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, ensuring there's always a diverse range of events for you to choose from. Get stuck in!
All week
FUTURE OF FOOD: Sustainability, innovation and creativity in the food industry comes under the microscope at the Future of Food Festival, taking place across Regent Street and St James's. Panel talks, tasting menus and foodie film experiences are on the programme. 15-21 September
ROYAL DOCKS ORIGINALS: Free arts festival Royal Docks Originals has more than 50 events spanning installations and performances, taking place on land and water around the docks. Tours of Millennium Mills, a large-scale botanical mural inspired by residents, light artworks by Chila Kumari Singh Burman MBE, and performances on board the cable cars are among the events. FREE, 15 September-4 October
MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR: Shakespeare’s raucous comedy The Merry Wives of Windsor is at the Globe until Saturday, bringing to life the antics of the disreputable knight Sir John Falstaff attempting to seduce two wealthy housewives. At time of writing, tickets start at just £8 — bargain! Until 20 September
PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION: The 166th edition of the Royal Photographic Society's International Photography Exhibition continues at Chelsea's Saatchi Gallery until Saturday, showcasing contemporary photography from around the world, on topics including family, identity and environmental issues. FREE, until 20 September
OPEN HOUSE LONDON: Plenty of opportunities to go behind the scenes in all corners of London this week for Open House Festival. The programme is huge — almost overwhelmingly so — but highlights include a deep-dive into medieval graffiti, tours of Canada House on Trafalgar Square, and a chance to go on the roof at new development Greenford Quay, among many others. Most events FREE, until 21 September.
RICHARD ROGERS: The work of late architect Richard Rogers is the subject of the latest exhibition at Sir John Soane's Museum. Talking Buildings showcases him as a thinker, campaigner, humanist and activist, as well as the designer of iconic buildings including Lloyd's of London, The O2, and Paris's Pompidou Centre. Until 21 September
GOOD NIGHT, OSCAR: Will and Grace star Sean Hayes stars in the Broadway transfer of Good Night, Oscar, about the life of pianist and humorist Oscar Levant, particularly the 1958 episode of The Tonight Show with Jack Paar, in which he had "Hollywood's first celebrity meltdown". Until 21 September
HERITAGE OPEN DAYS: Ongoing until the end of this week, Heritage Open Days is a national festival of heritage and culture, with several events here in London. Visit the little-known British Vintage Wireless and Television Museum, take a guided bat walk around Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park, or hear about the process of rebuilding the Golden Hinde. Browse the full programme. Until 21 September
WANSTEAD FRINGE: Take a look at what's on the Wanstead Fringe programme this week, celebrating all things E11. Hear from local historian Davis Watson about Wanstead during the Second World War, find out about the tragic story of demolished mansion Wanstead House, sample the goods at an east London brewing competition, or take a tour of the crypt at St Mary's Parish Church. Until 27 September
TOTALLY THAMES: Another ongoing festival (September's full of them!) is Totally Thames, celebrating London's waterways through a whole host of different events and activities. This week, we're particularly looking forward to Lighing up the Lea, a free community festival at Cody Dock, but do scan the full schedule to see what takes your fancy. Until 30 September
FREE FILM FESTIVAL: Streatham Free Film Festival brings a programme of free film screenings to venues around the area, including black-and-white slapstick comedy Hundreds of Beavers on Wednesday, and 1998 family comedy The Parent Trap on Thursday. Until 4 October
BOOK OF THE WEEK: It seems to be fashionable at the moment to slander London as a crime-ridden hell hole; Dark London — the new book from Dr Drew Gray — is an unintentional corrective, reminding us that the capital has always had its dark deeds and nefarious characters. Read more about it in our write-up.
EAT OF THE WEEK: Following its success in Ladbroke Grove, Layla — purveyor of delightfully-shaped blackberry and green cardamom bow tie pastries (see above) — as well as mountains of other delectable sweets and savouries (plus artisan coffee), now has a second branch open on Churchfield Road in Acton. If you're in the area, and in need of a mid-week pick-me-up/weekend treat, you know where to go.
