Looking for something fun to do today? Something eye-opening to watch tonight? Something delicious to eat tomorrow? Our guide on things to do this week in London is personally curated, ensuring there's always a diverse range of events for you to choose from. Get stuck in!
All week
AFTERNOON TEA WEEK: Not that we ever need an excuse to tuck into a scone and a couple of cakes, but it's Afternoon Tea Week this week. Why not celebrate at one of London's best afternoon teas? Whether you want afternoon tea with a view, in a museum, or somewhere really fancy, we've got just the place. We also know the best afternoon teas for children, and, if it's all sounding a bit expensive, we've got a guide to London's most affordable afternoon teas too. 10-16 August 2026
HIT MACHINE: How I Met Your Mother star Josh Radnor appears alongside Noah Galvin in Hit Machine, a darkly funny play about two brothers who grew up making music together. See it at Soho Theatre Dean Street until this weekend. Until 15 August 2026
WES ANDERSON: This week is your last chance to see the Design Museum's incredibly popular Wes Anderson exhibition. The filmmaker granted access to his personal archives, creating a display featuring more than 700 objects, including recognisable costumes, props and sets from his films. It's likely to be very busy this week, so do book your tickets in advance to avoid missing out. Until 16 August 2026
DOG MAN: Southbank Centre offers a summer holidays treat in the form of Dog Man The Musical, based on the best-selling children's book series of the same name. With the head of a dog and the body of a policeman, Dog Man loves to fight crime and chew on the furniture, but now he's called on to perform heroics. It's one of our picks of family theatre shows to see this summer. Until 16 August 2026
ROUNDHOUSE COMEDY FESTIVAL: Ed Gamble, Ted Lasso star Nick Mohammed and Sara Pascoe are among the big names on the programme at Roundhouse Comedy Festival this week, with Joe Lycett bringing proceedings to a close at the Camden venue next Tuesday. Until 18 August 2026
CAMDEN FRINGE: Performing arts festival Camden Fringe continues apace, with dozens of shows spanning theatre, comedy, dance and spoken word to choose from this week. Our picks include Doing Really Well, Actually!, which bills itself as a cross between Fleabag and Bridesmaids; See You Tomorrow, a darkly-comic odyssey through the absurd machinery of justice; Syncing, set in the troubled days of boyband NSYNC; and comedy improv show A Bridge Too Farce. Browse the full programme. Until 30 August 2026
DRINK OF THE WEEK: We've just rounded up the most exciting pub openings of 2026 so far, including former pie and mash shops, an iconic drag venue and a classic Bermondsey boozer with a superb beer selection. Have a browse, and get planning some pints!
Today's events: Monday 10 August
POSTCARD PARTY: The RAF Museum hosts a family-friendly creative workshop celebrating the local history and everyday experiences of the Barnet community. Explore archival illustrations and the borough's role in the UK’s first official airmail service before creating your own mixed-media postcards using collage, painting, and storytelling. Your handiwork may be selected for a public exhibition at the museum this autumn. Age nine+. FREE, 10.30am-2.30pm
HELPING HANDS: Challenge the City of London’s reputation for ruthless finance with a virtual tour celebrating the square mile’s philanthropic history. Guide David Charnick leads this live-streamed session, highlighting the significant charities and selfless individuals who have channelled wealth toward those in need, followed by a Q&A. 12pm-1pm
HORROR PSYCHOLOGY: Spooky psychotherapist and self-confessed horror nerd Katie Evans visits The Last Tuesday Society in Hackney for a deep dive into the psychoanalytic ideas behind our favourite scary films. The talk explores how tropes and characters act as mirrors to the self, allowing audiences to safely confront their darkest fears. 6.30pm-8.30pm
FORGOTTEN QUEENS: Historian Alice Loxton visits Waterstones Trafalgar Square to discuss her latest book, Eleanor, which explores the lives of powerful women and ancient paths through British history. Chaired by fellow historian Ruby Gray, take a deep dive into the narratives of queens who have been overlooked by the traditional historical canon. 7pm
MONISHA RAJESH: Travel writer Monisha Rajesh discusses the paperback release of her latest book, Moonlight Express. Known for her celebrated rail journeys, Rajesh shares insights into her global adventures and the stories captured in her new work, at Waterstones in Kensington. 7pm
