September events in Waltham Forest

It's been a brilliant summer of events here in Waltham Forest - and there are plenty more to come as we hit September and start thinking about returning from holidays, going back to school and enjoying the autumn months.

Sunday 1 September: Butterfly Festival

Join us for the Butterfly Festival, an event by SASB Events and ArtEast, bringing together creativity, health and wellbeing in a unique arts, fitness, and wellbeing festival. The festival will feature a diverse range of activities including arts and crafts workshops, fitness and wellbeing programs, as well as local vendors, performers, and children's entertainment.

Saturday 7 September: Stow Film Lounge outdoor screening and barn dance

WAY OUT EAST continues our series of outdoor screenings with this much-loved classic Hollywood musical. 

Doris Day stars as famous female sharpshooter Calamity Jane in this lighthearted musical. The film follows the life of the heroine who would rather hit targets than chase men - until she falls for Wild Bill Hickok (Howard Keel), who would rather shoot Indians than chase after a tomboy like Calamity Jane.

Deadwood, South Dakota, is largely the abode of men, but frontier scout Calamity Jane is as hard-riding, boastful and handy with a gun as any. Jane’s wild promises set her off in search of a beautiful singer to grace the stage at the Golden Garter saloon, but her triumphant return to town might be tainted when she inadvertently introduces a feminine rival to the man she loves.

7 to 15 September: Leytonstone Festival

Dating back to the 1990s, Leytonstone Festival aims to bring a full array of local talent, ranging from music and performance to children's events, rockin' gigs, talks and much, much more.

Friday 13 and Friday 20 September: Langthorne Park Open Air Cinema

Join the Langthorne Collective and Stow Film Lounge for two film screenings in the open air.

13 September will see a screening of Disney's 'Wish' and 20 September will see a screening of modern London-based rom-com 'Rye Lane'. 

The event takes place in the wonderful Langthorne Park amphitheatre. Bring blankets, cushions or deck chairs and wrap up!

Saturday 14 September: The Mount Festival

Join us at this year's Mount Festival on Albert Crescent.

The Crescent will be free of traffic for the day, with an abundance of fun things for all the family, from music and performance to food, activity taster sessions, face painting, children's play, market stalls and opportunities to link in with local businesses and organisations and see the amazing work they do in the community.

This year we will also have a 30ft climbing tower (The Mount) for all the family to try out (harnesses and helmets will be provided).

Additionally, you will be able to talk to the Regeneration Team about the exciting plans for local park and town centre improvements and pick up your free Chingford Mount key ring.

Sunday 15 September: Community Day

In celebration of the great work carried out by our voluntary and community groups in Waltham Forest, 'Community Day' returns to Fellowship Square this September, bringing the rich diversity of Waltham Forest to life. We’ll have a host of activities and performances on the square, all of which are delivered by our incredible Voluntary and Community Sector, for everyone to enjoy!

Attendees can take part in free activities, including paper lantern making, and inclusive arts and crafts for children and children with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities), African drumming, Tai Chi, and even an East Asian dance class. 

Wednesday 18 September: Green Construction Jobsfest

An opportunity for anyone interested in sustainable construction to come along and chat to employers, watch demonstrations and learn more about this exciting growth area.

This Jobfest is suitable for anyone at any stage of their career.

Thursday 19 September: Green Careers Showcase

Careers fair for those aged 16-25: come along and find out more about pathways to careers in the green sector. 

• Hear inspirational speakers  
• Meet employers from the environment sector  
• Find training, apprenticeship and job opportunities   
• Try practical, hands-on workshops in nature conservation  

Saturday 21 September: Francis Road Festival

Join us for a free family friendly festival celebrating Leyton’s eclectic community through film, music, food and fun.

This special one-day cultural programme will feature amazing local artists, creatives, performers and arts organisations including:

• The first ever outdoor film screening on Francis Road. Run by local arts organisation Stow Film Lounge we will show the incredible music documentary Summer of Soul (2021).
• We'll have live music curated by Dreamhouse Records, featuring performances from local South Asian artists (curated by the Dialled In festival)
• We’ll have Drag Queen Karaoke (from the local Northcote pub’s regular Drag Out the Weekend)
• Hip-Hop breakin' performance from Academy Breakin' Convention
• There'll be a Kids Ceilidh
• A delicious food market
• And much, much more!

Sunday 22 September: Tour de Waltham Forest

The biggest cycling event in Waltham Forest returns! Join us to ride a 9, 16 or 20km route around the borough, then return to Fellowship Square for refreshments, stalls, activities and to collect your goodie bag.

In previous years we've had hundreds of people take part in the Tour de Waltham Forest - and this one's gearing up to be the best yet. 

Sunday 29 September: Reuse and Repair Fair 

Find new ways to reuse, repair, repurpose and upcycle your everyday items with local community groups and organisations. 

The September Fair will include:

• Free Give and Take (Please bring donations from 11.30am) 
• Electronics Repair Cafe
• Bike Repairs
• Sewing Machine Repairs - booking required! Form to follow.
• Build Your Confidence with DIY Tools
• Workshops and Demos
• Reuse and Repair Market Place - Discover sustainable local businesses and community projects and initiatives

Events at the William Morris Gallery

There's always a lot going on at the William Morris Gallery. In September, you can catch the final weeks of Art Without Heroes: Mingei, including a Curator-led tour on Thursday 19 September. Other events include talks, mending clubs and kids' activities - check them all out at the link below.