Today's events: Monday 15 September
RED SKY AT SUNRISE: Red Sky at Sunrise follows Laurie Lee's journey through his acclaimed Cider with Rosie trilogy. The performance features Anton Lesser and Charlie Hamblett, depicting Lee across various ages, highlighting both the humour and darker elements of his life as he walks from Gloucestershire to fight in the Spanish Civil War. See it at Wilton's Music Hall. 15-17 September
SAMUEL JOHNSON: Bryan A. Garner explores the evidence surrounding Samuel Johnson, often regarded as the father of the English dictionary, in this talk examining his contributions to lexicography. Does Johnson really deserve to be credited as the first English-language lexicographer, when at least 25 people preceded him in making English-language dictionaries? Takes place at Dr Johnson's House near Fleet Street, with a free copy of Garner’s book on the history of English lexicography: Hardly Harmless Drudgery, for the first 30 people. 6pm-8pm
INTELLIGENCE SQUARED: Historian Tim Bouverie discusses his book Allies at War: The Politics of Defeating Hitler in conversation with Michael Gove, in an Intelligence Squared event at Smith Square Hall (Westminster). They delve into what the fragile coalition that defeated Hitler can teach us about the challenges facing the West today. 7pm
INTELLIGENCE CUBED: Alternatively, head to the Royal Institution, where Yang Hui-He will explore the ways that artificial intelligence is tackling mathematical problems. 7pm-8.30pm
AI NEWS COVERAGE: Journalism organisation The Frontline Club in Paddington holds a panel discussion about the use of AI in news coverage, specifically AI-generated video in TV News reports. Former Reuters Middle East correspondent Amil Khan and author and journalist Sophia Galler-Smith are among those weighing up whether making news more accessible and cheaper to produce is worth the risks of AI. 7pm
HIDDEN CAMERAS: Rough Trade East has The Hidden Cameras in tonight, performing tracks from their brand new album, Bronto. The venue's open from 7pm, followed by a one-hour show starting at 8pm, and then record signing from 9pm. Doors 7pm
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Explore a treasure trove of transport and design
Roundel up, roundel up! For four days only, members of the public can go behind the scenes at London Transport Museum’s Depot Open Days to enjoy a rare rootle around artefacts, oddities and displays from London’s transport past.
Usually out of bounds to the public, the Acton Town Depot is home to over 320,000 objects. There’ll be vintage buses, walk-through Tube carriages, iconic posters, maps and art tidbits spanning the past 200 years. September’s set of Open Days is themed ‘A Journey of Art and Design’. You can bet your moquette socks this celebration of the capital’s transport style is going to be a feast for the eyes.
Get hands-on with themed craft workshops, object handling, equipment demos and a pop quiz held in a rail vehicle. There are even miniature railway rides for all you budding drivers. Particularly exciting is the roster of expert talks - fusing art and history - on topics including how art deco revolutionised the London Underground. Fascinating and feel-good in equal measure, these are the final Depot Open Days of 2025. Don’t miss out.
Depot Open Days: A Journey of Art and Design takes place at London Transport Museum’s Depot in Acton (not the Covent Garden museum!) between 18-21 September 2025. Tickets are £19 adults/£10 children with under 3s free and discounts for local residents. Book your tickets here.
