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
SACRED TREASURES FROM KYIV: Seven exceptional examples of Ukrainian sacred art arrive at the V&A South Kensington, the first time the pieces have been displayed in the UK. The exhibition, Sacred Treasures from Kyiv, features centuries-old craftsmanship from the National Preserve Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, one of the world's most significant religious sites. FREE, from 14 September 2026
OPEN HOUSE: Magnificent architecture festival Open House continues until Sunday, with many usually off-limits buildings opening their doors, and some offering tours. The bulk of events happen at the weekend, but there's plenty to occupy curious Londoners throughout the week too — check out the full programme or peruse our picks of new additions for 2026. FREE, until 20 September 2026
LONDON DESIGN FESTIVAL: A glowing light show on the exterior of St Paul's Cathedral, a talk about the bespoke lighting systems used on the Elizabeth line, and a discussion about architecture as an enabler of social change are among the many events on the vast London Design Festival programme this week. Until 20 September 2026
THE PRODUCERS: The West End revival of Mel Brooks' The Producers is at the Garrick Theatre until Saturday, starring Andy Nyman, Marc Antolin, Trevor Ashley, Raj Ghatak, Harry Morrison and Joanna Woodward. The musical is based on the film that inspired the record‑breaking Broadway production. Until 19 September 2026
CATS: A production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's CATS plays at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre until this weekend. The show features familiar numbers such as Memory, Old Deuteronomy and Macavity, as the strays and rebels of London gather under the Jellicle moon in the hope they’ll be the chosen one. Until 19 September 2026
ABIGAIL'S PARTY: Tamzin Outhwaite leads Mike Leigh’s black comedy Abigail’s Party, set in suburban 1977 Essex, at the Harold Pinter Theatre until this Saturday. Until 19 September 2026
MOON WEEK: The National Maritime Museum and Royal Observatory in Greenwich team up for Moon Celebration Week, a programme celebrating all things lunar. Lunar tours run daily, offering an insight into mapping and exploring the moon, along with special talks, curator tours, a Lego moon workshop, and an evening of astrophotography. Until 20 September 2026
WALDMULLER LANDSCAPES: The National Gallery presents the first UK exhibition devoted to Austrian painter Ferdinand Georg Waldmüller's landscape paintings. The show gathers views of Vienna's Prater Park, the lakes and mountains of the Salzkammergut and scenes from Sicily — highlighting Waldmüller's use of colour, light and detailed brushwork. FREE, until 20 September 2026
JOCK MCFADYEN: Large-scale paintings of sections of the Tube by Jock McFadyen are on display at Guildhall Art Gallery, accompanied by sound effects recorded by Pogues musician Jem Finer. Underground (And Surface) combines familiar, yet uneasy, tableaux of London with the mechanical-but-melodic sounds we hear every day. Until 20 September 2026
EARLY NETHERLANDISH DRAWINGS: Early Netherlandish drawings at the British Museum showcases works on paper by artists active in the Low Countries in the 15th and early 16th centuries. The exhibition examines drawing techniques, material practices and workshop processes, and brings together items from the museum's own collection with short-term loans. FREE, until 20 September 2026
NIGHT CITY: "This city's gonna eat you up". The hilarious highs and devastating lows of London's gig economy go under the spotlight in Night City, Max Wilkinson's play which explores how we might unite against the ever-growing corruption of today's job market. It's on at Southwark Playhouse Borough. Until 3 October
SHAPING CROYDON: A major new exhibition hosted at Croydon's Clocktower complex, Shaping Croydon: Architecture and Ambition delves into the patchwork of visionary (and often controversial) buildings in the south London 'palimpsest' town — featuring contemporary photography, alongside materials from the Museum of Croydon and Croydon Archives. FREE, until spring 2027
EAT OF THE WEEK: With a slew of successful restaurants across India, chef Rohan Dsouza and restaurateur Twinkle Keswani have just opened their debut London restaurant. Bulbul near Blackfriars is a 'love letter to India's regional cuisines', with dishes including monkfish tikka, beef short ribs nihari, and fig kulfi.
