Make the most of the last few weeks of summer in September, when the weather is normally still warm and there's a whole range of unmissable events in London.
As the summer school holidays come to an end, the city welcomes an exciting lineup of architecture, fashion and music festivals – but there are still plenty of fun things to do for those family days out at the weekends.
Unmissable London events September 2023
- Meet the city's most Rotten Royals at the London Dungeon (included in standard entry): You've been found guilty of conspiring against the crown - but your ticket out of the dungeon is by sorting out the real royal traitors. Until 2 Nov
- Head to The Old Truman Brewery for the London Design Fair 2023: The UK's biggest and most influential design fair returns this September. 22-24 Sep
- Sample expertly crafted tipples at Cocktails in the City: From swanky Mayfair bars to hidden Soho drinking dens, enjoy this summer series that celebrates all these cocktails. 7-9 Sep
- Spend a night at Zippos Circus: See exciting circus performers, from clowns to tightrope artists, at this fun family event at select locations across the city. 1-4 Sep
- Soak up the last of the sunshine with a workshop at the Chelsea Physic Garden: Join the Monthly Monday Yoga (4 Sep), unwind with a Sound Bath (18 Sep) and take a tour of the Glasshouses (21 Sep).
- Join The State Apartments of Speaker's House guided tour: Get a behind-the-scenes look at this unique part of the Palace of Westminster where the Speaker conducts official business and lives. Select dates in Sep
- The Horrible Histories gang are taking on the Thames with a wicked new boat tour: Meet colourful characters from the past on this exciting river tour. Until 29 Oct
- Calling all superhero fans, Batman Unmasked is coming to London: Long Live the Bat is a chance to get up close with iconic movie props, costumes and vehicles. 15-17 Sep
- Head to the Greenwich Peninsula for the return of the exciting Turning Tides Festival: Join this weekend-long party that promises a phenomenal line-up of live music and DJ's from around the world, hosted in the vibrant Design District. 23-24 Sep
- Don't miss The Jacksonville Jaguars Jags Country music festival: This lively event brings together fans of NFL and country music for a night of unforgettable entertainment. 28 Sep
- Head to the London Science Museum for a night of after hours fun: These adult-only lates give you the chance to explore the museum at night and in September visitors can attend the Stargazing Late.13 Sep
- Discover The City of London's reimagining of Bartholomew Fair: A free outdoor fair that features a lively programme of UK and internationally-renowned artists that are bringing a modern twist to the city's unique heritage through live performances, immersive theatre, and more. Until 16 Sep
- Celebrate British culture through fashion at Vogue World: Kicking off the start of London Fashion Week, this exclusive event includes exciting performances across opera, theatre and film with a special appearance from popular grime artist, Stormzy. 14 Sep
- Follow the Empire and Partition Heritage Trail in Westminster: Journey through London encountering key locations linked to India's struggle for independence and the complexities of colonial rule. Learning of the influential figures, significant events and important organisations that have shaped the shared history between the two nations.
- Head to one of London's most picturesque neighborhoods for Meet Me in Marylebone Village: This shopping and dining event offers a variety of activities, promotions, pop-up stalls and workshops from some of the area's top establishments. Sep 30
- Come together with fellow rugby fanatics at a Twickenham Stadium screening of the Men's Rugby World Cup 2023: The perfect spot for sports fans to soak up the atmosphere while supporting their favourite teams. Select dates in Sep
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Explore the architectural history of Croydon, The Mayor’s London Borough of Culture: Step inside and learn all about some of its most fascinating buildings during Open House Festival. 6-17 Sep
Top September activities in London
- With the summer holidays over, it's a great time to visit London's top attractions without the crowds: Make memories at your favourite attractions this autumn.
- ...Or see many attractions in one go with a sightseeing pass: The London Pass and the Go City London Explorer Pass each allow you to visit multiple spots.
- Get your sightseeing fix with London's top tours: Learn about London's history, seek out hidden gems or enjoy a thrilling ride seeing the capital's iconic sights.
- Discover somewhere new within reach of the capital on a day trip from London: Explore exciting historic locations including Windsor, Stonehenge, Oxford, Paris and more.
- Get together with friends to enjoy London's top activities and experiences: Try your hand at axe-throwing, get competitive at indoor go-karting and go on an aerial adventure at Gripped.
- Explore London's world-famous sporting venues with a stadium tour: With the football season in full swing, why not go behind the scenes of your favourite team's ground.
- Soak up some September sun in the picturesque Kew Gardens: Or spot the leaves turning to autumnal hues in London's top parks and gardens.
- Take the family for a day out to a top UK theme park: Thrill seekers can get their fix at Thorpe Park, or make memories with the little ones at LEGOLAND Windsor.
