All week
WORLD PRESS PHOTOS: There's just one week left to see the shocking and eye-opening photos on display at the World Press Photo exhibition at Southbank Centre. It's harrowing stuff, but well worth a visit. Free, just turn up, until 21 November
WALLACE COLLECTION: British artist Tom Ellis pairs paintings and self-made furniture in his exhibition at the Wallace Collection. Free, just turn up, until 27 November
MONEY AND POWER: Striking images from 16 photographers with the theme of money and power are on display at Guildhall Art Gallery. Free, just turn up, until 6 December
ANDREW SALGADO: Andrew Salgado's huge paintings adorn the floors and walls of Beers London in Old Street. The 11 works are largely inspired by the Orlando nightclub massacre. Free, just turn up, until 17 December
Monday 14 November
ROYAL GUN SALUTE: If you're in the vicinity of Green Park this lunchtime, brace yourself for lots of noise — there's a Royal Gun Salute to mark the Prince of Wales's birthday. Free, just turn up, 11.45am
ART OF ENTERTAINING: From a canapé crash course to a lesson in desserts, find out how to host the perfect dinner party at Peter Jones in Sloane Square. Free, book in advance, 5pm
SILK ROADS: East meets West at Peter Frankopan's talk at Kensington Central Library, part of London History Festival. Frankopan is the author of The Silk Roads, and will be talking about how India and China are shaping the modern world. £5, book in advance, 7pm
Tuesday 15 November
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: The Covent Garden Christmas lights are switched on tonight — join in the fun in the Piazza, and watch performers from the Royal Ballet and Royal Opera Chorus do the honours. Free, just turn up, 5.30pm
UNDERSTANDING ERITREA: BBC correspondent Martin Plaut is at Waterstones on Gower Street to talk about his new book Understanding Eritrea: Africa's Most Repressive State. Why are so many residents risking all to escpae the state? Free, book in advance, 6.30pm
GAME OF QUEENS: As part of London History Festival, Kensingon Central Library hosts a talk by Sarah Gristwood, author of Game of Queens. She'll be talking about how powerful women ruled Europe in the 1600s, the challenges they faced and how we can learn from them in the current day. £5, book in advance, 7pm
Wednesday 16 November
BREXIT: Five months after it happened, ask the experts about the consequences of leaving the European Union at the House of Commons. Free, book in advance, 11.30am
US ELECTION: Days after Trump was elected as the next US president, experts including an American history professor and a writer for the New York Times discuss the election campaign, the controversial result and the future for the USA and the rest of the world at LSE. Free just turn up, 6.30pm
Thursday 17 November
POP UP CERAMICS: From the purest white porcelain to marbled vases, visit Ceramics 274 pop-up shop in Hackney. The products have been crafted by twelve London artisans — why not make a start on your Christmas shopping? Free, just turn up, until 30 December
REGENT STREET LIGHTS: The Regent Street Christmas lights are switched on by TV presenter Holly Willoughby tonight. Other entertainment comes in the form of live performances by musicians Rebecca Ferguson and Tom Odell. Free, just turn up, 4pm-7pm
NATURE FOR US: In a world run by humans, how can animals survive in their natural habitats? Professor Dame Georgina Mace discusses how our relationship with the natural world has changed over the past 50 years at UCL's Grant Museum of Zoology. There's a free wine reception too. Free, just turn up, 6.30pm
SHORT FILMS: Big and small is the theme of the short films being screened at Brand New Blinkers, a film evening at DIY Space in Southwark. Clones, bananas, a reptile and David Byrne all feature in what promises to be an ecelectic night. £4, book in advance, 7.30pm
HARRY POTTER: To mark the release of Harry Potter prequel Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them, Waterstones on Gower Street hosts a launch night party, with a magical speakeasy, games and competitions. £5, book in advance, 9.30pm
Friday 18 November
LONDON AND TOILETS: Mark World Toilet Day with a talk at London Metropolitan Archives about how London has met the sanitary needs of its inhabitants. Free, book in advance, 2pm
FANTASTIC BEASTS: Head to Drink Shop Do in King's Cross to fashion a fantastical beast out of papier mache, to mark the launch of the new Harry Potter film. Free with a drink, just turn up, from 7pm
Saturday 19 November
CHILD MIGRANTS: From bombs in Cyprus to escaping Vietnam by boat, former child migrants share their tales as part of Being Human Festival. Biafran war survivor Maurice Nwokeji performs music too, at the V&A Museum of Childhood. Free, book in advance, 11.30am
POETRY AND GIN: Sample gins and try literary-inspired cocktails as you listen to a performance by spoken word artist Joshua Idehen. You can even practise reading poetry like a pro at the Beefeater London distillery in Vauxhall. Free, book in advance, 2pm/4pm
Sunday 20 November
CROYDON GHOST RIDE: Cycle a family-friendly 10 mile route from West Croydon to South Norwood, hearing tales of local ghosts along the way. Free, book in advance, 2.30pm
FREE FILM: David Lynch classic The Straight Story is the perfect way to end the week, and The Cat's Back in Wandsworth is showing it for free. Free, just turn up, 6pm
