The 6 best free things to do in London this weekend [July 17-19 2026]

London is treating us to a truly spectacular array of free cultural events this weekend, whether you’re into rope-weaving, market-browsing, rock-climbing, or playing hoopla at a kitschy village fête. Read on for six ways to inject some sunny joy into your glorious time off.

The best free things on in London this weekend, June 17-19 2026 

1. Watch an epic North Face-sponsored climb by the water’s edge

As seasoned Olympics fans will know, there’s something utterly mesmerising about watching climbers in action: these impossibly strong, wiry athletes can leap up a rock face with less effort than an average weedy Londoner expends on opening a jar of crispy chilli sauce. Now, it's your chance to see the magic live. North Face is inviting some of the world’s top climbers to scale 16-metre walls and complete deep-water solo climbs on the edge of east London’s Royal Docks. There’ll also be DJ sets from the likes of Rinse FM, Femi Keleoso and Girls Don’t Sync, plus hands-on workshops for anyone who’s been inspired to play Spiderman, too. 

Royal Docks, E161AF. Jul 16-17. Free.

Photograph: North FaceThe North Face Climbing Festival’s 16-metre climbing wall

2. Head to Trafalgar Square to mark Nelson Mandela Day

32 years ago, London erupted in celebrations as apartheid ended in South Africa. The struggle’s legendary leader Nelson Mandela is memorialised in statues and place names all over the city, and every July, he’s celebrated right in the middle of Trafalgar Square. London’s South African diaspora will descend on Trafalgar Square for a day of music, food, storytelling and solidarity with those campaiging for human rights across the globe. Head down to sample some classic South African street food, hear from storytellers and check out free performances from some of the country’s most exciting contemporary music acts, including veteran Zulu folk musician Sipho Mchunu, contemporary singer-songwriter Jesse Clegg, electronic producers Sun-El Musician and Thakzin, rapper Sjava and composer Msaki. 

Trafalgar Square, WC2 5DN. Jul 17-18. Free.

3. Watch waiters race with trays of champers at Soho Village Fête

Village fêtes don’t get much more chic than Soho’s annual get-together, which is full of urbane spins on rustic tradition. The highlight is always the Soho Waiters’ Race, where a gaggle of waiters pelt through the streets of Soho, each holding a tray stacked with a bottle of champers, a glass and a napkin, all of which must be intact when they cross the finish line. Another crowd favourite is the Soho Dog Show, which awards eight different prizes including ‘Dog who looks most like their owner’. But there’s loads more fun to be had for attendees, from foodie treats to an arty ‘human fruit machine’. Just be warned: the pretty gardens it’s held in have a maximum capacity of 500, so turn up early or your day will be as disappointing as a soggy victoria sponge. 

St Anne's Church, W1D 6AF. Jul 19. Free.

4. Learn a crafty new skill at Backyard Biennial

Most art world biennials are very much about looking, not touching: try to get hands on with the artworks at Venice’s renowned festival and you’ll end up cuffed to the polizia locale. Whitechapel Art Gallery’s Backyard Biennial is refreshingly different. This eight-week festival is full of fun and totally free ways to get involved. The local walking tours look especially interesting, with this weekend’s guides clueing attendees in on Whitechapel’s Jewish history or migration stories. Or learn a brand new craft skill at Nicole Chui’s embroidery workshop (Jul 18) which will teach you how to stitch a personal migration story onto a football shirt.

Various locations. Until Sep 6. Free.

5. See the world through the eyes of young Londoners at this youth biennale

Here's another inclusive biennale, with a focus on London’s youngest residents. Hundreds of sculptures, paintings, drawings and films made by Camden pupils, from Early Years all the way up to A Level, are taking over the Lethaby Gallery at Central Saint Martins for two weeks this July. Plus, there’ll be a new sculpture trail wending its way through the King’s Cross estate, workshops and artist sessions for young people who want to get involved, and tons of inspiration for attendees of all ages.

Lethaby Gallery, N1C 4AA. Until Jul 26. Free.

6. Browse arty wares at a King’s Cross market 

You’ll find even more creative inspiration at King’s Cross this weekend. The Illustrator’s Fair (Jul 18) is in town, bringing over 100 independent artists together to sell their designs direct to the public. There’ll be prints, zines, postcards, stickers and t-shirts on offer at every possible price point. Stock a shelf with unique greetings cards for next time you nearly forget someone’s birthday, or just have a browse and design your fantasy gallery wall for more abundant times. Pair your visit with a trip to King’s Cross’ monthly Shōtengai Market (Jul 16-19) which sells a pan-Asian array of homewares and food, or if you want to make a weekend of it, add on a visit to the Crafty Fox Market (Jul 19), which is full of handmade treasures that’ll tempt you to throw your no-spend resolution to the winds.

Various King's Cross locations. Jul 16-19. Free.

RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in London this weekend (which aren’t all free).

In search of more inspo? Here are the very best things to do this July.

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