(21–22 February 2026)
London can rinse your wallet fast—but this weekend is packed with genuinely free (and “cheap-but-worth-it”) plans: Lunar New Year celebrations, LGBTQ+ late events, big-screen rugby, kid-friendly half-term activities, and free exhibitions across the city.
Quick note: event times and entry rules can change last-minute. Always double-check the organiser’s page before you travel.
The “do these 3 things” mini-itinerary (if you’re short on time)
- Catch Lunar New Year energy in Chinatown / Trafalgar Square (free performances + parade vibes).
- Pick one free culture hit: Dulwich Picture Gallery’s LGBTQI+ late OR a free exhibition hop (Somerset House / Spitalfields / Southbank).
- End with atmosphere: watch the Six Nations in a lively venue (often free entry—just arrive early).
Saturday 21 Feb 2026: best free picks
1) Lunar New Year celebrations across London (free)
If you want maximum “London buzz” for zero spend, this is it. Chinatown and nearby areas host lion/dragon dancing, music, and festival energy—and there are also free celebrations popping up at several big London venues and markets.
- Best for: photos, street atmosphere, quick food-window shopping (you don’t have to buy!)
- Tip: go earlier in the day to avoid the tightest crowds.
2) Imagine-style half-term fun at Southbank Centre (free activities)
Got kids (or just love playful stuff)? Southbank Centre runs half-term programming with free activities like workshops, trails, and interactive spaces. It’s an easy “few hours indoors/outdoors” plan if the weather is doing its usual London thing.
- Best for: families, low-stress plan near the river
- Make it better: pair it with a South Bank walk (Waterloo Bridge views are elite).
3) Dulwich Picture Gallery: LGBTQI+ stories + late event (free)
This is a standout cultural pick: an LGBTQI+ themed evening with a guided angle (history + art) and extra activities (think performance, workshop-style sessions, and a late-opening vibe).
- Best for: culture + conversation, something different from central London
- Good to know: check if you need to pre-book even when entry is free.
4) Six Nations on a big screen (often free entry)
Even if you’re not a rugby superfan, the atmosphere is fun. London venues screen the matches all weekend—some classic crowd picks include pubs and taprooms known for sport nights.
- Best for: groups, casual social plans, “we need a vibe” evenings
- Tip: arrive early (or book) for the big fixtures.
5) Brixton Library LGBTQ+ Zine Fair (free)
If you love indie magazines, illustration, comics, or DIY publishing, this is a brilliant (and very London) afternoon. Expect stalls, creators, and loads of browsing—without needing to spend.
- Best for: creatives, students, anyone who loves niche finds
- Budget hack: browse first, buy later only if you truly love something.
Sunday 22 Feb 2026: best free picks
1) Chinese New Year celebrations + parade route energy (free)
Sunday is a prime day for the big central celebrations, with Trafalgar Square as a key hub and parade energy running through the West End/Chinatown area. If you want “big city festival” without paying for a ticket—this is the move.
- Best for: families, visitors, central London day out
- Tip: plan your travel because central areas will be busy.
2) More Six Nations screenings (free entry at many venues)
There are also fixtures on Sunday, so you can do a daytime festival plan and still end the weekend with a match screening atmosphere.
3) A couple of “hidden London” freebies (great if you hate crowds)
- St Augustine’s Tower (Hackney) — a monthly opening where you can climb up for views (free).
- Charles Dickens Museum talk — a free literary/history-style event (check booking rules).
Free art exhibition hop (any day this weekend)
If you want a calm, grown-up itinerary: do a free gallery crawl. London’s permanent collections are famously strong, and there are also free temporary shows worth catching.
- Somerset House – free-to-enter exhibition programming (check what’s on + opening times).
- Raven Row (Spitalfields) – independent gallery option for something less “touristy”.
- Hayward Gallery’s HENI Project Space – free project-space style shows near Southbank.
Budget tips that actually work in London
- Walk between clusters: Chinatown ↔ Covent Garden ↔ Somerset House ↔ Southbank is very doable on foot.
- Use the river as your “free attraction”: pick one bridge viewpoint (Waterloo / Westminster) and make it part of your route.
- Book the “free but ticketed” stuff early: some museums/tours cost £0 but still require a slot.
(21–22 February 2026)
