London's Premier Free Weekend Activities: February 20-22 2026
Budget-conscious Londoners and visitors alike can rejoice this weekend as the capital offers an impressive array of completely free cultural experiences. From vibrant Lunar New Year festivities to thought-provoking LGBTQ+ history tours and exciting Six Nations rugby screenings, there are numerous opportunities to enjoy London's rich cultural tapestry without spending a single penny.
1. Celebrate Lunar New Year Across Multiple Locations
London hosts the world's largest Lunar New Year celebration outside Asia, transforming Chinatown and surrounding areas with traditional dragon dances, martial arts demonstrations, and authentic musical performances. Additional free celebrations featuring workshops, food stalls, and cultural displays will occur at Camden Market, Greenwich Peninsula, the National Maritime Museum, London Museum Docklands, Duke of York Square, and Old Spitalfields Market throughout the weekend.
Various locations across London. February 21-22. Free admission.
2. Southbank Centre's Family-Friendly Festival
The Southbank Centre presents an extensive free children's festival this half-term weekend, offering parents engaging activities to occupy young minds. Highlights include all-day hip-hop workshops, interactive architecture trails, and an enormous chalkboard floor where children can unleash their creativity without restrictions.
Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX. Activities continue through February 21. Free entry.
3. LGBTQ+ History at Dulwich Picture Gallery
Queer historian Sacha Coward leads special LGBTQ+ tours at Dulwich Picture Gallery, revealing fascinating historical narratives about figures like Saint Sebastian and King James I. The Out of Frame Late event also features performances by queer art collective Bold Mellon, collage workshops by Touch Grass community group, and life drawing sessions with models from The Bitten Peach cabaret.
Dulwich Picture Gallery, College Road, SE21 7AD. February 21. Free participation.
4. Six Nations Rugby Screenings at Popular Venues
Experience the thrilling Six Nations tournament atmosphere at various London venues offering free big-screen viewings. Key matches include Ireland versus England and Scotland versus Wales on Saturday, followed by France against Italy on Sunday. Recommended viewing locations include The Faltering Fullback in Finsbury Park, Pillars Brewery in Walthamstow, and The Bat & Ball in Stratford.
Multiple venues across London. February 21-22. Free screenings.
5. Queer Zine Exhibition at Brixton Library
Brixton Library showcases LGBTQ+ zines, comics, and independent publications from over twenty artists and publishers. Featured creators include Brighton's Aggh! Zine, Norwich's Sweet Apple Zines, London-based Sticky Fingers Publishing, and Margate's Paper Moon Zines. The exhibition explores diverse themes from nineties television to astrology, with additional space available for aspiring zine creators to display their work.
Brixton Library, Brixton Oval, SW2 1JQ. February 21. Free admission.
6. Exceptional Free Art Exhibitions
Beyond London's permanent free collections at institutions like Tate Modern and the National Gallery, several temporary exhibitions offer compelling artistic experiences. Notable shows include Dana-Fiona Armour's serpentine installations at Somerset House, the Conceptual Art and Christine Kozlov exhibition at Raven Row in Spitalfields, and Samuel Laurence Cunnane's Blue Road photographic series at the Hayward Gallery's HENI Project Space.
Various gallery locations. Throughout the weekend. Free entry.
These six diverse activities demonstrate that London offers abundant cultural enrichment opportunities regardless of budget constraints. Whether interested in international celebrations, historical exploration, sports entertainment, or artistic appreciation, this weekend provides something meaningful for every visitor and resident seeking cost-free experiences in the capital.
