A Joyful Summer on the Banks of the Thames: “Summer by the River 2026” Family Week and Event Guide

A sweet breeze by the river, a refreshing drink in your hand, live music rising in the background, and that iconic London view on the opposite bank… Summer by the River, one of our absolute favorite outdoor London traditions, has once again transformed the area around London Bridge, Hay’s Galleria, and the riverside into a massive festival ground for the 2026 season.

Running until the end of September, this free festival is packed with events catering to every age and taste, ranging from outdoor cinema to live concerts, riverside food markets to sports. However, this week brings an even more special and joyful highlight for us: Family Week!

Riverside Fun for Little Explorers and Families

If you want to spend an unforgettable day by the river with your kids, this week is tailor-made for you! Summer by the River offers a completely free Family Week packed with events designed to spark little imaginations, get them dancing, and offer plenty of cooling fun.

Here are the unmissable stops of this joyful week:

• Mini Folk (Tuesday, August 11 | 14:00 – 16:00): Taking place at The Clubhouse space, this sweet gathering is filled with live music, creative arts and crafts workshops, and floating bubbles. Don’t forget to book your free ticket in advance for this relaxed and joyful session, perfect to join with your little ones who love to dance.

• Secret Squirters (Wednesday, August 12 | 14:00 – 16:00): Set up in the Putting Down Roots Garden area, this delightfully splashy, laughter-filled, and interactive water installation hands control of the streets right back to the kids! No reservation needed; just bring spare clothes and come on over.

• Forest of Figments (Thursday, August 13 | 14:00 – 16:00): At the arts and crafts workshop set up in the Putting Down Roots Garden once again, you can join fairy-tale travelers and freely roam inside any story you wish using the magic of imagination.

Cinema, Live Music, and Lunch Break Escapes

The festival isn’t just for those with kids; it offers fantastic alternatives for anyone looking to catch a breath after work or catch a rhythm by the river during their lunch break.

🎬 The Clubhouse Open-Air Cinema

There’s nothing quite like watching a movie under the stars accompanied by a gentle river breeze. Delightful productions await us on The Clubhouse screen this month:

• August 11 (19:00): Wicked Sing-Along (PG)

• August 19 (19:00): Burlesque (12A)

• August 25 (19:00): Karate Kid (PG)

🎶 Live Music by the Bank & Pocket Garden Sessions

If you stop by the Putting Down Roots Garden area around midday, you might stumble upon free acoustic sessions as part of the Pocket Garden Sessions:

• August 13 (13:00 – 14:00): Garance Louis, a captivating French chanteuse who blends French chansons, jazz, and experimental songwriting with her accordion.

• August 20 (13:00 – 14:00): Cohen Brathwaite-Kilcoyne, an accordion and melodeon master and one of the new generation representatives of British folk music.

Sports, Food Markets, and Doing Good

Entertainment in the festival area isn’t limited to the stage. While the London Sports Festival Padel excitement continues on courts set up inside Hay’s Galleria, the Urban Spoon Riverside Lunch Market brings street food from world cuisines right to the riverbank for those who get hungry.

What’s more, every drink you purchase from the pop-up bars in the festival area goes back as a donation to Big Local Works, a local community project. So while cooling off, you’re also contributing to a wonderful cause.

Whether it’s grabbing a spritz as the sun sets, watching a movie outdoors, or playing water games with the kids, make sure your path leads to the banks of London Bridge this August!