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, to bring you our take on the best things happening around the city.
All week
HALF TERM: Find ways to keep kids of all ages, from toddlers to teenagers, entertained this week in our guide to things to do in London in May half term. It contains our team's curated picks of intriguing exhibitions, exciting shows and myriad other events and activities to keep boredom at bay.
PORTRAIT CARICATURE: The Cartoon Museum's brand new exhibition, Does my head look BIG in this? The art of portrait caricature, explores portrait caricature from Renaissance Italy to 18th-century England and the present day, with historical prints and modern examples that examine politics, fame and society. Until 1 November 2026
DRACULA: Wicked actress Cynthia Erivo stars in a one-woman reimagining of Bram Stoker’s Dracula at the Noël Coward Theatre, ending this weekend. Erivo plays 23 roles in a visually bold production that includes theatrical blood, flashing lights and other intense effects. Until 30 May 2026
RIVER TOUR: See familiar London landmarks differently on a 40-minute Tower of London River Tour. Board at Tower Bridge Quay, and view 20+ famous sights — including Tower Bridge, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Houses of Parliament — through panoramic windows. It's ideal for all ages, and made even more memorable by live storytelling, curated by Historic Royal Palaces and written by BBC’s Ghosts co-creator Martha Howe-Douglas. Trips run multiple times every day (sponsor)
A LINE FLORIST: Throughout half term, Anna Bruder’s A Line Florist brings her hand-drawn, non-perishable blooms to Battersea Power Station. Receive a token to collect a paper flower, then personalise it at workshop tables, with murals on site for inspiration. Also at Battersea Power station this week is the Luminarium, a series of softly glowing inflatable chambers waiting to be explored. Both until 31 May 2026
WATER PANTANAL FIRE: A free photography exhibition by Lalo de Almeida and Luciano Candisani, Water Pantanal Fire at the Science Museum displays more than 60 images contrasting the Pantanal's rich wildlife with the drought and wildfire damage threatening the region. This week is your last chance to see it, but as it's half term, the museum will be very busy so booking in advance is strongly recommended. FREE, until 31 May 2026
TOUR PARLIAMENT: Take an audio tour of the Houses of Parliament this half term. Visit spaces you've seen on TV, and walk in the footsteps of famous leaders, while a multimedia device clues you in on stories of the Palace of Westminster past and present. Get access to both the House of Commons and House of Lords Chambers, and explore at your own pace. A fun children's audio guide is available, and — great news, parents — one child goes free with each adult ticket purchased. Selected dates including 26-29 May 2026 (sponsor)
CATHERINE OPIE: Photographic portraits by the American artist Catherine Opie are on display at the National Portrait Gallery, the first major museum exhibition of her work in the UK. Works featured in the exhibition span her first big artwork, Being and Having (1991), her portraits of LGBTQ+ friends inspired by court painter Hans Holbein, and her Baroque-like portraits of artists. Until 31 May 2026
STUBBS: The works of visionary British painter George Stubbs — best known for his portrait of racehorse Scrub — are collected together in a free display at the National Gallery. It shines a spotlight on the 18 months Stubbs spent studying and drawing the anatomy of horses in the 1750s. FREE, until 31 May 2026
BOOK OF THE WEEK: Artist/Soho acolyte Darren Coffield has just published his latest book, Hen: Mistress of Mayhem - A Portrait of Henrietta Moraes, which explores the riotous (and tragic) life of the late model, muse and memoirist. Dip your toes into the tome courtesy of our extract, honing in on Henrietta's relationship with the York Minster pub and its redoubtable landlord.
DRINK OF THE WEEK: Looking for a thrifty cocktail in one of London's snappiest districts? Langan's Brasserie in Mayfair has just launched its Ruby Hour (which actually runs for three hours), where you can get a signature cocktail — including the floral Queen's Garden and the piquant Anarchy n*2 — for £12, or a nice glass of wine for £7.50. You can also purchase nibbles to go with. Tuesdays-Saturday, 5pm-8pm
Today's events: Monday 25 May
BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY: Make the most of May's second bank holiday Monday with our guide to bank holiday activities. Join a guided walk, explore a new area, or just hunker down in the pub.