CULINARY HOTSPOTS: Foyles Charing Cross Road hosts Former Good Food Guide editor Andrew Turvil to discuss the transformation of British cuisine from over-boiled vegetables to a global gastronomic leader. In conversation with David Ellis, he shares stories from his time witnessing the rise of Jamie Oliver and the three-Michelin-starred success of Marco Pierre White. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the volcanic phone calls and kitchen dramas that defined the decade. 7pm-8.30pm
Today's events: Tuesday 11 August
CITY BUSINESSWOMEN: Discover the hidden history of female pioneers, from 17th-century brothel madams to the first female stockbroker, on a guided London walk tailored for parents/carers with infants. The three-hour route visits the baptismal site of Mary Wollstonecraft and explores the legacy of suffragettes who ran successful businesses long before they won the vote. The tour is designed to be step-free and includes a dedicated hour-long break at the Royal Exchange for feeding and baby changing. 11am-2pm
TUNNEL VISION: Blue Badge guide Louise Halfpenny visits Guildhall Library to trace how the London Underground has inspired artists and architects for over 160 years. The free talk examines works ranging from the iconic Tube map to Henry Moore’s sketches of stations used as wartime shelters. Tickets to attend in person have sold out, but you can still watch online. FREE, 2pm-3pm
ROOFTOP YOGA: Head to the terrace of Soho’s Century Club for AFTERGLOW, a dynamic yoga and breathwork session set against the golden hour skyline. Led by Wellness Warrior founder Caleb Jude Packham, the flow is accompanied by a live DJ set to help you find your rhythm and reset. The class is open to all experience levels with mats provided, and there is an opportunity to stay for drinks and a hang-out once the session concludes. 7pm
SLOW JAMZ ORCHESTRA: Camden's Jazz Cafe celebrates the golden era of R&B with a nostalgic live showcase of old-school love songs. A collective of London’s finest musicians reimagines hits by the likes of Destiny’s Child, Usher, and Alicia Keys with rich, orchestral textures and a sultry vibe. 7pm-10.30pm
CARNIVAL RUM TASTING: As part of the Carnival 60 series of events ahead of Notting Hill Carnival, The Mitre in Holland Park offers a guided tasting of Bumbu spiced Barbadian rum. The session includes a flight of rums and a short history of the drink and its place in Caribbean culture. 7.30pm
QUEER PUNK REBELLION: Independent venue Windmill Brixton hosts a fundraiser night featuring all-queer-girl rock band Comic Sans. Drawing inspiration from punk legends like Kathleen Hanna and Amyl and the Sniffers, the group delivers raucous, nonconformist lyrics alongside London five-piece Bella Artois, who blend jazz, soul, and playful camp theatrics. 7.45pm
CABARET: Award-winning improvisers Sam Roulston and AJ Vaage bring their fast-paced, multi-character controlled chaos to Dalston for An Evening With Sam & AJ. The Canadian duo, whose credits include The Second City and Prime Video’s They Came at Night, are joined by special guest performers at the queer-run venue The Divine. Expect a raucous night of comedy in the basement space, featuring a blend of sharp storytelling and high-energy sketches. 8pm
Today's events: Wednesday 12 August
MAGNIFICENT MR MOLE: One of the French House's most singular/beloved regulars 'Mole' surrounded himself with a menagerie of magical automata and fantastical creations, and was known for his surreptitious trading at the bar. He's celebrated in new exhibition The Magnificent Mr Mole at the Museum of Soho. FREE, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays until 29 August
MARVEL BREWERY QUIZ: Take part in a Marvel-themed quiz hosted by Signature Brew at their Haggerston brewery. Work your way through rounds of film and comic-book questions, with up to eight people per team. 6pm
OPEN MIC NIGHT: Bethnal Green’s Oxford House opens its café stage to a mix of songwriters, poets, and storytellers for a bi-monthly open mic night. 10-minute slots are available both for booked performers and those who sign up on the night from 6pm. It is a contemporary platform designed to celebrate the area's long history of community activism and artistic voice. FREE (donations welcome), 6.45pm-8.45pm
MOVIE CREW AUGUST: Kingston’s rock 'n' roll sanctuary The Fighting Cocks hosts a mystery screening of a sing-along slasher set in Victorian London. This month’s Movie Crew features a film adaptation of a 12-time Tony Award-winning musical, complete with an A-list cast and plenty of gore. FREE, 7.30pm
