London Festival of Architecture

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Biggest festival in Europe Ends June 30th

Founded in 2006, the London Festival of Architecture (LFA) is the biggest architecture festival in Europe. The event runs through June 30th and features 400+ activities such as exhibitions, installations, talks and tours that explore the importance of architecture in London.

LFA is a city-wide celebration organized around four Festival Hubs - London Bridge, Royal Docks, City of London and Heart of London. Special offers leading up to and through the final weekend include:

  • Mansion House Tour (June 27) - Free tour 2 - 3 pm of the official residence of the Lord Mayor of London, including the edifice which is usually closed to the public
  • Tower Bridge Walking Tour (June 29) - 90 minute guided tours (additional £5) 10 am, 1 pm and 3 pm highlights Tower Bridge art, architecture, history and legends
  • Tower Bridge 125th Anniversary Weekend (June 29-30) - Entrance will be priced at £1.25 and include a souvenir giveaway (some visitors will also get a goody bag)
In case you miss the festivities, below are some ways to see and celebrate London's architecture year-round:

With good weather finally in the forecast - the final days will be particularly worth checking out!
www.londonfestivalofarchitecture.org

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MLB London Bound

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Boston Red Sox vs New York Yankees

London Stadium will host the first Major League Baseball (MLB) games in Europe June 29-30. The series will feature two top rival teams – the Boston Red Sox versus the New York Yankees. Prince Harry will take to the mound to throw the ceremonial first pitch and represent his charity the Invictus Games Foundation, 2019 charity partner.

There is not doubt that the MLB hopes to replicate the success the National Football League (NFL) has had in London. The NFL started with two games in 2012 and this season there will be a total of five games (a significant number considering there are only 16 regular season football games).

If British baseball fans are anything like the ones who have been attending the London NFL games, you can expect to see jerseys representing all different teams from professional to collegiate. Locals have even been known to ask for photo opps with those wearing high school jerseys.

Another difference is the usually slow-paced game may go a bit faster. By placing a baseball field on top of a soccer field and running track, the dimensions and layout of the London Stadium field are said to be ‘hitter-friendly’.

While there has been some controversy over ticket prices, it is still cheaper than purchasing a plane ticket. Not to mention with the games taking place the weekend before the July 4th – what better way to celebrate than watching America’s favorite pastime? Play Ball!

Bonus: If you miss out this year, save the date for another classic matchup when Chicago Cubs take on the St. Louis Cardinals June 13-14, 2020.

www.mlb.com/london-series
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London E20 2ST

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Kids Week – Free theatre tickets

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Tickets on sale June 11th

Kids Week is one of my favorite annual promotions where kids 16 and under go free to shows in August with a full price paid adult ticket (they even offer half price tickets for two additional children).  And event better yet it is not limited to a week, but extends throughout the month of August.

Organized by the Society of London Theatre, some of the participating shows offer some unique activities and workshops alongside the productions, including backstage tours, dancing and Q&As. The ‘Kids Go Free’ offer even extends to area hotels and restaurants.

There are 35+ shows to pick from, including theatre favorites:

  • Aladdin
  • Lion King
  • Mamma Mia!
  • Matilda
  • Phantom of the Opera
  • The Play That Goes Wrong
  • Thriller Live
  • Wicked

    • With the added bonus of no booking, postage or transactions fees, tickets sellout fast. For the best selection, pre-pick your show dates and be online Tuesday, June 11th at 10 am when the tickets are released. Good luck!
    www.kidsweek.co.uk

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    Open Garden Squares Weekend

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    125+ gardens across 27 London boroughs

    With support from the London Parks & Gardens Trust, Open Squares Garden Weekend (June 8-9) features 125+ hidden gardens and squares – many of which that are usually closed to the public.
    The gardens range in shape, size and location from rooftops to allotments and from historic buildings to cafés. Beyond the green spaces themselves, there are special activities, including cycle, garden and walking tours, and more are on offer.

    Here are just a few of London’s most famous buildings and attractions that have a garden close by: 1) Barbican, 2) The Gherkin, 3) The Monument, 4) St. Paul's Cathedral, 5) Tate Modern, 6) Tower of London, 7) Victoria & Albert Museum, and 8) Wallace Collection

    A weekend ticket is £10 (12-18, under 12 free), £16 student (with student ID) and £20 for adults. For £4 more, £20 for students and £44 for two adults as part of a joint membership, you can subscribe for an annual membership to London Parks & Gardens Trust.


    Membership benefits include free entry to the Open Garden Squares weekend along with a monthly newsletter, London Landscapes and The London Gardener publications, access to Historic Green Spaces inventory, and discounted member rates for lectures and other events.

    What a wonderful way to support London’s gardens and green spaces! www.opensquares.org
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