You might have blithely assumed that this week’s dramatic rumbles of thunder and epic rainstorms were normal meteorological events – the natural result of atmospheric instability and unstable weather conditions. Wrong! They are in fact a divine judgement upon your spending this month so far, which has already reached unholy levels of self-indulgence. Did you purchase tickets to see Harry Styles at Wembley this weekend? Or simply an iced blueberry matcha latte? Either way, I’m afraid the powers that be are very unhappy, and the only way you can appease them is by planning a very economical weekend of entertainments. Fortunately, we’re here to help! We’ve come up with a free selection of things to do that are calculated to spark joy without setting fire to your bank balance. Here are some ways to spend your precious days off, whether you’re an architecture nut, Toy Story fan, art enthusiast or grime obsessive, or all of the above (in which case you must have a very compelling Hinge profile). Read on, and make god (or the gods, or the endless, pitiless nothingness beyond the clouds) extremely happy.
1. Voyage to New Spaces at the Festival of Architecture
June is a very pleasant month for exploring London, with the city’s buildings looking their loveliest framed by green leaves and (theoretically, at least) summer sunshine. So why not look a bit deeper this weekend with the London Festival of Architecture, which will introduce you to the planners, designers, and ideas that have shaped our streets. There are over 400 events on the line-up for 2026, including guided walks, exhibitions, talks, installations and performances. Explore the programme and you’ll find an exhibition of bird houses at the Design Museum, a look at the role of pubs in communities at The Royal George in Deptford, a walking tour from the Migration Museum, an outdoor exhibition on the Festival of Britain at South Bank, and a participatory event shaping the future of Haggerston Baths. Most events are free, but book your spot in advance to guarantee a place. Various venues. Until Jun 30. Free.
2. Take a Self-Portrait at the People of Hackney Photobooth
Hackney Art Week is entering its final days this weekend, and there’s loads of free art to see across the borough. If, however, you believe that the most beautiful artwork of all is your own face, then head to London Fields for this free installation, which is taking pictures of all comers. Photographer Jennifer Forward-Hayter is a Portrait of Britain winner who’s set up a photobooth designed to capture Hackney’s faces. Turn up and you’ll get a portrait to take home, while a second one will become part of People of Hackney, a photo series celebrating the faces of east London. No need to book, just turn up. If you’re in search of more photography fun, then pair your visit with a trip to Sophie Turner analogue photobooth (Unit 3, 39 Gransden Avenue, E8 3QA) on Saturday afternoon, where you can try on historical treasures for a costumed shoot: RSVP to events@autofoto.org to claim your spot. Various venues. Until Jun 14. Free.
3. Join a Free Dance Party at Meltdown
Southbank Centre’s annual music fest always has a few free opportunities to have a boogie, and this year is no exception. On Friday night, you can dance on the Riverside Terrace at Don’t Keep Hush, as part of a mental health awareness project from an underground dance community. On Saturday, there’s a Dad Dancing session in the Clore Ballroom, where fathers are invited to show their kids their best and/or cringiest moves. And on Sunday, there’s a chance to join a chilled terrace takeover from Steam Down, who’ll take you on a sonic journey mixing grime, Afrobeat, funk and electronic sound. Southbank Centre. Until Jun 14. Free.
4. Indulge in Some Toy Story Nostalgia at Westfield
Can you believe we’re somehow on the fifth instalment of beloved movie series Toy Story? Well, if you’re a superfan (or a clued up kid) you’ll probably already be well on top of this development. So take your love of Woody, Buzz and the gang to the next level with a trip to this free pop-up at Westfield. Head to Westfield London in White City from 10th-21st June and you’ll find that its Atrium space is taken over by all things Toy Story 5. There’ll be a free (and snappily named) Toy Story inspired Frozen Yoghurt Smoothie Refreshment to sample, plus lots of games and interactive experiences to try, including high-speed reaction games, a dance machine, photo opportunities, and a dive into the archives. Westfield London, W12 7GF. Until Jun 21. Free.
5. Have Some Summer Fun at Marylebone’s Annual Summer Fair
This isn’t your average village fete. Head to bougie Marylebone and you’ll find all the fun of the fair, with a twist. Live music, alfresco bars and dining, stilt walkers and doggie photobooths will take over Paddington Street Gardens for one jam-packed Sunday in June. Performers will be taking to the main stage from 11am to 8pm, while charity partner Young Westminster Foundation hosts interactive activities including fencing, football, and crafts for everyone to get involved in. Families can also pay a visit to The Little Village in Paddington Street Gardens North for fairground rides, ice cream vans and roaming entertainers. Around Marylebone. Sun Jun 14. Free.
6. Dance at The Music is Ours
There’s been a massive injection of cultural investment into the area around Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park recently, with the triumphant openings of V&A East and Sadler’s Wells East creating a new destination for arts fans. If you haven’t got down there yet, why not pair your visit with a free gig? This weekend, free weekender The Music Is Ours will lay on music acts across two outdoor stages, to tie in with new arts festival The Music Is Black. On Saturday, grime artist Footsie will curate a line-up of DJs, MCs and rappers pulled from the worlds of ska, alternative R&B, reggae, including King Original and Supa D. Then, Sunday’s Waterfront Stage will be curated by YolanDa Brown OBE DL and Soul Mama, with an eye to creating an intergenerational line-up of soul talent, while the Mid Terrace will platform DJs, including Tinchy Stryder in conversation with DJ Target. Stages outside Sadler's Wells East, E20 2AR. Free.
