Written by Amanda David
September is an eclectic mix of festivals, river races, art fairs, and comedy. Whether you want to explore the Thames foreshore or bag some vintage finds, listen to live music, or perhaps discover hand-made art or architectural gems, there’s something for everyone this month.
Totally Thames Festival | Various Locations
This annual arts and culture powerhouse spans the length of the Thames for a full month. Highlights include river cruises, a public art walk, mudlarking and of course the Great River Race (to name just a few). For our top events picks, be sure to check our complete guide. This festival aims to bring groundbreaking art to London’s iconic buildings and spaces. GDIF’s full programme is mostly free and includes Thaw, aerial acrobatics performed on a gradually melting 2.5 tonne block of ice; Touch, a compelling performance of grace and gravity-defying trampolining skills; and Patois, a story of culture, lost languages, longing and belonging. Experience Bermondsey’s village vibe with their annual street festival, back for 2024. Bermondsey Street is lined with stalls from local small businesses, along with their many restaurants and bars. There’s a dog show, food trucks, street performers and live music in the park; it’s a great day out. The National Maritime Museum in Greenwich is the annual host for this comedy-packed few days in the city. It’s a stellar line-up again this year, with some of the biggest international acts making appearances. Highlights include Jack Dee, Phil Wang, Ed Gamble, Russell Kane, Fern Brady and Stewart Lee. Tickets cover performances from four comedians in one night — so choose wisely! BEAT is a West London art trail which takes place every year over two consecutive weekends in September. There are over 70 open studios to view this year; it’s a fascinating glimpse into the working life of artists and you may even find a unique piece to buy. 2024 is the 22nd anniversary of this city-wide festival exhibiting the best of London’s design community. As always there’ll be installations at a variety of popular spots, including their large-scale landmark projects. Making the bold claim of being the biggest architectural festival in the world, this festival sees over 800 buildings opening their doors. Usually closed to the public, the buildings all offer a different insight into the architectural history of the capital with tours and talks offered too. Don’t miss Europe’s largest Caribbean food and drink festival with live music, family-friendly fun, cooking demos and LOTS of amazing Caribbean food and drink to try.
GDIF (Greenwich & Docklands International Festival 2024) | Various locations
Bermondsey Street Festival | Bermondsey
Greenwich Comedy Festival | Greenwich
Advance sales: £26.50 BEAT (Borough of Ealing Art Trail) | Ealing
London Design Festival | Various locations
Open House London | Various Locations
Taste of the Caribbean
