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.
All week
WORLD CUP SCREENINGS: With the FIFA World Cup now underway in America, these pubs, bars and other venues are screening the matches throughout this week (and throughout the competition). England's first match is on Wednesday 17 June, against Croatia (KO 9pm UK time)
AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE: This American Independence Day is a special one, marking the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence. The potential first report of American Independence to reach Britain goes on display at the National Maritime Museum this week. The temporary display centres around a letter dated 10 July 1776 and a handwritten copy of the Declaration made between 5 and 10 July 1776. FREE, from 15 June 2026
On the same topic... look out for these upcoming guided walks of the Square Mile, focussing on the City's connections to American Independence, on 27 June.
ROMEO & JULIET: Sadie Sink and Noah Jupe star in Shakespeare's classic love story Romeo & Juliet at the Harold Pinter Theatre, which closes this Saturday. Hey, if it's good enough for Taylor Swift... Until 20 June 2026
KINDRED: Kindred at the Bethlem Museum of the Mind looks at how community and lived experience shape responses to mental distress, presenting works from the museum's collections and highlighting themes of memory, identity and social connection. FREE, until 20 June 2026
INTER ALIA: Last chance to see Rosamund Pike headlining Suzie Miller's legal play Inter Alia at Wyndham’s Theatre. Pike plays Judge Jessica Parks as her professional and personal life collide. Until 20 June 2026
SKATE 50: Celebrate 50 years of the Southbank Undercroft at exhibition Skate 50, showing documentary photographs and films of the space throughout its history, and its place in British skateboarding culture. You've only got until Sunday to see it. Until 21 June 2026
HIGHGATE FESTIVAL: Screenings of films about Highgate's past, an exhibition created in homage to George Michael, live music, acting workshops and a brocante are just some of the events happening at Highgate Festival. Check out the full programme and get planning. Until 21 June 2026
MELTDOWN FESTIVAL: While his residency at Wembley Stadium continues this week, so does Harry Styles' Meltdown at Southbank Centre. Among the events he's curated are a performance by the "father of Ethio-jazz" Mulatu Astatke; a discussion between The Guilty Feminist and Tracy Emin; and a mini-festival of gigs by emerging artists from the Amex Unsigned programme. Styles himself gives an intimate (sold out) performance on Tuesday. In short: expect to hear a lot about Harry Styles this week. Until 21 June 2026
WOMEN IN PRINT: Final week of William Morris Gallery's exhibition Women in Print: 150 Years of Liberty Textiles, a survey of more than 100 works that trace the role of female designers at Liberty. Until 21 June 2026
ARCHITECTURAL PURSUITS: Visit an inner city food farm, join a guided walk through south London's fruit trees, watch a Lego challenge, and find out what the South Bank and Waterloo could look like in a decade: just some of the many events on the London Festival of Architecture programme this week. Until 30 June 2026
EAT OF THE WEEK: The Japanese noir-inspired Wolves of Tokyo restaurant is now open in the revamped Olympia building. With tasting menus starting at £70 a head, this is distinctly high-end dining, with fancy takes on donburi, sushi and tempura dishes. If the food prices are a little rich for your blood, Above Wolves is their rooftop terrace, where you can plonk yourself on a plush banquette and enjoy Kensington views with a cocktail.
DRINK OF THE WEEK: In a martini mood? You've picked the right week, because from now until Saturday, a string of east London bars — namely Equal Parts, Mad Cats, Rain Dogs, the Sun Tavern, Umbrella Workshop and Without Papers — are serving up a medley of £7 martinis. Check out this map on Google. Until 21 June 2026
BOOK OF THE WEEK: If you've got the World Cup permanently on in your lounge this summer, you might as well take it into the kitchen, too. World Football Food 2026 by Will Gray presents 288 recipes covering all 48 nations in the men's World Cup. Makes a great Father's Day gift, too. More info here, and buy it here.
