Things To Do This Weekend In London: 18-19 August 2018

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All weekend

Eyeball some killer sets of wheels at the Classic Car Boot.

LONDON FEMINIST FILM FESTIVAL: From human rights defenders in Latin America, to the campaign to end period poverty in the UK, London Feminist Film Festival shines a spotlight on women enacting real change all over the world. As well as the programme of daring documentaries, there's a zine fair and a patriarchy-smashing riot grrrl party. Multiple venues (Hackney/Tower Hamlets/ Southbank), £11, book ahead  16-19 August

HUSH HUSH: This three day art and music shindig explores the conversations we have with ourselves. Expect monologues in paint, site-specific installations and video, as well as dreamy synth pop performances and Old Blue Last Beer. Guest Projects (Hackney), free, just turn up, 17-19 August

CIRCUS 250: Over two and half centuries ago, a showman took an abandoned patch of land near Waterlo0 and filled it with spectacular acts. And thus, the circus was born. Celebrate the art form's 250th anniversary back where it all began, with a weekend of dazzling acrobatics, hula hooping workshops, mass juggling, and much more. Southbank Centre, free, just turn up, 17-19 August

CLASSIC CAR BOOT: Forget naff VHS tapes sold out of the back of some old banger, The Classic Car Boot Sale has taken the British weekend tradition and given it an ultra-glam makeover. Expect carefully chosen traders flogging vintage treasures, some rather swish pre-1989 vehicles, and lashings of craft beer. Oh, and definitely don't miss the Clever Canine Circus. Granary Square (King's Cross), £5, book ahead, 10am-6pm, 18-19 August

SUMMER JAZZ WEEKENDER: Whether you're a jazz purist, or simply fancy relaxing to some killer sax, this community festival has got you covered. As well as music from the likes of Fabled, Rob Luft, and Rachael Cohen, there are circus performances, arts workshops, and street food. Peninsula Square (Greenwich Peninsula), free, just turn up, 1pm-7pm, 18-19 August

Saturday 18 August

A beer-soaked circus comes to town.

LONDON AQUATHLON: Make a splash at the home of Olympic greatness with a chip-timed 400m swim and 5k run. Your efforts will be rewarded with a medal and a goody bag. Aquatics Centre (Olympic Park), £30, book ahead, 9am-12pm

ALONG THE NORTH SHORE: Discover the vibrant history of London's 'Middle City' (the bit north of the Thames, sandwiched in between City and Westminster) on this guided walk. From watergates, palaces and hotels to medieval cloisters, churches and Parisian boulevards, you'll find plenty of architectural gems hiding in plain sight. Meet at Villiers Street side of Embankment tube station, £12, book ahead, 10.30pm-12.30pm

THE GREAT FETE: Ally Pally's free annual celebration returns with silent woodland discos, alfresco film screenings, workshops, and much more. What's more, it's totally kid friendly, with a dedicated play zone for the under 5s. Don't miss the StrEATlife food festival while you're there. Alexandra Palace, free entry, just turn up, from 12pm

WINE CAR BOOT: If you love wine, but find formal tastings a bit too stuffy, this pop up wine market is for you. Over 30 of London's wine shops will be pulling up at the Wine Car Boot for you to sample, drink and shop their wares. St James's Market, free entry, just turn up, 12pm-8pm

LAGUNITAS BEER CIRCUS: California-based Lagunitas Brewing Company is bringing its brews across the pond for the first time, and to mark the occasion it's hosting spectacular circus-themed entertainment. Expect bearded ladies, marching bands and plenty of beer. Plus, all of the proceeds go to charity. Flat Iron Square (Southwark), £15, book ahead, 12.30pm-5pm/6.30pm-11pm

WHAT THE DICKENS: There's perhaps no author more intimately associated with London than Charles Dickens, and on this guided walk, you'll get to know the borough of his youth, Southwark. If any of it feels familiar, it's because many of the places you'll visit make appearances in some of his work. Meet at Southwark Cathedral's Welcome Desk, £10, book ahead, 1pm-2.30pm

