Things To Do In London This Weekend: 2-3 April 2016

Things To Do In London This Weekend is sponsored by The Ideal Home Show — scroll down to find out how to get your Londonist discount.

All weekend

See how sensational butterflies can be. Image: Conal Gallagher

SENSATIONAL BUTTERFLIES: Wander amongst hundreds of free-flying butterflies and moths from across the world at the Natural History Museum's Sensational Butterflies. Discover the secret patterns of their wings, get up close to species with a magnifier and see if you can spot a butterfly emerging from a chrysalis. £5.85, prebook, 10am-5.50pm  

LONDON GAMES FESTIVAL: With events taking place across the city, the London Games Festival (the video kind of game) opens today. Whether you're an established games fan or just want to discover the newest technology, you can get involved. This weekend's stand out event is Now Play This at Somerset House — an exploration of all types of games and play. 'Mega Pass' £89, Entry to Now Play This only £8/£6.50, prebook, 10am

CRAFTY FOX: Over 100 designers and artists pack Peckham's Bussey Building this weekend, plus DJs and a full bar. Get to grips with skills such as marbling and jewellery making with the easy-to-follow workshops or just choose some treats from the work on display. Free (small charge for workshops), just turn up, 11am-5pm

MUSICAL STATUES: Grab your family and head to the Cutty Sark for musical statues. Dress as your favourite nautical character, make a fabulous head dress and get playing. Free (included in admission), just turn up, 11.30am/2pm

ART BEAT FESTIVAL: Fill your boots with beats this weekend at Art Beat Festival. Head to the Amersham Arms in New Cross for rock, electro, punk, reggae and acoustic soul. Get down there from 12pm for the music social, then tear up the floor to live music from 3pm. £5, prebook, 12pm-3am

DANCE AND MOVEMENT: With help from the guest dancer at the London Transport Museum, little ones can unlock their creativity at the museum's dance and movement workshops. Join a make-believe journey through the tunnels, unlocking secret codes and problem-solving on the way. Free, just turn up, various times — see website. Until 10 April

Saturday 2 April

Meet the meerkats at Battersea Park Children's Zoo. Image: Frank

KIDS CINEMA: It's time for Kids Club at the Electric Cinema on Portobello Road. This week's flick is animation The Iron Giant, from The Incredibles director Brad Bird. £8, prebook, 9.30am

CHILDREN’S ZOO: Deep in the heart of Battersea Park, find a zoo packed with mammals, reptiles and birds — from curious monkeys to snakes over 6ft in length, lemurs, meerkats and loads more. Meet the creatures, see feeding time and even become a keeper (briefly, anyway). £8.95/£6.95, just turn up, 10am-5.30pm

SECRET SHAKESPEARE: Go poking into the depths of Shakespeare's world at the Museum Of London's Archaeological Archive in Hackney. Handling artefacts discovered in Elizabethan theatres, this is a unique opportunity to see the secret side of Shakespearian history. £9, prebook, 11am/1.30pm

RADIO PRESENTING: Face for radio? Only kidding... If you fancy yourself as a bit of a Lauren Lavern or Chris Evans, try out your presenting credentials at Sofia's Radio Workshop. She'll share her tips from 15 years of presenting, including how to control your breath, alter your voice and the importance of good posture. Get spinning those disks... £65, prebook, 11am

BREWERS MARKET: Like your independent breweries? Go wild at this selection of stalls at Old Spitalfields Market. Come down and browse 26 London-based brewers — there's sure to be some tasting going on too. Free, just turn up, 11am-7pm

LUNCHTIME PARTY: One hour of free drinks, fire breathing, five hours of partying — have we got your attention? Storm into Saturday with this Lunch Club hip hop party launch. Munch on treats, sip complimentary drinks and burn up the floor to the sounds of DJ Switchman. £35, prebook, 1pm-6pm

SONGS WITH A COMIC HEART: Helen Arney and Marian Call present their own brand of witty warbling — heartfelt songs, with a comedy centre. The Proud Activist will be ringing with sounds of Alaska's nerdiest songwriter (Helen) and 'geek chanteuse' Marian. Expect originality by the song-load. £10-£12, prebook, 7.30pm

