Things to do this week is sponsored by Buffalo Trace.
All week
LONDON COCKTAIL WEEK: Cocktail lovers across the capital rejoice! London Cocktail Week is back in London for the eighth year running. Download a digital pass from the drinkup.London app and access the seven day celebration in the capital. Old Spitalfields Market, £10, book ahead, 2-8 October
ART NOW: At the Tate, Simeon Barclay has an exhibition to demonstrate how he believes we "construct and perform our identity", using popular culture references to define ourselves. Tate Britain, free entry, until 5 November
WOMAN'S HOUR: In partnership with BBC Radio 4 and the Crafts Council, this exhibition features pieces that have been shortlisted for the Woman's Hour Craft Prize. Victoria & Albert Museum, free entry, 10am-5.45pm
SCYTHIANS:This major, critically acclaimed exhibition at the British Museum explores the story of the Scythians, nomadic tribes and masters of mounted warfare, who flourished between 900 and 200 BC. British Museum, £16.50 (free for members), book ahead, until 14 January
OKTOBERFEST: Make your way over to the Greenwich Peninsula to celebrate Oktoberfest in an authentic Bavarian beer hall. The hall boasts over 220 benches and a live stage for entertainment. Greenwich Peninsula, £10, book ahead, 5-22 October
LABOUR OF LOVE: This new political comedy play, starring Martin Freeman as Labour MP David Lyons, explores the clash of philosophies inside the Labour Party over 25 years from the days of Neil Kinnock to New Labour to Jeremy Corbyn. Noel Coward Theatre, £40, book ahead, until 2 December
Monday 2 October
BRITISH POWS: How much of the holocaust did British Prisoners of War see? It was long assumed that British POWs saw little of the horrors that were being inflicted upon Europe's Jewish population. But in this talk, Russell Wallis argues that they saw and understood more than what we had realised. The Wiener Library, free, book ahead, 6.30pm-8pm
EXCELLENT WOMEN: Why are there so many fine Anglican women novelists? From Charlotte Brontë to PD James, from Dorothy L. Sayers to Barbara Pym, from Rose Macaulay to Elizabeth Goudge… who were these women and what inspired them? Join the final talk in this lecture series on excellent women to find out. Westminster Abbey, free, book ahead, 6.30pm-7.30pm
HOSPITALITY ACTION: To celebrate its 180th birthday, Hospitality Action is hosting an evening with a host of chefs who have seven Michelin Stars between them. Park Plaza, £150, book ahead, 6.45pm- 11pm
STRANGE LABYRINTH: Join author Will Ashon, author of Strange Labyrinth, as he talks about his journey to the outer edges of London — Epping Forest. Conway Hall, £5, book ahead, 7.30pm-9pm
IN OTHER WORDS: Have you ever wondered what role translation plays in international theatre? Well, Join actor Simon McBurney as he discusses just that. The British Library, £8-£12, book ahead, 7pm-8.15pm
BARBER AND BENSON SKETCH SHOW: Head over to the Clapham Fringe for an evening of comedy brought to you by double act Faye Barber and Paula Benson. The duo are back with an array of larger than life characters and sketches. Bread and Roses Theatre, £9, book ahead, 2-3 October
Tuesday 3 October
RECOLLECTING EAST AFRICA: In this talk at the National Archives you can learn about the harrowing testimonies of soldiers who fought during the East Africa campaign. The National Archives (Kew), £5, book ahead, 2pm-3pm
TALES FROM TELEVISION: Have you ever wondered how they make those visually arresting natural history programmes? In this lecture, Dr George McGavin will take you on a behind the scenes look at some of the high and lows of natural history filmmaking. Museum of London, free, just turn up, 6pm-7pm
TASTE OF ISLAY: Enjoy cocktails inspired by the Isle of Islay. As part of London Cocktail Week, The Botanist — the first and only Islay dry gin — will partner with east London joint Sager and Wilde. Bethnal Green, £45, book ahead, 7pm-10.30pm, until 6 October
MERCHANT OF VENICE: In this play, the actors have no idea of the plot, they have no rehearsals, and nowhere to hide from your scrutiny as they attempt to wing one of the Bard's best plays — luckily it's one of his shortest. The Cockpit Theatre, £20, book ahead, 7pm-9pm, until 7 October
