The last weekend of April is upon us, and after a month of spending on Easter brunches, sunny outings, and iced coffees, your wallet might be feeling light. But fear not: London offers plenty of free activities to enjoy without breaking the bank. Here are seven fantastic free things to do this weekend, April 24-26 2026.
1. Cheer on Runners at the London Marathon
Experience the festival atmosphere of the London Marathon by watching runners tackle the 26.2-mile course. Key viewing spots include Cutty Sark, Canary Wharf, and Tower Bridge, where crowds gather to support participants. This year, celebrities like Cynthia Erivo, James Norton, Dame Laura Kenny, Ore Oduba, and even Daddy Pig from Peppa Pig will be running. If you or a friend is participating, take advantage of freebies such as burgers, bath products, matcha, and socks. Check the full guide for all giveaways available to medal holders. Various locations, Sunday April 26, free.
2. Discover New Sounds at Brick Lane Jazz Festival
London's underground jazz scene shines during this annual festival, with performances by experimental musicians across east London. Free gigs are available at Cafe 1001, 93 Feet East's Main Bar, and the Headline Audio Music Zone. Enjoy fresh sounds from vocalists, instrumentalists, and selectors without spending a penny. Cafe 1001, 91 Brick Lane, London E1 6QL; 150 Brick Ln, 93 Feet East, E1 6QL; Headline Audio Music Zone, Ely's Yard, E1 6QR. Friday April 24 to Sunday April 26, free.
3. Explore Underground Queer Culture at V&A
The V&A's annual April performance festival, themed Echoes this year, features free events exploring music, sound, memory, and lost spaces. Highlights include a Friday Late on lost queer venues (April 24), a performance by the South African Cultural Gospel Choir (April 25), and a workshop on creating a British underground music magazine (April 26). V&A, SW7 2RL. Until May 2, free.
4. Tracey Emin-Curated Late at Tate Modern
In celebration of her retrospective A Second Life, Tracey Emin presents a Friday Late at Tate Modern, featuring performances, mono-printing workshops, screenings of Guy Oliver's film Millennial Prayer, drawing classes, and a conversation with Emin hosted by Guardian Live. The event is soundtracked by DJ Fat Tony. Tate Modern, SE1 9TG. Friday April 24, free.
5. New Cross and Deptford Free Film Festival
Enjoy free film screenings in unique venues like boxing gyms, pubs, parks, and churches. Highlights include Romy and Michele's High School Reunion with a disco at Deptford Lounge (April 24), Untouchable at Hatcham House (April 25), and Buena Vista Social Club: Adios at Armada Court Community Centre (April 26). No tickets required; donations welcome. Various south east London locations, until May 3, free.
6. Climate Change Cafe at Natural History Museum
Generation Hope brings climate activists together for free talks, tours, science stations, storytelling, and a wildlife photography workshop. Network with like-minded individuals and attend a careers workshop on biodiversity. Booking is essential. Natural History Museum, SW7 5BD. Until April 26, free.
7. Scale a Free Climbing Wall on the South Bank
Test your skills on a 10-meter climbing wall by the Thames, courtesy of PayPal's pop-up. Climb in pairs and decide whether to split the reward or take it all. Arrive early to secure a spot and win gorpcore-inspired prizes. South Bank Observation Point, SE1 9PP. Saturday April 25, 10am-4pm, free.
