Discover The Best Things To Do In London This September
If you feel like 2023 is flying by, then it’s probably because of all the fun you’re having in the city - and trust us, this month won’t be any different. With plenty of events to look forward to, your September calendar will be brimming with delicious food pop-ups, top fashion exhibitions, cultural festivals, the latest immersive experiences, and much more. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the vast number of events cropping up each month, remember to download the Bindy Street app and keep on top of them all.
1. Discover Amazing Activities at Totally Thames Festival
Running all the way through our bustling city, London certainly wouldn’t be the same without the River Thames. To celebrate its historic, geographic, and cultural significance, spend some time looking through the amazing events on offer at Totally Thames. Spanning the entirety of September, this fabulous festival showcases boating events, art installations, river clean-ups, talks, and workshops across London - with plenty of free and family-friendly options available too!
Location: Various locations across the River Thames
1 September - 1 October 2023
2. Tuck Into British Favourites at the Chez Rowley Residency
Another month, another spectacular chef residency at one of London’s hottest restaurants. This time, iconic bistro owner Chez Rowley will be taking over Laylow’s kitchen (for three months might we add) and serving up delicious British dishes. We’re currently craving his Poulet Antiboise, a special dish featuring Roasted Chicken, Anchovies, Black Olives, Garlic Onion Thyme, and White Wine, served with Hispi Cabbage and Pangrattato.
13 September - 22 December 2023
Location: Laylow, 10 Golborne Road, London W10 5PE
3. Time Travel to 1970’s Congo With Rumble in the Jungle Rematch
Watch an iconic moment from history unfold in front of your very eyes with Rumble in the Jungle Rematch. Taking you back to Kinshasa in 1974, you'll experience a theatrical recreation of George Foreman and Muhammad Ali's famous heavyweight fight and enjoy sensational tunes at legendary music festival, Zaire 74. To help you feel completely immersed in the experience, your senses will be tended to through mouth-watering Congolese street food and drink, as well as amazing African, American, and Latin music.
From 14 September 2023
Location: Dock X London, Unit 1, Canada Water Retail Park, Surrey Quays Road, London SE16 2XU
4. Watch Out For This Year’s The Great River Race
Once a year, the River Thames comes alive with a myriad of colourful boats competing in The Great River Race. Taking off from Millwall and ending in Richmond, the annual boat marathon features an epic, 21.6 mile route that passes through the city’s historic bridges. Always popular with spectators, Londoners can watch the race by lurking around landmarks like Tower Bridge and Southwark Bridge - we’ll see you by the river!
Location: Start - Millwall Riverside / End - Riverside below Ham House, Richmond
16 September 2023
5. Tour The City’s Finest Buildings at Open House London
This month, you’ll have the chance to nose around a selection of buildings that are typically closed to the public. Thanks to Open House London - the festival celebrating London’s architecture, housing, and neighbourhoods - you can explore jaw-dropping churches, retro housing, and other architectural feats across the city. Although most events are free, a number of affordable workshops and guided tours are also available with a suggested donation fee of £4.
6 - 17 September 2023
Location: Various locations across London
6. Discover The Depths of Your Mind at Dreamachine
Explore the depths of your mind with a little help from Dreamachine. During this one-of-a-kind immersive experience, you’ll close your eyes and let a sea of strobe lighting wash over you whilst atmospheric music plays. Since everyone has a slightly different reaction to the experience, who knows what you’ll see? Whether you come across visions of far-reaching cities or abstract waves upon waves of colour, you’ll leave the Dreamachine feeling inspired by the extraordinary potential of your own mind.
Dates until October 2023
Location: Hackney Downs Studios, 17 Amhurst Terrace, Lower Clapton, London E8 2BT
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7. Challenge Your Friends to Free Mini Golf at Canary Wharf
If you haven’t checked out Canary Wharf’s free mini golf course yet, you have until the end of September to do so! Guaranteed to put a smile on your face, this colourful course features geometric patterns, challenging ramps, tricky obstacles, and even colourful, smiley-faced golf balls. Free to play for everyone (just queue up on the day), drop by with friends or family to kick back and enjoy some wholesome fun.
Until 1 October 2023
Location: Montgomery Square, Canary Wharf, London E14
8. Explore the Historic Buckingham Palace State Rooms
During the summer months, Buckingham Palace’s magnificent State Rooms are open to the public. Ending on 24 September, there’s still time left to snoop around some of the palace’s most luxurious areas, including the spectacular grand staircase, sumptuous ballroom, iconic throne room, and the beautiful garden. If you’ve always dreamed of going on a tour here, we suggest getting your tickets now and living out your royal dreams…
14 July - 24 September 2023
Location: Buckingham Palace, London SW1A 1AA
9. Participate in Talks and Workshops at London Design Festival
Marking London’s architectural achievements on the global stage, London Design Festival is back for more inspiring activities to take part in. Whether you’re a budding architect or an appreciator of the city’s diverse buildings, there’s so much to look forward to. Discover inspiring talks from industry leaders at the Global Design Forum, artistic workshops from raffia embroidery to mini rug tufting, and incredible exhibitions at some of London's leading galleries.
16 - 24 September 2023
Location: Multiple London locations, please refer to their website
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10. Experience Fashion History at Gabrielle Chanel: Fashion Manifesto
After exhibiting at the Palais Galliera in Paris, Gabrielle Chanel: Fashion Manifesto is coming to the V&A this September. It'll be the first UK exhibition dedicated to the work of fashion designer Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel, spanning the beginning of the CHANEL fashion house and the evolution of the couturière's sense of design and style. So, to go all starry-eyed looking at classic gowns and carefully constructed jackets, you know where to be this month.
From 16 September 2023
Location: The V&A, Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL
Download the Bindy Street app for more festivals, exhibitions, food pop-ups, and more… or spend a part of your September looking through the best new venues London has to offer.
Photo Credits: London Design Festival
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