Totally Thames Festival returns from 1–30 September 2026, filling the River Thames and its riverside neighbourhoods with a month of art, performance, heritage, environmental events, walks and family activities. The programme stretches along the river, so this guide picks out some of the most useful and interesting events to help you decide what to see.
This is a current 2026 planning guide. Events can sell out or change, so check the official Totally Thames programme before travelling.
Totally Thames Festival 2026 at a Glance
- Dates: 1–30 September 2026
- Where: venues and riverside locations along the Thames across London
- What: visual art, live performance, river events, heritage, walks, talks, environmental activities and family events
- Cost: a mixture of free and ticketed events
Totally Thames began in its current month-long form in 2014, developing from the former two-day Thames Festival. The programme celebrates the river through arts, culture, heritage, education and environmental activity.
Free & Family-Friendly Highlights
Tidefest 2026
Sunday 6 September, 6am–6pm | Strand-on-the-Green, Chiswick | Free
Tidefest is a free family-friendly community festival celebrating the tidal Thames. Activities include kayaking, paddleboarding, river dipping, guided foreshore walks, children’s dance and games, plus London’s largest fishing competition. Some individual activities may be ticketed even though the festival itself is free.
Kids’ Choir 2026
Saturday 19 September, 1:15pm–2pm | West Steps of St Paul’s Cathedral | Free
More than 300 children from across London are due to perform together in this open-air concert. No ticket is required according to the festival listing.
Ganga Aarti on the Thames
Sunday 13 September, 4pm–8pm | Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich | Free ticketed event – currently sold out
This riverside family celebration brings together food, music, live entertainment and Indian cultural traditions, culminating in a Ganga Aarti ceremony of light. Although the event is free, the official festival listing currently marks it as sold out, so don’t travel expecting admission without checking for any ticket updates first.
Art & Photography Along the Thames
Turning the Tide
17–20 September, 8pm–10:30pm | Blackfriars Railway Bridge columns | Free
Turner Prize-nominated artist Catherine Yass has created a major site-specific film installation with disabled-led theatre company Graeae and twelve members of its Young Company. Disabled young performers will be projected onto the disused Blackfriars Railway Bridge columns over four evenings.
There will be stewards, volunteers and access support workers on the bridge. The festival says more detailed viewing-area, access-route and easy-access information will be published in early September.
Turning the Tide Exhibition
2–30 September | Peter’s Hill, City of London | Free
A companion riverside exhibition features photographs by Becky Bailey documenting creative workshops led by Catherine Yass. The wider project involved Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent children, young people and adults, including participants from Graeae Young Company and the Royal Society for Blind Children.
Thames Lens: Celebrating London’s River
2–26 September | Bazalgette Embankment | Free
This outdoor photography exhibition brings together selected work from the Thames Lens photography competition alongside images celebrating 30 years of the Thames Path and portraits of people involved in building London’s super sewer.
Heritage & River Highlights
The Great River Race
Saturday 12 September, approximately 10:15am–2:15pm | Free to watch
Almost 300 crews are expected to race 21.6 miles from Millwall Slip to Ham Lands in Richmond in London’s large river marathon. Spectators can watch from points along the course, with food and entertainment planned at the Richmond finish.
St Katharine Docks Classic Boat Festival
12–13 September, 10:30am–5pm daily | St Katharine Docks | Free
Fifty restored historic vessels are expected, including Thames sailing barges, Dunkirk Little Ships and steam tugs, alongside music, talks and family activity. The official docks listing confirms free entry.
Something Different: Where the River Holds Us
27–28 September | Two Temple Place, Westminster | Ticketed
Helen Epega’s Where the River Holds Us is a multisensory, site-responsive opera exploring water, memory, climate and belonging. The production combines music, storytelling, participation and accessible creative technologies. Tickets are listed at £20 general admission, £25 supporter and £12 concession.
Accessibility
Accessibility varies because Totally Thames takes place across many different venues and outdoor spaces. Check the individual event listing before travelling. Turning the Tide is particularly notable for centring Deaf and disabled performers and includes access support workers at the installation; the festival says further access information and an easy-access guide will follow in early September.
For outdoor and riverside events, consider step-free routes, seating, toilets, weather conditions and the accessibility of the river path as part of your planning.
Planning Your Totally Thames Visit
The programme runs for the whole of September rather than being concentrated into a single weekend. It is worth grouping events geographically and checking the festival programme shortly before travelling, particularly for free ticketed events which can still sell out.
Explore the Thames by Boat
Because the festival follows the river, travelling by boat can become part of the day out. Uber Boat by Thames Clippers serves 24 London piers, although routes, fares and individual pier accessibility should be checked before travelling. For a sightseeing experience rather than simple transport, read our personal Terrible Thames Boat Tour review, which combines a Thames cruise with Horrible Histories storytelling.
More London Days Out on Clarissa’s Corner
Totally Thames crosses several areas already covered on Clarissa’s Corner. Pair the Greenwich events with our Greenwich Family Events & Free Days Out guide, or continue exploring the river with our personal Terrible Thames Boat Tour review. You can also browse the wider Travel & Days Out hub.
FAQ
When is Totally Thames Festival 2026?
The 2026 festival runs from Tuesday 1 September to Wednesday 30 September.
Is Totally Thames free?
Many events are free, but others are ticketed or charge for particular activities. Some free events also require advance tickets.
Is Totally Thames suitable for children?
Yes, parts of the programme are designed for families and children, including Tidefest and Kids’ Choir. Check individual event age guidance and booking requirements.
Where does Totally Thames take place?
Events take place along the River Thames at locations across London rather than at one festival site.
Official information and programme: Thames Festival Trust – Totally Thames Festival 2026. Information rechecked 1 September 2026.
