All week
CAMDEN FRINGE: Performing arts festival Camden Fringe enter its final week, and it's well worth scouring the programme for budget-friendly events. Get tickets for improvised comedy show Last Week Tonight, a comedy show navigating the human psyche, Clarissa Maycock's work in progress show, and many more for just a fiver. Various venues and prices, book ahead, until 25 August
WATERSIDE CINEMA: For four evenings this week, free outdoor film screenings are held at Republic, a development in Poplar. Watch the likes of Bohemian Rhapsody and Black Panther against the backdrop of an urban lake. Republic (Poplar), free, book ahead, 19-22 August
FAMILY MOON EXHIBITION: Among the many current exhibitions about the Moon, tying in with the Apollo 11 anniversary, you may have missed this small display in King's Cross. The Institute of Physics is running 'The Moon Adventure' throughout August, aimed squarely at children and families. They've got Lego, model-making, moon selfies and plenty of educational stuff. Oh, and it's a chance to poke around the IoP's funky new building. Institute of Physics, 37 Caledonian Road, Free, just turn up, 10am-5pm, until 30 Aug
FIGHTING FIT: Get fit and have fun at this military-style bootcamp. It's led by a former Army instructor, and focuses on the idea of keeping fit, as demonstrated in some of the posters in the current Abram Games exhibition. National Army Museum (Chelsea), £5, book ahead, 19-23 August
LONDON CARTOON SHOW: The basement of Charing Cross Library hosts an exhibition of London-centric cartoons by the Professional Cartoonists' Organisation. See works by some of the UK's top artists on the theme of the capital, past and present. Charing Cross Library, free, just turn up, 19 August-1 September
Monday 19 August
LIVE MUSIC: Head to King's Cross after work for a free evening of music. This week, London-based DJ Wes Baggaley — known for his eclectic house, techno, electro, funk, soul and disco sets — takes to the decks. Coal Drops Yard (King's Cross), free, book ahead, 6pm
SPARK STORYTELLING: Journeys is the theme of this month's Spark Storytelling session, an open mic night where anyone's welcome on stage. Prepare a story about a literal or metaphorical journey you've taken, or sit back and listen to other people's tales. Ritzy (Brixton), £5, book ahead, 8pm
Tuesday 20 August
PETER PAN: Join a family-friendly walking tour, themed on Peter Pan. Wander around Kensington Gardens and see the real-life locations which inspired J.M Barrie to write the children's book. Fancy dress is encouraged, with the best-dressed child in with a chance on winning theatre tickets to see this excellent production of Peter Pan. Kensington Gardens, £5, book ahead, 11.30am-12.30pm
LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS: Never seen Little Shop of Horrors? Here's your chance to see the cult 1986 film about a plant which feeds on flesh and blood, for free at an open-air cinema. Bring a picnic and a blanket and get stuck into the film in the shadow of London's skyscrapers. Canada Square Park (Canary Wharf), free, just turn up, 7pm
COMEDY: Laugh Train Home comedy nights bring local acts to the stage, interwoven with professional comedians. See some up-and-coming south London talent, and a surprise act, as there's one walk-up spot available on the night. The Honor Oak (Forest Hill), pay what you like, book ahead, 8pm-10pm
Wednesday 21 August
SUMMER FETE: A coconut shy, lucky dips, splat the rat, name the teddy and a vegetable contest are among the entertainment on offer at the traditional Greenwich Summer Fete. Bake a cake for a chance to be crowned star baker, or ogle other people's creations — all among the usual market stalls. Greenwich Market, free entry, just turn up, 11am-8pm
MARY POPPINS RETURNS: Let's go fly a kite down by the canal, where Mary Poppins Returns is shown for free on the big screen. Last year's sequel to the classic Disney film is still set in the capital, so bag yourself a deckchair and watch out for filming locations you recognise. Merchant Square (Paddington), free, just turn up, 5.30pm-7.30pm
