All week
THIS IS ME: Did you know that 40% of young care leavers are NEET, and half are dealing with mental health issues? The brave individuals behind the statistics present their personal stories through self portraits and monologues. Waterloo Action Centre, free, just turn up, 11am-7pm, 11-17 September
WORKING RIVER: This exhibition explores the history of boat construction yards on the tidal Thames. The project has documented the stories of those who worked in the boatyards, and legacy the boatyards have on the Thames today. Wherry Boathouse (Richmond), free, just turn up, 12pm-6pm, until 1 October
MEZCAL WEEK: Take part in a series of events celebrating Mezcal Mexican culture. There's plenty of food and drink to be consumed, a two day tasting festival, culminating with a celebration of Mexican Independence Day. Unit 5 Gallery, times and prices vary, 11-17 September
SAMANTHA BITTEN EXHIBITION: Get your weave on at this gallery. This is the first UK solo exhibition of American artist Samantha Bittman, featuring 12 new wall-based weaved works. Ronchini Gallery, free, just turn up, 10am-6pm, until 28 September
INDIAN TREASURES: Marking the 70th anniversary of India's independence from the British Empire, Getty Images Gallery is showcasing a rarely seen collection of some of the earliest images of India. Getty Images Gallery (Oxford Circus), free, just turn up, 10am-5.30pm, until 7 October
Monday 11 September
HOMEMADE OILS: Big brand cosmetics can be expensive, and you might not always get exactly what you want. Make your own at this essential oils workshop. Learn how to make hand cream, body butter, and scrubs, keeping everything you create after the session. Poplar Union, £3-£5, book ahead, 12pm-3pm
EXCELLENT WOMEN: What was it about Anglican women that made them such fine novelists? From Charlotte Brontë to Elizabeth Goudge, who were these women and what inspired them to write? Reverend Canon Dr Judith Maltby investigates. Westminster Abbey, free, book ahead, 6.30pm-7.30pm
THE GIFT OF ANGER: Southwark Cathedral is hosting a talk by Mahatma Gandhi's grandson Arun Gandhi to mark the publication of his new book The Gift of Anger. This talk,will relate the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi to the modern world and discuss how his principles can be applied to todays concerns. Southwark Cathedral, £8, book ahead, 7pm-8.30pm
MAPPING THE HEAVENS: Have you ever found yourself confused by abstract ideas like dark matter and dark energy, and other mysterious forces that apparently shape our universe? Astrophysicist Priyamvada Natarajan is on hand to try and make sense of it all for you. Royal Institution, £16, book ahead, 7pm-8pm
BRITAIN ON FILM: If you are enthralled by the complex network of snaking steel that comprises Britain's railway infrastructure, and you enjoy cinema too, then this evening, featuring films of Britain's railways, might be for you. United Reformed Church (Croydon), £3.50, just turn up, 7.30pm
Tuesday 12 September
PLANNING THE NIGHT: Yearning for an international perspective on 24- hour-cities over your brekkie? You can hear leading built environmental professionals discuss what it takes to create successful night time spaces. The Building Centre, £10, book ahead, 9am-10.30am<
GRESHAM TALKS: You've probably heard of Gresham College — you may have even learnt a thing or two from one of its free talks. But who was Sir Thomas Gresham, and why did he leave a large portion of his fortune to educating Londoners through this lecture series? Find out at this lecture and book launch at Barnard's Inn Hall (Chancery Lane). Free, just turn up, 6pm-8pm
FRIEND OR FAUX:This talk focuses on the future of authentic design during today's digital age where technology allows even the most complex designs to be mass produced. The discussion will include a panel of leading voices in the field of design who will emphasise the importance of design heritage. Design Museum, £10, book ahead,6.15pm-7.45pm
BOY IN THE STATUE: Sir Erich Reich's autobiography charts his journey as a traumatised Jewish refugee boy, who arrived in this country from Nazi-occupied Europe three days before the start of the war. Hear from the man himself at his book launch. The Wiener Library (Bloomsbury), free, just turn up, 6.30pm-8pm
