All week
Looking for somewhere to watch the World Cup? Check out our full guide here. If Wimbledon is more your thing, we've got a guide on where to watch that too.
SUMMER SCIENCE EXHIBITION: Discover the cutting edge of UK science and technology at a hands-on showcase of the research that's shaping our future. You'll find out how scientists are working to match human health to our lifespan, get the chance to make your own molecule, and sample baffling yet delicious culinary delights. The Royal Society (St. James's), free, just turn up, 2-8 July
HEART 2 HEART FESTIVAL: All the way from Minsk, the Sisterhood of the St Elisabeth Convent have come to London to teach you about traditional Belarusan arts, convey the richness of Orthodox spiritual heritage, and give you insight into daily life at the convent. Why not try your hand at mosaic making or take in a traditional Batleika puppet show. Rossotrudnichestvo Office (Kensington), free, book ahead, 3-8 July
THE WATCHERS: Through lines, paint, stone, and materials long ago discarded, artists Terrence Musekiwa and Justin Orvis Steimer attempt to channel the divine and the metaphysical. You can see the continuation of their artistic dialogue all this month. 50 Golborne (Ladbroke Grove), free, just turn up, 4-28 July
Monday 2 July
BEAT THE BUGS: Watch out germophobes — the Royal College of Nursing's latest Late is going viral. Find out how quickly bugs can spread through a set of interactive activities, play infection-themed games, and partake a macabre life drawing class. Royal College of Nursing Library and Heritage Centre (Marylebone), free, book ahead, 6pm-9pm
SPOON PUPPETS: Brighten up your Monday by indulging in a bit of light-hearted creativity. Make your own wooden spoon puppets over a glass of wine at Drink, Shop, & Do's latest crafty freebie. Drink, Shop & Do (King's Cross), free when you buy a drink, just turn up, from 6pm
NDABA MANDELA AND CHUKA UMUNNA: The grandson of Nelson Mandela meets the MP for Streatham, to mark the release of the former's memoir. In Going to the Mountain, Ndaba Mandela shares uplifting life lessons from one of the world's most legendary leaders. See the author in conversation with Chuka Umunna tonight. Southwark Cathedral, free, book ahead, 7pm-8.30pm
JAYDE ADAMS: Dawn French reckons fellow comedian Jayde Adams is the third funniest woman in the world. See if you agree at her Edinburgh preview, featuring glorious gowns, show-stopping music and acerbic charm. Pleasance Theatre (Islington), £5, book ahead, 9pm
Tuesday 3 July
RESEARCH OPEN DAY: See how researchers are working behind the scenes at Royal Brompton Hospital to change the face of patient care. There will be interactive stalls and hands-on activities, including mock clinical trial involving chocolate. Royal Brompton Hospital (Chelsea), free, book ahead, 11am-2.30pm
PLAN B: If life's not turning out the way you expected, now could be the time for a contingency plan. That's where Birkbeck Uni's free programme for prospective students comes in. Try out two taster sessions aimed at boosting confidence and study skills before deciding whether you fancy upping your academic credentials. University Square Stratford, free, book ahead, 6pm-8.30pm
Wednesday 4 July
PIE PARTY: What's more American than a nice bit of pie? Celebrate the 4th of July with some pear and plum, apple and blueberry, or key lime deliciousness from Balthazar's pop up American Pie Shop, then seize the opportunity to pie your mates by partaking in a life-size version of the cult hit board game Pie Face. Balthazar Restaurant (Covent Garden), from £3 per pie, just turn up, 7.30am-11.30pm
LA LA LAND: Sing along to the musical at the centre of one of greatest Oscar fudge-ups of our time — the Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling-starring La La Land. Merchant Square is hosting yet another a free alfresco film night at its Big Screen On The Lawn. Merchant Square (Paddington Basin), free, just turn up, 6pm-8pm
LGBT MUSIC MAKERS: Music aficionado and writer Darryl W. Bullock pops in to Brick Lane's iconic record shop for a chat about his latest book, David Bowie Made Me Gay. He'll be looking back on the queer icons that changed the course of contemporary music, as well as the lesser known names that have changed our cultural landscape, one tune at a time. Rough Trade East (Shoreditch), free, just turn up, 6pm-9pm
