Free And Cheap London Events: 13-19 June 2016

By Londonist Last edited 94 months ago

Last Updated 10 June 2016

Free And Cheap London Events: 13-19 June 2016

All week

See London from far above this week. Image: Glen Scarborough

MARILYN MONROE: There's still time to catch Marilyn Monroe: The Legacy Of A Legend at Chelsea Design Centre. See hand-written letters, journals, jewellery and outfits from some of her most famous films, including Niagara and Some Like It Hot. Free, just turn up, 10am-7pm

BRITAIN FROM THE AIR:  See over 100 captivating aerial images of the British Isles at this huge Royal Geographical Society exhibition. Get a different perspective on Britain's top landmarks as you view them from the air.  Free, just turn up, 10am-5pm, until 12 July

BIKE WEEK: There are loads of cycle-tastic events taking place in London for Bike Week. Children under 10 can get bike advice, have their ride registered with Met Police and find out about cycling in London's parks. Free, just turn up, 3.30pm

Monday 13 June

RUBENS TALK: Dr Simon Thurly discusses the work of Rubens — the unlikely choice to paint the Banqueting House at Whitehall Palace with a vast mural cycle glorifying the Stuart dynasty. Hear the story of this masterpiece, painted in Antwerp and shipped to London, at the Museum Of London. Free, prebook, 1pm

ARCHIPELAGO: Head to St John on Bethnal Green for the launch of poetry anthology, Archipelago, a collection of work from over 50 artists from the Eris Collective. Free, just turn up, 6pm

BAILEYS FICTION:  Hannah Rothschild discusses her Baileys Women's Prize For Fiction shortlisted novel, The Improbability Of Love, at Waterstones Tottenham Court Road. Join Hannah as she speaks about the story's historical background and the influences of her work at the National Gallery. £5, prebook, 7pm

Tuesday 14 June

FREE MUSIC: Lunch has never sounded sweeter. Head to the Old Royal Naval College Chapel for a free classical recital, featuring pianists Tetsuya Yasuda and Phillip Leslie. Free, just turn up, 1pm

THEATRE AND PERFORMANCE: Take a guided tour of the V&A's theatre collection, from ballet shoes, pop and rock posters and puppets, to costumes and stage sets. Free, just turn up, 2pm

COMEDY GROTTO: No Santa here — instead there's enough silliness to keep you giggling all week. Tonight catch award-winning Bridget Christie's Edinburgh preview at The Star Of Kings. You can probably sit on her knee and tell her what you want for Christmas, if you really want to. Free (donate what you like), just turn up, 8pm

Wednesday 15 June

Scoop up some Marine Ices today

FREE ICE CREAM: Yep you're reading this right. Chalk Farm ice cream parlour Marine Ices is offering free ice cream to all who follow them on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Visit their website for more information. Free, just turn up, 4pm-9pm

QUIZ: London's "most social quiz night" is back at Sink Pong with a special night for 25-45 year olds. Meet new people with this mix and match quiz set up — there's a winner in every round, so you're bound to be on the champion team at some point. Free, prebook, 7pm

UNICORN PIÑATA MAKING: Get stuck into making your own sweet-filled mythical creature at Drink, Shop & Do. Under the guidance of your piñata expert, learn to craft a treat-packed pony. Free when you buy a drink (sweets £3), just turn up, 7pm

COMEDY: Twice As Nice takes over the Duchess Of Cambridge tonight. With Edinburgh Previews from two new acts — Sindhu Vee "searingly funny and, completely truthful about her personal life" and Eshaan Akbar "so slick, I could have been watching a Live at the Apollo set". £5, prebook, 7.30pm

Thursday 16 June

APPEARING ROOMS: Get soaked (or not) at Southbank Centre's Appearing Rooms fountains. Dodge the interactive shooting jets of water as they fly into the air, creating 'rooms'. Let's just hope for a heatwave. Free, just turn up, 10am-8pm

NETIL HOUSE: In the heart of London Fields, Netil House opens its doors for one night only, giving you a behind the scenes look into the building at the edge of the park. Begin with Netil Market and meet the traders while listening to DJs, grabbing some food and soaking up the creativity. Free, just turn up, 6pm

REQUEST LINE: Take control of the soundtrack at The Book Club tonight as the Request Line DJs play your pick of the tunes all night long. The most popular song choice wins a free cocktail. Groove your way through to Friday with this night. Free, just turn up, 9pm

Friday 17 June

Get in the cockpit today. Image: Martin Carey

FLY A FIGHTER: Ever wanted to fly a fighter plane? Get up close to the cockpit in these flight simulators at the RAF Museum. Choose from a Red Arrow ride or a trip in a Typhoon. Explore the museum's extensive collection of flight memorabilia, with special exhibitions including The First World War in the Air. Free (£3 for simulators), prebook, 10am-6pm

COMEDY: Comedians are puppets in Hoopla's Improv Comedy Club at The Miller. The Geekeasy Cops put you under arrest at London Bridge with their sci-fi style laughs and sketches. It's a popular one, so get in early to grab a seat. £5, just turn up, 8pm

FRIDAY NIGHT SKATE: Bring your inlines or old skool quads to Friday Night Skate. Meet at a central London location (details on their website) and glide off like you're in Starlight Express, only faster and through the London streets. Check the website for more details. Free, just turn up, 8pm (arrive 10 minutes before)

Saturday 18 June

BUG HUNT: Go on the search for creepy crawlies at Strawberry Hill House today and make your own big beautiful bug. £2, just turn up, 1pm/2pm

COMEDY: Socialist Fun Times is the name of the show and comic Chris Coltrane provides plenty of those in his hilarious set at the Carpenter's Arms in Marble Arch. He's aided and abetted by Eleanor Morton and Phil Mann. Free, just turn up, 6.30pm

MUSIC: Celebrate 25 years of Otakar Krauss Music Trust with this St John's Smith Square concert. The Paradisal Players present a selection of heavenly music, with pieces by Mozart, Rachmaninoff and more. Free, prebook, 7.30pm

Sunday 19 June

CLASSIC AND SUPER CARS: St John's Wood NW8 Business Association invites a collection of super and classic car owners to show off their rides on St John's Wood High Street. Free, just turn up, 10am-6pm

19 PRINCLET STREET: Built in 1719, this Spitalfields house belonged to a prosperous silk weaving family. With a history that includes a synagogue in its grounds and a man who simply disappeared, take the chance to see this mysterious venue for free. Free, just turn up, 2pm-6pm

BIG SING: Join The Big Sing at Southbank as part of Guy Garvey's Meltdown. All abilities are welcome, from note novices to seasoned sopranos, get involved in Songs To Welcome as part of Refugee Week. Free, just turn up, 2.30pm

£1 COMEDY: That works out at less than a penny a laugh (probably). Make Sunday nights loads funnier with four fabulous comedians at Top Secret Comedy Club. Go on, spoil yourself giggling to their stage antics. £1, prebook, 8pm