GUNNERSBURY CENTENARY: Gunnersbury Park Museum hosts Gunnersbury Park's 100th Birthday Party to celebrate a century of the west London estate. The massive community bash features live 1920s music, a local market, and a giant community picnic blanket, alongside traditional games and museum tours. FREE, 11am-4pm
BEER AND BITES: Forty Hall Estate offers a laid-back bank holiday afternoon of food, drink, and live music on its beautiful front lawn in Enfield. Beer and Bites features a picnic-style atmosphere with cold drinks and colouring packs to keep children entertained. FREE ENTRY, 11am-4pm
WEST END CALLING: The nationwide search for the next generation of musical theatre talent reaches its climax at the West End Calling finals at The Other Palace in Victoria. Finalists from 18 cities across the UK compete in three age categories — Junior, Teen, and Senior — performing for a panel of industry judges and a live audience, alongside special guest performances. A chance to see future West End talent in the making. 11.30am/3.30pm/7.30pm
PAINT FROM PLANTS: Families are invited to Chelsea Physic Garden for a workshop exploring the natural pigments found in the garden's collection. Children aged five and up can roll up their sleeves to mix their own paints and transform botanical life into original artwork. Tickets also include full entry to the historic garden for the day, allowing for a post-workshop stroll through the grounds. 1pm-2.30pm
SCREWBALL SUMMER: The Garden Cinema in Holborn screens Howard Hawks’ 1938 comedy Bringing Up Baby as part of its seasonal retrospective, Screwball Summer. Cary Grant stars as a repressed palaeontologist whose life is upended by Katharine Hepburn and her pet leopard, Baby, in a plot involving a missing dinosaur bone and a million-dollar donation. Expect a torrent of physical comedy and sharp one-liners. 4pm
COURTROOM DRAMA: Acclaimed playwright Alan Charles returns to Fairfield Halls in Croydon with Why Didn't I Get Married?, a provocative courtroom drama exploring singleness and faith. The play follows a group of Christian women who file a class-action lawsuit against the church, challenging cultural expectations through a mix of raw dialogue and humour. 7pm
LDN WRESTLING: Enfield’s Dugdale Arts Centre hosts a high-energy afternoon of sport in LDN Wrestling's live show. Expect a showcase of top-tier grappling talent in a family-friendly environment that has become a staple of the local community arts scene. 7pm
COAL POWER: Pints of Knowledge is at Camden Town Brewery for a talk about the persistent role of coal in the global energy landscape despite the ongoing international focus on other fossil fuels. 7pm-8.30pm
CATE BLANCHETT: Hollywood legend Cate Blanchett interviews actor and author Gina Gershon at the Royal Geographical Society in Kensington. Gershon shares unfiltered stories from her 40-year career, including encounters with the likes of Prince, David Mamet and Tom Cruise. 7.30pm-8.45pm
BETWIXT THE SHEETS: Historian Dr Kate Lister brings her award-winning podcast Betwixt the Sheets LIVE to Cadogan Hall in Chelsea for an evening of history’s most scandalous and outrageous stories. Joined by a special guest, the show unearths the bizarre moments edited from textbooks, featuring interactive elements and a game of “Sh*ggeth, Marry, Kill.” 7.30pm
HAUNTED OBJECTS: Viktor Wynd and The Last Tuesday Society host an eerie online lecture exploring The 13 Most Haunted Objects in The World via Zoom. Performance lecturer Lena Heide-Brennand opens a virtual cabinet of unnerving relics, from Japanese dolls with growing human hair to cursed American antiques. 8pm-9.30pm
Today's events: Tuesday 26 May
OPERA HOLLAND PARK: One of our favourite outdoor cultural events in London, Opera Holland Park's summer season gets underway today. The first production on the programme is Puccini's Gold Rush drama La fanciulla del West, about a manhunt in the lawless 19th century Sierra Nevada. From 26 May 2026
UNITY CUP: Charlton Athletic's The Valley stadium hosts the Unity Cup, an international football tournament celebrating AfroCentric and global diaspora communities, featuring teams from Nigeria, Jamaica, Zimbabwe and India. 26-30 May 2026
