Looking for something fun to do today? Something eye-opening to watch tonight? Something delicious to eat tomorrow? Our guide to things to do this week in London is personally curated, to bring you our take on the best things happening around the city.
What's on all week
COMMUNAL CREATIVITY ON SCREEN: The Barbican's documentary and animation season, The Old Ways, continues this week — exploring global cultural legacies through the lens of traditional craftsmanship and communal creativity. Subjects include Japanese listening cafes, and Mexican paper balloon workshops. Until 16 May 2026
ARCA EXHIBITION: It's your last chance this week to catch the ICA's solo exhibition of multidisciplinary artist Arca. Working with paint and mixed media, recurring motifs in the Venezuelan artist's work explore bodily forms through layering and revision. Until 19 April 2026
TOWER HAMLETS LIFE: Artist Olga Regina's solo exhibition Memory of a New City explores the layered identity of Canary Wharf and London’s Docklands, capturing moments where everyday life intersects with something slightly unexpected in London's financial district. View the exhibition at Brady Arts & Commuity Centre in Whitechapel. FREE, until 25 April 2026
MOTH CLUB: Celebrate the saving of Moth Club in Hackney from developers by heading there this week — like usual, it's a joyfully busy line-up with events every night, spanning bands, solo acts, karaoke, comedy, and clubnights.
Today's events: Monday 13 April
READY TO SCREAM: Join curators Sarah Frosh and Nina Garthwaite at the Horse Hospital in Bloomsbury for Screaming in the Dark, a listening session exploring the evolution of recorded human voices through archival radio, podcasts, and audio art. Expect Dadaist sound poems, AI glitches, and joyful howling. 7pm
THE CAHEN D'ANVERS SISTERS: Exploring a true story of art, war and betrayal, at this V&A book talk, author Catherine Ostler discusses the lives of the Cahen d’Anvers sisters — daughters of a banking dynasty, and the subjects of two of Renoir's portraits — with historian Simon Sebag Montefiore. 7pm
HOW TREES TALK TO EACH OTHER: Forest ecologist Suzanne Simard — author of the new book When The Forest Breathes — talks to Harriet Rix at Foyles on Charing Cross Road about the communication networks of trees, the cycles of renewal that sustain forest ecosystems, and exploring holistic and regenerative forestry practices. 8.30pm
Today's events: Tuesday 14 April
SRI LANKAN NEW YEAR: Celebrating Sri Lankan New Year with a one-night pop-up at Bruno in Hackney, chefs Wasantha (from Rambutan) and Eddy (ex-Silo) serve up a menu spanning Sri Lankan classics like acharu, wattalapam, and three different curries. 5pm-9.30pm
ROME STREETZ: There's a headline performance from New York lyricist Rome Streetz, bringing a night of East Coast hip-hop, vivid narratives and impeccable flow to the Jazz Cafe in Camden this evening. 7pm
MOMENTO AT CAROUSEL: Arriving at Carousel in Fitzrovia for a five-night residency, guest chefs Enrico Marmo and Jacopo Rosti serve up a celebration of Ligurian food — and maybe a glimpse of what their soon-to-open Bordighera restaurant, Momento, has in store. 7pm
CANDLELIT LISTENING: Playback's listening session series returns to NT's Loft in Hackney for an evening of Fred Again..., playing tracks spanning Actual Life 1, 2 and 3 — in an intimate, candlelit setting, intended to help you step away from distractions and reconnect with the music. 7pm
DRAG IDOL: It's the second heat for Drag Idol 2026 at Walthamstow Trades Hall, with participants competing for a place in the Drag Idol semi-finals — and a chance at the crown of Drag Idol Champion. Hosted by Victoria Sponge, you can either take to the stage — you'll need to enter online in advance — or just turn up and admire the show. FREE, 7.30pm
Sponsor message
Hands-on workshops at Ideal Home Show from £15
Take time out this week to hone a new skill, with a whole programme of expert-led workshops at Ideal Home Show, and create and decorate your own unique craft.
In just 60 minutes, put your own stamp on your home. Think floral styling and home decor sessions, such as mastering the art of marbling or stencilling, or creating a painted lampshade. Alternatively, book in for indulgent chocolate-making with Oli The Choc, and learn how to whip up your own decadent truffles or mouth-watering chocolate bars. Or how about impressing friends and family with your new cocktail-making skills courtesy of the folks at Portobello Road Distillery?
