Interesting and unusual things to do for a fiver or less this week.
Monday 25 March
ARCHITECTURE: Venice Takeaway: Ideas to Change British Architecture is housed at the Royal Institute of British Architects until the end of April. The exhibition presents the work of 10 architectural teams that travelled the work to seek inspiration, and for the first time it has been brought back to Britain. Free, just turn up, until 27 April
TEMPERANCE: Discover who the real originators of temperance societies were, what drove them and what led to the demonisation of alcohol in this lecture at Gresham College by Professor Stephen Orchard. Free, just turn up, 1pm
Tuesday 26 March
LITERARY FESTIVAL: Starting today is the North London Literary Festival - a two day extravaganza at Middlesex University's Hendon campus, with an array of speakers and events. Free, just turn up, events start at 12pm
BANGLADESH INDEPENDENCE DAY: Today is the 42nd Bangladesh Independence Day and to celebrate, Rich Mix are hosting a special event with key guest speakers, modern and cultural performances. Free, just turn up, 6.30pm
Wednesday 27 March
LIVE MUSIC LECTURE: This lecture at Gresham College about Baroque music in London under the shadow of Handel, is accompanied by a live performance from a Royal Academy of Music historical performance ensemble. Free, just turn up, 1pm
ART: Tonight is the preview of Oval Arts latest exhibition, Seecum Cheung/ ∆ / Tracker. Seecum Cheung's work draws a link between gold as a valuable commodity, and data as a form of modern commercial currency. Free, just turn up, 6pm
OPEN MIC POETRY: For all you budding Keats and Rossettis out there, head down to Jawdance at Rich Mix on Bethnal Green Road tonight and stand in the poetic limelight. Or of course you can just enjoy watching. Free, just turn up, 7.30pm (suggested 6.30pm if you want to be in the line-up)
Thursday 28 March
RECYCLUBBING: Make Noise is an exhibition at Rough Trade East by Nic Serpell-Rand, of pictures he took whilst travelling with the Make Noise electronic recycling club tour. This tour encouraged clubbers to turn up to the party with any recyclable electronics, in return for free entry, and Nic was there to capture portraits of these party-goers with their 'entry fees'. Free, just turn up, until 16 April
SPACE TALK: Explore the fascinating complexities of cosmic microwave radiation at Fingerprints of the Universe, a talk with Dr Hiranya Peiries, at the National Maritime Museum. £5/£4, prebook, 7pm
Friday 29 March
LUNCHTIME RECITAL: If you are south of the river, you could enjoy this free recital in the Chapel at The Old Royal Naval College Greenwich, by performers from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. Free, just turn up, 1pm
ROLLER SKATE: The Friday Night skate starts at Wellington Arch. Anyone who feels competent on skates is welcome to join. Free, just turn up, 8pm.
Saturday 30 March
DAYLIGHT MUSIC: Daylight Music is the brainchild of the Union Chapel, in order to open their gothic venue to a shiny new daytime crowd. Today Matthew Bourne, The R G Morrison and Alphabet Backwards perform. Free, just turn up, 12pm
SMITHSFEST: Join other fans of The Smiths and immerse yourself at Smithsfest Bar at the Institute of Contemporary Arts for an evening - there will be Smiths questions, quiffs and possibly questionable dancing. A word of warning, as it is a free event get there early to ensure entry. Free, just turn up, 7pm
Sunday 31 March
EASTER EGG BLOWING: Why not go the whole hog this Easter and blow your own egg at Drink, Shop and Do? You can even paint it afterwards and impress all your friends/colleagues/your nan. £1, just turn up, 11am-7pm
Check out our map of free things to do in London for more frugal fun.
