Things to do in London in August 2023

Enjoy world-class music, sport and outdoor festivals in August in London, while the school summer holidays bring plenty of family activities.

August is one of the warmest months of the year in London, when you can enjoy the capital’s many outdoor and open-air activities and make the most of the warm summer days. 

Children are on school summer holidays during August, so there are always plenty of family-friendly things to do in London. 

You can make the kids' summer memorable by taking them to London's best theatre shows.  

Unmissable London events August 2023

A carnival queen dressed in a white costume with red feathers, surrounded by red ticker tape dancing at the Notting Hill carnival

London theatre in August

Giraffe and Cheeter puppets on stage in front of a large yellow and orange sun in The Lion King

  • Don't miss out on Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and see this spectacular play for a discounted price this summer, exclusive to Visit London! Book by 31 July for performances until 27 September.
  • Save up to 37% on all performances of The Crucible at the Gielgud Theatre until 2 September.
  • Be dazzled by London's top theatre shows and see long-running musicals, classic comedy and innovative plays on the West End stage.
  • Enjoy outdoor entertainment at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, or head to Perform in the Park for a fun family show.
  • Feel the warmth of the Serengeti as you follow Simba the lion cub on his adventures in The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre.
  • See the award-winning Matilda The Musical at the Cambridge Theatre, where one extraordinary girl takes on her terrifying headmistress Miss Trunchbull. 
  • Laugh out loud at the hilarious Mrs. Doubtfire, a brand-new comedy musical that brings the hit film to London's theatreland. 
  • Meet some of Britain's most colourful characters from its tumultuous past at Horrible Histories - Terrible Tudors
  • Don't miss the witty musical Crazy For You that promises a night of spectacular performance with a hilarious script and dazzling dance numbers.
  • Witness the ground-breaking A Strange Loop at the Barbican Theatre and be entertained and moved by this thought-provoking musical.
  • Spend a night revisiting the top hits of the world's favourite rock bad Queen at We Will Rock You at the London Coliseum. 
  • Get into the holiday spirit, as you are whisked away to an unforgettable Greek island wedding with Mamma Mia! at the Novello Theatre.
  • Sing along to your favourite Rock 'n' Roll anthems at The Tina Turner Musical at the Aldwych Theatre, and see how the famous singer became a global superstar. 
  • Or see a play that keeps you on the edge of your seat as you follow the life and brilliant legacy of Dr Semmelweis at the Harold Pinter Theatre, one of the pioneers of modern medicine.

Fun things to do in August

People enjoying a boat ride, with their hands up in the air on a bright day. 

London exhibitions in August

A girl in a black top and jeans stands with headphones on at an exhibition in london.

Check back closer to the time for more art and exhibitions in London in August.

More August ideas

For more things to do in August in London, take a look at our events calendar and guide to what's on in London. And catch the best of the London stage with our guide to London theatre.

Fancy a spontaneous break to London? Find out what you can do this weekend and what is on today. Make sure to download the Visit London app for on-the-go inspiration.

WEATHER: For average seasonal temperatures and rainfall, see our London weather page.