EDIBLE MARSH: Swap your usual desk lunch for a hands-on gardening session at Lower Marsh Market in Waterloo. The Edible Marsh workshop series teaches local workers how to grow and care for seasonal vegetables and herbs, with participants often able to take free plants home. Sessions vary seasonally, covering everything from creative planting tips to seasonal activities like pumpkin carving and wreath making. FREE, 12pm-2pm
MASKED MAGICIAN: Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson plunge into the secret world of Edwardian magic at Wilton's Music Hall to solve a baffling disappearance, featuring a mix of theatrical storytelling and live magic. The duo question the peers of a vanished illusionist, blending logical deduction with high-end prestidigitation. 2pm/7pm
TRACEY EMIN: Arts Society lecturer Frank Woodgate visits Guildhall Library to discuss the career of the celebrated Royal Academician and former YBA. The free lunchtime talk coincides with the current Tate Modern exhibition and explores major works including 1999’s My Bed and her 2004 fire-damaged tent. FREE, 2pm-3pm
MENSTRUAL HEALTH: Doctor and women's health advocate Liz Murray visits Waterstones Kensington to discuss her new book, Not Just Painful Periods: Endometriosis, Fibroids and Menstrual Health. The talk explores a revolution in women's health, offering wisdom and hope for those navigating complex conditions. 6pm
DIGITAL IDENTITY: Explore how social media reshapes the modern self at a British Academy panel discussion. Broadcaster Matthew Sweet chairs an expert group including Professors Rosalind Gill, Yasmin Ibrahim, and Daniel Miller to interrogate whether we control our online presence or if the attention economy is pulling the strings. The session covers everything from digital anthropology to the power dynamics of data-driven capitalism. FREE, 6pm-7.45pm
FOLK LIFE DRAWING: King’s Cross venue Jamboree hosts an unconventional creative session that blends sketching with live performance. Tracing Tales features award-winning ventriloquist and clown Lachlan Werner, inviting participants to visually interpret music, movement, and folklore. The workshop is designed for all abilities and focuses on interpretive storytelling rather than classical life drawing techniques. 6.30pm-8pm
HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS: The world-famous basketball icons arrive at The O2 in Greenwich as part of their landmark centennial season. The Original Harlem Globetrotters 100 Year Tour features elite athletes performing gravity-defying dunks and innovative trick shots against their long-standing rivals, the Washington Generals. This special anniversary appearance includes the debut of commemorative jerseys and a free post-game autograph session. 7pm
UKRAINIAN GARDENS: Photographer Sergii Polezhaka and garden designer Camellia Taylor join Clare Foster at the Garden Museum to discuss the role of land and identity during conflict. The talk uses haunting imagery — such as abandoned tanks in vegetable patches and blossoming cherry trees in entrenched parks — to explore the resilience of a nation. A portion of ticket sales will be donated to the Memory Garden at the National Museum of Folk Architecture and Life of Ukraine. 7pm-8pm
GARDEN MUSIC NIGHT: Live music returns to the leafy surroundings of Hackney for a Woodburner Music Night. Dalston Curve Garden hosts a curated evening of performances within its community-run green space, offering a chance to catch emerging talent in one of east London's most atmospheric outdoor settings. 7pm-10pm
CANDLELIT SESSIONS: Immerse yourself in the discography of The 1975 at a candlelit playback session at NT's Loft in London Fields. This curated listening event transforms the Hackney venue with soft lighting for a deep dive into the band's signature sound, and offers a dedicated space for fans to appreciate the music in a focused, intimate setting away from the usual club bustle. 7pm-11pm
ED O’BRIEN: Radiohead guitarist Ed O’Brien visits EartH Theatre in Dalston for an exclusive Q&A and short film screening to celebrate the release of his new album, Blue Morpho, with O’Brien in conversation with James Balmont. 7pm-9.30pm