Today's events: Monday 14 September
LONDON'S VILLAGES: City Guide Pete Smith peels back the surface of two of the capital's most affluent districts in a talk at Guildhall Library. Explore the chequered history behind the luxurious residential paradises of Belgravia and Knightsbridge, revealing the skeletons hidden in their well-stocked closets. Watch in person, or online via livestream. FREE, 2pm
STREET FOOTBALL: Stanchion Books launches its newest publication, Street Football: The Real Grassroots of the Beautiful Game, with a free event at The Volley on Old Street where author David Proudllove discusses how informal street cultures have shaped football worldwide. FREE, 6.30pm
PRISON HISTORY: Wandsworth Prison is 175 years old. To mark the anniversary, the London Historians group has organised a History in the Pub, where former prison officer Stewart McLaughlin uncovers its eventful past. Learn about the prison that saw dozens of executions, and housed some of London's most notorious villainy, from Jack the Ripper suspects, to acid-bath murderer John Haigh, the Great Train Robbers and the Krays. 6.30pm-8pm
CELEB SHORT STORIES: Celebrities including Ben Miller, Tara Summers and Gary Kemp are at Crazy Coqs, reading short stories as penned by charitable literary organisation WORDTheatreUK, for Brilliant British: Lingering Loves. Music is provided by saxophonist Derek Nash. 6.30pm-7.45pm
THE CHANGING SKY: Gresham College presents a deep dive into the latest discoveries from the Vera Rubin Observatory in Chile, which uses the largest astronomical camera ever built to scan the heavens. Get a real-time glimpse of science in action, covering everything from recently spotted supernovae to passing asteroids. FREE, 7pm
SHEILA MASTERSON: American author Sheila Masterson visits the French Protestant Church in Soho to celebrate the release of her latest book, The Poison Daughter. She's in conversation with journalist Katie Fraser about the new dark fantasy romance novel. 7pm
CARD TRICK SECRETS: Hear from professional magician and Magic Circle member Yev Moskalov about the secret science of card tricks. In a blend of performance and psychological lecture, he explores the mechanics of misdirection, memory and trust, revealing how the brain can be manipulated into seeing the impossible. It's at the Old Queen's Head in Islington. 7pm-8.30pm
FUTURE OF DRAG: Kennington's Cinema Museum hosts a curated evening of short films and discussion exploring the explosive potential of drag as an art form. Dragging into the Future features the world premiere of Lil Warren's Fierce Boots alongside works by Canadian collective The Darlings and artist Wai Kin Sin. The screenings, which range from historical perspectives to the voices of London Drag King fans, are followed by a live conversation with the filmmakers and performers. 7.30pm
Today's events: Tuesday 15 September
LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST: Shakespeare’s classic comedy Love's Labour's Lost receives a sun-drenched makeover at the St Bride Foundation in Fleet Street. This bittersweet rock musical reimagines the story as a university college reunion filled with pop-rock bangers and outrageous gags. 15-19 September 2026
SEX AND DISABILITY: Groundbreaking new musical Sex & Disability comes to Artsdepot, exploring love and life within the disability community. It follows Nick, a young stroke survivor, his online romance with Lucinda and the complications that arise when his carer Jasmine becomes involved. 15-19 September 2026
SENSE AND SENSIBILITY: A new five-actor adaptation of Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility opens at Arches Lane Theatre in Battersea, following Elinor and Marianne Dashwood as they fall in love, suffer heartbreak and navigate country‑house gossip. 15-27 September 2026
SYRIAN SHORT FILMS: Watch a double bill of shorts from exceptional Syrian filmmakers, exploring themes of displacement, endurance, and the bonds of friendship, at Bertha DocHouse in Bloomsbury. Maybe Tomorrow + Allies in Exile features Waad Al-Kateab's intimate search for a disappeared father alongside a study of two friends navigating the bureaucracy of a UK asylum hotel. The screening is followed by a live Q&A session with directors Waad Al-Kateab and Hasan Kattan. 6.20pm