Workshop tickets begin at just £15, including all materials and a goody bag (plus a drink, in selected workshops*), which is a bargain in itself — but your ticket ALSO gets you entry to the rest of Ideal Home Show, providing even more creative inspiration. Indulge in a spot of retail therapy, and catch live stage demos from celebs and experts on all manner of topics, all under one roof.
Ideal Home Show is at Olympia until Sunday (19 April) but workshop tickets are limited, so book your slot now.
*Seasonal Floral and Home Decor Workshop tickets include a glass of fizz or a non-alcoholic alternative.
Today's events: Wednesday 15 April
FILIPINO COOKERY CLASS: Learn to create a four-dish Filipino meal with Chef Tina, at Migrateful's pop-up cookery school in Clerkenwell. On the programme for this evening: making sinigang (sour pork soup), kinilaw (a marinated fish dish), and ukoy (shrimp fritters) — before sitting down to a shared dinner. 6.15pm
DOCUMENTARY DOUBLE-BILL: Part of the Open City Documentary Festival 2026, Bertha DocHouse in King's Cross has a double programme of films exploring the enduring legacy of European colonialism, with screenings of Hill Station and A Person of the Forest (directed by Edward Lawrenson and Miranda Pennell, respectively). 6.30pm
FILM NOIR: The Cinema Museum in Kennington holds a rare 16mm theatrical screening of Take One False Step, Chester Erskine's classic film noir, set in 1940s LA. William Powell stars as an academic — turned amateur sleuth — with Shelley Winters as the missing flame, and Marsha Hunt co-starring as his investigative partner. 7.30pm
Today's events: Thursday 16 April
MASCULINITY EXPLORED: Part of The Age of Self? series at the British Academy — exploring questions of identity and connection — this panel discussion looks at cultural representations of masculinity, through examples of evolving gender narratives from stage and screen. Speakers include film historian Stella Bruzzi, playwright Inua Ellams, sociolinguist Robert Lawson, and anthropologist Daniel Guinness. FREE, 6.30pm
CHORAL PERFORMANCE: The Cantata Dramatica ensemble comes to Leighton House in Kensington to perform a choral adaptation of the Persian poem The Conference of the Birds, by Sufi poet Attar of Nishapur. 7pm
STAR TREK — SUPERSIZED: Celebrating the 40th anniversary of Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, the Science Museum screens the 1986 film on one of the largest cinema screens in the UK. The film follows the Enterprise crew to 20th-century Earth. 7.15pm
COUNTRY KINGS: Wayne Waynesson & the Whisky Kissers bring their comedy country satire to Paper Dress Vintage in Hackney. The band of drag kings promise to channel a world of whiskey-soaked honky-tonks: expect big anthems, heartbreak ballads and a lot of swagger. Sonic Joy Orchestra open for them. 8.45pm
Today's events: Friday 17 April
EARTH DAY SCRATCH MENU: Spring at Somerset House marks Earth Day with a three-course set menu using overlooked ingredients that are often discarded — drawing attention to the 40% of fruit and vegetables in the UK that are thrown away before they reach shops, for being aesthetically imperfect. 5.30pm
TWILIGHT TOUR: Take an after-hours tour of Sir John Soane's Museum, with expert guides taking you through the historic residence's neoclassical interiors. Even if you know the museum by day, the tour promises to show you the house in a — literally — different light. 6pm
ANOTHER SKY FESTIVAL: Another Sky Festival returns for its third edition, running till Sunday 19 April, celebrating experimental music from the SWANA (South-West Asia and North Africa) region and diaspora. Expect composed and improvised music performances, film screenings, a book club, and an independent label market. Most events take place at Cafe OTO in Dalston. 7pm
BLOODSUCKING COMEDY: 'Unhinged vampiric comedy' The Ritual is back for a late-night show at The Bill Murray in Islington — following the Master and his loyal servant Gregor (Greg Lass and Steffen Haanes) in their quest for fresh blood. 11pm
Today's events: Saturday 18 April
V&A EAST: A short walk from the V&A East Storehouse, which opened in 2025, the accompanying V&A East Museum is about to make its debut, with a temporary exhibition, The Music is Black: A British Story and two free, permanent "Why we make" galleries showcasing examples of creativity "from a range of countries, cultures and times". FREE, from 18 April 2026
