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
LGBT+ HISTORY MONTH: February is LGBT+ History Month, with a wealth of events going on all over the country to mark the occasion. Find out what's on in London — this week's picks include a free talk, gallery tours, a family festival, and live performances.
HMS PINAFORE: All aboard HMS Pinafore at the London Coliseum, as Gilbert & Sullivan's opera set aboard a Royal Navy warship sails into the final week of its latest revival. Josephine, the captain's daughter, falls for a lowly deckhand, despite her father's plans for her to marry the First Lord of the Admiralty. Until 7 February 2026
JUST FOR ONE DAY: The story of the 1985 Live Aid concert is told through musical Just For One Day, featuring music by David Bowie, Queen, U2, Madonna, Elton John and others. You've only got until Saturday to see it at the Shaftesbury Theatre. Until 7 February 2026
PHOTO PORTRAIT PRIZE: See the work of talented young photographers, gifted amateurs and established professionals in the Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait Prize at the National Portrait Gallery. Both formal commissioned portraits and more spontaneous and intimate moments feature — see full details of the prize winners. Until 8 February 2026
FEBRUARY IN LONDON: Get the month ahead sorted with our guide to the best events in London this February, a curated selection spanning hot-ticket theatre shows, the best new exhibitions, flower and light festivals, Lunar New Year celebrations, and February half-term ideas. Have a read and get booking!
STATION OF THE WEEK: Sister Midnight — the folk currently renovating a space in Catford to become a grassroots music venue — have launched a fresh radio programme, broadcasting every Tuesday-Thursday. Sister Midnight FM features genre-bending music, live sessions and a slot where community organisations give the lowdown on their work.
PUB OF THE WEEK: The excellent Stag pub in Hampstead recently reopened, following a glow-up that includes a significant upgrade to the expansive garden (although maybe a bit chilly for that right now) and a whole floor dedicated to house parties. Importantly, there's an eye-catching array of craft brews from Deya, Verdant and Pretty Decent — plus a seasonally-changing martini menu.
Today's events: Monday 2 February
HALF PRICE FOOD: Catford Tavern has a half price food deal on every Monday, with grub featuring fish and chips, lava chicken and a drool-worthy array of burgers. 12pm-9pm
QUEEN VICTORIA'S FUNERAL: 125 years since the funeral of Queen Victoria, City Guide Robert Stephenson reveals what her death and burial meant for the country, and around the world. Hear about the role played by London as her body passed through on its final journey. Takes place at Guildhall Library. FREE, 2pm
AUTHORS IN CONVERSATION: Swing by Foyles Charing Cross Road to hear author Curtis Garner discussing his new novel Orange, a story of young love and self-discovery, set in Cornwall. He chats to fellow author James Cahill, who is celebrating the paperback release of his own novel, The Violet Hour. 7pm-8.30pm
KARAOKE: Yes it's only Monday, but throw caution to the wind, with a karaoke sesh at LGBTQ+ hotspot the Admiral Duncan in Soho. Karise McCock hosts (which should give you an idea of the vibes), and there are £3.50 happy hour prices on selected drinks throughout the night. 7pm-12am
CHARITY COMEDY: The Lily Foundation Comedy Night takes place at the Comedy Store in Leicester Square, with Marcus Brigstocke, Bella Hull, Mark Steel, Tiff Stevenson and MC Kevin Day taking to the stage to raise money to support children with mitochondrial disease. 8pm
Today's events: Tuesday 3 February
BALDWIN VS BUCKLEY: Theatre show Baldwin vs Buckley restages the 1965 debate between James Baldwin, literary voice of the civil rights movement, and William F. Buckley Jr, America’s most prominent conservative intellectual, on the topic Is The American Dream At The Expense Of The American Negro? Watch it at Wilton's Music Hall. 3-7 February 2026
KIDS' LIT FEST: Ross Montgomery, Alex Falase-Koya, Mariesa Dulak, Gareth P Jones, Jane Porter and Phoenix Comics creators are among the participants announced for the 2026 Stepping Into Stories Kids' Literature Festival in Herne Hill. 3-8 February 2026
EDGAR ALLAN POE: Theatrical play Edgar In The Red Room opens at the Hope Theatre in Islington, themed around the mysterious death of poet Edgar Allan Poe, who was found delirious outside a tavern and later died. Music, movement and projections are used in this haunting and hallucinogenic re-imagining of his final nightmare. 3-14 February 2026
