All week
DREAMED NATIVE ANCESTRY: If you like your art to say something, and not just look pretty, check out this show which comments on issues of race, migration and biopolitics. Arts Catalyst, free, just turn up, (Thursday- Saturday, noon-6pm), until 27 January
WOODCUTS FROM WONDERLAND: Prepare to feel incredibly nostalgic as you wander around this exhibition of original wood-engraved illustrations of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Eames Fine Art (London Bridge), free, just turn up, until 4 February
MAY MORRIS: May Morris finally gets the exhibition spaces she deserves in this comprehensive survey of her work and contribution to the Arts and Crafts movement, which for a long time has been overshadowed by her successful dad. William Morris Gallery, free, just turn up, until 28 January
Monday 22 January
MINIMALIST MOVIE POSTER: Fancy yourself a movie buff? Have a go at matching these posters with their blockbuster equivalents, just going by the geometric shapes and colours. See the minimalist designs in the flesh at Curzon cinema. Curzon (Soho), free, just turn up, 10am-11pm
SURVIVOR: Hear about the harrowing experience of living under Nazi rule from Bernd Koschland, see photos from his book Survivor: A Portrait Of The Survivors of the Holocaust, followed by a post-talk Q&A and candle lighting. Jewish Museum (Camden), free, just turn up, 7pm-9pm
SUCCUBUS JANUARY ISSUE: Lend your laughter to the launch of this new comedy night from razor-sharp women's satirical magazine, Succubus, which aims to provide a much-needed platform for female comedy writers and stand-ups. The Bill Murray, £5, book ahead, 9.15pm-10.30pm
Tuesday 23 January
ARTEPRIZE 2017: See the cutting edge art that won over four young finalists from Poland, India, Australia and Germany in this exhibition, which saw all submissions made exclusively through the ArteVue App. Delfina Foundation (Victoria), free, just turn up, 10am-6pm, until 27 January
SHAKESPEARE'S LOVERS: More an exploration of Shakespeare's depictions of sexual desire than a peek at the great playwright's love life. Museum of London, free, just turn up, 6pm-7pm
CIRCOMEDIA: Apparently it's taken approximately 6.8 epiphanies, 102 breakdowns, 3 buckets of tears, 14 litres of sweat and 2462 cups of coffee for the Circomedia BA class of 2018 to bring this show to fruition, so you better make sure there's an audience to clap and woop all those daring acrobatics. Arts Depot (North Finchley), £5, book ahead, 7.30pm-9.30pm
Wednesday 24 January
THE THINGS WE LEAVE BEHIND: This exhibition repurposes objects which were left in a transition camp in Serbia and on the shores of the island of Lesbos in Greece, to start conversations about migration and survival. One Paved Court, free, just turn up, until 3 February
VIRGINIA WOOLF'S LETTERS: "A true letter", Woolf insisted, "should be like a film of wax pressed close to the graving of the mind." See if her own letters pass the test (spoiler: they do) at this illustrated talk from art historian, critic and biographer Frances Spalding, who is launching The Illustrated Letters of Virginia Woolf the day before Woolf's birthday. Waterstones (Gower Street), £5/£3, book ahead, 1pm-2pm
NATURE-INSPIRED PRINTING: Get back to nature with a walk around Epping Forest then drop into this workshop, where you'll create lovely woodland prints, with the help of arts lecturer Alison Pearce. The View (Chingford), free, just turn up, 1.30pm-3pm
Thursday 25 January
THE HOUSING MARKET: Hear a lecture on housing, tax and how the prospect of leaving the EU has forced the UK to debate its economic future, while you're enjoying your lunchtime sarnie. Barnard's Inn, free, just turn up, 1pm-2pm
PENNY LECTURES: Ever felt better after belting your heart out in a group karaoke session? In this illustrated lecture, Grenville Hancox argues that singing in groups offers a cost effective and enjoyable, yet overlooked means of improving the health (as long as there's no booze involved). Morley College, free, just turn up, 5.30pm-6.45pm
BURNS NIGHT: Want to celebrate Burns Night without the hefty entrance fee? Sip Scotch heavy cocktails while Scottish indie singer Rennie belts out the tunes. Soak up the spirits with free Pig & Hay’s Haggis Scotch Eggs. The Sun Tavern (Bethnal Green), free entry, just turn up, 6pm-2am
WOMEN'S LONDON: From scientists to suffragettes, reformers to royals and authors to artists, discover the fascinating stories behind some of Rachel Kolsky’s favourite London ladies, at the pre-publication launch of her new book Women's London. Wolfson Theatre (Lincoln's Inn Fields), free, book ahead via [email protected], 6.30pm-8pm