TWEED RUN: Style meets cycling as the Tweed Run meanders through London's streets and parks, with cyclists competing in categories including best-dressed individuals, finest moustaches and most elegantly adorned bicycles. Stops for tea, a picnic and a celebratory cocktail are built into the schedule. You'll need a ticket to take part, or you can turn up and watch for free. Exact location and route details are announced on the day. Times TBC
STRANGE CENTRAL: The London Fortean Society returns to Conway Hall in Holborn for Strange Central: Mysteries, Monsters, Ghosts and UFOs, a full day of deep-dives into the paranormal. Expert speakers explore everything from the folklore of the Calvine UFO photograph to "occult numismatics"— the strange history of haunted money and coins used to ward off witches. 10am-5pm
WILDLIFE WANDER: Ornithological investigator JD Swann leads a seasonal nature walk through Thamesmead, starting from the Lakeside Centre. Thamesmead Wildlife Wanders explores marshes and woodland to spot returning migrating birds like blackcaps and sand martins. The three-mile route includes the Ridgeway and the Thames Path, with stamped notebooks provided for those wanting to document their observations. FREE, 11am-1.30pm
COLOURS OF TIME: The independent Chiswick Cinema screens Colours of Time [La Venue de l'avenir], a French drama exploring family legacy across generations. The film follows cousins who inherit a house in rural Normandy and retrace their ancestors' steps through 19th-century Paris. 11am
VAISAKHI ON THE SQUARE: Trafalgar Square hosts Vaisakhi on the Square 2026, a large-scale celebration of Sikh culture, heritage, and the founding of the Khalsa. The family-friendly afternoon features vibrant performances and martial arts displays, alongside the tradition of Langar, where visitors can share free vegetarian treats and Indian tea. FREE, 12pm-6pm
RIO FOREVER: Dalston’s historic Rio Cinema kicks off its 50th anniversary season with Doc’n Roll: Sports Banger x Jeremy Deller, a special night of film, music, and Hackney’s creative spirit. Curated in collaboration with artist Jeremy Deller and the Sports Banger collective, the one-off party celebrates radical DIY culture and grassroots subculture through a community-selected programme of films. 8pm
EL BÚHO: Hackney’s Colour Factory hosts a spring dancefloor experience with El Búho, the pioneer of a hypnotic soundscape that blends Latin American folk rhythms with electronic downtempo beats. Expect an immersive performance featuring earthy sounds and tropical birdsong, alongside a very special guest yet to be announced. 10pm-4am
Today's events: Sunday 19 April
OPEN GARDENS: Highgate’s OmVed Gardens hosts an Open Gardens Fundraiser for the North London Hospice. Visitors can explore the regenerative kitchen gardens and meadow, or join a guided tour with the gardening team. 11am
YARD SALE: The Museum of the Home in Hoxton returns with its much-loved Yard Sale, transforming the Grade I-listed site into a bustling market of unique treasures. Browse an eclectic mix of homewares, studio clear-out bargains, and one-of-a-kind designs from local makers including KCHossack Pottery and Laura von Behr Vintage. 11am-4pm
ELIXIR FESTIVAL: The Sadler's Wells festival rethinking preconceptions around age and dance continues this week — running till 27 April — with performances at their Islington and Stratford venues. This week's programming includes Get Into Dance at Sadler's Well's East, with performances from community groups spanning Bollywood, flamenco, Afro-Haitian traditions, jazz, ballet, and more. FREE, 11am-5.30pm
ST GEORGE'S DAY: Trafalgar Square hosts the Mayor of London’s free, family-friendly St George's Day festival celebrating English culture and heritage, including a main stage with live music and dance, alongside creative workshops, crafts, and a variety of street food stalls. FREE, 12pm-6pm
BLACK IS… BLACK AIN'T: The Horse Hospital in Bloomsbury hosts a screening of Marlon Riggs’ final film, Black Is… Black Ain't, as part of its underground queer cinema series. The feature explores the rich diversity of Black identities through a mix of personal testimony and commentary from figures like Angela Davis, preceded by short films from video artist Tom Rubnitz. 1pm-4pm
TONY ANN: Canadian pianist and composer Tony Ann brings his viral contemporary piano music to the Theatre Royal Drury Lane for a one-off concert. Known for blending classical precision with modern emotion, the JUNO Award nominee has amassed over a billion views online and recently featured on Lang Lang’s latest album. Support for the evening comes from Van Toan and Louisiana Bloom. 7.30pm
