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!
All week
101 DALMATIANS: Starring Britain's Got Talent winner Sydnie Christmas as Cruella De Vil (in selected performances), alongside JLS star Aston Merrygold and TV host Jeff Brazier, 101 Dalmatians - The Musical brings Dodie Smith’s classic to life. This week is your last chance to see the puppet-centric stage adaptation of the pooch-heavy book/film, at the Eventim Apollo in Hammersmith. Age five+. Until 30 August
OSCAR AT THE CROWN: A brand-new, purpose-built bunker on Tottenham Court Road is the setting for Oscar at The Crown, a musical celebrating the life and work of Oscar Wilde at a time when the world is ending. The show closes this week. Until 31 August
HORRIBLE HISTORIES: Take a whistlestop tour through Britain with the nasty bits left in, as the Horrible Histories team takes to the stage at the Apollo Theatre. Boudica, King John and the Magna Carta and the Gunpowder Plot all feature in a show which'll have kids fascinated by history... without even realising they're learning anything. Until 31 August
ALICE IN WONDERLAND: Take a final trip down the rabbit hole with Alice in Wonderland at Marylebone Theatre. Look out for the Cheshire Cat, the White Rabbit and co as you follow Alice on her adventures through Wonderland, using puppets. Until 31 August
GORGEOUS GEORGIANS: West London National Trust property Osterley Park & House has teamed up with Horrible Histories for a family-friendly trail focusing on the Georgians. Explore the house and grounds as you take part in 10 activities giving you an insight into Georgian life. Included in admission ticket. Until 31 August
THEATRE ON KEW: The Theatre on Kew summer run comes to an end this week, with final performances of two shows. Enjoy an afternoon in the gardens followed by an evening watching Shakespeare's Macbeth under the stars, or take the whole family along to a morning or afternoon showing of The Dream Fairies - Adventure through Bubble Land. Until 31 August
YOSHITOMO NARA: Hayward Gallery at Southbank Centre holds the largest European retrospective of one of Japan’s most celebrated artists, Yoshitomo Nara. View more than 150 works in drawing, painting, sculpture, installation and ceramics, with themes of resistance, rebellion, isolation, freedom and spirituality. Until 31 August
BARBICAN OUTDOOR CINEMA: There's an eclectic range of films on offer at Barbican's Outdoor Cinema this week, including the first Black British musical Babymother, Japanese anti-war animation Grave of the Fireflies, and concert film Björk’s Cornucopia, among others. All films are shown on a giant screen in the open-air Sculpture Courtyard, with food and drink available to buy nearby. Until 31 August.
GREENWICH AND DOCKLANDS INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL: Free outdoor performing arts festival Greenwich and Docklands International Festival continues this week and next, offering theatre, art, dance and circus in outdoor locations. This week, look out for circus performances at Greenwich Peninsula, including on London's only rooftop basketball court. FREE 22 August-6 September
DRINK OF THE WEEK: Bethnal Green's gone and got itself yet another cocktail bar. All My Gods describes itself as a "modern London dive bar", serving cocktails (including the fish house punch, and mezcal verdita) on tap, alongside hand-crafted drinks like the Nitro Garibaldi, made with Campari and 'fluffy' orange juice. Throw in a pool table and some 'alternative programming' and you've got yourself one interesting looking joint.
EAT OF THE WEEK: It's still just about August, and so long as the weather stays on our side, you might want to get stuck into some al fresco dining in the capital. Try our roundup for size; it features everything from Philly cheesesteaks on the stoop, to lobster scialatielli overlooking a delightful cobbled street.
Today's events: Bank holiday Monday 25 August
BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND: Today's the final day of the bank holiday weekend. Make the most of it with our guide to spending the bank holiday in London, so you're guaranteed a good time... even if good weather isn't guaranteed.