CARIBBEAN IDENTITY: What does it mean to be Caribbean? Comedian Eugene Dusauzay, Zara Lopes from French creole pop-up restaurant Goutebon, and Symone Williams, the daughter of Notting Hill Carnival pioneers, take part in a discussion at Mason & Fifth in Westbourne Park about food, identity and belonging. 6.30pm
PARTIAL SOLAR ECLIPSE: Over 90% of the Sun’s surface will be obscured by the Moon this evening, in the UK's most complete solar eclipse since 1999. The eclipse begins at 6.17pm and continues until shortly after 8pm, with sunset falling at 8.28pm today. Note that it is not safe to look directly at the eclipse — instead use eclipse glasses, a pinhole projector or specially adapted telescopes or binoculars. FREE, 6.17pm-8.06pm
Today's events: Thursday 13 August
PEAKY BLINDERS: Step into the world of gang crime TV show Peaky Blinders, in a new immersive experience opening in London Bridge today. Venture into a replica of the show's Garrison Tavern, and get drawn into Tommy Shelby's world through speakeasy rooms, live performers and interactive challenges. From 13 August 2026
CHILD OF GLASS: A new music-drama about the life of composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky comes to the stage at Opera Holland Park. The seasonal venue showcases the pressures, passions, and conflicts that shaped Russia’s most celebrated composer through a cast of four: musician Tama Matheson, actors Suzy Kohane and Oliver Holland, and the Royal Ballet’s Téo Dubreuil. 13-15 August 2026
SUMMER SOUNDS: Free music festival Summer Sounds is back at King's Cross, with live concerts every evening, and other theatre performances dotted throughout the schedule. The West End Musical Choir, Soul Choir, the Kings Place Jazz Orchestra and saxophonist Denys Baptiste are among this year's performers. FREE, 13-23 August 2026
JEEVES TAKES CHARGE: One-man show Jeeves Takes Charge sees actor Sam Harrison impressively playing 22 different PG Wodehouse characters including Jeeves, Wooster, Florence Craye, Bingo Little, Uncle Willoughby and Aunt Dahlia. It's got a limited run at Charing Cross Theatre, from today. 13 August-6 September 2026
BLOOMS WITH A VIEW: Join a guided stroll through the floral heart of St. James’s Park and meet the gardeners who plan and maintain the bedding schemes and trees. The walk explores planting design, seasonal challenges and the hidden work that keeps the park in bloom. 11am-12.30pm
SMALL POND: Stoke Newington’s Next Door Records Two hosts a creative showcase for the upcoming indie feature film Small Pond by the Parry Twins. The evening features a live set from Sports Days — the actual band from the movie — alongside performances from film talents Stasi Mai and Frankie Minchella. A late-night DJ session with Internet Boyfriend and WAAW follows the behind-the-scenes look at the project's concept and tracks. FREE, 7pm
Today's events: Friday 14 August
PLAY MAKE DO: Barbican Centre offers summer holiday entertainment in the form of family festival Play Make Do. Each of the three days encompasses one of those words, with activities including storytelling and circus skills on Friday, Carnival-themed crafts on Saturday, and dance and creative writing workshops on Sunday. 14-16 August 2026
AS YOU LIKE IT: Shakespeare's Globe is the ideal setting to catch the latest production of the Bard's comedy play As You Like It. The atmospheric riverside venue transforms into a forest festival as Rosalind escape's her uncle's repressive regime into the forest. 14 August-25 October 2026
SING & PLAY DAY: Baby Broadway, Baby Knees Up and Baby Gospel join forces for a Family Sing & Play Day at St Paul's Church (Covent Garden). The mini festival includes arts, crafts and face painting in the garden, and a trio of performances inside the church. 10am-4pm
FORMER CINEMA TOUR: Take a guided tour inside the Grade II* listed Carlton Cinema on Essex Road with cinema historian Nigel Smith. The 90-minute walk-through covers the Egyptian-style auditorium, lobby and former café area and includes historical photos and anecdotes, and £5 from each ticket goes towards the building restoration fund. 11am/2pm
MARVIN GAYE: The Royal Albert Hall hosts a tribute to musician Marvin Gaye as part of the BBC Proms. Hear orchestral arrangements of Gaye’s repertoire performed by BBC Concert Orchestra and conductor Edwin Outwater alongside guest vocalists. 7pm
SECRET SAX PARTY: An incredible live band plays soul, funk, pop and rock classics with plenty of singalongs at The Secret Sax Party. Currently undertaking a residency at music venue 21 Soho, the event is the creation of Jazz FM broadcaster, saxophonist and producer Leo Green, and counts Rod Stewart among its fans. 8pm
