Things to Do in London in September – Festivals, Events and Attractions
September is a great time to experience London as the city moves from summer into early autumn. The weather is often still pleasant, the busiest holiday crowds begin to ease, and the capital continues to offer a wide range of events, attractions and seasonal activities.
From live entertainment and cultural experiences to exhibitions, sport, theatre and free outdoor events, there is plenty to see and do throughout the month. September is also a good time to explore London’s museums, markets, neighbourhoods and parks at a more relaxed pace.
London Events in September 2026
The city’s event calendar covers everything from major live performances and entertainment to international sporting fixtures, free outdoor celebrations, exhibitions and family-friendly attractions. With activities taking place across London, visitors can easily combine well-known highlights with different cultural and seasonal experiences. The list below provides the key dates, venues and prices needed to plan each day.
1. The Bayeux Tapestry
The Bayeux Tapestry comes to the British Museum for a major exhibition, marking its return to the UK after nearly 1,000 years. The embroidered work depicts the events surrounding the Norman Conquest and the Battle of Hastings in 1066. Advance booking is essential, although further ticket releases may become available.
Date: From 10 September 2026
Venue: British Museum, Bloomsbury
Price: Paid
2. Bon Jovi: Forever Tour
Bon Jovi brings the Forever Tour to Wembley Stadium for three major London concerts. The shows form one of the biggest rock music events taking place in London during September.
Date: 4, 6 and 9 September 2026
Venue: Wembley Stadium
Price: Paid
3. Diljit Dosanjh
Punjabi singer and performer Diljit Dosanjh brings his Aura World Tour to Wembley Stadium for a major London concert. The show is expected to attract fans from across the UK and overseas.
Date: 12 September 2026
Venue: Wembley Stadium
Price: Paid
4. Union Jack Classic
The Arizona State Sun Devils face the Kansas Jayhawks in the Union Jack Classic, bringing American college football to Wembley Stadium.
Date: 19 September 2026
Venue: Wembley Stadium
Price: Paid
5. England v Spain Football Match
England face Spain at Wembley Stadium in a UEFA Nations League fixture between two of Europe’s leading national teams. The match brings the Three Lions back to the national stadium for a major home fixture.
Date: 26 September 2026
Venue: Wembley Stadium
Price: Paid
6. Laver Cup 2026
The Laver Cup returns to London, bringing leading men’s tennis players together for three days of competition between Team Europe and Team World.
Date: 25–27 September 2026
Venue: The O2, Greenwich
Price: Paid
7. Hilary Duff: The Lucky Me Tour
Hilary Duff brings her new tour to The O2 for two London performances following the release of her album luck… or something.
Date: 10 and 15 September 2026
Venue: The O2, Greenwich
Price: Paid
8. Snow Patrol: Eyes Open Anniversary Shows
Snow Patrol performs the album Eyes Open in full to celebrate its 20th anniversary. The group will play three special performances at the Royal Albert Hall.
Date: Selected dates between 21–24 September 2026
Venue: Royal Albert Hall
Price: Paid
9. Magic at the Musicals
Magic at the Musicals celebrates its 10th anniversary with performances from stars from major West End and touring productions.
Date: 20 September 2026
Venue: Royal Albert Hall
Price: Paid
10. Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony
Experience an evening devoted to two of Beethoven’s most celebrated works, beginning with Piano Concerto No. 5, known as the Emperor Concerto, and concluding with Symphony No. 9 and its famous Ode to Joy finale.
Date: 19 September 2026
Venue: Royal Albert Hall
Price: Paid
11. First Aid Kit
Swedish folk duo First Aid Kit performs two special concerts accompanied by a 65-piece symphony orchestra. The programme includes their breakthrough album Stay Gold performed in full during the first half of the show.
Date: 29-30 September 2026
Venue: Royal Albert Hall
Price: Paid
12. Jimmy Carr: Laughs Funny Tour
Jimmy Carr brings his Laughs Funny tour to the London Palladium for performances across three nights.
Date: 11-13 September 2026
Venue: London Palladium
Price: Paid
13. Mo Gilligan: The Mo You Know Tour
London comedian Mo Gilligan performs at the Eventim Apollo as part of his international stand-up tour.
Date: 11 -12 September 2026
Venue: Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith
Price: Paid
14. Kanan Gill: Not This Again
Indian comedian Kanan Gill brings his international comedy show Not This Again to London.
Date: 5 September 2026
Venue: Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith
Price: Paid
15. Concours of Elegance
Concours of Elegance presents a collection of rare and historically important cars within the grounds of Hampton Court Palace.
Date: 4 – 6 September 2026
Venue: Hampton Court Palace
Price: Paid
16. Buckingham Palace State Rooms
September provides one of the final opportunities of the year to visit the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace during the summer opening.
Date: 9 July – 27 September 2026; selected opening days apply in September
Venue: Buckingham Palace
Price: Paid
17. Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style
This exhibition examines the clothing and style of Queen Elizabeth II through garments, accessories and items from the Royal Collection.