Today's events: Monday 15 June
JASDEEP SINGH DEGUN: Sitar virtuoso and Royal Philharmonic Society Award winner Jasdeep Singh Degun brings his blend of Hindustani classical music and western harmony to Ronnie Scott's in Soho. Accompanied by Himmet Bahra on tabla, the composer performs works from his debut album Anomaly in the club's intimate upstairs space. 5pm
WOMEN AGAINST THE FAR RIGHT: Paloma Faith, Diane Abbott MP and Rose Matafeo are among the high-profile speakers gathering at EartH Theatre in Dalston for the Women Against the Far Right: London Launch. This campaign event brings together politicians, artists and activists to organise against rising extremist movements and their impact on women's rights. 6.30pm
FRENCH COOKING: Baker and author Manon Lagrève is at Fortnum & Mason to discuss her latest cookbook, which focuses on the effortless art of French seasonal cooking. The 2018 Great British Bake Off quarter-finalist shares the stories and flavours behind over 80 recipes, ranging from light summer salads to hearty winter stews. 6.30pm-8pm
REFUGEE WEEK FILM: Waltham Forest Migrant Action marks Refugee Week with a screening of Dreamers at Walthamstow Trades Hall. The film follows two Nigerian migrants navigating life within a British immigration removal centre, and is followed by a short panel discussion and live music. FREE, 7pm
THEATRE IN THE POUND: Marylebone’s The Cockpit hosts its monthly not-for-profit scratch night, with performers testing 10-15 minutes of fresh material. See a variety of experimental work and script readings, and share feedback directly with the artists. 7pm
DIVINE FRINGE: Dalston’s queer performance space The Divine stages a double bill of experimental theatre featuring Haris Ackermann and Follow the Herd. Ackermann’s solo piece, Heliotropic, blends flamenco and butoh (Japanese dance) aesthetics to explore themes of queer survival and memory, while Follow the Herd presents a theatrical adaptation of the final album by the late folk singer Charlotte Greig. 7pm
THAMES ESTUARY: Explore the history and hidden corners of the river from east London to the sea during a 50-minute virtual tour. Guide Rob Smith shares stories of Saxon settlements, Georgian towns, and the Second World War sea forts that once defended the capital. 8pm
BAR SHORTS: BAFTA-winning writer and producer Helen Serafinowicz visits The Garden Cinema in Holborn for an evening of cinematic inspiration. The co-creator of Motherland and Amandaland presents a hand-picked selection of short films that have influenced her career, followed by an in-depth conversation with filmmaker Chris Shepherd. 8pm
Today's events: Tuesday 16 June
MUSIC IN CHURCHES: 15 concerts of classical, choral, chamber and jazz music take place at churches around the Square Mile, including St Giles Cripplegate and St Botolph-without-Bishopsgate from today. This year's Summer Music in City Churches has a theme of Around The World, and some of the concerts take place at lunchtime, so worth bookmarking if you work in the area. 16-26 June 2026
SANDRA OH: Opening today, Sandra Oh stars as Alice in Martin Crimp's reworking of Molière’s The Misanthrope at the National Theatre. Successful author Alice faces intense criticism and backlash as she grows bolder in speaking up for the causes she believes in. 16 June-1 August 2026
RA SUMMER EXHIBITION: A highlight of the London art calendar, the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition brings together established and rising artists to display their work. Prints, painting, film, photography, architectural works and sculpture all jostle for attention. Full 2026 details TBC at time of writing. 16 June-23 August 2026
ANISH KAPOOR: Mirror sculptures, Vantablack-coated objects, seemingly depthless voids and recent visceral paintings and sculptures are all part of Anish Kapoor's new Hayward Gallery exhibition, opening today. 16 June-18 October 2026. Also opening at Hayward Gallery today is an exhibition by Indian artist Kulpreet Singh, drawing on his life as a farmer to highlight the link between climate change and agricultural crises. FREE, 16 June-2 August 2026
ROYAL FANS: Trace the history of the European folding fan from its 16th-century arrival from the East to the early 1900s. This illustrated talk at Guildhall Library showcases exquisite pieces linked to monarchs, including fans commissioned for royal celebrations and those identified with specific royal owners. FREE, 2pm-3pm
QUEER 60S: Rare film curios and archival treasures from the decade before Stonewall come to Barbican Cinema for a curated "lucky dip" screening. Bits and Bobs from the 1960s features a diverse programme ranging from Kenneth Anger’s 1965 short Kustom Kar Kommandos to 1967 interviews with New York trans women discussing the Vietnam War draft. Watch a recorded introduction by queer-film historian Jenni Olson, and the debut work of acclaimed director Chantal Akerman. 6.20pm
