What's On And Fun Things To Do In South London

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By Lauren Cole Lead Editor, DesignMyNight Our Lead Editor, Lauren, has written about the UK's best restaurants, bars and experiences on DesignMyNight since 2021. Bylines in What's On Media Group. Last updated on 5th August 2026

Veer a little South of the river in London and you'll find smashing suburbias, bustling parks, a population of well over a million and some of the best events in the business. But what to do, and where to ruddy do it? From titillating burlesque nights and proud, pubbing experiences, to party shenanigans and clubbing events, it's easy to found out what's on in South London, because we're here to help you. Check out our recommendations for the best events in South London. 

Looking for more events? Check out what's on in London.




It's Comedy

Whether you're in Camberwell, East Dulwich or Elephant and Castle, you can count on It's Comedy for a hilarious night out. These stand-up shows feature a different lineup of performers every time, some of whom have been on TV and radio.

Expect to see a mix of up-and-coming and more well-established comedians, and secure your spot for free. You can also reserve a seat from £3, and there's an option to pay what you feel at the end.

Old Skool Bingo - London

For those who love a dedicated theme night, Old Skool Bingo is a masterclass in retro entertainment. The entire evening is designed to transport you straight back to the golden era of old-school R&B club classics and pop hits.

Led by an MC host, the night completely reinvents the standard game with dance-offs, ridiculous crowd challenges, and prizes that lean completely into the throwback theme. Dust off your favourite vintage streetwear and get ready to sing your heart out.

The Kino Show

Step into a cinematic spectacle of glamour, scandal and stardom right here in South London. As you journey through cabaret, burlesque, vaudeville and Hollywood musical performances, there'll be plenty of feathers and sequins along the way.

As well as celebrating the likes of Josephine Baker, Marilyn Monroe and Rita Hayworth, this epic show serves up the biggest tunes from the likes of Cabaret, Chicago, The Last Showgirl and Moulin Rouge, among others. Grab your tickets to this epic evening of entertainment from just £17.60.

Sip & Scrawl Creative Writing Experience in Southbank

@ The Understudy on Monday 17th and Monday 31st August 2026

If you want to develop your writing skills while having a good laugh, check out the Sip & Scrawl Creative Writing Experience at Hiver Taproom in Bermondsey. You'll get to mix with likeminded individuals, in a two-hour guided session designed to inspire you.

This is led by comedian and writing coach Mike Sheer, who has 20 years of professional experience. He'll take you through fun games and writing prompts, and your ticket also includes both a free drink on arrival and a PDF guide to use in future.

Live Band Karaoke - Clapham

@ Bread and Roses on Friday 25th September 2026 and 3 other Fridays

Ever wanted to front a band? Head down to Clapham's Bread and Roses and you can live your rockstar dreams.

There's no cheesy backing track here. This is the full Live Band Karaoke experience. With over 400 pop classics and rock anthems to choose from, you can channel your best Mariah, Freddy or Madonna right through to midnight.

DWTN

Searching for fun events in London? For something quirky, check out DWTN's epic lineup of artistic affairs and brunches. Enjoy sipping on drinks at the bar, listening to tune while you paint and channeling your inner artist all afternoon.

Late Brunch

@ Basecamp Lounge & Restaurant on Every Saturday

Treat yourself to a Late Brunch like no other at Basecamp. Expect flavour-packed Nepalese and Indian flavours, from steamed momos and spiced grills to rich curries and freshly baked naan. 

As DJs provide the soundtrack to your afternoon, you'll sip your way through 90 minutes of free-flowing wines, spirits and handcrafted cocktails. Grab your tickets to indulge from just £11.

Brandon's Barn Dance: Line Dancing in London

@ Big Belly Bar & Comedy Club London on Every Sunday

Make your way to Bubba Oasis in Clapham for an afternoon to remember, thanks to Brandon's Barn Dance. Taking place every single Sunday, this fun-filled event will teach you a number of easy-to-learn line dances, all led by the talented Brandon Burke.

Two-step your way around the room, with tickets starting from only £15 per person to the two-hour event. Plus, you can even add on a bottomless brunch to kick off the session.

Wine Tasting Flight

@ Aspen and Meursault on Fri, 19th Jan 2024 - Fri, 19th Mar 2027

Battersea wine spot Aspen And Meursault is the ideal place to get your fix of all things vino, especially when you go for their wine tasting flight. You'll get to try eight kinds while guided by the sommelier - plus these are paired with four courses of small plates too, all for a starting price of £75 per person. Over in Elephant & Castle, you'll find the same deal at sister bar Diogenes The Dog.

