Interesting and unusual things to do for a fiver or less this week.
All week
LAST CHANCE:
It's your last chance to see this year's BP Portrait Award which features work from artists across the world. Free, just turn up, until 20 September
COVENT GARDEN INSTALLATION:
Head to the indoor market at Covent Garden to see a new installation by French artist Charles Pétillon in the form of giant pulsating white balloons meant to reflect the dynamism and energy of the area. Free, just turn up, until 27 September
RELAY DOWN THE THAMES:
The Source to Sea River Relay features a bottle journeying downstream from the source of the Thames, helped towards London by rowers, walkers, swimmers, paddleboarders, kayakers, sailors, punters and many more. Find out more about where the bottle will be popping up on the Totally Thames website. Free, just turn up, until 30 September
RIVERS OF THE WORLD:
Hundreds of young people living by rivers have been guided by professional artists to create original artwork inspired by city river living. You can see the finished pieces from the UK, Taiwan, Philippines, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh on the walkway by the National Theatre, by Tate Modern, by Tower Bridge, London Bridge City Pier, More London and in City Hall. Free, just turn up, until 30 September
PARLIAMENT FESTIVAL:
Festival of Freedoms is a series of free talks and workshops focusing on equality legislation. Highlights include talks on women's suffrage, the Magna Carta and the legacy of British slave-ownership. On 19 and 20 September there's a chance to explore Portcullis House and Westminster Hall as part of Open House weekend. Free, some events bookable, until 25 October
TOWER OF BABEL:
A massive Tower of Babel constructed out of bone china shop fronts has been erected in the V&A. Good luck trying to find your local out of the 3,000 on display. Free, just turn up, until 1 November
Monday 14 September
KIDS' THEATRE CLUB:
Hackney Children's Theatre is running after school sessions at St John's Church in Hackney. Children can experiment with improvisation, storytelling, script reading and tons of other fun activities. Suitable for ages 7-12, sessions run for one hour every Monday during term time. £5, prebook, 4pm-5pm
MAPMAKER'S WORLD:
If looking at a map doesn't spin you into a state of bewilderment, head to Waterstones Piccadilly to hear an illustrated talk on the cultural history of European world maps. Learn how maps shape our perception of the world, and of people and places that are foreign to us. Author Marjo Nurminen will be in conversation with Peter Barber of the British Library. Free, prebook, 7pm
Tuesday 15 September
LONDON'S RAILWAYS TALK:
If you're curious about London's transport history join this illustrated talk which explores London's traditional overground and underground rail stations, including Paddington, Victoria, the recently refurbished King's Cross and St Pancras which is now home to Eurostar and High Speed One. Free, prebook, 2pm-3pm
POP-UP CINEMA:
If you happen to be in Bethnal Green this evening head to Chapel Cinema, a pop up at St Margarets House for a screening of The Ipcress File, featuring Michael Caine as Harry Palmer, who investigates the brainwashing of a group of scientists and cooks the odd omelette. Free, prebook, 6.45pm
Wednesday 16 September
JERWOOD DRAWING PRIZE:
The Jerwood Prize is the largest running open drawing competition in the UK. A total of 60 artworks created by 58 artists will be on display. Head to Jerwood Space in Southwark to see which works made the mark. Free, just turn up, until 25 October
AFRICAN CARIBBEAN ART FESTIVAL:
The African and African-Carribean Design Diaspora (AACDD) Festival, held at the Oxo Tower, provides a platform for the UK's underrepresented community of artists and designers of black and mixed race origin. See art and photography which explores themes of identity and self-expression. Free, just turn up, until 20 September
HEATH ROBINSON:
A new exhibition is open to the public today dedicated to W Heath Robinson's work in advertising, hosted in the Grade 2 Listed offices of the McCann London advertising agency — itself an Art Deco gem.
DENNIS SEVERS' HOUSE TOUR:
Explore the time capsule that is Dennis Severs' House, this original Huguenot building presents a snapshot of how life would have been for someone between 1724 and 1914. Tours run every Wednesday and last 45 minutes. £15, prebook, 5pm-8pm
Thursday 17 September
STREATHAM FREE FILM FESTIVAL:
At Streatham Film Festival choose from 20 films spread across 12 different venues. Think you've got what it takes to partake in a 48-hour movie challenge? Now's your chance. Take part in a film quiz from 8pm tonight, enjoy music and listen out for the post-film discussions. Tonight you can see Ferris Bueller's Day Off. Free, prebook, 8.30pm
MAGNA CARTA TALK:
Christopher Lloyd will be bringing the Magna Carta to life at Guildhall Library with a giant eight-metre timeline specially commissioned by the Magna Carta's 800th trust committee. Don't panic: he'll only be picking 10 key events from the last 800 years, showing how ideas of freedom and liberty have evolved through time. Free, prebook, 2pm-3pm
Friday 18 September
CV EXHIBITION:
Updating your CV can be a monotonous task but a new exhibition at Bedford Square Gardens turns these bits of paper into unique art works. Student CVs will be transformed by three internationally renowned artists Andy Singleton, Marcos Lutyens and Juan Osborne, through painting, sculpture and photography. The one-day exhibition celebrates the inaugural graduation of philosopher Professor AC Grayling. Free, just turn up, 10am-9pm
PENNY LECTURE:
Penny for someone else's thoughts? Tonight there'a chance to hear those of Professor Travers at Morley College who will be marking the 50th anniversary of London's boroughs with a talk examining their role in the city's history with a special focus on Lambeth. Be exposed to new ideas and learn more about London for next to nothing! £0.01, just turn up, 6pm-7.30pm
Saturday 19 September
REGENT'S PARK HARVEST FESTIVAL:
Arrive hungry at The Regent's Park Allotment Garden because freshly made pizzas and rhubarb and ginger squash await your arrival. At the Harvest Festival children can plant seeds, go on treasure hunts and identify London's wildlife. Free, just turn up, 11am-5pm
FIRING ON THE FORESHORE:
Before machines took over, people had to find innovative ways to mould their kitchenware. Head to the Thames foreshore opposite Shakespeare's Globe to see how pottery was produced thousands of years ago on an open fire. Archaeologists will be on hand to answer your questions. Free. just turn up, 11am-5.30pm
Sunday 20 September
FAMILY GARDEN EVENT:
What child doesn't love a pony ride? At Montpelier Gardens in Kentish Town London Residential are providing plenty of kid's entertainment in the form of a mini petting zoo, face painting and art displays. Free, just turn up, 11am-3pm
LONDON UNDERSOUND:
Meet at the pagoda in Chinatown for an immersive experience which begins once you tune into a specially curated mp3 sound file. Follow the instructions and lose yourself in the event. The organisers will be wearing red baseball caps. Free, just turn up, 3pm
PAY WHAT YOU CAN SUNDAYS:
And Then Come The Nightjars is a play about rural England, staged at Theatre 503 in Battersea. Pay what you can, prebook, 5pm