LONDON’S DEAD PUBS: Author Paul Talling, the creator of Derelict London, is in Walthamstow to discuss the city's lost drinking dens, as shown in his book documenting derelict and closed-down public houses through histories, "then and now" comparisons, and a selection of over 200 photographs. See a few highlights of the book here. 7pm
ALEXANDER’S FEAST: The Choir of Westminster Abbey joins forces with The English Concert for an evening of Baroque splendour at the historic Abbey. This performance of Handel’s Alexander’s Feast features acclaimed soprano Nardus Williams and tells the dramatic tale of a banquet held by Alexander the Great. During an extended interval, explore the Abbey’s chapels and visit Handel’s final resting place, accompanied by the sounds of a live harpist. 7pm
TRAVEL WRITING: Travel writers Louis D. Hall and Shafik Meghji visit Stanfords in Covent Garden to discuss the landscapes and histories that shaped their latest books. Hall shares the story of his 2,000-mile horse-led pilgrimage across Europe, while Meghji uncovers Britain’s forgotten connections with South America, from the Atacama Desert to Tierra del Fuego. 7pm-8.30pm
WAX CARVING: Design and carve your own bespoke jewellery at a hands-on wax carving jewellery workshop held in the cosy setting of The Ivy House in Nunhead. This small-group session provides all the tools needed to create a unique piece from scratch. After the workshop, you have the option to have your wax creation professionally cast, polished, and posted to you to wear. 7pm-9pm
KOSHER BLOOMSDAY: Celebrate the shared Irish and Jewish heritage of James Joyce’s masterpiece Ulysses at JW3 in Finchley Road. A panel of enthusiasts including award-winning novelist Eimear McBride and Joyce biographer Zachary Leader explore the "novel of two peoples" and its enduring influence on the anniversary of Leopold Bloom's fictional odyssey through Dublin. 7.30pm
DRINK & DRAW: Kingston’s rock 'n' roll stalwart The Fighting Cocks invites you to get creative with a night of "arty farty mess making" and drinks. This relaxed workshop focuses on making marks and getting out of your head through a series of guided prompts and warm-up exercises, with absolutely no prior art skills required. Your ticket includes all necessary materials plus a house drink to help the inspiration flow. 7.30pm
Today's events: Wednesday 17 June
TASTE OF LONDON: Foodies: head to Regent's Park for Taste of London, the huge culinary festival which brings dozens of London's best-known restaurants together to feed hungry visitors. It's also a chance to discover up-and-coming London chefs and food businesses, take part in tastings and watch masterclasses. 17-21 June 2026
MINI GOLF: A playable exhibition of nine mini golf holes opens across Battersea Arts Centre, with each hole designed by a leading woman artist, exploring the game’s subversive history — it was invented by 19th-century Scottish women who were banned from ‘real’ courses. 17 June-26 July 2026
DOLLIS BROOK BALSAM BASH: Help restore the riverbanks of Barnet by joining a community effort to remove invasive non-native species and litter from the Whetstone Stray. Thames21, focuses on clearing Himalayan Balsam to support the recovery of native plants and boost local biodiversity. All necessary equipment, including waders and wellies, is provided alongside tea and biscuits. Wear long sleeves to protect against nettles. FREE, 10am-2pm
ELIZABETH GASKELL: Author Livi Michael is at the Charles Dickens Museum in Bloomsbury to discuss the research behind her latest novel, Elizabeth and Ruth. It explores the real-life correspondence between Gaskell and Dickens, focusing on a young girl Gaskell attempted to help amidst the censorship and social prejudices of the Victorian era. Watch in-person at the Doughty Street townhouse or online via Zoom. FREE, 1.30pm
RUSH HOUR CONCERT: Violinist Charlie Lovell-Jones joins conductor Lee Reynolds and Sinfonia Smith Square at St John's Waterloo for a performance of Barber’s Violin Concerto. The hour-long, no-interval programme also features Mark-Anthony Turnage’s spirited A Jolly Good Knees-Up and Beethoven’s rhythmic Symphony No. 8. 6pm
NEW YORK, NEW YORK: The Chromatica Orchestra and BBC Young Musician 2024 winner Ryan Wang are at Battersea Arts Centre for a nocturnal journey through the urban jungle. The evocative programme, New York, New York, features George Gershwin’s iconic Rhapsody in Blue alongside works by Leonard Bernstein, Aaron Copland, and Charles Ives. 7.30pm