Today's events: Tuesday 16 September
CALAMITY JANE: Musical comedy classic Calamity Jane — based on a Doris Day film — comes to Bromley's Churchill Theatre. West End performer Carrie Hope Fletcher stars in the story of the eponymous character navigating her feelings for Lieutenant Gilmartin and the jealousy that arises when a Chicago stage star arrives in Deadwood. 16-20 September
FULL ENGLISH: The Full English is a one-woman show by Melanie Branton that delves into the intriguing history of the English language through performance poetry, entertaining anecdotes, and light-hearted commentary at Barons Court Theatre. From exploring double negatives to the peculiarities of pronunciation, the show is both amusing and insightful. 16-20 September
BUILDING THE BANK: The Bank of England Museum opens its new, free exhibition Building The Bank - 100 Years On. Find out how the Bank of England’s Threadneedle Street home underwent a massive rebuild a century ago, reimagining John Soane's original building when it was no longer fit for purpose. FREE, from 16 September. The museum also holds a free late this Thursday to celebrate the exhibition's launch.
SYMMETRY: Most of us have a left hand and a right hand, which look similar but can't be mapped on to one another. This handedness, also called chirality, is present all throughout nature, down to the molecular level. Professor Alain Goriely explores the origins and mysteries of chirality in a Gresham College lecture in Holborn. FREE, 6pm
CHURCHILL AND ST PAUL'S: Allen Packwood, Director of the Churchill Archives Centre, reflects on the key moments that link Sir Winston Churchill and St Paul's Cathedral, in a talk at the cathedral. Both were seen as defiant symbols of the Blitz, and Churchill's state funeral took place there in 1965. FREE, 6.30pm
EDWARD SNOWDEN STORY: Former Guardian editors Alan Rusbridger and Janine Gibson discuss their experiences in breaking the Snowden story, one of the 21st century's most significant journalistic achievements so far. Find out about the challenges faced in exposing mass surveillance and the importance of press freedom, followed by an audience Q&A. Takes place at the Queen’s Crescent Community Centre in Gospel Oak. 6.30pm-8pm
CHEESE DINNER: Love cheese? Get yourself to The Potting Shed in Marylebone for a special menu of dishes such as croquettes, jamón, handmade pasta and mountain-style slow cooked lamb shoulder, all designed to showcase a range of Mediterranean cheeses. Think much-loved classics like Burrata and Manchego, alongside lesser-known cheeses from Spain, Italy and Corsica, all paired with wines from the same country. 7pm-10pm
Today's events: Wednesday 17 September
GREENWICH COMEDY FESTIVAL: Sara Pascoe, Nina Conti, Jen Brister, Rosie Jones, Nish Kumar, Sarah Keyworth, Michael Odewale, Phil Wang, Sindhu Vee... just some of the headliners on the seriously impressive line-up at Greenwich Comedy Festival, taking place in a seated arena in the grounds of the National Maritime Museum — although tickets are going fast. Arrive early to make the most of pop-up bars and street food stalls. 17-21 September
EMMA: One of our picks of Jane Austen adaptations to see on the London stage, Emma opens at Kingston's Rose Theatre. Austen's fourth novel is transplanted to the 21st century, following Emma Woodhouse as she returns to her hometown from Oxford University for the summer and meddles in the lives of her nearest and dearest. 17 September-11 October
FRIEZE SCULPTURE: 'In The Shadows' is the theme of this year's Frieze Sculpture, a free art trail through Regent's Park, coinciding with the huge Frieze Art Fair next month. Artists including Assemble, Elmgreen & Dragset, Jaune Quick-to-See Smith and Erwin Wurm are contributing to the trail this year. FREE, 17 September-2 November
PUNCHDRUNK: Immersive theatre company Punchdrunk opens its latest show, LANDER 23, at its new Woolwich base. It's billed as a live action video game, with players split into two squads: Command (Drivers) and Ground Team (Fields). As the Fields navigate the alien landscape, you'll rely solely on the voice and guidance of your Drivers, stationed aboard the ship. 17 September-1 February (reduced price previews until 6 October)
THEATRE PICASSO: The works of Pablo Picasso are in the spotlight at Tate Modern — particularly his fascination with performers and their ability to transform themselves into someone else — to mark the centenary of his painting The Three Dancers. The exhibition space takes the form of a theatre, with over 45 works by Picasso from Tate's collection, alongside key European loans, spanning paintings, sculpture, textile and works on paper — some never seen in the UK before. 17 September-12 April
TUNNEL TO FRANCE: The Brunel Museum starts a new season of film screenings all set during the French Revolution, and screened within the historic tunnel shaft dug by Marc Brunel 200 years ago. Tonight's film is Dangerous Liaisons (1988). Future weeks include Marie Antoinette, Napoleon and, of course, Les Misérables.
