Things to Do in London in September 2026

London's lifeblood has always been the River Thames. Winding through the heart of the capital, it has shaped the city's trade, influenced its architecture, and served as the scenic backdrop to centuries of political and cultural history. This September 2026, the city pays tribute to its iconic waterway with the return of the Totally Thames festival. This month-long celebration brings the river to life with a spectacular program of art installations, regattas, riverside walks, and environmental workshops. It is a powerful reminder of how vital the river remains to the city’s identity, ecology, and daily rhythm.

It's also a big month for Trafalgar Square (which we show you on our Welcome to London tour! ). With Black On The Square, London celebrates its Black culture, music and creativity, while the 10th of September sees the unveiling of the new Lady in Blue sculpture on London's Fourth Plinth. Continuing the tradition of showcasing bold, contemporary art in one of the capital's most historic public squares, this striking new commission promises to challenge and inspire audiences, adding a fresh visual landmark to the heart of London.

Meanwhile, culinary enthusiasts will want to head back to The Big Brine London. This massive, flavor-packed festival celebrates the art of fermentation, pickling, and curing. Bringing together top chefs, artisanal producers, and curious foodies, the event features tasting menus, masterclasses, and plenty of tangy delights that highlight the capital's ever-evolving, innovative food scene.

Beyond the riverbanks and the food stalls, September’s calendar is overflowing with diverse cultural highlights. Visual arts fans can discover cutting-edge visual storytelling at Photography Now, explore the deep nostalgia of the 1996: 30 years on retrospective, or uncover fascinating East End histories at the East of the Aldgate Pump exhibition. Music lovers can catch the grand finale of the BBC Proms 2026, while the city at large will buzz with the cutting-edge concepts of the London Design Festival 2026. alongside the autumnal charm of bustling Vintage fairs popping up across the city's beloved neighborhood markets.

Date	Event	Category
December 31, 2025 – September 12, 2026	Photography Now An exhibition showcasing contemporary photography, 'Photography Now' presents a diverse collection of works highlighting current trends and artistic expressions within the medium.	🖼️ Exhibition	vam.ac.uk →
April 16 – September 19, 2026	1996: 30 years on An exhibition reflecting on the wildest year of Britain's most vibrant decade, exploring its cultural impact and legacy.	🖼️ Exhibition	barbican.org.uk →
July 15 – September 6, 2026	East of the Aldgate Pump An exhibition at Whitechapel Gallery exploring themes related to 'East of the Aldgate Pump', concluding in early September. This event is part of the Renaissance 2026 program.	🖼️ Exhibition	artrabbit.com →
September 1–12, 2026	BBC Proms 2026 The BBC Proms is the world's greatest classical music festival, featuring a wide range of concerts and musical performances.	🎪 Festival	bbc.co.uk →
September 1–30, 2026	Totally Thames festival Totally Thames festival is an annual season of unique and inclusive arts and culture throughout the month of September. It celebrates the River Thames with arts events, active adventures, environmental initiatives, heritage and education programmes taking place on, beneath, and along the river.	🎪 Festival	thamesfestivaltrust.org →
September 5, 2026	Black On The Square A free annual celebration of Black culture and creativity held in Trafalgar Square. It is a public-facing city event with performances, activities, and a central London setting that is easy for visitors to reach.	🎪 Festival	london.gov.uk →
September 5–30, 2026	Vintage fairs Markets selling clothes, furniture, and botanical items, as part of Judy's Vintage Fair Markets series.	🛍️ Market	judysvintagefair.co.uk →
September 10, 2026	Unveiling of Lady in Blue sculpture on London's Fourth Plinth A new bronze sculpture, 'Lady in Blue', by artist Tschabalala Self will be unveiled on London's Fourth Plinth. It is the 16th commission for the iconic site, paying homage to a young, metropolitan woman and reflecting contemporary Londoners.	🎪 Festival	london-hq.co.uk →
September 12–20, 2026	London Design Festival 2026 The London Design Festival celebrates design and innovation across the city with exhibitions, installations, and talks. This event showcases a wide range of design disciplines and features contributions from international designers.	🖼️ Exhibition	londondesignfestival.com →
September 12–13, 2026	The Big Brine London The Big Brine is London’s first festival showcasing the craft, creativity and culture behind all things brined and fermented. It brings together the worlds of food, wellness, sustainability, hospitality and alternative eating.	🎪 Festival	thebigbrinelondon.com →