NOT THE FOOTBALL: Escape the roar of the 2026 World Cup at the Windmill Brixton, which is pointedly refusing to screen the England vs Croatia match. This alternative evening at the legendary south London venue offers a sanctuary for those who prefer live music or a quiet pint over the beautiful game — the place to be for football avoiders. 7.45pm
AN ECOLOGY OF MERCY: Fitzrovia Arts Festival celebrates its tenth anniversary with a multidisciplinary performance at the Fitzrovia Chapel. An Ecology of Mercy weaves together poetry, movement and music based on archival interviews with former staff and patients of the Middlesex Hospital, and explores the local history of the area while making a contemporary call for compassion in the heart of the city. FREE, 8pm-9.30pm
WORLD CUP SCREENING: England take on Croatia for their first game of the FIFA World Cup 2026 tonight, and you can catch all the action at TOCA Social. This football lovers' paradise is screening every single match live across its venues at The O2, Westfield White City and Birmingham Bullring, with standing tickets from just £5, including a free drink. What’s more, thanks to TOCA Social's super range of footie-based games, visitors will have the chance to unleash their inner Harry Kane on match day. Kick off at 9pm (sponsor)
Today's events: Thursday 18 June
CAPITAL CRIME: Love a good crime thriller book? Head to the Leonardo Royal St Paul's for Capital Crime, a lit festival celebrating the genre. Authors Elly Griffiths, Claire Douglas, Lisa Jewell and Sabine Durrant are some of the 80+ names scheduled to take part in 30 events across three days. 18-20 June 2026
IDEAS FESTIVAL: The British Academy's three‑day Ideas Festival brings researchers, fellows and guest speakers together for panels, debates and interactive exhibits exploring history, politics, culture and technology. FREE, 18-20 June 2026
LES MISERABLES CONCERT: A concert version of Cameron Mackintosh's Les Misérables comes to the Royal Albert Hall for just six performances. The impressive cast features Alfie Boe, Samantha Barks, Shan Ako and Matt Lucas, and the Royal Albert Hall is offering a Parisian-inspired afternoon tea throughout the month too. 18-21 June 2026
GRINDR THE OPERA: Grindr: The Opera! is a musical parody that turns the Grindr app into an operatic satire, following four men — Devon, Tom, Jack and Don — as they navigate modern gay dating. See it at the Union Theatre. 18 June-19 July 2026
CHEAPSIDE HOARD: Historian Victoria Shepherd visits the V&A South Kensington to unravel the mystery of the world's most significant trove of Tudor and Stuart jewellery. This free lunchtime lecture explores how the 1912 discovery of gems in a City cellar — including Colombian emeralds and Burmese rubies — became a 20th-century archaeological icon. Hear about the dramatic fight over ownership and how specific pieces from the hoard eventually found their home within the museum's own collection. FREE, 1pm-2pm
CHER: Dr Julie Lobalzo Wright visits JW3 to chart the unparalleled career of the singer, actress, and LGBTQ+ icon Cher. As the star approaches her 80th birthday, the talk explores her journey from the 1960s duo Sonny and Cher to her Oscar-winning film roles and her massive "Believe" comeback. 2pm-3.15pm
HANDY NIGHTINGALES: Little ones and their adults are invited to the Nightingale Room at Keats House for a creative session inspired by the poet’s famous bird. Aimed at children aged 18 months to five years, the workshop involves using handprints to craft flying paper nightingales. FREE, 2pm-4pm
ROMAN REPUBLIC: Professor Melissa Lane visits Barnard's Inn Hall in Holborn to interrogate the gradual collapse of popular constitutions. Taking the Roman republic as an example, the Gresham College lecture explores how a popular constitution can be undermined and gradually transmuted into a dictatorial one. FREE, 6pm
MARINE FLEET AIR ARM: Dr Peter F. Owen explores the overlooked history of U.S. Marine Corps aviation during the Pacific War in this virtual lecture hosted by the RAF Museum London. Owen argues that despite official doctrine focusing on ground support, marine squadrons like the "Fighting Falcons" primarily served as a fleet air arm to achieve sea control. FREE, 6pm
ISLINGTON'S BIG SCREENS: Explore more than a century of movie-going history on a guided walking tour led by Nigel Smith. The stroll between Angel and Essex Road stations uncovers hidden gems and architectural wonders, from the Screen on the Green cinema to vanished sites where all trace of their cinematic past has disappeared. Hear tales of Victorian showmen and the rowdy behaviour that once filled the stalls decades before the arrival of the modern multiplex. 6.30pm
