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
BHARTI KHER: British Indian artist Bharti Kher’s sculptural works, which explore the body, womanhood, mythology and cultural identity, are brought into conversation with objects from the V&A's historic collections, in a new free display at the South Kensington museum. FREE, from 20 July 2026
OUTLANDER EXHIBITION: Bonhams auction house on New Bond Street stages a free special exhibition of original costumes and props from the Outlander TV show, following the eighth and final series. View recognisable items before they're auctioned off. FREE, 20 July-4 August 2026
SIR RICHARD OWEN: The Natural History Museum reflects on its Victorian origins with a free display dedicated to the man whose vision established the South Kensington institution. Richard Owen: A Natural Legacy brings together previously unseen artworks, historical photographs, and original wooden printing blocks, including a rare opportunity to view Owen’s personal copy of his 1832 Memoir of the Pearly Nautilus. FREE, until 23 July 2026
EARTH PHOTO: The Royal Geographical Society showcases winners and best-in-class entries from Earth Photo, its international programme for still and moving-image makers exploring climate, environment and social impacts. The free exhibition at the Kensington institution displays around 50 of the competition’s strongest images and moving-image entries, and closes this week. FREE, until 24 July 2026
ARCHDUKE: The European premiere of theatre show Archduke, on at the Royal Court Theatre until Saturday, follows three young men in Belgrade in 1914 who are offered the chance to change history. Their mission: kill Archduke Franz Ferdinand. Until 25 July 2026
SPRAYGROUND’S SOHO PLAYGROUND: Cult streetwear brand Sprayground has gone all out for its first ever London pop up, transforming Future Stores – at the corner of Oxford Street and Dean Street – into an immersive destination combining art, fashion, and music. Head there to shop exclusive products, ogle large-scale sculptures made from Sprayground luggage, and maybe even bag yourself a complimentary treat or two. There’s an eclectic range of happenings throughout the week, from live breakdancing to tooth gem sessions – who knows what sort of surprises you’ll encounter during your visit?! Until 31 July (sponsor)
THE ART OF MINI GOLF: A playable exhibition of nine mini golf holes by female artists including Miranda July, Kaylene Whiskey, Danielle Brathwaite‑Shirley and Soda Jerk is installed at Battersea Arts Centre until this weekend. Menacing cartoons and swamp flowers are among the obstacles on the course. Until 26 July 2026
WAR HORSE: Last chance to see the fantastic War Horse, based on Michael Morpurgo's book and using giant puppets to tell the story of a young man who goes in search of his horse, Joey, during the First World War. Until 30 July 2026
PALACE TOURS: Explore the home of UK Parliament for less this summer, with reduced ticket prices on Palace of Westminster tours. There are audio and guided tours to choose from, with each one taking you through iconic spaces including the chambers of the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Discover 900 years of history and get a behind-the-scenes look at the workings of Parliament. Not only are all tours cheaper this summer, but one child goes free with each adult ticket purchased for audio tours. (sponsor)
SUMMER HOLIDAYS: Kids off school for the break? Keep them entertained with our pick of things to do in London in the summer holidays. We've also compiled a guide to free summer holiday entertainment — ideal if you're on a budget — as well as the best family theatre shows on in London right now.
EAT OF THE WEEK: Cantoast Bakery — home to salted egg honey toast, and the chilli crisp hoisin scroll — has just opened its first brick-and-mortar outlet, in Marylebone. You might have to squeeze in if you want a seat; there are only 16, while pastries start at a bargainous £3.50.
DRINK OF THE WEEK: If you live around Queen's Park, you've got a new neighbourhood wine bar to slurp in: Bar Blondie's 200-odd wine list spans classic European estates and emerging producers — to be paired with all sorts of cultural goodies including poetry recitals and chess nights. The food looks good too.