CAMPFRUIT

Hosting their events at The Bedford in Balham, CAMPFRUIT is a brilliant night out that promises debaucherous drag fun. Resident queen Matron hosts these sessions, promising a lineup of talented performers every time.

Expect cabaret, comedy, singing and more, complete with fabulous looks. These shows take place on a monthly basis, with tickets starting from just £12.50 per person.

Northern Soul at the Rivoli Ballroom

South London comes alive with Northern Soul nights at the Rivoli Ballroom, where live DJ sets bring the golden era of soul to the city.

With resident DJ Mr Max joined by special guests Ian Levine and Val Palmer, you'll hear everything from classic hits to rare tracks, all spinning on original vinyl. The ballroom's sprung maple floor, quirky vintage décor, and buzzing atmosphere make it one of the most exciting events happening in South London this season. Tickets start at just £13.20; it's the perfect night out for music lovers.

Forbidden Nights - Male Strip Show London

@ Forbidden Nights London on Saturday 15th August 2026 and 54 other Saturdays

Forbidden Nights brings London's hottest male variety show to the majestic surroundings of Infernos. Perfect for hen parties or a lively girls night out, this is an event guaranteed to get you a little hot under the collar, as a stellar line-up of performers (including a Channing Tatum lookalike and an X-Factor finalist) put on a sexy yet fun show without the need for nudity.

A Wee Pop-up ceilidh at Small Beer

@ Small Beer on Friday 7th August 2026 and 9 other Fridays

Taking place in the South Bermondsey area at Small Beer Brewery, Fiddle Paradiddle's Pop-Up Ceilidh is coming in hot with a seriously fun evening of music and dancing. While listening to a nu-folk band, you can hit the dancefloor and get stuck into some whisky drinks, alongside freshly brewed beer and snacks. Not in the area? Check out their Balham event instead.

Live Band Karaoke - Peckham

@ The Ivy House on Friday 4th September 2026 and 4 other Fridays

At Live Band Karaoke at The Ivy House, Peckham, you are the headliner. With over 400 certified bangers to choose from, the stage is set to unleash your inner rockstar or pop diva. 

The band are behind you, the lyrics are on screen and the crowd is ready and waiting - all you need to add is your incredible voice. Grab your tickets to join the party from just £8.80.

The Alexandra

You'll find The Alexandra close to Clapham Common, boasting a 150-year track record of great pints and entertainment. This cosy neighbourhood pub is filled with comfy sofas and wooden furniture, and they've got multiple HD screens and projectors showing live sport.

They've also got The Darts Club on-site, a quirky darts experience that offers all sorts of fun minigames. You can book their interactive boards in advance, and play while sipping craft beer or cocktails and munching on tasty pizzas.

Live Band Karaoke

Get ready to tear up the stage as Live Band Karaoke returns to Peckham this season. Head over to Audio or The Ivy House for the chance to show off your rock star prowess with help from a full backing band.

The Clapham Grand

The Clapham Grand is a well-known music venue that's been popular in the area since 1900, but did you know they host all kinds of weird and whacky events? Their huge screen often shows classic films such as Bridesmaids or High School Musical, complete with plenty of booze and tasty treats like hotdogs, nachos or popcorn. You can expect sing-alongs, dance competitions and prizes for the best costume too, with tickets starting from just £10 per person.

Instant Laughs Comedy Club

Need plans? Now you got 'em with Instant Laughs Comedy Club. Enjoy heading to multiple locations to watch some of the best and up and coming comedians present their finest stand up. If you thought this couldn't get any better, they also have tickets from £1 too. 

Little Nan's

Situated in Deptford, Little Nan's is a great shout for bottomless brunches. Check out its lineup where you can get stuck into scrumptious disco fries, free-flowing booze or a tipsy afternoon tea. These quirky events are fab for something a little different in the city.

Bottomless Brunch at The Ferndale

@ The Ferndale on Every Saturday

One of Brixton's favourite boozers is serving up bottomless brunch, great music and unbeatable vibes every Saturday. Get over to The Ferndale to tuck into a choice of delicious dishes, from pizza and burgers to chicken schnitzel and avo on toast. 

To wash it all down, there's 90 minutes of free-flowing prosecco, Amstel, espresso martinis and chilli margaritas. All this is yours for just £38.50.

Mino Pottery Painting & Cafe

A pottery painting café in Herne Hill, Mino Pottery is the perfect place to unleash your creative juices. Under the expert eye of its talented staff, you can make your very own masterpiece to take home.

There's plenty to keep you refreshed along the way, from tea, coffee and cake to toasties, sharing platters, wines and cocktails. Studio fees start from just £7.95 with stoneware charged separately starting from £14.

