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!
What's on all week
JIMMY: After being served up rave reviews last time round, Adam Riches brings his one-man show Jimmy back to the Park Theatre, depicting tennis player Jimmy Connors' epic comeback at the 1991 US Open, in an incredible feat of mental and physical theatre. Trust us, it's ace. ★★★★★ 19-24 January
WHITE HART LANE: Jacksons Lane hosts The Ghost of White Hart Lane, a moving play about Rob White, the son of former Spurs and Scotland football star John White. John died aged just 27 in 1964 when he was struck by lightning, and the play is based on a book of the same name written by his son, who was just five months old when the father died. 19-31 January
WORLD OF WASPS: UCL's Grant Museum of Zoology hosts free family-friendly exhibition World of Wasps, which reveals the hidden world of the misunderstood creatures, using UCL research to delve into their homes, lives and relationships. VR, projections and specially commissioned artworks are used to bring their world to life. FREE, until 24 January
HIDDEN FIGURES: Barbican Cinema concludes its Hidden Figures series celebrating the work of Serbian director Mladomir Puriša Đorđević, with several screenings this week including The Girl (Devojka) telling the simple tale of young girl falling in love with a partisan – told from several perspectives, including a photographer and German officer. Until 25 January
DIRTY LOOKS: Barbican's current exhibition Dirty Looks challenges conventional beauty in fashion, showcasing how dirt and distress have shaped modern aesthetics. Featuring notable designers like Hussein Chalayan and Alexander McQueen, the exhibit explores the shift from pristine to imperfect styles in fashion. Until 25 January
NATURE'S SONG: Last chance to see Rory McEwen: Nature's Song, the Garden Museum's exhibition about Scottish botanical artist and musician Rory McEwen. View his depictions of flowers, leaves, butterflies, and decaying vegetables, and see how they changed the genre of botanical art, making the centuries-old genre more modern. There's also a special panel discussion about McEwen's life and work on Tuesday evening. Until 25 January
CONNECTION AND IDENTITY: Connection and Identity at the Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College features two large-scale light and sound installations by Peter Walker which invite us to "contemplate what it means to be human". Connection is inspired by Michelangelo's hands from the Creation of Adam, while Identity features eight illuminated columns suspended within the Painted Hall, evoking DNA structures. Until 25 January
QUEEN'S HOUSE GREENWICH: Advance notice that after this Sunday, Queen's House in Greenwich closes for a couple of weeks for a rehang. It reopens mid-February with new displays featuring fresh works by Sharon Walters, Shorsh Saleh, Remiiya Badru, and others, all of which explore stories of connection, identity and reimagined histories. This week, then, is your last chance to see it in its current configuration. Plus, there's a free lunchtime salon event on Wednesday, about an ambitious project to search for images of Black and Asian people in the Museum's collections. FREE, until 25 January (reopens 14 February)
EQUANIMITY FESTIVAL: Yoga & breathwork, soundbaths, vegetarian feasts and sauna sessions are just some of the wholesome ways in which you can continue to ease yourself into 2026, as part of The Equanimity Festival in King's Cross. We're feeling calmer just writing about it. Until 31 March
BURNS NIGHT EVENTS: Scottish poet Robert Burns is celebrated on the anniversary of his birth this Sunday, with Burns suppers and other special Burns Night events going on all week to celebrate. From special suppers to live music to ceilidhs, here's our pick of the best Burns Night events in London this year. Around 25 January
BOOKSHOP OF THE WEEK: Recently opened in Marylebone's Wimpole Street, Travellers Tales specialises in books to stir the soul and inspire adventure — with travelogues, photo books, memoirs and more, covering everything from blue whales in the Indian Ocean to Chilean vineyards to around-the-world night sleepers. Plenty to nudge you into booking your next trip away.