UNNATURAL SELECTION: Join anatomist and illustrator Katrina van Grouw for a chinwag about artificial selection or, as she calls it, evolution at the hand of man, over a pint or two at PubSci's latest outing. The Old King's Head (Borough), free (donations welcome), just turn up, 7pm
Thursday 5 July
A WALK THROUGH TIME: You don't need a TARDIS to visit Connaught Village's past. The swanky Hyde Park quarter is celebrating its sesquicentenary with a journey through its 150 year history. Play Victorian street games, learn how to do the Charlston, and catch the Horrible Histories gang's alfresco performance. Connaught Village, free, just turn up, 3pm-7pm
OLD PARADISE YARD: Eye up some art and check out the workshops, film screenings and live music on offer as Old Paradise Yard studios opens its doors to the public. Old Paradise Yard (Lambeth), free, book ahead, 6pm-11pm
WE THE CREATORS: Here's one for budding foodpreneurs. Hear restauranteur Levi Roots in conversation with broadcaster, chef and owner of Zoe's Ghana Kitchen, Zoe Adjonyan. They'll be exploring ideas of community, innovation and connecting to your market while you sip on Mount Gay Rum. WeWork (Tower Bridge), free, book ahead, 6.30pm-8.30pm
CALVADOS TASTING: Sneak away to Nuala's basement snug for tasting of Christian Drouin's range of apple brandy. They've even promised to uncork a bottle of their unique apple-based gin. Nuala (Shoreditch), £5 booking deposit which is returned on the night, book ahead, 7pm-8pm
Friday 6 July
LAMBETH PALACE GARDENS OPEN DAY: Hang out in the sprawling grounds of the Archbishop of Canterbury's city digs as Lambeth Palace opens its steely gates. You can bring along your kids and pooches for free, and all the money raised goes to charity. Lambeth Palace, £5, just turn up, 12pm-3pm
TWELFTH NIGHT: See Tamsin Greig take the lead role in the National Theatre's production of Twelfth Night without paying a penny. Sound too good to be true? Our media partner, Wembley Park, is hosting a special encore screening of their acclaimed National Theatre Live broadcast, so pull up a deckchair and get ready for a serious dose of culture. Arena Square (Wembley Park), free, just turn up, 7.30pm
PIGGYBACK: Stand up meets improv in the form of Piggyback — a troupe of talented improvisers who will weave a three act story based on the work of three hilarious and attractive stand-up comedians (at least that's what they reckon.) The Nursery Theatre (Broadgate), £5, book ahead, 8pm
HANDLE WITH CARE: Explore the various guises of caring at the Wellcome Collection's Friday Late Spectacular. Expect performance art, a live radio broadcast, and a bit of ancient rock-’n’-roll witchcraft. Wellcome Collection (Euston), free, book ahead for some events, 7pm-11pm
OWL PROWL: Discover the beasties that come out to play after dark on a guided walk through Sydenham Hill Wood. You'll be on the lookout for bats, moths, and tawny owls going about their nocturnal business. Meet at the Crescent Wood Gate, suggested £2 donation, just turn up, 9pm-11pm
Saturday 7 July
PEOPLE'S DAY FESTIVAL: Seven stages of music, dance, comedy, and cabaret awaits at the People's Day Festival, which returns for its 34th year. There's also a funfair and plenty of free activities to entertain festival-goers of all ages. Mountsfield Park (Catford), free entry, just turn up, 12pm-8pm
ART NIGHT: Pull an all-nighter in the name of art. Art Night 2018 is transforming the Thames Riverbank into a hive of arty after dark activity, including participatory performances, VR installations, and a sound walk. Who needs sleep, anyway? Various venues, free, book ahead for some events, 6pm-6am
Sunday 8 July
STREET LIFE: This youth-led East End street festival is on a mission to promote health and well-being within the local community. Try out hula hooping, learn how to grow your own meals and take part in Guerrilla Science's tasty pop up experiments. Well Street Common (Hackney), free, just turn up, 11am-4pm
LEYTON CARNIVAL: The streets of Leyton are about to be drenched in the colours, music and flavours of the Caribbean, as the borough's biggest street party returns. Admire the elaborate floats and vibrantly costumed revellers dancing to the beat of steel bands down Leyton High Street, relax in the Red Imp Comedy Tent, or show off your moves in the family skate jam. Leyton Cricket Ground, free, just turn up, 1pm-7pm
BETSEY'S CLOSET SWAP SHOP: Freshen up your wardrobe while resisting the urge to splurge at this Elephant & Castle clothes swap. Simply bring some good quality clobber you can bear to part with and exchange it for some pre-loved finds. The Artworks Elephant, £3, book ahead, 5pm-10pm