- Go on a scenic walking tour of London with an expert guide: Follow in the footsteps of the beloved Paddington Bear, or discover The Beatles old stomping grounds.
- Join a London foodie experience: Enjoy fine dining aboard the Bustronome bus tour, soak up the sights on a panoramic afternoon tea tour, and much more.
- Take in some culture as many museums and galleries launch new exhibitions this month: Or explore cultural attractions after dark with fun-filled lates events.
- Enjoy alfresco movie watching at London's trendy outdoor cinemas: Grab some popcorn and catch a film under the stars on a warm September evening across the capital.
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- Book your seat for London's top musicals: Be entertained by long-running musicals such as Lion KIng and Wicked and classic comedies such as the Book of Mormon.
- Enter a world of magic at Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: Join the world's favourite wizard on his next adventure.
- Laugh out loud with The Play That Goes Wrong tickets at the Duchess Theatre: Watch as everything that can go wrong with the award-winning comedy does...
- See the spectacular Matilda The Musical at the Cambridge Theatre: See the beloved Roald Dahl book come to life on stage.
- Marvel at Six The Musical at the Vaudeville Theatre: Meet six Tudor queens who have overcome historical heartbreak at the hands of Henry VIII.
- Get yourself Tina Turner musical tickets: Sing along to all your favourite songs in this epic retelling of the legendary singer's story.
- Watch Back to the Future: The Musical at the Adelphi Theatre: Join Marty McFly on his epic adventure to save his own existence.
- Be dazzled by spectacular dance numbers at Crazy For You: Musical theatre at its best, this one is not to be missed by lovers of the West End.
- Book your spot at bucket list show Hamilton at the Victoria Palace Theatre: An iconic musical masterpiece beloved by audiences around the world.
- See the world's most hilarious nanny in Mrs Doubtfire The Musical: The beloved film starring the late Robin Williams makes its way to the London West End.
- Watch British comedy at its best at The Crown Jewels: TV legends Al Murray, Mel Giedroyc, Neil Morrissey and more bring up a riotous royal show.
- Discover a slice of Paris in the heart of London at Moulin Rouge! The Musical: Follow the tale of tragic romance with dazzling dance numbers and iconic songs from the Oscar-winning film.
- Delight in Oklahoma! at Wyndham's Theatre: Expect the unexpected and plenty of comedy in this highly entertaining extravaganza.
London exhibitions in September
- Immersive yourself in the works of some of the world's most celebrated artists at Frameless: See the latest after hours installation featuring talented Bristol-based artist Lewis Osborne.
- Head to The Queen's Gallery for Style and Society: Dressing the Georgians: A spectacular exhibit that combines art and textiles that offers a window into 18th-century fashion.
- Venture to Kew Gardens for the All the Flowers are for Me exhibition (included in standard entry): A spectacular display of sculptures by award-winning artist Anila Quayyum Agha. Until 17 Sep
- Discover the Paula Rego: Crivelli's Garden at The National Gallery: See original drawings of the women that inspired her artwork. Until 18 Sep
- Don't miss Exposure: Lives at Sea at the National Maritime Museum: A confronting yet joyful exhibition that shows the world through a seafarers eyes.
- Be inspired at DIVA at the Victoria and Albert Museum: Opening up the question of what it means to be a diva, explore the power and creativity of iconic performers over time. From 24 June
- Get a behind-the-scenes look into the life of one of the world's most celebrated musicians at Paul McCartney Photographs 1963-64: Eyes of the Storm at the National Portrait Gallery: An unprecedented exhibition that showcases never before seen portraits by Paul McCartney. Until 1 Oct
- See Chorus in Rememory of Flight by JulianKnxx at the Barbican: The talented poet, artist and filmmaker explores themes of inheritance, loss and belonging at this multimedia show. From Opening 14 Sep
- Change your perspective at Beyond the Gaze: Reclaiming the Landscape at the Saatchi Gallery: See the contemporary works of female landscape painters, a genre historically dominated by male artists. Until 23 Sep
- Explore the evocative artworks of Sarah Lucas at Tate Britain: Using ordinary objects in unexpected ways see pieces that constantly challenge our understanding of sec, class and gender. From 26 Sep
- Can you spot the real from the fake? Now's your chance at Art and Artifice: Fakes from the Collection at The Courtauld Gallery: A display showcasing pieces that are not quite what they seem. Until 8 Oct
For more things to do in September in London, download the Visit London app.
Find heaps of seasonal special events and activities with our ultimate guide to autumn in London. Alternatively, take a look at the handy events calendar and guide to what's on in London, including the best London theatre shows.
WEATHER: For average seasonal temperatures and rainfall, see this London weather page.