BEL CANTO FESTIVAL: Up for a night at the opera? This London Bel Canto Festival concert features major operatic solo and ensemble performances from emerging and international performers. Expect works from Puccini, Verdi, Mozart and Wagner. Cadogan Hall (Chelsea), £35, book ahead, 7.30pm

BASHIYRA: UK soul diva Bashiyra has had a pretty amazing career trajectory, from her beginnings as a backing vocalist for the likes of Queen, Patti Labelle, and Diana Ross, to winning The Nina Simone Award for her solo work. Head to Hideway for her live show, and let her treat your ears to rich vocals and freshly released tunes. Hideaway (Streatham), £15, book ahead, 9pm

Sunday 19 August

Zkelentonz launch their new single in Hoxton.

REGENT'S PARK 10K: Calling all fitness fanatics. If you've got an impromptu 10k in you, we can't think of a better route than the majestic Regent's Park for working up a serious sweat. There's a shiny new medal in it for you at the end. Regent's Park, £18, book ahead, 9.30am

DREAMS FROM AFRICA: Eight dreamers from the African continent share their nocturnal reveries in this photography exhibition, which closes today. Expect flying offices, missing presidents, and humans turned into animals from the dreams of butterfly farmers, hospital clowns, and refugees. Theatre Technis (Camden), free, just turn up, 11am-2pm

SUFFRAGETTE CYCLE TOUR: Hop on one of Santander Cycle's suffragette movement-themed bikes and take a two hour guided ride across London. You'll take in a range of landmarks linked with pioneering and inspirational women both past and present from all walks of life. Starts at Serpentine Sackler Gallery (Hyde Park), free, book ahead, 11am

BOTTOMLESS LUNCH: Are you all brunched out? Why not have a proper meal for once, without forgoing the free-flowing booze? Head to Karma Sanctum Soho for a beautiful Sunday Roast with all the trimmings and enjoy bottomless Bloody Marys, passion fruit martinis, and lazy lavenders. Karma Sanctum Soho (Warwick Street), £35, book ahead. 11.30am-2.30pm

ACAA SUMMER FESTIVAL: With the mission of fostering multiculturalism, community pride and cohesion, the Afghanistan and Central Asian Association is hosting a big summer bash. They'll be showing off the range of talents that refugees and asylum seekers bring to London, with a whole host of performances, as well as delicious food and arty activities. Lampton Park (Hounslow), £10, book ahead, 12pm-6pm

FORTY HALL'S HIDDEN TREASURES: Dating back to the 1620s, there's a lot of history waiting to be discovered at Jacobean manor Forty Hall. Feast your eyes on the many portraits of the people who once called the estate home while a guide reveals their fascinating life stories. Forty Hall (Enfield), £5, book ahead, 3.15pm-4pm

BECKY BRUNNING: She's an actor, a comedian, a dare devil, and she's coming to Angel Comedy Club to boldly tackle the big issues. Should she have children? Is it time for a matriarchy? Help Broadchurch actor and Funny Women finalist Becky Brunning decide at her new Work In Progress show. The Bill Murray (Islington), £5, book ahead, 3.30pm-4.30pm

THREE COLOURS TRILOGY: Up for a film marathon? The Prince Charles Cinema is screening all three films of Krzysztof Kieslowski's excellent Three Colours Trilogy, loosely based on the three political ideals embodied by the motto of the French Republic (liberty, equality, fraternity). The Prince Charles Cinema (Leicester Square), £17.50, book ahead, 4pm-9.06pm

ZKELETONZ: Disco-tinged pop is coming to Hackney in the form of East End locals Zkeletonz. Join them in celebration of the release of their new single, One Man Band, recorded right under Hoxton's railway arches. Sebright Arms (Hackney), free, book ahead, 7.30pm

FREAK: Equal parts heartbreaking and hilarious, this feminist theatre show explores what it's like to be a woman in Britain today from the perspective of 30-year-old Georgia and 16-year-old Leah — two women deeply entrenched in a media-obsessed and misogynistic world. Cecil Sharp House (Camden), £8, book ahead, 7.30pm, until 22 August