THE LADYKILLERS: Go and have a laugh with this stage adaption of a beloved Ealing classic about a dastardly professor and his motley crew of musicians planning a train robbery. Queen's Theatre, £29, book ahead, 7.30pm, until 21 October
SUSPICIOUS MINDS:This place is a dark romantic-comedy about a couple's last ditch attempt to fix their relationship. Expect adult themes. Pleasance Theatre, £12, book ahead, 7.45pm-8.45pm, until 8 October
Sponsor message
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Perfect for classy sips, the bar is also hosting Bourbon Trace Distillery tasting sessions for up to eight people, where you can try some of the world’s most sought-after whiskies. Perhaps some masterful mixology is more your thing, in which case order a cocktail made with a vintage vermouth— go for a classic Manhattan or sample some Fratelli Branca Distillerie offerings dating back to the 50s. With tons of bourbons to choose from and vintage cocktails like you've never tasted before, the Looking Glass Cocktail Club is the place to be this London Cocktail Week — sign up for a whiskey tasting session here, or book a table to make sure you get the best seats in the house email [email protected]
Wednesday 4 October
TIME CRYSTALS: In this exhibition of personal recollections, artist David Panos examines motifs from the alternative and rave subcultures of the 1980s and 1990s. Pump House Gallery, free, just turn up, until 17 December
MOONCAKE PARTY: In celebration of the Mid-Autumn festival, this Soho tea room will be hosting a Mooncake Party, where they will be selling mooncakes. Bun House Tea Room, £12, just turn up, 6pm-12am
OPEN SCIENCE: Find out about the push to make science more open to the public with chemist Alice Williamson. She will also be discussing her efforts to involve students, citizens and scientists in finding a cure for malaria. Royal Institution, £16, book ahead, 7pm-8.30pm
CRAP FILM CLUB: Halloween is a month away, but it's not too early for a Night of Terror, a 1984 post apocalyptic thriller film directed by Bruno Mattei. By all accounts this is a terrible film, and it will likely induce chuckles rather than goosebumps. But it's one of those films that is so bad that it's good. The Book Club, £5, book ahead, 7pm-10pm
ROCK N ROLL BINGO: This is bingo with a twist. The numbers in this game have been replaced by music. Anything goes from punk, indie, pop, disco, funk, and rock'n'roll. Prizes include pints and shots Star of Bethnal Green, £1, just turn up, 7.30pm-11.30pm
Thursday 5 October
HENNESSY JONONE: This exhibition displays the work of renowned graffiti artist, JonOne. The exhibit precedes the launch of a new Hennessy bottle he designed, exclusive to Selfridges. Boxpark (Shoreditch), free, just turn up, 9am-7pm
ROOF GARDENS LIVE: Party on the rooftops in Kensington. This series of Live at the Roof Gardens will be opened by a live performance by pop artist Kelli-Leigh. The Roof Gardens, £20, book ahead, 7pm-10pm
ROTTEN BLISS: Folk cellist, vocalist and instrument inventor Jasmine Pender is celebrating the first release for her solo album Rotten Bliss with a free show. Montague Arms (Peckham),free, book ahead, 7pm-11pm
MONUMENT MASTERCLASSES: Take in a night of intimate live storytelling as you ascend the 311 steps of Monument's spiral staircase to take in panoramic views of the city. The Monument, £20, book ahead, 7.15pm
STOLEN: This play has been billed as a tale of lost loves, bravery, and above all else, hope. It also boasts a story through a dream land where a woman lives inside a giant cockerel and a glass man is filled with wasps. Greenwich Theatre, £11, book ahead, 7.30pm-9.30pm, until 8 October
Friday 6 October
RAFT OF MEDUSA: Join Foundling Museum director Caro Howell and artist Rachel Kneebone for a discussion on Kneebone's work, and questions concerning the human condition. The Foundling Museum, free, just turn up, 6pm
CLUB GASCON: It's your last chance to enjoy Michelin-starred Club Gascon's pop-up in London's oldest church, St Bartholomew-the-Great. The menu includes Aromatic King Scallop with Spicy Berries & Frosted Watermelon, as well as Peppered Braised Beef Rib with Oceanic Tapioca & Samphire. A vegetarian menu will also be available. Smithfield, £80, book ahead 6pm 0r 8.30pm
