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The Royal Festival Hall is closed to the public on Tuesday 16 June. It will reopen for Harry Styles & Jules Buckley Orchestra ticket holders only at 5pm.

A dense crowd dances at an outdoor Riverside Terrace Bar under a canopy of colorful hexagonal decorations.

Riverside Sessions

Thu 11 Jun – Mon 21 Sep 2026

Join the party at free summer events curated by youth collectives

Whatever your age, this is a place to express and reimagine what being and feeling young means. Embrace youth as a mindset, not as an age, with our series of summer events.

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More info for Floating Together
A woman with long wavy dark hair wears a double-breasted red blazer, standing in front of an art studio wall with sketches.
Art & exhibitions

Floating Together

See a new artwork honouring people who’ve sought sanctuary, inspired by this year’s theme of courage
Riverside Terrace
Tickets Free
More info for ZooNation: Future Artists of Hip-Hop
A group of young dancers performs on stage against a purple backdrop, wearing urban cargo pants and utility vests.
Performance & dance

ZooNation: Future Artists of Hip-Hop

Day-to-night riverside heat from some of the UK’s finest young hip-hop dancers
Riverside Terrace
Tickets Free
More info for ZooNation: Hip-Hop Showcase for All Ages
People of all ages dancing together in a large room with a blue background
Performance & dance

ZooNation: Hip-Hop Showcase for All Ages

A spectacular showcase of hip-hop performers hand-selected by ZooNation Youth Company alumni
Riverside Terrace
Tickets Free
More info for Kinetika Bloco: Beats by the Bank
Musicians in matching red outfits and patterned hats smile while playing saxophones and flutes on a crowded dance floor.
Gigs

Kinetika Bloco: Beats by the Bank

Members of the south London creative collective curate another Riverside Session
Riverside Terrace
Tickets Free
More info for Raze Collective: Friday
A crowd of people on the Riverside Terrace with the London Eye in the background
Performance & dance

Raze Collective: Friday

Enjoy a Riverside Session curated by producers from the LGBTQIA+ performing arts charity
Riverside Terrace
Tickets Free
More info for Arts Emergency: Explore
A crowd silhouettes against a stage with bright purple and white lights at an outdoor nighttime music event.
Performance & dance

Arts Emergency: Explore

Young members of the grassroots movement curate a line-up of free comedy and more
Riverside Terrace
Tickets Free
More info for Arts Emergency: Express
A diverse group of young women stand and talk animatedly in a bright cafe or community lounge space.
Performance & dance

Arts Emergency: Express

Finish your weekend in the best way possible at our afternoon of free, open-air comedy
Riverside Terrace
Tickets Free
More info for Heart n Soul’s Let It Be Awesome Party!
Two people smile and wave behind a DJ mixer, silhouetted against a purple backdrop with projected heart graphics.
Gigs

Heart n Soul’s Let It Be Awesome Party!

The inclusive creative community turns 40 with dancing, live music and its much-loved crew of DJs
Riverside Terrace
Tickets Free

While you're with us

Jeppe Hein: Appearing Rooms
People enjoying the Jeppe Hein Fountain at the Southbank Centre

Jeppe Hein: Appearing Rooms

A summer favourite returns to our site with water fountains to splash around and cool down in.

Shopping
Wooden displays in the Southbank centre shop, featuring books, plushies, and colourful merchandise

Shopping

A vibrant range of inspiring books, homeware, prints, accessories and more.

Klaus Weber: Thinking Fountains
Two statues; a green human body with water spouting from its neck and another of human legs with water pouring down from above displayed outdoors

Thinking
Fountains

Water cascades and spouts over Klaus Weber’s bronze figures.

Modified Social Benches
Two children eating ice cream on a red cirrcular bench

Modified Social Benches

Benches that challenge the space and distance we place between one another.

William Pye's Zemran
A photograph showing Riverside Terrace at Southbank Centre, with the metal sculpture Zemran in the foreground, next to Queen Elizabeth Hall

William Pye's Zemran

Pye’s beautiful stainless steel sculpture sits overlooking the Thames.

Natura Nostra Forest
Bright sunlight bursts through green leaves with a lens flare, set against a blue sky and a textured concrete building.

Natura Nostra Forest

Our growing pocket forest creating a natural oasis.