STEALING HITLER'S ROCKET: In 1944, members of the Polish resistance and the Allies managed to steal one of Hitler’s top-secret V2 rockets and smuggle its parts across Nazi-occupied Europe to Britain. That true story is the basis of Guy Walters' new book, Stealing Hitler's Rocket, which is launched (the book, not the rocket) at the Imperial War Museum tonight. 6.30pm-8.30pm
BLANCO'S BIRTHDAY BASH: Walthamstow Trades Hall hosts a star-studded cabaret to mark ten years of drag king Len Blanco's performance career. Take a "trip down memory Len" with appearances from friends and colleagues across the worlds of drag, art and nonsense. Proceeds from the event support gender-affirming care. 7pm
AMERICA'S CHRISTIAN FAR-RIGHT: Watch a discussion about the rise of anti-democratic movements in the United States. The panel discussion at Paddington's Frontline Club features authors Katherine Stewart and Keri Ladner, and explores the radicalisation of modern Christendom and its enduring impact on democratic institutions across Europe and the UK. 7pm-8.30pm
REPORTING FROM THE FRONT LINES: BBC Chief International Correspondent Lyse Doucet shares insights from nearly four decades of global reporting, at Union Chapel in Islington. Hear about her experiences covering the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Arab Spring, and her recent work in Iran, alongside a discussion of her book, The Finest Hotel in Kabul. 7pm
A DIFFERENT KIND OF HEARTBREAK: Composer-comedian Athanasia Kontou brings her one-woman comedy music show to The Cockpit in Marylebone. The performance explores Kontou's personal experience with transformative heart surgery, blending diary entries and songs about physical pain with jokes about anxiety and casual dating. 8.45pm
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Make the most of Open House in the City
Visit Guildhall Great Hall, the third largest civic hall in England. Get inside the iconic Lloyd's building. Have a peek inside a Roman bath house. Hear about the historic monasteries of London.
That's just a taster of free architecture festival Open House, in the City of London. Guided walks, talks and open events take place across the Square Mile throughout this week. Join a night walk to explore recognisable buildings and spaces in the dark, or follow in the footsteps of literary figures including Shakespeare, Dr Johnson and Oscar Wilde.
As for building openings: Stationers' Hall, a 17th century livery hall with courtroom and garden; the striking 19th century Founders' Hall; and Guildhall Great Hall, location for famous state trials including that of Lady Jane Grey, are among the intriguing sites opening their doors to the public. Check out the programme for full details.
Visit the Open House Festival Hub at Guildhall on Saturday, for free bite-sized talks using the impressive London models to uncover the stories behind the capital's neighbourhoods, architecture and changing landscape.
Open House Festival 2026 in the City of London runs until 20 September 2026. All events are free.
Today's events: Wednesday 16 September
REVIVING CRAFT: China's craft traditions, spanning ceramics, glass, textiles, jewellery and furniture, are put in the spotlight at new Somerset House exhibition Reviving Craft: Reflection of the Mind. Works by artists including Shuang Xi, Ouyang Wendong, Huang Lu, Rosalie Huang, Ren Bo and Tang Zhenzhen appear alongside digital and immersive elements. FREE, 16-27 September 2026
COFFEE RAVE: Swap the snooze button for a saxophone at Boisdale Canary Wharf's first coffee rave. Kickstart your day with a 45-minute experience encompassing a live DJ set from Dom Topics, performances from saxophonist Sam Sax, freshly brewed coffee and a dancefloor. 6.30am
THE MI5 ARCHIVE: Get a rare look into the declassified files of the Security Service, exploring the historical documents that have shaped British intelligence. Authors and archivists Mark Dunton and Stephen Twigge visit Waterstones Piccadilly to discuss their new book, The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets, giving the audience first-hand insights from the experts who managed these official records. 6.30pm
