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
ENORMOUS CROCODILE: Roald Dahl's Enormous Crocodile has snapped its way into the Lyric Hammersmith, with music and large puppets telling the story of the other jungle creatures who summon up the courage to stop his rampage. It's one of our picks for family theatre shows this summer, and this week is your last chance to see it. Until 22 August 2026
HEATHERS THE MUSICAL: Another one closing this week: Adapted from the cult 1980s film, the popular Heathers the Musical is at The Arts at Marble Arch. Journey into Westerberg High with It Girl Veronica Sawyer, the three Heathers and the mysterious J.D. Until 22 August 2026
FRANK BOWLING: British artist Frank Bowling is in the spotlight at the Royal Drawing School where exhibition Driven To Draw — closing this weekend — showcases his works spanning more than 60 years. Until 22 August 2026
RIDE THE CYCLONE: After a freak roller-coaster accident, six teenagers find themselves suspended in limbo and offered one final chance to return to life in Ride The Cyclone at Southwark Playhouse Elephant. Until 22 August 2026
SUMMER SOUNDS: Free open‑air music and performance festival Summer Sounds is back at Coal Drops Yard mixing folk, jazz, soul, classical and indie. Part of this year's programme is curated by Queer Britain, showcasing LGBTQIA+ talent, alongside performers including the Kings Place Jazz Orchestra. FREE, until 23 August 2026
FAIRY TALES: Interactive displays, theatrical design, costumes and activities feature in family-friendly exhibition Fairy Tales at the British Library, which closes this weekend. Familiar characters and magical creatures are brought to life as you learn how fairy tales have been transformed through time. Until 23 August 2026
SMURFS AFTERNOON TEA: Looking for a Smurfing good family day out this summer? The Smurfs London Tea Party Adventure takes you on a magical tour of some of London's most famous landmarks, while you feast on a tasty Smurfs-themed afternoon tea (including plenty of blue treats, and even blue drinks!). Throw in a kid-friendly playlist and a souvenir cup, and you're guaranteed a memorable adventure filled with Smurfs and laughter. (sponsor)
CAMDEN FRINGE: There's a frankly overwhelming choice of shows at this year's Camden Fringe. Our picks this week include the world premiere of comedy horror show Fright Fest!; physical theatre show For Your Twenties; HEEL, which is about a sadistic female CEO who abducts a failed-actor-turned-drama-therapist; modern love story If By Starlight...; and a pirate-themed family comedy improv show. And that's just the tip of a very cultured iceberg. Until 30 August 2026
BBC PROMS: The Chineke! Orchestra, a celebration of American musician Miles Davis’s centenary, and a performance of Shostakovich’s Tenth by the BBC Symphony Orchestra are among the highlights of the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall this week. Browse the programme for plenty more musical treats over the coming weeks. Until 12 September 2026
SUMMER HOLIDAYS: Running out of ideas to keep your children entertained? Our summer holidays guide is packed with inspiration for things to do in London as a family, including special events, exhibitions, and day trip ideas. Our family summer theatre guide has shows for all ages, and we've also got you covered if you're on a tight budget.
GAME OF THE WEEK: Coo! Pigeon: A Love Story is a new, downloadable game where you play as a pigeon looking for your feathery soulmate in real cities around the world, including London. Looks like barmy good fun, and if nothing else, it'll help you get a better lay of the land courtesy of some stunning bird's-eye views.
DRINK OF THE WEEK: With the Anthony Bourdain coming-of-age movie Tony on release in London's cinemas, we've put together an epic crawl of London drinking dens where the man himself enjoyed a glass or two. Hope you like Guinness.
