Totally Thames Festival, a huge month-long festival running throughout the whole of September 2026, with more than 80 events taking place along and around London’s iconic River Thames.Discover immersive performances, free family events and community celebrations, in locations ranging from historic ships and riverside landmarks to hidden tunnels and public spaces. The programme invites Londoners and London’s visitors to experience the Thames as a living landscape shaped by the communities, histories and creativity that continue to define the city.
There are plenty of family-friendly events across the month, from historic boats and mudlarking to free riverside festivals, live music, children’s activities and spectacular outdoor art. A few highlights include:
- Tidefest | 6 September | Chiswick – A free riverside festival with kayaking, paddleboarding, boat trips, children’s activities, dance workshops and a street party.
- Hands on History: Mudlarking | 5–6, 19–20 & 26–27 September – Get hands-on with archaeological finds from the Thames and discover the fascinating history of the river.
- St Katharine Docks Classic Boat Festival | 12–13 September – Around 50 historic boats, including steam tugs and Dunkirk Little Ships, alongside live music, talks and family activities.
- Great River Race | 12 September – Nearly 300 crews take on a 21.6-mile race along the Thames, making for a brilliant day of riverside spectating.
- Ganga Aarti | 13 September | Greenwich – A free celebration of Indian culture with food, music and live entertainment, culminating in a spectacular ceremony of light.
- Kids’ Choir | 19 September | St Paul’s Cathedral – More than 300 young voices come together for a free celebration of music and community.
- Culture Cargo | Throughout September – Historic sailing barge Raybel travels along the Thames, hosting live music, talks and performances.
- Turning the Tide | 17–20 September | Blackfriars – A free large-scale artwork by Turner Prize-nominated artist Catherine Yass, projected onto Blackfriars Railway Bridge.
