London is a year-round destination with world-renowned museums like the British Museum and Tate Modern. You get to explore notable sights like Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and the London Eye. There are plenty of free events and activities to attend. Below is a list of free events in London 2026.
New Year Day Parade – 1 January 2026
The New Years Day parade is one of the most visited free events in London. In a lively flurry of dance and song, performers converge on the streets of central London every year. Over ten thousand people from all over the world participate in the London New Years Day Parade. Charity organizations in London also benefit from the procession.
Out of Darkness – Heavy is the Crown –(Date is not declared)
Black History Studies presents a free film screening of Out of Darkness – Heavy is the Crown by Amadeuz Christ. The 2022 film features Prof James Small, Kaba Kamene, Tony Browder, and David Banner.
Big Garden Birdwatch – 23 January to 25 January
Attending the Big Garden Birdwatch is entertaining and educational. You can learn about local wildlife. During the three days of the event, participants are requested to set aside just one hour to watch and document the birds that arrive in their local parks, gardens, or balconies.
Canary Wharf Winter Lights 2026 – 20 January to 31 January
Image Credits: londonist.com
The buildings and piers of Canary Wharf will be peppered with temporary light sculptures and artworks. You can visit it for free. Winter Lights will utilize Eden Dock, a brand-new water garden that will temporarily house a 20-meter-wide sink hole that is surrounded by lighting.
Shoreditch Funhouse – (Date is not declared)
Find the perfect combination of food, music, entertainment, and gaming at Afroplay. Enjoy a fantastic night out with other partygoers. Dance to the greatest hip-hop, afrobeat, bashment, and RnB tunes. More than a party, this is a brand-new, exciting event that is sure to sell out fast. Be sure to attend the most outrageous party.
Inter-Livery Pancake Race – 17 February 2026
Image Credits: londoncheapo.com
The members of the associated Liveries of London compete in this pancake-flipping race. People swarm Guildhall Yard to witness the crown race. The event, organized by the egg suppliers Poulters, uses the expertise of several liveries. Gunmakers fire the starting pistol, clockmakers keep track of the time, racer white gloves are provided by Glovers, lemons are provided by Fruiterers, and forks are provided by Cutlers. Thirty teams compete in traditional attire, making it an incredibly entertaining affair. Which guild will take home the coveted frying pan trophy is a matter of time.
Elephant and Castle – (Date is not declared)
Look at elephantandcastle.org.uk/events/ for updates as 2026 approaches for local markets, book clubs, and other community activities. The stand-up comedy act Elephant and Castle is free to attend. It takes place every Wednesday night at Spit and Sawdust. It includes the top upcoming comedians in London.TCS London Marathon – 26 April 2026
The TCS London Marathon is an iconic event. It is the biggest fundraising event of the year. Participants have raised around a billion pounds for worthy causes since it started in 1981. The route of the London Marathon has not changed much over the years and passes by many of the most captivating sites in the city. Random ballots are used for general entrance.
The Chelsea Flower Show – 19th May to 23rd May
The grounds of the Royal Hospital in Chelsea are transformed into a flowery paradise during the Chelsea Flower Show in May. It is a must-attend event for inspiration on houseplants, trendy garden ideas, and the chance to see celebrities. In 2026, the Chelsea Pensioners will have their garden, Tom Massey and Je Ahn will return with a climate-resilient landscape that uses artificial intelligence, and Monty Don will make his debut as a garden designer at the event.
BST Hyde Park – 27 June to 12 July 2026
Attend one of the largest summer festivals, BST Hyde Park, to hear live music from well-known performers from around the world. It is one of the most amazing events in London. For the 2026 event, event organizers have enlisted well-known performers like Zach Bryan, Hugh Jackman, and Noah Kahan. Headliners are Olivia Rodrigo on 27 June and Sabrina Carpenter on 5 July.
Oasis Live – no official dates confirmed yet
The music scene in London springs in July when Oasis returns for a concert at Wembley Stadium. Liam and Noel Gallagher have reconciled after years of public conflict. Their concert is expected to be one of the most anticipated events. Eager to experience the best tunes from Wonderwall to Live Forever, fans will swarm the streets surrounding Wembley.
West End Live – 20-21 June (date not yet confirmed)
Every year, over thirty free concerts take place at the outdoor weekend festival, West End Live. Stars perform for free at Trafalgar Square. The lineup has not yet been revealed. Moulin Rouge, Wicked, The Tina Turner Musical, Six, The Musical, Hamilton, Jersey Boys, Disney Frozen, La Bamba, The Book of Mormon, and We Will Rock You were among the performances from the previous year.
RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival – 7 July to 12 July
Image Credits: rhs.org.uk
Admire this magnificent floral display set against the backdrop of Hampton Court Palace. Expect stunning floral displays, gardening inspiration, and activities for the whole family. Explore the Floral Marquee, which is brimming with an amazing assortment of plants and flowers from nearby nurseries and specialists. Do not miss the well-known Festival of Roses. Purchase lovely plants to add beauty to your house and gardening supplies.
Notting Hill Carnival – 30 August to 31 August 2026
The Notting Hill Carnival celebrates Caribbean culture. This three days carnival is celebrated with parades, colorful costumes, live music, and street food in one of the coolest neighborhoods of London. Over a million people are expected to attend over the weekend. You can expect to see approximately fifty thousand performers in the parade and over 30 sound systems.
Totally Thames Festival – 1 September to 30 September 2026
The Totally Thames Festival spans 42 miles of the Thames and lasts for a month. London Bridge, Millennium Bridge, Cannon Street, Fulham, Woolwich, and Docklands, are all excellent locations. The event showcases the significance of the river to the city through exhibitions, boat races, installations, and riverfront walks.
Royal Parks Half Marathon – 11 October 2026
Take part in the Royal Parks Half Marathon and run through four of the eight royal parks in London. These parks are Hyde Park, The Green Park, St Jamess Park, and Kensington Gardens.
Comedy Night Old Street – 18 January
Come enjoy an award-winning comedy event in the center of Old Street. A variety of professional and semi-professional comedians are included in this hour-long compilation presentation. There is an incredible 2-for-1 cocktail offer for a cheap and enjoyable evening. This free comedy event offers endless laughter and amazing moments, regardless of whether you are a comedy enthusiast or looking for a fun night out.
To Sum Up
Before you make plans for the London events, do your homework and look for extra benefits.