Free And Cheap Things To Do This Week In London: 12-18 August 2024

Things to do for a fiver or less.

Looking for more free things to do in London? Here are 102 of em! We've also compiled this epic map of free stuff in London.

Step into a South Asian home

Sugar House Island in east London hosts Under Our Mum's Feet, a free exhibition which explores the incredibly diverse region that is South Asia, through works of art that are curated as if in a home -- a kitchen, living room, bedroom, etc. It plays off the tenet "heaven lies beneath the feet of your mother".

Free, until 14 September.

Take the family to a farm... in Covent Garden

Head to St Paul's Church in Covent Garden on Monday to get up close to some farm animals. Some of the larger creatures from Vauxhall City Farm head north for a Family Farm Day, when the public can meet, feed and learn more about them. The event also includes face painting and storytelling sessions. Entry is free, though donations to the farm are encouraged, and there's a small charge for some activities.

Donation, 12 August.

Get creative in the Doodle Room

Got a toddler who loves scrawling over the walls? Perhaps you're a fully grown adult who rather fancies a bit of that doodling action yourself? The Doodle Room with Curtis Creationz arrives in Old Spitalfields Market on Monday, with kids, teens and adults alike invited to let their imaginations (and pens) run wild over the walls, with some creative steer from Frankie from Curtis Creationz. No need to book, and no time limit either.

Free, 12-23 August.

See a free exhibition about stop-motion films

The BFI opens a free exhibition, Laika: Frame x Frame on Monday, themed on stop-motion studio Laika. It focuses on the studio's five feature films to date (Coraline, ParaNorman, The Boxtrolls, Kubo and the Two Strings, and Missing Link) using storyboards, costumes, puppets, props and sets to show how the films were made. It's part of the BFI's wider stop-motion season, which runs until October. 

Free, 12 August-1 October.

Learn about the history of Kentish Town

How much do you know about Kentish Town? Get an insight into how it became the area it is today at a free talk at Guildhall Library (also available to watch online). Tour guide and historian Colin Davey discusses the role Kentish Town has played in the development of London as a whole, due to its position close to Hampstead and Highgate.

Free, 13 August.

If you love local history, you might also like our other publication: Londonist: Time Machine, exploring London’s rich (and often quite weird) history from unusual angles.

Hear live music at several spots around town

There are several opportunities to listen to live music for free in the open-air this week:

• Summer Sounds Music Festival is back at King's Cross from Thursday, for 12 days of free concerts, dance performances and family days. Unicorn Frequency, Lily Moore, Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard and Alvorada are among the performers in the first few days, along with Queer Tango London classes and a drumming workshop.

• As part of The Islander local festival, head to Orchard Dry Dock in Trinity Buoy Wharf on Thursday for free live music with the O2 as a backdrop. Deckchairs are provided (first come first served) and drinks are available to buy at a pop-up bar.

• Grand Union's Summer Live Music Sessions continue by the canal in Alperton on Saturday, with London-based singer FRANSIS performing.

All free entry.

Play in The Giant's Garden

Kids can play a game of giant swing ball, test their balance in a Zorb pool, and get a photo of themselves holding a giant watering can at The Giant's Garden, which springs up in Westfield Stratford City from this Friday until the beginning of September. It's free to enter, though you'll need to book for the Zorb pool.

Free, 16 August-1 September. 

Witness a London Battle at Somerset House

Celebrate breaking's inaugural appearance at the Paris Olympic Games in 2024, at London Battle at Somerset House. Watch breaking showcases, take part in workshops, enjoy live DJs and a big outdoor party. It all culminates in a head-to-head dance battle between the four corners of London. 

Free, 17 August

Take a Deep Dive into issues of homelessness

Been to the Museum of Homelessness yet? On Sunday it hosts the monthly Deep Dive, an in-depth look at specific issues around homelessness. Museum founders Jess and Matt talk to journalists Oliver Bullough and Samir Jeraj about the impact of second homes which are often left empty, or are bought to be used as rental properties and Airbnbs.

Free, 18 August.

Take part in a local community event

'Tis the season for local fetes and fairs, which usually offer free entry (though there are plenty of opportunities to spend money once you're in). Two such events this week are Poplar Union's Poplar Picnic (Saturday) which has local musicians, flamenco dancers and puppet shows on stage, along with stalls, activities and the like -- and the Fitzrovia Fete (Sunday), part of Inside Out Festival, with street performances, music and art workshops, dance shows, and stalls to browse.

Book yourself on a free walk (or several)

A reminder that the City of Westminster guides are offering free guided walks throughout August, as part of Inside Out Festival. Options this week include a look at influential Germans in London, a walk along the towpath from Little Venice to Paddington Green, and a wander around hidden Victoria.

Free, until 29 August.

Stick to your budget during the summer holidays

Running out of ways to keep children and teenagers entertained without draining your bank balance? Our guide to free things to do in the summer holidays has plenty of ideas spanning museums and exhibitions, events, places to visit, play areas, mazes and mini golf. Only problem will be squeezing it all in before they go back to school.

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