25 fabulous free events to attend in June 2024

Now the sun's out, there's no excuse for you not to be – and you certainly won't be short of ways to keep busy this June. Over the next few weeks, there are stacks of fun and free events to enjoy, including summer festivals, an air show and outdoor theatre. 

Here’s our roundup of the best events happening this month so you can get out and make the most of those long, daylight hours and glorious sunshine – without having to spend a thing! By the time you've got to the bottom of the page, you'll be raring to get going.

Free nationwide events

Find your flow

Any time

International Day of Yoga on 21 June reminds us of the myriad benefits of this ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice. Of course, the best way to celebrate is by participating – and you don’t need to spend a penny to do so. There are plenty of free online guided yoga sessions you can follow along with from home, such as the hundreds of videos offered by Yoga with Adriene, covering every age and ability. Namaste!

Free events in London & the South East

Take a trip down memory lane

Classic Stony, near Milton Keynes, 2 June

Anticipation will be running high in Stony Stratford as a whole host of vintage vehicles descend on Market Square for the 15th annual Classic Stony. Alongside cars, motorbikes and lorries from both sides of the pond, there’ll be live music and refreshment stalls to fuel the fun. It’s free to visit, but the event is run in aid of Willen Hospice so there’ll be opportunities to donate to this incredibly worthy cause.

Wander through wildflowers

Meadowland, West Sussex, 14 June-10 September

Is there a more quintessential image of English summertime than a wildflower meadow in bloom? Wakehurst invites you to immerse yourself in the colours and textures of these enchanting habitats throughout their lifecycle, enhanced by audio and visual installations. Plus, for the first time ever, you can explore South Park, Wakehurst’s 40-acre ancient parkland.

This event is free for Boundless members, who get access to year-round savings, including unlimited entry to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and Wakehurst. Find out more about Boundless membership and how to join.

Relive the Olympic spirit

The Great Get Together, London, 15 June

With the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games just around the corner, what better time to celebrate the legacy of London’s own Olympic park? This free community event sees Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park come alive with music, dance and performances, plus activities from face-painting to sports day-style events.

Satisfy your curiosity

The Great Exhibition Road Festival, London, 15 & 16 June

Led by some of London’s most iconic museums and organisations (including the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and Imperial College), this science and arts celebration weekend returns to South Kensington’s Exhibition Road. Themed spaces – be it Brilliant Bodies or Future Food – are packed with drop-in activities, live experiments and interactive displays for the whole family. And if that wasn’t enough, there’s a whole programme of fascinating discussions and hands-on workshops, plus performances up on the main stage.

Get a taste of theatre

West End Live, London, 22 & 23 June

Fancy a trip to the theatre, but less enthused by the eye-watering ticket prices? For one weekend, Trafalgar Square sets the stage for some of the West End’s biggest stars in a spectacular smorgasbord of musical performances. It’s the perfect opportunity to reminisce over beloved classics and get a flavour of the freshest shows on the scene before forking out for tickets

Free events in the South West & Wales

Reach for the skies

English Riviera Airshow, Paignton, 1 & 2 June

What could be more thrilling than watching a variety of aircraft roar overhead? Centred around Paignton seafront, the first airshow of the UK calendar brings entertainment to the skies, on the ground and in the water. As well as the spectacular aerial displays – including the mighty RAF Red Arrows, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the RAF Typhoon – there’ll be loads of exciting shoreside activities.

Take to the great outdoors

Newtown Outdoor Festival, Powys, 1 & 2 June

What better way to unplug and recharge than with a weekend of outdoor activities against the beautiful Welsh landscape? Pick from an array of themed, guided walks; from a foraging adventure to a sing-along family stroll, there’s something for all ages, interests and abilities. Or, why not try your hand at something totally new on an archery or canoeing taster session?

Reconnect with nature

Festival of Nature, Bristol and Bath, 1–9 June

Bristol and Bath are hosting nine days of nature-related events in the UK’s biggest free celebration of the natural world. Things kick off with the Wild Weekend in Bristol’s Millennium Square – two days of family-friendly nature activities, exhibitors, film screenings, talks and performances, including an interactive dino-themed show. If you can’t make it in person, fear not: there’s also an programme of online events you can tune in with from your sofa.