MARY WOLLSTONECRAFT: The Cartoon Museum celebrates the launch of a new graphic novel exploring the life of foundational feminist philosopher Mary Wollstonecraft. Created by the award-winning duo Mary M. Talbot and Bryan Talbot, Lo! An Amazon! follows Wollstonecraft's journey from her 1792 manifesto to her solo travels in Paris during the Reign of Terror. 6.30pm-8.30pm
THE JIMI SESSIONS: Step inside the historic Mayfair flat once home to a rock legend for an intimate live music experience, at Handel Hendrix House. Blues guitarist and soulful vocalist Will James, whose recent album Sundancer topped the USA Soul Blues charts, performs original music throughout the rooms of the Brook Street residence. 6.30pm/7.30pm
NOEL CRONIN: Legendary TV producer and editor, and founder of Talking Pictures TV Noel Cronin is in conversation with Ross MacFarlane about his long career, working with such legends as Norman Wisdom, Mickey Rooney, George Cole, Prunella Scales and Cleo Laine. This Sohemian Society event takes place upstairs at the Horse and Groom. 7pm
POETRY SOIRÉE: Head to the Highgate Literary & Scientific Institution for an evening of performed verse. The event features Charlotte Harker, a visual artist and writer known for her satirical and surreal prose, alongside Italian-born poet Adriana Polifrone, who recently published her bilingual debut collection, Elements: the wind woke me up and whispered. 7.30pm-9pm
Today's events: Thursday 17 September
WORKS IN CONVERSATION: The works of 10 permanent Bakery Art Gallery artists — including bowl maker Simon Turner and skilful sewer Sophie Levi-Kallin — go on show at Works in Conversation, a wildly diverse collection, which you can peruse for free, or decide to purchase something from. The show launches tonight with added jazz and drinks: RSVP for that. FREE, 17 September-18 October
TABLE 17: Two exes. One dinner. What could go wrong? Comedy play Table 17 makes its UK premiere at Kilburn's Kiln Theatre, bringing a former couple back together for dinner after seven years apart. 17 September-24 October 2026
ARAB HALL TOUR: Senior Curator Daniel Robbins leads a tour of Victorian masterpiece the Arab Hall at Leighton House in Kensington. Hear about the collaborative efforts of potter William De Morgan, sculptor Edgar Boehm, and designer Walter Crane in realising Frederic Leighton's exotic vision. 1pm-2pm
DRAG RACE VIEWING PARTY: Clapham's legendary LGBTQ+ venue the Two Brewers welcomes the return of the search for Britain's next drag superstar. The RuPaul's Drag Race viewing party is hosted by the chaotic duo Embers and Yshee Black, featuring music from DJ Amy LaQueefa. Stay on after the screening to catch the queens of the new season on the big screen followed by dancing until the early hours. 5pm-2am
ABSOLUTE BOWIE: Fans of Ziggy Stardust and the Thin White Duke should head to The Fox and Firkin in Lewisham for a performance by a well-respected David Bowie tribute band. Now in their 19th year of touring, Absolute Bowie bring a lovingly crafted show to the independent venue's stage, covering the musician's vast career. 7pm-11pm
THE DOUBLE R CLUB: Step into a "damn fine" evening of mystery and nightmares as cult cabaret Double R Club celebrates its 17th birthday at Walthamstow Trades Hall. Hosted by the aberrant Benjamin Louche, the night features burlesque and performance inspired by the surreal worlds of Twin Peaks, Blue Velvet, and Eraserhead. 7pm
JOSIE & THE PUSSYCATS: Celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Y2K camp classic Josie & The Pussycats with a special screening at the Rio Cinema in Dalston. The film follows wannabe rockstars Josie, Melody and Valerie as they battle corporate record label bosses, and is preceded by Tuna Tartare, a trashy animated short by Lena Greene. 7.30pm
Today's events: Friday 18 September
LETTERS TO THE FUTURE: Amelia Dimoldenberg, Ash Sarkar and Olly Alexander lead Letters to the Future, a Southbank Centre programme tackling some of the biggest issues of our time. Cultural figures including creators, writers, activists and thinkers curate a programme of panel discussions, interspersed with talks, performances, free gigs, DJ sets and spoken word. Topics include housing, the future of digital media, and the climate crisis. 18-20 September 2026