WARM WORDS: Community group Stories & Supper takes over the William Morris Gallery café in Walthamstow for an evening of poetry, film and conversation. Part of the global Refugee Week festival, the Warm Words gathering celebrates the resilience of people seeking sanctuary through shared food and storytelling. FREE (donations welcome), 6.30pm-9pm
SPONGEBOB MUSICAL: Bikini Bottom arrives in SE3 as Trinity Laban Musical Theatre presents The SpongeBob Musical at Blackheath Halls. The production follows the optimistic sea sponge and his friends as they attempt to save their undersea home from an impending volcanic eruption. The score features original songs by a massive roster of stars, including Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, Panic! At The Disco, and even David Bowie. 7pm
SURVIVING EARTH: Kensal Rise’s independent picture palace, The Lexi Cinema, marks Refugee Week with a special screening of Surviving Earth. Based on a true story, the film follows a harmonica player who fled the conflict in Yugoslavia to rebuild his life in Bristol, only to find his new world fractured by the trauma of his past. The event includes a post-film Q&A with director Thea Gajic. 7pm
WHEN STARS ALIGN: British vocal ensemble VOCES8 returns to Barbican for a performance alongside composers Dan Forrest and Ola Gjeilo. The Vox Anima London Singers perform Forrest’s The Garden and Gjeilo’s Sunrise Mass, with both composers providing accompaniment on the piano. 7pm
TRUMPET PREMIERE: Virtuoso musician Pip Eastop performs the world premiere of his new solo trumpet work, Se ven colores en la luz blanca, at the stunning Fitzrovia Chapel. Colours are Seen in White Light consists of seven short movements representing the colours of the rainbow. FREE, 8pm-9.30pm
Today's events: Friday 19 June
SEA LANES CANARY WHARF: New lido Sea Lanes Canary Wharf opens, offering year-round open water swimming in a 50m-long natural water pool, floating in Eden Dock alongside saunas and changing rooms. From 19 June 2026
SILK PAINTING: Artist and curator Hilary Simon leads a masterclass in the vibrant art of silk painting at the Fashion and Textile Museum in Bermondsey. Experiment with French Dupont dyes and gutta gum to create a 15-inch silk square, using techniques such as layering and salt effects to produce stunning, watercolour-like designs. Suitable for all abilities and includes materials as well as entry to the museum's current exhibitions. 10.45am-4.30pm
HISTORIC HANWELL: Explore the engineering marvels of west London on a three-mile guided stroll. Get a close-up look at the Wharncliffe Viaduct, London’s longest flight of canal locks, and an ingenious scheme by Isambard Kingdom Brunel to carry a railway over the Grand Union Canal, as well as the Victorian buildings of the First Middlesex County Asylum and a church designed by George Gilbert Scott. 11am-1pm
HISTORIC CRYSTAL PALACE: Alternatively, head to the southern compass point, where guide Richard Watkins reveals the history of Crystal Palace (but not the exhibition centre!). It's an area that attracted internationally famous writers, actors and artists (Emile Zola, Camille Pissarro), all built along and around a great ridge, among the highest points of south London. 11am-1pm
WAR STRATEGY: Sir Lawrence Freedman, Emeritus Professor of War Studies at King’s College London, visits the National Army Museum in Chelsea to reflect on a decade of global conflict. Drawing on his new collection of essays, the talk explores the strategic fanaticism of Vladimir Putin, the dilemmas of nuclear deterrence, and why the term "stalemate" is so frequently misused in modern warfare. FREE, 12pm-1pm
POLICE MUSEUM LATE: The Bow Street Museum of Crime & Justice stays open late to celebrate Pride Month and its current Echoes From The Dock project. Drag performer Sue Gives a F*ck hosts the evening, which includes protest badge-making and an exclusive live acoustic performance from singer-songwriter Danny Starr. 6.30pm
CRAIG REVEL HORWOOD: The longest-serving judge on Strictly Come Dancing visits the Rose Theatre in Kingston for a night of big songs and tall tales. To celebrate his debut solo album and new book, Revelations: Songs Boys Don’t Sing, the choreographer and director showcases his vocal talents alongside plenty of glamour and an unexpected cookery demonstration. 7.30pm
THE BOB DYLAN STORY: Head to The Exchange in Twickenham for a celebration of the music and stories of a musical icon. The Bob Dylan Story features a live band performing aural delights such as Like A Rolling Stone and Blowin’ In The Wind, alongside a special homage to the 60th anniversary of the 1966 album Blonde On Blonde. 7.30pm
CHARITY NIGHT: Hammersmith’s Irish Cultural Centre hosts a special evening of music and connection to mark Men’s Health Month. Enjoy a blend of traditional Irish songs alongside a nostalgic set of 80s rock and roll classics, all aimed at breaking the stigma around mental wellbeing. 7.30pm
