This September, Olympia brings together live music, design, and dining experiences, from behind-the-scenes tours as part of London Open House Festival and Van Morrison’s five-night residency at British Airways ARC to the opening of The Grand Hall Terrace at Idalia.
Whether you’re pulling together September What’s Ons, London guides or autumn round-ups, we wanted to share some of the highlights coming to Olympia next month.
LONDON OPEN HOUSE FESTIVAL (12 – 20 September)
As part of The Makers Edition, the latest in Olympia’s Editions series, Olympia is hosting London Open House Festival from 12–20 September. As a Festival Partner, Olympia invites visitors behind the scenes, offering insight into the architecture and design shaping the 140-year-old landmark’s new chapter. The programme includes:
Tour of Olympia with Heatherwick Studio – 13 September, 10am & 12pm
Led by Carlos Parraga-Botero, Senior Associate at Heatherwick Studio and Project Leader for the transformation of Olympia, the tour will delve into the 10-year project reimagining the Victorian-era venue as a new destination for entertainment, culture, business and hospitality. Centred around Olympia’s landmark glass canopy and elevated street above the exhibition halls, the tour will explore how the design connects the site’s historic past with pioneering design and sustainable practices.
SPPARC Guided Tours – 15 & 18 September, 4pm
SPPARC will lead guided tours of the transformed Olympia site, exploring the architectural thinking behind its new and adapted spaces and the ways the development brings together learning, culture, performance and community.
British Airways ARC Behind-the-Scenes Tour – 14 & 15 September
Visitors can go behind the scenes of British Airways ARC, Olympia’s new 3,800-capacity live music venue operated by AEG, on a 45-minute tour exploring the venue and its performance space.
LIVE AT OLYMPIA
Olympia’s 3,800-capacity live music venue, British Airways ARC, operated by AEG, kicks off its autumn programme with a diverse line-up of UK and international talent, including:
The Black Keys – 2 September
GRAMMY and BRIT Award-winning rock duo take to the stage as part of their Peaches ‘n Kream World Tour.
La Voix – 5 September
Fresh from her appearance on Strictly Come Dancing, celebrated drag queen La Voix returns with a brand-new show.
The Dresden Dolls – 11 September
Pioneering punk cabaret duo Amanda Palmer and Brian Viglione return to London for one night only.
Van Morrison – 23 – 29 September
Legendary singer-songwriter Van Morrison takes to the stage for a special five-night residency, marking the venue’s first.
Party 101 with DJ Matt Bennett – 25 September
Created by actor, musician, and DJ Matt Bennett, best known for his iconic role as Robbie Shapiro on Nickelodeon’s Victorious, Party 101 has evolved from a celebration of the music that shaped a generation into a global phenomenon.
Alongside the programme at British Airways ARC, The Square hosts free live music and performances from 1pm-4pm every Wednesday and Sunday throughout September, bringing live music into Olympia’s public spaces.
