All weekend
TRAVEL DISRUPTION: Before you finalise your Easter weekend plans, check the planned engineering works and closures on the transport system. Particularly noteworthy is the complete closure of Euston railway station (tube station not affected).
£5 STREET FOOD: KERB street food market takes up residence on South Bank for the InKERBator weekend, giving 25 new street food traders a chance to show off what they can do. They're all serving up £5 special dishes alongside their usual menus. South Bank, free, just turn up, 18-22 April
ADVENTURE QUEST: Crack the clues and follow the trail through the grounds of English Heritage property Kenwood House, hunting for dragon eggs are you go. Everyone who finds an egg gets a certificate, sticker and chocolate treat. Kenwood House, £1 per child, just turn up, 19-22 April
KING'S CROSS EASTER: There's a wealth of Easter activities going on around King's Cross, including the Easter Express 1960s road train, which offers trips from Granary Square to Coal Drops Yard, a petting zoo at Canopy Market, free face painting, arts and crafts and other activities. Full programme here. King's Cross, most activities free, just turn up, until 22 April
BUNNY HUNT: Have a royal day out at Kensington Palace and earn yourself a Lindt gold bunny while you're there. Aimed at 3-12 year olds and their families, the clues provided lead to bunny statues hidden around the palace and grounds. Solve them to earn your chocolate reward. Kensington Palace, included in admission, just turn up, until 22 April
POWER UP: It's the final weekend of Power Up, an interactive gaming event for all ages, with 160 consoles offering single and multiplayer games from the last 40 years. Serious gamers, retro fans and casual dabblers are all catered for with the likes of Ping, Pacman, Minecraft and Mario. Science Museum (South Kensington), from £8, book ahead, until 22 April
WORLD PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS: See some seriously impressive shots at the 2019 Sony World Photography Awards exhibition, showcasing the work of the best photographers from all over the globe. More than 800 images are on display, including landscapes, portraiture and wildlife photography. Somerset House, £8-£14, book ahead, 18 April-6 May
PUBS: If you want nothing more than to kick back, pint in hand, and watch the world go by, take a look at our guide to the best pubs in London. You can search by area or facilities, and you might just find your new favourite boozer.
DAY TRIPS: If you want to escape London for a day (or longer), we can help. We've put together a map of London day trip ideas. From quaint villages to seaside resorts, and castles to model villages, it's all in there.
BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND: We've compiled a guide of things to do in London over any bank holiday weekend, whatever the weather. From little-known cultural gems to exploring the great outdoors, we've got plenty of ideas and inspiration.
Good Friday 19 April
THE PASSION OF JESUS: One of London's annual traditions is the Wintershall Players' free open-air performance of The Passion Of Jesus. It tells the story of the last few days of Jesus's life and it's very popular — thousands of people usually turn up to watch so it's worth getting there early to get a good view. We chatted with the guy who plays Jesus last year. Trafalgar Square, free, just turn up, 12pm/3.15pm
LAUNCH PARTY: Outdoor terrace and bar Pitch Stratford launches its summer season with a party led by DJ Norman Jay, playing groove, house, acid jazz, and carnival vibes. Local beers, tiki cocktails and street food are all available to buy. Pitch Stratford, free, book ahead, 1pm-late
THE RAILWAY CHILDREN: Classic children's book The Railway Children is brought to life by an expert storyteller in free family-friendly performances. Hear the tale of three children who move to Yorkshire with their mother after their father is taken away. Museum of London Docklands, free, just turn up, 1pm/2pm/3pm
MESSIAH: The Royal Choral Society has performed Handel’s Messiah on Good Friday at the Royal Albert Hall every year since 1876, and the tradition isn't about to stop now. The choir is accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and a quartet of soloists. Royal Albert Hall, £19.35-£48.38, book ahead, 2.30pm