Today's events: Monday 20 July
HEIGHTS OF LONDON: Led by Rob Smith of Footprints of London, this two-hour walk visits Brent's 92m summit at Wakemans Hill Avenue, part of a series of walks visiting the highest point in each London borough. Today's 3.9-mile route goes through Fryent Country Park and Roe Green Park, highlights houses by Ernest Trobridge, and touches on Kingsbury’s motor-car and aircraft-making past, finishing at Kingsbury Tube station. 2pm-4pm
AMELIE: Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s 2001 French film Amélie, starring Audrey Tautou, is shown at Rooftop Cinema Club in Peckham. The screening is in the original language with English subtitles. 6pm
BEETHOVEN'S NINTH: Classical music festival BBC Proms is now underway, and tonight's treat at the Royal Albert Hall sees South African cellist Abel Selaocoe return as soloist in the UK premiere of Jessie Montgomery’s These Righteous Paths, with an opening orchestral arrangement of Bach’s Fantasia and Fugue by Andrew Davis. That's followed by Beethoven’s Symphony No.9, performed by the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra and Philharmonia Chorus. 7pm
COLOMBIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY: Camden's Jazz Cafe hosts a Colombian Independence Day celebration led by Angelica Lopez with a full live band, paying tribute to the late Totó La Momposina through cumbia, bullerengue, tambora and mapalé. Support comes from DJ Carlos Niño and the show is supported by Latinos in London. 7pm-10.30pm
NEW MOON: JAC, Nicola Hoie, daisie and Hellyer play a showcase of emerging singer‑songwriters at the Half Moon Putney. New Moon is a weekly live music night which presents up‑and‑coming acts in an intimate pub setting. 7.30pm
Today's events: Tuesday 21 July
ROGUE SHAKESPEARE: Ryan J-W Smith, an award-winning poet-playwright, performs an audience-interactive show in which he composes perfectly structured iambic sonnets on the spot. Based on his podcast of the same name, Rogue Shakespeare involves theatre games and volunteers who check meter, rhyme and originality. See it at Barons Court Theatre. 21-25 July 2026
THE ENGLISH CATHEDRAL: A new, free display at Southwark Cathedral, The English Cathedral brings together Peter Marlow’s photographs of the naves of all 42 Anglican cathedrals in the country. Shot on large‑format film using only natural light and taken from a consistent east‑facing viewpoint, the images emphasise architectural detail as dawn light streams through the windows. FREE, 21 July-31 August 2026
TRENT PARK MUSEUM: North London gets a brand new museum today, as the Trent Park House of Secrets opens to the public. Find out how the Enfield building was used as a state-of-the-art surveillance centre during the Second World War, with bugging devices hidden around the house to listen in on German generals who were being held there. From 21 July 2026
SUMMER SCHOLARS: The British Library hosts a pair of Summer Scholars Lunchtime Talks. Assistant Professor Misha Ewen discusses the role of women in empire-building from her book Imperial Ties, while curator Santiago Valencia Parra explores new ways of mapping the library's Latin American collections. It's a chance to hear from the Institute’s visiting fellows about their latest research into the Americas and Oceania holdings. FREE, 1pm-2pm
FEMINIST ART OF WALKING: Author and activist Morag Rose leads an exploration of the East End’s streets, starting from the Whitechapel Gallery. The Feminist Art of Walking celebrates women who have transformed simple wanders into acts of creative resistance and political mischief. The two-hour route follows the pavements of the local area, sharing stories from Rose’s psychogeographical collective, The Loiterers Resistance Movement, and advocating for more equitable public spaces. FREE, 2pm-4pm
COMEDY INCORPORATED: Head to the railway arches of Haggerston for a night of stand-up as Comedy Incorporated takes over the taproom at Signature Brew. The evening features a curated mix of different comics performing in the brewery’s industrial setting. While the event is free to attend and requires no ticket, the organisers welcome donations to support the performers on the night. FREE, 6pm
Sponsor message
School's-out treat: A fantastical family trip to Wonderland
Extraordinary puppets, exquisite costumes and joyous nonsense are the order of the day at the family-friendly production Alice in Wonderland, making it the perfect school holiday outing.
Head to Riverside Studios in Hammersmith this week or next, enjoy an ice cream on the Thames-side terrace, then tumble down the rabbit hole. Watch in awe as a kaleidoscope of colourful characters brings the Cheshire Cat, the White Rabbit and the Queen of Hearts to life, while Alice ventures ever deeper into Wonderland.