EAT OF THE WEEK: Contemporary Indian bistro chain Gunpowder is celebrating its 10th birthday with the menu shifted back a decade to 2015 prices: that means chilli cheese toast for £3 and maa's kashmiri lamb chops for under a tenner. The deal applies to all three London branches: Soho, Spitalfields and Tower Bridge. Until 31 January
Today's events: Monday 19 January
HIDDEN RIVER FLEET: Join Footprints of London guide Rob Smith for a walking tour tracing the hidden River Fleet. Begin at King's Cross, learning about the history of slums, prisons and spa waters as you follow the route of the hidden river on a two-hour meander, finishing at Blackfriars where it joins the Thames. 2pm
£5 KAROAKE: Today is Blue Monday, which the marketing industry claims is the most depressing day of the year. BAM Karaoke is cheering people up by offering two hours of karaoke for just £5 per person this afternoon/evening, with proceeds going to Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) mental health charity. 3pm-12.30am
LAMBETH HISTORY: Guide Richard Watkins presents a virtual tour of Lambeth, focussing on the "long-lost history of great industry along the Lambeth Thames' banks, including Coade Stone, Doulton’s and the Lion brewery". This is an online-only event. 6pm-7pm
GRIEF: Why do we grieve? That's the deceptively simple question at the heart of tonight's free Gresham Lecture (Barnard's Inn Hall in Holborn). Professor Robin May explores whether animals grieve, why some people handle it better than others, and whether a pharmaceutical 'cure' for grief is possible (or desirable). FREE, 6pm
WHO TRAINS OUR DOCTORS: Patricia Kingori, Professor of Global Health Ethics at Oxford, is at LSE for a discussion about who trains our doctors. Her documentary, Shadow Scholars, revealed that medical and healthcare assignments for students worldwide are being ghost-written by highly-educated Kenyan scholars who remain hidden from the system, and whose valuable intellectual contributions go unacknowledged. 6.30pm-8pm
CRAY CRAY CABARET: Top headliners, a world-class house band, the hottest comedy talent, and brilliant musical guests are all promised at Cray Cray Cabaret at the Comedy Store. Edinburgh Comedy Award winner Phil Nichol hosts, with performances by David Tims, Abandoman, Max Fulham, Sikisa and Elf Lyons. 7.30pm
HAPPY MONDAYS COMEDY: Russell Hicks headlines tonight's Happy Mondays Comedy at the Amersham Arms in New Cross, testing out his current work-in-progress show. Fitzgerald Honger, Alex Prescot, Alexis Coward, and a special guest TBC also get a chance on stage. 8pm
Today's events: Tuesday 20 January
FRIENDS MUSICAL PARODY: PIVOT! Beloved TV show Friends comes to the stage at the New Wimbledon Theatre in the form of a musical parody show. An original musical score accompanies the escapades of the world's most famous group of six as they navigate life in New York City. 20-24 January
CANARY WHARF WINTER LIGHTS: Once again the streets, docks, malls and squares of Canary Wharf will be aglow for the 10th anniversary of free light trail Winter Lights. We're awaiting full details of this year's event, but expect the usual mix of glowing artworks dotted throughout the vicinity. While you're in the area, why not take a twirl on the Canary Wharf ice rink. It's the only one of London's winter ice rinks which stays open right through until February. FREE, 20-31 January
ATMOSPHERE: What exactly is the gassy layer that clings to the Earth, which we all breath? Professor Helen Czerski is at Gresham College for a free public lecture on the air around us. FREE, 6pm
TWILIGHT BRUNCH: Brunch spot The Table Café in Southwark hosts what is apparently London's first evening bottomless brunch. It's organised by dip company Holy Moly, with three courses of food, plus bottomless cocktails, mocktails and soft drinks, and a live Mariachi band. 100% of proceeds go to charity partner Food Etc. 6.30pm
JULIAN BARNES: Authors Julian Barnes and Ian McEwan are in conversation in a joint event at Union Chapel in Islington, celebrating the publication of Barnes' new book, Departure(s) as well as his 80th birthday. They draw on the themes of the novel to discuss topics including philosophy, art, the slipperiness of memory, the passage of time, mortality and grief, followed by an audience Q&A. 7pm