CAT ART: The Bakery Art Gallery in Camden Passage hosts The Cat Show: The Artist's Mews — a collective celebration of the domestic cat, by way of drawing, painting, textile, photography, ceramics and more. Entry is free, although donations in support of Cats Protection are encouraged. FREE, 3-15 February
SAMURAI: Legendary Japanese Samurai warriors come out swinging at a large new exhibition at the British Museum. It explores the samurai's enduring legacy in games, fashion and film, with objects including the suit of armour sent by Tokugawa Hidetada to James VI and I, a Louis Vuitton outfit inspired by Japanese armour, and the popular, loosely historical video game Assassin's Creed: Shadows. 3 February-4 May 2026
NATIONAL GALLERY IN CROYDON: 30 life-sized reproductions of masterpieces from London's National Gallery go on display at locations around Croydon for The National Gallery: Art On Your Doorstep. Explore Queen's Gardens, Croydon Minster, Whitgift Shopping Centre and Park Hill Park in the centre of Croydon, as well as other spots around the borough to view reproductions of George Stubbs' Whistlejacket, Van Gogh's Sunflowers and Bathers at Asnières by Seurat, among other artworks. FREE, 3 February-5 July 2026
THAMES TORSO MURDERS: The case of the Thames Torso Murderer, a serial killer committing crimes in the capital around the same time that Jack the Ripper was at large, is discussed at Guildhall Library on Tuesday lunchtime. Author Sarah Bax Horton discusses the contemporaneous police investigation into the case — which featured in a recent Lucy Worsley documentary series — based on research for her latest book. FREE, 2pm
KINGSWAY: The busy roads of Aldwych and Kingsway can seem a bit soulless, but did you ever stop to admire the architecture and consider the history? Join guide Richard Watkins online for a virtual tour of these Edwardian streets, which takes in "world trade and diplomacy, newspapers, a prestigious hotel and a flourishing mini theatre-land". 6pm-7pm
WILDLIFE TRAILBLAZERS: In its 200th anniversary year, ZSL, the charity which runs London Zoo, offers a free talk delving into how wildlife science has changed over that time. A panel of speakers, hosted by scientist Adam Rutherford, looks at scientific breakthroughs over the past two centuries, followed by a Q&A session. FREE, 6pm-7.30pm
ACT OF RESISTANCE: Journalist, author and academic Gary Younge is the speaker at tonight's The Conversation at St Martin-in-the-Fields, introducing his new book, Pigeonholed, and discussing race and social justice in the USA and UK. Watch in person, or online. 7pm
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Today's events: Wednesday 4 February
HANDEL AND HENDRIX: Baroque and roll meets gospel and soul in new National Youth Theatre musical Handel and Hendrix, performed at St James's Church in Piccadilly. A music super-fan visits Mayfair's Handle and Hendrix Museum, located on the site where they both lived during different periods, and decides to stay forever. 4-7 February 2026
IRANIAN FILMS: Masterpieces of the Iranian New Wave is a series of Iranian documentary and fiction films being screened at Barbican Cinema from today. They were all created as part of the Cinema-ye Motafavet, or Iranian New Wave grassroots movement in the 1960s-70s, and include The Carriage Driver, one of the finest examples of Iran's popular classic comedies. 4-26 February 2026
KINOTEKA: Polish film festival Kinoteka gets underway today, offering contemporary and classic Polish cinema, documentaries and special events, as well as a retrospective of films by director Andrzej Wajda coinciding with the 100th anniversary of his birth. Tickets are still available for tonight's opening gala, which screens Wajda's Second World War film Ashes and Diamonds. 4 February-29 March 2026
WHITECHAPEL WOMEN: Parents and carers with a little one in tow can join Bring Your Baby Guided Walks for a tour around Whitechapel, focusing on the real stories of the women who became victims of Jack the Ripper. The route is designed to be baby-friendly, with a relaxed atmosphere, and stops built in for feeding and changing. 11am-2pm
WINTER FILM NIGHT: Journeys with purpose is the theme of a winter film night at the Royal Geographical Society. A programme of short films and documentaries includes a diverse range of voices, subject matter and storytelling styles, and is followed by a Q&A session with those who made the films. 6.45pm-9.45pm
EXOPLANETS: This year, astronomers expect to discover what will be the 10,000th known exoplanet — worlds around other stars. In today's Gresham College lecture at Conway Hall, The Sky at Night's Chris Lintott gives an overview of this remarkable haul, discussing the huge variety, and the dearth of planets that resemble Earth. FREE, 7pm
