What’s On in London: September 2026 | A Guide for International Students

Summer’s out, and school is in this month! With hordes of students across the UK returning to school and university, it’s time to stock up on your flashcards and highlighters.

Don’t study too hard, though, because London is still full of endless things to do and opportunities to practise your English – whether it’s tasting delicious curries along Brick Lane or seeing the Bayeux Tapestry at the British Museum.

And with Autumn on the horizon, make the most of London’s sunny days by watching the Great River Race, finding your local beer garden, or picnicking in one of the capital’s huge, sprawling parks.

Here’s our pick of the best things to do in London this month 🎒📚

✍️CULTURE SPOTLIGHT: Roald Dahl

This September 13th is Roald Dahl Day in the UK – but if you didn’t grow up here, you might not understand why this children’s author is such a big deal.

While Dahl was born in Wales to Norwegian parents, his life and work took him across Britain, and his books have been read by generations of British children at school and at home. In fact, it’s hard to finish school in the UK without reading at least one or two Roald Dahl books.

Many of his works have become a huge part of pop culture around the world, from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – recently inspiring the prequel, Wonka – to Fantastic Mr Fox, Matilda, and The Witches.

Curious about this iconic children’s author? Try these activities in London:

• Watch Matilda the Musical at Cambridge Theatre.
• Experience Charlie and the Chocolate Factory afternoon tea at One Aldwych.
• Pick up a copy of Roald Dahl’s books at Daunt Books (and don’t leave without their iconic tote bag).

...and stay tuned to the Twin blog for our picks of the best children’s books for English learners!

🏙️ SEPTEMBER HIGHLIGHTS

• London Design Festival, Sept 12th to 20th – Watch as London becomes one giant gallery, with installations, exhibitions, talks, and events taking place at venues across the capital.
• London Podcast Festival at Kings Place, Sept 3rd to 13th – If your English practice currently consists of listening to BBC English on repeat, this one’s for you. Expect live recordings, conversations, and special events from some of your favourite podcast hosts.
• Taste of Iceland, Sept 10th to 12th – Ever hadKjötsúpa? This is your chance! Try Icelandic dishes without leaving London at this three-day celebration of Icelandic food, culture, and entertainment.
• Black on the Square at Trafalgar Square, Sept 5th – Head to Trafalgar Square for this free celebration of Black culture, creativity, and community, with live music, food, and loads of activities throughout the day.
• CelebrASIA at Battersea Power Station, Sept 11th to 13th – Battersea Power Station is being transformed into a huge festival of Southeast Asian performances, street food, and workshops.
• FT Weekend Festival at Kenwood House Gardens, Sept 5th – Spend the day at the UK’s cleverest festival, bringing together writers, journalists, and thinkers for talks and discussions on everything from politics and current affairs to literature.
• Totally Thames – The River Thames gets its own month-long festival, with art, performances, boat trips, walks, talks, and community events taking place along the 42-mile river. Check out the website for the full programme.
• Great River Race, Sept 12th – Known as London’s River Marathon, the Great River Race covers 21.6 miles along the Thames and passes through London’s most famous bridges. Watch for free from various points along the river.
• London Fashion Week, Sept 17th to 21st – You might not have tickets to LFW, but the week often inspires tonnes of community pop-ups and public events around the city – so keep an eye out and get involved in the fashion fever.
• Meatopia at Tobacco Dock, Sept 3rd to 6th – Love BBQ? Head to Meatopia for fire cooking, live music, workshops, and cocktails – and bring your stretchiest trousers.
• London Open House Festival, Sept 12th to 20th – For just over a week, London’s buildings and gardens open to the public. As part of Open House, the Royal Naval College is granting access to rooms and areas usually hidden from the public. Plus, it’s only a short walk from our English Centre!
• Brick Lane Curry Festival, Sept 20th – London’s iconic curry hotspot is back with its annual curry festival, with 20% off bills at many restaurants when you register on Eventbrite. Check out our guide to Brick Lane here.
• Big London Tattoo Show at ExCeL London, Sept 4th to 6th – Head to the London Tattoo Show for some of the UK’s top tattoo artists, talks, an entire fairground, and even a fire show.
• HowTheLightGetsIn Festival at Kenwood House, Sept 19th to 20th – Tackle the big questions at this festival of ideas, debate, music, and comedy.
• Oktoberfest, from Sept 19th – Despite the name, Oktoberfest actually begins in September, not October. So, get the rounds in early at Bermondsey Beirkeller, featuring live oompah bands, bottomless pints, and Bavarian brunch. Prost!

🖼️ EXHIBITIONS

• Portrait of a City at Dulwich Picture Gallery, July 28th to Oct 4th – Journey through a century of American city photography, with works by 34 photographers from 1907 to 2012.
• The Bayeux Tapestry at the British Museum, from Sept 10th – One of the world’s most famous medieval artefacts telling the story of the Norman Conquest returns to the UK this month.
• Waldmüller at The National Gallery, until Sept 20th – Catch the first UK exhibition of the Austrian landscape painter for free before it closes at the end of the month.

🎶 MUSIC

• Waterworks Festival at The Cause, Sept 12th to 13th – Dance your way into September at this underground electronic music festival.
• (In)visible Dancing at Woolwich town centre, Sept 1st to 6th – A series of flashmobs will take place from the start of the month, culminating in a huge closing celebration featuring a live band.
• Margins United at Club 360 London, Sept 26th – A music festival celebrating alternative East and Southeast Asian culture.
• Grimeborn at Arcola Theatre, Sept 2nd to 5th – See a different side of opera at this alternative opera festival showcasing experimental performances.
• Jazz On Wick at Hackney Wick, Sept 5th – Spend an evening listening to live jazz and discover London’s thriving independent music scene.

🎭 LONDON THEATRE

• Hay Fever at Wyndham’s Theatre, Sept 22nd to Dec 12th – Noël Coward’s classic comedy follows the eccentric Bliss family as a weekend of unexpected guests descends into chaos.
• Rent at Duke of York’s Theatre, from Sept 26th – The only rent in London you’ll love. See the iconic musical from the end of this month.
• Thelma & Louise at The Young Vic, Sept 3rd to Oct 24th – Join two best friends on an adventure of a lifetime in this adaptation of the beloved movie.
• The Last Ship at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Sept 22nd to Oct 3rd – Featuring music by Sting, this musical is inspired by the singer’s childhood in Wallsend.

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Study English in London — and turn your 2026 into the ultimate adventure.