London Music | Every Thursday, 8 October – 17 December 2026
Looking for a free Thursday night out? V&A East Museum in Stratford has announced a new season of UPPERGROUND, its free DJ residency, kicking off this Thursday. Here are five reasons to go.
1. It’s completely free
The museum is free to enter, and UPPERGROUND runs every Thursday from 6.30pm to 9.30pm on the Upper Ground level. It’s a brilliant, budget-friendly way to start your weekend early.
2. A great DJ line-up
CHEZA LUCINA launches the season on 8 October with a high-energy mix of soca, amapiano, jungle, garage and UK funky. Then come DRYBABE (15 October), sweetestcape (5 November), Elijah (26 November), Crash Tracy (3 December) and Ryan Lovell (10 December), with more to be announced.
3. Inspired by The Music is Black
The series is inspired by the museum’s acclaimed exhibition The Music is Black: A British Story, which charts 125 years of Black music in Britain, from Samuel Coleridge-Taylor to Craig David, Massive Attack and Stormzy. You can see it after dark until 9pm (tickets from £9.50).
4. Skyline views and a pop-up bar
Enjoy panoramic views across London’s skyline from the top-floor terrace, with a Café Jikoni pop-up bar serving drinks until 10pm. The museum’s free galleries are open late too.
5. A special BBC night
On 12 November, UPPERGROUND takes a break for a special free event with BBC Introducing and BBC Radio 1Xtra, with performances, open mic sessions and conversations about the future of Black British music.
Visit
UPPERGROUND at V&A East Museum
107 Carpenters Road, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford, London E20 2AR
Every Thursday, 6.30pm – 9.30pm, until 17 December 2026 (except 12 November)
Free
Nearest station: Stratford