Emerge East Festival

Barking Riverside will be buzzing yet again as annual free festival Emerge East brings its biggest programme yet to the east London neighbourhood, featuring everything from saunas to street food to a stacked setlist. Last year saw Emerge East launch its first ever Block Party, and the tradition is continuing in 2026. DJ AJ – viral street performer and Time Out’s 2024 Londoner of the Year – will be leading a lineup that also features DJ Mak 10, Glade Marie, RAIDAA and Donnie Sunshine.

Visitors can also check out the world premiere of the Pollenarium, a new six-metre-high sculpture of a pollen grain containing more than 100 camera obscura lenses, from Luke Jerram (the artist behind popular touring Earth sculpture Gaia).

Throw in a programme of riverside workshops and sports activities, live performers and an independent maker’s market, and this free festival has more than enough to fill the day, without emptying your wallet.