Alice in Wonderland is at Riverside Studios, Hammersmith, until 2 August 2026. Age five+.
Today's events: Wednesday 22 July
SECRET GREEK THEATRE: Did you know about Walthamstow's 'Greek' amphitheatre? Tucked away in the grounds of a school, the theatre — built in the 1920s — opens to the public for just a few days every year for performances of a Shakespeare play. This year it's The Merry Wives of Windsor. 22-25 July 2026
MALORY TOWERS: Enid Blyton's boarding school novel series Malory Towers comes to Alexandra Palace Theatre, offering a dose of nostalgia for those who read the books in childhood, and introducing younger audience members to the adventures of Darrell, Gwendoline, Sally and co., on the Cornish coast. 22 July-2 August 2026
IMMERSIVE GREASE: (Not literally; that would be horrid.) Don your best 1950s attire for an immersive staging of the 1978 musical Grease. Battersea Park transforms into Rydell High, as a 30-strong cast perform across multiple screens and sets. 22 July-13 September 2026
I'M EVERY WOMAN: A stage telling of Chaka Khan’s life and songs, I'm Every Woman opens at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre starring Alexandra Burke as the woman behind the music. Songs include I Feel for You, Ain't Nobody and Through The Fire. 22 July-27 September 2026
FLOYDS GONE: Author Jacob A. Smith visits Housmans Bookshop in King's Cross to celebrate the launch of his debut short story collection, Floyds Gone. These vivid, unsettling tales explore the mediated nature of modern life, featuring recurring characters and strange imagery ranging from violent viral videos to rural homes filled with waste. All author and publisher profits from the evening are being donated to Medical Aid for Palestinians and Lifeshare. FREE, 6.45pm-9pm
JAWDANCE: Regular poetry performamce night Jawdance brings an evening of words to Brixton House, hosted by Kat François with guest artists Gecko, Zena Edwards and Tawhida Tanya Evanson. Expect a blend of prepared sets and open mic slots for audience members who want to perform. 8pm
Today's events: Thursday 23 July
CITY WITHIN A CITY: Artists and academics Manal Massalha and Clare Qualmann lead an experimental exploration of Whitechapel’s urban fabric, starting and ending at the Whitechapel Gallery. City within a city: traces and layer invites you to use photography to zoom in on the juxtapositions of the local streets, noticing architectural details and hidden histories at a slow, reflective pace. FREE, 4pm-6pm
CARTOON MUSEUM COFFEE: Something extraordinary is brewing at the Cartoon Museum in Fitzrovia as it hosts a one-night launch party for a new collaboration with Pepita Coffee and Fat Boy Slim. The evening celebrates the release of a limited-edition collectable art coffee tin inspired by the 18th-century caricaturist James Gillray. Enjoy coffee samples, a curated DJ set, and an exclusive tour of the museum’s unique collection. 4pm-9pm
THE LIVING TABLE: Omved Gardens in Highgate holds a Living Table supper club, where you can enjoy a series of seasonal courses showcasing the best the community garden has to offer. Nature Art Facilitator Corrie talks you through seeing food through the lens of an artist, using vibrant seasonal pigments as natural dyes, and transforming the table into a collaborative canvas. 6.30pm
TREELINE: Graham Fitkin presents the final concert of his pan‑European forest project Treeline, performing a new hour‑long work for piano and keyscanner that uses field recordings and data gathered from trees, including sounds recorded inside an old beech in Epping Forest. Takes place at Kings Place in King's Cross, with a free pre‑concert talk for ticketholders. 7.30pm
MIRANDA JOY: London-based singer-songwriter Miranda Joy performs with her all-female band in an evening of soulful, song‑led material at Crazy Coqs, the art deco cabaret lounge within Brasserie Zédel in Soho. 8.45pm
Today's events: Friday 24 July
HYPER JAPAN FESTIVAL: Love all things Japanese? It's your lucky weekend because London has Hyper Japan, a celebration of Japanese culture at Olympia London. Japanese band Queen Bee and singer-songwriter Eir Aoi are among the performers, alongside a market, cosplaying and a sake experience. 24-26 July 2026
STEEL SCENES: A weekend takeover at Southbank Centre marks 75 years of the steel pan in the UK, featuring youth ensembles, UK steel bands and new commissions across Riverside Terrace, Royal Festival Hall and Jubilee Gardens. Highlights include Steel Rising (youth performances) and Steel Sounds with Just Vibez on the riverfront — and the majority of the weekend is free. 24-26 July 2026
ISLINGTON MUSIC FESTIVAL: The 10-day Islington Festival presents a programme called "the words beneath the sound", exploring music inspired by literature. The season features familiar repertoire such as Schubert's Death and the Maiden alongside rarer works including Dora Pejacevic's Piano Quartet, and introduces festival debuts from John Slack, Zoë Bayers, Sam Collings, MZ Duo and Chantefable. 24 July-2 August 2026
SUMMER SPLASH: A free lido opens in east London's docks for the summer holidays, complete with lifeguards, kids' lessons and floating platforms to pen swimmers in and keep them safe. Just bear in mind that Summer Splash in Royal Docks is unheated. FREE, 24 July-16 August 2026. Find other urban beaches and outdoor swimming spots to enjoy in London this summer.