Today's events: Monday 17 August
SCOTTISH PIZZA TAKEOVER: The Old Queens Head in Islington hosts a one-night-only collaboration between resident pizza makers Hot Saint and the Scottish food experts at Auld Hag. Enjoy New York-style slices fused with Scottish ingredients, including a breakfast pizza topped with crumbled black pudding and a fried egg; or crispy haggis bonbons served with an Irn-Bru hot sauce. Dessert is a deep-fried Mars bar accompanied by banana split ice cream, with all ticket profits going to the charity ScotsCare. 5.30pm-8.15pm
HISTORIC WESTMINSTER: Trace a millennium of royal drama and political power struggles on an historic Westminster walking tour. Starting at the 17th-century Watergate in Victoria Embankment Gardens, the route visits Whitehall, St James's Park and the exteriors of Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament. Guide Marie Helly leads you through the site of a royal regicide and the rise of the British Empire, concluding in Trafalgar Square. 11am-12.45pm
MODERN MYTHOLOGY: American mythologist John Bucher explores the cultural significance of graphic novels in an online talk hosted by Viktor Wynd and The Last Tuesday Society. He examines how superheroes and mythic archetypes function as living frameworks that shape our collective psyche and modern values. 6pm-7.30pm
POWERPOP GIRLS: East London's queer performance space The Divine hosts a super-powered dose of drag excellence with PowerPop Girls. Hosted by Ariana Cristal, the night pays tribute to the "Powerpuff Girls" of modern pop, featuring a stellar cast of performers in the venue's basement club. Whether you identify as a Midwestern Princess or a total "brat," expect a night of pure pop perfection and "Chemical XXX" on the stage. 8pm
THE BOY IN THE OCEAN: Blending naturalistic dialogue with physical theatre, raw new play The Boy in the Ocean at The Cockpit explores the aftermath of trauma and the disjointed reality of healing. Witness a young man's attempt to navigate fragmented memories, drawing on personal experiences to address underrepresented conversations around male survivors of sexual assault. 9pm
Today's events: Tuesday 18 August
WOMEN OF FITZROVIA: Long-term local residents Sue Blundell and Nick Bailey give a free lunchtime talk at Fitzrovia Chapel exploring the history of the women artists who once populated the neighbourhood's garrets and studios. The discussion highlights how the Slade School of Fine Art's inclusive policies drew female creatives to the area, including notable Surrealist Eileen Agar and the women of the Omega Workshops. FREE, 1pm-2pm
PUB QUIZ: Knowledge is power at The Old Queens Head in Islington, where The Pub Quiz returns for an evening of trivia and shots. Teams of up to eight people can compete for glory, in a lively atmosphere where the questions are as sharp as the drinks, and the occasional free round helps ease the pain of a midweek late night. 7pm
SNOW LEOPARDS: Travel bookshop Stanfords in Covent Garden welcomes Kulbhushansingh Suryawanshi in conversation with author Sara Wheeler to discuss his latest book, The Ghosts of the Mountain, about the rare snow leopard. Hear all about mountain environments and the elusive creatures that inhabit them. 7pm
SILENT CINEMA: Nunhead’s community-owned pub The Ivy House presents a programme of silent cinema accompanied by live scores. Musicians from the local music community provide a contemporary soundtrack to historic moving images, blending vintage visuals with experimental sound. 7pm
LIFE ADMIN NIGHT: Tackle the financial chores you’ve been avoiding at How to Adult: A Night of Life Admin, a social workshop at Big Penny Social in Walthamstow. Personal finance expert Kara Gammell and tax specialist Arjun Kumar lead two guided "admin sprints" to help you review insurance, check savings, and cancel forgotten subscriptions over a few drinks. Includes a jargon-free Q&A, and a take-home toolkit to ensure your good intentions turn into actual progress. 7pm-8.30pm
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Explore a London icon this summer
The Palace of Westminster is a world-famous landmark, the backdrop to thousands of photos every single day — but did you know you can go inside? A tour of the Houses of Parliament gets you behind the scenes, and into spaces including the House of Commons and House of Lords Chambers.
Find out about the history and heritage of Parliament — spanning 900 years, with links to royalty and notable figures past and present — as well as how Parliament works today.
Audio tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace and spend more time in the areas that interest you most. A children's audio guide makes this a great option for families, plus one child goes free with every paying adult.
Alternatively, book onto a guided tour and let an expert show you around, flavouring your visit with fascinating facts and stories, and giving you the chance to ask plenty of questions as you go.
Palace of Westminster audio and guided tours are available on selected weekdays August-October, plus Saturdays through to March 2027. Find out more and book your tickets.
Today's events: Wednesday 19 August
METEOR, INCOMING!: A small-town Comic Con becomes the setting for a chaotic case of mistaken identity in this new production at the St Bride Foundation in Fleet Street. The plot follows superfan Matt, who is thrust into a live Q&A after being confused for famous actor Dick Chase, leading to a series of accidental scandals. 19-20 August
BARBICAN OUTDOOR CINEMA: There's an eclectic range of films on offer at Barbican's Outdoor Cinema this summer, beginning tonight with the UK preview of respected director Pedro Almodóvar's new film Bitter Christmas, introduced by the man himself. All films are shown on a giant screen in the open-air Sculpture Courtyard, with food and drink available to buy nearby. 19-30 August 2026. Have a browse of the other outdoor cinemas popping up in London this summer.