THE GREEN SOCIALIST: Zack Polanski, Russell Warfield and Ava Evans visit Foyles Charing Cross Road to mark the publication of The Green Socialist. Watch a discussion on environmental politics followed by an audience Q&A and a book signing. 7pm
BIRTHDAY BASH: Nunhead's community-owned pub The Ivy House celebrates 13 years of independence with a birthday bash, taking place across tonight and tomorrow night. The Friday night line-up features the avant-pop theatrics of Sidney Jones and the Murmuration alongside Glass Eel, with London indie staples Preen headlining the evening in a showcase of three-part vocal harmonies. 7.30pm-11pm (and from 5pm on Saturday)
MADE IN TENNESSEE: Head to the Beck Theatre in Hayes for a journey through the history of country music, from its origins in the American South to modern-day global hits. Touring production Made In Tennessee features a band of top UK country musicians performing classics by Johnny Cash, the late, great Dolly Parton, and Hank Williams alongside contemporary tracks by Chris Stapleton and Kacey Musgraves. 7.30pm
THE IMMORTAL SISTERHOOD: Award-winning broadcaster Gemma Cairney brings her new book to life at the British Library. The Immortal Sisterhood LIVE is a multidisciplinary stage show blending movement, song and strings to celebrate remarkable women ranging from Pharaoh Hatshepsut to Grace Jones. The evening features the Immortal Sisterhood Ensemble and concludes with a DJ set, offering a futurist and feminist perspective on history. 7.30pm (repeated tomorrow)
Today's events: Saturday 19 September
KEWPIE IT: The legendary Tamago Sando — a Japanese-style egg salad sandwich — gets elevated at a tasty KEWPIE Mayonnaise pop-up this weekend. Foodies, head to Covent Garden Piazza for Tamago Sando tasting experiences enhanced with the unmistakable rich umami taste of KEWPIE Mayonnaise, an egg yolk-based mayo enjoyed in Japan for over 100 years. While you're there, get stuck into immersive installations and photo opportunities, and pick up Kewpie merch to take home. 19 September (11am-8pm) and 20 September (11am-6pm) 2026 (sponsor)
YARD SALE TRAIL: A community-wide yard sale takes place across Southfields, with dozens of household stalls along with satellite hubs at St Barnabas and St Michael's. No ticket required — just follow the trail map and expect a mix of secondhand goods, crafts and home-baked items. 19-20 September 2026
ARCADIA FESTIVAL: Take the whole family to this one-day arts festival which aims to awaken the spirit of Arcadia – a green utopia that has captured imaginations for centuries. It’s hosted by Croydon-based local creative hub Stanley Arts, which champions year-long climate/nature programming and community engagement. Expect spoken word poetry, a puppet-filled musical, performance ritual, dance and interactive installations - all exploring our relationship to the natural world. 10.30am-5.30pm (sponsor)
MOSQUE VISIT: While Open House goes on all over the city (see above), the East London Mosque & London Muslim Centre also has an open day, inviting anyone to explore the building, learn about Islam, meet members of the community and chat over tea and refreshments. FREE, 11am-3pm
CROSSING BORDERS: Forest Hill's Horniman Museum and Gardens hosts Crossing Borders, a free community celebration led by refugees and people seeking sanctuary. The day features a vibrant mix of traditional Afghan kite-making, Honduran folk dance workshops, and live Ukrainian music. Catch a live recording of the Ready To Be Cancelled podcast or browse an art exhibition by refugee artists. FREE, 11am-4pm
BERMONDSEY STREET FESTIVAL: Described as a village fete in the city, the 20th edition of Bermondsey Street Festival returns to SE1 with a full day of stalls, live music, and community entertainment. FREE, 11am-8pm
