River Stage Festival

The National Theatre's free outdoor festival of arts and entertainment returns in 2019 and promises to be bigger and better than ever.

Each weekend our River Stage partners take over the stage and offer a full line-up of events for all ages: from family workshops and theatre, to club nights and DJs. And it's all free!

In 2019 our partners will be The Glory, Shubbak Festival, National Park City Festival, Frantic Assembly and a finale closing party with the National Theatre.

5 – 7 July: The Glory
East London drag hothouse The Glory stage a three-day Pride party with the best of London’s world-leading alternative drag and cabaret scene.

12 – 14 July: Shubbak Festival
Family activities, bands, spoken word and late DJ sets bring the best of the Arab cultural scene from London and further afield to the River Stage.

19 – 21 July: National Park City Festival
The Mayor of London and partners host a spectacular programme to celebrate everything green and wild about the city. There will be a mix of dance, theatre and music, with a range of performances for all ages, all to celebrate London’s new status as the world’s first National Park City.

26 – 28 July: Frantic Assembly
The groundbreaking theatre company invite you to join their 25th birthday celebrations with a weekend of partying on the River Stage packed live music, dance, workshops and special performances, including a brand new specially commissioned piece for River Stage.

2 – 4 August: National Theatre
The National Theatre throws open its doors for the final party weekend to close the River Stage 2019 festival. There will be something for everyone including family theatre, dance, music and much more.