Summer is just around the corner at Canary Wharf, and with that comes a full programme of things to do, places to explore, activities to test out and restaurants to tuck into. There are many free activities for everyone to enjoy including the return of Film Club on the big screens, Alfresco Arts summer series, open water swimming, Minigolf by Craig & Karl, and screenings of a busy summer of sport (including the Olympics, and Wimbledon).
Fancy a splash to cool off this summer? Open water swimming is back by popular demand at the clear waters of Middle Dock from Saturday 13th June until the end of October. This years’ roster of events caters for all swimming abilities, from visitors to residents, and office workers, with pre-work dips, sunset swimming sessions, Pride swims and Swim-Run events.
East London’s only free minigolf course is back, with the return of the vibrant 9-hole course by Craig & Karl to Montgomery Square. The free geometric ping pong tables are also back at Montgomery Square and Wren Landing, with visitors able to pick up bats and balls from event stewards at Montgomery Square everyday between 12pm and 6pm.
Canary Wharf’s 16.5 acres of green landscaped spaces and parks are the perfect spot to bask in the summer sun, with Canada Square Park showing all of this year’s sporting action, a varied programme of films and interactive games. The packed schedule of showings will keep all ages entertained, including sporting action during the Olympics and Wimbledon, in addition to classic films old and new like Shrek, Barbie, The Dark Knight, and Bollywood blockbuster Bajrangi Bahijaan.
For lovers of the performing arts and music, new this year to Canary Wharf is a packed Alfresco Arts programme. The Alfresco Arts series will feature theatre performances including a modern take on Shakespeare’s King Lear, curated by The Space Theatre, spotlighting an array of talent and classical music performances, including tunes songs celebrating Pride Month.
Alongside the Alfresco Arts: Music and Alfresco Arts: Theatre series, comes the brand-new Alfresco Arts: Family, with a programme of performances and workshops to keep the little ones entertained when school is out. From an interactive rocket making workshop to a ballet performance of Goldilocks, there is something for the whole family to enjoy.
Sofar Sounds is also returning to The Wharf with a series of pop-up performances at secret venues, with acts revealed on the night. The sessions are taking place on Wednesday 5th June, 3rd July, 7thAugust and 4th September.
Canary Wharf is home to the UK’s largest free to visit public art collection, with over 100 vibrant, bold, and captivating art pieces to discover from renowned artists including Camille Walala, Adam Nathaniel Furman, Henry Moore and Helaine Blumenfeld. Little ones can also enjoy free reading material from the Short Story Stations in Crossrail Place Roof Garden and Jubilee Place or can follow the Children’s Art Trail which aims to inspire young minds.
Those looking to refuel after a busy day of activities have plenty of choice with over 70 bars, restaurants, and cafes, plus a Thursday Lunch Market from 12pm until 2:30pm with an array of traders serving up fresh flavours. From newly opened Roe, behind the team at Fallow dishing up nose-to-tail and route-to-stem dining; to mallow, an 100% plant-based restaurant; Watch House, for the coffee connoisseurs; or Pergola on the Wharf for some rooftop cocktails and nibbles; there is something for all taste buds to feast on. Those looking for some relaxation and a lounge on the grass can pop into Waitrose & Partners, Buns from Home or Badiani Gelato to build their own picnic while enjoying Summer Screens, after work or on a sunny weekend outing.
Anyone working at, living in and visiting the neighbourhood can download the Canary Wharf app to benefit from offers on food, drinks and shopping as well as to find out more about what’s going on this summer and view a map to help easily get around.
