GET INVOLVED IN URBAN SKETCHING
Urban Sketching Events
I’m a keen urban sketcher and since going to my first Urban Sketchers Symposium (in Toulouse, July 2026), I have developed a growing ambition to see and sketch more of the world. It was wonderful to connect with some amazing people from across the globe; to draw, paint and experience a new city; and to switch off for a few days from the madness of the world. I want to do more of that by immersing myself in as many global urban sketching events as I can.
Driven by this newfound creative fire, I’ve decided to launch and maintain this calendar of major global urban sketching meetups. Some of these are official Urban Sketchers events, but I have also included others that are well-known amongst urban sketchers. If you think I’ve missed anything, please let me know.
Plus, here’s a list of links if you would like to find a sketching event in London.
Upcoming Major Global Urban Sketching Events
London Urban Sketching Events
The official USk chapter for London is Urban Sketchers London and it does a great job of scheduling upcoming sketchwalks. Here’s what’s still coming up in 2026: Let’s Draw London in 2026 and there’s a preliminary programme for 2027. Details of the next meetup, including info on when and where to meet, are always posted on the home page. You can subscribe to receive new posts, or follow USk London on Instagram.
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Crouch End Sketchers is another excellent group, which organise events in North London. It is not an official USk group because – for reasons I don’t entirely understand – you can’t have another official group in London … even though London is HUGE! There is also a private Facebook group you can join for more info about the events.
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Ben Gardener organises events and advertises them on Meetup. His Sketchbook London events are held on a Saturday or Sunday and take place most weekends. They run from 11.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m.
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Another London group publicised via Meetup is Drawing London on Location. Events are typically held in the British Museum on Thursdays and outdoors in various parts of London on Saturdays and Sundays. As well as Meetup, you can follow the group on Instagram for more info.
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Concept 101 is a London-based “concept art event community” that organises free art conferences, drawing meetups and drink and draw sessions. Follow them on Instagram for up-to-date info: @concept_101_event
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Finally, traditional plein air painters and urban sketchers who use paint are welcome at the monthly events organised by the London Plein Air Painters.