COMEDY NIGHT: Hosted and curated by Bilal Rashid, Big Bill's Comedy Night at Woolwich Works features headliner Horatio Gould alongside Harry Coombes, Zak Ranger and Terry Gargin at Beanfeast. 8pm
Today's events: Saturday 20 June
WEST END LIVE: For one weekend each June, stars from London's current West End musicals perform FOR FREE on a pop-up stage in Trafalgar Square. West End Live is an incredibly popular event, so you'll need to arrive very early to be in with a chance of getting in. FREE, 20-21 June 2026
COCKNEY SIKH: Suresh Singh, aka the Cockney Sikh. is doing two tours this weekend, taking you around his 'backyard' (the streets of Spitalfields) where you'll learn about his life growing up in a house on Princelet Street, and how this unique area of the East End has changed over time. 20-21 June 2026
MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM: A new outdoor production of Shakespeare's comedy A Midsummer Night's Dream opens at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, telling the story of a bitter dispute in the fairy kingdom, and four fleeing lovers who find themselves in an enchanted forest. 20 June-18 July 2026
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR: Eurovision star Sam Ryder assumes the role of Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar at the Palladium. Tyrone Huntley, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Simon Russell Beale, Richard Armitage, Boy George, Layton Williams and Julian Clary are also among the cast. 20 June-5 September 2026
LONDON’S SEWERS: Explore the evolution of the capital's sanitation infrastructure on a four-mile guided walk from the Erith Marshes to the banks of the Thames. The London’s sewers walking tour visits the Victorian masterpiece of Crossness Pumping Station and examines the transition from Bazalgette’s 1865 system to the modern Tideway "Super Sewer." Get a look at the Precipitation Engine House and discover how waste is processed today. 11am-2pm
WATERLOO DAY: The Battle of Waterloo and its aftermath are the subject of Waterloo Day at Apsley House, the former home of the Duke of Wellington. Historians Dr Graeme Callister and Michael Rayner guide visitors through the dramatic events of the battle, with other talks and reenactments going on throughout the day. 11am-5pm
OKINAWA DAY: London's annual Okinawa Day celebrates the music, dances and food from the islands of the Ryukyu archipelago in southern Japan. Head to the Blue Market in Bermondsey for Ryukyu Classical Music, sanshin folk-song performances, traditional Eisa dance and Ryukyu karate demonstrations. FREE, 11am-5pm
TREASURES OF THE ORCHESTRA: Set sail on a nautical-themed musical adventure as Sinfonia Smith Square presents Treasures of the Orchestra at Smith Square Hall. This family-friendly concert invites young explorers to hunt for "hidden gems" of chamber music, featuring works by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Gene Koshinski, and Silvestre Revueltas. The hour-long performance offers a close-up look at various instruments. 11.30am
START OF THE LINE: New one-day music, arts and culture festival Start Of The Line takes place at Morden Park. Soul II Soul headline the main stage, with support from The Hoosiers and Billy Nomates, and various other performances and family-friendly activities throughout the day. 1pm
SOAPBOX RACE: Teams from around Britain bring homemade, non-motorised soapbox cars to race down the famous Alexandra Palace hill — judged on speed, creativity and performance. You're too late to register to take part, but tickets to watch the mayhem are still available. 2pm
MIDSUMMER SOLSTICE LATE: The British Library transforms into a magical realm for A Midsummer Night’s Fairy Tale, a solstice celebration of folklore, music and performance. Watch a live show by electronica duo Mermaid Chunky, a talk and DJ set from broadcaster Zakia Sewell, and a "Hatwalk" competition for those in fairy tale-themed headwear. Get after-hours access to the Fairy Tales exhibition, alongside installations including a sound-system maypole and an Andean panpipe orchestra. 6.30pm
VINTAGE AND VINYL: Browse a curated selection of vintage clothes, handicrafts, and unique makers' stalls at New River Studios in Manor House. The Pop-Up Market and Tropical Wreck DJs event pairs independent shopping with a live soundtrack of tropical beats. Support local creators in an industrial warehouse setting while enjoying DJ sets that run late into the evening. 7.30pm-11pm
Today's events: Sunday 21 June
FATHER'S DAY: Consider this your reminder to pick up a card, and maybe a box of chocolates or a new book, for your dad on Father's Day. (Londonist Matt's The Boroughs of London book might be a good option, cough, cough.)
