25 fabulous free events to attend in September 2024

Though summer may be drawing to a close, the free events are still coming thick and fast. As we hang on to the milder weather, there’s still plenty going on outdoors, including seaside spectacles, food festivals and motoring shows. Plus, our member-exclusive online talks are kicking off after the summer break, meaning you can tick off one of these fantastic free events without even leaving your sofa!

Free nationwide events

Tick off historic highlights

Heritage Open Days, throughout September

Photo: Paul Harris

Every September, thousands of historic buildings and sites across the UK fling open their doors as part of the European Heritage Open Days initiative, inviting you to have a nosy around. To further deepen your connection to local history and culture, there’s also a whole host of themed activities planned, including talks, walks and workshops – most of which are free. Whether you’re in England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland, check the relevant website to see what’s happening in your area – note that you’ll need to book ahead for certain events.

Clean up our coastline

Great British Beach Clean, 20-29 September

Photo: SolStock / Getty Images

Did you know that at least eight million tonnes of plastic find their way into our oceans every year? The good news is that you can help make a difference, as the Marine Conservation Society is running hundreds of beach cleans along the British coastline – visit the website to find one near you, or even organise one yourself. Last year, their beach cleans cleared up over 100,000 pieces of litter. Can you help top this?

Free events in London & the South East

Celebrate London’s famous river

Totally Thames, London, 1-30 September

Photo: Matteo Colombo / Getty Images

The River Thames has played an irreplaceable role in London’s history, so it’s only right to celebrate it once in a while. Enter Totally Thames – a month-long arts and culture festival on and alongside the river. While some events require a paid ticket, there’s heaps of free stuff going on, from live performances and exhibitions to guided walks and workshops. Highlights include the Great River Race (21 September) and a classic boat festival at St Katharine Docks (7 & 8 September).

Immerse yourself in an underwater world

The River, London, until January 2025

Speaking of the Thames, have you ever wondered what's lurking in those murky waters? If you head to the Natural History Museum, you can submerge yourself in its watery depths – without getting wet. This unique audio installation reveals the secretive underwater world beneath the Thames' surface, inviting you to settle down and let the sounds of aquatic life wash over you.

Fall in love with a classic

Isle of Wight Classic Motor Show, Isle of Wight, 7 & 8 September

Photo: Tim Stocker Photography / Getty Images

Whether you're a vintage vehicle enthusiast or you just love a bit of nostalgia, head to Newport Quay (7 September) or Ryde Esplanade (8 September) for this classic car show. The two-day charity spectacular has been a staple of the Isle of Wight’s calendar for over 20 years and attracts hundreds of motors of all shapes and sizes from across the UK. Who knows – it might just inspire you to invest in a classic car of your own.

Unleash your inner scientist

British Science Festival, London, 11-15 September

Photo: Mongkolchon Akesin / Getty Images

Claiming to be Europe’s longest-standing science festival, this event is back with five whole days of science fun. Catering specifically for curious adults (16+), this year’s event at the University of East London is bursting with mind-bending talks and hands-on activities – and absolutely all of them are free. Highlights include an appearance from social media science sensation Big Manny, along with a panel of former Olympians diving into the world of women’s sport. Visit the website to check out everything that’s going on and secure your spot – there’s bound to be something to scratch your brain in the right places.

Rock out

Balstock, Hertfordshire, 13-15 September

Photo: Ugur Karakoc / Getty Images

You’ve heard of Woodstock, but what about Balstock? For three glorious days, the Hertfordshire town of Baldock will transform into an electrifying hub of live music as venues fling open their doors to talents from the local area and beyond. It’s the county’s biggest free music festival, with over 200 acts set to take to the stage – certainly one to mark on your gig calendar!

Become a virtual virtuoso

The Virtual Orchestra: Sibelius, London, 26-29 September

Photo: Marina Vidor

It turns out you don’t need to be a musical maestro to get a seat in a world-class symphony orchestra. Simply drop by the Royal Festival Hall and pop on a VR headset to be whisked away to a player’s-eye view of a Philharmonia Orchestra concert in full swing. Whether you’re in among the strings, horns or woodwind, it’s all too easy to forget the 2,500-strong audience aren’t really there!