WRESTLING + RAVE: The lines between wrestling and underground club culture are blurred at tonight's Emporium NRG show in Tottenham, where you can expect bouts of championship wrestling (feat. a 'cyber hardcore match') heavily seasoned with live DJs, lucha go-go dancers — plus a cavalcade of other surprises. Sounds like a mad one. 8pm-3am
Today's events: Saturday 15 August
INFLATABLE ASSAULT COURSE: Apparently the UK’s biggest touring inflatable assault course, Action Arena pops up at Chiswick House & Gardens for one weekend. Two different courses are set up in the Walled Garden, one for younger adventurers and the other for bigger kids over 120 cm tall (and yes, that includes adults — form an orderly queue behind us). 15-16 August 2026
IMBERBUS: Alright, so it's not in London, but it is a top-notch (and very popular) event featuring London buses, so indulge us for a second. Imberbus is an annual parade of double-decker London buses from Warminster to Chitterne, via Salisbury Plain and a collection of bucolic villages. Why? It all dates back to residents of the small village of Imber being turfed out of their village by the Ministry of Defence in 1943, and never being allowed to return — full story here. From 9.30am
WEST END WOOFS: Dame Elaine Paige and Bernadette Peters co-host live canine adoption event West End Woofs, at St Paul’s Church in Covent Garden. Gates open for a meet-and-greet with adoptable dogs and cats, followed by a staged section of performances with West End stars joining the animals on stage, all in aid of finding good homes for creatures in need. 10.15am
SE8 SUMMER FETE: Deptford’s community arts hub The Albany opens its garden for the SE8 Summer Fete, featuring live music, DJs, and creative workshops. The eclectic line-up includes Guinness World Record-holding hula hoop troupe The Majorettes, soul artist Laville, and a jukebox musical from alien duo Sugar and Spice. Advance tickets have sold out, but there's room for walk-ups on the day. FREE, 1pm-6pm
SOUTH LONDON SOUL: Nunhead’s community-owned pub The Ivy hosts a lively night of soul classics from across the spectrum. Resident DJs Mole, Phil, Jeff and Tom are joined by guest DJ Mark ‘Binsy’ Taylor to spin tracks for a crowd that loves to dance. FREE, 7pm
BLIND DATE: Miss watching Blind Date on a Saturday night? Corner Corner in Canada Water is bringing it back, with a live version of the dating gameshow. Buy a ticket to be in the audience and watch contestants flex their chat-up lines. Or, if you're feeling brave, put yourself forward to take part. 7pm-10pm
Today's events: Sunday 16 August
FORMULA E: Start your (quiet) engines: Formula E races back into London in the form of the 2026 London E-Prix. The electric car motorsport championship takes place at — including inside — Excel London, with the start, finish and pit lane all located inside the giant building, and part of the course venturing outside. 8.30am-4pm
CHISWICK CHEESE MARKET: The monthly Chiswick Cheese Market returns to The Old Market Place on Chiswick High Road, showcasing artisan cheeses from across the UK and beyond. Expect a range of independent stallholders offering samples of the gouda stuff, and cheeses to buy. 9.30am-3pm
CHESS CLUB: Whether you're on a par with the grand masters of chess, or have only just worked out how the knight moves, you're welcome at the Sunday chess club at Paddington Library. FREE, 12pm-3pm
REGGAE COOKOUT: Islington’s Union Chapel hosts an afternoon of sound system culture and Jamaican popular music. World-renowned DJ collective The Tighten Up Crew joins forces with legendary selector Gladdy Wax to spin vintage vinyl ranging from hot ska to dangerous dubwise. Uptown Cuisine provides the Caribbean food, with a special bonus for the first 30 guests to arrive, who can enjoy the menu for free. FREE, 3pm-8pm
CHINESE GHOST STORY: Holborn's Garden Cinema screens a newly restored version of Ching Siu-tung's 1987 fantasy-horror A Chinese Ghost Story. Produced by Tsui Hark and starring Leslie Cheung, Joey Wang and Wu Ma, it reimagines a classic ghost story through a blend of romance, horror, fantasy, action and comedy. 3pm
INTERSTELLAR: Christopher Nolan's 2014 sci‑fi film Interstellar, starring Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway, is screened at Rooftop Cinema Club's Stratford branch. There's a bar and snack stand on site, and other food may be purchased from the vendors at Roof East, which shares the space. 7.30pm
FREE COMEDY: Show up at Brewhouse & Kitchen in Islington for another bout of free comedy from London Comedy Group. You won't know who you're seeing till you get there, but your funny bone will surely be tickled — especially if you avail yourself of the bar beforehand. FREE, 8pm