OPEN GARDEN: Michelle Berriedale Johnson opens up her Highgate garden for the afternoon, as part of the National Garden Scheme. Soak up the sounds of a sax quartet as you explore the herbaceous borders and no-mow lawn. Just three years ago, all of this was a builders' site. Cream teas are also in the offing. 12pm-6pm
FAMILY DOG SHOW: Celebrate the 100th anniversary of Gunnersbury Park with a day of canine competition at the Gunnersbury Family Dog Show. The "un-serious" event features categories ranging from Best Trick and Rescue Story to a dog-friendly version of musical bumps called Sit Happens. Dog-friendly stallholders and local food vendors will be on-site throughout the afternoon, with special rosettes awarded to the top three pups in each class. FREE to watch, 11am-4pm
SUMMER SOLSTICE SONGS: Gather at The Ivy House in Nunhead for a celebration of the season featuring ritual, dance and live music. Songs of the Summer Solstice blends folk and experimental sounds with storytelling and mindfulness exercises, and includes a solar ritual at 5pm. 4pm
CHAMBER CONCERT: Emerging conductors Peggy Wu, Richard Fu and Giovanni Fanizza lead members of the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House in a free performance at the Paul Hamlyn Hall. The Jette Parker Artists teatime chamber concert features a dynamic repertoire including Mozart’s Symphony No. 40, Holst’s Lyric Movement for viola, and Stravinsky’s "Dumbarton Oaks" concerto. FREE, 4pm
GALLEON YOGA: It's not every day you get to do yoga on a world famous ship, but this afternoon, Brixton Yoga invite you on board the Golden Hinde in Bankside for a 75-minute immersive gong bath and yin yoga session set against the backdrop of the Thames. 5.30pm
WINDRUSH CONCERT: Step into a 1950s-style Windrush Front Room at Catford’s Broadway Theatre for The Windrush Concert, a musical celebration of the generation’s enduring cultural legacy. Hosted by Felicity Ethnic and Daddy Ernie, the evening features the Freedom Band UK performing hits from reggae and soul icons like Bob Marley, Desmond Dekker and John Holt. The line-up also includes a rare appearance by Melanie of the group Me and You, alongside the singing trio The Divettes and soulful poet Floetic Lara. 7pm-10pm
FOOTBALL PLAY: The 'Flarewell' tour of football play Why I Stuck a Flare Up My Ar*e for England comes to the Garrick Theatre for one night only, your last chance to see it in London. The show looks at the darker side of football culture, and was inspired by the infamous picture of the England fan who wedged a lit flare in his buttocks before the Euro 2020 final. 7pm
STRANGER THINGS LIVE: Emmy-winning composers Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein bring The Music of Stranger Things to the Roundhouse for a one-off retrospective of the series' synth-heavy score. The performance spans the entire catalogue from the 2016 opening theme to the compositions of Season 5, reimagined for the stage with a live production featuring sculpted fog and light design by visual artist MFO. 7pm
JEWISH CHOIR: Founded 100 years ago, the London Jewish Male Choir are the UK's oldest Jewish choir, and tonight they celebrate with a concert at Artsdepot, with cantorial showcases, musical theatre and Yiddish song — featuring appearances from acclaimed cantors Steven Leas and Yoav Oved, pianist Leo Nicholson and a klezmer group. 7.30pm