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, garden games and a Bluey meet and greet for kids. 10am-6pm
WORLD PRESS PHOTO: Catch the final day of this year's World Press Photo Exhibition at MPB Gallery in Here East, a display of photojournalism and documentary photography spanning categories including conflict, politics, weather and conservation. 10am-7pm
BEER AND BITES: Food, drinks and live music are on offer at bank holiday festival Beer & Bites at Forty Hall in Enfield. Kick back in the grounds and enjoy live performances from four different musicians, with food and drink available throughout the afternoon. 11am-4pm
NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL: Today's the biggest day at Notting Hill Carnival on the streets of west London. 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. FREE, from 12pm
CBEEBIES PROM: Who says the BBC Proms are just for grown-ups? Today at the Royal Albert Hall, the CBeebies Prom offers a musical take on the channel's famous Bedtime Stories, bringing together familiar faces and a special guest, with music performed by the Sinfonia Smith Square. 12.30pm/3.30pm
TWIN PEAKS MARATHON: Fan of David Lynch show Twin Peaks? The Prince Charles Cinema in Leicester Square holds a season one marathon, showing the pilot followed by episodes one-seven back-to-back. If that piques peaks your interest, book now for the Twin Peaks festival happening in London next month. 2.15pm-7.30pm
THE HUNDRED: Fast-paced cricket tournament The Hundred sees a double-header London derby taking place at The Oval today, with home team Oval Invincibles playing Lord's-based London Spirit. The women's teams play first, followed by the men, with each team bowled 100 balls. Expect music, pyrotechnics, and something of a party atmosphere thrown in. 3pm
Today's events: Tuesday 26 August
COMEDY SAMURAI: Japanese comedian Takashi Wakasugi, brings his unique blend of stand-up to Soho Theatre Dean Street in his show Comedy Samurai (performed in English). Drawing parallels between samurai and comedy, he showcases his passion for both crafts. 26-27 August
SUSTAINABILITY FAIR: Bring your electrical equipment, clothes, bicycles and toys to Islington Assembly Hall this afternoon, and have them repaired or upcycled, as part of Islington Sustainability Fair. There are also refreshments and prizes. FREE, 2pm-5pm
ART AFTER HOURS: Stay in Chelsea Physic Garden as the sun sets for its August late opening, with an arty theme. Creative stations are set up throughout the garden, with everyone from experienced artists to complete newbies encouraged to have a go at still life drawing and painting. Not your thing? You're welcome to wander around the garden without picking up a pencil or paintbrush too. 5pm-8.30pm
TO PIMP A BUTTERFLY: Mark 10 years of Kendrick Lamar's studio album To Pimp A Butterfly with the Jazz Cafe's Hip Hop House Band putting their on twist on tracks including King Kunta, The Blacker the Berry, and Alright. 7pm-10.30pm
BBC PROMS: Today at the BBC Proms, the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra – the world’s longest-established symphony orchestra – performs Sibelius’s Symphony No. 2. They're joined at the Royal Albert Hall by American violinist Hilary Hahn, who is back at the Proms for the first time since 2010. 7.30pm
PULP FICTION: Head up to the roof of Peckham's Bussey Building for Rooftop Film Club's screening of 1994 cult classic film Pulp Fiction. Kick back in a lounge chair with wireless headphones and watch as Samuel L. Jackson and John Travolta star in the story of mobsters, gangsters and small-time criminals. 8pm
Today's events: Wednesday 27 August
SUMMER SESSIONS: Head to Leadenhall Market in the City at lunchtime for the last in a summer series of free micro-concerts. Moon & Kym Duo are today's performers, fusing flamenco, Latin, and North African rhythms. FREE, 12pm-2pm
PARENTS' PUB QUIZ: The Anglers in Teddington Lock hosts the Bring Your Baby Pub Quiz, aimed at parents and carers with a little one in tow. It's played at a slower pace than a regular pub quiz, allowing you to keep up while you care for your baby, with two breaks for feeding, changing and chatting built into the schedule. 12pm-2.30pm
AFRICAN SUPERHEROES DAY: Celebrate African superheroes on screen and in history at Fulham Palace. African Superheroes Day is organised by Black History Walks and is suitable for ages six+, taking the form of a mini animation festival featuring African-themed cartoons, short films and powerful stories from real Black history. FREE, 2pm-4pm
