The 6 best free things to do in London this weekend

It’s going to be another scorcher in London this weekend, which means no sitting inside doomscrolling on your phone. In a few months’ time we’ll all be complaining about about too cold, so take this heatwave as an opportunity to make the most of the final few warm weekends of summer. 

Even better than the weather forecast is that there are a load of excellent things to do in the capital this August 15-17 that are totally free, including a party featuring Ibiza legend Pete Tong, a giant sleeping beauty artwork, and a sizzling Jamaican patty competition. 

Looking for something to do that won’t break the bank this weekend? Here are the best free activities on in the capital. 

Get down to club classics with Pete Tong in Vicky Park

All Points East will open up to the masses this Sunday for a big free day party, headlined by Ibiza icon Pete Tong. He’ll be joined by other dance music legends DJ Yoda (presenting a special audio-visual set for 50 years of hip hop), the Cuban Brothers, and others. If the music’s not your thing, theatre, excercise classes, a kids’ disco, live peformances from local talent, and jewellery-making workshops are also on the bill. No ticket is required, just turn up for a day of stomping to club classics in the east London sunshine. 

All Points East, Victoria Park, E3 5TB. Sun Aug 17. Free. 

 See Tai Shani’s giant sleeping beauty at Somerset House

The Turner prize-winning Tai Shani has just revealed her newest commission for Somerset House: ‘The Spell or The Dream’. Featuring a ten-metre-tall blue lady sleeping peacefully in a glass box (or coffin, depending on your interpretation), the artwork is an exploration of wilful ignorance, inspired by the famous Goya quote: ‘The sleep of reason produces monsters’. According to Shani, her supine figure has slept through ‘warnings of present and imminent catastrophes, political and social disaster and environmental collapse’. Worth checking out if you fancy some food-for-thought this weekend.

Somerset House, WC2R 1LA. Until 14 Sept. Free. 

Sample London’s finest patties at the Jamaica Patty Festival 2025

Love Jamaican comfort food? You’ll be able to chow down on the tastiest patties in London this weekend at the annual festival dedicated to the golden parcels of spicy meat. They’ll have all the flavours on offer from the UK’s best patty brands, from spicy beef, to jerk chicken, curried goat, salt fish and callaloo. The best part? One patty will be crowned the UK’s Patty Champion 2025 live on the day, and they need your help to decide. Bring the whole fam, too, as kids’ activities on offer include face painting, entertainers, prize giveaways and a toddler chill-out zone. For the vibes, the sound stage will provide reggae, dancehall, afrobeats and more. 

Central Avenue, SW11 4NJ. Sun Aug 17. Free. 

Enjoy a family-friendly day of folk music at Summer Sounds

The free King’s Cross fezzie continues its excellent programme of free music, workshops and more in Coal Drops Yard this weekend. On Friday, August 15 there will be a Bob Marley tribute gig from double MOBO Award-winning saxophonist YolanDa Brown, while families can check out a host of free workshops and activities at the family day themed around folk music on Sunday 17. 

Coal Drops Yard, N1C 4AB. Aug 14-17. Free. 

Catch DJ AG’s viral mashups at Westfield London

We love DJ AG so much we named him Londoner of the year in 2024, and now we’ve collaborated with him to bring west London a free day party this Friday, August 15. AG will be taking over the square outside Westfield from 5pm. He’ll be spinning joined by friends including Aidonia, Love Decade and more, with an open format DJ set that promises to keep the energy high and the crowd dancing all night. 

Westfield London, W12 7GF. Fri Aug 15. Free. 

Party to reggae outside the Photographer’s Gallery

To celebrate its current exhibition, Dennis Morris: Music + Life, London’s premier gallery dedicated to photography is throwing a massive street bash, playing exclusively reggae all day, this Saturday. Beats provided by Obsidian Sound System and the Bradley Zero-owned bar Jumbi will reverberate through the Soho streets from midday to 4pm, and it’s open to all. There will also be talks hosted by Dr Aleema Gray, where Gray will invite guest speakers to reflect on Black music in London (particularly reggae), its cultural impact, and its role in shaping the city’s identity. 

Photographer’s Gallery, W1F 7LW. Sat Aug 16. Free.