All weekend
TECHY THEATRE:
Monument is an immersive theatre experience in a secret location which combines technology with performance, so make sure you bring a fully charged smartphone and headphones. £11.25, prebook, Saturday 7.35pm, Sunday 7.30pm
PUBLIC SPACE:
From East to the Barbican is a live art programme featuring a number of artists who explore democratic uses of public space, artists as citizens, explorers and activists utilising digital streaming and connectivity to playfully re-configure our understanding of the city. Free, just turn up, until 23 August
MUSIC FESTIVAL:
The music venue legendary for hosting bands like The Clash and U2 is putting on its first ever music festival. The Bedford Rocks brings a number of exciting rock bands together under one roof over the weekend. £7, prebook, until 23 August
WATFORD BIG SCREEN:
The Big Screen returns to The Parade by the pond in Watford for a weekend full of fantastic films screened outside. On Saturday it's Smash Hit Saturday with three blockbusters including Gravity and Dirty Dancing. The Sunday sing-along includes Little Mermaid Romeo and Juliette. Bring your own blankets to make yourself comfy. There are plenty of restaurants and bars if you get peckish or fancy a drink. Free, just turn up, until 23 August
RIVER STAGE:
Ever tried walking in someone else’s shoes – or hands? A six-foot drag queen walks you past a church. A woman with a shaved head takes your hand. A hooded youth puts his arm round you as you sit together on a bench. Rosana Cade's Walking:Holding is an experiential walk through London in the hands of strangers at the National Theatre's River Stage. Free, prebook, until 23 August
BLOOM FESTIVAL:
A festival for local performers to showcase theatre, music, dance comedy and more is taking place in Crossrail Place Roof Garden in Canary Wharf. Don't worry, the garden is covered so don't let the rain put you off. Free, prebook, until 23 August
RELAY DOWN THE THAMES:
Now in its third year, the Source to Sea River Relay is bigger and more diverse than ever. The Bottle’s journey will begin at the source of the river in a field near Kemble in Gloucestershire, where it will be filled with fresh Thames water. It will then be helped on its journey downstream towards London by rowers, walkers, swimmers, paddleboarders, kayakers, sailors, punters and many more. Find out more about where the bottle will be popping up on the Totally Thames website. Free, just turn up, until 30 September
RIVER PHOTOGRAPHY:
Thames: Heart of London is a new exhibition of photographs by Henry Reichhold at London Blackfriars Thameslink station which aims to capture the character of the Thames as it winds through the city. Free, just turn up, until 30 September
Saturday 22 August
ARCELORMITTAL ORBIT:
Enjoy half price tickets for two and stunning views from the top of the helter skelter-like structure in Queen Elizabeth Park in Stratford. For an extra tenner you can add a bottle of wine to your experience. £15, prebook 10am
THE CROWN AND THE CITY:
If you're curious about the Royals, join this tour which explores the history of London from a regal perspective covering areas you might not expect. Meet outside Blackfriars Station. £7.50/£10, prebook, 11am
STEAM AND CIDER FAIR:
Old Dagenham Park will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the borough with a steam and cider festival. The day will feature steam engines, classic cars, family entertainment, music, dance, rides, food and, of course, a bar. Don't miss the Johnny Cash tribute show. Free, just turn up 11am-5pm
LEVI ROOTS URBAN FOOD FESTIVAL:
Remember the guy that did the reggae reggae sauce? He'll be performing live and serving up tasty Caribbean food at Euro Car Parks in Shoreditch. Come in fancy dress to claim your free cocktail. Free, just turn up, noon-midnight
COFFEE TOUR:
Get your caffeine fix on this tour at The Algerian Coffee Store in Soho. Learn about the process and taste some of the finest coffee London has to offer. £15, prebook, noon
MEAT SMOKING:
If you like your meat smoked you can learn how to do it yourself with chef Andi Oliver at The Jackdaw and Star in Hackney. £20, prebook, 1pm
MICROBREWERY TASTING:
Join London Brewery Tours for a tour around what's known locally as The Bermondsey Beer Mile. There will be plenty of opportunities for beer tasting with food pairings including pork pie and black pudding. End the tour in the Bottle Shop where you'll be able to purchase your favourite brew. £36.84, prebook, 1pm