Discover the power of pollinators

Walk with a Warden, Llanelli, 15 June

With pollinators hard at work across the summer months, this guided walk at WWT Llanelli explores the fascinating world of these little creatures. As you wander this wetland reserve buzzing with all kinds of pollinators, you’ll discover the native flowers they visit along with their irreplaceable role in our ecosystems.

This event is free to Boundless members, who get access to year-round savings, including unlimited entry to all nine WWT centres throughout the UK. Find out more about Boundless membership and how to join.

Rev your engines

Salisbury Motor Show, 16 June

What better way to treat dad this Father’s Day than with a dose of motoring mania? From vintage vehicles to the slickest of supercars, a myriad of motors roll up to Salisbury’s Guildhall, while giant Scalextric rides and games mean there’s no fear of the kids getting bored.

Level up your snaps

Wales & West Photography Show, Newport, 20–22 June

Photography lovers, this one’s for you. The biggest photography show on Welsh soil is back with a whole host of talks and workshops from industry leaders, covering everything from mastering macro photography to getting the perfect lighting. Plus, you can get hands-on with the latest tech on the market. Whether you’re a casual hobbyist or a seasoned pro, you’ll be sure to leave brimming with ideas on how to take your snaps to the next level.

Rejoice in midsummer fun

Golowan Festival, Penzance, 21–30 June

Rooted in traditional Cornish midsummer festivities, today’s revived Golowan Festival has evolved into an energetic, 10-day celebration of performing arts and culture. Past and present merge as traditions are brought back to life, from fireworks and a torchlit procession to the more unusual ‘serpent dancing’ and rowdy mock mayor elections. Midsummer’s Day itself sees the peak of the festival: the famous ‘Mazey Day’ and its kaleidoscopic parades.

Step back in time

Shake & Stir Vintage Festival, Southbourne, 22 & 23 June

Revel in the charm of a bygone era at this celebration of all things vintage, now in its 10th anniversary year. Whether it’s tapping your toes to the sounds of rock’n’roll or falling in love with classic vehicles and retro fashion, there’s something to delight every kind of vintage enthusiast.

Free events in the Midlands & East

Revel in motoring madness

MotoFest Coventry, 1 & 2 June

Celebrating its tenth anniversary year, this action-packed weekend of motoring fun is set to be bigger and better than ever. Across Britain’s very own ‘Motor City’, there’ll be static displays of classic cars, motorcycles and supercars to admire, along with a concours against the stunning ruins of Coventry Cathedral. If you’re after a dose of adrenaline, the drift arena and sprint circuit promise fast and furious motorsport displays, or you can enjoy some time in the slow lane by kicking back to live music across three outdoor stages.

Attend a beloved festival

Strawberry Fair, Cambridge, 1 June

Originally launched by Cambridge students, this entirely volunteer-run arts and music festival has grown from humble beginnings to attract some 30,000 people every year. Residents and visitors flock to Midsummer Common to enjoy live bands, family activities and delicious food and drink (although, whether there’ll be any strawberries remains to be seen). Celebrating its 50th anniversary  this year, it’s bound to be the most memorable edition yet.

Discover the birds in our backyards

Love & War: Garden Birds Talk, near Telford, 12 June

When did we begin feeding the birds in our gardens, installing bird boxes and identifying certain species as 'garden birds'? This insightful talk explores how – and why – our relationship with these beloved winged visitors has evolved over the last 150 years. Hosted by Boundless’s Shropshire Group at the Haughton Hall Hotel, Shifnal.

This event is free to all Boundless members. Did you know that Boundless membership includes free entry to top attractions and exclusive events, as well as year-round savings? Find out more about Boundless membership and how to join.

Celebrate the summer solstice

First Light Festival, Lowestoft, 22 & 23 June

The golden shores of the UK’s most easterly beach come alive with this midsummer celebration, jam-packed with free outdoor performances spanning music, comedy, talks and more. There’s loads to keep the kids entertained, too, including a children’s comedy club, a sea shanty singing session and a Happy Feet-inspired family dance workshop.

