The 5 best free things to do in London this weekend

After a week of ploughing through work in sweltering hot weather, the weekend is a delicious prospect: we can’t wait to savour the days between Friday June 20 and Sunday June 22. But do you know what's even more tasty than two whole days of freedom? Having a great time without hammering your bank balance, of course.

We've found a plethora of free things to do this weekend, whether you're up for dancing all day, trying some wildly experimental crafts, or going to an old school village fete. It's time to take your pick, and save your pennies for planning a dazzling new summer wardrobe, booking a chic break somewhere beachy, or buying accessories for your creepy little Labubu doll: the choice is yours.

RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in London this weekend.

The best free things to do in London this weekend 

Try a seriously leftfield craft at the Festival of Stuff

Are you good with your hands? Hightail it to UCL's Institute of Making Stratford this Saturday and you'll get your mitts on any number of exciting DIY opportunities, from rope-making to basketry to enzymatic plastic recycling, all overseen by an interdisciplinary crew of scientists, engineers and makers. Other eclectic attractions include a pizza dough paddling pool and a homemade electric hovercraft you can actually ride in. Tracking down this enigmatic institute can be tricky, so follow these directions to make sure you don't miss out on the fun. 

The Institute of Making Stratford, E20 2AE. Sat Jun 21. Free.

Dance to the free terrace DJs at Little Simz’ Meltdown

Each year, Southbank a legendary artist to curate its Meltdown festival, with alumni including David Bowie, Grace Jones, and ANOHNI. This year it’s the turn of Mercury Prize-winning rapper, Top Boy actor and previous Time Out cover star Little Simz, and she’s curated a stellar line-up of musical and cultural events. She’s handpicked the DJs for this Saturday's Meltdown Terrace Takeover, with the likes of Ken Styles, Bammbs, and Ngozi Diamond taking to the decks for a mix of laidback afternoon vibes and hectic anthems as night falls. 

Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX. Sat Jun 21. Free.

Ride on a carousel at Kew’s village fete

Kew always feels like a village, with its picturebook tree-lined streets and pretty parks. But you'll really feel like you've escaped London at its annual fete, which boasts all the fun of the fair. Head to the leafy west for over 100 stalls, a traditional Victorian fairground, a beer tent by Fuller’s, a dog show, tug of war, a charity raffle and live local bands. Entry is free, but all your well-spent cash will be going to some worthy local charities.

Kew Green, TW9 3EE. Sat Jun 21. Free.

Sing along to musical theatre bangers at West End Live

This weekend is the 20th edition of West End Live, the massive free musical festival stage that turns one of the spennier forms of entertainment in London into the cheapest fun going. This year will see performances from the casts of shows including Wicked, Operation Mincemeat, Cabaret, Hamilton, Hercules and loads more. Fair warning, it's gonna be seriously hot and seriously busy, so bring water and sunscreen and turn up at least an hour early to make sure you get a spot where you can actually see the stage. Find all the timings here.

Trafalgar Square, WC2 5DN. Sat Jun 21-Sun Jun 22. Free.

Catch a live broadcast by Reprezent Radio at the Barbican

For generations of Londoners, crackling pirate radio stations were the unofficial soundtrack of summer. These illicit stations had a massive impact on this city’s music scene, so it’s great to see The Barbican celebrating the joys of pirate radio all month, with Reprezent Radio broadcasting live from a custom-built studio in the Barbican’s foyer. This weekend, DJ Bid is hosting Sunday Selecta, a tribute to the joys of phone-in radio. Bring your requests or even your own vinyl to celebrate community sounds at their best.

Barbican Centre, EC2Y 8AE. Sun Jun 22. Free.

Got a bit more cash to splash? Check out our roundup of the best things do to this weekend

Or find some more wallet-friendly entertainment with our guide to the best free things to do in London

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