TERRARIUM BUILDING: Bring the great outdoors inside at Canada Water venue Corner Corner with a hands-on Terrarium Building Workshop. During the 90-minute, tutor-led session, learn how to assemble and care for a self-contained ecosystem using a variety of plants. The class is designed for all skill levels and includes all necessary materials, leaving you with a beautiful miniature garden to take home. 7pm-8.30pm
QUEER COMEDY: Gossip and stand-up collide at The Divine in Dalston for Allegedly, a new comedy night dedicated to celebrity rumours and blind items. Six internationally seasoned comics, including Eli Matthewson and Zoe Brownstone, perform their best material before sharing outrageous, audience-submitted secrets that are strictly off the record. 7.30pm
Today's events: Wednesday 27 May
GALLERY YOGA: Twickenham’s Strawberry Hill House hosts a one-off Yoga in the Gallery session led by instructor Sally Rowland. Practice mindfulness and stretching within the Long Gallery, a beautiful space renowned for its striking Georgian Gothic architecture (and one of our favourite rooms in London!). 9am-10am
CANAL TOUR: Trace the evolution of Paddington from rural farmland to a bustling industrial hub on a walking tour exploring the area's social history. Begin at the Grand Junction café at St Mary Magdalene’s Church and wind through the neighbourhood to reveal the resilience of the diverse communities and canal workers who shaped the district. The tour concludes at Meanwhile Gardens — though you're welcome to double back to the church for lunch in the cafe. 11am-1pm
UCL TOUR: Discover the people and places that have shaped University College London over the past two centuries on a guided UCL200 Walking Tour of the historic Bloomsbury campus. The 90-minute journey blends historical milestones with stories of progressive founders, medical trailblazers, and student activists, starting from the North Lodge Gift Shop in the Main Quad. FREE, 1pm/3pm
STANLEY ARTS TOUR: Explore South Norwood’s Stanley Hall on a guided heritage walk through the building. Originally opened in 1903, the Grade II listed venue is a treasure trove of Edwardian architectural detail and hidden stories, and today's tour reveals the history of the people who shaped the site, from its Art Nouveau beginnings to its current role as a community cultural hub. 2pm-3pm
BOOKS & BOHEMIANS: City Guide Jill Finch leads a virtual journey through the intellectual heart of the capital in an illustrated talk hosted by Guildhall Library. Explore the streets and squares of the former Bedford Estate without leaving your seat, uncovering the history of the British Museum and the scandalous reputations of the Bloomsbury Set. FREE, 2pm
CHINESE DOCUMENTARY: Associate Professor Luke Robinson visits Barnard's Inn Hall to discuss the rise of independently-produced Chinese cinema in the Anglophone market. Using the award-winning film Plastic China by Wang Jiuliang as a case study, the free Gresham College lecture examines how international collaborations shape the form and content of these films. FREE, 6pm
PETTING ZOO: Descend the spiral staircase at The Last Tuesday Society in Hackney for a hands-on encounter with a curious collection of creatures. Menagerie in The Museum offers the chance to handle and cuddle a variety of scaly, furry, and feathered guests, likely including ducks, reptiles, and insects, within the museum's eclectic surroundings. 6pm-8pm
BRIGHT LIVES: Former Children’s Laureate of Wales Alex Wharton visits the London Welsh Centre to launch new book Bright Lives: Historical Black Figures in Wales. In conversation with Dr Darren Chetty, Wharton discusses the book, which celebrates diverse historical narratives, including tributes to figures like Paul Robeson and the story behind the "Gardener" outfit worn by Lewis Hamilton at the 2024 Met Gala. 7pm
