itself. So grab your best buds and get ready for a nostalgic adventure – you won’t wanna miss it!
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Taylor Swift Songbook Trail Exhibition
27th July – 8th September
…Ready For It, Swifties? The V&A South Kensington is inviting you on a special adventure to celebrate Taylor Swift. This free exhibition will take you on a winding path through the museum’s grand halls, where you’ll encounter sixteen iconic outfits worn by the pop superstar herself. It’s a rare chance to see the dazzling creativity behind Taylor’s music up close, from her signature country look to the dramatic gown in her latest music video ‘Fortnight’.
But the fun doesn’t stop there! Instruments, awards and even unseen treasures from her personal archive will be on display, giving you a peek into her incredible journey. Long Story Short, this exhibition promises to be an unforgettable experience! So, are you ready to see what’s on The Other Side Of The Door?
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Hampton Court Palace Food Festival
24th – 26th August
Love delicious food, soaking up the sun and a touch of history? Then the Hampton Court Palace Food Festival is calling your name! Enjoy the incredible views of Hampton Court Palace as you fill your plate with yummy street food and treats, all with a live band playing in the background. There’s something for everyone here, from mouthwatering cheeses to decadent desserts, plus refreshing drinks to keep you cool.
It’s the perfect summer escape for the whole family, so grab your tickets and get ready for a right royal feast!
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The Formula 1® Exhibition
Opens 23rd August
Gear up, F1 fans! The Formula 1 Exhibition is roaring into ExCel London this summer and it’s looking like the checkered flag on an epic day out. Get up close to legendary cars, dive into the sport’s history and maybe even experience the thrill of the race in a real simulator.
Whether you’re a die-hard supporter or just curious about the world’s fastest sport, this exhibition is sure to get your pulse racing. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the action – grab your tickets and get ready to be wowed!
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Free theatre tickets for West End Kids Week
24th July – 6th September
Like the summers of our childhood, ‘Kids Week’ seems to last forever. And in this case, it really does – the offer of free theatre tickets for children under 17 runs throughout August. Every full paying adult at select shows and performances is entitled to a free child ticket, as well as half price tickets for an additional two children. From stories of triumph over adversity to the downright daft, there’s a huge range of shows on offer for toddlers to young adults.
Many West End shows are included in the offer, with highlights including Wicked, Horrible Histories and Back To The Future The Musical.
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Buckingham Palace Summer Opening
11th July – 29th September
Fancy a peek into the royal lifestyle? Buckingham Palace is open to the public every year for 10 weeks over the summer. This year, the grand opening is on July 11th. By booking onto a guided tour, you can explore the infamous public State Rooms where King Charles and the Royal Family entertain their guests. And when you’re done, you can stop by for a classically British scone with cream and jam in the Garden Cafe.
If you love the monarchy, a trip to Buckingham Palace is a must-have on your July itinerary.
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Grab last-minute tickets!
PJ Harvey at Gunnersbury Park – Sunday 18th August (book tickets)
ABBA Voyage – multiple dates from £77pp (book tickets)
Noah Kahan at The O2 – 21st & 22nd August (book tickets)
Flavour at OVO Arena Wembley – Sunday 25th August (book tickets)
Back to the Future the Musical – multiple dates from £25pp (book tickets)
Summer Screens at Canary Wharf
30th May – 8th September
Summer Screens returns with a bigger and better line-up than ever before! Catch all the thrills of live sports – from F1 races to Wimbledon matches and even the Paris Olympics.
Not a sports fan? No worries! There’s a massive selection of movies on the big screen too, including family favourites, recent blockbusters and cult classics. There are even fun live gaming sessions throughout the summer, so there’s truly something for everyone. Best part? It’s all completely free! Just pack a picnic and settle in for an unforgettable summer experience.
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Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition
18th June – 18th August
Looking for a vibrant splash of culture this summer? Then the Royal Academy’s Summer Exhibition is a must-see! With everything from captivating paintings to thought-provoking sculptures, it’s a chance to discover new artistic talents and see fresh takes on the world. It’s a London tradition that never disappoints, so why not wander through the galleries and see what artistic gems you’ll find? You might just surprise yourself!
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London Craft Beer Festival
9th – 10th August
Calling all beer lovers! The London Craft Beer Festival is just around the corner on August 9th and 10th, and it’s not one to miss. There are over 800 delicious beers from all over the world, all waiting for you to try them. Plus, there’ll be amazing food and good tunes to soak up the festival vibes. It’s the perfect chance to discover your new favourite brew, and hey, maybe even become a bit of a beer connoisseur yourself. Tickets are going fast, so grab yours and get ready for a beery good time!
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David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away)
Fancy a mind-blowing art adventure? Dive headfirst into David Hockney’s vibrant world at Lightroom in London. This immersive experience is like stepping into a living, breathing Hockney painting. You’ll be surrounded by his iconic works, magnified to epic proportions. Trust us, it’s a must-see for any art lover or curious soul. Grab a friend and get lost in the colours!
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All Points East Festival
16th – 17th & 23rd – 25th August
East London is calling you this August! Yes, we’ve got another anticipated music event lined up this summer so get ready to shake your groove thing in London’s Victoria Park! All Points East (APE for short) is an iconic London music festival stretching over two weekends (including the Bank Holiday weekend) and bringing a killer line-up of performers.