BEATLES BY CANDLELIGHT: A cast of West End singers and a live band join forces for The Beatles by Candlelight at the Churchill Theatre Bromley. Hear live renditions of more than 40 Beatles hits in a candlelit setting, with singing along very much encouraged. 7.30pm
WALT MCCLEMENTS: Los Angeles accordionist, multi-instrumentalist and composer Walt McClements brings his soothing, meditative sounds to Cafe OTO in Dalston tonight. Support is from Jacken Elswyth. 7.30pm
BATTLE OF THE BARRELS: The regular Battle of the Barrels sees two bartenders competing for who can make the best cocktail using a certain spirit. This time, Lowcountry’s co-founder Ryan Sheehan will take on Jose Fonesca, from Oaxaca-inspired Mezcal and Hi-Fi bar, Little Fires, with both serves featuring Asuncion Mezcal. Your ticket includes a taste of each drink, a ballot to vote for your favourite, and a burger or fried chicken with fries. Takes place at Counter 71 near Old Street. 7.30pm-9.30pm
Today's events: Thursday 28 August
THE TRIALS: A jury of young people sit in judgement of the older generation for failing to deal with the catastrophe of climate change, deciding who should be punished for not having taken action sooner. That's the premise of The Trials, a novel by Dawn King which has been turned into a stage production at Southwark Playhouse Borough. 28-30 August
MEATOPIA: Carnivores, unite! BBQ festival Meatopia fires up at Tobacco Dock, with chefs from all over the world each serving one speciality dish, cooked over wood or charcoal. Throw in multiple bars and live music and DJs, and you've got quite the party. 28-31 August
KEATS IN LONDON: Hear about the life and London of poet John Keats in an illustrated talk at the London Archives in Clerkenwell. He was born in Moorgate, trained in Southwark, and lived in Edmonton and Hampstead. Watch in person or online — but if you attend in person, you can view John Keats’ 1820 copy of Shakespeare’s plays, which includes Keats’ personal annotations. 12.30pm-1.30pm
SOUTH LONDON JAZZ ORCHESTRA: Big Band on the Bandstand takes place in the Horniman Museum Gardens, offering an open-air performance by the South London Jazz Orchestra as the sun sets over the capital. Street food, picnic boxes and drinks are available to buy once you arrive. Doors 6pm, music 7pm
GREASE: Grease is the word on Lower Marsh in Waterloo, which holds its final open-air film screening of the year. Fancy dress is encouraged, so dig out your finest black leather or pink jacket to watch (and sing along with) the action at Rydell High. FREE, 6.30pm
LONDON'S LOST PUBS: Author and lover of a good boozer, Sam Cullen is at the Battersea Power Station branch of Stanfords this evening, discussing his new book, London's Lost Pubs — including one with a secret garden swimming pool, and another that hosted early punk gigs. 6.30pm-8pm
Today's events: Friday 29 August
ANIME & GAMING CON: What claims to be the UK's largest anime convention comes to Hammersmith, 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. 29-31 August
BRENTFORD ART TRAIL: Various venues around the area open their doors for the Brentford Art Mile, showcasing work by local artists. Ceramics, photography and painting are on display at venues including the Musical Museum, and the Museum of Water & Steam. Full details of the trail, including a map, are available on the Creative Mile website. 29-31 August
DEAF REPUBLIC: Adapted from the poems of Ukrainian-American author Ilya Kaminsky, Deaf Republic at Royal Court Theatre tells the story of a deaf boy in occupied territory who is shot for disobeying orders he couldn't hear — and the fall out that has on the rest of the town. 29 August-13 September
ADAM KAY: Former doctor, BAFTA award-winning writer and comedian Adam Kay is at Wilton's, chatting to TV presenter Konnie Huq, about his debut novel A Particularly Nasty Case. He also shares some hilarious and horrifying anecdotes about the British healthcare system. 6.15pm/8.45pm
SUMMER ON THE ROOF: Today's the final Summer Session at Up at The O2, meaning it's your final chance to make the ascent up and across the dome at sunset, pausing to enjoy cocktails, mocktails and music as you enjoy the view from the very top. From 7pm
GEORGE HARRISON PROJECT: Hits by The Beatles, The Traveling Wilburys, and George Harrison's solo career are on the programme as The Exchange Twickenham hosts The George Harrison Project. Interesting facts about Harrison and his music are also interspersed throughout the tribute show. 7.30pm
