All week
SUMMER ACTS: How does free entry to outdoor film nights, live Wimbledon screenings, exotic street food stalls, pop-up bars and live music sound? If your answer is anywhere from "Yeah, pretty good" to "Let me at it" then you'll love British Summer Time Hyde Park's Open House. Hyde Park, free, just turn up, 3, 4, 5 and 7 July
TENNIS FEVER: There so many cool places to watch the Wimbledon tennis instead of your living room, so head out to one of these free public screenings to grab a deck chair and a piece of the action. Various locations, free, just turn up, 3-16 July
CLASSIC FUN: Enjoy a five day festival of live musical performances from across the classical spectrum in the specially constructed St James's Market Pavilion. Flowing food and drink from all seven restaurants and cafes will be available, and each night a pop-up bar will be taken over by one of the restaurants in the market to offer one-of-a-kind cocktails. St James's Market, free entry, book ahead, 5-9 July
Monday 3 July
TWILIGHT SCIENCE: Celebrate the materialistic side of life in this exploration of all things synthetic, simulated, fabricated and fake. The event features mixologists serving up intoxicating cocktails and edible insect treats, and a chance to glimpse the materials we'll be using to build things in the future. The Royal Society, free, just turn up, 6pm-10pm
OPEN AIR CINEMA: Family favourite The Lion King (starts 6pm) and the glitzy La La Land (starts 8.30pm) feature on the opening night of free open air cinema at Hyde Park. We can think of no better place to catch a film under the stars, can you? Hyde Park, free, just turn up, 6pm-10.30pm
COMEDY OF THRONES: Love Game of Thrones? Love comedy? The two combine for a special night where up-and-coming comedians including Simon Cowell favourite Gatis Kandis (as seen on Britain's Got Talent), will take on GoT. Grove Bar and Restaurant, free, book ahead, 7.30pm-9.30pm
Tuesday 4 July
HEATHROW EXRESS: To celebrate the milestone of reaching 100 million passengers, Heathrow Express has been photographing passengers and staff travelling on its trains, in collaboration with travel blogger and photographer Dave Burt. HExibition is a pop-up interactive photography exhibition to pay tribute to the diverse travellers across the UK, and today's the last day to catch it. Paddington station, free, just turn up, all day
SUMMER SCREEN: Early '00s classic Legally Blonde features at this free open air cinema evening right in the heart of Vauxhall. Kick back with your own blanket or get one on site, while munching on some of London's best street food. Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, free, just turn up, 7pm
Wednesday 5 July
EXTRA-ORDINARY EXHIBITION: Tread the line between fiction and reality in Somerset House's Terrace Rooms, which have been transformed into the headquarters of The Learned Society of Extra-Ordinary Objects, a fictional society inspired by the real history of Somerset House. This unique design exhibition presents ordinary objects with extra-ordinary stories. Somerset House, free, just turn up, until 3 September
MUSICAL NERDS: 16-25 year olds are invited to this music tech workshop and hackathon, with talks from professionals with diverse music backgrounds, a music tech performance and two hands on music hacker workshops which will teach you how to build your own instrument. Brixton Pound Cafe, free, book ahead, 9.30am-5pm
FISHY FRIENDS: Find out more than you've ever expected to know about fish, from the ugly and misunderstood, to the weird and fabulous. At this month's PubSci, aquarist Jane Hallam will teach you a thing or two about the mating rituals of deep-sea anglerfish and record-breaking sharks. Old King's Head (London Bridge), free (donations encouraged), just turn up, 6pm
LETTERS HOME: Read real letters and emails from nurses in conflict situations, from Florence Nightingale's letters in the Crimean War to recent accounts of Iraq. Discover the truly human story behind healthcare in conflict situations. Royal College of Nursing, free, book ahead, 6pm-8pm
Thursday 6 July
PUNK'S NOT DEAD: Music photographer Simon Balaam set out to document the artists who are still entertaining crowds after 40 years of punk rock brilliance. The gallery viewing is accompanied by a live band for an even more immersive experience. The Underdog Gallery (London Bridge), free, just turn up, 6-9 July