HARLAND MILLER: As the current display of his work comes to a close, artist and writer Harland Miller is at the Design Museum, in conversation with the museum's Director Tim Marlow. Hear about Miller's career, the origins of his Letter Paintings, and the importance of language as a tool for visual communication, followed by a book signing with the artist. 7pm-8.20pm
OSO PIANO LOUNGE: "An evening of music where anything can happen" is how OSO Arts Centre describes the OSO Piano Lounge with singer and pianist Sofia Kirwan-Baez at the helm. Cabaret meets jazz dive as she takes requests, covering songs by anyone from Bob Dylan to Mozart and Beyonce to the Eagles. 7.30pm
Today's events: Wednesday 21 January
LONDON ART FAIR: The capital's art scene swings into action for the year at the London Art Fair at the Business Design Centre in Islington from today. The focus is on modern and contemporary pieces, with galleries from all over London and beyond exhibiting. 21-25 January
JORVIK: Interactive and immersive Viking play Jorvik makes its London debut at the Glitch in Waterloo, following its premiere at the annual Viking Festival in York. Expect celebration, song, combat, larger than life characters and plenty of toasting, set in the aftermath of the conquest of Eoforwic (York) and its rebirth as the legendary city; Jorvik. 21 January-9 February
BEYOND THE CAR: As part of its Driving For Change three-part lecture series, the London Transport Museum hosts Professor Dame Henrietta Moore to talk about the enormous damage being done by cars, and how widespread acceptance of alternatives across the world might inspire a new vision of urban life that is built around people, not traffic. It's a 30-minute talk, followed by a Q&A session. 6.30pm-7.30pm
DIG DEEPER: Find out more about the Natural History Museum's collections and research at a Dig Deeper talk. Tonight, get a behind-the-scenes look at the scientific detective work that led to the discovery of a dinosaur new to science, and the questions it’s still raising, from Principal Researcher Professor Susannah Maidment. Hear about the Enigmacursor mollyborthwickae, a dinosaur which roamed North America 145 million years ago. 6.30pm-8pm
SOUTH NORWOOD JAZZ CLUB: Vocalist Kitty Whitelaw hosts the monthly South Norwood Jazz Club, which sees different musicians performing at the Stanley Arts Gallery each time. 7.30pm
WHIPLASH IN CONCERT: Relive the 2014 Oscar-winning film Whiplash in another live concert experience at the Eventim Apollo. The 18-piece London Intercollegiate Jazz Orchestra and world-class drummer Greyson Nekrutman perform live, syncing their sounds to the story of ambitious young drummer, Andrew, studying at an elite jazz conservatory in New York City — including a rather impressive drum solo. 8pm
Today's events: Thursday 22 January
IN THE DARK: See nothing and hear everything at In The Dark, a live, immersive music experience at St Andrew's Holborn. Take a seat and put an eye mask on as a group of 30 musicians performs a 70-minute show, not just on stage but all around you. 22-30 January
FINDING FRED: Frederick Tibbs was a police officer who photographed London during the Second World War, and you can learn more about him in a lunchtime talk at the London Archives in Clerkenwell. Expert Rebecca Walker discusses Fred’s story, and what his life as a police officer would have been like from the Roaring Twenties through to the Second World War. 12.30pm
THE LOST DAGGER: Twickenham's Strawberry Hill House stays open late for an evening centred around current exhibition, The Lost Dagger. View the exhibition — about a 16th-century Ottoman dagger which once belonged to Henry VIII — by candlelight, and hear expert talks with a drink in hand. 6pm
FASHION MUSEUM LATE: Also open late tonight is Bermondsey's Fashion & Textile Museum, currently home to the (excellent!) Cosprop exhibition, displaying familiar costumes from all manner of films and TV shows. View the display after hours, and hear from two of the most influential figures in period costume design, John Bright and Jenny Beavan. 6pm-8pm