BROCKES PASSION: On the 300th anniversary of its premiere, the Academy of Ancient Music and director Richard Egarr realise a long-held ambition to perform Handel’s Brockes Passion, written to reflect the emotions of the Easter story. Barbican, £10-£50, book ahead, 3pm
WIDOW'S BUN CEREMONY: Every Good Friday, a hot cross bun is varnished and hung from a pub ceiling in a tradition known as the Widow's Bun ceremony. Find out more about the history of the tradition, then go along and see it for yourself. The Widow's Son (Bow), free, just turn up, 3pm
SPRINGFEST: Spend your bank holiday at a German Bier Festival. Springfest offers a range of premium German beers and craft beers, street food, and live music from an oompah band and a Beatles tribute act. Alexandra Palace, £17, book ahead, 5.30pm
LONG GOOD FRIDAY: It's an apt day to watch 1980 British gangster film The Long Good Friday. Starring Bob Hoskins and Helen Mirren, it follows a crime syndicate's plot to transform London's Docklands into an American-mafia funded venue for the Olympic Games. Harris Academy South Norwood, £8.50/£7/£5, book ahead, 7.45pm-10pm
Saturday 20 April
EASTER FAIR: Taking place over two days, Horniman Museum's Easter Fair brings stalls to the museum's gardens, along with an Easter trail, craft workshops, storytelling and more. Why not combine it with a trip to the current Brick Wonders exhibition, full of Lego sculptures? Horniman Museum (Forest Hill), free entry to fair, just turn up, 10.30am-4.30pm, 20-21 April
BOXED UP: We Built This City hosts a family-friendly colouring party. Kids can make a decorate an egg box, ready for any eggs they may receive this Easter — with a free chocolate egg at the end of the session to get their collection started. We Built This City (Carnaby), £11/£8, book ahead, 11am-2pm
CLASSIC CARS: Motor vehicles of various vintages park up in Waterloo to wallow in the admiration of classic car fans. Wander among them, taking in their beauty — and take a snap or two for the 'gram. Lower Marsh (Waterloo), free entry, just turn up, 12pm-4pm
FEAST OF ST GEORGE: A huge free St George's Day festival takes place in Trafalgar Square celebrating England's patron saint. Expect live music, dancing, a street food market, craft stalls, comedy and a family zone, complete with knight training school. Trafalgar Square, free, just turn up, 12pm-6pm
DRAG BRUNCH: Tuck into bagels washed down with bottomless bubbly or Bloody Marys at this drag brunch. Entertainment comes in the form of drag double-act Oberon White and Sam Reynolds offering lip-sync battles and games. Drink, Shop & Do (King's Cross), £36, book ahead, 1pm-4pm
BRASS BAND: 11-piece brass band Bring Your Own Brass perform their trademark mix of hip-hop beats, heavy riffs and irresistible grooves, with the audience very much encouraged to dance along. Southbank Centre, free, just turn up, 2pm
SPRINGSTEEN: Bruce Springsteen tribute act Bruce Juice perform a gig of the singer's greatest hits, taking inspiration from the Main Point, Bottom Line, Passaic NJ and Winterland tours. Half Moon (Putney), £12/£15, book ahead, 8pm
Easter Sunday 21 April
SUNDAY ROAST: Looking for somewhere to have a special family meal? Take a look at our guide to the best Sunday roasts in London, full of succulent meat, crispy roast potatoes and delicious Yorkshire puddings. Vegans and vegetarians, we've got you covered too.
EGG HUNTS: If you want nothing more than a traditional Easter egg hunt for your kids, try these options:
- Chelsea Physic Garden has been visited by the Easter bunny, with every child taking part in the egg hunt receiving a Rococo egg. £7.50, book ahead, 11am-6pm
- Fulham Palace has a wealth of springtime events going on, including storytelling, crafts, and of course, and Easter trail. Age 3+. Free, just turn up, 11am-3pm
FAMILY CEILIDH: Have a right old knees-up at this family ceilidh jam, where everyone from toddlers to grandparents is welcome on the dancefloor. Traditional-style calling mixes with lively music for a remix of your usual folk dancing. Southbank Centre, free, just turn up, 1.30pm
Monday 22 April
STEAM ENGINE: A rare open at the Markfield Beam Engine & Museum gives the public a chance to see a gorgeous 1880s preserved steam engine in action, inside its engine house. Markfield Beam Engine and Museum (Tottenham), free (donations welcome), just turn up, 11am-5pm
GUN SALUTE: If you're anywhere near Hyde Park at lunchtime, listen out for a 41-round gun salute to mark the Queen's 93rd birthday. Hyde Park, free, just turn up, 12pm
