One more month of outdoor fun!
by Jen (follow Jen on Twitter: @JenBarnes207)
August is looking like it’s going to be an absolute SCORCHER. I’m used to summers in Texas so this is nothing – but the heat does make me lazy and sleepy. So…all the more reason to make sure I’ve lined up lots of awesome things to do to keep me motivated to head out around town. Summer is for festivals and enjoying the great outdoors so with that in mind, I present you with my August top 10!
#1 Ride London Freecyle | 9th August
Image by Metro.co.uk
You don’t have to be a pro to take part in Prudential’s Ride London event. On Saturday, August 9th you can cycle the historic route around the capital. The streets will be closed off so for those of you still too afraid to cycle in the city-don’t worry about it! It’s free but if you register you’ll get a couple freebies! Come on- you know you want to!
When: 9th August : 9am-5pm
Where: Central London (see route map)
#2 Notting Hill Carnival | 24th-25th August
Pic by The Notting Hill Carnival
I can’t think of an event in London that I love more than I love Notting Hill Carnival. Sunday is the family friendly day and Monday’s a bit more of a party so keep that in mind when deciding when to head west. Grab your friends, throw on some brightly coloured clothes and go dance in the streets with strangers. You won’t regret it.
p.s Rinse FM will be celebrating its twentieth birthday at this year’s Carnival by providing an exclusive stage featuring super BIG names from the likes of Chase & Status, Katy B, Route94, BrEaCh, Eats Everything, Skream, Bicep and more! Find out more on Time Out London.
When: August 24th-25th
Where: Notting Hill
#3 Hackney WickED Art Festival | 1st-3rd August
Photograph: Tim Sullivan – Image by Hackney Citizen
Hackney has always been a hub of creativity and even though it’s gentrifying before our eyes- it still has some authentic grit. Head out there this weekend for the Hackney WickED Art Festival, a free art festival showcasing cutting edge exhibitions from leading London galleries. You’ll also find music, a graffiti jam, fashion, open studios, art tours and more.
When: 1st-3rd August, All day
Where: Hackney Wick
#4 Jazz at Canary Wharf |15th-17th August
Pic by Londontown
Who doesn’t love a little free jazz in the open air? Sounds like a great date for any budding summer romances or just a chill night out with some friends. Between Friday and Sunday you have 10 opportunities to listen to some jazz at the Canary Wharf Jazz Festival- if I were you, I would just camp out (don’t tell Canary Wharf I told you to do it-though).
When: 15th-17th August, Check timetable
Where: Canary Wharf
#5 Brixton Splash | 3rd August
Image by Brixton Splash
Summer is for street festivals. It’s a fact. Brixton Splash reminds me of street parties as a kid. Lots of food, lots of music, lots of people and a great time. It’s a community led event so you can expect to feel right at home as soon as you arrive. There’s more to Brixton than just the market-go explore!
When: 3rd August
Where: Brixton
#6 Girls Just Wanna Watch Films: Tiny Furniture | 19th August
Image by ICF Films
It isn’t the only free screening in London this August but it’s a film most of us can relate to. In Tiny Furniture, Lena Dunham returns home after university to try and figure out what to do with her life- sound familiar? Go, watch, laugh, and remember that we’re all broke and trying to figure it out! If you want more screenings: read this!
When: 19th August : 7pm-1030pm
Where: Genesis Cinema, 93-95 Mile End Road, E1 4UJ
#7 SCAPEGOATING PICTURES for London | All Month
Photo by Jack Hems – fadwebsite.com
Gilbert and George are back. SCAPEGOATING PICTURES for London is currently exhibiting at White Cube and is on until the 28th September. Head to see the show the Guardian calls “a dirty-mouthed atheist onslaught” and “overwhelmingly liberal and forward looking” and enjoy yourself.
When: All Month
Where: White Cube, Bermondsey, SE1 3TQ
#8 Spitalfields Market Paw Pageant | 25th August
Image by Old Spitalfields Market
Ok- so I know this may sound like a joke…but c’mon..a PAW PAGEANT! Who doesn’t love puppies!? I got a fantastic sunburn from a hilarious community dog show a few weeks back and this sounds like the perfect step-up in my career as a dog show attendee. It’s ridiculous- but I can’t think of a cuter way to have a few laughs.
When: 25th August, 11:40am
Where: Old Spitalfields Market, EC1 6EW
#9 Primrose: Russian Colour Photography | All Month
Dmitri Baltermants Rain, 1960s © Multimedia Art Museum, Moscow/ Moscow
Here’s a little Russia for your August: landscapes, portraits and Soviet propaganda is on display in Primrose: Russian Colour Photography at the Photographer’s Gallery in Soho. The exhibition is arranged in chronological order so you can take a tour through history from 1860-1970 without ever leaving the building. These beautiful images follow Russia through growth and upheaval, from Bolsheviks to quiet revolts behind closed doors.
When: All Month
Where: Photographer’s Gallery, Soho, W1F 7LW
#10 Art Social 14 | Until 3rd August
Image by The House of St Barnabas
If you love art & culture, you want to check out Art Social 14, The House of St Barnabas’ first culture festival. The weekend is full of talks, performances and interactive workshops all housed in their beautiful Georgian town house. It’s a private members club so this is one of your few chances to even see behind the doors! Go go go!
When: Until 3rd August, All day
Where: The House of St Barnabas, Soho Square, W1D 4NQ
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You may also want to check the Free Film Screenings in London in August.