TREASURE HUNT:
Meet at Oval Station in Kennington for a treasure hunt which involves unravelling cryptic clues. If you're a fan of haiku you'll enjoy this adventure. Ticket includes a free drink. £15, prebook, 2pm
BUBBLE FOOTBALL:
The most fun you can have with a giant inflatable. Have a kick around and prepare to be kicked around at Power League, Docklands. Sportswear and trainers required but leave the studded footwear at home. Wear jogging or tracksuit bottoms, trainers and short-sleeved tops. £19, prebook, 2pm
LIFE DRAWING:
The Wallace Collection hosts a life drawing session today led by Dan, who inspires his students with music and dance. £20, prebook 2pm-4.30pm
THE FEAST OF STRANGERS:
Don't be shy, join The Feast of Strangers an event hosted by a Central Saint Martins student at The Proud Archivist in collaboration with The Oxford Muse Conversations. The event encourages conversation and exchange of ideas between strangers over a meal and complimentary drink. You never know, you could end up making some friendships for life. £15, prebook, 2.30pm-4.30pm
PATTERNS FESTIVAL:
Head to Brixton Jamm for 12 hours of partying to quality DJs and bands. Music from Hackney Colliery Band, Brotherhood Sound System DJs and more. The first 50 people through the door enjoy a complimentary cocktail. £8, prebook, 4pm
AS YOU WISH:
Nomad Cinema is setting up an outdoor screening at Queen's Park in Kensal Green. Tonight you can see 1980s fantasy, and stone cold classic The Princess Bride. £13.50, prebook, 7.15pm
PARTY WITH FREE VINYL:
The House Clearance House Party takes over Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes in Russell Square for a night of DJs — every seven inch record played is given to someone in the crowd. Listen to classic disco, funk, soul, 80s and 90s all night. £5, prebook, 9pm
VIDEOKE:
It's Saturday night: the perfect excuse to dress up as your favourite pop, rock, rap star or music video character and dance the night away at The Phoenix in Oxford Circus. Expect live acts, dance offs, lip sync battles, professional make-up artists, a photo booth and much more. £10, prebook, 9pm
JAZZ:
Florence Joelle sings her own songs alongside jazz and rock'n'roll classics at Brasserie Toulouse Lautrec in Kennington. £7, prebook, 9.30pm
CHILDREN'S FAIRY TALES:
Sofar Productions presents Once Upon a Time in Archway. A young audience can enjoy not one, not two, but three fairytales: Little Red Riding Hood, Fearless Hans and The Mouse Family. £6, adults free, prebook, until 30 August
Sunday 23 August
BOARD GAMES:
Mind Sports Olympiad is an Olympics for the mind. Over the course of the festival there will be over 60 board game tournaments including chess and Scrabble as well as newer games, card games and a computer game championship. Spectators are welcome. If you fancy your hand at poker tickets are only a fiver. £5, prebook, 7pm
GHOST SIGNS TOUR:
This tour takes you around Stoke Newington, exploring the history of local faded advertisements, or ghost signs, which you probably never noticed were there. The ticket includes a pack of 15 postcards of ghost signs. We found it fascinating and informative. £15, prebook, 10.50am-1pm
NOTTING HILL TOUR:
A Westway Walking Tour of Notting Hill's colourful past, exploring the bohemian quarter of the 1950s. The tour covers the counter cultures and politics associated with the area. It last two hours so make sure to wear comfortable shoes. £9, prebook, noon
BEER AND BOWLING:
The annual craft beer bowl at Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes is in its third year. Expect DJs and live music all afternoon — and of course plenty of craft beer. Free, just turn up, 4pm
CRIME TOUR:
If you've got a penchant for a conspiracy theory then join this tour underneath Hungerford Bridge on the Southbank which unravels tales about everyone from Princess Diana to The Beatles. £10, prebook, 6pm
ROOFTOP CINEMA CLUB:
Head to the Bussey Building in Peckham to see a screening of Cinderella. Enjoy food and cocktails with fantastic panoramic views over London. £10/£14, prebook, 7pm
CHEESE AND WINE TASTING:
The Wine Cellars in Fulham hosts an evening of wine and cheese tasting — one of the greatest combinations ever. Take a friend along if you can bare to share. £24, prebook, 7pm
SCRATCH THEATRE:
Summer Showers present an evening of four new short plays at The Hope Theatre in Highbury and Islington. £8/£10, prebook, 7.45pm
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