Set sail this summer
Whether you're living in London or visiting, there are plenty of new things to discover along the river during the summer holidays!
Please bear in mind that all events listed are subject to change, check whether they are going ahead and book in advance where possible.
Summer celebrations
After a couple of years without a 'proper' summer - dance, music, art and cultural events have returned to the capital in full force! Here are some of our favourites taking place this August:
Greenwich+Docklands International Festival
GDIF returns 26 August - 11 September! Free outdoor theatre and performing arts will once again transform the streets of Greenwich and East London. Take a trip to the underworld, marvel as the city is illuminated with sustainable sparks, or get swept away with a tidal wave of multicoloured foam. Get an East Zone River Roamer to enjoy unlimited all-day travel between Canary Wharf and Woolwich (Royal Arsenal) piers - giving you easy access to the many events taking place by the river!
Nearest pier: Various
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This Bright Land
From 1 - 29 August, step inside the magical world of This Bright Land, transforming Somerset House's magnificent courtyard into a wonderland open to all. From bold attractions including a 35m observation wheel and open-air Vogue Balls, staged in collaboration with Vogue Rites, to parties hosted by creative collectives and Sunday street parties, the festival seeks to encourage connection and collaboration through entertainment and play.
Nearest pier: Embankment
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By the River at Barking Riverside
By the River is a new summer offering at Barking Riverside, right outside Barking Riverside Pier until the end of August. Open every week from Thursday to Sunday, By the River has a full kitchen serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a selection of hot and cold drinks plus a choice of alcoholic refreshments. There's also workshops on Fridays and Saturdays.
You can get 25% off when you sign up to Membership By the River!
Nearest pier: Barking Riverside
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Vauxhall Summer Season
Nobody needs an excuse to get out the house this summer, but just in case you did, Vauxhall has you covered. From Bearpit Karaoke to a Victorian fun fair, Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens is the place to go for fun, free and unexpected things to do until 12 September!
Nearest pier: Vauxhall (St George Wharf)
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Kensington & Chelsea Festival
Music, art, dance and poetry bring colour to the Royal Borough until the end of August. The festival celebrates and promotes Kensington & Chelsea as a cultural hotspot; unveiling the unexpected, highlighting local spirit, and showcasing an extraordinary cross-section of art and culture.
Nearest pier: Cadogan or Battersea Power Station
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Carnaby Summer Festival
Carnaby Summer Festival returns 8 - 21 August with a host of free activities to enjoy in the sun, including a hot line-up of free workshops (such as pottery painting and candle making) alongside interactive masterclasses from the Carnaby locals. Keep an eye out for enticing giveaways, live music events, exciting shopping offers and restaurant discounts.
Nearest pier: Embankment
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Summer by the River
From the moment you step off the pier, London Bridge City's Summer by the River promises to revive weary workers, tourists and locals alike. Enjoy free entertainment set against stunning views of the capital. Running until 2 September, this year’s festival is bringing 1930s Miami vibes to the banks of the Thames. You won't want to miss a beat!
Nearest pier: London Bridge City
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Summer Sessions
Greenwich Peninsula brings you Summer Sessions; a celebration of community spirit, culture and the great outdoors. Summer Sessions programme is packed with music, films and culture until 4 September. Expect the ultimate party vibe with unmissable live music sets, games and an outdoor cinema, running until September. Pull up a deckchair and soak up the sounds of the summer, all day long.
Nearest pier: North Greenwich
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Thackray Brown pop-up
Head to North Greenwich Pier this summer to indulge in fine British produce from Thackray Brown!
Thackray Brown are passionate food lovers who go out of their way to find the best artisans in their fields from across the UK. Britain has an abundance of international award-winning products and the artisans they work with craft their produce on a small scale which ensures their standards remain exceptionally high. Their produce is not found in supermarkets, but instead is available from local farmers' markets, food fairs and delis (and now at a pop-up!)
The pop-up will be open Wednesdays to Sundays, between 10:00 and 18:00.
Nearest pier: North Greenwich
The Golden Hinde
Sail through history aboard the full-size reconstruction of the famous Elizabethan galleon: the first English ship to circumnavigate the Globe. Now docked right by London Bridge and Borough Market, The Golden Hinde has a range of fun summer activities including a new interactive escape room adventure!
Nearest pier: Bankside
Sculpture in the City
Every summer, the City of London unveils a brand-new selection of artworks by internationally-acclaimed and emerging artists. Set amongst the iconic London architecture, the sculptures animate public spaces and engage visitors and passers-by alike. This year's sculptures are now on display across the financial district until Spring 2023!
Nearest pier: Tower
Greenwich Peninsula Market
A brand new market is now open in North Greenwich on weekends! Enjoy amazing food, drinks, handmade craft and the market buzz. What's more, you'll also be supporting the local economy and small, ethical and low impact independent businesses!
Next month, the free music festival Turning Tides will also be arriving at the peninsula. Book tickets now to avoid missing out!
Nearest pier: North Greenwich
The Tempest
The stage is set for a tumultuous new production of 'The Tempest', Shakespeare’s tale of reckoning and redemption, now on at the Globe Theatre until 22 October.