ELECTRA/PERSONA: Cate Blanchett stars alongside Nina Hoss and Ella Lily Hyland in the National Theatre's new production Electra/Persona. During a performance of Electra, an actress suddenly falls silent, in a powerful exploration of identity, and the fragile line between who we are and who we play. 19 August-10 October 2026
IMAGINING ANIMALS: See extraordinary creatures brought to life through puppetry, music and movement at the Tower of London. Led by artists Mervyn Millar and Suzy Willson and performed by a company of puppeteers, dancers and musicians, the roaming, non‑verbal performances are family friendly and inspired by the Tower’s Royal Menagerie. Included in admission. 19-31 August 2026
MONISHA RAJESH: Journalist and travel writer Monisha Rajesh visits Waterstones Chiswick to celebrate the paperback launch of her latest book, Moonlight Express. The prize-winning author of Around the World in 80 Trains is in conversation about her railway adventures and the stories behind her new release, offering a sharp look at the world of long-distance train travel. 7pm
COMEDY LOUNGE: Sutton’s grassroots venue The Sound Lounge launches a new monthly residency featuring a curated bill of circuit regulars and rising stars. The inaugural Comedy Lounge line-up includes fearless Irish storyteller Mags McHugh, viral creator Hawa Kamara, and south London favourite Junior Booker. 7pm
SILENT HORROR: Whitechapel's Genesis Cinema presents a double feature of The Cabinet of Dr Caligari and The Haunted House. Cabaret artist Maxim Melton provides an improvised live score for Robert Wiene's expressionist masterpiece, while Ruth Sullivan creates live sound effects for the Buster Keaton short. Part of the Bar Trash series, the evening includes themed drinks and prize giveaways. 8pm
Today's events: Thursday 20 August
FANNY BURNETT: Historian and author Lucinda Dickens Hawksley visits the Charles Dickens Museum in Bloomsbury to discuss the life of Frances 'Fanny' Dickens. As the eldest sibling and a talented musician who trained at the Royal Academy of Music, Fanny served as a major inspiration for several characters in her brother Charles's novels. Hear about the legacy of this often-overlooked Victorian singer followed by a short Q&A session. FREE, 12.30pm
TREE IDENTIFICATION: Discover the fascinating planting of the newly created Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Garden on a guided Tree ID Walk in Highgate. Led by tutor Bettina Metcalfe, it focuses on exotic trees and shrubs, encouraging you to share observations and improve your botanical knowledge, and is accessible for complete beginners as well as more experienced students. 3pm-5pm
CHARTERHOUSE OPEN GARDENS: Explore the unique atmosphere of historic "hidden" courtyard gardens at a summer open gardens evening at The Charterhouse in Smithfield. The evening features live music from the Sol Grimshaw Band, with refreshments available from a sparkling cocktail spritz bar and a sourdough pizza van. For a more indulgent visit, afternoon tea tickets include a prepared tea box and a glass of chilled prosecco to enjoy among the greenery. 5.30pm-8.30pm
FLORALS & FIZZ: Hammersmith's William Morris Society launches its new museum lates series with an evening of golden hour drinks in the garden of Kelmscott House. Wear your best floral attire to celebrate the season and enjoy a glass of bubbly and access to the Practically Magic exhibition. The evening also offers a rare chance to view hidden gems from the Society’s collection that are not usually on public display. 5.30pm-7.30pm
SUMMER EVENING MUSEUM LATE: Europe's oldest surviving operating theatre opens its doors for a rare after-hours session in London Bridge. Explore the atmospheric Herb Garret at your own pace with a drink from the on-site bar, followed by an expert-led history talk detailing the surgical practices of the original Old St Thomas’ Hospital. 5.45pm-8pm
HAVANA MÚSICA: Camden's Jazz Cafe transforms into a lively Cuban dancefloor for an evening of salsa, rumba and Latin jazz. The Sambroso All Stars lead the performance, bringing together driving percussion and punchy brass to celebrate the island's rich musical heritage. Immerse yourself in the spirit of the streets of Havana with a line-up of musicians who live and breathe these traditional rhythms. 7pm-10.30pm
Today's events: Friday 21 August
