Interesting and unusual things to do for a fiver or less this week.
All week
LAST CHANCE:
We recommend going to see Beyond Sight: Paolo Cavinato & Stefano Trevisi at Rosenfeld Porcini, which consists of stunning architectural fragments accompanied by an eerie musical composition. Free, just turn up, until 27 September
LONDON DESIGN FESTIVAL:
All week long London will be filled with pop-up architectural wonders, outdoor installations, workshops, tours and all sorts of activities. For starters, you should check out the Covent Garden balloon installation, RIBA window displays or the massive upside down pylon in Greenwich (photo above). With nearly 400 events to choose from we've helped you narrow it down with our guide to London Design Festival. Most events are free but some are ticketed. 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 finished pieces from the UK, Taiwan, Philippines, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh on the walkway by the National Theatre, Tate Modern, 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. 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 21 September
HOUSE OF ST BARNABAS ART FESTIVAL:
A free art festival featuring an installation in Soho Square, a free public art programme and a full weekend of events, pop-up lectures, performance art, film screenings, workshops, live music and DJs inside the House. Free, just turn up, until 27 September
TALK:
Hear a talk on what life might be like in a post-capitalist society at the London School of Economics. Author Paul Mason will be in conversation with chief economist and special advisor Erik Berglof on a future driven by digital communication. Free, just turn up, 6.30pm-8pm *PLEASE NOTE THIS EVENT HAS NOW BEEN RESCHEDULED FOR 18 NOVEMBER*
Tuesday 22 September
ROMEO AND JULIET:
The Royal Ballet's Romeo and Juliet will be beamed onto a screen in Trafalgar Square. See the greatest romance of all time, for nowt. Free, just turn up, 7pm
COMEDY:
We have opinions on pubs at Londonist, and doubtless you do too. Take those opinions to the Camden Head to help James Dowdeswell design the perfect boozer. Pay what you want, just turn up, 8pm
POP-UP SCREENING:
Head to the Phoenix Artist Club where the the Duke Mitchell Film Club is hosting the obscure but very entertaining Las Vegas based 1980s thriller: Dance Or Die. On the night you can also expect short films, Trailer Trash, giveaways and surprises. Free, just turn up, 8pm
Wednesday 23 September
TALK:
Find out the significance of the Magna Carta to people in the 13th century, and have the questions you've already wanted to know answered, like how many actually exist. Free, prebook, 2pm-3pm
JAW DANCE:
If you've got to that stage where you're ready to read your work out to a lively, supporting audience or just looking for some inspiration, head to Jaw Dance at Rich Mix in Bethnal Green for one of London's best open-mic nights. Sign up on the night from 7pm-7.30pm to enter your name into the lucky dip draw. 12 slots up for grabs, maximum three minutes each. Free, just turn up, 7.30pm
Thursday 24 September
ENVIRONMENT TALK:
Energy and the environment, what's the challenge? is the title of this talk which takes place at the Royal Society. It will question the role of corporations and how to balance growth with sustainable practices. Free, just turn up, 6.30pm-8pm
FOREST HILL FASHION:
A celebration of fashion, design and craft with tons of community effort. With plenty to keep all the family entertained including sessions in design, cupcake making, face painting, as well as a catwalk showcasing the talent and creativity of the Forest Hill community. Free, some workshops require booking, until 27 September
Friday 25 September
ELE FEST:
With live music from up and coming local band The Elephants and Castles and the Lucky Dandy (Nigel of Bermondsey), photo exhibitions, spoken word performances, guided walks by local resident and award winning Blue Badge guide Isobel Durrant and DJ sets by Stewart Who? and local legend Natty Bo (Ska Cubana, Top Cats), the annual festival at The Longwave Bar promises to entertain and delight local people and visitors alike. Free, just turn up, until 27 September
LATE NIGHT AT THE V&A:
Take a free tour of all the installations that fill the museum as part of the London Design Festival. Alongside the pop-up exhibitions and drop-in workshops you'll be able to see the Tower of Babel, plus a series of hanging globes filled with specially created individual insects. Free, just turn up, 6pm-10pm
ROYAL ALBERT HALL:
Spend your lunch break listening to top class entertainment in the shape of the Brighton College Jazz Quartet, where you'll only have to pay for your lunch. In the evening hear pianist Alex Hutton. Both concerts take place in Verdi Italian Kitchen. Free, just turn up, 11am-noon and 7pm-8pm
SCIENCE UNCOVERED:
For one night only you can explore the Natural History Museum's collections with a drink in hand. Over 300 scientists will be on hand to help you explore the museum's collection. Free, just turn up, 3pm-10.30pm
Saturday 26 September
SOHO PHOTOGRAPHY:
An exhibition of black and white photographs celebrating Soho's history is taking place at the iconic Soho restaurant and members club L’Escargot, which give a flavour of Soho life. Free, just turn up, until late 2015
COUNTRYSIDE LIVE:
It's your last chance to catch a slice of country living around Walthamstow and Leyton Marshes. Expect family friendly activities at Countryside Live including a dancing sheep show. Practice your willow weaving and wood turning skills. Kids can plant seeds, decorate pots and identify mini critters. Plus wildlife groups will be on hand to tell you about their work on the marshes. Cash only event. £5, just turn up, 10am-5pm
BATTERSEA ART STATION:
An exhibition of over 500 pieces of artwork inspired by Battersea Power Station will be on display as part of London Design Festival. The work ranges from striking black and white photography, poetry, film, contemporary neon interpretations, classic oil paintings to cast iron sculptures. Free, just turn up, 10am-5pm
LANGUAGE-BASED TREASURE HUNT:
Begin at Mount Pleasant Post Office with a glass of wine and a goody bag before embarking on a language based treasure hunt created by literary translator Rosalind Harvey and theatre group Coney. Fortunately no language knowledge is required. The event celebrates the European Day of Languages. Free, prebook, 11am-3pm
Sunday 27 September
FAMILY FUN:
Take the little ones along to a launch event of a new kid's TV series, Messy goes to Okido in Battersea. Watch screenings, plus there will be lots of creative festival-style activities for the whole family including games, painting, drawing, live music, retro arcade, drinks, food, dressing up, photo booth and much more. Free, prebook, 2pm-6pm
MADHATTERS TEA PARTY:
As part of Forest Hill Fashion Week, there will be a mad hatters tea party on Dartmouth Road at the Fashion Marquee (outside Heron House, 32-34 Dartmouth Road)! Bring snacks and come dressed in your wonderful and wackiest costumes. Followed by a kids catwalk show. Free, just turn up, 2.30pm-5.30pm
