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!
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BANK HOLIDAY: This coming weekend (29-31 August) is a bank holiday weekend. If you're lucky enough to have three days off work and you're looking for something to keep you out of mischief, our guide to bank holiday things to do in London has a plethora of ideas.
IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD: Head to Victoria Park for a free, midweek programme at All Points East featuring live music and DJs (including DJ Yoda’s 90s Mixtape Live, Trojan Sound System and DJ Kizzi), stage takeovers from Cafe 1001 and Rich Mix, community performances from Grand Union Orchestra, West Ham FC Foundation sessions, family theatre, and fitness classes. You don't need a ticket to the main festival to attend In The Neighbourhood. FREE, 24-27 August 2026
POWER OF HONEY: Bees and the Bank of England aren't an obvious combination, but the on-site museum's temporary exhibition (which closes this Friday) centres around the Bee-nomics Inspection Hive, a custom-built observation hive that brings living bees into the Museum, ultimately using their way of life to explore how trust is built, protected and deceived. FREE, until 28 August 2026
THE CAR MAN: Renowned choreographer Matthew Bourne brings The Car Man to Sadler's Wells, a reimagining of Bizet’s Carmen set in a 1950s garage-diner with music by Terry Davies and Rodion Shchedrin’s Carmen Suite. This week is your last chance to see it. Until 29 August 2026
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM: Shakespeare's Globe offers a production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. A company of amateur performers prepare a wedding‑night play that spills into a moonlit world of lovers, fairies and mischief, accompanied by music by Jim Fortune. Until 29 August 2026
A WORLD ELSEWHERE: Meanwhile, Shakespeare's Globe also hosts A World Elsewhere, a family show staged in the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, following Cass and his band of imaginary friends through Shakespeare-inspired adventures. Until 30 August 2026
COSTA DEL CROYDON: This is the final week of rooftop pop-up beach Costa Del Croydon, which brings sand and splash zones to Centrale’s rooftop car park. Expect a giant sandpit, baby splash area, family workshops, giant chess, fairground rides, street food and adults-only Thursday evening sessions. FREE, until 31 August 2026
THE ENGLISH CATHEDRAL: Photographer Peter Marlow captured photos of all 42 cathedrals of the Church of England using only natural light. See the results in a free Southwark Cathedral exhibition, closing this week. FREE, until 31 August 2026
HORRIBLE HISTORIES: Treat the kids to a history lesson they'll actually enjoy: Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain at the Apollo Theatre tackles the nasty side of Boudica, King John, Guy Fawkes and other figures who shaped this country — you've only got until next Monday to see it. Until 31 August 2026
FUTURE OF FOOD: Time's also running out to see the Science Museum's free Future of Food exhibition, which examines how science and ecology are reshaping what we grow, make and eat — from a 3,500‑year‑old loaf of bread to the first beef steak grown outside a cow. As it's the school holidays, the museum will be very busy so so book a (free) entry ticket in advance to avoid queuing. FREE, until 1 September 2026
GDIF: The free Greenwich + Docklands International Festival (GDIF) is still going on in east London. Highlights this week include Efectos Especiales, which allows visitors to step into the world of a live action film shoot. FREE, until 6 September 2026
VIDEO OF THE WEEK: Ever wondered what London would look like, were the culverted River Fleet to be resurfaced? Wonder no more! In his latest video, Daniel Coughlin has used AI to reimagine the city streets with the once-filthy waterway cleaned up, and wending its natural course. Holborn Viaduct looks so much better with water flowing beneath it...
PUB OF THE WEEK: The Cockpit micropub in Chislehurst was recently named Greater London Pub of the Year, and no wonder given its tempting spread of cask beers, proper ciders, Wessex gin — plus Neal's Yard cheese boards. Oh, and any pub that strings up dried hops from the ceiling gets a thumbs-up from us.