COLD WAR PROPAGANDA: Professor Rory Cormac unmasks the clandestine world of British psychological warfare and covert indoctrination at the National Army Museum in Chelsea. Drawing on newly declassified files, the talk explores how a secret unit forged documents and fabricated source material to disrupt adversaries. It is a chance to learn about the individuals behind these hidden campaigns and the thin line between truth and manipulation. FREE, 12pm-1pm
THAT 70s CLUB: Step into a full-throttle throwback at Signature Brew Blackhorse Road for a night dedicated to the golden era of soul, glam and disco. The brewery’s industrial space transforms into a glitter-filled dancefloor featuring everything from funk bangers and punk energy to pop singalongs. FREE, 7pm
ICY MOONS: Professor Michele Dougherty, the first female Astronomer Royal, visits the Royal Institution to discuss the search for life in the outer solar system. The talk explores findings from the Cassini and Galileo missions and looks ahead to the JUICE mission’s exploration of liquid water oceans beneath the crusts of Ganymede, Callisto and Europa. 7.20pm-8.45pm
Today's events: Saturday 25 July
ICE WEEKEND: Descend into Victorian 42-foot ice wells, watch ice-cream making demos, take a family ice trail, hear tales of the ice trade and try the Ice Trade Challenge at the annual Ice Weekend at London Canal Museum in King's Cross. Boat trips run on the surrounding canals on both days too. 25-26 July 2026
LAVENDER HARVEST: For one weekend, Carshalton Lavender invites the public to descend on its allotment, and pick their own lavender. Just remember to bring secateurs or scissors, with which to do your snipping. 25-26 July 2026
PLAY-OFFS: Starting today, and taking place every Saturday until the end of August, The Play-Offs invites adults to get involved in competitive (yet friendly) bouts of padel, baseball batting and team bootcamp challenges. Prizes include beers, as well as complimentary bookings at The 108 in Brent Cross Town, where The Play-Offs are happening. 25 July-29 August 2026
CATS: A new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's CATS plays at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre from today. The show features familiar numbers such as Memory, Old Deuteronomy and Macavity, as the strays and rebels of London gather under the Jellicle moon in the hope they’ll be the chosen one. 25 July-19 September 2026
MUDLARKING FESTIVAL: Southwark Cathedral hosts a day of heritage crafts and mudlarking with demonstrations, craft stalls, talks, family drop-in activities and an exhibition of finds from the Thames. Meet mudlarks, archaeologists, conservators and craftspeople, and handle selected artefacts. 10am-4pm
CARIBBEAN TAKEOVER: The Caribbean Social Forum returns to Greenwich for a vibrant, family-friendly celebration across the National Maritime Museum and Queen’s House. This fifth-anniversary edition of Caribbean Takeover also honours 60 years of the Notting Hill Carnival with a packed programme of steel pan music, African drumming, and calypso dance. Join carnival headwear workshops, watch a screening of the film Milestone: Streets Paved with Gold, or challenge locals to a game of dominoes. FREE, 10am-5pm
ROMAN LONDON: Our city began with the Romans. Join tour guide Jonathan Wober for a guided walk around the Roman remains that can still be seen in the Square Mile. 10.30am
WOOLWICH ARSENAL TO ART DECO: Explore the eclectic riverside history of Woolwich on this guided walk from Footprints of London. Woolwich: Arsenal to Art Deco visits 18th-century gun factories and palatial Victorian municipal buildings, while revealing the origin story of Arsenal FC. You'll also see the area's recent regeneration projects, starting from the Woolwich Elizabeth line station. 11am-1pm