PRESS PHOTOS: This year's World Press Photo Exhibition opens today in Bermondsey, at MPB Gallery. It's the world’s most prestigious showcase of photojournalism and documentary photography. Presenting the works of the 42 awarded photographers, the annual exhibition brings depth and nuance to our understanding of the world’s complexities. 21 August-30 September
CIRQUE DU HANDICAP: Taking place at Soho Theatre Dean Street, Cirque Du Handicap is a cabaret-theatre show that mixes exaggerated circus acts, spoken word and theatre to tell a story rooted in Disability justice, representing the life of Disability activist, writer and actor Simi Roach. 21-22 August 2026
ALL POINTS EAST: Deftones, Lorde, Tyler the Creator... just a few acts on the impressive line-up at this year's All Points East Festival in Victoria Park. The In The Neighbourhood free programme of events on selected non-gig days returns this year too offering live music and DJs, fitness activities, outdoor cinema and family theatre shows. 21-30 August 2026
GREENWICH AND DOCKLANDS INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL: Free outdoor performing arts festival Greenwich and Docklands International Festival returns, for two weeks of theatre, art, dance and circus in outdoor locations, with a theme of 'We Move'. Highlights include 360, a dance performance on a towering circular stage in Woolwich town centre, and Efectos Especiales, which immerses visitors in the set of an action film. FREE 21 August-6 September 2026
MIGRATION MUSEUM TAKEOVER: The Migration Museum arrives at London Museum Docklands for an interactive session that blends food, culture, and personal history. Part of a wider festival of Caribbean culture, the Feast! Migration Museum takeover invites families to draw their dream celebration dinners while reflecting on their own heritage. Recommended for children aged five and over. FREE, 10.30am-12pm/12.45pm-3.30pm
LANDSCAPE DRAWING CLUB: Professional artist and Sky Landscape Artist of the Year semi-finalist Deborah Frank leads an outdoor workshop at the William Morris Gallery in Walthamstow. Draw in the open air in Lloyd Park, using graphite and ink on toned paper to capture the movement and character of the local trees. The Landscape Drawing Club session is inspired by the gallery's own Epping Forest watercolours and is designed to help beginners simplify complex natural forms. 11am-1pm
GAZA'S TWINS: Directed by Mohammed Sawwaf, this intimate documentary follows a Palestinian family torn apart by war when newborn twins are evacuated from northern Gaza to the south. The film, screening at Bertha DocHouse in Bloomsbury, provides a dual portrait of their parallel lives over 16 months, capturing a mother's resilience as she navigates military checkpoints and makeshift shelters to be reunited with her children. 6.20pm
DRUMS OF THE DIASPORA: Jazz drummer and composer Moses Boyd leads an evening of conversation and musical demonstration at V&A South Kensington. Explore the rhythmic travel of percussion across genres including reggae, samba and acid jazz. The panel features a wealth of talent including Nandi Bushell, Sola Akingbola of Jamiroquai, and Zeke Manyika, coinciding with the museum's exhibition on the history of Black British music. 6.30pm-8pm
Today's events: Saturday 22 August
QUEER FREQUENCIES: It's weekend three of The Music is Black Festival on Stratford's East Bank — and the turn of Queer Frequencies. That means two afternoons/evenings packed with live music curated by Shy One, Donnie Sunshine, Mark-Ashley Dupé and Joel Mignott. Plus the Dance Floor is Black at Sadler's Wells East — which runs especially late on the Saturday. FREE, 22-23 August 2026
PROPELLERS AND POPCORN: London's full of unusual places to watch a film over the summer months, but what about on an airfield? The RAF Museum in Hendon screens (what else?) Top Gun and Top Gun: Maverick for its Propellers & Popcorn movie nights, with 1980s costumes very much encouraged. 22-23 August 2026
SUMMER MARKET: Dagenham's historic museum grounds fill with over 20 local community stallholders for the return of the Valence House Summer Market. Alongside a variety of handmade gifts and treats, the Fun Football Factory provides family entertainment with an inflatable goal and a giant darts board. 10am-4pm
MUPPETS FILM: Dalston’s historic Rio Cinema screens the 1996 swashbuckling musical Muppet Treasure Island as part of its family film series. Before Kermit and the crew set sail, the lobby hosts a session of arts and crafts activities primarily aimed at children aged four to 10. Tim Curry stars as the treacherous Long John Silver in this high-seas adventure, which features a live soundtrack of Muppet mayhem and pirate songs. 10.15am