From catchy indie tunes to dance floor anthems that’ll have you moving all night. Need convincing to grab your ticket? Here are some of the headliners to get you hyped: Kaytranada, Loyle Carner, LCD Soundsystem, Beabadoobee and Pinkpantheress to name a few. See you there!
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Barbie®: The Exhibition
5th July – 23rd February 2025
Did you hear? Barbie’s taking over the Design Museum in London! This isn’t just a trip down memory lane with childhood toys, though. It’s a deep dive into the design world through Barbie’s 65-year evolution. From the very first doll to groundbreaking fashion collabs, you’ll see how Barbie has reflected (and even influenced) culture. It’s a fun and surprising exhibit, perfect for a summer day out.
So grab your friends and get ready to be amazed by the world of Barbie – in a whole new light!
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Summer on the Square
1st August – 1st September
Looking for a fun way to soak up the summer in London? Then check out Summer on the Square! It’s this totally free art festival happening in Trafalgar Square, right next to the National Gallery. There’ll be workshops you can jump into, cool art installations to check out, and a chance to unleash your inner artist. It’s a great way to spend a day with friends and family, or even just for some creative me-time.
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The BBC Proms
19th July – 14th September
This year, the BBC Proms is back with a bang for eight weeks, beginning July 14th. This world-renowned event sees fantastic artists come together to put on a once-in-a-lifetime performance of a classical concert inside the Royal Albert Hall. First launched in 1895, the annual concerts have come a long way, presenting ticket holders with an incredible experience all-round.
You can enjoy a bite to eat and a tipple with a choice of over 20 restaurants at the venue, including a relaxed spot for afternoon tea. Or, you can have food delivered to your seats, meaning you can truly sit back and relax at the concert. If you adore classical music, a visit to the BBC Proms is the ultimate July activity!
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Notting Hill Carnival
25th – 26th August
A small community street fair that began in the 1960s to promote unity is now a world-renowned celebration of the diverse cultures that make our capital a rich melting pot. The three-day family event is an assault on the senses, as a blanket of colour and sound envelops the West London district. This year’s celebrations include the UK National Panorama Steelband Competition. The jewelled heart of the carnival is the Mas – a parade that both the general public and masters of the masquerade can take part in. Food stalls, bars and fringe events all add to the invigorating celebratory atmosphere.
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The Tacover Taco & Tequila Festival
30th – 31st August
Craving tacos and tequila? Get ready for a fiesta in London! The Tacover is bringing Europe’s biggest taco fest right to your doorstep.
We’re talking tons of tacos, icy margaritas and crazy contests like the Tortilla Slap Challenge. Plus, you’ll score freebies like a branded cup and a bib – perfect for getting messy! Don’t miss out on this epic food and fun extravaganza. Grab your amigos and let’s taco ’bout a good time!
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Taylor Swift Fanpark at BOXPARK Wembley
15th – 17th & 19th – 20th August
Swifties, assemble! August is looking pretty good for you. With four Wembley shows on the calendar, BOXPARK has returned with their epic fan park events. It’s the perfect place to get your pre-show energy out with hundreds of fellow fans.
Think fun DJs spinning all the Taylor Swift hits (and maybe some unexpected remixes!), live performances to get you pumped and even glitter stations ensuring you’ll be sparkling for the main event. There’ll be drinks specials fueling the fun and who knows, you might even make some new besties to sing along with during the concert! So grab your tickets and get ready for an unforgettable Taylor Swift experience at BOXPARK Wembley!
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Greenwich+Docklands International Festival
23rd August – 8th September
This free annual outdoor arts festival features a packed programme of theatre and performance. With a commitment to breaking new ground, this year’s event brings together UK and international artists for 16 action-packed days. A highlight of the festival is sure to be THAW – a heart-stopping spectacle of a lone individual suspended on a block of ice over London as it melts away, drawing attention to the urgency of the climate crisis.
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Meatopia
29th August – 1st September 2024
Summer’s here and what better way to celebrate BBQ season than at a giant meat festival? Yep, Meatopia is back in London this August and it’s going to be a total sizzler! Discover high-quality, ethically sourced goodness cooked to absolute perfection by a dream team of live-fire chefs. With 70 grilling pros working their magic over wood and charcoal, filling the air with smoky deliciousness – your taste buds will be sure to thank you!
Plus, there’ll be workshops and demos where you can learn some pro-fire-cooking skills to take your next home BBQ to the next level. So whether you’re a burger boss, a BBQ champion or just love a good time with yummy flavours, Meatopia is a must-visit this summer.
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Witness for the Prosecution
You’ve been summoned! Yes, you, armchair detective! Step into the spotlight and join the jury for a thrilling case of murder and mystery.
This isn’t your average courtroom drama – we’re talking Agatha Christie levels of suspense! Immerse yourself in the grandeur of London County Hall as you decide the fate of Leonard Vole. With shocking twists and turns, you’ll be on the edge of your seat, desperate to crack the case. Don’t miss out on this electrifying show!
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Now You See Us – Tate Britain
16th May – 13th October
Art history buffs, take note! Tate Britain’s Now You See Us is a must-see exhibition that will challenge your perspective. Journey through 400 years and meet the incredible women who defied expectations to become artists. From Mary Beale to Laura Knight, these pioneers dared to paint historical scenes, battlefields and even nudes – subjects typically reserved for men. This inspiring show features over 150 works and sheds light on the fight for equal access to art training and recognition. Don’t miss this chance to discover the groundbreaking women who shaped the art world!
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