MARK HADDON: Bestselling author and artist Mark Haddon joins Jeanette Winterson at the Kiln Theatre in Kilburn to discuss his life and creative process. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time writer reflects on his five-year battle with long COVID and the themes of his new memoir, Leaving Home. The conversation also tackle modern challenges facing the arts, including the rise of AI and copyright disputes. 7.30pm
BLACK BRITISH MUSIC: Trevor Nelson and DJ Spoony host a high-energy journey through five decades of sound at the Hackney Empire. The Music Is Black: Celebrating Black music in Britain features the Chineke! Orchestra and LJ Singers performing a playlist of classics ranging from UK Garage and 2-Tone to Lover’s Rock. Guest vocalists including Omar, Rhoda Dakar and Alison Limerick join saxophone legend Courtney Pine to celebrate the irresistible grooves that have shaped successive generations. 7.30pm
KARDASHIAN KOLLOQUIUM: Author MJ Corey visits the Cinema Museum in Kennington to discuss her new book, DeKonstructing the Kardashians. In conversation with novelist and filmmaker Emma Forrest, Corey explores how the famous family serves as a lens for understanding postmodern media theory and the evolution of celebrity culture in the internet age. FREE, 7.30pm
BIG BARNES QUIZ: Put your general knowledge to the test at the OSO Arts Centre for the return of The Big Barnes Quiz. Tuck into a dinner prepared by OSO Chef Yanete between quiz rounds, with all proceeds supporting the venue's Centre Stage Fund for local theatre and backstage staff. 7.30pm
GILLI APTER: South African comedian Gilli Apter, known for her appearance on Netflix’s Only Jokes Allowed, brings her sharp observational wit to the Queen of Hoxton in Shoreditch. The Hilarious Deep Amazing London Comedy Show sees the performer weave personal stories with audience interaction to explore everything from AI and ADHD to the quirks of life in the capital, as she tries out some new material. 8pm
TUNELESS CHOIR: Singing enthusiasts who have been told they cannot carry a tune are invited to the Tea House Theatre in Vauxhall for a judgment-free vocal session. The Tuneless Choir celebrates the pure joy of singing regardless of ability, held within a charming Victorian public house on the site of the historic Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens. It is a chance to belt out classics in a relaxed environment where hitting the right note is strictly optional. 8pm
Today's events: Thursday 28 May
WORLD SEVENS: The World Sevens Football tournament arrives at Brentford's Gtech Community Stadium, with eight top seven-a-side women's clubs battling it out over six matches (each 30 mins long) on Thursday and on Friday, followed by two semis and a final on Saturday. Tickets starts at just £17 for a day pass. 28-30 May
THE P WORD: Waleed Akhtar's Olivier Award-winning play The P Word returns to Bush Theatre, following Zafar, who seeks asylum after fleeing homophobic persecution in Pakistan, and Bilal, a Londoner navigating race, desire and loneliness. 28 May-27 June 2026
JEWISH PHOTOGRAPHY: New York-based curator Maya Benton visits the V&A South Kensington to examine how exile, migration and cultural identity have shaped the history of the medium. The free lunchtime talk explores the unique contributions of Jewish image-makers and the role of family albums in storytelling. FREE, 1pm-2pm
SINFONIA STRINGS: Musicians from Trinity Laban’s Sinfonia Strings join forces with the Duchess of Edinburgh’s String Orchestra for a side-by-side performance at St Alfege Church in Greenwich. Directed by Ofer Falk, the ensemble tackles a programme of British classics including Holst’s St Paul’s Suite, Britten’s Simple Symphony, and movements from Warlock’s Capriol Suite. This lunchtime concert also features Novelletten by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor. FREE, 1.05pm
BROTHERS TOUR: Explore the hidden history of the Charterhouse in Clerkenwell through a behind-the-scenes tour led by a resident of the almshouse. Each 90-minute walk is unique, as the resident Brothers share their personal perspectives on the site’s long evolution from a 14th-century monastery to its current role as a community for older people. It's a rare chance to see historic buildings and rooms not usually open to the public. 2.15pm
FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE LATE: The Florence Nightingale Museum in Lambeth opens its doors after hours for its monthly museum late, featuring a live performance by ‘the Lady with the Lamp’. Hear the story of her life in her own words, from her high-society upbringing to her pioneering work in the Crimean War and her revolutionary use of statistical analysis. 6.30pm
MARINA: Platinum-selling pop visionary MARINA brings her mesmerising Princess of Power Tour to the Great Hall at Alexandra Palace. Following a sold-out North American run, the artist performs tracks from her latest album alongside hits from her celebrated back catalogue, including Electra Heart and FROOT. 6.30pm
IS YOUR FRIEND: Comedian Courtney Buchner brings her latest storytelling show to The Queer Comedy Club in Southwark, exploring the messy complexities of friendship and its eventual demise. Following her five-star Edinburgh Fringe success, Is Your Friend promises a mix of cringeworthy anecdotes and charming wit that will have you reaching for your phone to text your own best friend. 6.30pm-7.30pm
BLACK BRITISH MUSIC: While London is often seen as the epicentre of the scene, vital musical movements have flourished in cities across the UK. This panel discussion at the V&A East Museum brings together soul legend Beverley Knight MBE, Manchester singer Mali Hayes, and Guardian writer Lanre Bakare to explore how regional identities and local creative networks expand our understanding of Black British Music. FREE, 7pm-8.30pm
WOODLAND STORYTELLING: Venture into the trees near Honor Oak Park for an evening of spoken word and performance under the stars. The woodland excursion features readings from the Storytime collective followed by a longer tale from London’s resident storyteller, Vanessa Woolf, with a special musical guest to close the night. Take fairy lights, bug spray, and something warm to sit on. 7pm-10pm
STAR TREK: NEMESIS: The Next Generation crew faces a dark and emotionally charged finale on one of the UK’s largest screens at the Science Museum in South Kensington. Captain Jean-Luc Picard must confront a clone of himself when a ruthless new leader takes control of the Romulan Empire. Starring Patrick Stewart and a young Tom Hardy as the unlikely clone, the screening of Star Trek: Nemesis is part of the museum's Star Trek at 60 season. 7.15pm
FRINGE COMEDY PREVIEWS: Comedians Sara Barron and Cecily Hitchcock head to Woolwich Works to refine their latest material before the Edinburgh Fringe. Barron, a rising star known for appearances on Live at the Apollo and Would I Lie to You?, joins Hitchcock, whose off-beat observations and sketches have garnered millions of views online. 7.30pm-9.50pm
HISTORIC LONDON PUBS: Join guide Rob Smith for a virtual tour of historic London pubs to explore the stories behind some of the capital's most storied drinking dens. Learn how changing tastes in beer have reshaped the London pub and attempts to answer the age-old debate over which establishment is truly the city's oldest. 8pm-9pm
Today's events: Friday 29 May
KING'S CROSS WALK: Parents and carers can explore the industrial heritage and modern transformation of N1 on a Kings Cross & St Pancras history tour. Led by City of London guide Sue Doe, the route covers the "Knowledge Quarter," the mythical platform at King's Cross, and the Victorian grandeur of the St Pancras Hotel. The walk is specifically designed for those with infants, featuring a relaxed pace and a scheduled hour-long break at Coal Drops Yard for feeding and changing. 11am-2pm
LIBRARY TOUR: Stuart Baines, former chair of the Library Committee, leads a guided exploration of the Highgate Literary & Scientific Institution. Get a rare look at one of north London’s most beautiful private collections, tracing the institution's history from its 19th-century origins to its current role in the Highgate community. Admire the historic shelving and unique architectural details of the Members' Room while hearing stories of the HLSI’s fascinating past. FREE, 2pm