Today's events: Monday 24 August
BARD IN THE BOOKSHOP: Shakespeare’s epic tragedy of passion and politics, Antony & Cleopatra unfolds among the shelves of Waterstones Gower Street in two special evening performances. Bard in the Bookshop reimagines the Roman-Egyptian love story within the intimate setting of a unique, non-traditional theatre space. 24-25 August 2026
SECRET KNIGHTSBRIDGE: Guide Marilyn Greene leads a two-hour exploration of the hidden backstreets and conservation areas tucked between Brompton Road and Hyde Park. Trace the area's 19th-century evolution from a rural pocket of gardens and health retreats into a prestigious residential district. Meander through quiet mews and squares, visiting the landmark Brompton Oratory, and discovering how the local architecture has shifted over the decades. 2pm-4pm
FREUD AND MOSES: Research manager Tom DeRose leads an in-house talk at the Freud Museum in Hampstead exploring Sigmund Freud’s lifelong obsession with the biblical figure of Moses. The session examines Freud's ambivalent relationship with his Jewish heritage and his curious decision to publish his 1913 paper on Michelangelo’s Moses anonymously. 3pm-4pm
UKRAINIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY: Marking the 35th anniversary of Ukrainian independence, the National Army Museum in Chelsea hosts a special late event exploring Operation Interflex. A panel of British Army personnel and translators discusses the vital impact of this UK-led training programme, which has supported over 63,000 Ukrainian troops. The evening also features a special display of images charting the operation's history alongside various cultural activities. 5.30pm-8.30pm
KITCHEN STORIES: Chef and food writer Claire Thomson visits the Book Shop at Fortnum & Mason to discuss her latest work, Dear Grace. Part cookbook and part memoir, the book was written for her daughter leaving for university and features student-friendly recipes alongside advice on resilience and budgeting. Enjoy a welcome drink and snacks while hearing about Thomson's transition from Instagram advice to a published guide for independent living. 6.30pm-8pm
LIFE DRAWING: Peckham Life Drawing brings its inclusive creative sessions to the stage at The Ivy House in Nunhead. The evening begins with rapid-fire poses to sharpen your instincts before moving into longer, more detailed studies of a professional model. All abilities are welcome at Nothing on Tonight, and basic drawing materials are provided for those who don't bring their own. 7pm-9pm
Today's events: Tuesday 25 August
CBEEBIES HOUSE PARTY: Join CBeebies stars Evie Pickerill, Joanna Adeyinka-Burford, George Webster, Duggee, Mister Maker and Mr Tumble for a family-friendly stage show at Southbank Centre. CBeebies House Party Live combines songs, dancing, bubbles and a CBeebies Bedtime Story in a show aimed at ages 0-6. 1pm
THE COMEDY OF ERRORS: Six performers take to the stage at The Cockpit in Marylebone for a fiercely inventive reimagining of Shakespeare’s classic farce. This production of The Comedy of Errors by The Shakespeare Circus relies on lightning-fast costume changes and bold physical comedy to navigate the play's whirlwind of mistaken identities. 7pm
PSYCHOLOGY OF DICTATORS: Psychiatrist and NHS doctor Jonathan Iliff visits The Blues Kitchen Brixton to examine the personality traits and neurological factors that drive history's most notorious autocrats. The talk, The Psychology of Dictators, explores how power and genetics can corrupt ordinary individuals, tracing patterns from Pol Pot to modern-day figures. 7pm-9.30pm
QUEEN IFRICA: One of roots reggae's most vital and commanding voices arrives at The Jazz Cafe in Camden for a rare London performance. Queen Ifrica, a torchbearer of the genre known for tracks like Lioness on the Rise, returns to the stage with new material from her latest album, Breath of Life, giving you the chance to experience her powerful melodies in an intimate setting. 7pm-10.30pm
OUTDOOR CINEMA: Sean Baker’s kinetic 2017 drama The Florida Project screens under the stars at the Barbican's Sculpture Court. The film follows six-year-old Moonee and her rebellious mother Halley as they navigate life in a candy-coloured motel on the fringes of Disney World, featuring a notable performance by Willem Dafoe as the hotel manager. It is a brash and beautiful exploration of childhood exuberance set against the stark reality of the American dream. 8.30pm
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Last chance to get tickets for Battersea Park in Concert
The countdown is on for Battersea Park in Concert, a series of four open-air shows taking place in the beautiful riverside park this bank holiday weekend. Pack a picnic and enjoy live performances as the sun sets over London. The last few tickets are going fast.
Battersea Park in Concert kicks off this Friday (28 August) with Sounds of South Africa, a UK-exclusive performance of Paul Simon’s Graceland, by singer-songwriter Jeremy Loops and London African Gospel Choir.
Dance your Saturday night away at Pop Symphonic, as the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, joined by a full disco band and guest singers, performs lively songs by the likes of Britney Spears, ABBA, Elton John and Beyoncé.
