Summer may be slowly winding down, the kids will soon be heading back to school and August is almost over, but we’re definitely not ready to say goodbye to summer just yet. If you’re feeling the same, you’re in luck. From Monday 24 August to Monday 31 August, London is packed with things to see, eat and experience, with plenty happening across the capital, including the 60th anniversary celebrations of the legendary Notting Hill Carnival.
Whether you’re planning one last summer date night, looking for something fun to do with the kids, or simply fancy discovering a new bar or restaurant, we’ve rounded up some of the best ways to make the most of the final week of August. From Notting Hill Carnival and live music to foodie festivals, outdoor cinema and family-friendly activities, here’s what to add to your London plans before August comes to an end.
Hampton Court Palace Food Festival
This one is for the foodies, a bank holiday weekend celebration of food and drink at the Hampton Court Palace. Discover family friendly activities, food, bars and more in the iconic gardens. With over 150 independent food and drink brands. Expect street food, tasty tipples, plus, your ticket also gives you access to Hampton Court Palace, making this an easy choice for a full Bank Holiday day out.
When: 29–31 August | Website
Where: Hampton Court Palace
Costa Del Croydon
A rooftop car park is transformed into a free summer beach experience complete with sand, beach huts, splash zones, games and family activities. During the daytime it’s particularly suited to families, while selected evenings offer adults-only entertainment and music.
When: Until 31 August |Website
Where: Croydon
Celebrate 60 years of Notting Hill Carnival
No August Bank Holiday guide would be complete without Notting Hill Carnival. Celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, the streets of West London is transformed into a huge celebration of Caribbean culture, music, food and creativity. Expect colourful costumes, bands, dancing, and plenty of Caribbean food. Sunday is traditionally the more family-focused day, featuring the Children’s Day parade, while Monday brings the huge main parade.
When: 29–31 August | Website
Where: Notting Hill, Ladbroke Grove and surrounding streets
Battersea Park in Concert
This open-air programme combines live orchestral music with the beautiful surroundings of Battersea Park. This year’s highlights include Pop Symphonic, Movies and Musicals, Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra, the Amy Winehouse Band and Sounds of South Africa, alongside the London African Gospel Choir.
When: Until 31 August | Website
Where: Battersea Park
Outdoor Cinema at Barbican
Opt for a film night under the stars in the iconic brutal Sculpture Court at Barbican. From cult classics to international gems, you can enjoy a varied selection of films alongside food and drinks, making it a great choice for a relaxed summer evening. Perfect for date nights and film lovers. Other outdoor cinema spots include; Rooftop Cinema Club Stratford and Peckham, Everyman on the Canal in King’s Cross and Vauxhall’s Summer Screens for more open-air entertainment.
When: until 30 August | Barbican Website
Where: Address: Beech St, Barbican, London EC1Y 8AA
Catch the final days of Camden Fringe
If comedy, theatre and discovering new talent are your thing, make a date with Camden Fringe before it finishes on 30 August. The festival brings hundreds of performances to venues around Camden, with everything from comedy and theatre to cabaret, music, and experimental performances. It’s a brilliant option when you fancy doing something different — and with such a varied programme, there’s plenty to discover.
When: Until 30 August | Website
Where: Camden
All Points East for Music lovers
All Points East continues at Victoria Park. The music and entertainment festival Bank Holiday programme includes Tyler, The Creator taking over the festival for two nights, with artists including Rex Orange County, Turnstile, Ravyn Lenae, Daniel Caesar, Ghostface Killah and more. Twenty One Pilots headline Bank Holiday Monday alongside Wunderhorse, Ren and Nova Twins. If you’re looking for one last big festival moment before summer ends, this is definitely one to have on your radar.
Where: Victoria Park, East London | Website
When: Through 30 August
Taste of the Carribean
If Notting Hill Carnival has you in the mood for Caribbean flavours, music and culture, then make sure to get tickets and head to Southend-on-Sea this weekend. Expect plenty of authentic Caribbean food, tropical cocktails, live music, cooking demonstrations, activities and entertainment for the whole family. The live music line-up includes The Marley Experience, UB4D, Mangrove Steel Band Orchestra and Dem Boyz, with performances subject to change.
When: Saturday 29 & Sunday 30 August 2026 Time: 10am–8pm Where: Priory Park, Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 6ND | Website
Try Kerala’s harvest feast at Jamavar
Mayfair’s Michelin-starred Jamavar marks its 10th anniversary with its first-ever Onam Sadhya, a 21-dish South Indian harvest feast named for the Nair family matriarch, Leela Nair. Expect Sea Bass Meen Porichathu, Alleppey Prawn Curry and a full vegetarian option, complete with Pal Payasam and Parippu Pradhaman.
When: Untile 31 August | Website
Where: Jamavar, St James’s, Mayfair
Battersea Power Station’s Electric Summer
Make the most of the final days of Electric Summer at Battersea Power Station this last week of August. The riverside takeover brings fairground fun, a roller rink, games, food and drinks to one of London’s most iconic destinations. Whether it’s a family day out, date night or catch-up with friends, it’ll make a perfect day out.
When: Until 31 August 2026 |Website
Where: Battersea Power Station
Sip cocktails at London’s best rooftop bars
Make the most of the last summer sunsets with drinks at one of London’s best rooftop bars. Head to Radio Rooftop at ME London for cocktails and impressive city views, or keep things relaxed at Netil360 in Hackney, where you’ll find panoramic views, craft beers, cocktails and wood-fired pizzas.
Save the dates 24–30 August:
- Camden Fringe 28–31 August:
- Battersea Park in Concert 29–31 August
- Notting Hill Carnival 29–31 August
- Hampton Court Palace Food Festival 30 August
- Barbican Outdoor Cinema Until 31 August
- Costa Del Croydon Until 6 September
- Greenwich+Docklands
Please check individual event websites before travelling, as dates, prices, availability and timings can change. London transport is expected to be particularly busy around Notting Hill Carnival and the August Bank Holiday weekend.
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