Today's events: Saturday 30 August
QUEEN'S PARK BOOK FESTIVAL: Hanif Kureishi, Kate Summerscale and Rob Cowen are among those on the line-up at the Queen's Park Book Festival this weekend, which incorporates a comedy night and children's events, as well as chances to hear from various authors and experts on their latest works.30-31 August
CAT FESTIVAL: Calling all cat fans! The London Specatular takes over the University of Greenwich for two days of cat shows and pageants, children's activities, rescue organisations, stalls, and other feline-adjacent events and activities. 30-31 August
THE PRODUCERS: Mel Brooks' musical adaptation of The Producers is back in town, opening at the Garrick Theatre, telling the story of a struggling Broadway producer and accountant who attempt to create the biggest flop in theatre history... only for it to be a roaring success. 30 August-February 2026
STREET PARADE: Colours of Redbridge is a free community arts festival, kicking off today with a nature-inspired street parade choreographed by STOMP co-founder, Carl Smith. There's a relaxed version of the parade, with no music or loud effects, in the morning, followed by the main show in the afternoon. FREE, 11.30am/2.30pm
BOAT PARTY: Dance the afternoon away on a boat, cruising up and down the Thames. Board the Golden Star at Temple Pier for four hours of DJs including Don Mac, Coordinated, and Will Konitzer, and if that's not enough for you, there's an after party at the Horse and Groom in Old Street once the boat docks. 12pm-4pm
FUNK YARD: Legendary independent label Wah Wah 45s is behind the wheels of steel at Lewisham's Fox & Firkin pub for the Funk Yard funk and soul party; expect eight straight hours of heavyweight grooves and sun-soaked rhythms from the likes of Dom Servini, Chris Goss, Revival Soundsystem and Maia Avery (the latter is playing live sax). FREE, 12pm-8pm
SHARD SILENT DISCO: Make your way up to the View From The Shard late on Saturday night, for a silent disco 800ft above the capital. Through glowing LED headphones, pick from three DJs, each spinning tunes from a different genre, and dance into the early hours of Sunday while enjoying views over the capital. 10pm-1am
Today's events: Sunday 31 August
PALACE STORYTELLING: Buckingham Palace marks the final Sunday of the summer holidays with a series of family storytelling sessions, included in a State Rooms admission ticket. Once you've toured the State Rooms, head to the Family Pavilion overlooking the Palace Gardens for a garden-inspired performance by Time Will Tell Theatre. 11.30am/12.30pm/2.30pm/3.30pm
FAMILY RAVE: DJ Joy Alarm spins the tunes at the Hotsy Totsy Family Rave at Big Penny Social in Walthamstow. Aimed at under-eights and their families, the event combines music and dancing with face painting and props. 10am-12.30pm
FRINGE FIX: Underbelly Boulevard Soho kicks off its new series Fringe Fix, bringing a curated selection of performances from this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe to London, spanning comedy, cabaret, theatre, and musicals. This afternoon, that takes the form of sci-fi inspired, cinematic shadow puppetry show Space Hippo, and surrealist comedy show 3 Chickens Confront Existence. 3pm/7pm
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: It is a truth universally acknowledged that stage adaptations of Jane Austen's novels are everywhere right now. Today it's the turn of Fulham Palace, which hosts theatre company Illyria for an open-air performance of Pride & Prejudice. Pack yourself a picnic and a rug or small chair and watch Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy's story unfold. 5pm-7.30pm
GUTS + GLITTER: A dazzling cast of West End talent from shows including Hadestown, Cabaret, Six, and Grease, take to the stage of the Clapham Grand for Guts + Glitter, a one-off musical theatre show spotlighting queer joy, resilience and community. 6pm-9.45pm
HUMAN INJUSTICES: Today's BBC Proms event at the Royal Albert Hall features a programme that reflects on human injustice. Pekka Kuusisto and the strings of the Norwegian Chamber Orchestra perform Shostakovich's String Quartet No. 8, which contemplated the Allied bombing of Dresden during the Second World War. That's followed by songs by Katarina Barruk, one of only a handful of remaining speakers of the Ume Sámi language. 7.30pm
COMEDY: Squeeze a final few drops of mirth from the weekend with a live comedy show. On the bill at Soho's 99 Club this evening are Spring Day, Funmbi Omotayo and Patrick Monahan. 8.30pm-10.30pm
