The Best Festivals in London This August & September 2026

London really comes into its own in late summer. The days are still long, the parks are full of life, and the city's calendar is stacked with everything from huge headline concerts to street carnivals and underground dance parties.

If you're staying with Pocket Apartments this August or September, you're in the perfect spot to make the most of it. Whether you're here for a big-name artist, want to dig into London's underground music scene, or just fancy soaking up the atmosphere, here's what's worth putting in your diary.

1. All Points East - Victoria Park

21-30 August 2026 · Victoria Park, East London

All Points East is one of London's biggest late-summer music events, returning to Victoria Park for six major headline days. The 2026 line-up doesn't disappoint: Jorja Smith and Tems play on 21 August, Lorde takes the stage on 22 August, Outbreak Fest lands on 23 August, Tyler, The Creator plays two nights on 28 and 29 August, and Twenty One Pilots close things out on 30 August.

Beyond the headline shows, the festival's In The NBHD programme brings free community events to the park, so there's plenty going on even if you're not there for a specific act.

Pocket tip: Victoria Park is out in East London, so build in extra travel time on the busiest concert days. After a long day of music, heading back to your own Pocket Apartment beats squeezing into a packed hotel room.

2. Notting Hill Carnival - 60 Years of Carnival

30-31 August 2026 · Notting Hill & Ladbroke Grove

For anyone staying with us, this one's practically on the doorstep - and this year it's a milestone. Notting Hill Carnival turns 60 in 2026, marking six decades since the very first street carnival in 1966.

The main celebrations run across Sunday 30 and Monday 31 August. Sunday is traditionally the family day, built around the Children's Parade, while Monday brings the full spectacle of the Adults' Parade. Expect elaborate costumes, steel bands, soca and calypso, sound systems on every corner, and Caribbean food stalls lining the streets. It's completely free to attend, which makes it one of the best ways to experience a major London cultural event without spending a penny on tickets.

Pocket tip: Staying nearby really pays off here. You can dip in and out of the celebrations and head back to your apartment whenever you need a break from the crowds.

3. Body Movements - Southwark Park

30 August 2026 · Southwark Park

If underground dance music is more your scene, Body Movements is worth knowing about. Held over the August Bank Holiday weekend, this one-day festival celebrates queer and trans artists, DJs and club culture, with several stages turning Southwark Park into an open-air dance floor. The 2026 line-up pulls from across London's electronic music scene.

It's a great alternative to the bigger mainstream festivals - expect a creative, high-energy crowd and dancing that runs from afternoon into evening.

Pocket tip: This falls on the same Bank Holiday weekend as Notting Hill Carnival, so you could easily combine the two. Just note they're in different parts of London, so plan your route between them.

4. Waterworks Extended - The Cause

12-13 September 2026 · The Cause, 60 Dock Road, London E16 1YZ

For something further off the beaten path, Waterworks Extended is one of the standout events on September's calendar. There's a change of scene for 2026: the festival was originally due to take place at Gunnersbury Park, but planning permission delays meant a new venue was needed. It's landed at The Cause in east London instead.

The result is a one-off, 36-hour event spread across seven spaces, running from Saturday 12 September into Sunday 13 September. The line-up includes Alex Kassian, Daniel Avery, Midland, Sofia Kourtesis, DJRUM, Eris Drew, Octo Octa and more, across a mix of indoor and outdoor spaces with extended sets throughout. It's one for serious dance music fans.

Pocket tip: Sort your journey home before you head out - 36 hours of music is easy to lose track of time in. If you're arriving early or have luggage after checking out, our bag drop service can take one thing off your plate.

5. Jazz on Wick - Hackney Wick

5 September 2026 · Hackney Wick

September doesn't mean the festival season is winding down. Jazz on Wick brings jazz, neo-soul, Afrobeats, DJs and live music to venues across Hackney Wick on 5 September - a good pick if you're after something smaller and more local than a big park festival.

Hackney Wick is also worth exploring in its own right, with canals, street art, independent cafés and creative spaces scattered throughout the area.

Pocket tip: Make a day of it - grab a coffee, wander the area, catch the festival, then head back to West London for a quieter evening.

6. Black on the Square - Trafalgar Square

5 September 2026 · Trafalgar Square · Free

For something completely free, head to Trafalgar Square on 5 September for Black on the Square, a one-day celebration of Black culture, creativity, food and music. Expect live performances, food stalls, arts and crafts, and community groups showcasing a different side of London's cultural life.

Since it's right in central London, it's easy to pair with some sightseeing - spend the afternoon around Covent Garden or Soho before heading over.

Don't forget the pre-festival coffee

Festival days are long ones, so a decent coffee beforehand always helps. Whether you're gearing up for a full day at All Points East, heading out to Notting Hill Carnival, or crossing town for Waterworks, Pocket Coffee is a handy stop for a morning brew before you head out.

Grab your coffee, charge your phone, gather your festival essentials, and you're set.

Staying for a festival? Let us make it easy

One of the best things about staying with Pocket Apartments during festival season is having a comfortable base to come back to. Our apartments in Notting Hill and Kensington give you your own space to relax, with the freedom to come and go as you please - whether you're travelling solo for a concert, visiting with friends for Carnival, or making a weekend of it with family.

And if you're arriving before check-in or have a few hours to spare after checking out, our bag drop service means you won't have to drag your luggage around London while you enjoy the festival.

Make the most of festival season in London

From headline shows at Victoria Park to the 60th anniversary of Notting Hill Carnival and a 36-hour underground music marathon at The Cause, August and September 2026 give you plenty of reasons to visit London.

So pack your dancing shoes, charge your phone, and start planning your festival weekend.

Stay with Pocket Apartments and make London your home base this festival season.