Spend Sunday evening revisiting hits of the stage and silver screen at Movies & Musicals, as the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra returns to cover much-loved numbers from Hamilton, Studio Ghibli, Back to the Future, The Greatest Showman and more.
Finally, finish your bank holiday weekend on a high on Monday, with the legendary sound of Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra, bringing the sounds of the world-renowned Soho club out into the open air, supported by The Amy Winehouse Band.
Battersea Park in Concert runs 28-31 August 2026. Remaining tickets available now, and selling fast.
Today's events: Wednesday 26 August
FLEET STEET PUBS: Few roads in the country can claim as many historic pubs as Fleet Street. Join guide Richard Watkins for an historical ramble down the street, with an eye for its storied watering holes. 2.30pm-5pm
CROCHET WITH JANKI: Beginners and those looking to refresh their craft skills can head to Poplar Union for a creative workshop. The session covers the fundamentals of crochet including how to master foundational stitches, read complex patterns, and select the appropriate materials for future projects. It is an inclusive, adult-only environment where no prior experience is required to start creating. FREE, 6pm-8pm
BLACK BRITISH CIVIL RIGHTS: Academic and activist Professor Gus John joins a screening of 60 years of Struggle: Civil Rights at the Black Cultural Archives in Brixton. The event explores the history of anti-racism in education, housing, and policing since 1965, alongside a rare screening of the 1989 film Caribbean in Crisis. An extended Q&A follows the films, offering lessons from John’s six decades of fighting for racial equality legislation. 6.15pm-8.30pm
BLOOMSBURY FOLKLORE CLUB: Waterstones Gower Street hosts Bloomsbury Folk Club, a monthly gathering dedicated to the myths and legends of the British Isles. This month features an informative talk focused on the mysterious world of merfolk, with a mix of music and traditional storytelling, followed by a Q&A session to delve deeper into the evening's aquatic theme. 6.30pm
CARNIVAL PANEL DISCUSSION: Ahead of Notting Hill Carnival's 60th anniversary this weekend, watch a panel discussion about six decades of the event, and what it might look like in future. Among the speakers at Mason & Fifth in Westbourne are Rosita Lynch, Linett Kamala, Alexander D Great and Michael ‘Soca Massive’ Olton, and the evening also includes two short films about Carnival pioneer Russ Henderson. 6.30pm
EAT MY SHORTS: Walthamstow Trades Hall hosts an animated short film night dedicated to championing low-to-no budget passion projects from independent creators. The screening features a diverse mix of shorts, music videos, and experimental loops, followed by a Q&A session where filmmakers discuss their creative processes. 7pm
CROSSWORD LYRIC: Poets, lyricists and freestyle MCs gather at the Harrison in King's Cross for an open mic night that prioritises raw expression over ego. The creative session, Crossword Lyric, blends spoken word with live music and feature sets from guest spotlight poets. It is a low-lit, welcoming space designed for an audience that actually listens, ranging from first-time readers to seasoned performers. 7pm
Today's events: Thursday 27 August
HOLY FOOL: Soviet-Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich walked a perilous tightrope, working at the height of Stalin's regime and under the constant threat of torture and death. Holy Fool at the Park Theatre explores the story of how he appeased a brutal despot – while quietly resisting him. 27 August-10 October 2026
THE STORY: Newsroom thriller play The Story opens at the National Theatre, telling the tale of four journalists who race to get the headline when a white teacher is killed in a black neighbourhood, forcing them to weigh up how far they'll go to tell their version of the truth. 27 August-24 October 2026
MYTH IN MOTION: Historian Abby Whitlock explores the enduring visual archetype of the First World War aviator in a virtual lecture hosted by the RAF Museum London. The talk examines how practical flight gear — from leather coats to the iconic white scarf — was transformed into a language of effortless glamour through interwar films like Wings and Hell’s Angels. FREE, 6pm
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM: Four Forty Theatre brings its signature blend of irreverence and sharp humour to the Old Royal Naval College. This open-air production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream features quick-fire character changes and imaginative staging suitable for ages seven and up. Watch as fairies clash and a band of ill-fated players rehearse their way into trouble in the historic Greenwich setting. 6.30pm-8pm
