Budget-friendly things to do in London this week for £5 or less.
Looking for more free things to do in London? Here are 102 of em! We've also compiled this epic map of free stuff in London, and have a helpful guide to where to see art in London for free, and where you can catch cheap and free comedy.
Explore the stories of Vietnamese refugees
The 'Vietnamese Boat People' who left Vietnam during the war to establish new lives in the UK, are the subject of 50: Vietnamese Boat Refugees Now & Then, a free exhibition at Shoreditch's Rich Mix, where photos of the refugees are paired with short musings on their uprooted and resettled lives.
Free, until 24 May.
Slurp down a £1.50 coffee
If you find yourself anywhere near Canary Wharf or Fenchurch on a Monday or Friday this month, know that the Change Please coffee stalls are peddling all their coffees for a mere £1.50. Change Please is an especially excellent place to get your brew, because it's on a mission to end homelessness through employment and training. So if you fancy donating a little more, they'll surely appreciate it.
£1.50, Monday and Fridays throughout May.
See what's on at London Craft Week
It's London Craft Week, celebrating the skills and traditions of London makers. The programme is vast, and though there's a charge for many of the workshops and events, there are plenty of free things to do too. Our picks include an open house exhibition at Pewterer's Hall, and a display of Picasso's ceramics at Christie's, but have a scroll through the programme to see what takes your fancy.
Some events free, 12-18 May.
Peruse the Dulwich Festival programme
Similarly, Dulwich Festival is on all week, with a few free events sprinkled through the programme. Head along to open days at London Wildlife Trust’s Centre for Wildlife Gardening, or Dulwich Picture Gallery — or take the whole family along to the Goose Green Spring Fair or Love West Dulwich Spring Fair.
Some events free, until 18 May.
Speak Irish while playing board games
Exactly that, pretty much. The Irish Cultural Centre in Hammersmith hosts a games night for anyone who wants to speak Irish with other people. Play board games in a relaxed setting as you chat away in the language. Everyone's welcome, whether you're fluent, a little rusty, or curious to start learning.
Free, 12 May.
Check out the history of Cheapside
Guildhall Library offers a free talk about the history of Cheapside, the street which today runs from St Paul's towards Bank, but which was once London's main shopping street, and arguably the most important thoroughfare in Britain.
Free, 15 May.
See the opera — for free
With London's outdoor culture season warming up, Opera Holland Park kickstarts its summer programme with the first Songs On The Steps of the year. Artists from the open-air theatre perform a range of new and familiar songs and arias for free, on the steps outside the venue, for anyone to enjoy. The show last 40 minutes, so why not take your lunch and find a sunny spot on the grass to watch from.
Free, 16 May.
Bag yourself a free burger
Restaurant Nanny Bill's celebrates its 10th anniversary by giving away 200 of its gravy-soaked Dalston Dip burgers at lunchtime on Friday. Both the London Bridge (Vinegar Yard) and Croydon (Boxpark) sites are taking part in the giveaway on a first come, first served basis (veggie/vegan alternatives available).
Free, 16 May.
Visit the British Library's new family space
The British Library opens a new experience designed for two-nine year-olds and their families. Story Explorers takes you through three imaginary worlds while you learn more about some of the objects in the Library's collection and why they're important, including one of the first photos of the Moon, taken almost 200 years ago, a drawing of a dodo published in 1907, and illustrations of luminescent coral from a 19th century book on the Great Barrier Reef. If you can't make it this week, bookmark it for May half term or the summer holidays.
Free, from 16 May.
Dive into Lilo & Stitch: Crate of Mischief
Are your kids fans of Lilo & Stitch? To plug the upcoming live-action film, Lilo & Stitch: Crate of Mischief lands outside Battersea Power Station for three days from Friday, with postcard designing, a 'Mischief Meter', various outdoor games plus giveaways. It's open 12pm-6pm on 16 May, and 10am-6pm 17 and 18 May.
Free, 16-18 May.
Head south to an historic fair
The historic Cheam Charter Fair is thought to date back to 1259. It takes place every May, beginning with a procession at 9am, led by the Mayor of Sutton, the choir of St Dunstan's Church and children from St Dunstan's School. That's followed by a day of more than 80 stalls, and entertainment
Free entry, 17 May.
Party on the Peninsula at the Urban Village Fete
Live music and dancing, street food stalls, crafting workshops, and talks on topics including sports and sustainability are all part of the Urban Village Fete, which celebrates its 10th birthday this year. It's a family-friendly event taking over Greenwich Peninsula. DJ Gilles Peterson and London Soul Choir are among the acts taking to the main stage throughout the afternoon and evening.
Free entry (charge for some workshops), 18 May.
Bust a move at this Silent Disco Skate Jam
Folks of all ages are welcome at the silent disco skate jam at Cygnet Square in Thamesmead. No skates? No problem — you can borrow some for free on the day. Professional skaters are on hand to offer free lessons and tips, and headsets are available so you can listen to tunes being spun by a DJ as you skate.
Free, 18 May.
Line up the popcorn for a free film festival
Head down to Herne Hill for a programme of free cinema events, the Herne Hill Free Film Festival. Various venues around the area host film screenings, including a short film night at the Prince Regent pub on Monday, and We Live in Time, starring Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield, at Herne Hill Baptist Church on Wednesday. The programme continues into next week too.
Events are free, but donations to the Lambeth & Croydon Food Bank are welcome.
Free, until 23 May.
Gen up on all sorts at Gresham College
As Gresham College enters its final few weeks before its summer break, it's always worth checking what's on. Every week it offers two or three lectures on varying subjects, all given by experts in their field, and all completely free to watch — either in-person or online via livestream. This week, learn about links between ageing and dementia (13 May), find out about modern Paganism and its origins (14 May), or how decolonisation and shifts in global power have contributed to the climate emergency (15 May).
Free, various dates.
