May is an utterly lovely month for anyone who loves nice weather, tulips, and reacquainting themselves with pub beer gardens. But for anyone who’s trying to save money, it’s a total nightmare. There are not one but two bank holiday weekends, which means that an epic amount of carousing must be funded by a single meagre paycheck. Did we stay within a sensible budget last weekend? Did we heck. And now this weekend’s plans are paying the price.
Fortunately, there’s tons to do in London that doesn’t involve plunging headfirst into your overdraft, like a hapless spring duckling plopping into a treacherous river. Stick with us and we’ll steer you towards some cost-effective and enjoyable things to do this weekend. Grab some free grub, browse some art, dance to DJs, and have the kind of fun that money literally can’t buy. You’re welcome!
RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in London this weekend, free and not.
The best free things on in London this weekend, May 8-10 2026
Okay, we’re going to get this one out of the way first because frankly, queuing up to crunch some cereal in a Nesquik brand activation is not for everyone. But if your inner or indeed actual child is excited by the idea of eating some of Nesquik’s new strawberry-flavoured breakfast in a fully pink cafe then by all means beat a path to Covent Garden. You’ll find a pop-up café with pink walls, pink tables, and themed activities for families to enjoy. Entry is first come, first served, so show up closer to breakfast time if you want to guarantee a seat at the table (and some kitschy insta snaps, too).
6 Monmouth Street. Saturday May 9-Sunday May 10. Free.
If you haven’t yet made it to Tate Modern’s stellar, warmly-received exhibition Nigerian Modernism, then this week is your last chance. And there’s an added incentive to go along on the final day on Friday. The gallery will be open til 9pm (last entry 7.30pm) making it a cultured alternative to a post-work pub trip. Plus, from 7pm, The Corner bar is throwing a closing night bash that’ll also celebrate a special edition of NATIVE Magazine, celebrating the lives of Nigeria’s post-modernist artists. There’ll be a chance to buy yourself a copy, plus live music by Mr Manna and DJs to keep the arty party going til midnight.
Tate Modern, SE1 9TG. Friday May 8. Free.
If you’re stuck listening to whatever Spotify’s algorithm thinks you’ll like, it’s time to take the reins and surprise that robot with some unexpected new choices. This weekend, Coal Drops Yard is hosting a market that’s ideal for fans of unusual and esoteric sounds. There’ll be stalls from small labels including Because, Matador and Third Man, which of course you’ll steer clear of for budgetary reasons. But head to the live stage and you’ll find three free gigs; groovy folk by Him & Earl (2pm), atmospheric dungeon synth from Graham Reynolds Presents The Portcullis (2.30pm), and introspective experimentation from Middle Name John (3pm). Perfect for waking up your ears.
Coal Drops Yard, N1C 4AB. Saturday May 9. Free.
Guarantee yourself at least one seriously hearty meal this weekend by calling in at this pop-up from premium sausage mongers The Jolly Hog, who are setting up shop in Clapham this weekend, to celebrate their collabs with two beloved British sauces. Choose from savoury Marmite or punchy Colman’s mustard sausages at this tasty giveaway, which will serve up free samples outside the shop – plus complimentary packs available inside, while stocks last. There’ll also be the chance to meet the brothers behind the brand and pick up recipe ideas in a one-day-only event that’ll send the delicious scent of frying sausages wafting across Clapham Common.
24 The Pavement, SW4 0JA. Sunday May 10. Free.
The UK’s only specialist vintage poster market is coming to Gipsy Hill Tavern for a weekend of amazing artwork and rare finds. Specialist traders Projekt 26, CoolWalls, The Movie Poster Show, Room 12a, Grafix and Poptique will be displaying their wares, which take in everything from movie posters from Soviet-era Poland to Bauhaus prints to old educational displays on planets and mushrooms to Mexican devotional art. Pick up a print with soul to liven up your living room, or just enjoy a browse with a beer from the bar.
160 Hamilton Road, SE27 9SF. Saturday May 9-Sunday May 10. Free.
You’ve probably sent or received a file using WeTransfer at some point. But did you know this tech company also throws live events, celebrating the artists, creatives and musicians who create the stuff we ping over to each other? Held at Peckham’s Copeland Gallery, this weekend-long fest is a chance to get a peek at some of WeTransfer’s creative commissions for their arts platform WePresent.
A specially curated art exhibition called ‘On Belonging’ will show works from emerging artists around the world. There’ll also be a screening room showing short film commissions from directors including Akinola Davies Jr. and Amrou Al-Kadhi, and a library room showing works such as NOUR, a poetry book made in collaboration with the artist Mustafa, and Holy Ohio, a sold-out photography book by WePresent and acclaimed photographer Nadia Lee Cohen. Visitors can also check out panel events with artists and directors, with portfolio reviews for students, and DJs spinning throughout the weekend. Hungry? Fuel up on free brunch by Salsa Rose, ice-cream sandwiches from Happy Endings, and complimentary cocktails by Peckham Social.
133 Copeland Road, SE15 3SN. Friday May 8-Sunday May 10. Free.
Find more of the joys of spring with our guide to the best things to do in London this month.
And plan for the year ahead with Time Out’s roundup of the 26 best things to do in 2026.
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