Date: Throughout September 2026
Venue: The King’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace
Price: Paid
18. The Hunger Games: On Stage
Experience the first stage adaptation of The Hunger Games, following Katniss Everdeen’s fight for survival in Panem. The production is staged in a purpose-built theatre at Canary Wharf.
Date: Throughout September 2026
Venue: Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre
Price: Paid
19. ABBA Voyage
See ABBA’s digital avatars perform their biggest hits alongside a live band in a purpose-built arena. The show combines music, lighting and visual effects with favourites including Dancing Queen, Waterloo and Mamma Mia.
Date: Throughout September 2026
Venue: ABBA Arena, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
Price: Paid
20. Black on the Square
Celebrate Black culture through live music, dance, food, fashion, arts and community activities at this free festival. The programme also includes creative workshops and performances.
Date: 5 September 2026
Venue: Trafalgar Square
Price: Free
21. CelebrASIA
Experience Southeast Asian culture through street food, live music, dance, film screenings, workshops and family activities. The three-day festival brings together artists, performers and food vendors from across the region.
Date: 11-13 September 2026
Venue: Battersea Power Station
Price: Free
22. Classic Boat Festival
Step aboard a collection of historic boats and traditional vessels while meeting the owners and crews who preserve them. The festival offers visitors a closer look at London’s maritime heritage.
Date: 12-13 September 2026
Venue: St Katharine Docks
Price: Free
23. Great River Race
Watch hundreds of crews compete in London’s annual river marathon. Crews race along a 21.6-mile route on the Thames, creating a lively spectacle from several riverside viewing points.
Date: 12 September 2026
Venue: River Thames, from Millwall to Ham, Richmond
Price: Free
24. Dark Arts at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London
Explore the darker side of the Harry Potter films as the studio tour receives a seasonal takeover. Visitors can see themed sets, props and activities inspired by the Dark Arts and the wizarding world’s most sinister characters.
Date: 16 September – 8 November 2026
Venue: Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, Leavesden
Price: Paid
25. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in Concert
Watch the first Harry Potter film on a giant screen while its memorable score is performed live by an orchestra and chorus. The concert combines cinema with a full-scale classical music performance.
Date: 25 – 27 September 2026
Venue: Royal Albert Hall
Price: Paid
26. CATS at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
See a new outdoor production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s famous musical, featuring its well-known songs, choreography and distinctive feline characters. September provides the final opportunity to attend before the summer season ends.
Date: 25 July-19 September 2026
Venue: Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
Price: Paid
27. Burlesque the Musical
The stage adaptation follows Ali, a young performer who enters New York’s underground burlesque scene while searching for her mother. It features energetic choreography, striking costumes and songs by Christina Aguilera, Sia and other songwriters.
Date: 12 September 2026 – 31 January 2027
Venue: The Arts at Marble Arch
Price: Paid
28. Totally Thames Festival
Totally Thames is a month-long programme of arts, cultural and community events inspired by the River Thames. Activities take place on, beneath and beside the River Thames at locations across London.
Date: Throughout September 2026
Venue: Various riverside locations
Price: Free and paid
29. London Design Festival
London Design Festival returns for its 24th edition with installations, exhibitions, talks and creative projects across the capital. The programme brings together designers, studios, museums and neighbourhood design districts.
Read our complete London Design Festival 2026 guide for visitor tips, travel guidance and information about the different design districts.
Date: 12–20 September 2026
Venue: Various locations across London
Price: Free and paid
30. Open House Festival
Open House Festival gives visitors access to buildings, homes, gardens and architectural spaces that are not normally open to the public. Events take place across all 33 London boroughs.
Date: 12–20 September 2026
Venue: Buildings and sites across London
Price: Mostly free; advance booking may be required
31. London Fashion Week
London Fashion Week brings designers, buyers, photographers, media and fashion followers together for presentations, catwalk shows and city-wide activities.
Date: 17–21 September 2026
Venue: Various locations across London
Price: Varies; selected public events are free or ticketed
Travelling later in the season? Our guide to autumn events and attractions in London includes further ideas for planning an autumn city break.
Make the Most of Your September Trip to London
A little planning can make it easier to enjoy the city’s busiest September events and attractions. Popular concerts, theatre performances, exhibitions and sporting fixtures often sell quickly, so it is worth securing tickets in advance where possible.
Allow extra time when travelling to larger venues, particularly during evenings and weekends, and review our London public transport guide before planning journeys between events. Comfortable footwear, light layers and a waterproof jacket are also recommended for exploring the city throughout the day.
Visitors looking for a quieter break between events can also plan one of London’s scenic autumn park walks, particularly towards the end of September when the seasonal colours begin to appear.
Some free festivals and cultural activities may require advance booking, even when there is no entry fee, so planning your itinerary in advance can help you make the most of your visit.
Finding the Right Place to Stay in September
As London moves into early autumn, the city remains lively with festivals, concerts, exhibitions and sporting events. Staying at London Backpackers provides a convenient and affordable base for exploring the capital throughout September. The hostel is located near Hendon Central Underground station, offering straightforward connections to central London and many of the venues featured in this guide.