TRANS JOY MATTERS: Conway Hall hosts an Ethical Matters talk about how trans lives, and trans joy, matter. Writer, activist and former psychiatrist Caroline Litman shares the realities of navigating both her daughter’s transition and the days, weeks and months after Alice’s death by suicide, asking what could be done to protect those like Alice in the future. Author T. C. Oakes-Monger discusses growing-up as a closeted queer in a rural village, coming out as trans and working to improve healthcare for LGBTQIA+ people. 6.30pm-8pm
CHARITY COMEDY NIGHT: Greenwich (above) isn't the only place full of funnies tonight. Kerry Godliman, Nick Helm, Hal Cruttenden and Ninia Benjamin take part in the Honeypot's Comedy Night at The Comedy Store, raising money for the charity which supports young carers aged five-12. 7.30pm
Today's events: Thursday 18 September
SUSTAINABLE FASHION: This London Fashion Week, Dylon Detergent opens its pop-up Refresh & Renew Laundrette in Carnaby, helping you to embrace a more sustainable approach to fashion. Book yourself onto sessions and workshops led by stylists such as Victoria Lee and Rebekah Roy and learn how to restyle and upcycle items in your wardrobe which you don't currently wear. Alternatively, drop by the free Repair & Renew station, with experts on hand to help you with simple mending techniques such as fixing holes, and adding buttons and zips. 18-21 September (sponsor)
CHELSEA ARTS FESTIVAL: We're rather impressed by the line-up at Chelsea Arts Festival, a four-day programme of talks, performances and other entertainment. Actor Ambika Mod, radio DJ Annie Mac, artist David Shrigley, environmentalist George Monbiot, author Marian Keyes, actor Lenny Henry, presenter June Sarpong, writer Kate Mosse, actor Rupert Everett and model Twiggy are among those appearing. 18-21 September
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST: The National Theatre's sold-out production of The Importance of Being Earnest transfers to the Noël Coward Theatre, telling Oscar Wilde's story about two young men who lead double lives, getting caught in a web of lies. Olly Alexander stars. 18 September-10 January
RAGGED AND REFORMERS: Richard Watkins of Footprints of London leads a walking tour exploring the underbelly of Victorian London through its history. Visit sites of slum housing, workhouses, and ragged schools around the Marylebone area, learning about the struggles of the poor and the efforts of historical figures who worked for change. 2.30pm-4.30pm
HISTORY OF CHILDBIRTH: Join midwife Jenny Wylam at the Old Operating Theatre for a talk exploring the history of childbirth. Using museum exhibits, she discusses childbirth practices from ancient remedies of wise women to the evolution of obstetrics and midwifery into modern times. Be warned, the event includes accounts of very gruesome procedures. 6pm-8.30pm
GUANTANAMO: The notorious detention centre is the subject of a Gresham College talk by Prof Clive Stafford Smith, who'll probe its history and current use. FREE, 6pm
HEATHROW'S THIRD RUNWAY: Confused about what's happening with Heathrow's third runway? Head to St Mary's Church, where the Battersea Society holds a talk and open discussion about the proposed third runway, with speakers from Heathrow Airport and the Heathrow Association for the Control of Aircraft Noise (HACAN) present. FREE, 6.30pm
BATTERSEA POWER STATION: Battersea Power Station is the place to head for a talk about... Battersea Power Station. Battersea Bookshop hosts Sebastien Ricard, Board Director at WilkinsonEyre, to talk about new book Battersea Power Station – The Architectural Rebirth of a Romantic Ruin, looking at how the chimneyed building was brought back to life after almost four decades of decay. Part of London Design Festival. 6.30pm-8pm