HAVE A BANANA: Heading into its 30th year, Banana Cabaret is something of a comedy institution. This Saturday at the Bedford, giggle away to some of London's funniest talent including Roger Monkhouse, Alistair Barrie and Kate Lucas. £16 (+£1.50 bkg fee), prebook, 7.30pm

60S SOUL ALL NIGHTER: Yep, a whole night of Northern Soul classics and rarities at the 100 Club. Get your dancing shoes on and prepare to groove until the small hours. The night will be packed with unissued acetates, master tapes and hard-to-find numbers from the greatest artists in soul. £12, just turn up, 12am-6pm

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Be inspired by the Ideal Home Show

Fancy browsing an enormous showcase of gorgeous home inspiration? Then head to The Ideal Home Show at Olympia London until 3 April.

Whether you're house-proud or green-fingered, a whizz at cooking or DIY, there's something here for everyone. Visit over 650 exhibitors, wander fully-built show homes and gardens, and get advice from all manner of experts, from top chefs to gadget gurus.

Make your ideal home a reality — book your Ideal Home Show tickets now, and take advantage of our Londonist reader offer: just quote LONDONIST16 and get two tickets for £22. Or for night owls, head to the show after 5pm for £5 on 31 March — it's open till 9pm.

Connect with The Ideal Home Show on Twitter at @Ideal_Home_Show and get in touch with the hashtag#IHSL16.

Terms and conditions: £1.70 transaction fee applies. Children aged 15 and under go free when accompanied by a paying adult. Offer ends 3 April.

Things To Do In London This Weekend is sponsored by The Ideal Home Show.


Sunday 3 April

Be awed by scenes of the skies this Sunday at the Royal Observatory. Image: Tom Hall

ASTRONOMY PHOTOGRAPHY: The night sky is one beautiful place and this Royal Observatory photo exhibition is a chance to see its most photographic side. Be amazed by images from the Astronomy Photographer Of The Year 2015, including the captivating winner, Eclipse Totality Over Sassendalen. Free, just turn up, 10am-5pm

FARMER'S MARKET: Doing a bit of cooking this Sunday? Pick up fresh ingredients from Alexandra Palace Farmer's Market. Head to the Muswell Hill entrance to the park for stalls packed with produce and all manner of tasty treats. There was even a harpist playing when we visited last time. Free, just turn up, 10am-3pm

MÖET ACADEMY: Catch the final day of Möet Academy at Condé Nast College, Soho. Be immersed in this 90-minute experience discovering the journey of champagne, from grape to the glass. You'll even get to taste the whole Möet And Chandon range, and preview their newest creation. £45, prebook, 11am-6.30pm (various slots still available)

CROYDON AIRPORT: It's the monthly open day at Croydon Airport Visitor Centre so pop down to take a look at the world's oldest air traffic control tower, and interactive displays charting the site's history. Free, just turn up, 11am-4pm

SUSHI: Discover all you need to make your own sushi at Keiko's hands-on class. Not only that — you'll learn Japanese customs and even experience a sake tasting. Enjoy the informal atmosphere of Keiko's private dining room and get to grips with all the techniques you need to roll your own sushi at home. £29, prebook, 12pm

TAXIDERMY: A Field Guide bring their popular taxidermy workshop to Conway Hall this Sunday. All animals have been ethically sourced and the workshops use no dangerous chemicals. Choose from making a rat or rogue at this fascinating introduction to the craft. £60-£70, prebook, 12pm-4.30pm

CLOTHES SWAP: If you want to give your wardrobe a spring makeover, get clothes swapping this Sunday. Just bring your unwanted outfits and accessories down to the Haggerston pub and switch them with another party-goer. £5, prebook, 12.30pm

THE DAMNED UNITED: A Sunday film for free? This week watch Tom Hooper's gritty comedy, The Damned United — starring Michael Sheen and Timothy Spall — at The Cat's Back, Wandsworth. Free, just turn up, 6.30pm

COMEDY: This Sunday Special features extra special guest comedian, Romesh Ranganathan, who's been joshing his way round TV lately, in shows such as BBC Three's Asian Provocateur. Tonight he's at Up The Creek in Greenwich to give your weekend finish a comedy flourish. £7 (+50p booking), prebook, 8.30pm

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