BOTANICAL AMIGURUMI: Spend an evening social crocheting among 3,000 species of plants at the botanical amigurumi workshop in Kew Gardens. Held within the Grade I listed Temperate House, the largest Victorian glasshouse in the world, the session invites both beginners and experts to craft an event-exclusive design. Tickets include a full workshop kit with pure wool and a soft-grip hook, plus general admission to the gardens from 10am. 6pm-9pm
SOANE LATE: Explore the eccentric home and studio of Sir John Soane after hours at Lincoln's Inn Fields. Expert guides lead spotlight talks on their favourite artefacts and artworks, including masterpieces by Canaletto, Turner, and Hogarth, while the museum is bathed in twilight. Admission includes a glass of prosecco or wine in the Library Dining Room, where the Regency architect once hosted his own high-society guests. 6pm-9.15pm
GARDEN MUSIC: Sitarist Tommy Khosla and singer-songwriter Ahana perform an outdoor sunset set at OmVed Gardens in Highgate, blending contemporary sitar compositions with tracks from Ahana’s debut album, Soma. Bring blankets and mats to enjoy the botanical surroundings, with a bar serving cordials and snacks throughout the evening. 6.30pm
NHM AFTER HOURS: The Natural History Museum opens its doors for an evening encounter with the prehistoric predators of the deep. Get exclusive access to the Jurassic Oceans: Monsters of the Deep exhibition, alongside the chance to explore the Dinosaurs Gallery without the usual daytime crowds. Meet museum scientists to learn about megalodon teeth and cephalopods, or even bring your own fossils from home for expert identification. For families, a Dino Disco takes place next to Sophie the Stegosaurus in the Hintze Hall. 6.45pm-9.30pm
SOUL ICONS: Vocalists Veronica Alcione and Lianne Vessier bring the music of two soul icons to life in an intimate, stripped-back setting at The Camden Club. Hear reinterpreted classics including Feeling Good, I Put a Spell on You, and Summertime. Selected highlights are repeated across sets, so you can drop in for a single performance or stay for the full four-hour experience. 7pm-11pm
WHAT SHE SAID: The Studio at The Other Palace hosts What She Said! A Celebration of Female Composers, a musical showcase spanning pop classics and iconic theatre pieces. The eclectic programme features a large cast of emerging performers and supports the charity Let’s Get Our Knickers in a Twist, which works to combat period poverty. 8pm
ARMAND VAN HELDEN: House music royalty returns to the iconic KOKO for a journey through house, disco, and timeless grooves. Armand Van Helden brings his heavyweight selections back to Camden following a string of sold-out shows at the venue. 10pm-5am
Today's events: Saturday 30 May
VICTORIAN SURGERY: Step into the oldest surviving surgical theatre in Europe for a Surgery Talk at the Old Operating Theatre Museum. Held in the original attic space of Old St Thomas' Hospital, the session explores the brutal reality of medical practice before the advent of anaesthetics and antiseptics. Museum experts trace the evolution of healthcare from the hospital's 19th-century origins to the pioneering techniques that shaped modern medicine. 9.45am
NINE ELMS TOUR: Expert guide Nick Edwards leads an architectural exploration of the Vauxhall, Nine Elms, and Battersea Power Station regeneration zone. This Nine Elms walking tour traces the district's transformation from an industrial hinterland of cold warehouses and railway viaducts into a £15 billion mixed-use district. The 2.5-mile route takes in landmark developments including the new US Embassy, the contentious Embassy Gardens sky pool, and Frank Gehry’s Prospect Place, concluding at the recently refurbished Battersea Power Station. 10.30am-1pm
RUGBY FUNDRAISER: Battersea Arts Centre hosts a vibrant celebration of sport and heritage to support the Jamaican Rugby League UK Men’s Team, the Reggae Warriors. The Roots, Rhythm and Rugby Fundraiser features a pop-up exhibition tracing the history of the league, alongside DJ sets spinning reggae and ska, Caribbean food, and family-friendly craft stations. Award-winning spoken word artist DUKE AL hosts the day’s activities, which include an open mic platform for Jamaican voices and a raffle to fund the team’s journey to the 2026 Emerging Nations Tournament in Sydney. FREE ENTRY, 11am-5pm
