Interesting and unusual things to do for a fiver or less this week.
All Week
TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY:
The Travel Photographer of the Year exhibition is on at Royal Geographical Society. See impressive photos of culture, religion, wildlife and landscapes from all over the world. Free, just turn up, until 5 September
STAR WARS:
See iconic Star Wars scenes cut out of paper in this exhibition at 5th Base Gallery in Spitalfields. It features scenes that will be instantly recognisable to Star Wars fans: Han Solo's conversation with Greedo before the shoot-out and Obi Wan's fateful lightsaber duel with Darth Vader. Free, just turn up, until 16 August
PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION:
East London Life is an exhibition of black and white photographs by Colin O'Brien, which document life both past and present in East London. The exhibition is on at Unit G Art Gallery in Hackney. Free, just turn up, until 14 September
PADDINGTON CENTRAL FILM SCREENINGS:
Paddington Central hosts free film screenings throughout August, on the Grand Union Canal near Little Venice. This week the films pay tribute to Robin Williams as it's the first anniversary of his death. On Wednesday you can see Dead Poets Society, Thursday Jumanji, Friday Flubber and Saturday Robots. Free, just turn up, weekday screenings begin at 6.30pm, weekend screenings begin at 3.30pm
Monday 10 August
TY AND KY:
As part of Rich Mix's Youth Takeover, duo Ty and Ky take to the stage with a blend of stand up and character comedy and music, all about fashion. Free, just turn up, 7pm
CROSSWORDS:
Try your hand at dirty crossword puzzles at Drink Shop Do in King's Cross. Enjoy a drink or two while you puzzle away the Monday blues. The venue turns five this week! Free, just turn up, 7pm
Tuesday 11 August
LIARS LEAGUE:
Head to The Phoenix for Liars League's regular story telling night where stories are read out by professional actors. Tonight's theme is Accident and Emergency, so expect tales of disastrous events told from all kinds of perspectives. £5, just turn up, 7.30pm
COMEDY:
Joe Bor tells tales of growing up in Camden at — appropriately enough — the Camden Head for the Camden Fringe, and will be introducing his character Jasper Cromwell Jones, the posh climber. £5, prebook, 9.30pm
Wednesday 12 August
DISCOVERY DAY:
Drop in to the Isis Education Centre in Hyde Park for a day of water themed activities for children of all ages. There will be a pond dipping session, paper plate frog making, craft and nature trails. Take a picnic and make the most of the weather. Free, prebook, 11am-3pm
FAMILY EVENTS:
Take children along to The Fleming Collection for a morning of creativity. Today you can create a mosaic inspired by Scottish Landscape. Tomorrow go freestyle and see where your imagination takes you. Free, prebook, 10.30am-12.30pm
RICHMOND GUIDED WALK:
Meet at Richmond Station for a tour around the town which offers an introduction to its rich history from the ancient Green with its fine examples of 18th century houses and remains of a Tudor Royal Palace, to the elegant riverside and its historic Georgian Bridge. £3, prebook, 2pm
Thursday 13 August
LANGUAGE LESSONS:
Scrub up on your language skills at Conway Hall with introductory lessons run by Lingua Diversa in Italian, Spanish, German and Brazilian. Sessions last one hour and take place every Thursday. £5, prebook, 6.30pm-7.30pm
BUG DAY AT SYDENHAM HILL WOOD:
A family friendly day exploring the insects and eco systems vital to Sydenham Hill Wood in Southwark. Discover wildlife in pond dipping sessions, under logs and in the woods. Free, just turn up, 11am-3pm
Friday 14 August
JAZZ FESTIVAL:
A free, three-day jazz festival takes place at Canary Wharf. Expect a programme of jazz-funk, Latin, big band, soul, instrumental, folk and jazz music. Full line-up here. Be warned that performances are open air, and arrive early to avoid disappointment. Free, just turn up, 14-16 August
Saturday 15 August
GARDEN TOUR KEATS HOUSE:
A guided tour of the Keats House garden, uncovering some of the fascinating and often amusing stories about John Keats and his ‘melodious plot’. This tour will also explore elements of Keats’s poetry and how it inspired the existing planting schemes. Free, just turn up, 2pm-3pm
BEER TALK:
Esteemed beer writer Pete Brown will be in the Hack on Whitefriars Street hosting a unique chat show as part of London Beer City. Pete will grill three guests from inside and outside the beer community on their experiences of London Beer City. £5, prebook, 6pm
KIDS FUN AT ROOF EAST:
Take kids to Roof East in Stratford where they can learn about urban farming, plant seeds, roller skate or play ping pong, all with stunning views over the city. Feeling peckish? Pop-up street food will be available and the Roof East Bar will be serving cocktails and non-alcoholic smoothies. Free, prebook, 12pm-5pm
PLAY WITH CLAY:
This weekend Londoners are invited to create a massive clay sculpture at Granary Square in King's Cross as a tribute to the people who have shaped the capital. Over the course of the weekend there will be pottery demonstrations, live music and of course lots of clay exhibits. Free, just turn up, 12pm-4pm
Sunday 16 August
DROP IN DESIGN:
Pop by the V&A Museum today and children can take part in architectural drawings with professionals from Rogers Stirk Harbour and Partners. If the weather is nice the classes will take place in the John Madejski Garden. If not head to Level 1, Sculpture, Room 24. Free, just turn up, 10.30am-5pm