DOUBLE R CLUB: Join host Benjamin Louche and a cast of unique performers for a night celebrating the 16th birthday of The Double R Club, a cabaret and burlesque event inspired, directly or indirectly, by the dark and beautiful worlds of David Lynch. Expect an evening of surreal performances featuring the Red Room Go Go dancers and special cocktails at Walthamstow Trades Hall. 8pm-11.30pm
Today's events: Friday 19 September
BRICK LANE CURRY FESTIVAL: For the first time in almost a decade, the Brick Lane Curry Festival takes place in east London, offering henna painting workshops, Bangla-dancing lessons, a procession with themed floats and dancers, as well as various roaming acts and entertainment — including DJs, stilt walkers and magicians, and of course, stalls from local restaurants serving up regional and specialty dishes. 19-21 September
TATTOO SHOW: Today sees the launch of the three-day Big London Tattoo Show at Excel in east London, featuring over 500 artists, as well as live graffiti, fire performances, street food, craft drinks and a vintage market. Whether you're seeking out your next artwork, or are just tattoo curious, the country’s largest celebration of the art form has got your back/arm/chest/wherever else. 19-21 September
GET DOWN TONIGHT: The hits of KC and the Sunshine Band are used in new West End musical Get Down Tonight at Charing Cross Theatre, inspired by the early years of singer, songwriter, producer and musician Harry Wayne Casey (KC). 19 September-15 November
LONDON OYSTER CHAMPIONSHIPS: The London Oyster Championships, England's original oyster competition, takes place at Bentley's Piccadilly. A ticket gives you a chance to try all oysters shucked and dressed on stage, with judges determining the best oysters across multiple rounds. The winner is crowned the English Oyster Champion, going on to the finals of the World Oyster Championship in Galway. 11.30am-5.30pm
BIG PENNY PARTY: Walthamstow beer hall Big Penny Social celebrates its third birthday with what it claims is its biggest party ever. Expect over 100 performers, from live music to DJs, a full orchestra, wrestlers, circus acts and more, with 2,000 partygoers under one roof. 5pm-2am
WRESTLING: Wrestling/queer cabaret fever dream Emporium Pro Wrestling features such scenarios as a giant lizard fighting a lucha cockroach in front of a London skyline; and an even-more-terrifying-than-usual Margaret Thatcher slapping about a giant milk carton. Brace yourself for another bout at Genesis Cinema tonight — and stick around for the after-party, included in the ticket price. 8pm-10.30pm
LEAGUE OF IMPROV: The League of Improv at Underbelly Boulevard Soho brings together quick-witted performers who turn audience suggestions into hilarious scenes live on stage, pairing spontaneity with quick-thinking wit. Comedian Jake Lambert is tonight's special guest. 9pm
Today's events: Saturday 20 September
MARIE ANTOINETTE STYLE: The V&A has had some serious success with fashion exhibitions in recent years, something it'll be wanting to replicate with Marie Antoinette Style, a look at how the most fashionable queen in history has influenced over 250 years of design, fashion, film and art. Maybe swing by the V&A Cafe for a slice of cake afterwards, eh? From 20 September
BLITZ CLUB: The Blitz — the shortlived London club night which launched the careers of Spandau Ballet and Boy George — is the subject of a new Design Museum exhibition. Expect a "sensory extravaganza" of over 250 items: clothing and accessories, design sketches, instruments, flyers, magazines, furniture, artworks, photography, vinyls and rare film footage. From 20 September
LONDON CIRCLE WALK: Embark on a full-day urban hike led by Michael Brunström and Tim Wilson, as you walk a circular route, which goes as far south as Stockwell, as far west as Kensington Gardens, and as far north as Camden Town. Meet in the middle of Tower Bridge. FREE, Arrive by 9.45am