ART ON A UKULELE: Join the Hepatitis C Trust for an evening of music, fine art, and ukuleles painted by artists Mick Rooney, Ramiro Fernandez Suas, Cathy Pilkington, and many others. The instruments will be showcased at this concert hosted by Channel 4 News' Jon Snow. The Jazz Cafe, £35, book ahead, 7pm-11pm
BOROUGH TALKS: The true cost of the food we eat is discussed at this talk by a panel of agriculture and environment experts. They will discuss how industrialised food production is affecting the earth and if it is possible to produce food in more sustainable ways that are economically viable. Borough Market, £17.50, book ahead, 7pm-9pm
BULLISH: This piece of theatre takes a very different approach to a Greek classic. The story of Theseus and the Minotaur has been remodelled by Milk Presents to disrupt the traditional interpretation of the myth. Camden People's Theatre, £12, book ahead, 7.15-8.15pm, until 30 September
Wednesday 13 September
STAMPEX: Attention stamp collectors: it's that time of year again. Get yourself to the National Stamp Exhibition and show off your wares. You don't have to be a philatelist to enjoy the exhibit, as there's plenty to learn about the hobby and the history of stamps. Business Design Centre (Islington), free entry, just turn up,10am-6pm, until 16 September
JACK THE RIPPER: Over 100 years have elapsed since Jack the Ripper's heinous deeds, and the Whitechapel murders still captivates the publics imagination. Steve Newman has been a London tour guide for over 20 years and the Ripper tour has always been his most popular one. He's on hand here to breakdown why the public are still fascinated by this enduring mystery. Shoe Lane Library, free, just turn up, 12.30pm-1.30pm
SPORTS SCIENCE: Why are some people good at sport? Do Formula One drivers and Olympic athletes share something in common? Former F1 driver Susie Wolff and former Olympic medalist Anna Watkins share their insights into how data gathering, science, and technology is reshaping the world of sports. Royal Institution, £16, book ahead, 7pm-8.30pm
SPOKEN NERD: 'Nerds' Matt Parker, Steve Mould, and Helen Arney have all appeared on various BBC panel programmes to inject the silly into the periodic table, and the nonsense into numbers. Now they've taken to the stage with their brand new tour You Can't Polish a Nerd. Canada Water Library, £12, book ahead, 7pm-9pm, until 15 September
AFTER BREXIT: Can't get enough Brexit talk? Gisela Stuart and Professor Frank Furedi are on hand to discuss the importance of national and popular sovereignty, and how that can be applied in a positive way. Rich Mix, £14.45, book ahead, 7pm-9pm
WATLING STREET: It's just a road, right? Who cares? Perhaps its secrets hide in plain sight... now known by a myriad of other names, this is more than just a route across the country — it's an unexpected exploration of Britain and who we are today. Conway Hall (Holborn), £5, book ahead, 7.30pm-9pm
Thursday 14 September
ED BALLS IN CONVERSATION: This conversation has Balls (and an ex cabinet minister too). Hear the former Labour MP discuss his life and career, his experience with stammering, and the importance of keeping mentally well. National Gallery, free, book ahead, 12pm-2pm
DIGGING DEEP: Have you ever wondered how skyscrapers are built, and how they stay up? This seminar covers all that and more. The event will also announce the winners of the Structural Concrete Student Competition 2017. The Building Centre (Bloomsbury), free, book ahead, 6pm-8pm
TREES: Trees not only provide us with the air we breathe, but apparently they are the foundation for private property... well the Tree Charter is at any rate. Learn about the charter's impact at this talk, and discover how trees and forests have been used in art and culture. The British Library, £10, book ahead, 7pm-8.30pm
DRAW YOUR STORY: Have you always wanted to create your own comic book? Graphic novelist and art teacher Roger Mason will be tutoring on how to create characters, improve your drawing, and the mechanics of cartooning. Bureau of Silly Ideas (Brixton), £20, book ahead, 7.30pm-9.30pm
FOLK TALES: Head to the Old King's Head on Borough High Street for an hour filled with monsters, ghouls, giants, dragons, smugglers and fools. The selection of folk tales is read by folk artist Cunning Folk and London Dreamtime. The Old King's Head, £3, just turn up, 8pm
Friday 15 September