ANIMALS EAT EACH OTHER: Author Elle Nash discusses her new book, Animals Eat Each Other, with sex educator Ruby Rare. The novel is about a young woman who embarks on a three-way relationship, revealing undercurrents of obsession and jealousy. Ticket includes wine and £4 off the book. Review (Peckham), £5, book ahead, 7pm-9.30pm
Thursday 22 August
DRAWING WITH WATER: 5-11 year olds and their families are invited to a free workshop linked to the current Leonardo da Vinci exhibition. Artist Ella Philips shows you how to use photographic paper and invisible inks to recreate da Vinci's studies of water. British Library, free, just turn up, 10.30am/1pm
PARANORMAL: Magic meets science as Professor Christopher French shows how paranormal phenomena can be explained by psychology. Find out how the cognitive biases which make us human can affect our memory and perception, in an event linked to the current Smoke & Mirrors exhibition. Wellcome Collection (Euston), free, just turn up, 6.30pm/7.30pm
ACOUSTIC HOGROAST: The inaugural Acoustic HogRoast takes place tonight, an event designed to let the audience into the stories behind the songs. Atmospheric pop singer Hatley, folk singer Jake Among The Willows, and conutry singer-songwriter Amelia Lappert are among the performers introducing their music. The Harrison (King's Cross), £5, book ahead, 7pm
Friday 23 August
POLISH ARMOURED DIVISION: Find out about the role of the 1st Polish Armoured Division in the closing stage of the battle for Normandy in August 1944. Dr Paul Latawski reveals how the Division's role was key to the Allied victory, in a free morning lecture. National Army Museum (Chelsea), free, book ahead, 11.30am
SMELLS OF THE DOCKS: Take the kids along to Museum of London Docklands and get them sniffing at the smells that would have been familiar to past residents of the docks. Have a go at identifying mystery aromas, and create your own smell bag to take home. Museum of London Docklands, free, just turn up, 12pm/2.30pm
GALLERY LATE: Dulwich Picture Gallery stays open late for an evening themed on the radical world of the Grosvenor School artists and the innovations of interwar London. Try printmaking, to create a poster dedicated to your favourite tube station, take part in a drawing class, or visit the Colour Palace after hours. Dulwich Picture Gallery, free, book ahead, 6pm-10pm
Saturday 24 August
CARNIVAL: It's Carnival weekend! The Caribbean themed celebration — Europe's biggest street festival — takes over vast swathes of Notting Hill for a lively weekend of parades, soundsystems, dancing, live music and general partying. Read our full guide before you go. Notting Hill, free, just turn up, 24-26 August
SHAKE IT UP: Shoreditch celebrates the life and work of William Shakespeare — a former resident of the area — in a day of free events. Shakespearean yoga (no idea), sword fighting demos, history talks and drama workshops are all part of the fun. Various Shoreditch locations, free, book ahead, 11am-11pm
VICTORIAN VAUXHALL: Experience Vauxhall as it would have been in Victorian times at a one-day-only event. Enjoy circus acts, vintage games, a jazz band and other entertainment in the historic gardens. Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, free entry, just turn up, 3pm-7pm
Sunday 25 August
SMITHFIELD STREET PARTY: A beastly adventure comes to Smithfield in the form of a street party. It's themed on the current Beasts of London exhibition at Museum of London — which is due to move to Smithfield in the next few years. Activities include dance workshops, aerial displays, performances, workshops, craft stalls, a dog show, funfair rides and more. Smithfield, free, just turn up, all day
BEER FESTIVAL: E17 Beer Festival offers a selection of modern cask beers from British breweries, served inside an old Victoria line tube carriage. Wines, beers and soft drinks are also available, and advance tickets get you a free drink. Walthamstow Pumphouse Museum, £5, book ahead, 12pm-8pm
QUEER TANGO: Southbank Centre hosts free, gender-blind Tango classes, aimed at anyone who's ever wanted to have a go — no experience or partner required. Learn the basic steps in a beginners' class, then spend the evening dancing under the stars to live bands and DJ sets. Southbank Centre, free, just turn up, from 4pm
