Events
Make a Day of It in the Royal Docks on Saturday 12 September
As part of this year's At the Docks season, Saturday 12 September is shaping up to be another jam-packed day in the Royal Docks, with free events and activities for all ages taking place across the area.
Whether you're planning a morning by the water, an afternoon exploring or an evening under the stars, we've got you covered. Plus, make a day of it with our recommendations for other nearby attractions, places to eat and things to do while you're here.
TIMEWALK takes visitors on a journey through 12,000 years of human history
Community Outdoor Cinema: Disney's Encanto
Saturday 12 September | Royal Albert Wharf | Free
Celebrate the end of summer with a free outdoor screening of Disney’s Encanto at Royal Albert Wharf. Grab a pair of cinema headphones, settle into a deckchair and enjoy this colourful family favourite by the water. Popcorn and drinks will be available to purchase throughout the evening.
Make a day of it at Royal Albert Wharf
- Arrive early and watch the sunset over the Royal Docks before settling in for the screening
- Enjoy Indian-inspired street food at Café Spice Namasté
- Explore the dockside and discover artwork in the windows of Bow Arts Studios
- Enjoy a relaxed meal or drink at Galyons, a historic dockside pub
Participants swim through the Royal Docks during the annual Dock2Dock open water swimming event
Custom House Spectacular Fête
Saturday 12 September, 12pm to 4pm | Custom House | Free
Join the community for a free afternoon of creativity, crafts and family fun at the Custom House Spectacular Fête. Taking place across three locations along Freemasons Road, the event features handmade goods, live performance, face painting, creative workshops, discounted books, Caribbean food and more.
Make a day of it in Custom House
- Travel through 12,000 years of human history at TIMEWALK, an immersive exhibition at Immerse LDN
- Tuck into tapas, paella and other Spanish favourites at Tapa Tapa
- Shake up your weekend with a Cocktail Masterclass at the Fox Excel
A visitor explores In Between, Hélène Amouzou's free outdoor photography exhibition in Royal Victoria
Dock2Dock
Saturday 12 September | Royal Albert Dock |Free to watch
London’s iconic open water swim returns to the Royal Docks, bringing hundreds of swimmers to the water for distances ranging from 1.5km to the epic 15km challenge. Come along to cheer on participants and enjoy the event-day atmosphere.
Make a day of it at Royal Albert Dock
- Try the popular dim sum menu at Yi-Ban
- Grab a coffee and pastry at The Dockside, then relax in a deckchair overlooking Royal Albert Dock
- Take a walk along the Royal Albert Dock waterfront
Visitors enjoy coffee and refreshments at Mrs Bee Coffee in the Royal Victoria
Open House 2026: City Hall Tours
12 & 13 September | Royal Victoria | Free
Step inside City Hall as part of Open House 2026 and explore the sustainable home of the Mayor of London and London Assembly. Discover the building’s innovative design, visit the Assembly Chamber and learn more about City Hall’s role in the Royal Docks and the area’s ongoing regeneration.
Make a day of it at Royal Victoria
- Enjoy a rooftop drink with waterfront views at Good Hotel London
- Stop for lunch at Heroica Lounge, a converted double-decker bus serving sourdough pizzas
- Take in panoramic views across the Royal Docks on a round trip on the London Cable Car
- Grab a coffee, fresh juice or smoothie at Mrs Bee Coffee
Discover More
The Royal Docks has plenty of free things to see and do all year round, from public art and parks to watersports and waterfront walks.
- Explore The Line and other public artworks
- Try wakeboarding at WakeUp Docklands
- Enjoy a picnic in the area's parks and green spaces
- Discover the Royal Docks Corridor and its rain garden
- Take a stroll along the waterfront
Visit our What's On page for more events and sign up to our emails for the latest news and updates.