WILD CARD: Catch six signature ales on the Hagen taps and hear Wild Card's head brewer share the story of her journey through beer in an evening to celebrate amazing women who work in the beer industry. Hagen & Hyde (Balham), free entry, book ahead, 4pm
STREET SOIREE: Who doesn't love a summer party? In line with the theme of 'urban garden', make your own terrarium in a complimentary workshop and sample culinary delights that'll please the most ardent vegetarian and carnivorous meat eater. New Quebec Street & Seymour Place (Marylebone), free, just turn up, 5pm-10pm
LADIES NIGHT: Some of the finest female comedians on the circuit, hosted by Siobhan Dodd, will be sending you into fits of laughter at this comedy night in Hammersmith. Grove Bar and Restaurant, free, book ahead, 7.30pm-9.30pm
Friday 7 July
#CHOOSELOVE: This LGBT anti-trolling initiative identifies abuse on Twitter and responds with an illustrated message themed around love. Designed by socially engaged artists and illustrators, some of these artworks are on display. 347 Old Street, free, just turn up, 10am-8pm
ARTFUL NONSENSE: Today's your last chance to see etchings by Yuri Vashenko on display in exhibition Geometry of Nonsense. Vashenko's drawings illustrate several books by the writer Lewis Carroll, author of Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass. Pushkin House (Holborn), free, just turn up, 11am-5pm
DEAR DIARY: If you've ever written in a diary under the covers by torchlight, you'll enjoy this exhibition on the many ways in which diarists capture human experience. See how diaries have evolved from 1400BC to the present day, and read the private — now public — thoughts of those who wrote them. King's College London's Inigo Rooms, free, just turn up, 11am-5.30pm
ELEPHANT SOCIAL MARKET: This brand new market celebrates the best of south London's diverse offerings in Elephant and Castle. Street food, farmers' market traders, local designers, live music, dance and art workshops all feature in this vibrant hub. The Artworks (Elephant and Castle), free, just turn up, 11am-6pm
NIGHT FEAST: Head to this summer night market in Walthamstow for street food and drinks from local traders and further afield, and local entertainment including local choirs and dance groups, as well as a kids' area. Walthamstow Town Square, free entry, just turn up, 5pm-10pm
Saturday 8 July
SALVAGE YARD: Over 50 handpicked vintage traders feature in Peckham's largest weekend vintage market. Get your hands on treasures, oddities, salvaged home decor, and bargains. From veteran sellers to those just clearing their loft, there are plenty of gems to be found. Copeland Gallery, free, just turn up, 8-9 July
CRAFTS BONANZA: Lovers of arts and crafts, get excited as one London's favourite fairs makes its return with bargain samples in their first ever sample sale. Get your mitts on designer made ceramics, jewellery, art prints, cards, textiles and gifts, alongside a programme of creative workshops throughout the day. Effra Social (Brixton), free entry, just turn up, 11am-5pm
MARINE ORIGAMI: A great one for the kids; use the ancient art of origami to make fantastic fish like those found in the river Thames. Museum of London Docklands, free, just turn up, noon-1.30pm & 2.30pm-4pm
SUMMER FETE: Hackney's beautiful lawns and gardens host a festival of local food, beer, vintage, fashion, yoga, kids activities and music. Oh, and there's a hipster dog show too. And an obligatory after-party on a London Fields rooftop. St John at Hackney, free entry, just turn up, noon-6pm
Sunday 9 July
ILLUSTRIOUS ART: London's largest free illustration fair is back selling a range of freshly illustrated graphic design, comics, prints, books, and ceramics, with stalls also giving visitors an insight into how books are made from letterpress and riso printing. House of Illustration (King's Cross), free entry, just turn up, noon-6pm
ART CAR BOOT: It's a simple idea, really — artists show up to flog their specially made just-for-the-day wares. All participants are invited or recommended by other booters, and uniquely, there is no fee for participation. Maybe there's a piece here for you? The Workshop (Lambeth), £5, just turn up, noon-6pm
EASY EXERCISE: Burn a few calories and get a breath of fresh air on this free walk across the borough of Merton, beginning at Wimbledon, close to the Wandle river, to Norbury Hall Park. You'll be taken on a path that misses out as many urban streets as possible, so you'll feel a world away from London. Starts at Wimbledon station, free (but bring an Oyster card for the tram), book ahead, 1pm
