July 7, 2026FREE and Discounted Summer Activities for Young Londoners
From festivals and theatre to funded creative programmes, explore what London has to offer
Whether you’re looking for free things to do in London this summer, creative opportunities, or simply want to make the most of the warm months ahead, this guide has something for every young Londoner to enjoy.
All events are free or under £20, with many specifically designed for young people aged 5–25 from low-income/disadvantaged backgrounds. Sections highlighted in purple are hands-on creative opportunities for young people.
Breakout Summer: FREE One-Week Youth Theatre Image courtesy of Immediate Theatre Breakout is Immediate Theatre’s annual one-week summer youth theatre programme for children aged 5–12, designed to build confidence, life skills, and wellbeing. The week ends with a performance for family and guests. This year’s theme, A Sense of Belonging, explores identity, place, and connection through theatre, music, spoken word, and visual arts, with children creating their own work, set, props, and costumes. Participants also work towards AQA accreditation. The project is free to attend and includes a hot meal every day. What: Workshop Learn more about the course here. |
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Making Tracks: FREE 5-Day Music-Making Course Image courtesy of Irene Taylor Trust Making Tracks is an intensive 5-day music project run by The Irene Taylor Trust where, guided by professional musicians, participants will write, record and perform original music as a band. What: Workshop Learn more and sign up here. |
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Young Creatives & Technicians: FREE Technical Theatre Course at Donmar Warehouse Image courtesy of Donmar Warehouse Are you a young person aged 16-19 interested in a career in theatre? You’ll discover how artists apply artistic and technical skills in real productions, gain hands-on experience from top industry professionals, explore pathways into work, build a portfolio and watch a performance at the Donmar. What: Workshop Learn more and apply by Monday 13 July 2026, here. |
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Exposure Summer: FREE 10-Day Theatre Course Image courtesy of Immediate Theatre Exposure is an intensive, real-world theatre course for young people aged 14–19 (up to 25 with additional needs), where participants will come together to create, perform, and grow, both on stage and beyond it. Over 11 days, young people will work together as a professional theatre company to develop an original production, create spoken word and choreography, and rehearse, refine, and perform to a live audience. Designed to support their next steps, participants will receive a professional headshot, portfolio material, AQA Unit Award in Exploring Theatre Skills and one-to-one guidance on education, training and careers. Real impact, real transformation. Your creative future starts here! What: Workshop Learn more and sign up here. |
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King’s Cross Summer Sounds: FREE Open-Air Music Festival at Coal Drops Yard
© The King’s Cross Group Limited Partnership. All rights reserved
Now in its 11th year, King’s Cross Summer Sounds is one of London’s most treasured free outdoor festivals, and this summer it returns with its most exciting programme yet.
Set against the spectacular backdrop of Coal Drops Yard, the festival seamlessly blends folk, jazz, soul, classical and indie rock with dynamic dance performances and standout local talent. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering it for the first time, Summer Sounds is an essential free Summer day out in the capital.
What: Festival
When: 13 – 23 August 2026
Where: Coal Drops Yard, King’s Cross, N1C
How much: FREE, no ticket required
Who: No age limit
Find out more here.
Next Steps: FREE Year 6 Transition Programme Image courtesy of Half Moon Theatre Next Steps supports young people in preparing for their transition to secondary school, providing them with a space to explore their worries through drama. Through weekly after-school sessions and a week-long summer project, participants will critically engage with themes such as bullying, online safety, friendships, identity, decision-making and new responsibilities, whilst building confidence and self-expression. What: Workshop Learn more and sign up here. |
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Centre 59 Theatre Week: Roundhouse Summer Holiday Workshops Image courtesy of the Roundhouse Centre 59 Theatre Week is a summer holiday of workshops designed specifically for young people who may think theatre isn’t for them. Founded by Oscar-winning actor and Roundhouse alumnus Daniel Kaluuya, young people will have the opportunity to explore workshops in Improvisation, Script and Development, Stagecraft and Combat, Physical Theatre, Dance and Movement, and more! Running back-to-back across three weeks in August for multiple age groups (11-14s, 15-17s and 18-25s), Centre 59 Theatre Week aims to give young people the chance to learn the essentials of theatre, build confidence and tell their own stories. What: Workshop Learn more and sign up here. |
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Backyard Biennial East: Whitechapel Gallery’s FREE Summer Arts Festival Image by Jane Lam, courtesy of Whitechapel Gallery Our East London neighbors, Whitechapel Gallery, are hosting an 8-week-long free summer arts festival spanning workshops, installations, screenings, performances, exhibitions, residencies, walks, open studios and special events. Launched to mark the gallery’s 125th year, this pilot project invites communities to celebrate East London’s rich past, present and future. What: Festival / Workshop Read the full programme and learn more here. |
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Greenwich+Docklands International Festival (GDIF): FREE Outdoor Theatre & Performance
Photo by David Levene, courtesy of Greenwich + Docklands International Festival
London’s flagship free outdoor arts festival returns to Greenwich+Docklands this summer, bringing some of the world’s finest international theatre and performing arts directly to London’s streets, parks, and public spaces. GDIF has long been celebrated as one of the UK’s most ambitious outdoor arts events, offering extraordinary experiences entirely free of charge.
From large-scale spectacle to intimate performance, the festival makes world-class culture accessible to all Londoners: no ticket required!
What: Festival
When: 21 August – 6 September 2026
Where: Venues across Greenwich & Docklands, London
How much: FREE – all events open to the public
Who: No age limit
Explore the full programme here.
Our Place: Submit Your Creative Project Idea and Get £3K in Funding
Image courtesy of Hammersmith & Fulham Borough of Culture
Are you a young person aged 13–25 with an original idea for a creative project in your community? Hammersmith & Fulham Young People’s Borough of Culture (YBOC) is looking for exactly that and offering £3,000 to help you make it happen. Whether it’s bringing people together or sharing a joint interest, this project will give you the tools to deliver a fantastic creative project!
What: Funding opportunity
When: Apply by 14 September 2026
How much: FREE to apply, up to £3,000 in funding available.
Who: Young people aged 13–25 in Hammersmith & Fulham
Find out more and apply here.
Summer by the River 2026: FREE Film Screenings and More at London Bridge City Pier
Photo by Ahmed Khan
One of London’s most beloved summer events returns to the South Bank this year, reimagining the Thames riverside as a playground of sport, entertainment and open-air celebration.
Since May 2026, London Bridge has come alive with live music, open-air cinema, seasonal food, and community experiences designed to bring Londoners together throughout the summer. Whether you’re after a lunchtime film screening or an evening of riverside entertainment, Summer by the River has something for everyone.
What: Festival
When: 19 May – 22 September 2026
Where: London Bridge City Pier, SE1
How much: Free entry to selected events
Who: No age limit
Find out more and plan your visit, here.