ST GEORGE'S CATHEDRAL: The Victorian Society leads an architectural and ecclesiastical tour of Southwark's St George's Cathedral, the first Roman Catholic cathedral built in London since the Reformation. The visit includes a rare examination of a church plate designed by Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin and a tour of the adjoining Archbishop's House. Learn about the building's 1848 opening, its survival through the Blitz, and the post-war reconstruction by Romilly Craze. 2pm-4pm
BIG GAY BEAVER DAY: "A fundraiser celebrating beavers and the queer community, featuring drag performances, DJs and lesbian arm wrestling" — that's Big Gay Beaver Day. Head to Paradise Fields in Ealing for guided tours of the beaver enclosure, followed by an evening of entertainment at nearby Horsenden Hill Farm, all raising money to support Citizen Zoo's ongoing work to restore beavers to London's waterways. 4pm-10pm
HELLO EARTH: Head to Crossness Pumping Station, where 'free-floating community-led platform' Three Rivers launches new project, HELLO EARTH. It's a chance to share and listen to ideas on caring for places around the borough of Bexley, alongside artists, activists, ecologists and storytellers. There are also children's workshops, drinks from Bexley Brewery, tours of Crossness Pumping Station — and an afterparty. Reserve a spot. FREE, 5pm-9pm
THE CANDLELIGHT CLUB: Regular speakeasy party The Candlelight Club celebrates 16 years with New Orleans jazz from the six-piece Red Hot Rhythm Revival, vintage-vinyl DJs the Bee's Knees, host Eva Von Schnippisch and burlesque from Jolie Papillon. Tarot readings by Lucius and a pop-up vintage jewellery stall from Michelle Krausz add to the evening, all happening at a secret south London location. 7pm-1am
Today's events: Sunday 20 September
LONDON CYCLING FESTIVAL: Get on yer bike for the London Cycling Festival, with rides and wheeled events happening all over the capital today. Find festival hubs at locations including Victoria Park and St Paul's Cathedral, and take part in group rides, including some designed with families in mind. FREE, 8am-5pm
THE LONELIEST WHALE: Deptford's Albany theatre hosts The Tale of the Loneliest Whale, a magical deep-sea adventure from Hoglets Theatre. The interactive production follows a whale's quest for connection through glowing coral and wibbly jellyfish, using original songs and puppets to explore neurodiversity and the beauty of being yourself. Suitable for ages four+. 11.30am/2pm
CURRY FESTIVAL: After a long-awaited return last year, the Brick Lane Curry Festival is back for 2026, celebrating the food and culture of the East End's Bangladeshi and South Asian community. It begins with a parade, followed by street entertainment and various foodie stalls offering regional and specialty dishes. It's free to attend, and if you register in advance for a ticket you can save 20% at participating restaurants on the day. 12pm-7pm
SASS AND BRASS: Singer and trumpeter Georgina Jackson spices up Sunday lunchtime with her Sass and Brass show at Ronnie Scott's, featuring a tasty pick 'n' mix of bluesy swing, classic ballads and up-tempo big band arrangements. 1pm
PEARLIES' HARVEST FESTIVAL: Pearly Kings and Queens — wearing their hand‑sewn button‑covered outfits — assemble in Guildhall Yard with maypole and morris dancing kicking off their annual harvest festival. A procession moves the fun on to St Mary‑le‑Bow, where a large harvest plait of bread is presented. Everyone's welcome at the service but it does get rather busy, so arrive early for a chance of getting in. FREE, 1.30pm
HORROR FOR A CAUSE: The Cinema Museum in Kennington continues its celebration of 1980s genre classics with a special fundraising screening of The Evil Dead. Presented by Ghost Light Cinema, the evening showcases Sam Raimi’s 1981 cult masterpiece, which redefined the low-budget horror landscape with its relentless intensity and inventive camerawork. All proceeds from the event support the museum's historic home and its extensive collection of film memorabilia. 7.30pm
SARAH KEYWORTH: Catch an hour of all-new material as award-winning comedian Sarah Keyworth visits The Trafalgar in Chelsea for a Sunday night work-in-progress show. See fresh jokes and "Chelsea exclusives" being tested in an intimate setting before they hit the wider circuit. 8pm
