🦊 Things to do in North London June 20th - 26th

Hey Neighbour,

In the words of Nelly, it's getting hot in here, but please keep your clothes on! Seriously though, as much as I encourage you to get out there and make new memories, there's nothing wrong with doing nothing. In fact, this week I'd even say just go to a lovely park with a blanket, sunscreen, and a drink (with or without company or kids) and enjoy the nothingness.

Weather's looking glorious over the next few days (for once!). Sometimes the best thing is to just enjoy the simple things in life.

Anyways, lets get into it.

— Maryam

East Finchley Festival | 📍Cherry Tree Wood | This Sunday 22 June, 12 to 6pm | Free

East Finchley Festival has been a local favourite since the 70s, and it still feels like one of the few community events that actually gets it right. Free entry, live music, local stalls, and great food. If you see me, come say hi.

Highgate Festival | 📍Various venues | Starts this Saturday 21st to 29 June | Free & ticketed

The Highgate Festival is back for its 8th year, celebrating the area’s creativity, culture and charm.

Here’s what’s on:

🕺 Sat 21 — Dance and music in Pond Square with Vikas, Bob and the Wing-it Singers (from 4pm)

🌼Coming up:
🎶 Fri 27 — The Archway Lightnin’ Mountain Boys perform in Pond Square
🎉 Sat 28 — Jacksons Lane’s 50th birthday bash with events throughout the day
🎭 All week — Music and art shows at The Red Hedgehog
🖼️ Exhibitions — Including a menopause art show at BOTH Gallery and a George Eliot tribute at the cemetery

I know, I know - usually I'm encouraging you to leave your house, but if you insist on staying at home I highly recommend you watch Grenfell: Uncovered on Netflix, out tomorrow (June 20th).

This isn't just another documentary rehashing what happened (although that's important). No, this is about hearing the survivors' stories and the warnings that got ignored leading up to it.

I know the viewing won't be easy, but these voices deserved to be heard and honestly should have been heard years ago.

Your guide to what’s happening in and out of North London this week. Events marked with (£) require a ticket in advance.

Summer Solstice Pop-Up | 📍Camden Open Air Gallery | Fri 20 to Sun 23 June | Free

Upcycled fashion takes over Camden this weekend. Shop exclusive pieces, meet the designers, get your clothes reworked live (Saturday) or learn to knit a bag from old tees (Sunday workshop, tickets required).

Mad Song + Jonathan Eyers | 📍St John the Baptist Church, Barnet | 8–9.30pm | (£)

Part of the High Barnet Chamber Music Festival, this concert brings modern classical music to life. Baritone Jonathan Eyers joins the Mad Song ensemble for a performance of Eight Songs for a Mad King by Peter Maxwell Davies, alongside works by Berio, Benjamin, Lolavar, and Palmer.

Taste of London | 📍Regent’s Park, Outer Circle | Weds 18th -  Sun 22 June | (£)
Taste takes over Regent’s Park for five days every summer, but the weekend is when it really pops off. ⚠️ Ticket update: Saturday daytime is 95% sold out, Sunday’s at 80%, and Friday evening’s not far behind.

Barnet Physic Well | 📍31 Wood Street, Barnet | 2pm-4pm | Free

Step into a piece of hidden Barnet history at this 17th-century underground well chamber that once drew Samuel Pepys and other seekers of therapeutic mineral waters. Lovingly restored in 2018 with Tudor-style touches, this atmospheric space opens monthly thanks to Barnet Museum volunteers. Just mind the steep stone steps down to this intimate slice of local heritage that most people don't even know exists.

Hampstead Summer Festival | 📍Keats House & Heath Street | 22 June – 6 July | Free & ticketed

Two weeks of art, theatre, garden parties and one big street fair to close it out.

🖼 Art Fair – Sun 22 June, 12–5pm
Start with paintings, sculptures, kids' art, a wine bar and food stalls, all in Keats House Garden.

🎭 Vanity Fair (Open-Air Theatre) – 26, 27 June & 5 July
Catch a family-friendly outdoor performance of Vanity Fair. Bring a picnic or grab something on site.

🧚‍♀️ Family Garden Party – Sun 29 June, 2–5pm
Face painting, rhyme-time, mystical fairies, birds of prey, tea and cake.

🎉 Big Fair Day – Sun 6 July, 12–5pm
Heath Street shuts down for 100+ stalls, live music, circus school, and street food.

Community Gardening in Islington | 📍Market Road Gardens | 10am to 1pm | Free

If you’re free Tuesday morning and want to get outdoors, this weekly gardening session in Market Road Gardens looks like a lovely way to unwind. No experience needed. They’ll provide gloves, tools, and even refreshments. Just head to the Rose Bowl area and join the group. Under 16s can come too (as long as they’re with a parent or guardian)

London Clown Festival | 📍Jacksons Lane | Tues 24 and Wed 25 June | (£)

The London Clown Festival isn't what you think. No circus gimmicks or creepy makeup. This is bold, weird, physical comedy from some of the best modern clowns around. Tuesday 24 June: The Establishment bring satirical silliness in sharp suits (15+). Wednesday 25 June: Red Bastard returns with his infamous audience takedowns and bouffon mayhem (18+).

Rainbow Streets: Then and Next Exhibition | 📍Union Chapel | 1:00–2:00pm | Free

This community exhibition showcases artwork co-created by local students, inspired by LGBTQIA+ people, movements, and organisations past and present. Expect a vibrant display suspended from the Upper Hall ceiling, accompanied by a public-curated playlist of iconic LGBTQIA+ musical artists.

North London Audio Tour | 📍Starts at Alexandra Park | Various dates| (£)

This self-guided audio tour starts in Alexandra Park and wanders through North London’s lesser-known gems like forgotten railway stations, leafy backstreets, and views that’ll stop you mid-step. No schedules, no crowds, just pop your headphones in and let the stories guide you. You’ll cover 12 stops in just over an hour, but you can pause, rewind, or wander off the path whenever you like. Once you buy it, it's yours to keep.

🎶 Live Music

The Jacksons Live Sessions | 📍Jacksons Lane, Highgate | Thu 26 June, 7.30pm | Free

As part of Jacksons Lane’s 50th birthday, they’re hosting free live music nights in the bar. Local musician Steve Somerset (with his band The Lost Weekend) will be playing alongside guest artists. It's low-key, free to attend, and donations are welcome if you fancy chipping in. Just turn up — first come, first served.

🏗️ Talks & Ideas

A New Underground Station for Colindale | 📍Institution of Civil Engineers (or online) | 6pm-7:30pm | Free 

Ever wondered what's happening with all that construction around Colindale station? The team building the area's new underground station will talk through their plans - the challenges they're facing, how they're keeping things sustainable, and what it'll mean for getting around North London once it's done. Whether you're a transport geek or just want to know when the building work will finally be over, this one is for you.

Thanks for reading!