The Great River Race
September 12 - September 12, 2026
Experience one of London’s most distinctive sporting traditions at the Great River Race, an annual spectacle that brings together more than 2,500 competitors in over 300 traditional and contemporary rowing boats. Spanning the River Thames from Millwall to Richmond, the race passes beneath all 28 of London’s bridges, offering spectators a unique opportunity to witness one of the capital’s most iconic waterways come alive with colour, camaraderie and competition.
September is the perfect time to enjoy London’s riverside, with crisp autumn days providing an idyllic setting for outdoor events. Just a short journey from Hotel Café Royal, the Great River Race offers a memorable way to experience the city’s maritime heritage while taking in some of London’s most celebrated landmarks from the banks of the Thames.You might also enjoy...
Open House Festival
12 September - 20 September
Explore London's hidden architectural gems during the Open House Festival, 12–20 September 2026, with exclusive access to remarkable buildings and spaces across the capital.
New Year’s Eve at Café Royal Grill
31 December - 31 December
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
31 July - 31 October
Experience the original two-part production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child before its final London performances on 20 September 2026, ahead of its reimagined one-part return this autumn.
London Fashion Week
17 September - 21 September
Experience London Fashion Week from 17–21 September 2026, as the capital showcases world-renowned designers, emerging talent and the latest in British fashion.
Christmas Day at Café Royal Grill
25 December - 25 December
Celebrate Thanksgiving at Café Royal Grill
26 November - 26 November
The Bayeux Tapestry at The British Museum
1 September - 11 July
London Design Festival
12 September - 20 September
Discover London Design Festival from 12–20 September 2026, with inspiring installations, exhibitions and events celebrating creativity across the capital.
CelebrASIA at Battersea Power Station
11 September - 13 September
Discover the vibrant spirit of South East Asia at CelebrASIA, London's largest South East Asian festival, as Battersea Power Station comes alive with exceptional cuisine, cultural performances, artisan markets and immersive experiences from 11–13 September 2026.
Frieze London
14 October - 18 October
BFI London Film Festival
7 October - 18 October
Experience the BFI London Film Festival this October, with international premieres, red-carpet events and world-class cinema across the capital.
London Literature Festival
26 October - 1 November
Wellcome Collection: The Coming of Age
26 March - 29 November
London Summer 2026: A Season of Iconic Concerts and Unforgettable Experiences
1 June - 30 September
Greenwich + Docklands International Festival
21 August - 6 September
Discover the Greenwich+Docklands International Festival from 21 August–6 September 2026, with free outdoor theatre, circus, dance and live performances across East London.
Regent Street Christmas Lights
5 November - 3 January
A Royal Summer: Buckingham Palace State Rooms & Gardens 2026
9 July - 27 September
Christmas at Kew Gardens
13 November - 3 January
The Music Is Black: A British Story at V&A East Museum
18 April - 1 December
David Bowie Centre at V&A East Storehouse
3 February
Inside Aardman: Wallace & Gromit and Friends at Young V&A
12 February - 15 November
Elsa Schiaparelli: The Iconic Fashion Exhibition at London’s V&A
28 March - 1 November
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
19 November - 3 January
London Symphony Orchestra at Barbican Centre
14 September - 17 June
The National Gallery
Feel Like Royalty in Windsor