Unmissable London Festivals in 2022

We read a lot of emails and scoured the internet for the underdogs, the independent free ones, and big London festivals with DIY spirit.

We categorised our recommendations into two categories:

FREE FESTIVALS | CHEAP AND CHIC

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Free (Is The Magic Number)

Eid in the Square 2022

7 May | Trafalgar Square

This unique cultural event marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. Developed in partnership with London based arts, culture and grass roots Muslim organisations, this vibrant festival brings communities, families and friends together to enjoy the celebrations.

Highlights include: Big acts and Malaysian, Turkish, South Asian, Egyptian, Lebanese, Indonesian, and Arabic food.

Greenwich + Docklands International Festival

26 August-11 September 2022 | Multiple Venues

Our ultimate favourite free festival gives you spectacular thrills and spills all over south east London.

Greenwich Peninsula: Urban Village Fete

15 May | Urban Village Fete

Free workshops, talks and entertainment, eclectic local traders, and spectacular street food near the O2 on the Greenwich Peninsula.

In the Neighbourhood at All Points East

27-30 May 2019 | Victoria Park, Mile End

Four days of free events including an outdoor cinema, live music, creative workshops, street food, pop up craft beer bars, and panels & talks.

Lambeth Country Show

Saturday 16 & Sunday 17 July 2022| Brockwell Park

Do the Lambeth walk to this rather amazing slice of country life in the city.

Highlights: Full programme still to be announced, but expect everything from Samba brass bands to horticultural shows, sheep and owl displays, home grown vegetables, and flower competitions.

Lewisham People’s Day

16 July | Mountsfield Park Lewisham

London’s best free community festival finally returns to Lewisham, the borough of culture and sanctuary.

River Stage

Weekends 15 July – 14 August 2022 | National Theatre

Every weekend the South Bank side of the National Theatre sees a takeover by some top culture brands including the hilarious drag antics of The Glory (15-17 July), innovation from HOME Manchester (22-24 July), exciting new work from Hackney Empire Young Producers (29-31 July), rebel dance from Hofesh Schechter (5-7 August), and a final blowout from National Theatre themselves (12-14 August).

West End Live

25-26 June | Trafalgar Square

See all the key highlights of the West End’s triumphant shows at this free theatre fest.

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Cheap & Chic

DIY alive

23-24 April | Ovalspace

Get sweaty at this indie future fest from alt-legends DIY magazine.

Grace Jones’ Meltdown

10-19 June | Southbank Centre

Grace Jones’ Meltdown is finally here to slay with top performances from the lady herself as well as a stunning line up of superstars from Angélique Kidjo to Skunk Anansie.

Paid Highlights: Greentea Peng, Big Joanie, Shingai, Hot Congotronics (Hot Chip x Kasai Allstars)

Free Highlights: An ode to Grace with We Say Grace with Travis Alabanza, free roller skating with Roll Up to the Bumper, and Grace gospel covers from Slay to the Rhythm.

Jubilee at Southbank Centre

1-5 June | Southbank Centre

Celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee as LGBTQI+ club Duckie presents the daytime Posh Club “Official” and late night “Alternative” Royal Command Performances. Delve into a day exploring how punk exploded into popular culture in 1977, the year of the Silver Jubilee, including an exclusive screening and panel discussion with Academy Award®-winner Danny Boyle on his new Sex Pistols series, Pistol.

Other highlights: Fun-filled performances for all the family with Moxie Brawl’s Punk Alley, Half Moon’s Party and Folk Dance Remixed’s Step Hop House

Mighty Hoopla

3 & 4 June | Brockwell Park | From £49.50+fee

Abandon any pretence of civility and let it all go, as this carnival of camp returns to town with an insanely good pop line up.

Highlights: Samantha Fox, Charity Shop Sue, Steps, Sugababes & Kim Wilde.

Did we miss any unmissable London festivals? Leave a comment with your thoughts…