PUB HISTORY: Historian and tour guide Charo Havermans visits The George IV in Chiswick to explore how British drinking dens act as informal museums. The talk examines how architecture, decor, and local myths shape our understanding of community heritage. Drawing on oral history interviews with east London landladies, Havermans unpacks the ways these cultural landmarks can both preserve and distort the stories of the neighbourhoods they serve. 7pm-8.30pm
BELLA MACKIE: St. James's Church in Piccadilly welcomes bestselling author Bella Mackie to celebrate the launch of her latest novel, Claws Out. Hear Mackie discuss her new work in the historic setting of the 17th-century church, and delve into the stories and inspiration behind the follow-up to her previous hits. 7pm
VICTORIAN MAKERS: Discover how artisans, soldiers, and even prisoners shaped the material culture of 19th-century Britain, at Two Temple Place. A research team of historians and culture experts gives a talk exploring how manual skills influenced social mobility and identity, and how reclaiming handwork might improve collective wellbeing in our own era of technological acceleration. 7pm
Today's events: Friday 28 August
ANIME & GAMING CON: What claims to be the UK's largest anime convention comes to Hammersmith from today, with merch, gaming, comics and cosplay. Expect appearances from anime rapper Shao Dow, as well as a chance to meet voice actors from anime productions. 28-30 August 2026
YIDDISH CULTURE WEEKEND: Yiddish language and culture is celebrated in a weekend of events organised by the Jewish Music Institute. The programme includes a beginner-friendly Yiddish sing-along celebrating women's and gender-diverse voices, and an exploration of contemporary Yiddish poetry, with events at Bloomsbury's Horse Hospital, and at SOAS. 28-31 August 2026
JANE EYRE: Catch the UK premiere of a musical adaptation of Charlotte Brontë's novel Jane Eyre, at Southwark Playhouse Elephant. We're promised the chance to "see Jane, the first feminist literary icon, like you never have before" accompanied by a powerful musical score. 28 August-24 October 2026
STAINED GLASS TOUR: Explore some of London’s finest examples of 20th-century craftsmanship on a tour of Southwark Cathedral's stained glass. Led by expert cathedral guides, the one-hour walk examines the techniques and stories behind works by artists including Lawrence Lee, Ninian Comper and Leifur Breidfjord. It is a sharp way to discover how 900 years of history are reflected through modern glass within the historic Bankside landmark. 11am
MANET AND PHOTOGRAPHY: Nils Ohlsen, Senior Curator at the Lillehammer Kunstmuseum, visits Dulwich Picture Gallery to trace the artistic links between 19th-century Paris and mid-century New York. Hear how Manet’s revolutionary modern canvases effectively lit the fuse for the rise of the American street photography movement and discover why the urban environment became the defining subject of modern art, moving from sun-drenched French cafés to gritty Manhattan pavements. 12.30pm-1.30pm
80s SUMMER PARTY: Kickstart the bank holiday weekend with an open-air evening of nostalgia at Camden Courtyard. The 80s Summer Outdoor Party features a soundtrack ranging from New Romantic and hair metal to Stock Aitken Waterman pop, with a backup plan to move inside the Electric Ballroom if the weather turns. Expect to hear everything from Wham! and Kate Bush to Depeche Mode while enjoying the relaxed outdoor seating before the dancefloor opens at sunset. 6pm-10pm
Today's events: Saturday 29 August
NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL: Notting Hill Carnival is back on the streets of west London for three days of Caribbean-style entertainment. Expect the usual heady mix of Caribbean culture, samba, mas, soca and calypso, dazzling costumes... and lots and lots of people. Here's everything you need to know about this year's event. 29-31 August 2026
FOOD FESTIVAL: Feast your eyes on the surroundings of Hampton Court Palace, and your stomach on goodies from the Hampton Court Palace Food Festival, which is held in the palace gardens. Tuck into street food, browse and buy artisan products including wine, rum, cakes, pastries, coffee and cheese. There's also live music at the bandstand and vintage garden games for kids. 29-31 August 2026
VICTORIAN SURGERY: Step into the oldest surviving surgical theatre in Europe for a vivid demonstration of 19th-century medical life. Experts at The Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret delve into the grim realities of procedures performed before anaesthesia and antiseptics. Located in the original attic of an 18th-century church, the session explores the history of Old St Thomas’ Hospital and the training of the 150 medical students who once crowded these wooden stands. 10am-11am
