September is an eclectic mix of boat races, art events and Japanese culture—all to be enjoyed in the fantastic city of London.
Whether you want to go paddle-boarding and litter-picking, see Korean horror movies on a boat, admire artwork in East London or check out the latest stand-up sets, there’s something for everyone this September:
London Jerk Festival | Hackney
Following a sold-out event in June, London Jerk Festival keeps the summer vibes going right into early September. Expect food (including vegan fare), music, cooking demos, rum punch, record stores and plenty more. Last time the line-up included legendary DJ Don Letts, Fatman Sound and the Wreck It Up Crew, as well as steel bands and dancers. But of course the real draw will always be the jerk!
London Jerk Festival
| Dates: | 1st Sep, 2019 |
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| Entry: | |
| Adults: Advance sales: £20.00 |
Totally Thames Festival | Various Locations
This annual arts and culture powerhouse spans the length of the Thames for a full month. Highlights include the Ship of Tolerance installation, speedboat rides, on-boat Korean cinema screenings and a of course the Great River Race (to name just a few). For our top events picks, be sure to check our complete guide.
Totally Thames Festival
| Dates: | 1st Sep–30th Sep, 2020 |
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The Great River Race | From the Docklands to Richmond
The oldest boat race in the world, this event is a semi-competitive race between the London Docklands and Richmond. You can get a good view from any of the bridges in between and it starts at 12.45pm. The race is just a small part of the month-long Totally Thames festival, listed above!
Recommended London Accommodation
The Great River Race
| Dates: | Mid Sep, 2020 |
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| Entry: | Free |
Greenwich Comedy Festival | Greenwich
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 this year, with some of the biggest international acts making appearances. Highlights include Sara Pascoe, Nina Conti, Bridget Christie, Reginald D Hunter and Sean Lock. Tickets cover a night’s performances from four comedians—so choose wisely!
Greenwich Comedy Festival
| Dates: | Early Sep, 2020 |
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| Entry: | £20.00 – £25.00 |
London Design Festival | Various locations
A city-wide festival exhibiting the best of London’s design community. As always there’ll be installations at a variety of popular spots including Trafalgar Square and the V&A. This year’s “Landmark projects” include interactive installation “Please Be Seated” in Finsbury Avenue, Broadgate. Created By British designer Paul Cocksedge, the massive, curved installation is designed for anyone from city workers to the culturally curious. Sit on it, walk under it, use it as shade. It’s really up to you to decide what it’s for.
London Design Festival
| Dates: | Mid ~ Late Sep, 2020 |
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| Entry: | Free |
Acton Depot Open Weekend: All Change | Acton
The third and final of this year’s open weekends, this event will focus on the language of travel in London. It’s a chance to learn about not only the past of transport in the capital, but also around the world. There’ll also be talks, tours and a full schedule of activities for the whole family to enjoy!
Acton Depot Open Weekend: All Change
| Dates: | Late Sep, 2020 |
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| Entry: | |
| Adults: On the door: £12.00 | |
| Students: Advance sales: £10.00 | |
| Over 65s: Advance sales: £10.00 |
Open House London | Various Locations
Making the bold claim of being the biggest architectural festival in the world, this festival sees over 800 buildings opening their doors. Usually closed, the buildings all offer a different insight into the architectural history of the capital with tours and talks offered too.
Open House London
| Dates: | Late Sep, 2020 |
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| Entry: | Free |
Japan Matsuri Festival | Charing Cross
Bringing a slice of Tokyo to the center of London, this festival delivers music, martial arts demonstrations and of course plenty of delicious food. The main thing we know so far is that this year’s theme is “future generations”. Previous highlights have included Taiko (Japanese drum) sessions, karaoke competitions and large scale interactive public art exhibitions.
Japan Matsuri Festival
| Dates: | Late Sep, 2020 |
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| Entry: | Free |
Catford Arts Trail | Catford
An arts trail in the south east of London,this event features over 100 artists and over 50 venues to explore. The event supports local artists and you’ll have the opportunity to participate as well as admire with activities, classes, ceramic workshops, group events and more—though not all are free.
Catford Arts Trail
| Dates: | Late Sep ~ Early Oct, 2020 |
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| Entry: | Free |
Last chance events
Stanley Kubrick Exhibition | Until Sept 15th | Design Museum
Smoke and Mirrors | Until Sept 15th | Wellcome Collection
Free Tango Lessons | Until Sept 27th | Spitalfields
Crate Brewery tasting tours | Until Sept 28th | Hackney
Ongoing Events
Summer Season at Shakespeare’s Globe | Until Oct 18th | South Bank
Brixton Windmill Open Days | Until Oct 14th | Brixton
Jive Party | Until Dec 21st | Brixton
Sunrise Yoga at Sky Garden | Until early Oct | Brixton