The sweltering heatwave may be over, but it still looks pretty good so get out and about. Here’s our shortlist of some of the best the capital has to offer when you want big fun on a thin wallet.

_______________________________________________________________________________

There’s plenty of action – on and off the water – at the Dragon Boat Festival 

Head East for a splashy heave-ho at the annual Dragon Boat Festival! Watch from the banks for FREE as crews race traditional Chinese wooden boats up the Thames and compete for trophies.

The gala always attracts thousands of spectators and has been going on for more than 20 years. To entertain the little ones – and big kids – out there, orgainsers are putting on lion dancing and martial arts displays on the shoreline as well as tasty Asian street food to nibble on.

Sun 25th June, first race from 10am: The London Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival 2017
London Regatta Centre, Dockside Road, E16 2QT
FREE – For more info and a full programme of timings click here

Get down to Soho for FREE music lessons at Yamaha Music London

For the wannabe music maestros – and all those who regretted giving up an instrument when they were young, make straight for Yamaha Music London where they’re giving out FREE music lessons at the Learn To Play Weekend!

The annual two-day jamoboree is aimed at both adults and children with an interest in improving their playing skills – from the first-time player to those who’ve just gotten a bit rusty. It’s taking over all three floors of the Soho space with private and group classes on loads of different instruments including trumpet, drums, violin and guitar. No need to book, it’s first come first served so get there early.

Sat 24th June, 10:30am – 5pm & Sun 25th June, 11.30am – 4.30pm: Learn To Play Weekend
Yamaha Music London, 152-160 Wardour Street, W1F 8YA
FREE – For more info click here

Check out the works from the stars of tomorrow at the RCA graduate show

The FREE to attend Royal College of Art graduate show opens this weekend showcasing pieces from the next generation of Tracy Emins and Steve McQueen.

There’ll be everything from jewellery and photography to prints and painting from more than 700 post-grads exhibiting. Some of the works will be on sale too.

Sat 24th June- Sun 2nd July, 12pm – 8pm daily : The Royal College of Art graduate show
RCA’s Battersea and Kensington sites
FREE – For more info click here

Get down to Trafalgar Square to see some musical theatre at West End Live

Fancy a sing along (and dance) to some of your favourite musical theatre numbers? You most certainly can this weekend at the FREE West End Live in Trafagar Square! Back for its 13th year, the two-day concert brings together some of the biggest names in musicals for a showcasing of their skills.

Keep an eye out for the cast of The Lion King, 42nd Street, Kinky Boots, Wicked and Phantom! Expect it to be busy so get there early to bag a good spot.

Sat 24th June, 11am – 6pm & Sun 25th June, 12pm – 5pm: West End Live
Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN
FREE – For more info and a full list of timings click here

Check out the antiques on offer at the Big London Flea in Dalston

North London’s whopping vintage indoor market – the Big London Flea – is back  at Dalston’s former ABC cinema this weekend. There’ll be more than 50 vintage antique traders flogging their wares.

Look out for bargains on timeless jewellery pieces, second-hand clothes, retro luggage and textiles. There’s a foodhall too for when you get peckish.

Sun June 25th, 11am – 6pm: The Big London Flea
12 – 13 Stoke Newington High Street, N16 8BH
FREE – for more info click here