Totally Thames

From installations to sightseeing, and art trails to immersive activities, there are nearly a hundred unique events taking place this September to celebrate the river Thames. We’ve put together a list of some of our favourites below!

Big Half

On 3 September, The Big Half weaves through London from Tower Bridge to the iconic Cutty Sark! This makes our service the perfect way to travel across London to cheer and support the participants, including Mo Farah who will be running for the last time in his career!

With a River Roamer you can go unlimited, so make the most of your day and take to the river to make your way across London, with our weekend service stopping at several spectator-friendly piers.

Nearest piers: Tower / Greenwich

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Big Half
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Greenwich + Docklands International Festival

London's leading festival of free outdoor theatre and performing arts is back!

Royal Wharf Summer Fete

Royal Wharf Summer Fete

On Saturday 16 September, enjoy a fun day out for all the family! Live music, games, classes, and more, as well as a range of food and beverage vendors serving a selection of mouth-watering bites.

The fete will also showcase a wealth of locally based talent, including a creative arts and crafts market along the waterfront, bringing Royal Wharf Park to life with feel-good summer festival vibes!

Nearest pier: Royal Wharf

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Great River Race

Great River Race

On the Saturday 16 September, witness a spectacular boat race up the River Thames, which attracts over 330 crews from all around the world. The Great River Race appeals to every level of competitor, from dedicated athletes, to those who enjoy laughter, fancy dress and charity stunts. It’s a great fun day out for both competitors and spectators!

With 21.6 miles to cover, from Isle of Dogs to Ham in Richmond, you will be able to watch from a variety of locations along the Thames. Please be aware that there will be pier closures on the north bank of the river to facilitate the race. This will have an impact on our services. More details will be shared in our Service Alerts page as they become available.

Nearest pier: Various

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Greenwich Comedy Festival

London’s biggest comedy spectacular is back for its 15th anniversary at the National Maritime Museum, between 13 – 17 September. Prepare for a live showcase of the finest stand-up comedians under the Big Top, along with a choice of craft beers, delicious street food, and more.

This year's edition boasts an ensemble of comedy stars. Among them, the iconic Jack Dee, the witty Ed Gamble from Off Menu, the ventriloquism virtuoso Nina Conti, Russell Kane, and many, many more, will all grace the stage, promising uproarious performances.

Nearest pier: Greenwich

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Greenwich Comedy Festival

Turning Tides

Turning Tides Festival

On 23 & 24 September party all weekend long with a phenomenal line-up of live music & DJ’s from around the globe.

But, the excitement continues! Prepare for a lineup of skilled performing artists and entertainers, food from beloved vendors including Canteen Food Hall & Bar. And as if that weren't enough, numerous pop-up bars will be at your service, crafting cocktails throughout the entire weekend.

So gather your friends, grab your free tickets & get ready to take on the dance floor!

Nearest pier: North Greenwich

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Go west on the weekend!

Did you know we are now operating a weekend service to the West Zone, offering an alternative mode of transport for Londoners who wish to explore the neighbourhoods of Chelsea, Wandsworth and Putney.

Make a day of it, with a selection of things to do!

Fun things to do in West Zone

Children boarding at Battersea Power Station

Enjoy a day out in London

By yourself, with friends or with your family, spend the day making unlimited journeys aboard our services and enjoying travelling across London by boat. A River Roamer gives you unlimited all-day travel and with a Family ticket children go free!

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Open House London (2)

Open House Festival

For two weeks from 6 - 17 September, celebrate London's homes, architecture and neighbourhoods. You can get inside some of London’s best known buildings, as well as some of its best kept secrets.

Open House Festival celebrates our curiosity for what happens inside the buildings that we walk past every day; a festival that works to give all Londoners the chance to learn from the city’s best architecture and the people behind it.

Nearest pier: Various

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London Design Festival [Resized]

London Design Festival

From 16 – 24 September celebrate London as the design capital of the world. Designers from across the globe demonstrate the capital’s position as a powerhouse for the creative industries, with a series of exhibitions, installations, workshops, and immersive experiences taking place across London!

Nearest pier: Various

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NOW Gallery

NOW Gallery

Until 24 September, witness NOW Gallery’s 2023 Design Commission, The Shape of Things. It delves into how objects convey beauty ideals, representation, and personal empowerment. This exhibition explores "intimate architecture," where texture and form trigger memory and emotion, presenting diverse art forms like furniture, painting, jewelry, and sculpture, to uncover the hidden language of design intertwined with societal norms.

This limited-time exhibition will prompt you to reassess your interactions with everyday objects, changing the way you think.

Nearest pier: North Greenwich

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NOW Gallery at Sea Containers: Simone Brewster, The Shape of Things

Sea Containers London has teamed up with NOW Gallery for an evening of convivial conversation with Simone Brewster, one of the leading voices in contemporary design.

The evening on the 19 September kicks off with a curated tour of the exhibition at NOW Gallery, followed by a conversation with Simone Brewster in Sea Containers London's screening room. Attendees will glide along the Thames from Greenwich Peninsula to the South Bank on one of our boats, taking in London's iconic skyline. The night concludes with an exclusive Champagne reception. ​

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ExCeL: Homebuilding & Renovating Show

Gain the confidence you need to know you're doing things the best way, with the right tools for the job at the Homebuilding & Renovating Show, from 22 - 24 September.

Learn how to create your dream living space, hear from inspiring speakers, get tailored advice for your projects, and see the latest products all under one roof!

Nearest pier: North Greenwich (and cross the Thames by taking London's only cable car).Or, go to Royal Wharf Pier, you can walk to ExCeL or take bus 241 from Royal Crest Avenue

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Home Building & Renovating Show
Woolwich Lates - group at pier

Woolwich Lates

Venture East and enjoy free arts, fitness, markets, shopping and family late events, taking place across Woolwich.

Whether you’re heading to a comedy show at Tramshed, exploring London’s newest creative district Woolwich Works, immersing yourself in Punchdrunk’s epic theatre show The Burnt City, or enjoying a meal at one of the independent restaurants, bars, cafes or bustling markets, there’s something for everyone in Woolwich.

Nearest pier: Woolwich (Royal Arsenal)

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Bounce Battersea

The home of ping pong is has arrived at Battersea Power Station! Grab your gang, whack some balls and enjoy craft cocktails, freshly made pizzas and top tunes under one lively roof.

From parties to bottomless brunches, or just straight up original ping pong - Bounce is where the fun happens.

Keep an eye on our socials (or our next newsletter) for a chance to win tickets to Bounce at Battersea!

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Bounce