Skint? On a budget? Looking for cheap things to do in London? We hear you, which is why we've put together this list of things happening in London this week that cost £5 or less.
All week
ITALIAN FESTIVAL: Devonshire Square is hosting Italia, amore mio, a festival featuring food from eight Italian regions with Italian music from artists including tenor Yuri Sabatini. Donations to Italy Earthquake Appeal encouraged, just turn up, 26-30 September
SOUTHBANK INSTALLATION: It's your last chance to gaze at Ventricle, a glowing two-part heart created using modern technology and traditional craft methods, before it leaves the Royal Festival Hall. Free, just turn up, until 30 September
CANARY WHARF POPUP: From jazz and swing music to beginners' salsa classes, there's something for everyone at the Spiegeltent pop up in Canary Wharf. Varying prices (many £5 and under), book some events in advance, until 2 October
Monday 26 September
CROSSRAIL EXHIBTION: See how stations, art and public space will combine to create the new Elizabeth Line in this exhibition at New London Architecture Guest Galleries. Free, just turn up, until 28 September
Tuesday 27 September
FREE SPEECH: As part of Banned Books Week, find out about censorship within comics which has led to police raids and even an Act of Parliament. £5, book in advance, 6.45pm
SCIENCE TALK: Understand how the Zika virus develops with a talk by Imperial College London lecturer Dr Pierre Nouvellet at The Cittie of Yorke. Free, just turn up, 7pm
TECHNOLOGY COMEDY: Expect technology-based gags from two professional comedians at Marvin McCarthy's free comedy night in Hammersmith Grove. Free, book in advance, 7.30pm
AFRICAN CRAFT NIGHT: Create batik patterns and make your own jewellery to an Afro-pop soundtrack at The Make Escape, a craft night at Hackney Attic. There are also knitting and collage corners. Free (£3 donation to MIND encouraged), just turn up, 7.30pm
Wednesday 28 September
TREE WALK: Learn about some of Brompton Cemetery's most notable trees, as well as the biodiversity and ecology of the area in this guided walk. Free, book in advance, 12.30pm
OPEN MIC: Whether you want to perform or just listen, Jawdance open mic night at Rich Mix features music and spoken word from new talent, as well as established performers. Free, just turn up, 7pm
Thursday 29 September
LOST IN TRANSLATION: Publishers and literary directors are debating the future of translated fiction in the UK. Takes place at Waterstones Piccadilly. £5, book in advance, 7pm
MUSIC GIG: Danish band The Love Coffin are performing at The Finsbury along with London four-piece band Jennifer and psych rock band Secret Tongues. Free, just turn up, 7.30pm
COMEDY STORYTELLING: Try to unlock the mysteries of death using psychics with the London Fortean Society's event The Death of Gregory Akerman. £4/£2, book in advance, 7.45pm
Friday 30 September
ART EXHIBITION: Simon Jones's dissembled Southwark-inspired paintings are at OXO Tower Wharf for the weekend — catch them before they're bound into a book. Free, just turn up, 2-4pm (until 2 October)
MUSEUM AFTER HOURS: Take a behind-the-scenes tour, join the scientists' storytelling circle and bid farewell to Dippy the Diplodocus at the Natural History Museum's after hours event. Free, just turn up, 4pm-10pm
Saturday 1 October
OPEN ART STUDIOS: Wander around 45 studios and speak to sculptors, printmakers and video artists as part of ArtWest Open Studios Weekend. There's even a free minibus service so it's easier to explore the different studios. Free, just turn up, 1pm-6pm (repeated tomorrow)
DEATH CAFE: Have tea and cake while discussing mortality and how to make the most of our finite lives at The Dissenters' Chapel in Kensal Green Cemetery. Free, book in advance, 11am
FLEA MARKET: Search for treasures at Peckham Salvage Yard where over 40 handpicked traders and locals will be selling their wares. The event is from the people behind Hackney Flea Market. Free, just turn up, 11am-6pm (repeated tomorrow)
Sunday 2 October
THAMES BARRIER: The Thames Barrier is closed just once a year at high tide, so grab your chance to see it in its completely closed position. Free, just turn up, 8.25am-6.25pm
CROYDON AIRPORT TOUR: Explore Croydon Airport and learn about the world's oldest air traffic control tower. Discover the airport's use as an airfield for the first world war, and the international flights it made until its closure in 1959. Free (donations welcome), just turn up, 11am-4pm
