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Things To Do In August 2026
When looking through this month's offerings I felt a sense of calm. Charlotte Becque has given much of it over to the exhibitions that will soon leave our museums, and I always think that a nudge to look at the end date is as important as knowing when it will start. I have never forgiven myself for leaving the William Nicholson exhibition at Pallant House until the last minute, and when I finally readied myself it had closed two days before. I shall be remedying that mistake by making sure I get to Chichester to see British Landscapes: A Sense of Place at Pallant House, which looks absolutely sublime, and I will strongly suggest the Zurbarán at the National Gallery, as it is extraordinarily beautiful - a mesmerising spectacle where you go from masterpiece to masterpiece.
Two of my favourite events happen this month: Edinburgh Fringe, where I have spent many a happy weekend with friends and family, and Notting Hill Carnival, which seems every year to cause a storm of controversy. I can't say it is without its problems, but it is a terrific place, and some of my happiest moments of my youth were spent following along that carnival.
Now - 2nd August
Gloucestershire Vintage & Country Extravaganza returns to South Cerney Airfield for a celebration of Britain's transport and rural heritage. Featuring everything from steam engines and classic cars to live music, retro entertainment, countryside displays and family-friendly attractions, it's one of the UK's largest and most popular vintage festivals.
In Bloom explores the remarkable stories behind some of Britain's best-loved flowers, revealing how plants such as roses, tulips, camellias and peonies travelled across the globe. Featuring more than 100 artworks and objects, the exhibition uncovers the histories of botanical exploration, trade and discovery that have shaped our gardens and the natural world.
Everyman on the Canal returns to Granary Square, King's Cross, for another summer of free open-air cinema beside the water. Featuring everything from Some Like It Hot, Grease, Paddington in Peru, Dune: Part One and The Devil Wears Prada to live Wimbledon coverage, visitors can enjoy classic films, modern favourites, sweet treats and Everyman's signature cinema experience in the heart of the city.
Zurbarán is the first major UK exhibition dedicated to the celebrated Spanish Baroque painter Francisco de Zurbarán. Bringing together masterpieces from leading European and American collections, the exhibition explores his extraordinary use of light and shadow through monumental religious works and intimate still lifes that reveal the drama and beauty of everyday subjects.
Everyman in the Garden returns to The Grove this summer, bringing open-air cinema to the hotel's picturesque Walled Garden. Set against 300 acres of Hertfordshire countryside, the programme features beloved films including Pretty Woman, The Devil Wears Prada, Pride & Prejudice (2005), Catch Me If You Can, The Dark Knight and Notting Hill, alongside food, drinks and Everyman's signature cinema experience beneath the stars.
Project a Black Planet explores the impact of Pan-Africanism on art and culture from the 1920s to the present through more than 250 works spanning painting, film, installation and archival material. Featuring artists including Chris Ofili, Marlene Dumas and Claudette Johnson, the exhibition examines how artists have shaped ideas of identity, solidarity and liberation across Africa, the Caribbean, the Americas and Europe.
Waldmüller: Landscapes is the first exhibition dedicated to the Austrian artist Ferdinand Georg Waldmüller's landscape paintings. Featuring luminous scenes of Austria and Sicily, the exhibition showcases his remarkable attention to detail and masterful use of colour and light, celebrating the beauty of the natural world through one of the 19th century's finest landscape painters.
Tudor Architecture: Taster Lecture with V&A Academy course leader Caroline Knight explores the architecture of Tudor England through some of its most remarkable royal palaces and country houses. From Hampton Court to Hardwick Hall, the lecture examines the innovations, continental influences and courtly life that shaped one of Britain's most distinctive architectural periods.
James McNeill Whistler at Tate Britain is the first major European retrospective of the pioneering American artist's work in over 30 years. Bringing together iconic paintings, portraits, prints and drawings, the exhibition explores Whistler's revolutionary approach to art and his lasting influence on modern painting and design.
YSP MADE x Design-Nation Showcase celebrates contemporary British craft through a curated exhibition of work by 20 independent makers from Design-Nation, marking the organisation's 25th anniversary. Showcasing ceramics, jewellery, silversmithing and mixed-media design, the exhibition highlights the exceptional creativity and craftsmanship of artists including Alma Boyes, Beverley Sommerville, Hannah Heys, Linda Bloomfield and Samantha Robinson.
Caroline Walker: Mothering brings together paintings, drawings and sketches exploring motherhood and the often-overlooked realities of early-years care. Through intimate depictions of maternity wards, family homes and childcare settings, Walker examines the emotional and practical labour of caregiving, offering a powerful reflection on women's lived experiences.
British Landscapes: A Sense of Place brings together works by more than 60 artists to explore how the landscapes of the British Isles have inspired generations of painters, printmakers and sculptors. Featuring artists including Thomas Gainsborough, Barbara Hepworth, Paul Nash and Eric Ravilious, the exhibition traces changing visions of Britain's countryside, coastlines and industry as reflections of memory, identity and belonging.