Retro Gaming x Silent Disco

@ Secret London Hotel on Saturday 29th August 2026

Retro Gaming x Silent Disco is brought to you by REZtron, taking place at the gorgeous Bromley Court Hotel this November. Dance the night away to throwback tunes from the 80s and 90s, blasted through your headphones across three channels. There'll also be nostalgic games to play on the big screen, ranging from Pac-Man to Time Crisis and Street Fighter II. That's not all though, as you can also expect karaoke and fun competitions - and you might even win an original Mega Drive and Sonic game to take home.

Lucky Voice Waterloo

Happy Hour and 7 other offers

Situated underneath platforms 20 to 24 of Waterloo station, Lucky Voice is a cool karaoke bar with more than 12,000 songs to choose from. Hire out one of their eight private booths for neon signs and state-of-the-art sound systems, all while munching tasty pizzas and sipping on themed cocktails like the Watermelon Sugar or a Purple Rain. And to top it all off? They offer a brilliant bottomless brunch on Saturdays too.

THE BALHAM MUSIC AND BEER FESTIVAL 2026

@ The Bedford on Sun, 20th Sep 2026 @ 12:00 - 20:00

Make room in your Sunday for The Balham Music and Beer Festival, returning to The Bedford with a celebration of brilliant brewing and emerging artists. For £12, you'll get access to 50 beers and ciders, seven live bands and meet-and-greets with representatives from some of the industry's best-loved names.

Running from midday until 8pm, the event also promises an all-day food menu, plenty of non-beer options and a £1 raffle featuring prizes worth over £150.

Vagabond Urban Winery

A cool spot for food and drinks in Canada Water, Vagabond Urban Winery can be found within a  6,000 sq ft Dock Shed space. This has all sorts of unique features, including a concrete-egg fermenter and a pioneering solera system, used to ferment right in front of your eyes.

There are more than 100 self-pour wine machines, so you can get your glass with just the tap of a card. There are small plates and sharing platters if you're hungry, ranging from truffle arancini to charcuterie boards and pil pil prawns.

Mercato Metropolitano Events

Mercato Metropolitano Elephant & Castle remains a mainstay of South London. While best-known for street food, it's also playing host to a range of fun events for you to get involved in, all while soaking up the buzzing atmosphere and having plenty to eat and drink besides. 

Think wholesome craft classes, puppy yoga, live sports screenings, cookery schools and more, which really means there's something for everyone.

Reggae at the Rivoli

Reggae at the Rivoli is a fantastic monthly event where you can let loose to all the best reggae, ska, rocksteady and 80s or 90s classics all night long. This Crofton Park venue will be hosting DJs playing all these tracks on vinyl, from Frankie Paul to Bob Marley and Sanchez, all for just £12 per person.

Biscuiteers: Various Sites

Biscuiteers is one of the best places for a day out on Northcote Road, offering a range of unique experiences that will help you to get a little creative in a welcoming setting. Join them in their gorgeous icing café for the chance to decorate themed biscuits, make icing flowers and create quirky gifts. 

Good Ship Comedy

For a good ol' laugh, look no further than Good Ship Comedy, London's friendliest stand-up comedy club sprinkled all over town, from the Swimmer to The Birds and the South London Theatre. Head down to enjoy acts from top headliners across the UK and worldwide, plus award-winning new talent like Romesh Ranganathan, Sara Pascoe, Jack Whitehall, Nish Kumar and much more, all hosted by resident entertainer Ben Van der Velde.

ArtistAnd

ArtistAnd are hosting a bunch of beginner art classes in South London. Whether you fancy a full-blown workshop with expert guidance or a fun-filled drink and draw bonanza, you'll get to develop your skills and meet some great people while you're at it.

Party n Paint

Over at Boxpark Croydon, Party N Paint is combining art and booze for a quirky evening out. You'll be given all the materials you'll need plus artistic direction, as well as prosecco and vodka and a soundtrack of 90s bangers.

Bendy Candle Making Workshop

With three monthly sessions running across London, in Dalston, Pimlico and Vauxhall, the Bendy Candle Making Workshop gives you plenty of opportunity to get creative. For just £41.80, you'll get everything you need to dip, bend, sculpt and handpaint your very own set of dinner candles, including a bag to carry them home. 

How they look at the end of your session is completely up to you. Choose your colourways, play around with styles and head home with a new centrepiece for the kitchen table. 

Something Good Workshops

Looking for something a little different in South London? Something Good Workshops is hosting a range of creative classes, offering a unique and hands-on way to spend your time.

Whether you're embellishing your own shrine, joining a Friday Craft Social, or diving into a painting session, there's something for everyone. With a relaxed vibe, expert-led instruction, and plenty of fun to be had, these workshops are the perfect excuse to get crafty and try something new.

