Say goodbye to summer!
Find out what's happening along the river this month as we wave goodbye to the sunshine!
Turning the Tide: Riverside Exhibition
Photographs by Becky Bailey documenting Catherine Yass's creative workshops with Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent participants, run with Graeae Young Company, Royal Society for Blind Children, Aldgate Primary School and St Bartholomew's Hospital. Commissioned by Thames Festival Trust with the City of London Culture Team, and winner of the Art Explora – Académie des beaux-arts European Award. Running until 30 September.
Nearest pier: Bankside (then cross Millennium Bridge)
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The Waterfront Journals
On the 6 September at Thames Barrier Park, a site-specific outdoor performance by ONE DAY THIS KID, staging powerful monologues by artist-activist David Wojnarowicz. This promenade piece weaves queer narratives of cruising, love, loss and resilience at the water's edge, with new responses from LGBTQIA+ Londoners featuring artists Nina Bowers and Tom Rasmussen.
Nearest pier: Royal Wharf
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River of Hope
Running from 1–30 September along Bazalgette Embankment, this outdoor exhibition showcases artwork and poetry by young people from five Newham secondary schools, created with visual artist Shona Watt and poet Dauda Ladejobi. Bold, ambitious designs explore climate change and the extraordinary story of eel migration along the Thames.
Nearest pier: Bankside (then cross Millennium Bridge)
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AFTERTIDE
On the 5 September at Hermitage Moorings, a seed-funded project opening with a live performance blending music, theatre and documentary testimony — drawing on conversations with former intensive care patients, loved ones and clinicians, interwoven with Greek mythology and Handel's Alceste. Audiences then receive access to a five-part audio pilgrimage to continue along the Thames in their own time, between St Thomas' and Guy's Hospitals or wherever they choose to listen.
Nearest pier: Tower
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On the Saturday 12 September, witness a spectacular boat race up the River Thames, which attracts over 300 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 Millwall in the East to Richmond in the West, 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
Emerge East
Emerge East returns for its third year on 12 September at Barking Riverside. This free festival is a vibrant celebration of community, creativity, and nature, offering a fantastic opportunity to explore one of East London’s newest neighbourhoods. Don’t miss out on this exciting day!
Nearest pier: Barking Riverside
celebrASIA at Battersea Power Station
celebrASIA returns to Battersea Power Station from 11–13 September for three days celebrating South East Asian culture with performances, street food, artisans and more, including the celebrASIA Film Festival — a selection of films from Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand exploring themes of family, identity, food and belonging, shown in original language with English subtitles (advance booking recommended).
Nearest pier: Battersea Power Station
Exhibitions along the river
Frida: The Making of an Icon
Now on at Tate Modern, running until October — this exhibition traces the extraordinary life and legacy of Frida Kahlo, revolutionary artist, cultural phenomenon and global icon. Featuring over 30 of her most celebrated works alongside garments, jewellery and memorabilia, it's a rich celebration of one of the most influential artists of all time.
Nearest pier: Bankside
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House of Dreamers London
Immerse LDN, Excel Waterfront, House of Dreamers invites you into a magical world of 16 interactive installations blending design, colour and technology. Built around the power of dreams, this immersive experience is designed to reconnect you with your imagination and inner child — with AI-powered experiences making it more personal than ever.
Nearest pier: North Greenwich (and then Cable Car across)
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Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition
Running until 6 September, this stunning exhibition brings Michelangelo's iconic masterpieces to London through high-definition printed reproductions. Get closer than ever before to the details of the Sistine Chapel ceiling — an unmissable experience for art lovers of all ages.
Nearest pier: Tower
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Anish Kapoor
In September at Hayward Gallery, this major exhibition sees one of the most influential artists of our time return to the space where he staged his first UK survey nearly 30 years ago. Filling the entire gallery with immersive sculptures and paintings, Kapoor's works press against walls, floors and ceilings to create a truly awe-inspiring experience for the senses.
Nearest pier: London Eye (Waterloo)
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Julio Le Parc: Light. Colour. Action.
Don't miss out in September at Tate Modern, this immersive exhibition spans seven decades of joyful, playful work by Argentinian artist Julio Le Parc. Featuring kinetic sculptures, shimmering light installations and large-scale geometric paintings, the show turns visitors into active participants - where the act of looking brings each artwork to life.
Nearest pier: Bankside
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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 Hop-on Hop-off gives you unlimited all-day travel and with a Family ticket children go free!
Don't miss out on these events
London Design Festival 2026
The London Design Festival returns for its 24th edition from 12–20 September, celebrating and promoting London as the design capital of the world. With events taking place in multiple locations, it’s the perfect opportunity to explore the city and experience the best of contemporary design. You can reach a variety of shows and installations across the city directly from our piers.
Nearest pier: Various
Chelsea Arts Festival
From 16–20 September, Chelsea Arts Festival brings a four-day celebration of modern storytelling to the heart of London, showcasing the area’s literary heritage and cultural scene.
The programme spans music, theatre, dance, film, literature and visual arts, with events at Cadogan Hall, Saatchi Gallery and Royal Court Theatre, plus free outdoor performances across King’s Road, Duke of York Square, Sloane Street and Sloane Square.
Nearest pier: Cadogan or Battersea Power Station
Greenwich+Docklands International Festival 2026
Don’t miss the final performances of the Greenwich+Docklands International Festival 2026, on until 6 September. An extraordinary programme of theatre, circus and dance, this year's theme WE MOVE celebrating London's spirit of resilience and community in the face of life's challenges.
Nearest pier: Various
