London · Dates
Notting Hill Carnival, and the parties around it
Notting Hill Carnival takes over the streets of W10 and W11 every August bank holiday weekend, Sunday and Monday. It's free, it's huge, and the days run on mas bands, steel pans and static sound systems. Carnival itself isn't something you get on a list for. The warm-ups, day parties and after-parties around it are, and those go on the map.
Carnival weekend drops
Updated 6 Oct, 17:20
Nothing's on the public list for Carnival weekend yet. Carnival is at the end of August, and the parties around it usually go on in July and August. This page stays up all year and fills as they're dropped. Until then, the map has what's on now.
When it is
Always the August bank holiday weekend. Sunday is family day, with the children's parade, and is calmer. Monday is the main parade and the biggest crowds. J'Ouvert, the paint and powder procession, opens the weekend early on Sunday morning.
In 2027 that's Sunday 29 and Monday 30 August. The official programme and route come from the Carnival organisers each summer, so check nhcarnival.org for times.
How the day works
- The parade loops through Notting Hill and Ladbroke Grove. Mas bands, steel bands and floats move along it through the afternoon.
- The sound systems stay put on side streets around the route. Each has its own crowd and its own sound, from soca and reggae to jungle and house.
- The food is the other reason to go. Jerk, curry goat, corn, rum punch, from stalls and front gardens all the way round.
- The end. Sound systems are due to stop at 7pm, and the parade winds down in the evening. That's when the after-parties take over.
Getting in and out
Several stations near the route close or go exit-only on the days, and the streets inside the area are closed to traffic. Walk in from Paddington, Bayswater, Shepherd's Bush or Kensal Rise rather than trying for the station in the middle. TfL publishes the station plan the week before.
Bring cash and a charged phone, agree a meeting point with your friends before you lose signal, and wear shoes you don't mind ruining.
The parties around it
The weekend is bigger than the streets. Warm-up nights run all through August, and on both days the after-parties start as the sound systems stop, across west London and further out. Some are free with an RSVP, some are ticketed, and some keep the address back until the day. They're the ones that go on SendMeTheDrop.
See also day parties and club nights for the rest of the year.
Questions
When is Notting Hill Carnival?
Every August bank holiday weekend, on the Sunday and Monday. In 2027 that's 29 and 30 August.
Is Notting Hill Carnival free?
Yes. The parade and the sound systems on the street are free. Some after-parties and organised viewing spots are ticketed.
Which day is better?
Sunday is family day and calmer. Monday is the main parade, with the biggest crowds and the most going on.
What time does Carnival finish?
The sound systems are due to stop at 7pm and the parade winds down in the evening. After that the crowds head for the after-parties or home.
Catch the after-parties
Carnival weekend drops go on the map from the summer. The app tells you when one goes on near you.