Today's events: Thursday 5 February
SIX NATIONS 2026: England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, France and Italy go head-to-head once again in the Men's Six Nations rugby tournament, which begins with France V Ireland tonight. Whoever you're cheering on, here's where you can watch Six Nations in London throughout the coming weeks. 5 February-14 March 2026
SHADOWLANDS: Hugh Bonneville and Maggie Siff star in Shadowlands, a revival of the play about Narnia author C.S. Lewis and his relationship with spirited American poet Joy Davidman. See it at the Aldwych Theatre from tonight. From 5 February 2026
HIDDEN HISTORIES TOUR: Clerkenwell's Charterhouse opens its doors for an LGBTQ+ History Month talk and tour by candlelight. Hear little-known stories of the men, many of whom were gay, who sought sanctuary in the building throughout the centuries, as well as the historic figures who shaped the institution, including George Villiers, 2nd Duke of Buckingham, post-war architects Seely & Paget, and artist Robert Medley. 6pm
DEATH SPECIALISTS: Did you ever stop and wonder: What do coroners actually do? Sir Peter Thornton speaks at Gresham College to explain more about the profession, and why coroners in England now investigate around 30% of all deaths. FREE, 6pm
SHAKESPEARE REIMAGINED: Twickenham's Strawberry Hill House stays open late for a candlelit exhibition viewing, drinks, and an expert talk. View current display Henry VIII’s Lost Dagger, about a vanished Ottoman dagger once believed to belong to the Tudor king, before Prof. Robin Simon (UCL) discusses historical authenticity in the theatre between 1700 and 1850, a period when the dagger is believed to have been in the hands of renowned Shakespearean actor Charles John Kean. From 6pm
FASHION MUSEUM LATE: Also open late tonight is Bermondsey's Fashion & Textile Museum, giving you a chance to view current exhibition Costume Couture: Sixty Years of Cosprop before it closes next month. On display are costumes from well-known films and TV shows including Downton Abbey, Gentleman Jack, and Out Of Africa. 6pm-8pm
COLLYWOBBLERS COMEDY: Patrick Monahan, Valeria Vulpe, Marcus Beeby, Ibs Sesay, Rory Mclennan, Kofi Achina and MC Sion James are all on the line-up as Collywobblers Comedy comes to The Roebuck in Borough. 8.30pm-11pm
Today's events: Friday 6 February
BLOODY BARNES: Things get mysterious in SW13 this weekend, as crime writing festival Bloody Barnes takes over OSO Arts Centre. It kicks off with a murder mystery dinner, followed by a series of events featuring the likes of local authors Sarah Govett and Biba Pearce, as well as ex-homicide detective Graham Bartlett and award-winning author Mark Billingham. 6-8 February 2026
COSI FAN TUTTE: Mozart’s Italian comedy masterpiece Così fan tutte gets the English National Opera treatment at the London Coliseum. Two men put their fiancées' loyalty to the test, pretending to be called away to war before returning and attempting to seduce each others' partners. 6-21 February 2026
URSULA THE SEA WITCH: Ursula, villain of Disney's The Little Mermaid, tells her own tale of sex, sorcery and suckers in Unfortunate: The Untold Story Of Ursula The Sea Witch at The Other Palace. Expect a pop soundtrack and filthy humour in a show that's very definitely NOT for kids. 6 February-5 April 2026
WATER PANTANAL FIRE: The Science Museum opens free photography exhibition Water Pantanal Fire, showcasing shots by documentary photographers Lalo de Almeida and Luciano Candisani, who've captured the threats faced by the Pantanal wetland which spreads across Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay. FREE, 6 February-31 May 2026
LOVE GLITTER GALA: Art’otel London Hoxton hosts the Love Glitter Gala, a fundraising event supporting the Loving Men⁺ Inclusivity & Diversity Fund. Expect a night of dining, performances, and plenty of glitter as headline act, BAFTA winner Mawaan Rizwan, drag performer Queenie, and hosts Arkem & Vincent take to the stage. 7pm-1am
FRIDAY NIGHT FUNNIES: Resistance Comedy takes over Southgate's Chickenshed Theatre for Friday Night Funnies, a night of laughs by comedians including Luke Craig, Sophie Garrad, Junior Booker and Jen Nolan. Doors open an hour before the show so you can enjoy a drink at the bar before the performance. 8pm
Today's events: Saturday 7 February
SEA SHANTY WEEKEND: There's an extra treat if you visit the Cutty Sark this weekend, as the monthly sea shanty takeover takes place. The HogEye Men (Saturday) and Swinging The Lead (Sunday) bring the maritime tradition to life with live performances throughout the day. 7-8 February 2026