GREAT RIVER RACE: Sort of like the London Marathon on water, the Great River Race is a 21.6 mile dash along the Thames between Millwall and Richmond, with all manner of rowing boats taking part. It's free to watch from the river banks and bridges on the day. FREE, from approx 10.15am
CAMDEN INSPIRE: Celebrate the borough of Camden, both past and present, through an environmental lens at Camden Inspire. This year's festival is in collaboration with Camden Green Loop, the organisation behind the planned Camden Highline, and has a focus on upcycling. Take part in workshops including mosaic making, meditative drawing, and Japanese Sashiko mending, get stuck into community gardening projects, or hear panel discussions on topics such as food waste. From 11am
ISLINGTON SPIRE: Another chance to climb the tower of St Mary's on Upper Street, courtesy of Islington Guided Walks. We've done it. The views are immense. And you'll also get an historical tour of the wider building. 11am
ART CAR BOOT FAIR: Comedy & The Comic is the theme of this autumn's Art Car Boot Sale, which sees almost 120 artists selling their artworks out of car boots at Granary Square in King's Cross, with plenty of comedy entertainment to enjoy while you browse. 12pm-6pm
URBAN ELEPHANT FESTIVAL: A free day of festivities is in the offing at Elephant and Castle's Urban Elephant Festival, which is packed with live music and dance performances. FREE, 12pm-6pm
CANDLELIGHT CLUB: Regular speakeasy night The Candlelight Club celebrates its 15th birthday at a secret South London ballroom. Dress and dance like it's the 1920s with live music from the six-piece Ritzy Palooza, along with burlesque, tarot readings and other entertainment, presided over by host Champagne Charlie. 7pm
Today's events: Sunday 21 September
RUN SHOREDITCH: London's newest running event is the Saucony Run Shoreditch, a 10k by the team behind the Hackney Half Marathon. It takes place on closed roads, beginning at the northern edge of Shoreditch Park and heading out to Newington Green, and ending at the southern side of Shoreditch Park, where a festival zone awaits. 9am
CLASSIC CAR SHOW: The inaugural Bloomsbury Classic Car Show parks up in Bedford Square Gardens, showcasing an impressive collection of classic and vintage cars, alongside live music, and expert talks about the history and preservation of the vehicles. 10am-5pm
VINTAGE FAIR: Frock Me! vintage fair is back at Chelsea Old Town Hall, with 60 exhibitors selling rare vintage and antique clothing, jewellery and textiles spanning from the Victorian era to more recent pre-loved designer labels. 11am-5.30pm
INDIAN BRUNCH: Indian restaurant Farzi relaunches its bottomless brunch today (think the bottomless refers to the food, rather than booze) — so if you're in the mood for something different from pancakes and bacon, this buffet-style spread featuring the likes of spiced scrambled paneer, and slow-cooked mutton curry should be just the tonic. There's also live entertainment. 12pm-3pm
GODZILLA VA MEGALON: As part of its All Kaiju Attack: Earth SOS! programme of Japanese monster movies, Barbican Cinema screens 1973 Godzilla vs Megalon (Japanese, with English subtitles). Kaiju cinema expert Steven Sloss gives an introductory talk before the screening. 2pm
LILO AND STITCH: Not seen the newest Lilo & Stitch film yet? Rooftop Film Club Peckham hosts a family-friendly screening of the Disney film about a young Hawaiian girl who adopts a mischievous alien. Kick back on a deckchair with a pair of wireless headphones and watch the action on a large screen. 3pm
CLOWN OPERA: Tellus Theatre Company are at the Cav in Stockwell this afternoon for family-friendly show Arias for Phonograph & Singers. With each vinyl the impish clowns spin, they're transported to different scenarios — from a battle scene with a damsel in distress, to lunch with an old friend on a sunny park bench. Sounds like good barmy fun. 3.30pm-5pm
