London in September is where the magic happens. As the summer crowds start to thin out and a crisp autumn breeze begins to flirt with the city, London transforms into an intoxicating blend of history, culture, and vibrant energy. Whether you're a seasoned local or a first-time visitor, September is your chance to dive headfirst into everything this city has to offer. From iconic landmarks and secret spots to fashion moments and art exhibitions that everyone will be talking about, there’s no shortage of things to do. So grab your best trench coat, and let’s dive into the must-see attractions and events in London this September.
Play Tourist
September is the perfect time to embrace your inner tourist and visit London’s most famous landmarks like Tower Bridge, the London Eye, Westminster Abbey, the Science Museum, and even Madame Tussauds. And since the summer rush is dying down, you can finally take that Yeoman Warder tour at the Tower of London to see the Crown Jewels without having to elbow your way through a horde of selfie sticks.
Heritage Open Days
Mark your calendar for September 8-17, because Heritage Open Days is your ticket to exploring historic sites across London that are usually off-limits. Think of it as an all-access pass to the city’s hidden gems.
The State Rooms at Buckingham Palace
If you’ve ever wanted to peek inside Buckingham Palace, now’s your chance. The State Rooms are open until September 29, offering you a rare glimpse into royal life that’s basically the IRL version of watching The Crown.
Openaire Float-In Cinema
For a movie night that’s very London, try the Openaire Float-In Cinema. You can watch a classic film while floating on Regent’s Canal. Yes, it’s as dreamy as it sounds.
Experiences
The Hidden City: Turn the entire city into your playground with The Hidden City, an interactive puzzle-solving adventure that lets you discover London’s best-kept secrets.
The Paddington Bear Experience
The Paddington Bear Experience: This is for anyone who’s ever wished they could step into Paddington Bear’s world. It’s pure nostalgia and perfect for families—or anyone who just loves marmalade sandwiches.
London Fashion Week
London Fashion Week: From September 15-19, London Fashion Week takes over the city, serving up the latest trends and showing us why London is still one of the style capitals of the world. While many of the fashion week events are reserved to industry professionals, there is a so-called City Wide Celebration schedule of events organised by the Mayor of London. This year London Fashion Week celebrates 40 years.
You can find our article on the full schedule here.
Exhibitions
Batman Unmasked
Batman Unmasked: Starting September 6, get your superhero fix at Batman Unmasked, an exhibition filled with original costumes and props that will make any Gotham fan geek out.
The Taylor Swift Songbook Trail at the V&A
The Taylor Swift Songbook Trail at the V&A: Swifties, this one’s for you. The Taylor Swift Songbook Trail at the V&A is open until September 8, so get your squad together and experience the era-defining artistry of Taylor Swift before it’s gone.
Silk Roads at the British Museum
Silk Roads at the British Museum: Beginning September 26, the British Museum’s new Silk Roads exhibition dives deep into the stories of the people who travelled along this legendary trade route. It’s history, but make it cool.
Barbie: The Exhibition
Barbie: The Exhibition at the Design Museum: Get ready to channel your inner Barbie at the Design Museum’s latest exhibition. It’s all about the evolution of this iconic doll and her impact on culture.
Festivals
Totally Thames Festival: London’s river takes centre stage during the Totally Thames Festival, a month-long celebration of art, culture, and the life that flows along the Thames.
London Mural Festival: The streets are your gallery at the London Mural Festival, where you’ll find large-scale art popping up across the city, proving that London is just as colourful as it is historic.
The Greenwich+Docklands International Festival: Running through September 14, this festival is all about performances that surprise and delight, with everything from dance to theatre happening across the city.
CelebrASIA at Battersea Power Station: On September 16-17, Battersea Power Station hosts CelebrASIA, a weekend of Southeast Asian culture, food, and creativity. Think of it as your passport to some of the best flavours and vibes around.
Underbelly Festival: The Underbelly Festival keeps the South Bank buzzing throughout September with a mix of comedy, circus, and all-around good times.
Classic Boat Festival: From September 8-10, head to St. Katharine Docks for the Classic Boat Festival, where you can geek out over beautifully restored boats while enjoying waterfront views.
West Norwood Feast | September 3rd: Kick off your month with the West Norwood Feast, a street market that brings together local food, crafts, and community vibes.
Peckham Festival | September 13-15: Peckham Festival is where art, music, and local culture collide. From September 13-15, immerse yourself in this creative corner of London.
Bermondsey Street Festival | September 21: On September 21, Bermondsey Street comes alive with food, crafts, and entertainment. It’s the kind of street festival that makes you remember why you love London.
Chelsea History Festival: If you’re a history buff, the Chelsea History Festival has your name all over it, with talks, tours, and exhibitions that bring the past to life in one of London’s most charming neighbourhoods.
