Welcome to the heart of London’s cultural life

An engine of creativity, we’re home to art and culture that brings people together

What’s on Plan your visit

On now & coming up

More info for Anish Kapoor

Large red texture sculpture hanging down from the ceiling to the floor in a space with stone floors and pillars

Art & exhibitions

Anish Kapoor

Tue 16 Jun – Sun 18 Oct 2026

Venture into a world of mystery through the artist’s awe-inspiring works at our major exhibition

Hayward Gallery

More info for Southbank Centre Tours

A concrete brutalist building with the London Eye and Big Ben in the background

Tours & activities

Southbank Centre Tours

Fri 14 Aug – Thu 31 Dec 2026

See our spectacular venues from a whole new perspective during our 75th anniversary year

Across the site

More info for Dog Man: The Musical

A cartoon drawing of Dog Man from the popular book series, wearing a police uniform and crown, walking on a line above a purple city skyline, set against a blue polka dot sky.

Family

Dog Man: The Musical

Fri 14 Aug – Sun 16 Aug 2026

Dive into this epic adventure featuring the hilarity and heart of Dav Pilkey’s beloved characters

Queen Elizabeth Hall

More info for Gift to the Future

A large concrete building with colourful text decals affixed to its facade stands near a riverfront square, with the London Eye visible in the background.

Art & exhibitions

Gift to the Future

Fri 14 Aug – Sun 27 Sep 2026

See our brutalist buildings transformed with a giant poetry installation

Site wide

Tickets Free

More info for London Parks: An Exhibition

A diverse group of twelve people pose playfully on and underneath a bright yellow external concrete staircase outdoors.

Art & exhibitions

London Parks: An Exhibition

Fri 14 Aug – Sun 30 Aug 2026

See London’s green spaces anew in a photo exhibition created by young refugees and asylum seekers

Riverside Terrace

Tickets Free

More info for Quentin Blake: The Southbank Parade

A trio of illustrations by Quentin Blake depicting members of an orchestra; a woman in a long dress playing a violin, a person in a wheelchair plating the cymbals and a man in tails playing the flute

Art & exhibitions

Quentin Blake: The Southbank Parade

Fri 14 Aug – Sun 8 Nov 2026

The much-loved illustrator and author celebrates the 1951 Festival of Britain for this installation

Site wide

Tickets Free

More info for TONIC FLOW: A Communal Chorus in Colour and Sound

Two women jump in the air in front of a brightly colored, geometric mural on an outdoor basketball court.

Art & exhibitions

TONIC FLOW: A Communal Chorus in Colour and Sound

Fri 14 Aug – Sun 20 Sep 2026

Imagine a future overflowing with hope through a collaborative sound and visual installation

Royal Festival Hall

Tickets Free

More info for Luke Jerram: Stepping Out

A young boy jumps across large colorful dots painted on the ground at London\'s Southbank Centre on a sunny day.

Art & exhibitions

Luke Jerram: Stepping Out

Fri 14 Aug – Wed 30 Sep 2026

Your feet make the music in an interactive installation by artist Luke Jerram and composer Dan Jones

Riverside Terrace

Tickets Free

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

Fri 14 Aug – Mon 21 Sep 2026

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 shelf/break x Boundless Theatre: Witching Hour

A crowded nightclub featuring dancers in red plaid outfits on elevated platforms while a diverse group dances below.

Gigs

shelf/break x Boundless Theatre: Witching Hour

Fri 14 Aug 2026, 6pm

Embrace folk culture, queer resistance and all things witchy with music, art, performance and crafts

Riverside Terrace

Tickets Free

More info for Kinetika Bloco Summer Showcase

Dancers in teal tops and patterned skirts perform with colorful pleated hats on a stage lit by warm red spotlights.

Young people

Kinetika Bloco Summer Showcase

Fri 14 Aug 2026, 7pm

See 150 young performers from the south London music charity in a joyful evening of music and dance

The Clore Ballroom

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

Sat 15 Aug 2026, 2pm

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

Sun 16 Aug 2026, 1pm

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

Thu 20 Aug 2026, 6pm

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

Fri 21 Aug 2026, 6pm

Enjoy a Riverside Session curated by producers from the LGBTQIA+ performing arts charity

Riverside Terrace

Tickets Free

Festivals & series

More info for Summer Time

A yellow sun with pink and orange zig zag rays

Summer Time

Until Mon 31 Aug

Dive in for art, performance, music, free events and outdoor fun this summer

More info for Riverside Sessions

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

Riverside Sessions

Thu 16 Jul – Sun 30 Aug 2026

Join our celebration of music, youth and summer joy, curated by young people for everyone.

More info for Goalhanger: The Rest Is Fest

Composite image featuring the hosts of multiple Goalhanger podcasts against a black background.

Goalhanger: The Rest Is Fest

Fri 4 – Sun 6 Sep 2026

Indulge in your favourite podcasts live as we welcome Goalhanger’s impressive starting line-up

More info for Creative Intelligence

A graphic of an eye made up of tiny black numbers, with orange and purple shadows

Creative Intelligence

Fri 11 – Sun 13 Sep 2026

Explore how AI and digital innovation are reshaping the world we live in

More info for Letters to the Future

A lady in a beige jumper with her hair up resting her head on one hand.

Letters to the Future

Fri 18 – Sun 20 Sep 2026

Address today’s pivotal issues in a series of talks and debates led by the thinkers of tomorrow

More info for Classical Music

Classical Music

Autumn/Winter 2026/27

Extraordinary live music experiences

More info for Season Opening Week

A group of young women hold open scissors above their heads in both hands

Season Opening Week

Tue 22 – Sun 27 Sep 2026

The start of a classical year full of stories that speak to us today

More info for Performance & Dance

A blurry image of a group of dancers all wearing black

Performance & Dance

Autumn/Winter 2026/27

Spotlighting cutting-edge new work from around the world

More info for London Literature Festival

Dua Lipa with long straight brown hair, wearing a satin yellow shirt.

