Free London events this weekend: Aperol, Pokémon and Latin dance
From Walthamstow to Shoreditch, six boroughs host free summer activities on 31 July and 1 August 2026
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Walthamstow will serve free Aperol Spritz to the first 200 visitors at Big Penny Social’s pop-up beach club on Saturday evening. The event, organised by Aperol, includes live music from Cuban band Kishon Quartet and branded merchandise giveaways, Time Out London reported. Entry is free, but the drink offer is limited to the initial crowd.
Southwark’s Tate Modern will host a free Latin American dance party on Friday night. The event features DJ sets from Ritmos Cholulteca, Bushbby and Movimientos, alongside Frida Kahlo-themed zine-making workshops and short talks on the gallery’s collection. No ticket is required, but the Frida Kahlo exhibition itself remains paid entry.
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Pokémon GO turns ten in Shoreditch
Boxpark Shoreditch will mark the tenth anniversary of Pokémon GO with two weekends of celebrations. The first runs on 1 and 2 August, offering exclusive in-game rewards, free coffee and prize draws, including trips to Japan and tickets to Pokémon GO Fest 2027. Time Out London said the event is open to all, with no advance booking needed.
Tower Hamlets’ Canada Water will launch its month-long Round the Dock festival on Saturday with a vintage market from Bottle Factory. The event includes soul and jazz performances on a floating stage, though the full programme runs until the end of August. Entry is free, but individual activities may carry separate charges.
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Battersea and Kensington join the weekend
Wandsworth’s Battersea Power Station will open an outdoor funfair on Saturday, running until 31 August. The fair includes a roller rink, big wheel and boardwalk games, though each attraction requires a separate ticket. Live music by the Thames is free to attend.
Kensington & Chelsea’s V&A will host a free late-night celebration of Arab cultures on Friday. The Shubbak festival event features a catwalk show, panel discussions and an installation by Kasra Jalilipour. Time Out London said visitors can also create scented pouches and join sofa conversations with festival founders.
It is unclear whether any of the events require advance registration. Time Out London did not specify, and none of the organisers have publicly confirmed booking requirements beyond the Aperol Spritz limit in Walthamstow.
Questions this report answers
+Which London boroughs are hosting free events this weekend?
Walthamstow, Southwark, Shoreditch, Tower Hamlets, Wandsworth and Kensington & Chelsea will all host free events on 31 July and 1 August 2026. Each borough offers different activities, from Aperol Spritz tastings to Latin dance parties and Pokémon GO celebrations.
+Do I need tickets for the Pokémon GO celebrations in Shoreditch?
No tickets are needed for the Pokémon GO celebrations at Boxpark Shoreditch on 1 and 2 August. The event is open to all, with exclusive in-game rewards, free coffee and prize draws available on a first-come basis.
+Is the Frida Kahlo exhibition at Tate Modern free?
No, the Frida Kahlo exhibition at Tate Modern requires paid entry, though the Latin American dance party on 31 July is free. The dance event includes DJ sets, zine-making workshops and talks, all without charge.
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