Colourscape Music Festival: Ever wondered what it would be like to walk through a rainbow? The Colourscape Music Festival at Clapham Common gives you the chance, blending colour and sound in an immersive experience that’s nothing short of magical.
Camden Inspire: From September 21-23, Camden Inspire brings live music, art, and street food to one of London’s most eclectic neighbourhoods.
Open House Festival: From September 6-17, get ready to explore some of London’s most intriguing and normally closed-off buildings during the Open House Festival. It’s like getting the keys to the city.
Cosmic Void Festival: If experimental music and art are your thing, the Cosmic Void Festival is happening from September 13-15 across various venues, offering a mind-bending experience you won’t want to miss.
Wembley Park Live: Wembley Park Live runs until September 30, giving you plenty of time to catch free live performances in one of London’s most iconic areas.
Loud Women Fest | Rich Mix | September 7: On September 7, get ready for a day of fierce, female-led music at Loud Women Fest. It’s all about amplifying the voices of women in music.
DNB Allstars Festival | Gunnersbury Park | September 15: Drum and bass fans, this one’s for you. On September 15, Gunnersbury Park hosts the DNB Allstars Festival, promising a day of high-energy beats and epic performances.
Art
London Design Festival
London Design Festival: From September 16-24, the London Design Festival transforms the city into a playground of creativity with installations and events that will have you seeing design in a whole new light.
Alan Cotton exhibition
David Messum Fine Art - Alan Cotton exhibition: Get lost in the evocative landscapes of Alan Cotton at David Messum Fine Art, where nature’s beauty is captured in every brushstroke.
Graceland London
Halcyon Gallery - Graceland London 30 Aug - 6 October 2024: The Halcyon Gallery’s Graceland London exhibition is where contemporary art meets the spirit of Elvis Presley, running through October 6.
Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers: Opening September 14, this once-in-a-century exhibition at The National Gallery is your chance to see Van Gogh’s most beloved works up close, including Sunflowers and Starry Night Over the Rhône.
Monet and London
Monet and London: Views of the Thames at the Courtauld Gallery: Starting September 27, the Courtauld Gallery is showcasing Monet’s impressionist paintings of the Thames, proving once again that London has always been an artist’s muse.
In the Eye of the Storm
In the Eye of the Storm at the Royal Academy of Arts: Until October 13, the Royal Academy of Arts explores Ukrainian modernism with a powerful exhibition that highlights the artistic movement between 1900 and the 1930s.
Patric Prince
Patric Prince: Digital Art Visionary at the Victoria and Albert Museum: Until September 15, the V&A is spotlighting Patric Prince’s ground-breaking digital art collection, giving you a peek into the future of creativity.
Michael Craig-Martin
Michael Craig-Martin at the Royal Academy of Arts: From September 21 to December 10, the Royal Academy of Arts hosts an exhibition of Michael Craig-Martin’s influential works, which span everything from sculpture to painting.
Women Artists in Britain 1520-1920
Women Artists in Britain 1520-1920 at Tate Britain: Until October 13, Tate Britain is shining a light on the pioneering women artists who made their mark from the Tudor times to the First World War.
Donna Huddleston's Company exhibition
Donna Huddleston's Company exhibition at the White Cube: Explore the debut exhibition of London-based artist Donna Huddleston at the White Cube until September 28. It’s a fresh, intimate look at the art of drawing.
Comedy Shows
Peter Kay: Get ready to laugh out loud with Peter Kay on September 7. His return to stand-up is the comedy event everyone’s been waiting for.
Nish Kumar: Also on September 7, Nish Kumar brings his sharp political humour to the stage, making us laugh while making us think.
Bianca Del Rio: On September 24, Drag Race superstar Bianca Del Rio serves up her trademark brand of biting humour. Get ready for an evening that’s as fabulous as it is funny.
Romesh Ranganathan: September 27 is your chance to catch Romesh Ranganathan’s cynical wit live. It’s comedy that hits close to home—in the best possible way.
Concerts
Last Night of the Proms: On September 9, experience the grandeur and tradition of the Last Night of the Proms, a quintessentially British celebration of classical music.
Abba Voyage | September 1-29: Abba Voyage is the concert experience everyone’s talking about. The legendary group is back in a state-of-the-art virtual performance that’s a must-see for any fan.
Jonas Brothers | September 16, 17: The Jonas Brothers are bringing their electrifying show to London for two nights, so get ready to relive all the pop hits you secretly—or not-so-secretly—love.
Niall Horan | September 3: Niall Horan takes the stage on September 3, offering up a night of soulful pop that’s sure to make you swoon.
