Looking for the best things to do in London in September? You’re in plenty of time to book tickets to the best events in London, from theatre shows to art exhibitions, and there are always pop-ups opening across the city, but our handy guide features the best of what’s on in London in September so you won’t miss a thing. It’s big back-to-school vibes in September, even for those of us who haven’t set foot in a classroom in years. All the summer-focused pop-ups start to wind down and the major cultural institutions open big blockbuster events, like the Chanel exhibition at the V&A and REBEL: 30 Years of London Fashion at the Design Museum. In fact, it’s a bumper month for design fans with Open House, London Fashion Week and London Design Week all in the calendar, and as it’s also Secondhand September, it’s a great chance to make moves to live an even more sustainable life.
1. Enter the ‘Honeyverse’
Legendary DJ and producer Honey Dijon is bringing the Honeyverse to the Southbank Centre later this year, with two evenings of live music and curated club nights inspired by Honey’s roots in the Black and Queer community. It’s gonna be a packed couple of days.
Sat 9th & Sun 16th September 2023
Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX
southbankcentre.co.uk
2. Explore the History of Chanel
The V&A is no stranger to hosting blockbuster fashion exhibitions – who can forget the Alexander McQueen and Christian Dior shows? – and now Chanel is being added to that list, with Gabrielle Chanel: Fashion Manifesto opening at the museum in September. Based on a show of the same name held in Paris, the V&A exhibition will feature over 180 looks (including pieces from the V&A’s own archive plus outfits worn by Lauren Bacall and Marlene Dietrich) as well as perfume, cosmetics, jewellery and accessories, and cover Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel’s career from the opening of her first millinery boutique in 1910 to her final collection in 1971.
Sat 16th – Sat 30th September 2023
Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL
vam.ac.uk
3. Shop From Over 200 Black-Owned Brands at this Pop-Up
My Runway Group, the community-led organisation that provides a platform for Black talent and business owners, is popping up at Somerset House with the Black In Carnaby Concept Store. The pop-up will showcase fashion, homeware, art, beauty products, literature and more from over 200 Black-owned businesses as well as hosting a series of talks, workshops and events designed to support and empower creatives in the Black community.
Fri 1st – Sun 24th September 2023
Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA
blackincarnaby.com
4. Squeeze One Last Festival In
Waterworks, the festival from the Percolate and Team Love crews, is heading west to Gunnersbury Park once again for its third edition this September. The fest is a celebration of electronic music culture so you can expect top sound systems and a heavy hitting line-up, with the likes HAAi, Saoirse, Eris Drew, Shanti Celeste, Yung Singh, Josey Rebelle, Special Request, Palms Trax, Flowdan, Sherelle, Softi, Pearson Sound, Eliza Rose, Louise Chen and more all taking to the decks. If that’s music to your ears, get your tickets below.
Sat 16th September 2023
Gunnersbury Park, Popes Lane, London, W3 8LO
waterworksfestival.co.uk
5. Grab a Pastry at Honey & Co’s New Deli
Sarit Packer and Itamar Srulovich are adding to their restaurant collection with Honey & Co Daily this September. Deli, bakery and cafe Honey & Co Daily will be almost bang in the middle of Store Street and will be split into two sections – a deli and takeaway space in the front, where you can get coffees, pastries, cakes and to-go lunches, and a 40-seater dining room at the back.
September 2023
19-21 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7DB
honeyandco.co.uk
6. Visit the Design Museum to See Its Major New Exhibition
REBEL: 30 Years of London Fashion is opening at the Kensington museum to coincide with London Fashion Week this September. The Design Museum is teaming up with the British Fashion Council to celebrate the 30th anniversary of its NEWGEN programme by hosting one of the largest surveys of contemporary fashion in the UK. The exhibition will showcase the work of young designers, like Molly Goddard, Wales Bonner, Christopher Kane, Simone Rocha, Erdem and JW Anderson, who have changed the fashion landscape in the UK and beyond.
Sat 16th – Sat 30th September 2023
224-238 Kensington High St, London W8 6AG
designmuseum.org
7. Have a Mystery Meal at Who’s Cooking Dinner?
The annual charity event Who’s Cooking Dinner? is back for 2023 to raise even more money for leukaemia research. Held at The Dorchester, the dinner features 20 chefs from some of London’s best restaurants (plus some from further afield), who will be serving a bespoke menu with paired wines to one of the 20 tables, and the guests won’t know who’s in charge of their dinner until they sit down. The line-up for this year boasts 20 Michelin stars between them and includes the likes of Tom Kerridge, Simon Rogan of Aulis and L’Enclume, Elliot Grover, Mark Hix, Tom Booton, Chet Sharma of BiBi, Imogen Davies & Ivan Tisnall-Downes of Native, Rafael Cagali of Da Terra and Elis, and Theo Clench of Cycene, so you can bet there’ll be some serious cooking on show.
Mon 18th September 2023
53 Park Ln, Mayfair, London W1K 1QA
leukaemiauk.org.uk
8. Immerse Yourself in ‘The Burnt City’
Renowned immersive theatre company Punchdrunk have returned to London, this time at One Cartridge Place, a former military arsenal in Woolwich, with their latest production The Burnt City. It depicts the fall of Troy and the mythical world of Gods and mortals that rise from the ashes, and makes use of the opposing military arsenal buildings that house Troy and Ancient Greece, including neon backstreets, sprawling labyrinths and a colossal playground, and you’re free to dive in and explore as you like.
Fri 1st – Sun 24th September 2023
One Cartridge Place, Woolwich, London SE18 6ZR
theburntcity.com
9. Make the Most of Rooftop Season at Roof East
Fancy playing a round of crazy golf, catching a movie, hitting some bullseyes or shaking it out with a dance class? Well you can do it all at Roof East. Yes the Stratford rooftop is jam-packed with activities, including Rooftop Film Club, Sluggers batting cages, Birdies crazy golf, Arrows archery, Glitter Bowls lawn games, giant jenga, cornhole and table tennis. You can stay well fed and watered with the roof’s five bars and street food from the likes of Papi Chulo, Piddaji and Cheeky Burger, and of course, you’ve got those mega views over the Stratford to enjoy.
Fri 1st – Sat 30th September 2023
7 & 8 Stratford Multi Storey Car Park, Great Eastern Rd, London E15 1XE
roofeast.com
10. See Dawn French’s New One-Woman Show
Not content with playing four dates at the Palladium this September, comedy legend Dawn French has added new London dates to her UK tour, meaning you’ll have even more chances to discover that Dawn French is a Huge Twat. Her one-woman show toured to rave reviews last year and now she’s back to take audiences on a ride through some of the most embarrassing and undignified moments of her life, or what she calls, “a spectacular display of twattery”. Tickets for the new October dates at the Palladium go on sale on 31st March, so snap ’em up.
Thurs 21st – Sun 24th September and Fri 20th & Sat 21st October 2023
8 Argyll St, London W1F 7TF
dawnfrenchontour.com