Discover Your Summer

Make your summer unforgettable, with free events and activities to art trails, exhibitions and the great outdoors.

There is something for everyone to enjoy right on your doorstep. 

Here, we will be sharing some highlights and inspiration to help you get the most out of your borough. Whether you are looking for activities suitable for the family, the children or friends, of all ages, Discover Your Summer in Waltham Forest.

There are some amazing grassroots community events and festivals taking place over the summer, with ways to get involved and participate such as the Francis Road Collective who host special events, supper clubs, and late openings, or Good Shepherd Studios who hold film screenings, events and creative sessions for young residents, they also manage pop-ups at No.1 Church Lane. 

There is much more to explore with a variety of activities for all ages and interests. 

Here are some further ideas for things to do.

This summer, celebrate and learn more about our local heritage at the first North Chingford Heritage Festival, which has a packed programme. Plus, you can visit the Waltham Forest Archives for guidance on local family history research, or to learn more about the history of your street or home. Check our their upcoming open days.

Check out the Highams Park Jazz Club for local gigs, or CADOS for community theatre evenings. Or find out more about the Highams Park Planning Group, who plan community events and art trails in the local area. Recently welcoming new places to eat, Ravneet Gill’s new restaurant Ginas, is now open for bookings, and The Royal Forest offers meals after a day of exploration in North Chingford.

With a vibrant creative community this area has a lot to offer, from visiting the independent businesses that make up the Ravenswood Industrial Estate to making and creating at Blackhorse Workshop, nights out on the Blackhorse Beer Mile or at Crate Walthamstow's social space.

During the hot weather head down to the Fellowship Square Fountains to cool off, splash and play or find a peaceful moment for quiet reflection in the Gardens, which include The Arch sculpture by Henry Moore. We have recently welcomed Soho Theatre Walthamstow to the borough and you can check out their packed programme below.

With the school summer holidays just around the corner, discover activities all around the borough to fill your schedule and keep the whole family entertained and active. With a mix of free and low cost activities, plus tailored events at our venues, explore what's on and start planning. 

For young adults who are starting out in their careers, there are different free programmes to get involved with through our partner organisations and venues, including film training with Set Ready who run training for Waltham Forest residents. 

One of the best ways to enjoy the warm summer months is outside in some of our amazing green spaces. As a borough we are lucky to have a wealth of open spaces to visit, from your local parks and playgrounds to the natural beauty of Epping Forest. Take advantage of the programme at your local sports and leisure centre to keep fit and healthy, bring along friends and family for indoor or outdoor games, or hire a boat for a day of leisurely paddling at Hollow Ponds. 

If you're looking for a cultural experience, the East London Shakespeare Festival returns with As You Like It, coming to a park near you this summer.