What’s on in London—September 2024

Forget the summer rush, because September in London is when the city truly shines. As the crowd gathers and the weather remains pleasant, now is the ideal time to visit and experience the best of cultural events that the city brings in for you. The month is going to be filled with the electrifying buzz of live concerts, mouthwatering cuisine, and rare cultural gems just waiting to be found. So, we’ve brought you the ultimate guide to the most exciting events that will light up your September! Whether you want to glide along the Thames, groove at a music festival, or savour the city’s culinary delights, every experience will be a lifetime memory!

Why settle for just listening when you can experience your favourite podcast hosts live and in person? Make way to King’s Cross and join the London Podcast Festival, where top podcasting talents from the UK and US take the stage. Prepare for hysterical laughter and captivating tales when tuning into shows such as Like-Minded Friends with Tom Allen & Suzi Ruffel, Secretly Incredibly Fascinating, and others. Believe us, your ears (and heart) will thank you!

South Asian creativity takes centre stage as Dialled In returns to Royal Docks, uniting more than 30 DJs and live performers on six dynamic stages. This festival will be a celebration of South Asian music, film, and art, featuring terrace parties, AV installations, and art displays that showcase the very best of the region’s cultural offerings. Keep an eye out for the dynamic duo Mighty Zaf and Gracie T, the masterminds behind The Beatriarchy, as they take the helm of an incredible lineup. If past years are any indication, Dialled In promises to be an unforgettable cultural event!

Tottenham’s Markfield Road Festival is the ultimate showcase of homegrown talent! Experience three days of thrilling art, music, and discussions at the dynamic Gaunson Creative Studios. Discover live art exhibits, engage with the artists themselves, and participate in the vibrant street festivities filled with electrifying DJ music. The festival features discussions with prominent figures in the industry, interactive art classes, compelling short films, and much more. It’s a dynamic showcase of creativity you won’t want to miss!

The London Design Festival is back this September, bringing a burst of innovation and creativity to the city as it transforms into a lively playground. The latest event will highlight innovative projects centred around sustainability, AI, and inclusivity. Look for standout features such as “Vert”—sustainable wooden structures adorned with greenery. Covering 11 different Design Districts, such as the renowned Chelsea College of Art and the V&A Museum, the festival guarantees immersive experiences that push the boundaries and redefine the realm of design.

Open house festival (14-22 September, 2024)

Open House London is returning in mid-September, providing free and exclusive access to some of the most famous and hidden architectural treasures in the city. The popular event offers you an inside look at all 33 boroughs, including private residences, historic places of worship, offices, and schools. This year, you can expect an amazing lineup of community events, tours, and fun activities catered for young explorers. All you need is to register online and explore as many buildings as you like!

Experience London’s iconic landmarks, such as the National Army Museum and Chelsea Physic Garden, coming together for a week of unforgettable events at Chelsea’s History Festival, the ultimate flashback gala. Grab hold of “The Map of Bones,” a compelling book by Kate Mosse, or dive into the battle of Monte Cassino with James Holland. Anne Boleyn and other iconic women will also steal the show. Plus, catch Terry Deary’s cheeky Horrible Stories twist and explore Chelsea with rock ‘n’ roll legend Bill Wyman.

So, whether you’re a Londoner or just planning to make a big shift here, grab the chance to experience the city in all its vibrant glory this September. With the city’s excellent transport connections and diverse culinary delights at your fingertips, you’re all set to explore the cultural vibes. So let London’s greatest events astound you while you let your imagination run wild!