Field Day, Brockwell Park
Field Day may have abandoned its east London roots to relocate down south, but its line up remains as eclectic as ever: Thundercat share the bill with the iconic Charlotte Gainsbourg, Erykah Badu headlines on Friday and there are sets from Four Tet, Gilles Peterson and Princess Nokia to get you into the swing of things. The afterparty is at Electric Brixton for those that can go the distance.
1-2 June, fielddayfestivals.com
London Festival of Architecture, Battersea
The month-long LFA is holiding 400 events across the capital but you’ll find some of the best at Battersea Power Station. Treehouse, an installation by Studio Kyson, offers a brand new look at London; there’s an Archaeology Time Truck hosted by the Museum of London as well as a heritage trail that visitors are encouraged to download and follow.
1-30 June, batterseapowerstation.co.uk
Balham Summer Market, Balham
Balham Bowls Club will be transformed when 30 independent retailers set up shop at this popular craft market. Shop for one-of-a-kind jewellery, homewares and gifts, and when you’re ready to drop, take a pit stop at the bar or fill up on some of the great food that will be on offer throughout the day.
2 June, eventbrite.co.uk
Battersea 5k Race for Life, Battersea
This phenomenally popular 5k comes to Battersea Park this June and don’t worry if you’re no Usain Bolt – it truly is for everyone and all abilities are welcome. A great excuse to enjoy the beautiful surrounds of the park and raise money for a fantastic cause.
6 June, raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org
Live at the Bandstand, Battersea
This is one of Battersea Park’s blue riband events and is sure to draw the crowds. There’ll be live music, courtesy of some of London’s biggest and best brass, Latin and Afrobeats bands, plus food and drink stalls and children’s activites to ensure this is a family affair.
9 June, enablelc.org
Balham Literary Festival, Balham
There are so many wonderful authors reading at Balham’s annual book bash it’s hard to know where to begin, but Rosie Wilby, author of Is Monogamy Dead? is a highlight and don’t miss Guy Gunaratne, who’s debut In Our Mad and Furious City is taking the book world by storm. If you like reading, aspire to write or just want to listen to some sensational storytelling, bag yourself a ticket.
June 9, balhamliteraryfestival.co.uk
The Enormous Elephant Run, Clapham
You don’t have to come dressed as an elephant for this 5k charity run, but you’ll be the odd one out if not (face paint is a subtler option for those who don’t want to go full-on Nellie). All the money raised goes to support the conservation efforts of The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and little ones – dogs and children – are welcome too.
16 June, enormouselephantrun.com
London Seafood Festival, Battersea
The LSF bills itself as ‘ five days of seafood fun’ and who can resist that? We’re back at Battersea Power Station and there’s fishy restaurant takeovers and seafood masterclasses for starters, followed by three days of live music and food stalls. Battersea Power Station really is the plaice to be this June.
20-24 June, londonseafoodfestival.com
Bandstand Summer Concerts, Clapham
A series of live music events kicks off on Clapham Common this June, starting with Common People on Saturday 9th. They run until July with everything from an afternoon of jazz to a folk festival to tempt you along. Need more incentive? It’s all absolutely free to attend, so bring a rug, pray for sun and soak up the atmosphere.
Until 2 September, lambeth.gov.uk
Neverland, Wandsworth
This outdoor oasis changes with the seasons: at Christmas it was transformed into a winter wonderland and now it’s summer, it has changed again to become Fulham Beach Club. With a pop up barbeque restaurant, two bars, live DJ sets and its own beach, you can make a day of it; otherwise book in for yoga, brunch or a cocktail masterclass.
Throughout June, neverlandlondon.com
