Free And Cheap Things To Do This Week In London: 12-18 February 2018

By Kyra Hanson Last edited 73 months ago

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Free And Cheap Things To Do This Week In London: 12-18 February 2018

All week

Painting by William Patrick Roberts. © Estate of John David Roberts. By permission of the Treasury Solicitor, courtesy of Bridgeman Images

HYGGE HIDEAWAY: Get a taste for the Danish way of life at this pop-up situated within an inflatable heated dome. There will be fur throws, mood lighting and if nothing else, it'll be warm. Regent's Place Plaza, free, just turn up, 11am-3pm, until 16 February

A MILE IN MY SHOES: "Never judge a man until you've walked a mile in his shoes". So goes the native American proverb — well this art project has taken it quite literally. Swap your shoes for a pair that belonged to someone else, pop on some headphones and listen to their story by walking a mile in their shoes. Migration Museum, free, just turn up, until 25 February

RHYTHM & REACTION: Great items on show? Yes. Free to visit? Yes. Historically informative? Yes. What more could we ask for? Throw in the fact that this jazz exhibition is hosted in a fantastic neo-Gothic mansion with a beautiful staircase and stained glass windows and we have a winner. Two Temple Place, free, just turn up, until 22 April

FATBERG!: What is a fatberg? It's a delicious sounding recipe consisting of 130 tonnes of wet wipes, nappies, fat, oil and so much more — all squidged together to make one near-immovable sewer blockage, and a section of it is on display now. Museum of London, free, just turn up, until 1 July

HALF TERM ACTIVITIES: Looking for ways to keep the kids entertained in London in half term? Take a look at our guide to all the excellent events and activities going on across town during the school holidays. Plenty of these things to do are free, or cheap, so keeping children happy needn't break the bank.

Monday 12 February

SCIENCE FEST: SMASHfestUK science and arts festival is taking on the theme of 'flood' this year for the annual event in Deptford, looking at how to recover after natural disasters and rebuild lives, with comedy, storytelling, den-building and family friendly games all revolving around the theme of flooding. Albany Theatre and The Deptford Lounge, free, just turn up, 10am-5pm, until 16 February

ELEPHANT GROW: Missed out on Lumiere? Get your interactive LED fix at this display at Elephant Park, where you'll be able to manipulate both the ambient light and colour of your surroundings. Elephant & Castle, free, book ahead, 4pm-8pm, until 18 February

Tuesday 13 February

Following its sold-out run in 2017, the panel discussion Defrag continues with the theme of ‘reality’.

DEFRAG REALITY: You'll be familiar with the terms 'post-truth' and 'fake news', even if you don't feel equipped to differentiate between them. A panel of tech-heads and media types come together tonight to discuss how the digital world is changing the media landscape. Somerset House Studios, pay-what-you-can, book ahead, 6.45pm-8.30pm

VOTE WITH YOUR FEET: This east London pub is rounding off its series of feminist events celebrating the suffragettes with a Gallentines Day Quiz hosted by Stav Bee. Star of Bethnal Green, £2, just turn up, 8pm-10pm

Wednesday 14 February

Say it with chocolate.

WRAPPER'S DELIGHT: Everyone loves chocolate but it's especially appreciated on Valentine's Day when you've forgotten to buy anything else. Take your beau to this chocolate decorating workshop, hosted by Kazvare Made It and you'll be loved forever, maybe. Pop Brixton, free, just turn up, 7pm-9.30pm

Thursday 15 February

#EUROPARTOFME: When AncestryDNA dug into the DNA of Brits, they found 60% of our DNA was derived from Europe. European genes or not, you can share your love for Europe today via the massive interactive board, which has popped up along the South Bank. Curious about your ancestry? The first 100 messengers (18+) to appear in the #EuroPartOfMe film will nab themselves a free DNA test. Observation Point, Riverside Walkway (by Gabriel’s Wharf), South Bank, free, just turn up, 10am-6pm

MA18 EXHIBITION: A chance to see what MA graduates from the London College of Fashion have been up to and glimpse the designs — some wacky, some wonderful — of the future. The Bargehouse, Oxo Tower, free, just turn up, noon-7pm, until 18 February

HOW ARENA 3 SAVED MY LIFE: Before apps and dating sites, lesbians had a hard time meeting each other, that is until Arena Three arrived on the scene in 1964, a lesbian newsletter that started a quiet revolution. Library LSE, Holborn, free, just turn up, 1pm-2pm

EARLY YEARS OF THE RAF: History buffs and plane nerds will enjoy this talk delving into the history of the RAF, the challenges it faced in its early years and how it's faring now. Royal Aeronautical Society, free, book ahead, 6.30pm

Friday 16 February

Get home inspiration at a Muji pop-up.

MUJI LIFE POP-UP APARTMENT: Like to try before you buy? Hit up this MUJI pop-up, where visitors are invited to test the newly launched Body Fit Cushion in the lounge, taste MUJI snacks in the kitchen, try out MUJI’s bedroom furniture and sample MUJI’s spring and summer fashion collections in the closet. Purchasing not obligatory. 21 Slingsbury Place (Covent Garden), free, just turn up, until 18 February

ALOFT LONDON: If this new monthly music series is anything to go by, the twang of country music is still very much in vogue. If you're a fan of the genre, head along to show your support for young talent Jake Morrell and Emily Faye. Aloft London Excel, free, just turn up, 6.30pm

OH BOY, COMEDY!: Looking for a comedy night a little out of the ordinary? Expect weird gags, silly jokes and snazzy outfits from new and established acts. Tonight's headliner is Joseph Morpurgo. The Albany, £5, just turn up, 8pm

LONDON FASHION WEEK: See beautiful high-end garments before they hit the high street as more affordable reincarnations.  The Store Studios will host the hottest designers from Hong Kong. Various venues, free, book ahead, 16-20 February

Saturday 17 February

Get your retail therapy at a clothes swap. © Brendan Foster Photography

WEEKEND ITCH TASTER DAY: 13-17-year-olds interested in performing arts can get a taste of the stage at this fun afternoon of workshops aimed at developing a passion for writing, acting, dance or music. Chickenshed Theatre, £5, book ahead, 1pm-6pm

SWISH AND STYLE: North Londoners, spring clean your wardrobe and bring your old clothes to this swish and style swap, where you can also learn how to upcycle and use the free seamstress service. The Pirate Castle Community Centre, Camden, free, just turn up, 2pm-4.30pm

FACTS AND FUNNIES: Samantha Baines (you might recognise her face from Call the Midwife or her voice from Radio 4) explores the science of sound in the pub-filled show. Sounds good to us. Pleasance Theatre, £5, book ahead, 7.45pm

Sunday 18 February

WALK IN THE PARK: Get back in touch with nature on this walk around Haringey's marshes where you'll learn about the East Hale allotments which are a remnant of the second world war effort to get Britain growing. Tottenham Marshes, £3, book ahead, 10.30am-12.30pm

UNU ENSEMBLE: An afternoon of Indian classical music which coincides with an exhibition looking into the influence of Indian classical music on modern and contemporary artists. Drawing Room, Bermondsey, free, just turn up, 3pm-5pm

Last Updated 10 February 2018