All week
A DIFFERENT PATH: It's your final chance to see A Different Path, an exhibition of photos of expectant and new mothers and their babies in Togo, West Africa. It highlights the work that charity Compassion UK is doing to help new mothers in the country out of poverty. Salvation Army (St Paul's), free, just turn up, until 25 April
PAINTING THE HAMLETS: Also ending this week is Painting The Hamlets, a display of paintings from the Tower Hamlets history collection depicting the local area. A former mayor of Bethnal Green is one of the artists whose work features, with many of the images dating from the 20th century. Tower Hamlets Local History Library (Stepney Green), free, just turn up, until 25 April
FREE FILMS: The West Norwood Free Film Festival enters its final week, with free screenings of romantic classic When Harry Met Sally, recent release Spiderman: Into The Spiderverse, and other films. West Norwood, free, just turn up, until 27 April
PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION: It's your final chance to see this photography exhibition, showcasing the work of fashion photographers Hanna Moon and Joyce Ng. English As A Second Language presents a unique take on Western aesthetics and fashion ideals, and looks at the power that fashion photography has to shape our perceptions of beauty, style and taste. Somerset House, free, just turn up, until 28 April
Easter Monday 22 April
KING'S CROSS: The family Easter fun continues at locations around King's Cross today. Get up close to chicks and other animals at the Canopy Market petting zoo, take part in an egg hunt, get your face painted, or ride the Easter Express road train from Granary Square to Coal Drops Yard. King's Cross, free, just turn up, until 22 April
STEAM ENGINE: A rare open at the Markfield Beam Engine & Museum gives the public a chance to see a gorgeous 1880s preserved steam engine in action, inside its engine house. Markfield Beam Engine and Museum (Tottenham), free (donations welcome), just turn up, 11am-5pm
GUN SALUTE: If you're anywhere near Hyde Park at lunchtime, listen out for a 41-round gun salute to mark the Queen's 93rd birthday. Hyde Park, free, just turn up, 12pm
Tuesday 23 April
ST GEORGE'S DAY: 23 April is St George's Day, celebrating our patron saint (who we share with Catalonia, Ethiopia and various other regions). Take a look at the patriotic events going on around the capital.
Wednesday 24 April
FINANCE IN SOCIETY: The financial crisis left the public with little faith in the financial sector, with many questioning whether it benefits society at all. At this Gresham lecture, Professor Alex Edmans shows that stock market trading may contribute to society even if does not lead to firms raising new capital. Museum of London, free, just turn up, 6pm-7pm
MUSEUM LATE: It's the last Wednesday of the month, which means Science Museum stays open late. Celebrate the 150th anniversary of the periodic table with a series of element-themed events, take part in a silent disco, or just wander around the museum's fascinating exhibits after hours. Age 18+. Science Museum (South Kensington), free, book ahead, 6.45pm-10pm
DASH CAFE: Europe's Roma people are celebrated at Dash Cafe, a regular event shining the light on different cultures and countries. Watch Tony Gatlif's 1993 documentary Latcho Drom, about the Romany culture around the world, followed by a discussion with members of UK Roma communities. Rich Mix (Shoreditch), £5, book ahead, 7pm
Thursday 25 April
SANCTITY OF LIFE: Science is constantly finding ways to alter both the beginning and the end of life, through processes such as IVF, abortion, and assisted suicide. The Revd Canon Professor Richard Burridge discusses these advancements in a religious context; although they're not directly mentioned in the bible, can biblical teachings about life assist in contemporary medical debates? Barnard's Inn Hall (Holborn), free, just turn up, 1pm-2pm
SOVIET SPY: As part of the Cold War season of events, this lunchtime lecture looks at the life of John Vassall. A gay civil servant, he was working in Moscow in the 1960s when he was caught in a 'honey trap' by the Soviet Secret Service, and blackmailed into committing espionage, resulting in 18 years in prison. National Archives (Kew), £5/£4, book ahead, 2pm-3pm
WHO DEFINES BEAUTY: Journalism lecturer Ivana Ebel and her collaborator Gabrielle Brittelbrun reveal the results of their study into female representation in Brazil and the UK. Why are European beauty ideals so often used in Brazilian media, where the majority of the population is non-white, and how can we stop the objectification of female bodies in the UK media? British Academy, £5, book ahead, 6.30pm-7.30pm
Friday 26 April
MUSEUM LATE: Pharmacy is the theme of tonight's Natural History Museum late. Find out why ants may be the solution to drug-resistant infections, speak to scientists about their latest research, or visit the dinosaurs at night. Natural History Museum (South Kensington), free, just turn up, 6pm-10pm
SPARE PARTS: One of the new kids on the London museum scene, Science Gallery also gets in on the late action with an evening dedicated to future technologies that we'll use to repair the human body. It ties in with the current Spare Parts exhibition, with crafting, science simulations, anatomy lessons and more. Science Gallery (London Bridge), free, just turn up, 6.30pm-10pm
Saturday 27 April
CLASSIC CAR BOOT: Shop for vintage clothes, homewares, records, posters and more from the back of classic vehicles at the Classic Car Boot Sale. An exhibition of Reliant Robins, food and drink stalls, live DJs and other entertainment make for something of a festival atmosphere. King's Cross, £5/£4, book ahead, 27-28 April
GREEN ROOMS MARKET: Stock up on house plants and botanical goods at the Green Rooms Market, a sale of plants. Book onto workshops including plant pot painting and lino cut printing for an extra charge. Dulwich Picture Gallery, free entry, just turn up, 10am-5pm
VAISAKHI: London's celebration of Vaisakhi — a celebration of Sikh and Punjabi tradition, heritage and culture — takes place in Trafalgar Square, with everyone welcome. Watch a demonstration of Indian martial art Gatka, try on a turban, take part in arts and crafts workshops, and more. Trafalgar Square, free, just turn up, 12pm-5pm
Sunday 28 April
PLANT SALE: Plants sold at this Environment Trust event are selected because they encourage and sustain local wildlife. Treat your garden to annuals, biennials, perennial and herbs, suitable for huge gardens or tiny window boxes. There's a chance to look inside the Grade II listed Kilmorey Mausoleum while you're there. Kilmorey Mausoleum Garden (Twickenham), £3, just turn up, 10am-3pm
ANTIQUES FAIR: Bring your bargain-hunting game to the Adams Antiques Fair and browse more than 140 stalls of items from all over Europe, including furniture, posters, and decorative items. Royal Horticultural Halls (Westminster), £4, book ahead, 10am-4.30pm
HACKNEY TREES: Paul Wood, aptly-named author of Hackney Street Trees, joins forces with Hackney Council’s street tree officer Rupert Bentley-Walls for a guided walk through 'Hackney Forest', showing the diversity of trees in the area. Proceeds from the event go to the Speaker of Hackney's charities. Lower Clapton Road, donation, book ahead, 11am
