Londoners are bracing for a scorching heatwave this weekend, with Friday hitting 37°C and Saturday reaching 32°C, before cooling to a more pleasant 26°C on Sunday. Despite the heat, the capital offers a wealth of free, heatwave-friendly activities across pubs, streets, and air-conditioned venues. From snagging items from Peggy Gou's wardrobe to cheering on England in the World Cup, here are the six best free things to do in London this weekend, June 26-28, 2026.
1. Party at the Tate Modern
The Tate's Friday Lates returns with an evening curated by Nora Chipaumire, this year's Infinities Commission recipient. The Zimbabwean choreographer, film-maker, and installation artist presents 'gadzi', a monumental commission in the East Tank. The event features the first of three one-hour performances, incorporating the installation's sound system, live musicians, and thirteen dancers. The performance moves from the installation through the Tanks Lobby into the Turbine Hall. Tate Modern, Bankside, SE1 9TG. Friday, June 26. Free.
2. Watch England vs. Panama in the World Cup
England plays its third and final group stage match against Panama at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Saturday at 10pm BST. Venues across London will show the game with free entry, including German Kraft Brewery, Bar Kick (with a £10 deposit for advance booking), and The Dial in Greenwich. Various venues. Saturday, June 27. 10pm. Free (booking advised).
3. Dance to Live Music in East London
Dalston's Gillett Square hosts the People's Festival on Saturday afternoon, featuring musicians, DJs, dancers, and speakers promoting 'solidarity over profit, people over extraction, and culture as a tool for liberation'. Nearby on Newington Green, Jazz on the Green offers performances from Errol Linton Band, Auka + Friends, and The Scorpios. Gillett Square, E8 and Newington Green, N16. Saturday, June 27. Free.
4. Honour the Windrush Generation at the Big Caribbean Lunch
The annual Big Caribbean Lunch takes over Windrush Square on Sunday for a Windrush Day celebration. The event features a complimentary lunch for Windrush elders, a Caribbean food market, live music, and family activities by collective Just Vibez. Attendees can also browse the outdoor 'Windrush Untold Stories' storyboard exhibition. Windrush Square, SW2 1EF. Sunday, June 28, 12pm-7pm. Free.
5. Shop Peggy Gou's Wardrobe in Dalston
To celebrate her new single 'Wo,man' (released June 26), DJ Peggy Gou opens a one-day-only pop-up called The Gou,tique at Dream Bags Jaguar Shoes in Shoreditch. Fans can enjoy custom cocktails and Gudu Records DJ sets while receiving 200 mystery items from Peggy's personal archive and 100 pieces of classic merch, all free. First-come, first-served; queues expected. Dream Bags Jaguar Shoes, E2 8DA. Friday, June 26, from 4pm. Free.
6. See Kites in Flight on Hampstead Heath
Organised by the Kite Society of Great Britain, this festival on Parliament Hill features dozens of colourful kites, including stunt kites and giant inflatables. Pro flyers demonstrate loops and synchronised manoeuvres, while the public is encouraged to bring their own kites. Parliament Hill, NW5 1QR. Sunday, June 28, 12pm-4pm. Free.