David Hockney: Sunley Window 2026 celebrates the gallery's 15th anniversary with a striking large-scale installation based on one of the artist's Normandy iPad paintings. Illuminated each evening until 11pm, the vibrant work transforms the gallery's iconic window into a celebration of light, colour and the changing seasons, inviting visitors to enjoy it from outside after dark.
The Edwardians: Age of Elegance explores the glamour and grandeur of the Edwardian era through the lives of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, and King George V and Queen Mary. Featuring works by celebrated artists and makers including Carl Fabergé, John Singer Sargent, Frederic Leighton and Edward Burne-Jones, the exhibition reveals the fashions, collections and royal splendour that defined the period from 1863 to the end of the First World War.
Gwen John: Strange Beauties is the first major retrospective of the celebrated Welsh artist in more than forty years, marking 150 years since her birth. Featuring paintings, drawings and watercolours from across her career, the exhibition offers a fresh perspective on her quiet yet distinctive artistic vision, from her early years in Wales to her later life in Paris.
Henry Moore: Monumental Nature is the largest outdoor exhibition of the celebrated British sculptor's work ever staged, bringing together monumental sculptures across Kew Gardens alongside an indoor display of drawings, models and smaller works. Set among Kew's historic landscapes and botanical collections, the exhibition explores Moore's lifelong fascination with nature, revealing the relationship between sculpture, plants and the natural world.
The Labour of Care is an exhibition exploring the experiences of midwives and maternity healthcare professionals through newly created artworks, poetry and pieces from the Whitworth's collection. Bringing together works by participants alongside artists including Marina Abramović, L.S. Lowry, Ghislaine Howard and Caroline Walker, the exhibition reflects on care, resilience and the emotional realities of working on the frontline of maternal health.
Collection Exhibition: England's Michelangelo celebrates the extraordinary career of Victorian artist G. F. Watts, bringing together celebrated portraits, symbolic paintings and monumental works from the Watts Gallery collection. Featuring masterpieces including Hope (1886), the exhibition explores the artist's enduring influence and his commitment to addressing social and political issues through art.
Week Commencing 3rd
RHS Garden Hyde Hall Flower Show returns with five days of spectacular floral displays, specialist plant nurseries and expert gardening advice set within the beautiful surroundings of the Essex garden. Alongside inspiring exhibitors, visitors can browse garden accessories, enjoy delicious food and discover ideas to transform their own outdoor spaces.
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the world's largest arts festival, running for three weeks each August in Scotland's capital. It began in 1947 when eight theatre groups turned up uninvited to perform alongside the Edinburgh International Festival, and grew from there until the Fringe Society was formed in 1958, crucially, with a policy of never vetting the programme, which still holds today. That "anyone can put on a show" spirit is why it's ballooned into more than 4,000 shows spanning theatre, circus, cabaret, comedy, physical theatre, dance, children's shows, music, musicals and spoken word.
Tutored Life Drawing at Saatchi Gallery offers the chance to develop drawing skills with guidance from the gallery's Learning team. Suitable for all abilities, each session features a different life model and introduces a range of traditional and experimental techniques, encouraging participants to discover their own creative style.
Two Temple Place: Building Tour offers a guided exploration of William Waldorf Astor's extraordinary neo-Tudor mansion, uncovering the stories, craftsmanship and symbolism behind one of London's most remarkable historic interiors. Led by expert guides, the tour reveals the architectural details and hidden secrets of this richly decorated Grade I listed building.
International Photography Exhibition 167, presented by the Royal Photographic Society, showcases 113 works by 48 photographers selected from more than 5,200 submissions, celebrating the breadth of contemporary photography from around the world. Exploring themes including identity, community, conflict, family and the environment, the exhibition highlights the powerful ways photographers engage with today's social and cultural landscape.
Week Commencing 10th
Historic House Tour offers a guided exploration of Hall Place, revealing how the historic house has evolved through its owners since the 16th century. Along the way, discover fascinating stories and hidden secrets before exploring the museum galleries, which feature objects from prehistoric and Roman Britain through to the Second World War.
Charcoal: Exploring Line, Texture & Tone is a practical drawing workshop led by artist Sophie Cole, at the Gallery in Green & Stone Gallery, introducing participants to the expressive qualities of charcoal through a series of guided exercises. Working from a still life, attendees will experiment with line, mark-making and layering techniques to create atmospheric drawings, with all materials provided and no previous experience required.
Guided Garden Tour offers the chance to explore the Grade I listed gardens of Westonbirt House with an expert guide. Discover the history of the Holford family while wandering through the restored lake, Italian Gardens, Camellia House and other beautifully landscaped features of this historic estate.
The Legacy of Notting Hill Carnival celebrates 60 years of Europe's largest street festival through a vibrant multimedia exhibition exploring its cultural, political and artistic impact. Featuring photography, film, sound, costumes, sculpture and archival material, including works by Carl Gabriel, Horace Ové, Melissa Gardner and Ollie Tikare, the exhibition reflects on Carnival's enduring legacy of creativity, community and resistance.
Curator's Introduction: Waldmüller: Landscapes offers an insightful lunchtime talk with exhibition curator Sarah Herring, exploring the life and work of one of Austria's greatest landscape painters. Discover the themes behind the National Gallery's landmark exhibition and gain a deeper understanding of Waldmüller's luminous depictions of Austria and Sicily through expert curatorial insights.
