Interesting and unusual things to do for a fiver or less this week.
All Week
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
ANIMAL TALES:
Here's an exhibition at the British Library exploring animals in literature which is sure to conjour up some childhood nostalgia. Free, just turn up, until 1 November
PADDINGTON CENTRAL FILM SCREENINGS:
Paddington Central hosts free film screenings throughout August, on the Grand Union Canal near Little Venice. This week you can see Annie on Wednesday, Sleepless in Seattle on Thursday, The Truman Show on Friday and Tangled on Saturday. Free, just turn up, weekday screenings begin at 6.30pm, weekend screenings begin at 3.30pm
Monday 17 August
RICH MIX GIG:
As part of Rich Mix Youth Festival, Peacebeats joins forces with the Hackney Talent Scouts from Hackney CVs. Tonight there’s a chance to see the performances that have come out of festival workshops. Participants perform alongside spoken word artist Mr Gee and musicians Jordan King and Katey Brooks. Free, just turn up, 7pm
CONTEMPORARY ART BOOTCAMP:
If you’re aged 17-21 and have an interest in art there’s a chance to meet five artists over five days at Whitechapel Gallery where you’ll experiment with a range of artistic techniques. Includes artists from The London Open 2015. Free, prebook, 10am-4pm, until 21 August
LONDON BRIDGE LIVE ARTS:
The annual London Bridge Live Arts festival returns with free workshops, talks, performances, installations and trails all inspired by London Bridge. This year's theme is exchange — not of money but ideas, stories and memories. Free, some events bookable, until 30 August
Tuesday 18 August
SWEET 'ART' SUMMER FESTIVAL:
Shoreditch will be hosting its first summer arts festival over three venues. Expect an exciting week of art, installations, music and activities. Everyone will be invited to interact with the beach-ball ball-park installation, snack on themed edibles and drinks, and enjoy a night of live music, live painting and DJs at this arty party. Free, just turn up, until 13 September
MEET THE CURATOR:
Meet the curator of the Joseph Cornell Wanderlust exhibition at the Royal Academy where you'll be able to ask any questions the exhibition provokes. £2.22, prebook, 6.30pm-8pm
TECHNOLOGY TALK:
Porterlight Bicycles, a pop-up shop in Covent Garden, is hosting an evening of discussion centred around entrepreneurship, technology, cycling and adventure. Free, just turn up, 7pm-8.30pm
Wednesday 19 August
THE COAST IN LONDON:
The National Trust brings the coast to the South Bank in the shape of a 4D seashell, as part of their coast campaign. Go into the shell and get your senses triggered by the aromas of salty sea air, caves, rock pools, the sounds of the waves and seagulls, as well as magical interior lighting. Free, just turn up, 10am-4pm
SCIENCE IN THE PUB:
Professor Mark Thomas will be chatting about the origins of modern human behaviour at the Old King's Head by London Bridge tube station. Free, just turn up, 6pm
Thursday 20 August
HOME AFFAIRS:
A new exhibition is opening at NOW Gallery which celebrates London's diverse creative landscape through cross-cultural installations. Free, just turn up, until 4 September
PHOTOGRAPHY:
A new exhibition of East London photography by William Whiffin will be displayed at Tower Hamlets Local History Library. William Whiffin lived and worked in Poplar through two world wars. Pre-eminent in what today might be known as street photography, he captured daily life in the East End during the 20th century. Free, just turn up, until 19 November
WATER VOLE SURVEYING:
Learn how to survey and monitor water voles at Frays Farm Meadows SSSI, one of London's most important wet grassland nature reserves. Don't forget your wellies! Free, just turn up, 9.45am
FABRICATIONS:
Fabrications in Hackney is hosting a promotional sewing machine day where you get to test drive one of their Brother machines. Make a shirt cushion for free, so there'll be no excuse to not sew up those holes or revamp your clothes. Free, just turn up, two hour workshops begin at 10.30am
WOMEN'S CHOIR:
The She Choir Summer of Love will be performing at the Star of Kings in King's Cross. Take advantage of the 2-4-1 cocktails, cupcakes and dancing. Free, just turn up, 7pm
Friday 21 August
CLINIC ANTHOLOGY LAUNCH:
Join poetry press Clinic at Bold Tendencies in Peckham Rye for the launch of its latest anthology Can I Borrow a Feeling? Contributors include Alex MacDonald, Sophie Collins, Jack Underwood and Sam Riviere. Free, just turn up, 6.30pm
RICH MIX EVENT:
Tonight there's an evening of films and entertainment at Rich Mix in Shoreditch. Expect films from Stretch and performance poetry from Sonny Greeb SBG. Free, prebook, 8pm
Saturday 22 August
STREET FOOD AND CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL:
Head to Alexandra Palace in Wood Green to soak up the atmosphere provided by live bands and DJs. Wash down your street food with quality craft beer. Free, just turn up, 11am-10pm
ROOF EAST KIDS ACTIVITIES:
Roof East will be transformed into a kids playground for the day. There's a chance to learn about urban gardening and take part in a seed planting workshop. Play ping pong while enjoying fantastic views over East London. Free, prebook, noon-5pm
LONDON GRAPHIC CENTRE:
The London Graphic Centre in Covent Garden is holding a workshop where you learn how to draw your favourite comic book heroes with help and tools from the experts. This is part of the Colour in Summer festival and is open to all ages and abilities. Free, just turn up, 2pm-5pm
PORTERLIGHT BICYCLES ADVENTURE TALK:
Pop-up bicycle shop Porterlight Bicycles in Covent Garden is hosting a free adventure talk with three thrill seeking guest speakers. Free, prebook, 7pm
Sunday 23 August
OLD DALSTON MARKET:
Lovers of all things vintage should head to Old Dalston Market, located on the ground floor of a former cinema on Stoke Newington Road. It will be filled with vintage clothes, 20th century furniture, records, taxidermy, glass and ceramics, handcrafted jewellery and tons more. Grab some food and listen to DJs when you need a break from shopping. Free, just turn up, 10am-5pm
FARMERS MARKET:
Every Sunday Alexandra Palace in Wood Green is home to a delicious range of fresh, local produce as over 30 stalls are lined with cakes, bread, olives, cheese and all the foody treats you could want. Free entry, just turn up, 10am-3pm
ROEHAMPTON CELEBRATIONS:
Roehampton Festival takes place near the Alton Estate today. A family friendly day bringing community members together to share opinions, celebrate their local area and dabble in music, art and performance. There will also be a lifesize cartoon restaurant filled with interactive activities for children. Free, just turn up, 11am