RALLY FESTIVAL: The fourth edition of RALLY Festival takes place in Southwark Park on the Saturday of the bank holiday weekend, featuring Ilford born writer and producer Blood Orange as the headline act, along with electronic music artists Ciel and DJ Voices and many others. 12pm-10.30pm
BARNSBURY: This beautiful but oft-forgotten neighbourhood is the subject of a guided walk by London on the Ground today. 1.30pm
COWGIRLS & COCKTAILS: Dust off your chaps and head to the Star in Shoreditch for Cowgirls & Cocktails Bottomless Brunch at the rootin’ tootin’ Star Saloon. It features 90 minutes of unlimited drinks paired with Neapolitan pizza from local partners 081 Pizza. Expect a wild programme of country-themed entertainment, including line dancing lessons, musical bingo, and "country-oke" hosted by a live DJ. 2pm-4pm
SOUTH LONDON SOUL TRAIN: The outside space at The Fox and Firkin in Lewisham hosts the first ever all-dayer for South London Soul Train. Legendary DJ Cash Money and MC The Chill One join host Jazzheadchronic for a marathon of funk, soul and disco. Deep funk specialists Mati Baz and George Aresti round out the line-up, slinging vinyl in the garden from mid-afternoon. 2pm-9pm
BI PRIDE: An event where people who experience attraction beyond gender can be freely visible and celebrate themselves and their identities, Bi Pride UK takes place at Kings Place in King's Cross, offering talks, stalls from LGBTQ+ organisations and live performances. FREE, 2pm-10pm
MANORFEST 2026: The car park behind New River Studios in Manor House transforms into a multi-disciplinary festival hub for the August bank holiday weekend. Manorfest 2026 features a packed bill of live music from acts including Eel Men, Morreadoras and EZ8, alongside DJs, art installations, and theatrical performances. Food stalls and a licensed bar will be on site to keep the energy up throughout the open-air sessions. 2pm-11pm
CHINEKE! JUNIORS: The majority Black and ethnically diverse musicians of the Chineke! Junior Orchestra return to Croydon for a summer performance at Fairfield Halls. Comprising performers aged 11-22, the ensemble presents the results of an intensive week-long residential course where they are mentored by professionals from the senior Chineke! Orchestra. The programme features Arturo Márquez’s rhythmic Conga del fuego alongside Florence Price's The Oak and Respighi's evocative Roman tone poems. 7pm
Today's events: Sunday 30 August
AUGUST FAMILY FESTIVAL: Dulwich Picture Gallery invites families to its August Family Festival, a day of hands-on art adventures and nature-led discoveries across its historic site and gardens. The packed programme includes flip-book animation workshops with illustrator Robert Sae-Heng, a garden trail by Lucy Grainge, and an interactive ArtPlay Pavilion that reimagines classic paintings as sculptural forms. FREE entry with some paid sessions, 10am-4pm
RIVER CLEAN UP: Help keep the River Thames healthy by joining a community foreshore session at Newcastle Draw Dock on the Isle of Dogs. Explore the riverside at low tide while removing litter from the water's edge. Organisers Thames21 provide all necessary equipment, including wellies to borrow, plus light refreshments to keep volunteers energised. FREE, 10am-12pm
THE KRAYS' LONDON: Explore the dark side of the Swinging Sixties on a guided walk through the East End manor of Ronnie and Reggie Kray. The Krays In London Walking Tour visits notorious landmarks including the Blind Beggar pub — site of the George Cornell shooting — and the twins' favourite haunt, Pellicci's Cafe. The two-hour route weaves between gangland legend and social history, stopping at various filming locations from the 2015 movie Legend along the way. 10.45am-12.45pm
BODY MOVEMENTS: Body Movements is a one‑day dance and queer‑led festival at Southwark Park. The bill includes Horse Meat Disco, Eris Drew & Octo Octa, Roza Terenzi, Romy (DJ), Samantha Togni and many more DJs, live acts, crews and dancers such as Little Gay Brother. 12pm-10.30pm
PUNK BBQ: Bank Holiday Sunday sees the return of the annual South London Punk Collective BBQ at The Windmill in Brixton. Eight bands including Sick on the Bus, PollyPikPocketz, and Scandal perform throughout the day, with a free BBQ served from 5pm on a first-come, first-served basis. The event also includes a raffle. 2.30pm
BANK HOLIDAY QUIZZEOKE: Walthamstow Trades Hall marks the long weekend with a mashup of competitive trivia and communal singing. The evening begins with Neil’s Big Quiz, followed by a session of karaoke where you can take to the stage. 5pm