Free events in the South West & Wales

Indulge yourself

South Glos Food & Drink Festival, 7 & 8 September

Photo: Iuliia Bondar / Getty Images

Held on the lawns of the Bristol & Bath Science Park, this food festival promises a real feast for the senses, from the region’s very best treats and tipples to a toe-tapping lineup of entertainment. It’s free to enter, though you’ll have a hard time keeping your wallet in your pocket! Don’t forget to register for your time slot here.

Party by the seaside

St Ives September Festival, 14-28 September

This vibrant 15-day festival is bursting with live theatre, art and music – and while most events are ticketed, there’s plenty of complimentary stuff worth checking out. Some of the free highlights include live jazz nights, street entertainment and marathon music sessions, as well as open studios where you can watch St Ives’ artists at work. The seaside views aren’t bad, either.

Walk on the wild side

Walk with a Warden, Llanelli, 21 September

Photo: Ashley Cooper / Getty Images

The team at WWT Llanelli run an expert-guided walk around their wetland reserve every month, helping you to spot the season’s highlights. This walk journeys into the weird and wonderful world of fungi, as well as the berries and fruits that’ll help wildlife through the winter ahead. The full walk will last around 90 minutes, but you’re welcome to dip in and out whenever you like.

The many benefits of Boundless membership include unlimited entry to all nine WWT centres throughout the UK. Find out more about Boundless membership and how to join.

Discover Bournemouth’s arty side / cultural feast

Arts by the Sea Festival, Bournemouth, 27-29 September

Photo: Finnbarr Webster / Getty Images

Over an exhilarating three days, Bournemouth will set the stage for a seaside extravaganza of music, dance, street theatre, light installations and much more. This year’s theme invites you to explore and perhaps even change your taste in art. The weekend of artistry ranges from large-scale installations to intimate spoken word performances, and includes four illuminated works. Which will be to your taste?

Free events in the Midlands & East

See out the summer

Fridays at Camphill, Suffolk, 13 September

The teams at Flint Vineyard and Ampersand Brew Co have been running a Friday night celebration every month of the summer, and you’re invited for one last hurrah. You’ll have to pay for your wines, craft beers and street food, but the vineyard views, live tunes and fantastic atmosphere won’t cost you a penny. These nights have become somewhat of a local legend, so why not see what all the fuss is about for yourself?

Rev your engines

Hinckley Classic Motor Show, Leicestershire, 15 September

Photo: MariuszBlach / Getty Images

One of the biggest town centre motor shows in the country, Hinckley’s 13th annual classic car event will feature live bands, family entertainment and food stalls alongside hundreds of heritage vehicles. Last year, over 800 proud owners took part – it’s free to exhibit, if you’d like to join them!

Discover how design shapes our lives

Think Human, Derby, 27 September–22 December 

Photo: Rolls-Royce Archive / Getty Images

We interact with objects every day, from the tables we sit at to the cars we drive and the computers we use at work – but we often take them for granted. This new exhibition at the Museum of Making will show how clever design enriches our world, be it by helping Britain win Olympic gold medals, navigating railway stations or delivering the latest cancer treatments.

Free events in the North of England

Treat your tastebuds

York Food Festival, York, 20-29 September

Photo: York Food Festival

Perhaps the most delicious ten days in York’s calendar, the city’s culinary extravaganza boasts an extensive menu of market stalls, chef demonstrations and even free cookery workshops. There will also be a whole host of fringe events run by hotels, restaurants and retailers across the city, so be sure to check those out, too. You’ll be spoilt for choice!

Light up the night

Kendal Torchlight Gathering, Kendal, 28 September

Photo: Dennis Barnes / Getty Images

Kendal’s beloved torchlight procession has been lighting up this Cumbrian town since 1970. But there’s so much more to it than the night-time parade, with lively music and entertainment brightening up the streets by day.

Cheer on the river race

Dragon Boat Race, Newcastle, 28 September

Photo: angga / Getty Images

Every year, daring teams paddle their dragon-themed boats down a stretch of the River Tyne, going head-to-head in this exhilarating race. You can watch all the action unfold from the shore, where there’ll be plenty of entertainment and activities to fuel the festivities.

Free events in Scotland & Northern Ireland

Feast on food with a view

Loch Lomond Food & Drink Festival, Balloch, 7 & 8 September

Photo: Loch Lomond Shores

The stunning shores of Loch Lomond are worth a visit at any time of year, but foodies may wish to coincide their visit with this two-day festival. Alongside an impressive array of market stalls and cookery demos from top chefs, there’ll be a generous helping of family entertainment.

