It’s the last bank holiday of the summer which can only mean one thing… it’s Carnival time. Have a great one if you’re heading west for some Caribbean fun. For other fun, here’s our top tips of what else is happening in the capital.

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How’s about a totally FREE weekend of roller disco, dance classes, cake decorating, circus entertainment and a sausage dog parade – all in aid of Smithfield Market’s big birthday.

The two-day Smithfield 150 street party is marking the milestone with activities for all ages. If you want to keep the little ones entertained look out for Horrible Histories Live, amazing juggling, comedy for kids and face painting. Visitors can also enjoy dance classes, a brass band and fairground rides for FREE.

There’ll be six festival zones and two stages in all. In short; there’s a shed load going on!

Sat Aug 25th & Sun Aug 26th, 11am – 8pm both days: Smithfield 150
Smithfield Market, EC1A 9PQ
FREE – For a full list of what’s on click here

Roll up to Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens for Victorian Vauxhall, a jam-packed day of FREE fun and a proper family day out on the cheap.

There’s performances from Invisible Circus  – everything from knife juggling to tightrope acrobatics –  and historical tours.

Vauxhall City Farm will also be on hand with freebie pony rides, but what we’re most excited about are the balloons. Really. There’ll be FREE hot air balloon rides. If that’s not an exciting way to spend a Saturday we don’t know what is.

Sat Aug 25th, 3-7pm: Victorian Vauxhall
Vauxhall Gardens, 139 Vauxhall Walk,  SE11 5HL
FREE – For more info click here

If it’s discounted grub you’re looking for, then let us recommend the new Balans branch in Victoria. There’s two great offers running through the Bank Holiday until the end of August.

First up, there’s 50% off all food at breakfast and brunch. We’re talking everything from a cracking full English to Eggs benedict.

Or pop in for for Happy Hour (4-7pm) when all drinks (bar bubbles) are half-price. It goes without saying that none of this is good for the waistline, but it is excellent for the wallet!

Now – Aug 31st, 8am – 12pm,  50% off: Balans, Victoria branch
12 Cardinal Walk, Cardinal Place, SW1E 5JE
For half-price food between 12pm – 10pm you must book 

Get in the Carnival swing with a FREE night jamming with the Reading’s All Steel Percussion Orchestra!

The event known as Panorama features different steel bands from across the country. RASPO is inviting everyone – from seasoned players to new recruits – to learn and play a 10-minute calypso arrangement with them on steel drum. It should sound amazing!

Sat 25th Aug, 6pm – 10pm: Panorama 2018
Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance Park, Golborne Gardens, Hazelwood Crescent, W10 5DH
FREE. To sign up and for more info click here

Get your sparkliest glad rags on for an LGBT and friends Bank Holiday party in Soho. With  a SKINT SPECIAL discount!

Private Life at the Groucho Club features DJs Fat Tony, Frankel & Harper and Johnny Cermann. The on-the-door price is a £15 but just show this page to door staff and you’ll be in for a tenner. Sweet!

Sun 26th Aug, 8pm – 3am: Private Life: Summer Bank Holiday Showdown
Groucho Club, 45 Dean Street, W1D 4QB
£10 when you show this Skint London page at the door. (Normal on the door price; £15) 
For more info click here

Ever wanted to meet some brave fire fighters and get up close to a fire engine? Do just that at the Shadwell Fire Station Open Day.

The east London emergency centre is inviting guests to inspect its premises as well as the emergency vehicles and their latest kit being. There’ll also be a chance for specialists to answer your questions on fire safety and security.

Sat 25th Aug, 1pm: Shadwell Fire Station open day
Shadwell Fire Station 290 Cable Street, E1 0BX
FREE – just show up. For more info click here

Seafood fans, this one’s for you – a FREE to enter Oyster Festival

The two day jamboree at Mason & Company in Hackney Wick will feature live music, craft beers, specialist talks and plenty of shucking. There’ll even be a special oyster based cocktail.

Sun Aug 25th & Mon Aug 26th: Mason & Company Bank Holiday Oyster Festival
Mason & Company, 25 East Bay Lane, E20 3BS
FREE entry – For more info click here