Free events in the North of England

Create clay characters

Making clay faces and animals, Sunderland, 1 June

A visit to WWT Washington is worthwhile on any day, but budding little artists will especially enjoy this crafty afternoon. Using clay, sticks, leaves, stones and other natural materials, you’ll make fun clay faces and animal shapes together. No need to book – simply drop in anytime between 1pm and 3pm.

This event is free to Boundless members, who get access to year-round savings, including unlimited entry to all nine WWT centres throughout the UK. Find out more about Boundless membership and how to join.

Engage your brain

York Festival of Ideas, York, 1–14 June

Led by the University of York, this two-week festival is bursting with thought-provoking talks and exhibitions on everything from archaeology to art, history to health and politics to psychology – and most of them are free. This year’s festival offers a host of free guided and self-guided walking tours: you could explore a magical world built by fairies along the River Foss, search for fossils on York’s historic streets or learn about voles on a nature walk.

Ponder our relationship with nature

Wild, Manchester, from 5 June

The latest exhibition to land at Manchester Museum, Wild delves into our deep connection with the natural world and global efforts to restore it. Immersive audio and film, plus natural history collections and artwork are bound to open your eyes to our planet’s spectacular biodiversity and get you thinking about our relationship with the world we call home.

Commemorate D-Day

D-Day weekend at Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds, 8 & 9 June

6 June marks the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings. To honour the occasion, the Royal Armouries Museum is hosting a D-Day weekend filled with activities for visitors to commemorate this historic event, including blank gun-firing demonstrations and poignant performances of first-hand stories.

Celebrate the joy of free time

We Invented the Weekend, Salford, 15 & 16 June 

At Boundless, we’ve been helping our members make the most of their free time since 1923. But did you know that without a clerk named Robert Knowles, we might not have the weekend as we know it? It’s thanks to his pioneering campaigns in Greater Manchester that workers won the right to leisure time on Saturday afternoons, paving the way for the modern weekend.

This two-day festival honours this gift to the world, throwing open the spaces of MediaCity and Salford Quays, with the likes of The Lowry Theatre and the BBC getting involved, too. From live music to family fun, wellness workshops to sports activities – and everything in between – there’s bound to be something for everyone.

Free events in Scotland & Northern Ireland

Attend a vibrant festival

WestFest, Glasgow, 1–30 June

After its hugely successful debut in 2023, Glasgow’s month-long community arts and culture festival is back for a second helping. At its heart is a free programme of outdoor community events across the city’s West End, including an afternoon of live music at the Kelvingrove Bandstand, a gala on Vinicombe Street and a street festival at the Queen Margaret Drive.

Discover up-and-coming talent

BuskFest, Banbridge, 22 June

For one day, hundreds of musicians, comedians and street performers will line the streets of Banbridge, County Down to showcase their talents at this outdoor busking bonanza. Take a stroll throughout the town centre and soak up the electric atmosphere as judges search for emerging stars – you never know, you might just stumble across the next big thing…

Free online events

An Artist’s Best Friend – The Dog in Art

Online, 18 June

As humankind’s most loyal and forgiving friend, dogs have been a source of inspiration, solace and companionship for countless artists. From Picasso’s adoration of a dachshund called Lump to Freud’s beloved whippets, this talk delves into the role canines have played in artists’ lives and the many masterpieces they’ve inspired.

Do more with Boundless

If you're working in or retired from the public sector or civil service, Boundless has two great membership options to choose from: Boundless and Boundless Plus.

With Boundless, you get unlimited access or discounted entry to many of the UK’s top attractions including Kew Gardens and Wakehurst and WWT centres across the UK, as well as year-round deals on restaurants, holidays, shopping and much more. With Boundless Plus, you can enjoy additional benefits including unlimited access to Historic Royal Palaces sites, National Trust for Scotland places, access to The Ramblers' extensive group walks and routes, and peace of mind with roadside assistance and local recovery by LV= Britannia Rescue.