The 6 best free things to do in London this weekend [July 31-August 2 2026]

This weekend, the summer’s wildly variable temperatures are finally hitting that sweet spot. The weather forecast says we’ll be sitting in that blissful 27-degree-ish zone: not so cold you need a just-in-case jacket scrunched up in your bag, but not so hot that manning a barbecue feels like stoking the fires of hell. And that means it’s the ideal time to head outside, and enjoy one of the glorious free things to do that London’s serving up this weekend.

Summer in London is expensive (those rounds of spritzes won’t buy themselves) but we’ve dreamt up some plans that’ll help you save your pennies. Why stay indoors when you could be chasing Pokémon, checking out a Battersea funfair, or watching jazz acts on a floating stage at Canada Water? And when the sun sinks below the horizon, you don’t need to descend into your overdraft along with it: we’ve got two museum lates to choose from this weekend, for an arty party after dark. Read on and get planning, not spending.

The best free things on in London this weekend, July 31-August 2 2026 

1. Swig a free Aperol Spritz at a Walthamstow beach club

It’s weird to try and remember a time before summer in London and Aperol spritzes became synonymous. Were we really getting by on lager shandies and lukewarm Pimms? Anyway, the orange stuff is here to stay, and to prove it, Aperol is hosting a sultry summer party at Big Penny Social’s pop-up beach club. Turn up to laze on the sand, listen to sounds by Cuban band Kishon Quartet, and, most importantly, to get your mitts on a free Aperol Spritz (if you’re among the first 200 people to arrive). There’ll also be Aperol merch giveaways, so you can serve up a sweet new look at August’s boozy hangouts.

Big Penny Social, E17 6AL. Sat Aug 1, 7-11pm. Free.

2. Join a Latin American dance party at the Tate

Tate Modern’s massive Frida Kahlo exhibition is one of the summer’s very hottest tickets: soak up some of its atmosphere without shelling out for a spot at this free party. Listen to Mexican cumbia from DJ Ritmos Cholulteka in the Corner Bar, dance to DJ Bushbby’s reggaeton and dancehall set in the Terrace Bar, or discover Movimientos’ programme of cutting-edge Latin sounds in the South Tank. There’ll also be chances to make Frida zines from archival material, and drop in on 10-minute talks on key paintings from the gallery’s main collection. 

Tate Modern, SE1 9TG. Fri Jul 31. Free.

3. Discover vintage treasures at a Canada Water market

This weekend marks the start of Round the Dock, an August-long outpouring of free music and fun at Canada Water. Look out for free soul and jazz sessions on a floating stage, spoken word, poetry and outdoor film screenings all month. But first, things will kick off with an afternoon outdoor flea market from Bottle Factory, where you’ll find vintage clothing, homeware and retro treasures from independent traders, on the edge of the water.

Deal Porters Way, SE16 2FP. Sat Aug 1. Free.

4. Celebrate Pokémon GO’s big tenth birthday

Where were you when you heard about Pokémon GO? We’re not saying it was ‘JFK’s assassination’ levels of life-changing, but it deffo had quite a lot of us in a chokehold for the summer of 2016, and you’ll still see the occasional Londoner trekking round the city glued to their phone, doggedly tracking down the Psyduck lurking in their local park. Now, Pokémon GO is celebrating its first decade in existence with parties for its millions of users, all over the world. In London, the celebrations are being held at Boxpark Shoreditch. Across two weekends, there’ll be exclusive Pokémon GO experiences, in-game rewards, free coffee and prize draws, including the chance to win trips to Japan and tickets to Pokémon GO Fest 2027: the ultimate freebie for any dedicated trainer.

Boxpark Shoreditch, E1 6GY. Sat Aug 1-Sun Aug 2 & Sat Aug 8-Sun Aug 9. Free.

5. Squeeze in some seaside fun at Battersea Power Station’s pop-up funfair

This weekend, Battersea’s going to get a whole lot more fun, courtesy of an August-long outdoor fair right outside the power station. Watch skaters wobble their way round a roller rink, ride a big wheel for a speedier (and less spenny) alternative to the London Eye, and try your hand at boardwalk games including Lobster Pot and Blockbuster. Or just bring a picnic rug and listen to live music by the Thames, in the shade of one of London’s most ominous and iconic landmarks.

Battersea Power Station, SW8 4NN. Until Aug 31. Free entry, activities ticketed individually.

6. Join a celebration of Arab cultures at V&A

Arab cultures are famous for their hospitality, so the creators of arts festival Shubbak have got a pretty unique offer as part of their V&A late: sit on a sofa with its founders, eat some dates, and hear all about their festival, which is all about celebrating art and creativity by  contemporary Arab and South West Asian & North African communities. Create a traditional scented pouch full of spices and dried flowers, watch Kazna Asker’s catwalk show inspired by Arab bridal fashions, listen to a panel discussion on 15 years of Arab arts, or explore the hidden lives of gender-marginalised people in 19th Century Iran through Kasra Jalilipour’s installation. Whatever you pick, you’re sure of a warm welcome.

V&A, Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL. Fri Jul 31. Free.

Fill up your diary for August with our guide to the best things to do in London next month.

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