SWANA SUMMER PARTY: Community production house Hekayyatna takes over the gardens of the Horniman Museum in Forest Hill for Haflah at the Horniman. This family-friendly celebration of South-West Asian and North African cultures features live music at the bandstand, a "souq" market selling Palestinian fair-trade produce and Yemeni silver, and food trucks serving Syrian burgers and Lebanese street food. Plus, join a dabke dance tutorial, listen to a retelling of the Epic of Gilgamesh, or try your hand at Arabic calligraphy. 1pm-5pm
NAPOLEON III: The second-most-famous Napoleon is the subject of a guided walk, conducted by acclaimed historian Dr Edward Shawcross on a vivid, life-affirming tour of the London exile of Napoleon III, Europe’s first populist emperor. 2.30pm
OI! THE PARTY: Punk rocker Mark Hannan celebrates his 60th at the 100 Club, with short sets from three of his bands —The Crack, The Elite and Mean Streak — plus music from others including The Business and Cheezy & The Helmets. It's gonna be a late and loud one. 6pm-12am
Today's events: Sunday 26 July
BRAINIAC LIVE: Keep little minds ticking over during the summer holidays with family science show Brainiac Live at the Garrick Theatre. In the space of just an hour, delve into several mysteries of science, and witness a series of experiments that are definitely not to be repeated at home. 26 July-30 August 2026
DRINK, DEATH & DEBAUCHERY: Join a Foundling Museum guide for a walking tour tracing 18th-century London’s boozy and often brutal past around St Giles, Seven Dials and Covent Garden. The walk covers the gin craze, Hogarth’s Gin Lane, gallows, plague pits and prostitution, beginning at the Dominion Theatre and finishing at the Foundling Museum. 11am
BOW FAMILIES: Artist Nicola McEvoy leads a creative workshop at the Nunnery Gallery in Bow, teaching children how to craft handsewn drawstring bags and pouches. Using a mix of felt, polycotton and scrap store materials, participants can take inspiration from modern fandoms or ancient cultures to design their own unique accessories. FREE, 11am-1pm
COMEDY FESTIVAL: Both Signature Brew Blackhorse Road and Signature Brew Haggerston host the Nice n Spiky Comedy Festival, with day tickets available for each venue, and alternatively, the chance to buy tickets for individual shows. The line-up's pretty sweet, including Bella Hull, Nick Helm and Finlay Christie. Just double check you're going to the right brewery! From 11.30am
FAMILY BEACH PARTY: Richie Rich Parties brings high-energy entertainment to the sand at JW3 in Finchley Road to celebrate the start of the summer holidays. This Family Beach Party features professional bubble displays, circus skills, and interactive games designed to keep children engaged. Dance and kick back by the water in a vibrant, seaside-inspired atmosphere. 2pm-3.30pm
CHURCH TEA: Islington’s iconic Union Chapel puts a global spin on a British classic with Church Tea with a Modern Twist. This community gathering swaps standard fare for a spread of baklava, samosas and scones, celebrating food heritage through shared memories and international flavours. Once you've had your fill, the house band leads a transition from traditional foxtrots to salsa lessons on the dancefloor. FREE, 2pm-6pm
BRAZILIAN SESSION: Rachel Haytor (from the band Alvorada) and Jonathan Preiss (Choro Matiz and Caratinga) host the Rodo do Harrison — a free Brazilian music session at the Harrison in King's Cross. Instrumentalists are welcome to join in. FREE, 7.45pm