TERRARIUM WORKSHOP: Try your hand at terrarium-making at a workshop at Fulham Pier. Guided by an expert from Jar & Fern, design and build your own bespoke terrarium, using natural materials and greenery to create a miniature ecosystem. A complimentary drink is included in your ticket. 7pm-8pm
WEST END WOMEN: Female performers from a whole host of shows appear in Defying Gravity - West End Women at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley. See songs from the Wicked, Les Miserables, Mamma Mia and Waitress performed, in a big, joyful celebration of musical theatre. 7.30pm
THAT 70S NIGHT: Paper Dress Vintage in Hackney is the place to head for That 70s Night, an evening of 1970s rock music — both well-known anthems and deep cuts — by the likes of Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Fleetwood Mac, Bowie, T. Rex, The Doors, The Faces, Free, The Rolling Stones and more. 7.30pm
Today's events: Friday 23 January
BIG GARDEN BIRDWATCH: Help the RSPB keep an eye on the numbers of wild birds in London by taking part in the Big Garden Birdwatch. If you're lucky enough to have a garden or outside space, spend an hour counting and recording the numbers and types of birds that visit it, then report back to the RPSB. The charity uses the data to spot any patterns, anomalies, or any species that may be in danger. No garden of your own? Head to your local park instead. FREE, 23-25 January
LONDON SHORT FILM FESTIVAL: January is ideal for snuggling down in the cinema watching films, which is where London Short Film Festival comes in. Taking place at several independent cinemas around the capital, the programme boasts a wealth of new drama, documentary, comedy and animation short films, competition-winning films and industry events such as Q&As and speed-pitching sessions. Opening day highlights include London Lives, a programme of 10 shorts about life in the capital. 23 January-1 February
ISLINGTON SQUARES WALK: Aimed at parents and carers with little ones in tow, Bring Your Baby offers a guided walk around some of the squares of Islington, revealing their secrets as you go. Meet at Caledonian Road & Barnsbury station, following a pram-friendly route with a lunch and baby change stop factored in, ending at Angel station. 11am
SCANDINAVIAN IMPRESSIONISM: Swot up on Scandinavian Impressionism in an introductory talk at Dulwich Picture Gallery. Art historian MaryAnne Stevens give the talk, and your ticket also includes entry to the Anna Ancher: Painting Light exhibition. 12pm-1pm
TAYLORMANIA: Relive 2024's Eras Tour, as Taylor Swift tribute act Taylormania comes to Fairfield Halls in Croydon. Katy Ellis embodies the singer-songwriter, performing her hits including Shake It Off, Blank Space, and You Belong With Me. 7.30pm
JEFF STELLING: Sports TV presenter and Soccer Saturday host Jeff Stelling is at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley, chatting to Sky Sports host Bianca Westwood. He shares behind-the-scenes tales, anecdotes, and stories from throughout his career, including meeting football royalty, from George Best to David Beckham and Roy Keane. 7.30pm
COLLYWOBBLERS COMEDY: Ben Norris, Rory O'Hanlon, Johnny CT, Claudia Trentino and Barry Matthews are all on the line-up as Collywobblers Comedy comes to the Prince Albert pub in Bexleyheath. As always, Sion James is MC. 8.30pm
Today's events: Saturday 24 January
AIRFIX MODEL CLUB: The monthly Airfix Model Club at the RAF Museum is a chance to build one of the kits alongside other enthusiasts. This month it's the Supermarine Spitfire, and the event is open to children aged eight+, accompanied by an adult. 24-25 January
TWO TEMPLE PLACE: The incredible venue just off Embankment has a new exhibition. The Weight of Being: Vulnerability and Resilience in British Art – looks directly at how British artists from the post-war period to today have grappled with psychological pressure, breakdown, recovery and resistance. But it's also a free chance to look around one of London's most impressive interiors. FREE, until 19 April 2026.
