Interesting and unusual things to do for a fiver or less this week.
All week
SWEET 'ART' SUMMER FESTIVAL:
Shoreditch is hosting its first summer arts festival over three venues. Expect an exciting week of art, installations, music and activities. Everyone is 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
THOMAS HIRSCHHORN INBETWEEN:
We recommend checking out Thomas Hirschhorn's bomb site installation at Camberwell Gallery, which we found both impressive and unsettling. Free, just turn up, until 13 September
SCULPTURE AT SERPENTINE SACKLER:
We applauded the detail that went into Duane Hanson's life-like sculptures and it's your last chance to check them out at Serpentine Sackler Gallery alongside Lynette Yiadom-Boakye's striking portraits. Free, just turn up, until 13 September
COVENT GARDEN INSTALLATION:
Head to the indoor market at Covent Garden to see a new installation by French artist Charles Pétillon in the form of giant pulsating white balloons meant to reflect the dynamism and energy of the area. Free, just turn up, until 27 September
RELAY DOWN THE THAMES:
What's the Source to Sea River Relay? It features a bottle journeying downstream from the source of the Thames, helped on its journey 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
PARLIAMENT FESTIVAL:
Festival of Freedoms is a series of free talks and workshops focusing on equality legislation. Highlights include talks on women's suffrage, the Magna Carta and the legacy of British slave-ownership. Free, some events bookable, until 25 October
Monday 7 September
BLACK CAB EXHIBITION:
See the photography of Oleg Tolstoy at Carousel Gallery as he documents the disappearing black cab around London. There will also be a video installation alongside the 13 prints. Free, just turn up, until 25 September
Tuesday 8 September
ART WORKSHOP:
A writing and art workshop at Free Space Gallery in Kentish Town Health Centre exploring story, perception and interpretation through exercises and activities, for people of all levels and experience. Bring along an object of importance to get the ball rolling. £5 suggested donation, prebook, 6.30pm
PALMERS GREEN TOUR:
Take a free guided tour around Palmers Green in Enfield, exploring the history and personalities of the area which is 50 years old. Free, just turn up, 7pm
Wednesday 9 September
BUILDINGS:
Palladian Design opens today at RIBA Gallery showcasing Andrea Palladio's original drawings of buildings from the 16th century to the present day. Free, just turn up, until 9 January
STREET ART:
Renowned street artist Jimmy C opens his long awaited solo show at East London’s Lollipop Gallery. You've probably seen his work dotted around East London in his signature aerosol pointillist style. Free, just turn up, until 30 September
ROYAL RIVER SALUTE:
A number of vessels, many of whom took part in the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant, will gather by Tower Bridge and salute The Queen on the day she becomes the longest serving monarch in British history. Free, just turn up, noon
Thursday 10 September
ALICE IN WONDERLAND POP-UP:
Chambord Chapter Eight Games marks 150 years of Alice in Wonderland with an immersive pop-up experience in London Fields complete with croquet lawn. Food from Le Bun plus Chambord cocktails. £5, prebook, until 13 September
AUTHOR TALK:
Professional racing driver and former F1 star, Mark Webber, who achieved 42 podium finishes, will be signing copies of his new book Aussie Grit on 10 September at Blackwell’s High Holborn shop. Free, just turn up, 1pm
BLUES LIGHT DISTRICT:
If you love a bit of live music head to Drink, Shop and Do which is hosting a night of acoustic music. Sign up from 6pm or relax and enjoy the talented acts. From 11pm all the acts come together to perform. Free, just turn up, 6pm-2am
Friday 11 September
FIVE BRIDGES:
Go to The Guildhall Library for a talk on the history of London's five bridges through illustrations and fun trivia. Free, just turn up, 1pm
ANCIENT MAYA TALK:
Swot up on some history tonight at The Institute of Archaeology, with a free talk on ancient Maya culture, writing and their garden cities. Free, just turn up, 6.30pm
BAT WALK:
Look out for London's night life on this bat walk around Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park guided by the Isis Education Centre. £5, prebook, 7.45pm
COIN STREET FILM CLUB:
At Coin Street Neighbourhood Film Club you can meet local people and watch short films, feature length films and hear discussions with guest speakers. Snacks and drinks available. £5, prebook, 6.30pm
Saturday 12 September
MERTON ARTS TRAIL:
Try free screen-printing, collage and life drawing sessions on The Piazza on Wimbledon Broadway as part of the Merton Arts Trail in south west London. Have a go at watercolour painting or making a Liberty bird in historic Merton Abbey Mills. On Sunday take the kids on a wheel-friendly Art Nature Trail on Wimbledon Common. Free, just turn up, until 13 September
VIETNAMESE CULTURE:
Head to the Potters Fields Park to discover the best in Vietnamese culture and cuisine. Over the course of the weekend there will be colourful ceremonies, performances, music and even a traditional water puppet show. Free, just turn up, until 13 September
BATTLE OF BRITAIN VINTAGE FAIR:
In need of jazzing up your wardrobe or your house? Head to Royal Air Force Museum this weekend to pick up original vintage clothing, furniture and more. Pick up some hand-designed one off items and you've got your friends' birthday presents sorted. Free, just turn up, 10am-6pm
FAMILY HISTORY:
Fascinated by your family history or don't know anything about it and want to learn more? Join this talk hosted by the Society of Genealogists offering advice to help you trace your family history. There's also a library tour at 2pm and plenty of time to explore the remarkable collection held by the society. Free, prebook, 11am-6pm
ST KATHERINE DOCKS BOAT FESTIVAL
Central London's only marina is the place for a celebration of its classical boats today with a display of 40 sail and power vessels. What are you waiting for? Jump on board and pretend you own one. Free, just turn up, 1pm-5pm
POETRY AND LIVE ART:
As part of the King's Place Festival, artists will be creating live art in response to the work of four talented poets: Declan Ryan, Daisy LaFarge, Kayo Chinongyi and Ralf Webb. Free, just turn up, 3pm-4pm
Sunday 13 September
KIDS' PARTY IN THE PARK:
Teaming up with kids clothing company Muddy Puddles, Sharky & George will treat 2-12 year olds to their much-loved take on classic party games. Expect tug-o-war, rocket balloons, circus tricks, water bombs, mud pies (weather dependent) and more with a mischievous twist. Free, just turn up, 11am-1pm
NHS OPEN DAY:
Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust is hosting its annual open day packed with free, family friendly activities, such as a bouncy castle, archery, face painting, a live band, Bollywood dancers and more. Take a tour of the gallery at St Pancras Hospital, which has artwork produced by veterans to raise awareness of the struggles they face during war, and the value of the arts as a therapeutic and healing form of practice. Free, just turn up, 11am-4pm
GREENWICH PARK HARVEST FESTIVAL:
Greenwich Park will be hosting their first Harvest Festival in The Queen's Orchard. As well as the opportunity to tour the orchard, there will be bee demonstrations, a display of seasonal vegetables, and children activities such as face painting and pond dipping. Experts from The Royal Parks Guild will be on hand to answer any questions about food growing. Free, just turn up, 11am-4pm
VINTAGE FASHION FAIR:
Head to Old Finsbury Town Hall for a Vintage Fashion Fair. Alongside the vintage clothes will be a traditional tea room with live music, on-site alterations and a manicure bar. £4, just turn up, 11am-5pm
