Things to do for £5 or less in London this week.
All week
NEW EXHIBITION: The UK Colour Pencil Society is showcasing work by established and emerging artists. Menier Gallery (Southwark), free, just turn up, until 6 May
FLORAL DISPLAY: Rebecca Louise Law has suspended 10,000 irises from the ceiling of this gallery, creating a somewhat magical environment to enjoy. NOW Gallery (Greenwich Peninsula), free, just turn up, until 7 May
LONDON ARTWORKS: We love these renderings of London by artist Paul Catherall — they've even been used by TfL. Now a collection of his works in the capital are on display in an exhibition. For Arts Sake (Ealing), free, just turn up, until 21 May
FREE FILM FESTIVAL: Herne Hill Free Film Festival has a great line up, including Victoria, Easy Rider, and The Big Lebowski. Various locations, free, book ahead, until 29 May
SYRIAN CONFLICT: This Imperial War Museum exhibition highlights the origins and human impact of the current Syrian conflict through photos and personal objects and stories. Imperial War Museum (Lambeth), free entry, just turn up, until 3 September
Monday 1 May
BANK HOLIDAY: Looking for things to do in London over the long weekend? Check out our guide to spending the bank holiday in the city, whatever the weather and whatever your budget.
MAY DAY FESTIVAL: Kentish Town City Farm hosts a Mayday Festival with games, arts and crafts, pony rides, and a treasure hunt. £1 (adult)/50p (child), just turn up, 1pm-4pm
CANALWAY CAVALCADE: It's the final day of the Canalway Cavalcade in Little Venice, a pageant of boats, trade shows, stalls, live music, activities for kids, morris dancers and a procession of illuminated boats on Sunday night. Little Venice, free, just turn up, 10am-6pm
Tuesday 2 May
BANK'S INDEPENDENCE: A new display opens today marking the 20th anniversary of the Bank's independence to make decisions on interest rates. Bank of England Museum, free entry, just turn up, ongoing
100 DAYS OF TRUMP: The work of political cartoonists Peter Brookes of the Times and Matt (Matthew Pritchett) of the Telegraph goes on display today, covering topics such as Trump, Brexit and Boris. Chris Beetles Gallery (St James's), free entry, just turn up, until 20 May
LUNCH MARKET: Fancy something different for lunch? Spicy patties, empanadas, noodle salads, haggis toasties and zingy ceviche are just some of the foods on offer at this lunch market. Canary Wharf, free entry, just turn up, 11am-3pm
CHRISTIE'S LATES: Auction house Christie's stays open late for an evening inspired by the art and culture of Asia, with talks by experts, tea sampling, and a crash course in Mandarin. Christie's (South Kensington), free entry, book ahead, 6pm-8.30pm
MUSEUM BY CANDLELIGHT: Explore Sir John Soane's Museum after hours by candlelight. The house's collection includes antiquities and other curiosities, as well as paintings by the likes of Turner and Hogarth. Sir John Soane's Museum (Lincoln's Inn Fields), free, just turn up (worth getting there early to avoid disappointment), 6pm-9pm
Wednesday 3 May
THIS IS HULL!: This new exhibition focuses on one community's fight against racism, featuring Richard Lees' 1979 silkscreen posters for Hull Rock Against Racism. Rich Mix (Shoreditch), free, just turn up, until 26 May
CRICK LATE: The new Francis Crick Institute holds its first late opening, an evening of pop-up science with talks, demonstrations, live music, food and drink. Francis Crick Institute (King's Cross), free, book ahead, 6pm-9.30pm
CYPRIOT POETS: Five Cypriot poets talk about and tell the story of their divided community through poetry. Southbank Centre, free, just turn up, 8pm
Thursday 4 May
MAYDAY TALK: Find out about the history of the Mayday holiday in this country — why it started, and how its meaning changed through the years. Guildhall Library, free, book ahead, 2pm-3pm
STYLE NIGHT: Register for a free ticket to Carnaby's Style Night, and get discounts in plenty of the shops, bars and restaurants in the area on the night, plus live music and free entertainment while you shop. Carnaby, free, book ahead, 5pm-9pm
STAR WARS: Mark Star Wars Day (May the fourth...) with a Star Wars themed quiz. Do you know your Jedi from your Sith? Prove it with questions, craft challenges and more. Drink, Shop & Do (King's Cross), £5, book ahead, 7.30pm
Friday 5 May
PHOTOGRAPHY: As House of Vans relaunches after a spruce up, the Independent Photography Festival opens at the venue, featuring photos from all over the world. House of Vans (Waterloo), free entry, just turn up, until 27 May
AFRICAN WOMEN: Find out about the different roles African women played in the first world war, including labourers, spies and snipers, at this talk. National Army Museum (Chelsea), free, book ahead, 11.30am
OPEN GARDEN: The monthly public opening of Lambeth Palace Gardens takes places today. Visit the oldest continuously cultivated garden in London. Lambeth Palace Gardens, £5, just turn up, noon-3pm
NORFOLK BROADS: Enjoy some traditional folk songs courtesy of all-female vocal quartet The Norfolk Broads. Southbank Centre, free, just turn up, 1pm
Saturday 6 May
IMPERIAL FESTIVAL: Land a virtual reality plane, battle superbugs and learn how scientists are trying to make cheese creamier at Imperial Festival, a free, family-friendly science festival which gives the public an insight into the work of Imperial's scientists. Imperial College, free, book ahead, 6-7 May
PECKHAM SALVAGE YARD: The team behind Hackney Flea Market head south for Peckham Salvage Yard, a vintage market with 50 traders selling furniture, ceramics, clothes, textiles and more. Bussey Building, free entry, just turn up, 6-7 May, 11am-6pm
MOANA: Take the kids to see animated Disney film Moana at Little Rippers Film Club — and wear them out with an hour-long skate session first. House of Vans, free, just turn up, 10.30am/12.15pm
CRAFTY FOX MARKET: Over 75 artists, designers and makers are selling their jewellery, prints, ceramics, gifts and more at Crafty Fox Market. Oval Space (Bethnal Green), free entry, just turn up, 11am-5pm
SEWING MACHINES: It's the monthly opening of London's sewing machine museum. See a machine which was given to Queen Victoria's eldest daughter as a wedding present, among 600 other objects. Sewing Machine Museum (Balham High Road), free (donations welcome), just turn up, 2pm-5pm
Sunday 7 May
CROYDON AIRPORT: See the world's oldest air traffic control tower and take a free tour around the micro museum at Croydon Airport's monthly open day. Croydon Airport, free (donations welcome), just turn up, 11am-4pm
MINIONS: Minions is the film of choice at Little Rippers Film Club. Wear the little ones out with an hour of skating first, before settling them in front of the film. Not a Minions fan? No problem — adults can refuel in the cafe while kids watch the screening. House of Vans, free, just turn up, 12.15pm
DESIGNERS' MARKET: Stock up on gifts or treat yourself at E17 Designer's Market. Clothes, glassware, stationery, jewellery and prints are just some of the items on sale from local designers and makers. Waltham Forest Community Hub, free, just turn up, 2.30pm-5.30pm
