🦊 Things to do this weekend in North London July 12th - 13th

Hey Neighbour,

Last week I asked you all to weigh in on whether we should expand beyond strictly North London to include Hackney events. For those who missed it (or if you're new around here - welcome!), the question came up after Minh reminded us that Hackney is technically North East and not that far from our usual stomping ground.

The results are in and it's close… almost as close as when we voted on whether pineapple belongs on pizza (kidding - I'd never divide the community like that).

🥇 42.9% of you said "No, let's keep it strictly North." (Plenty going on already!)

👀 33.3% voted "Sure, as long as North London stays the main focus." (Hackney on the side, not centre stage.)

🔍 23.8% said "Yes, but only if they're genuinely worth it." (The gems, not just anything.)

Well there you have it, our main priority events will remain in North London, and we'll keep the 'Is it worth leaving North London for?' section for events that could be worth the tube fare happening north of the river.

Thanks Minh for sparking the debate! We're a small but mighty community, and maybe once we reach 5k subscribers we'll put it to another vote.

For now though, North London is where it's at.

— Maryam

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

Camden at 60: Summer Sounds | 📍Camden High Street | 12 to 6pm | Sat 12th July | Free 
Camden is turning 60 this summer and they’re celebrating the only way they know how. Loud, live and right on the high street. This free, live music event will take place on Camden High Street - between Buck Street and Jamestown Road.

Kaleidoscope Festival | 📍Alexandra Palace, N22 | Sat 12 th July, 1 to 10.30pm | (£) 
Kaleidoscope tickets are moving fast this year. Faithless headlining, plus Goldie, DJ Spoony, comedy, kids' stuff. Few tickets left, check now or check later when they're gone.

Everyday People | 📍Boxpark Wembley,HA9 | 12th July | (£)
This global diaspora celebration brings together brilliant DJs, hosts, and a crowd that knows how to have a good time. It's 19+ only, doors open at 3pm (but close at 6pm so don't be late), and runs until 10pm.

Big Beat Playground Summer Festival | 📍Clitterhouse Farm, NW2 | 12th July | 1-7pm | (£)
Family dance music festival at Clitterhouse Farm with a music stage, mobile circus, inflatables, and retro gaming. Kids under walking age get in free, and there's street food plus a bar for the adults. It's basically designed so parents can have a decent time while the kids are entertained - rare combination.

Islington Festival of Music and Art | 📍Multiple venues | 11-20 July | (£)
Ten days of music and art across Islington - 43 performers, 15 concerts, everything from walking tours around Angel to harp-guided yoga. Started as garden concerts during lockdown and has grown into a borough-wide festival. There's musicals, swing classes, classical music - a bit of everything really. Individual events start from £20 or £170 for the full festival pass if you're planning to do loads.

REJECTS 2025 | 📍Stokeypopup, Stoke Newington N16 | 11-13th July | Free
Every year 18,000 artists apply to the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition and only 1,500 make it in. This exhibition celebrates the brilliant work that got rejected. It's in its third year now and features painting, sculpture, photography, and textiles from both emerging and established artists.

Idler Festival | 📍Fenton House & Garden, Hampstead | 11-13 July | (£)
Michael Palin, Emma Thompson and Stewart Lee are speaking at this weekend philosophy festival in a National Trust garden near Hampstead Heath. Between talks, there are workshops on everything from swing dancing to beekeeping.

Heritage Train Journeys: Piccadilly Medley | 📍Piccadilly Line | 11-13 July | (£)
A 1930s Art Deco tube train is doing three special runs this weekend, and honestly, it's brilliant. You get to ride in carriages that look like they're from a film set while normal commuters gawp at you from the platforms. Three routes to pick from - the Heathrow loop, Acton Town to Uxbridge, or the big one right through central London.

Beethoven & Haydn with Finchley Symphony Orchestra | 📍Trinity Church, N12 | Sat 12th July, 7.30pm | (£)
Finchley Symphony Orchestra and Finchley Chamber Choir team up for a night of musical brilliance. On the programme: Beethoven’s bold and rhythmic Symphony No. 7 and Haydn’s grand final work, the Harmoniemesse. Conducted by David Lardi.

Crafty Fox Market | 📍Granary Square, N1C | 13th July | 11am-5pm | Free
Market with over 100 makers selling jewellery, artwork, ceramics and homeware. Dogs welcome. It's the day after the Illustrators' Fair if you want to do both.

Community Orchard Picnic | 📍Broomfield Park, N13 | 13th July | Free
Sunday afternoon picnic in the apple orchard at Broomfield Park. There's live music from local folk and blues acts, tug of war, and storytelling.

Growing Club | 📍Kentish Town City Farm, NW5 | 13th Sunday | 10:30am-1:30pm | Free
Gardening sessions at Kentish Town City Farm where you learn to grow veg and flowers. Led by Jacob and regular volunteers, all ages welcome. Just turn up - no booking needed. Perfect if you want to learn gardening but don't have a garden.

SpaceAcre | 📍Camden Assembly, NW1 | 12th July | Ticketed
London indie rock duo SpaceAcre are wrapping up their UK tour at Camden Assembly on Saturday. They made the Glastonbury Emerging Talent longlist this year and have been getting support from BBC Introducing.

Now get out there and create new memories.

— Maryam