All week
ILLUMINATED RIVERS: See what London's bridges could look like in the Illuminated Rivers exhibtion at Southbank Centre. The exhibition showcases six potential designs for illuminating the Thames bridges. Free, just turn up, until 29 November
ARCTIC CANADIAN ART: Contemporary artwork by 18 artists from the Nunavut region in Canada's Arctic, inspired by the Floe Edge (the area where deep ocean meets sea ice), is on display at Canada House in Trafalgar Square. Free, just turn up, until 30 December
CHURCH EXHIBITION: Artist Ian Brice is putting on an exhibition at St Dunstan's Church in Stepney. Go along to see 27 colourful, framed acrylic on canvas boards featuring architectural details from the church. All the works are for sale. Free, just turn up, until 31 January 2017
VICTORIAN ENTERTAINMENT: Queen Victoria may have said she was not amused, but she clearly only spoke for herself. From pantomime to performing pigs, find out how Victorians had fun at the British Library's new exhibition. Free, just turn up, until 12 March 2017
Monday 21 November
15TH CENTURY BOOKS: The British Library has one of the largest collections in the world of old books. Learn about their meaning and value in the 15th century from Dr Alessandra Panzanelli. £5, book in advance 12.30pm
LEE CHILD: Meet Lee Child, the crime author behind Jack Reacher, at Waterstones in Leadenhall Market. Free, just turn up, 12.45pm
COMEDY SHOWCASE: Help shape the future of comedy at Rich Mix in Shoreditch. Up to 25 emerging comedy acts perform short shows in a bid to win a place to perform at Leicester Square Theatre. Free, just turn up, 7.30pm
Tuesday 22 November
FREE COMEDY: Need a laugh? Joz Norris headlines an alternative comedy night at The Rose and Crown in Kentish Town. The line-up also features poets, clowns and sketch groups. Pay-what-you-want, just turn up, 7.30pm (show starts at 8pm)
Wednesday 23 November
UNICEF PHOTOGRAPHY: To mark 70 years of Unicef, see striking photos of how war affects children and how Unicef has helped protect children around the globe at The Strand Gallery. Free, just turn up, 11am-6pm
FILM SHORTS: Watch a selection of short films and mingle with their directors at Shorts On Tap's third birthday party at 93 Feet East in Shoreditch. £3, book in advance, 7pm
Thursday 24 November
ARCHAEOLOGY AND ESPIONAGE: Discover the links between archaeology and the intelligence services during the first world war with a lunchtime lecture at UCL's Petrie Museum. Free, book in advance, 1.15pm
CHARITY FASHION: Update your wardrobe in time for the Christmas season with a late night charity shopping event at TRAID Dalston. A DJ spins the decks as you get advice from a stylist about how to trawl the rails of second hand and vintage clothing. Free, just turn up, 6.30pm-9pm
Friday 25 November
DESIGN MUSEUM: Explore the exhibitions at the new Design Museum building in South Kensington. It's got a few opening weekend events going on too. Free, just turn up, 10am-8pm (until 27 November)
SUGAR AND SLAVERY: Discover the role that London played in the slave trade at the Museum of London Docklands' new exhibition following the life of an African prince who was tricked and sold into slavery. Free, just turn up, until 4 June 2017
WINTER LIGHTS FESTIVAL: Barking's Elizabethan Eastbury Manor House has been transformed into an illuminated masterpiece for its winter lights festival, Glow. Take the whole family for an evening of workshops and interactive art. £5 (kids go free), book in advance, 5pm-10pm (repeated tomorrow)
Saturday 26 November
HACKNEY MAKERS WEEKEND: For one weekend only head to Hackney Makers Weekend. See unique artists’ and craftspeople’s work, and get some inspiration for original gift ideas, and a treat or two for yourself. Free, just turn up, 10am-6pm, and tomorrow 12pm - 6pm
BREWERS' MARKET: 26 breweries from across London will be at the London Brewers' Market in Spitalfields. Treat yourself to samples of new brews, plus street food and more. Free entry, just turn up, 11am-6.30pm
AFGHAN FILM FESTIVAL: The University of Westminster's Harrow campus hosts the Afghan International Film Festival this weekend. Watch short film screenings and attend Q&As about films depicting life in Afghanistan, life in exile, historical dramas and documentraies. £5 per screening, 26-27 November
Sunday 27 November
CHRISTMAS FAIR: Sort out your Christmas shopping at Dulwich College's Christmas Fair — there are over 170 stalls to buy from in the College's magnificent surroundings. Free, just turn up, 10.30am-4pm
THE GRUNWICK STRIKE: The Grunwick Strike affected people in both East Africa and London. Author Graham Taylor confronts the racism and sexism of the two-year strike in his talk at Ideas Store Canary Wharf. Free, book in advance, 2.30pm
