All week
SHIP OF TOLERANCE: Last chance to see the Ship of Tolerance, a colourful vessel that was part of Totally Thames festival. The art project — a 60-foot long, hand-crafted wooden ship — has sails made by children from 40 London primary schools, Great Ormond Street Hospital and refugee centres in Birmingham, Leeds, Peterborough and Calais. Outside Tate Modern, free, just turn up, until 6 October
THABISO SEKGALA: Last chance to see Thabiso Sekgala's exhibition, Here Is Elsewhere. It highlights 50 works by the late South African photographer, taken between 2009-2014 in South Africa, Jordan and Germany, with themes of home, intimacy, place and belonging. Hayward Gallery (Southbank Centre), free, just turn up, until 6 October
LIVE IN LA: London-based artist Laurence Jones opens a new exhibition showcasing 15 paintings with themes of psychological space and play. The works in How To Live In Los Angeles are based on photos of the American city, featuring plenty of modernist interiors and bright hues. Rebecca Hossack Gallery (Fitzrovia), free, just turn up, 1 October-2 November
MODERN SLAVERY: King's College artist-in-residence Sara Shamma opens a new exhibition about modern slavery. She worked with the university’s Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience to focus on the suffering of individuals and the psychological impact of modern slavery, depicting her findings in large-scale paintings. Bush House (Strand), free, just turn up, 1 October-22 November
Monday 30 September
RAGSTONE TO RICHES: As part of Fantastic Feats festival, hear from Dr Simon Elliott about the quarries in the Upper Medway Valley which provided much of the stone used for construction in Roman Londinium. Find out how the industry came about, and how the quarries functioned, including one which was possibly the largest manmade hole in Europe. Guildhall Art Gallery, free, book ahead, 2pm-3pm
CLIMATE CATASTROPHE: The climate has been headline news recently, but is it too late to do anything? Hear from Gresham College's Environment Professor and three climate experts about whether we still have a chance of averting a climate catastrophe, and how we can go about it. Museum of London, free, just turn up, 5.30pm-7pm
Tuesday 1 October
LUNCHTIME CONCERT: Do something a bit different with your lunch break, and enjoy a free classical music concert. It takes place in the Long Gallery of Lauderdale House, overlooking Waterlow Park, and lasts 45 minutes — so there's still enough time to scoff a sarnie before heading back to your desk. Lauderdale House (Highgate), free, just turn up, 1.15pm
BLACK SCIENTISTS: As Black History Month begins, learn about some of the inventions and scientific breakthroughs made by black scientists. Topics covered include castles, computer games, car safety, vaccinations, torpedoes, outer space, computers, optometry, biology, mechanics, architecture and more. Southwark Cathedral, £3, book ahead, 6.30pm-8pm
SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER: Do you suffer from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder)? As the seasons change, head to this free talk about SAD and pick up some tips on how to combat it, as well as finding out what it actually is and what causes it. 4 Dingley Place (Old Street), free, book ahead, 6.30pm-8.30pm
Wednesday 2 October
VICTORIA AND ALBERT: The V&A Museum's celebration of its namesakes' bicentenary continues with a free lunchtime talk about the town halls of Victoria and Albert. The museum's director, Dr Tristram Hunt, discusses the architectural, intellectual and political history of the Victorian town hall at a time of industrial development. V&A Museum (South Kensington), free, just turn up, 1pm-1.45pm
BOOK SHOPPING: The excellent London Review Bookshop stays open late for an evening of browsing and buying books. Get yourself a free ticket to the event to get a glass of wine to sip while you browse, and 10% off any books you buy on the night. London Review Bookshop (Bloomsbury), free, book ahead, 6pm
WOMEN AND DESIGN: Spend the evening celebrating women’s design achievements and reflecting on issues of under-recognition and under-representation in the design industry. To celebrate their new book Women in Design, Charlotte Fiell and Clementine Fiell bring together a panel of female designers including artist Faye Toogood, design professor Ineke Hans and studio founder Kim Colin. Tate Modern, £5, book ahead, 7pm-8pm