KEW ORCHIDS FESTIVAL 2026: You know spring is on its way when the Orchids festival returns to Kew Gardens. 2026 is China's turn in the spotlight, with floral dragons, koi carp and pandas brightening up the glasshouse, showcasing some of the country's many native orchid species. Orchid Lates are back too, offering adults-only evening events among the blooms, celebrating Chinese culture and food. 7 February-8 March 2026
DEEP AZURE: Chadwick Boseman's 2005 play Deep Azure gets its UK premiere at Shakespeare's Globe, with themes of violence, racism and police brutality. Inspired by the true events of university student Prince Jones, it's a story of love, grief and justice in the wake of a man being killed by the police. 7 February-11 April 2026
WINTER WASSAIL: Get yourself over to west London to witness the Barnes Common Winter Wassail. Taking place at the Vine Road Recreation Ground, a Wassail Master oversees a session of storytelling, crafts and singing, in keeping with the traditional rural celebration to hope for an abundant crop in the coming year. 10am-1pm
SEWING MACHINE MUSEUM: Your monthly chance to visit London's little-known Sewing Machine Museum, home to hundreds of the machines, including one which once belonged to Queen Victoria's daughter. Entry is free, but charity donations are encouraged. Read about our visit. 2pm-5pm
MID-SPEED JAM: Like playing traditional English tunes, but feel that jam sessions are usually a bit quick for you? Head to the Harrison in King's Cross this afternoon for their Mid-speed English Tune Session, where you can play jigs, reels and polkas at a comfortable pace. FREE, 2pm-5pmish
NEW COMEDY CLUB: The new KX Comedy Club is a weekly event at the Parcel Yard in King's Cross, kicking off tonight with Paul Sinha from The Chase, along with Tom Ward, and a support act TBC. 7pm
ENFIELD FEASTS: Dugdale Arts Centre launches new supper club series Enfield Feasts with local chef Urvashi Roe serving up an Indian meal. Begin with a green chilli margarita before sampling dishes including steamed vegetable dumplings, beetroot chaat and chickpea masala. 7.30pm
Today's events: Sunday 8 February
PORTUGUESE ROAST: The Macbeth in Hoxton has a proposition for you: a Portuguese roast dinner! That's what's (literally) on the table every Sunday for the foreseeable: think roast chicken with rice, potatoes and house-made piri-piri sauce. To soundtrack it, Rodger Grant of Soul Partizan Radio hosts a daytime broadcast of soul, funk and reggae.
KIDS THEATRE: "Elliot needs to save the world – and save his mum. Enter some epic Greek Gods with a few tricks up their togas…" Who Let the Gods Out is a chucklesome musical adaptation of Maz Evans' bestselling books, aimed at 8-13 year-olds. It opens at Polka Theatre today. 7 February-22 March
DRINK, DEATH AND DEBAUCHERY: Join a Foundling Museum guide for a walking tour focusing on the boozy history of 18th-century London. Begin at Tottenham Court Road and end in Holborn, visiting St Giles, Seven Dials and Covent Garden while learning about the gin craze of the era, which inspired William Hogarth’s Gin Lane, as well as hearing about gallows, plague pits and prostitution. 11am
SPURS VS CHELSEA: Watch Tottenham Hotspur Women take on Chelsea Women in a Women's Super League match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. K/O 2.45pm
WILDERNESS TALKS: Spend your Sunday afternoon in Smithfield's Wilderness kitchen, leaning about the area's Monasteries, Martyrs, Meat and Medicine, courtesy of Blue Badge guide Diane Burstein. The talk can be prefaced with a £25 Sunday lunch add-on (that starts at 1pm). 3pm
ONCE ON THIS ISLAND: Get a flavour of one-act musical Once On This Island, as it comes to the Theatre Royal Drury Lane for a one-night-only concert. Tony Award–winner Alex Newell, Cedric Neal, Melanie La Barrie and Dujonna Gift all star in the Caribbean-set drama about a peasant girl who saves, and falls in love with, a boy from a very different background to her own. 7pm
KINDRED SPIRIT: Live music night Kindred was founded by Michelle Escoffery, an Ivor Novello and Brit Award-winning songwriter, over a quarter of a century ago. Tonight it's at Southbank Centre, showcasing talented performers including singer-songwriters Farah Audhali and Obi Franky, multi-instrumentalist and singer Amethyst, DJ Péjú, and female songwriter production programme YES WE ARE!. 7.30pm
SUPER BOWL 2026: It's Super Bowl Sunday, when two of America's finest NFL teams face off. Assuming you're not jetting off to California to watch in person, here's a guide to Super Bowl screenings and parties in London. It runs into the early hours, so consider booking Monday off work. Throughout the night