London Literature Festival

Tue 20 Oct – Sun 1 Nov 2026

The global superstar and founder of the Service95 Book Club curates a line-up of her favourite writers

More info for KUNSTY

Two people in suits hold toast and mugs, wearing floor-length neon green ties that trail on the ground.

KUNSTY

Wed 4 – Fri 6 Nov 2026

Our performance series platforming the rad, the queer and the uncategorisable returns

Recently announced

More info for A High Room with Storefront Church & Friends

An Evening with Storefront Church & Friends

Gigs

A High Room with Storefront Church & Friends

Fri 13 Nov 2026, 7.30pm

LA’s best-kept secret brings his raw and intimate sound to London

Purcell Room

More info for Youth Voices Open Day

A group of diverse children stand in a line singing or speaking during an interactive activity.

Family

Youth Voices Open Day

Sat 26 Sep 2026, 10.30am

Drop in for a fun and welcoming sample session with the Youth Voices choir

Royal Festival Hall

Tickets Free

More info for Relaxed Sessions: Acrobalance with Mimbre

A crowd of people outside watching acrobats perform on a street

Family

Relaxed Sessions: Acrobalance with Mimbre

Sat 3 Oct 2026, 11am

Unlock your acroskills at an inclusive workshop with Mimbre’s professional acrobats

The Clore Ballroom

Tickets Free

More info for Relaxed Sessions: A Festive Cracker

A young girl in a floral dress dances with other children under vibrant pink and purple lighting.

Family

Relaxed Sessions: A Festive Cracker

Sat 5 Dec 2026, 11am

Join us for a Relaxed festive special with games, dances and crafty activities for families

The Clore Ballroom

Tickets Free

More info for Saturday Sessions: Acrobalance with Mimbre

Two people outside, lifting another acrobat up above their heads by their ankle

Family

Saturday Sessions: Acrobalance with Mimbre

Sat 3 Oct 2026, 1.30pm

Drop in to unleash your own acrobatic skills with help from Mimbre’s professional acrobats

The Clore Ballroom

Tickets Free

More info for Virtual Orchestra: Play Along

A man in a Hawaiian shirt wears a VR headset and headphones, holding two controllers in the clore ballroom

Family

Virtual Orchestra: Play Along

Sat 12 Sep & Sun 13 Sep 2026

Pick up a virtual instrument and play your heart out alongside the Philharmonia Orchestra

Royal Festival Hall

Tickets Free

More info for Relaxed Sessions: Drawing Futures with MATT+FIONA

People participate in an interactive art workshop with papers under vibrant, colorful lighting.

Family

Relaxed Sessions: Drawing Futures with MATT+FIONA

Sat 7 Nov 2026, 11am

An adapted family workshop with games and activities for designing architecture-inspired 3D drawings

The Clore Ballroom

Tickets Free

More info for WordPlay: Ages 3 – 5

A group of children raise their hands while following along with a performer on a brightly lit stage.

Family

WordPlay: Ages 3 – 5

Fri 18 Sep – Fri 18 Dec 2026

Wriggle on down for live music and songs for ages 3 – 5 and their grown-ups, set in a playful space

The Clore Ballroom

Tickets Free

More info for Creative Encounters: 2B or not 2B's Life Drawing

A group of seven people recreate Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper in front of a large reproduction of the painting.

Courses & workshops

Creative Encounters: 2B or not 2B's Life Drawing

Wed 23 Sep 2026, 6pm

Capture the form, movement and language of the body at a welcoming drawing session

The Clore Ballroom

Tickets Free

More info for Sunday Talks Programme

An audience sits in rows of chairs watching a presentation at the far end of a modern event space.

Talks & debates

Sunday Talks Programme

Sun 13 Sep 2026

Fri 21 Aug 2026, 6pm

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

Sat 22 Aug 2026, 2pm

Let loose, revel in nostalgia and set all your big feelings free through dance, music and workshops

Riverside Terrace

Tickets Free

More info for Arts Emergency: Express

A woman holding a folder speaks into a microphone on stage alongside other performers.

Performance & dance

Arts Emergency: Express

Sun 23 Aug 2026, 1pm

Workshops, storytelling from open-mic night Special Guest and live music comes to the riverside

Riverside Terrace

Tickets Free

More info for Musquiqui Chihying: A Life of Navigation

a man seemingly lifting the rear end of a large, teal inflatable replica car wedged onto a curbside parking space in front of a residential building.

Art & exhibitions

Musquiqui Chihying: A Life of Navigation

Tue 25 Aug – Sun 18 Oct 2026

A multimedia exhibition from the Taiwanese artist that serves up both humour and societal critique

Hayward Gallery

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!

Sat 29 Aug 2026, 2pm

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

Make the most of your visit and explore all our venues and spaces have to offer.

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.

Magazine

Get closer to the arts and artists shaping our culture.

Did you know that 2026 marks 75 years since the first ever steel pan performance in the UK?

More to explore

Create & learn

Artistic shot of a blue painted face person leaning over a yellow staircase over the blue sky

Create, learn & take part

Fuel your creativity and be inspired by connecting to the arts with us.

Become a Member

A performer on stage wearing a dramatic black dress smiling and holding a microphone with band behind lit by red lights

Our Members get more

Get a host of great benefits and help us to keep doing what we do.

About us

His Majesty King George VI and Queen Elizabeth at Royal Festival Hall’s opening concert

Our story

From our roots in the Festival of Britain to the impact we’re making today.