Thursday 3 October
ROY'S ART FAIR: It's Frieze Week so there's plenty to keep the artily-inclined busy, but we particularly like the look of Roy's Art Fair. It's a chance for the public to buy artwork direct from artists in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Live painting, creative workshops and interactive installations are also on the programme. Old Truman Brewery (Brick Lane), free, book ahead, 3-6 October
100 YEARS: 100 years since the Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act 1919 when a woman was recognised as a ‘person’ in law, what's changed, and what barriers remain? Gresham College hosts Professor Jo Delahunty QC to look at how effective the new law was — for example, women were still excluded from the foreign and diplomatic service until 1946. Barnard's Inn Hall (Holborn), free, just turn up, 6pm-7pm
ROYAL COLLECTION: Find out what goes into looking after the Royal Collection of art at a free talk. Tim Knox, Director of the Royal Collection Trust, offers an insight into caring for and conserving one of the largest and most important fine and decorative art collections in the world. Museum of the Order of St John (Clerkenwell), free, book ahead, 6pm
Friday 4 October
REMBRANDT: English Heritage property Kenwood House opens a free new display to mark 350 years since Rembrandt's death. The #nofilter display explores the artist’s celebrated Self-portrait with Two Circles, which resides at Kenwood, and there's a new digital artwork, generated through visitors’ selfies. Kenwood House (Hampstead Heath) , free, just turn up, 4 October-12 January
SUICIDE BOMBERS: What drives people to blow themselves up in suicide bomb attacks? Investigative journalist Iain Overton talks about the rise of suicide terrorism and how it has shaped our world, based on research from his book, The Price Of Paradise. He retells stories of survivors, medics, military veterans, intelligence agents, and would-be suicide bombers whose missions have failed. National Army Museum (Chelsea), free, book ahead, 11.30am
FOUR SEASONS CINEMA: Head to Camden for a free screening of classic Tom Hanks film Big. It's part of the Four Seasons Pop Down London, a free temporary pop-up by the luxury hotel chain. Hawley Wharf (Camden Town), free, book ahead, 7pm-10pm
Saturday 5 October
FUN PALACES: For one weekend a year, various London venues transform into Fun Palaces — free, family-friendly celebrations of culture, art, science and sport. Browse the map to find events taking place near you — you may even be able to visit a few of them throughout the weekend. Various locations, 5-6 October
IT'S ALL ACADEMIC: UCL invites the public behind the scenes at free one-day festival, It's All Academic. Quiz the university's academics, take part in hands-on activities and experiments, and attend walks and talks on themes including women of Bloomsbury, and the geology of the university's buildings. UCL, free, book ahead, 10am-4pm
CEMETERY STORYTELLING: Join Vanessa Woolf of London Dreamtime for a free, family-friendly storytelling session in one of London's Magnificent Seven cemeteries. Hear a mysterious tale of ancient Egyptian magic and a secret time machine hidden inside a Victorian tomb on a walk through the cemetery aimed at those aged 6+. Brompton Cemetery, free, book ahead, 11.30am
Sunday 6 October
APPLE DAY: Fulham Palace's annual apple day is a celebration of the fruit provided by the site's orchard. Apple-themed displays, tastings, live music, storytelling, a baking competition and children's activities are available throughout the event. Fulham Palace, free, just turn up, 11am-3pm
VINTAGE FASHION: Rummage through rails of retro clobber at the Frock Me! Vintage Fashion Fair. Over 60 vintage fashion dealers set up stall, with items dating from the 1900s onwards. Clothing from the likes of Chanel and Biba has been on sale at past events, as well as more affordable pieces. Chelsea Old Town Hall, £4, book ahead, 11am-5.30pm
RECORD FAIR: Go for a spin around Hackney Record Fair and see what vinyl-based bargains you can hunt out. Independent labels, record vendors and hifi dealers are all present, and the event is open to all, whether an avid collector or a vinyl newbie. Abney Public Hall (Stoke Newington), £2, just turn up, 11am-6pm