THE POWER OF WORDS: Lucky enough to still be aged 16-25? Then you're welcome to attend this Holocaust Memorial Day event on social media. Example questions include: Do social media platforms do enough to counter the use of racist/antisemitic language? Is social media a suitable substitute for real-life Holocaust advocacy (i.e. how effective is 'clicktivism')? The Wiener Library, free, just turn up, 6.30pm-8pm
Friday 26 January
MONKEY PUZZLE: Eltham Library hosts this storytelling session for children ages 0-3. Drop in to support your local library and hear Monkey Puzzle, a fun tale by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Eltham Library, free, just turn up, 10.30am-11am
PRISONER-OF-WAR MEMOIRS: Interested in the second world war and how our memory of war changes over time? Listen to this talk which delves into the memoirs of prisoners-of-war — the premise is that individual experiences are eventually supplanted by a collective memory. National Army Museum (Chelsea), free, book ahead, 11.30am
UNIQLO LATE: Sampha fans will kick themselves if they miss New Generation, the singer's companion film to his brilliant album Process. Other events include zine-making, a human roulette station, a dance class with Cross Polli.Nation and Uniqlo's ten-minute art talks. Our tip: Tate Lates tend to be super popular so arrive early to avoid queueing for everything. Tate Modern, free, just turn up, 6pm-10pm
Saturday 27 January
SNOWDROP SALE: If you're lucky enough to have a garden or allotment in the city, don't miss this annual popular plant sale, where you can pick up some pretty snowdrop bulbs. Myddelton House Gardens (Enfield), free entry, just turn up, 10.30am-noon
ILLUMINATING INDIA: Find your inner zen at a yoga and meditation class, settle in for a storytelling session with Sita Thomas or join creative workshops in constellation-mapping, Rangoli geometry and more at this family-friendly weekend coinciding with the Illuminating India exhibition. Science Museum (South Kensington), free, just turn up, 11am-5pm, 27-28 January
BRICK BREWERY OPEN DAY: The first 50 eager beavers through this new Brewery's doors will get a free half pint. During the open day celebrations, there will also be tasting sessions and a chance to make friends with the Brick team. Unit 13-14 Deptford Trading Estate, free, just turn up, noon-6pm
EDIBLE SEED SWAP: Got grand plans to grow your own this year? Start at this seed swap and pick up tips on how to store your seeds from a local 'seed saver'. The Garden Museum (Lambeth), free, just turn up, 1pm-3pm
FAMILY DAY SIGNIFICANT SEAMS: This afternoon of sewing activities for the whole family is themed around May Morris's talent for embroidery. Nimble fingers at the ready. William Morris Gallery, free, just turn up, 1pm-4pm
UNWRITTEN HANDBOOK: Hear about the world of Nordic larp (live action role play) and how it has influenced the work of artist Adam James at this talk. Serpentine Gallery, free, book ahead, 3pm
NERVOUS ENERGY: Plugging the gap in London's electro scene is this brand new night Nervous Energy. It'll play all genres of electronic dance music, including contemporary styles alongside those synthesizer-heavy blasts from the past. Thousand Island, The Garage (Highbury & Islington), £5, book ahead, 11pm-4am
RHYTHM AND REACTION: It's been a century since jazz bopped its way into the airwaves and this exhibition documents the ripple effect the genre had on British art, design and wider society. Two Temple Place, free, just turn up, 27 January-22 April
Sunday 28 January
EVERYONE A MAKER: Bring anything you have lying around at home you reckon could inspire a great story, which you'll put together during this family-friendly workshop, as part of National Storytelling Week. Rich Mix, free, book ahead, 11am-4pm
BERMONDSEY FOLK CLUB: Folkies rejoice! There's a new night in town just for you and it's in south east London. All instruments are welcome at this open mic folk night (minus those that can be plugged in). Shortwave Cafe, suggested donation £3, just turn up, 7pm-10pm
DUKE COCK: Hear scorching hot comedy from this female double act. Sophie Duker is an almost award-winning comedian and Olga Koch is a finalist of both the Amused Moose National New Comic Award 2017 and the Leicester Square New Comedian of the Year Award 2016. Pleasance Theatre (Islington), £5, book ahead, 7.45pm