GALLERY LATE: Dulwich Picture Gallery hosts a multi-sensory evening, featuring an aroma tour to nosey around in, and an installation featuring lots of candy floss. Dulwich Picture Gallery, £12, book ahead, 6pm-10pm
LIQUOR EMPORIUM: Kingsland Road's liquor emporium has joined forces with Zoe's Ghana Kitchen to bring you an evening of cocktails and African cuisine. TT Liquor, £60, book ahead, 7pm-10pm
THE SWIPE HYPE: This talk will discuss the world of online dating and how it has changed since swiping was introduced, including someone who made a round-the-world-trip to marry her would-be-match, and Alistair Donegan writer of short film Love Me Tinder. Studio 7, £12, book ahead, 7pm-8.30pm
THE DEATH OF IVAN ILYICH: This play tells tells the story of the death of high-court judge Ivan Ilyich. Through an immersive solo performance Ivan faces his own mortality and searches for the meaning of his life. Merton Arts Space, £14, book ahead, 7.30pm, until 29 October
COMEDY: Head to Dulwich for a stand-up night of alternative comedy. Headlining is Edinburgh Comedy Award winner Tim Kelly, along with Mat Ewins, Fern Brady, and MC Lloyd Griffith. The MCT at Alleyn's, £16, book ahead, 8pm-10pm
Saturday 7 October
SERPENTINE: Everyone's going on about artificial intelligence at the moment, and the Serpentine Gallery is no different. So if you're interested to know when Skynet will inevitably incinerate us all, then go for it while you still can. City Hall, £15, book ahead, 10am-11pm
WE ARE FAMILY: To celebrate the diversity of British families, the National Portrait Gallery will be presenting a snapshot display which captures the reality of family life in contemporary Britain. National Portrait Gallery, free, just turn up, 10am-6pm, until 7 October
ARE WE THERE YET?: Check out this Banksy inspired exhibition. Visitors are invited to bring their own sandwiches to have a picnic in the venue for the duration of the day. One Poultry, free, just turn up, noon-6pm
PIRATES POP AND PROTEST: It has been fifty years since the government passed their big party pooper act; outlawing pirate radio stations that provided uninterrupted music well into the wee hours. In this special talk, Mark Dunton will speak about one of the most famous pirate radio stations of the era, Radio Caroline. The National Archives, £9.60-£12, book ahead, 2pm-4pm
THE MAGIC FLUTE: This production of an old classic has reinvented the costumes and some of the production design to fit into the era of Trump and recessions. Soho Theatre, £22, book ahead, 7pm-9pm
SOUND THE TRUMPET: Expect well-known cantatas, the wedding cantata and Jauchzet Gott at this concert. So if you know what any of those mean then you might be in for a treat. St John's Downshire Hill (Hampstead), £17, book ahead, 7.30pm-9.30pm
Sunday 8 October
EMBODIED WORKSHOP: This workshop is for actors, singers, dancers and the curious. Lewis Barfott will help you explore the vocal, vibrational and psychological world of each archetype and learn how they can be expressed in body and voice. FH Space, £50, book ahead, 11am-5pm
CLASSICAL COFFEE: Enjoy a hot drink and some pastries at the Royal Albert Hall as you listen to musical performances from the Royal College of Music. Today, the Rocamora String Quartet performs. Royal Albert Hall, £13, book ahead, 11am
SO SHINY: Discover the next big thing when it comes to contemporary jewellery and silver at the Goldsmiths' Fair. Collectors, design lovers and luxury shoppers can find a new piece to add to their collection by browsing trinkets in the magnificent setting of the Goldsmiths' Hall. £15, book ahead, 11am-6pm
DODGY DEALINGS: Would you be prepared to sell your soul to the devil for incredible power? Doctor Faustus tells the story of a scholar who rejects his studies and instead turns to the black arts to discover hidden truths. Chickenshed Theatre, £18, book ahead, 7.30pm
STREET FANS: When street art meets fans you get... well, Street Art and Fan Making. Artists such as Otto Schade and Lily Mixe will be putting their own spin on the classic folding fan to create one of a kind new concepts. The Fan Museum, £4, just turn up, 19 September-31 December (except Mondays)
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