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, enjoy free art and dance performances, chill out to live music at a street festival, 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 activities, group walking tours, exhibitions, 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 free and includes French company Lézards Bleus, eight extraordinary parkour performers who will give a heart-stopping performance across the landmark buildings of Woolwich; The Weight of Water, a huge floating structure which tips back and forth on water, with nail-biting choreography as dancers fight to cling on; and Turning Worlds, a fusion of circus and robotics enabling a performer to perform vertically on a wall and a captivating dance and physical theatre performance on a giant, rotating metal spiral. Experience Bermondsey’s village vibe with their fabulous annual street festival, back for 2025. Bermondsey Street is lined with stalls from local small businesses, along with their many restaurants and bars. There’s a dog show, food trucks, maypole dancing, street performers and live music in the park; it’s a great feel-good 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 Frankie Boyle, Ed Gamble and Sara Pascoe alongside Sam Campbell, Phil Wang, Tom Davis, Fern Brady and more. 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 and affordable piece to buy. Get yourself down to Gabriel’s Wharf this September for a celebration of creativity and community on London’s South Bank. On 6th and 20th September enjoy live music, spoken word, comedy & circus performances, art & craft activities, plus tasty food & drink and unique shopping opportunities. All ages are welcome and the event is completely free. 2025 is the 23rd 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 2025) | Various locations
Bermondsey Street Festival | Bermondsey
Greenwich Comedy Festival | Greenwich
Advance sales: £29.50 BEAT (Borough of Ealing Art Trail) | Ealing
Gabriel’s Wharf Arts Festival | Bankside
London Design Festival | Various locations
Open House London | Various Locations
Taste of the Caribbean
Advance sales: £5.00