Let’s not beat around the bush. Summer’s been great, even if the weather has been freakishly HOT, but jumper season and autumn chill are around the corner. September’s agenda is packed full of museum exhibitions, design festivals, and more. See for yourself in our run-down of the best things to do in London this September.
1. Totally Thames Festival, 01 September – 30 September
The Totally Thames Festival is back, hosting imaginative, river-themed activities at various locations along the riverbank. The month-long programme runs the 42-mile stretch of the Thames, working collaboratively with artists, local communities, river interest organisations, and businesses. The programme includes guided walks, photography classes, talks, cabaret, and more. Each weekend’s activities revolve around a different hub in the locations of Brentford, The Royal Docks, London Bridge, Greenwich, and Kingston upon Thames.
2. London Design Festival, 14-22 September
London is renowned as one of the world’s foremost design capitals, and nothing underscores this reputation more than the annual Design Festival. This year’s festival will highlight special projects and installations that tackle pressing societal themes such as sustainability, artificial intelligence, and inclusivity. One standout project to watch is ‘Vert,’ an innovative design aimed at transforming urban life by introducing sustainable wooden structures adorned with plants that are designed to naturally cool city environments.
As always, the festival will be spread across 11 Design Districts, including iconic locations like Chelsea College of Art and the V&A Museum. Each district will host events that reflect the distinct character and creative spirit of its surroundings, making the festival not just a celebration of design but also a journey through the diverse cultural landscapes of London.
3. BBC Proms, until 14 September
Anyone who has ever set foot in the Royal Albert Hall knows it demands music of grand scale and drama—something far beyond the ordinary. Enter the BBC Proms, one of London’s most cherished and spectacular cultural festivals, which brings exactly that every year. This year’s lineup is nothing short of extraordinary, with highlights like Florence + The Machine – Symphony of Lungs (September 11), where Florence Welch teams up with conductor Jules Buckley to celebrate her BRIT Award-winning debut album in a breathtaking fusion of indie rock and orchestral grandeur. And, of course, there’s the iconic Last Night of the Proms (September 14), a beloved tradition known as the world’s biggest classical music party, where the hall pulses with energy, and the air is filled with the joy of music on a truly epic scale.
4. Future of Food Festival, 16 September – 2 October
Attention food lovers—prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable experience as Regent Street and St James’s transform into culinary hotspots for the Future of Food Festival this September. This vibrant event offers activities, from insightful panel talks with industry experts discussing the future of food to exclusive dining experiences showcasing the innovation and creativity of the UK’s top chefs, restaurateurs, and suppliers.
One of the festival’s highlights is the chance to savour dishes crafted by 2-Michelin-starred chef Alex Dilling and enjoy sustainable delicacies at renowned establishments like Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill and Wilton’s. Throughout September, the area will be brimming with special promotions, including £10 dishes and discounts at select restaurants. Don’t miss the Discovery Zone, where you can embark on a sensory journey that explores the future of food through taste, smell, and touch.
5. Open House London, 14-22 September
Ever fancied a peek inside some of London’s most intriguing private buildings? Open House London is your golden ticket. This unique event offers city dwellers the chance to explore the capital’s hidden architectural gems, from schools and offices to private homes and places of worship—many of which are typically off-limits to the public.
Returning for 2024, this immensely popular, citywide festival spans two weeks, granting free access to remarkable properties across all 33 boroughs. To participate, create an account online and register for as many buildings as you’d like to visit. In addition to the festival’s classic lineup of community events, drop-in sessions, and guided tours, this year’s edition features a special focus on engaging young people, with a variety of events tailored specifically to them.
6. Heritage Open Days, 6-15 September
London Heritage Open Days is a celebration of these timeless treasures, offering a rare opportunity to explore some of the capital’s oldest and most fascinating spaces. Over the course of ten days, this event opens doors to the past with a variety of walks, tours, and talks designed to deepen our connection to the city. This year’s program is particularly diverse, featuring everything from culinary tours of Willesden Jewish Cemetery to nature walks around the historic Manor Farm House, guided visits to beautifully restored 18th-century houses in Spitalfields, and nostalgic rides on classic Routemaster buses through south east London.
7. Chelsea History Festival, 25 September – 29
Founded in 2019, the Chelsea History Festival is a partnership between the National Army Museum, the Royal Hospital Chelsea and the Chelsea Physic Garden. It aims to entertain, educate and inspire through local, national and global history.
The immersive programme of events features a brilliant blend of storytellers and performers from different walks of life. Some are free, while others require a ticket, so please check beforehand.
8. Boating on the Serpentine, daily until 31 October
Row, row, row your boat gently across the Serpentine. As the balmy summer comes to a close, we want to make sure you soak up every last minute. Why not spend an evening boating in Hyde Park? There are rowing and pedal boats in idyllic surroundings. You could really push the boat out by taking a picnic and bottle of fizz with you.