MOSQUITOES WARNINGS: The Wellcome Collection hosts an exploration of public health history through the lens of disease prevention. Museum staff lead a study of posters and prints, including graphic warnings for malaria, dengue, and yellow fever, with notable works by British designer Abram Games, offering a sharp look at how visual messaging has been used to combat global health risks. FREE, 11am-3.30pm
WINE FAIR: Hop from importer to winemaker in Crystal Palace Park, at the South London Wine Fair, tasting any vinos you like from 20+ exhibitors (there are over 100 wines in all). Note that time slots are limited to 110 minutes. 12pm-6.30pm
TUDOR MORTLAKE: Join guide Laura Agustin for a tour around the historic sights of Mortlake and the surrounding area, from the mystic John Dee to the University Boat Race. 1.15pm-4.15pm
MUSIC JERK ‘N TINGS: Forest Hill’s Horniman Museum and Gardens hosts a celebration of Caribbean culture featuring live music, island flavours, and family activities. Comedian Donna Spence hosts a packed lineup at the Bandstand, including the Delphina James Steel Ensemble, reggae royalty Me & You, and DJ Daddy Ernie spinning everything from soca to lovers rock. Top chefs serve jerk, vegan and vegetarian dishes alongside an arts and crafts market showcasing independent producers. 2pm-6pm
MILKING MOTHER EARTH: King’s Cross radical bookshop Housmans hosts the launch of Milking Mother Earth, the debut pamphlet from Gauze Bonnet Press. Author Kaisa Saarinen presents an investigation into the history of rubber, tracing its journey from Vietnamese plantations and colonial latex harvesting to Bangkok fetish bars and Victorian moral panics. FREE, 7pm-9pm
Today's events: Sunday 23 August
JACOBEAN LIFE DRAWING: Sketch the human figure beneath the opulent 17th-century plasterwork of Brentford’s historic Boston Manor House. This tutored workshop, hosted by Brentford Nudes in the imposing Drawing State Room, is open to all abilities from novices to seasoned artists. Basic dry materials are provided for the session, which takes place in one of the house's most grandly decorated historic interiors. 10am-12pm
LUXURY HOTEL SECRETS: Step behind the gilded doors of the capital’s most prestigious addresses on The Secrets of London’s Luxury Hotels, a guided walk starting from Green Park. Led by Andy Hotels — the official historian of Brown’s and author of the definitive history of The Savoy — the tour uncovers a world of white-glove service and high-society scandal. Hear about Rudyard Kipling’s final moments at his desk, King Zog of Albania checking in with the crown jewels, and the mystery of a body found in a bathtub. 10.45am-12.45pm
DRINK, DEATH & DEBAUCHERY: Explore the boozy and notorious history of 18th-century London on a guided walk through the West End. Led by Bridget Chandler, the Drink, Death & Debauchery Walking Tour visits St Giles, Seven Dials and Covent Garden to uncover the realities of the 18th-century gin craze. The two-hour route passes plague pits and gallows before ending at the Foundling Museum, where tickets include a 10% discount at The Lamb pub, a historic haunt of Charles Dickens. 11am
SLAVERY REMEMBRANCE DAY: The National Maritime Museum in Greenwich marks Slavery Remembrance Day with an afternoon of workshops, screenings and other events remembering the long struggle for emancipation throughout the world. FREE, 11am-5pm
SOCA ADDICT: Head to the sweeping rooftop of Freight Brixton for Soca Addict, an afternoon/evening of Soca choons, with plenty of street food/drinks to keep your energy levels high. 2pm-9pm
CATHEDRAL OF SEWAGE: Witness the spectacular ornamental cast ironwork of the Crossness Pumping Station during a special steaming day. This Victorian masterpiece, designed by Sir Joseph Bazalgette to save London from the "Great Stink," opens for a guided tour that includes an illustrated history talk, a ride on a narrow-gauge railway, and a look at an extraordinary collection of historic toilets. A vintage bus pick-up from Abbey Wood station is available to ferry visitors to the site. 2.30pm-4.30pm
ROMEO & JULIET: Fulham Palace's walled garden becomes the stage for Immersion Theatre Company's take on Romeo & Juliet, described by Stage Review as "the funniest, freshest telling you’re likely to see for years". 5.30pm-7.20pm
