The UK’s Indian summer is finally here, and we couldn’t be happier. If you thought you’d run out of ways to rave in the sun, then fear not – there are plenty more ace outdoor gigs and festivals to look forward to in the remaining months of t-shirt weather.
From huge stars to breaking artists, rock to EDM, there’s something for everyone when it comes to mega outdoor gigs in London, while we still have the sun out for more than a few hours every day.
Here’s our rundown of the best outdoor London gigs still to come in 2024, why you should be excited, and how to get tickets.
South Facing Festival
When: 26 July-10 August
Where: Crystal Palace Bowl
Who’s playing? Yussef Dayes, Jess Glynne, Damian Marley and more
Why you should be excited: Running for two weeks, the Crystal Palace Bowl has already seen the likes of Love Motion, Future Islands, Popcaan, Major League DJz and The Roots‘ first UK headline show in six years. Want more? What better way to see out summer than with a cold drink and the smooth sounds of jazz pioneer Yussef Dayes and reggae icon Damian Marley.
Anjunadeep Open Air
When: August 4
Where: Finsbury Park
Who’s playing? MOLØ, Romain Garcia, CRi, James Grant & Jody Wisternoff, Eli & Fur, Above & Beyond, Ezequiel Arias, My Friend, HANA, Luttrell
Why you should be excited: Featuring a line-up riddled with cutting edge talent from house and dance, Anjunadeep Open Air will also offer exclusive merchandise designed in collaboration with local artists and will continue well into the night at an afterparty at KOKO in Camden. Keep the party going.
FISHER
When: August 9
Where: Gunnersbury Park
Who’s playing? Fisher, Purple Disco Machine, Vintage Culture, Chloé Robinson, Stoley
Why you should be excited: Some rousing rave sets all build up to a performance by the Australian producer, with the whole field losing it to his Grammy-nominated smash, yes, ‘Losing It’.
Tom Grennan
When: August 10
Where: Gunnersbury Park
Who’s playing? Tom Grennan, Blossoms, Caity Baser, Mae Stephens, Liv Dawson
Why you should be excited: Tom ‘Gillette’ Grennan’s biggest-ever headline show, celebrating his Number One album ‘What Ifs & Maybes’ – along with a smashing support including pop queen Caity Baser and the mighty Blossoms showcasing cuts from their sure-to-be-mega new album ‘Gary‘.
KoRn
When: August 11
Where: Gunnersbury Park
Who’s playing? KoRn, Denzel Curry, Spiritbox, Wargasm, Loathe
Why you should be excited: As if the nu-metal legends returning to London to perform in the capital for the first time in seven years wasn’t enough, they’re bringing along the awesome Denzel Curry and the new gen of rock with the likes of Spiritbox and Wargasm. Now, get your growl ready: “Arrrre you rrrrrreeeeady?”
Taylor Swift
When: 15-20 August
Where: Wembley Stadium
Who’s playing? Taylor Swift, Paramore, RAYE, Holly Humberstone, Suki Waterhouse, Maisie Peters, Sofia Isella
Why you should be excited: NME hailed the UK leg of the record-breaking Eras tour as “a marvel of a show that comes with a beating heart”. Now, After three sold-out shows in June, the world’s biggest artist will return to the iconic Wembley Stadium to perform five additional performances – with support from emo icons Paramore and an alternating all-star all-female line-up throughout the week. There’s still time to witness a little history.
All Points East and Field Day
When: 16-25 August
Where: Victoria Park
Who’s playing? LCD Soundsystem, Kaytaranda, Loyle Carner, Mitski, Justice, Death Cab For Cutie, The Decemberists, Phoenix, Pixies, Jai Paul, Victoria Monét, Thundercat, Nas, André 3000, Ezra Collective, Beabadoobee, and many more.
Why you should be excited: You just can’t argue with that line-up. Each of APE’s six massive days (including the London festival hosting the iconic Field Day again) is curated to perfection for indie nerds, jazzheads, rap lovers and those who need to cut loose. Get your pals together and dance yourself clean.
Peggy Gou
When: August 17
Where: Gunnersbury Park
Who’s playing? Peggy Gou, Mochakk, LSDXOXO, Sally C, Hiver
Why you should be excited: For her biggest London show to date, South Korean DJ Peggy Gou is going to bring it all for one of the summer’s most anticipated EDM live shows.
PJ Harvey
When: August 18
Where: Gunnersbury Park
Who’s playing? PJ Harvey, Big Thief, Tirzah, Shida Shahabi
Why you should be excited: The only artist to ever win the Mercury Prize twice, PJ Harvey will perform the victory lap for her acclaimed 10th album ‘I Inside the Old Year Dying‘ in her sole summer performance in the capital. Having seen her blow away Glastonbury and Montreux Jazz Festival, trust us when we say you don’t want to miss this.
Maiden Voyage Festival
When: September 14
Where: Burgess Park
Who’s playing? Arca, Adonis, Bad Boombox, Bushbby, Lady Shaka, Bitter Babe, Erika de Casier and more
Why you should be excited: Priding itself as London’s preeminent festival celebrating underground EDM sounds and communities from around the globe, Maiden Voyage will give fans an opportunity to discover brilliant talent in techno, house, trance, and beyond.
Annie Mac presents Before Midnight
When: September 13
Where: Gunnersbury Park
Who’s playing? Annie Mac, Shy FX, Jamz Supernova, Cormac and more
Why you should be excited: Want all the hedonism of a rave but want to be home before midnight? Well, Annie Mac has you covered. A huge line-up in a beautiful setting, and it’ll all be wrapped up by 10pm.
Mac’s led the way in the phenomenon of day raving. Here’s how she described it in her own words: “The usual Before Midnight business; gorgeous site, fab transport links, and the very best music to have you dancing from day into night. I’ll be doing my usual long set and I cannot wait.”
Waterworks Festival
When: September 14
Where: Gunnersbury Park
Who’s playing? Amaliah, Anil, Moxie, 4am Kru, Dr Willowflex, Kode9, Leon Vynehall and more
Why you should be excited: Much like Maiden Voyage, Waterworks will feature plenty of up-and-coming talent from London’s underground house and techno scene. Waterworks will also see some mainstays take the stage as part of a packed bill of over 70 artists.
DnB Allstars Festival
When: September 15
Where: Gunnersbury Park
Who’s playing? Hedex, Wilkinson, Bou, Dimension, Friction, Imanu, Voltage, Kanine, Skepsis and more
Why you should be excited: With seven stages, over 100 artists and a focus on drum and bass and EDM, DnB Allstars will be one hell of a way to say goodbye to this summer in live outdoor music.