I want to open a building or run an event during the festival

If you’re one of the individuals, groups, collectives or organisations planning to open up a building or run an event during the festival, then you are an Open House Festival contributor. Thank you! The festival would not be possible without you.

We are now open for applications for Open House Festival 2024. The final deadline for submitting your application is Monday 1 July at 5pm.

As usual, we ask that all contributors complete an application, whether you’re a veteran or you’re brand new to the festival. If your building or event has never been in the festival before, you’ll need to start by completing an expression of interest, followed by an application.

Accessing your account

If you already have an account, start by logging in here.

If you don’t yet have an account, you can register for one here.

Resources for contributors

To help you through the process, we’ve created the following resources:

• A video guide to the application process, which you can find here.

• A written Guide for Open House Festival Contributors 2024, which you can download here, covering the application process as well as the practicalities of planning and running your open day or event

• The Open House Festival Curatorial Criteria 2024, available here, which explains what the team is looking for this year

• A series of online surgeries for contributors, which you can find here, each dealing with a different aspect of being an Open House Festival contributor

The application process

Key dates for Open House Festival 2024

• 1 June at 5pm - deadline for expressions of interest (you only need to complete one of these if your building or event has never been part of the festival before)

• 14 June - we’ll get back to you by this date to let you know if a) your expression of interest has been approved or b) we have some feedback to share

• 1 July at 5pm - deadline for applications

• 17 July - we’ll get back you to you by this date to let you know if a) your application has been approved or b) we have some feedback to share

• 18 July at midday - programme preview is up on the festival website, so visitors can view dates and times of open days and events, but can’t book

• 16 August at midday - volunteers can book slots at buildings and events that have requested volunteer support

• 21 August at midday - the festival programme goes live for bookings

Download a timeline of the key festival dates here.

When should I run my open day or event?

You’re welcome to run your open day or event at any point during the festival, but if you’re planning weekend activities, we’re offering guidance on which weekend to choose, based on which borough you’re in. Please see the table below.

Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 September

Barnet

Brent

Camden

Croydon

Ealing

Hammersmith and Fulham

Harrow

Hillingdon

Hounslow

Kensington and Chelsea

Kingston

Lambeth

Merton

Richmond

Sutton

Wandsworth

Westminster

Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 September

Barking and Dagenham

Bexley

Bromley

City of London

Enfield

Greenwich

Hackney

Haringey

Havering

Islington

Lewisham

Newham

Rebridge

Southwark

Tower Hamlets

Waltham Forest