GO EAST VINTAGE: Flea market Go East Vintage pops up in a Victorian warehouse on Tanner Street in Bermondsey for the weekend, with a curated stalls of vintage and antique furniture, lighting, homeware, art, vinyl, fashion and jewellery. 24-25 January
PECKHAM FARMERS' MARKET: The brand new Peckham Farmers' Market launches today, coming to Bellenden Road each Saturday offering a variety of fresh produce, street food, coffee, wine and live music. Traders include Wild Country Organics, Danefold Farm and Astons Bakehouse. 9.30am-3pm
WORLD'S END: Explore the history of the World's End area of Chelsea with tour guide Laura Agustin, and discover how the poor lived in an area of gas works, power station, pleasure gardens, coal-boats and street life. 1pm
PAWS AND POURS: Wine bar Humble Grape in Islington hosts a wine tasting social for dog lovers. At Paws & Pours, take part in a 45-minute guided wine tasting, featuring four wines, each paired with a dog breed. Bring your own pooch along too — dog treats are provided, and you can stick around to meet other dog owners after the tasting. 2pm
MUDLARKING TALK: Artist and mudlark Nicola White is at the London Museum Docklands to give a special talk related to the current Secrets of the Thames exhibition. She shares some of the most important items she's found during her years searching the Thames foreshore, and the insights they've provided into the lives of soldiers, sailors and other historic Londoners. 2pm-3.30pm
ALEX JONES: Canada Water cultural hub Corner Corner has Alex Jones & His Band in the house this afternoon — pumping out banger after banger from the 90s and 00s. 2pm-5pm
LOW EFFORT SKETCHES: Award-winning sketch duo Low Effort Sketches — aka Andy and Alice — are whipping the cameras out this evening, to film a performances of their show As Described. It's happening at the Museum of Comedy. 5pm
Today's events: Sunday 25 January
WHITEHALL MARCH: In late January 1649, King Charles I was led from St James's Palace to Banqueting House on Whitehall, in front of which he was beheaded, thus drawing a gory line under the English Civil War. For the past half century, The King's Army, a royalist branch of the English Civil War Society, has commemorated what they call "His Majestie's horrid murder", and today, they return for their 54th parade. FREE, from 11.30am
FAMILY ZOO SHOW: Take the kids along to Stanley Arts in South Norwood for The Zoo That Comes To You, which uses puppetry, live music and playful characters to bring animals to life and allow them to tell their stories of the challenges they face in a rapidly-changing world. Suitable for age five+. 11am/2pm
CHESS CLUB: Players of all stripes are welcome to come along to the Sunday chess club at Paddington Library, and work on their manoeuvres. Book ahead if you can, as slots can fill up (or is that Connect 4?). FREE, 12pm-3pm
GREEN CRIME: Criminal psychologist Dr Julia Shaw is at Conway Hall in Holborn, taking a deep-dive into some of the worst environmental crimes of our time, and the people who commit them. Hear about a world of murder, ecosystem destruction and corruption, and the people trying to bring the criminals to justice. 3pm-4.30pm
SOBER COMEDY: It's a Dry January special of Sober Comedy London at Backyard Comedy Club in Bethnal Green. Sally Anne Hayward, Josh James, Stefano Paolini and Slim are the comedians taking to the stage in an alcohol-free environment. 3.30pm-5.30pm
LITTLE WOMEN MUSICAL: Louisa May Alcott’s classic story Little Women comes to life on stage in Jo: The Little Women Musical in Concert, at Theatre Royal Drury Lane for one night only. Christine Allado, Christine Ebersole, Kelly Mathieson, Eleanor Grant, Sophie Pollono and Tobias Turley star in the musical adaptation of Jo March's story. 7pm
FOLK MUSIC: Walthamstow Folk Club has David Collins and Sue Conroy on tonight's bill, promising a programme spanning dreamy ballads to protest songs. 7.30pm
