Culture activities 2026
Discover Young Hackney
Hackney’s summer festival of arts and cultural opportunities for young people is back for 2026! If you’re 15-26 and live, work or study in Hackney, this is your chance to access incredible FREE creative opportunities this summer. Whether you want to develop your skills, build your confidence or take your first step into the creative industries, there’s something for you. Info: https://www.lovehackney.uk/dyhevents
Dance Creation Project: ‘Site & Self’ with Avant Garde Dance Company
‘Site & Self’ is a creative development programme for dancers and young creatives
Mon-Fri, 24 Jul-28 Aug, 10-5.30pm
Free. Age: 15-26
Book in advance here.
Homerton Library, Homerton High Street E9 6AS
On-site: wheelchair accessible.
Cabaret Creation Project: ‘Collective Cabaret’ with Hackney Shed
Hackney Shed and Hoxton Hall invite you to create a brand-new cabaret.
Tues-Fri, 28 Jul-31 Jul, Aug, 11-5pm
Free. Age: 15-25
Book in advance here.
130 Hoxton Street, London, England, N1 6SH
SEND-friendly
On-site: wheelchair accessible.
Music Video & Content Creation Academy with Rising Tide
Join the exciting 5-week creative programme and turn your ideas into a real short film or music video.
Sat, 1-29 Aug, 1-5pm
Free. Age: 18-25
Book in advance here.
270 Mare Street, London, England, E8 1HE
Theatre-Making Project: ‘Exposure’ with Immediate Theatre
Looking for something creative, exciting, and meaningful this summer? Summer Exposure is a two-week opportunity for young people to create and perform a fully supported theatre production.
Mon-Sat, 3-15 Aug, 10-4.30pm
Free. Age: 15-19
Book in advance here.
Unit 1, The Sidings, 10 Andre Street, E8 2AA
Actor Training Programme: ‘Elevate’ with Arcola Theatre
Are you a young person based in Hackney, with a passion for acting? Spend a week developing your skills and exploring theatre as a career path.
Mon, 10-14 Aug, 10.30-4.30pm
Free. Age: 18-25
Book in advance here.
24 Ashwin St, London E8 3DL
On-site: wheelchair accessible.
Songwriting & Performance Programme: ‘Frequency’ with EartH
Join the Frequency collective and explore the craft of songwriting and perform in our live show in EartH Kitchen.
Mon-Fri, 10-14 Aug, 11-5pm
Free. Age: 16-25
Book in advance here.
11-17 Stoke Newington RoadLondon, England, N16 8BH
Theatre-Making Workshop with MULCH x National Trust
A 5-day Theatre-Making workshop led by theatre company MULCH
Mon-Fri, 24-28 Aug, 10am-6pm
Free. Age: 18-26
Book in advance here.
2-4 Homerton High Street, London, England, E9 6JQ
On-site: Step free access
Great Hackney Libraries Quest
Read books, take part in free creative activities, and win certificates by visiting any of Hackney’s libraries this summer.
18 July-12 Sept, library opening hours
Free. Ages: 5-12
All libraries in Hackney
Info: https://www.lovehackney.uk/the-great-hackney-libraries-quest
SEND-friendly
On-site: wheelchair accessible.