Reach for the skies

NI International Airshow, Portrush, 7 & 8 September

Photo: Neil Houston / 500px / Getty Images

Aviation fans across Northern Ireland are in for a real treat, as the annual NI International Airshow takes to the skies. Head to the picturesque coast between Portrush and Portstewart, where you'll be able to watch a stream of legendary aircraft soar overhead. Don’t forget your binoculars…

Tour an iconic landmark

Guided tour of Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh, 17 September

Photo: Andy Buchanan / Getty Images

One perk of Boundless membership is that you can join our local groups for all kinds of exciting events and days out. For example, the Edinburgh and Lothian Group is running a guided tour of Murrayfield Stadium – not only a fantastic chance to explore one of the UK’s biggest stadiums, but also to connect with fellow Boundless members in the area. All Boundless members are welcome, you don’t have to live locally. 

Interested in this event but not yet a Boundless member? Boundless membership includes free entry to top attractions and exclusive events, as well as year-round savings. Find out more about Boundless membership and how to join.

Free online events

Get the lowdown on the latest cars

The Top 5 New Cars to Buy in 2024, 10 September

Are you thinking of getting a new set of wheels? We know the choice can be overwhelming – but fear not, as we’re enlisting the expertise of Paul Horrell, BBC Top Gear magazine writer and Boundless car reviewer. In this online member-exclusive event, Paul will steer you through the very best cars on the market. Whether you’re after a family car or something sporty, petrol or electric, new or used, Paul will have you covered.

Interested in this talk but not yet a Boundless member? Boundless membership includes free entry to top attractions and exclusive events, as well as year-round savings. Find out more about Boundless membership and how to join.

Delve into democracy

2024: Democracy’s Biggest Year Yet, 17 September

This year is shaping up to be the biggest electoral year in history, with over four billion people expected to head to the polls – but only half of them will do so in fair elections. In this online talk – an exclusive for Boundless members – Professor Ben Ansell will delve into this pivotal political year and the current state of global democracies. Why are so many people dissatisfied, and can democracies tackle our most pressing challenges, from political polarisation to climate change?

Interested in this talk but not yet a Boundless member? Boundless membership includes free entry to top attractions and exclusive events, as well as year-round savings. Find out more about Boundless membership and how to join.

Explore the world of Interrailing

Europe By Train, 1972-1997: The Experiences of Young British Interrailers, 18 September

Photo: Monty Rakusen / Getty Images

For over 50 years, the Interrail scheme has allowed millions to explore Europe at a relatively affordable cost – perhaps you’re one of them. With the first Interrailers entering their 70s, public historian and researcher Ian Lacey has been diving into this travelling phenomenon, interviewing dozens of these pioneering adventurers. In this talk – which you can attend online or in person – Lacey unravels Interrailing’s past, its rise and fall in popularity, and its place in British youth culture.

Hear the tale of an unsung hero

The Untold Story of Emily Anderson, The Queen of Codes, 24 September

By 1945, three-quarters of the staff at Bletchley Park – the home of World War Two’s codebreakers – were women. Despite their irreplaceable role in winning the war, these heroines remain largely unknown. In this member-exclusive online event, author Jackie Uí Chonna will explore the untold – yet fascinating – story of codebreaker Emily Anderson. What’s more, we’ll be giving away five copies of Jackie’s book on the night.

Interested in this talk but not yet a Boundless member? Boundless membership includes free entry to top attractions and exclusive events, as well as year-round savings. Find out more about Boundless membership and how to join.

Do more with Boundless

If you're working in or retired from the public sector or civil service, Boundless has two great membership options to choose from: Boundless and Boundless Plus.

With Boundless, you get unlimited access or discounted entry to many of the UK’s top attractions including Kew Gardens and Wakehurst and WWT centres across the UK, as well as year-round deals on restaurants, holidays, shopping and much more. With Boundless Plus, you can enjoy additional benefits, including unlimited access to Historic Royal Palaces sites, National Trust for Scotland places, access to the Ramblers' extensive group walks and routes, and peace of mind with roadside assistance and local recovery by LV= Britannia Rescue.

Main photo: Chris Lacey / Heritage Open Days