Immersive Gamebox

South Bank's Immersive Gamebox is the place to go for fun activities with a group, whether that's your best pals or for an office party. Choose between taking tests set by aliens, blasting off into space or being part of your own Squid Game, completing your adventures in a private, interactive room.

Brixton Jamm

A long-standing fixture in South London's party scene, Brixton Jamm is always up to something. Its courtyard and epic club room regularly play host to themed nights, live music and top class DJ sets.

If you're here for live music, you're in luck. With a cutting-edge lighting rig and the first Martin Audio MLA Compact speaker system to be installed into a UK venue, this place takes its sound incredibly seriously.

Archer Street Bars

Archer Street SW11 is the host of all your South London happenings from this fun bar group, found just moments from Clapham Junction. Expect two different bottomless brunches, with musical drag and back to the 90s themes, featuring three hours of live entertainment alongside unlimited prosecco, beer and pizza for 90 minutes.

Laoxa’s Creative Ground

If you've ever wanted to be let loose with a tufting gun, now's your chance. Laoxa's Creative Ground founder, Lucy, is on hand to get you through the rug making process, from design to finishing.

It doesn't matter whether you kinda know what you're doing or haven't got a clue, you'll get all the tools, materials and guidance you need to make something special. Tickets to this wonderful artsy crafty workshop start from just £150. Laoxa's Creative Ground also hosts an array of other events, featuring food markets and more. 

Fengzhen Supper Club

After things to do in South-East London this weekend? This Fengzhen Supper Club is just the thing, which sees Chinese chef Jay whip up ten courses of authentic food for you to try from his home country and across South-East Asia. Not only that, but there's a welcome drink and a BYOB policy too.

The Exhibit

Seeking top-notch things to do in South London in 2024? The Exhibit has got you sorted. Head inside this Balham venue, where you'll be able to get involved with a range of events, including quiz nights, bottomless bingo brunches, life drawing classes and more.

FABAL Beerhall

Make your way to Fabal Beerhall along the Bermondsey Beer Mile to discover all sorts of brilliant events throughout the year, ranging from live music to their sell-out Thursday Night Pub Quiz & Karaoke sessions.

You can also pre-book drinks and secure a table, and you can enjoy delicious Fabal lager, wine or cocktails while you're here.

Brixton Jamm

One of the best summer events in London, The Brixton Courtyard is back for round two of its sunshine-ready antics. Head down to Jamm where you'll find their outdoor area transformed into a sprawling open-air haven complete with bars, food and live DJs.

Cocktails & Two-Course Dinner in Battersea Power Station

@ Control Room B on Various dates from Thursday 6th August 2026

For a fun foodie experience, head to Battersea Power Station, where they're hosting a new drink and dine event. You'll kick off at the stylish Control Room B for a pre-meal drink, among the gorgeous interiors of this restored control room.

After an Aperol spritz or beer, you'll get to tuck into everything from burrata with broad beans to nduja arancini or carbonara at Noci. This two-course meal is accompanied by a cocktail or house-made focaccia, before you head back for a final drink at Control Room B.

The Big Bakes

Discounts available on certain events

Looking to test out those culinary chops? The Big Bakes are hosting several events in London where you'll get to put those baking skills to test. You'll get instructions, tools and tonnes of tips to create your sweet treats.

Boom Battle Bar Wandsworth

Wandsworth's adult playground Boom Battle Bar is the ultimate weekend hangout for competitive friend groups. Play anything from shuffleboard, to beer pong, crazy golf and AR darts in between trips to the bar for cocktails and shots. Drinks include tropical concoctions like the Boom Punch, best paired with something from the affordable street food menu – where you can get a whole pizza for just £9. 

Supper Club. Four courses, live music, riverside dining and good company.

@ The William Morris Pub on Thursday 6th August 2026

Food lovers looking for a unique seasonal dining experience should clear their diaries for CHOOKY's supper club. The event embraces those holiday feelings, making you feel like you're dining out in the sun through their summer flavours.

The culinary heart of the evening is a four-course menu that's designed to be shared, featuring seasonal ingredients. Tickets cost £45, including all your food, and the pub is located not far from Tooting. 

Quiz Night

@ Bird House Brewery on Every Tuesday

Looking to test your general knowledge in a fun, laid-back setting? Then check out Bird House Brewery in Herne Hill, where they host a brilliant quiz night every single Tuesday, kicking off at 7pm.

This is hosted by MCs and comedians, promising added entertainment as you answer questions on all kinds of subjects. Plus, there are delicious pizzas and drinks available throughout.