COURAGE YARD BITE: A carnival of street food awaits you at Courage Yard. There's cuisine for every pallet from Jamaican jerk, Columbian arepas, and veggie, vegan, and gluten free offerings too. There's also a DJ and outdoor games to keep you entertained. Courage Yard, free entry, just turn up, 11am-3pm
STREETWEAR FEST: The latest in streetwear fashion will be available at this inaugural event coupled with a celebration of streetwear culture. A selection of hip-hop and grime artists will be performing at the event. Old Truman Brewery (Brick Lane), £20, book ahead,11am-8pm
BATTLE OF BRITAIN NIGHT: Swing on down to this vintage shindig. Hear old classics from the 1930s and 1940s mingled in with retrofitted contemporary pop, and have a gander at war planes including Spitfire and Hurricane. RAF Museum (Hendon), £14, book ahead, 6.30pm-9.30pm
BOXING FOR GRENFELL: Unity might not be the best description for a pugilistic affair, but this special boxing event has been set up to support the victims and communities affected by the Grenfell Tower Fire. Olympia London, £20, book ahead, 7pm-12am
THE NIGHTJAR: Enjoy live music from The Nightjar, who play harmonies with tight inter-locking guitars, and deep vocals to create a supernatural and psychedelic ambiance. The band will be supported by a new project, comprising of artists Samantha Whates and Josienne Clarke. The Gallery Cafe (Bethnal Green), £8, book ahead, 8pm-11pm
HIP-HOP VS DANCE HALL: Who gets your vote Biggie or Beenie Man? Nas or Sean Paul? Enjoy the best of both worlds at this hip hop vs. dancehall party. Jamm (Brixton), £6/£10, book ahead, 10pm-4am
Saturday 16 September
TAKE A SEAT: Even seats are celebrated in London. This is a headline event at London Design Festival 2017 exploring the role public seating can have in encouraging positive social interaction. See benches transformed using the 'Razzle Dazzle' effect employed on world war one. Windrush Square (Brixton), free, just turn up, 24/7
URBAN FORAGING: It's probably not advisable to eat off the floor in London — unless you're out foraging with John Rensten, founder of Forage London. Take a trip with John and investigate the Square Mile's green spaces. Museum of London, £39, book ahead, 1.30pm-4pm
TOUGH LOVE: Party all night to an all star line up at the Ministry of Sound. Tough Love will be headlining with Siesta, and a host of other artists and speakers to keep you dancing into the early hours. Ministry of Sound, £20-£26, book ahead, 11pm-6am
ONLY FOOLS AND COURSES: You'd be a 24 carat plonker not to join in with this dinner show, featuring the beloved characters from BBC sitcom Only Fools and Horses. There are three courses of good food and lashings of comedy served all evening. Lovely Jubbly! Double Tree By Hilton Hotel, £49, book ahead, 7pm-10pm
QUEER WALKING: Before Manchester's Canal Street, Soho was the gay capital of the UK. On this walking tour, you can learn about one of the most sensational scandals in Victorian England, and how a pupil of Mozart kept a harem of boys with sobriquets that will flush your cheeks. Outside Caffe Nero Soho, £15, book ahead, 11am
Sunday 17 September
LITTLE CANADA: Head down to Croydon, where you'll find plenty of authentic Canadian food and beer to keep your stomach filled and your throat wet. Highlights include waffles with maple syrup, and lots of other maple infused goodies and treats. Surrey Street Market (Croydon), free entry, just turn up, 11.30am-8pm
SIGNS OF THE TIMES: These signs will give you a different kind of direction. This solo exhibition by artist Tommy Gurr features a varied collection of politicised and satirical road signs will make you contemplate and chuckle — and today's your last chance to see it. The Underdog Gallery, free, just turn up, until 17 September
WOMEN ON THE MARCH: On this theatrical walking tour, travel through the side streets of Westminster and meet the Suffragettes that went to great lengths to fight for the vote, and the people trying to stop them. Meet outside the National Gallery, £12, book ahead, 10.30pm-12pm
CONSTANCE AND EVA: This new play by Kimberley Campanello features the story of two sisters who sacrificed their privileged lives in Ireland to become political radicals. The Bread and Roses Theatre, £12, book ahead, 7.30pm, until 27 September
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