This is one of many productions in the Globe's summer programme. Tickets are also available for 'Much Ado About Nothing', 'Henry VIII', and 'I, Joan' this August!
Nearest pier: Bankside
Jurassic World: The Exhibition
On at ExCeL London from 25 August, Jurassic World: The Exhibition promises to bring you face-to-face with life-size dinosaurs. Walk through the world-famous gates and prepare to be left in awe as the ground-breaking film franchise is brought to life!
The Exhibition immerses audiences of all ages in scenes inspired by the beloved film. Why not travel there by ferry like they do in the movie? Minus the mosasaurus infested waters, of course...
Please note: Tickets are now sold out for August
Nearest pier: Royal Wharf or North Greenwich + London Cable Car
Blue skies, silver screens
Whether you're in the mood to watch the latest blockbuster or an all-time classic, the warm summer weather brings the perfect opportunity to enjoy an outdoor cinema experience
Summer Showtime
Enjoy a fantastic line-up from Battersea Power Station's own boutique cinema, The Cinema in the Arches, until 21 August. This year, Summer Showtime is being hosted for the first time in the newly opened six-acre Power Station Park, with the iconic Power Station as the backdrop. There will be screenings of much-loved classics, the latest blockbusters, plus summer's biggest sporting events!
Photo credit: Jason Hawkes
Nearest pier: Battersea Power Station
Movie Nights
Movie Nights make a return to Canary Wharf! Bring a picnic blanket and your favourite cinema snacks and settle down in front of the big screen for an evening of cinema action under the stars. Films are being shown in Canada Square Park and Union Square every Tuesday this August.
Nearest pier: Canary Wharf
This summer the Illuminated River Foundation is launching the #bluehourbridges photo competition to celebrate the striking and unique photography of the nine Illuminated River bridges taken at blue hour, the time just after sunset when the sun is at a significant depth below the horizon and the remaining light turns the sky a deep shade of blue.
Get a unique perspective of the bridges aboard our RB1 and RB6 services. Check the timetable to find a sailing at the perfect time!
The #bluehourbridges photo competition will run throughout the summer and is open to professional and amateur photographers of all levels. A variety of prizes are on offer, and the winners will be announced on Illuminated River’s social channels at the end of the competition.
Nearest pier: Various
The Covent Garden Cool Down
From 20 - 30 August, Covent Garden’s much loved annual ice cream festival The Covent Garden Cool Down will return to the pedestrianised heart of London. The Piazza, Market Building, and surrounding streets will be turned into one of London’s coolest places, perfect for the August Bank Holiday weekend.
Nearest pier: Embankment
Open Water Swimming
Canary Wharf’s first open water swimming venue has opened just in time for summer! Residents, visitors and workers can take a dip in the waters of Middle Dock enjoying the views of the iconic One Canada Square and Newfoundland whilst swimming. Rest assured, the water is regularly tested to make sure it's clean and safe to swim in!
Nearest pier: Canary Wharf
Family Fun Weekends at Cutty Sark
Step aboard and set sail on a fantastic family adventure at Cutty Sark! Whether it's storytelling that transports you to a different world, creative sailor workshops or giant board games, there's plenty of fun to be had in the heart of Maritime Greenwich on 6 & 7 August.
Missed the boat for that weekend? Don't worry! Cutty Sark's 'All hands on deck' promises a range of interactive activities throughout the summer holidays.
Nearest pier: Greenwich
Our sightseeing experience in partnership with The View from The Shard continues this month. See London’s most iconic landmarks, while listening to live commentary provided by our London Expert, on these special 50-minute circular tours. The tours depart from London Bridge City Pier twice a day Wednesday - Sunday and you'll pass The Shard, Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Houses of Parliament, The London Eye, Tower of London and under Tower Bridge.
Nearest pier: London Bridge City
Summer Lights
Canary Wharf have brought back their popular Summer Lights until 20 August. The event celebrates the beauty of natural light and the long summer days, transforming their outdoor areas into sparkling, colourful and inviting spaces. Follow the trail and relax in the parks and green spaces along the way.
Nearest pier: Canary Wharf
Make a splash
Help the kids cool off during the summer holidays by taking them to the many kid-friendly fountains along our route:
Jeppe Hein’s Appearing Rooms
This interactive sculpture at Southbank Centre is the brainchild of Danish artist Jeppe Hein, whose combination of architecture and technology produces sculptures which are joyful, engaging and playful.
Nearest pier: London Eye (Waterloo)
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More London Riverside Fountains
On a sunny day, people adore jumping through the fountains near The Scoop amphitheatre in London Bridge City. With 200 spouting jets and views of City Hall and Tower Bridge in the background, it's the perfect setting for splashing with a view!
Nearest pier: London Bridge City
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Splash Park Barking
One fountain not quite cutting it? Splash Park Barking is only a short bus ride away (EL1 or EL3) from Barking Riverside Pier. It has a wide variety of fountain features going up and down at different intervals, as well as a soft, flat ground to keep the little ones safe. Relax and have fun!
Nearest pier: Barking Riverside
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Leicester Square Fountain
Located at the heart of Leicester Square, a lovely play fountain surrounds the statue of Shakespeare in the centre. Cool off while watching the many street performers around the square!
Nearest pier: Embankment
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