Head Out is the National Portrait Gallery's free open-air summer programme, transforming the Gallery forecourt into a vibrant space for creativity. Featuring artist-led workshops, collaborative portrait-making and hands-on activities inspired by works in the Collection, visitors can enjoy an evening of art, music and making, with the Gallery's permanent collection open until 9pm.
Hand-Painted Floral Repeat Patterns is a one-day workshop led by artist and textile designer Martine Spencer, introducing participants to the art of creating hand-painted floral designs in watercolour. Suitable for all abilities, the session covers everything from painting seasonal blooms to designing seamless repeat patterns for textiles, stationery and interiors.
Edinburgh International Book Festival returns with an inspiring programme of talks, discussions and events featuring acclaimed writers, thinkers and storytellers from around the world. Celebrating the power of books to spark conversation and new ideas, the festival explores everything from literature and current affairs to culture, politics and science, with events for readers of all ages.
Subversive Stitching is a creative workshop led by The Subversive Stitcher, Holly Searle, exploring how embroidery can be used to express personal ideas through protest, humour and storytelling. Working on vintage tea towels, participants will learn simple hand-stitching and appliqué techniques while creating a unique textile piece inspired by a theme that matters to them.
Bocca in the Field sees Soho's acclaimed Bocca di Lupo head to Somerset for two special Ferragosto feasts in collaboration with Pharmacy Field Kitchen. Set in the grounds of Wyke House near Bruton, the long-table dinners celebrate the flavours of an Italian summer with seasonal dishes, locally sourced ingredients and family-style dining in a beautiful countryside setting.
Week Commencing 17th
Barbican Outdoor Cinema returns for a summer season of open air screenings in the iconic Sculpture Court. Enjoy everything from cult classics and international cinema to sci-fi, anime and coming-of-age favourites, alongside street food, drinks and panoramic views of the London skyline.
RHS Rosemoor Garden Festival returns for a celebration of gardening, horticulture and the great outdoors in the beautiful surroundings of RHS Garden Rosemoor. Visitors can explore stunning gardens, browse specialist nurseries, enjoy talks and demonstrations from leading gardening experts, and take part in family activities, shopping and live entertainment throughout the weekend.
A Month in the Country comes to the Donmar Warehouse in Brian Friel's acclaimed adaptation of Ivan Turgenev's classic play. Directed by Lyndsey Turner and starring Sophie Okonedo alongside Patrick Gibson and Alistair Petrie, this poignant drama explores love, longing and the tension between duty and desire in a seemingly idyllic Russian country estate.
Week Commencing 24th
FOWL x Khao Sō-i brings together viral chefs Will Murray and Jack Croft with the acclaimed Northern Thai restaurant for a special one week collaboration this August. Expect a menu blending FOWL's signature fried chicken with Khao Sō-i's celebrated Thai dishes, including their family recipe Khao Soi and exclusive collaboration specials.
The Gibney's Fleadh Festival returns to Shoreditch for five days celebrating Irish music, storytelling, comedy and food at Richard Corrigan's beloved pub, Gibney's. Highlights include a 24-hour Irish music seisiún in aid of Refugee Action and The Irish Youth Foundation, alongside live performances, comedy nights and traditional Irish hospitality.
THE ALLDEYA ARMS is a four-day Shoreditch pop-up from cult knife maker Allday Goods and DEYA Brewing Company, celebrating craftsmanship, sustainability and great beer. Styled as a traditional British pub, the collaboration features a limited-edition pale ale, exclusive merchandise and a co-branded knife made using 100% recycled plastic from the brewery, alongside a welcoming space to enjoy the Bank Holiday weekend.
Battersea Park in Concert returns over the August Bank Holiday weekend with a series of spectacular open-air performances in the heart of the park. Highlights include the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra performing pop, film and musical favourites, Ronnie Scott's Jazz Orchestra, and a UK-exclusive performance by South African singer-songwriter Jeremy Loops, alongside a host of special guests.
Art in a Topiary Garden returns to Balmoral Cottage in Benenden this August, inviting visitors to explore an open garden and artist's studio set among beautifully sculpted topiary. Alongside original artwork, guests can enjoy refreshments while discovering the gardens over the Bank Holiday weekend.
Notting Hill Carnival returns to the streets of west London for Europe's largest street festival, celebrating Caribbean culture through music, dance, food and spectacular costume parades. With a commitment to honouring Carnival's rich heritage while creating a safe and inclusive event, the annual celebration brings together communities for a vibrant weekend of culture, creativity and tradition.
The Pasadena Roof Orchestra returns to Strawberry Hill House for an enchanting open-air concert celebrating the timeless sounds of the 1920s and 1930s. Set against the stunning backdrop of the historic house, guests are invited to bring a picnic and enjoy an evening of vintage music, summer charm and classic jazz under the stars.
New Film Releases
Lady (14th August), Tony (14th August) & One Night Only (28th August)
Antique Fairs & Markets
Auctions