FOOTBALL BOOK MARKET: Stanchion Books hosts an independent football publishing market at Brixton Library, featuring publishers, authors, illustrators and brands selling books, magazines, fanzines, shirts, prints and other merchandise. 11.30am-4.30pm
EID ON THE SQUARE: Trafalgar Square marks the festival of Eid al-Adha with the annual afternoon of celebration. Delivered in partnership with the Eid Community Advisory Group, Eid on the Square 2026 showcases a programme of live performances, stalls, and food caterers. FREE, 12pm-6pm
VEG STOCK: Signature Brew Blackhorse Road in Walthamstow hosts a brand new day festival celebrating vegan culture through music, comedy, and street food. The lineup features live performances from Millie Manders and Jimbino Vegan and the Jazz Cannibal, alongside a diverse market of traders serving everything from Japanese dishes by Feed the Village to fresh donuts and artisanal chocolate. Every ticket includes a beer. 12pm-7pm
SPECTACULAR SCIENCE: Kids think science is boring? The Spectacular Science Show at Leicester Square Theatre will show them otherwise (and entertain the adults of the family too). Presenter Mark Thompson carries out exciting experiments on stage, in a show featuring exploding elephant's toothpaste, vortex-generating dustbins and howling jelly babies. 3.30pm
HARLOTS, STRUMPETS & TARTS: 18th-century London's sordid sex industry is dramatically brought to life in this immersive, theatrical walking tour by Herstorical Tours. Led by a guide performing as ‘The Baroness’, the two-hour route ventures through Covent Garden’s famed ‘Square of Venus’ and the atmospheric backstreets of Charing Cross to uncover the voices of Georgian sex workers and business-savvy brothel madams. It concludes at the ancient Nell Gwynne pub for a tot of gin, and tickets also include same-day admission to the Foundling Museum. 5pm
WATERLOO CEILIDH: Hampshire-based dance band Jigfoot brings a high-energy evening of traditional music and movement to St John's Waterloo. Accompanied by caller Ian Nichols, the ensemble uses fiddles, button accordion, guitar, and cello to create a driving sound for an inclusive night of dancing. No previous experience is required as all moves are explained throughout the session. 7.30pm
RESISTANCE COMEDY: Enfield’s Dugdale Arts Centre hosts an evening of stand-up with Resistance Comedy. The event brings a curated line-up of comedic talent to the borough's versatile arts hub for a one-off showcase, offering a chance to catch established and emerging voices from the comedy circuit in an intimate setting. 8pm
SIZZLING HOT CIRCUS: Step inside the Fireworks Factory at Woolwich Works for an 18+ cabaret that blends high-skill acrobatics with a sultry, playful sense of humour. Aircraft Circus: Sizzling Hot Circus features a cast of aerialists and dancers performing daring feats on the hoop, straps, and a rare quads trapeze. It is a strictly adult-only evening of seductive ground acts and aerial contortion. 8pm
Today's events: Sunday 31 May
SLAVE HISTORY: Explore the financial legacy of British slavery and the history of Black resistance on this guided walk through the City of London. Organised by Black History Walks, the tour examines how institutions like Lloyds of London profited from the slave trade and highlights the diverse strategies used by enslaved people to fight back, from cultural resistance to armed revolts. 10.30am-12.30pm
JAZZ AMONG FLOWERS: The Garden Café within the Flower Station in Finchley launches a new live jazz event, taking place every other Sunday from today. Head to the plant-filled, sunny sanctuary at the edge of Hampstead Garden Suburb for an afternoon of smooth tunes. FREE, 12pm-2.30pm
RNLI OPEN DAY: Teddington RNLI’s Lifeboat Week ends with an open day. Everyone's welcome to visit the station, climb aboard the lifeboat and tractor, watch volunteer crew lifesaving demonstrations, meet firefighters, play water-safety games and enjoy live ukulele and wind-band music. 1pm-5pm
HACKNEY WOMEN: Dalston’s historic Rio Cinema hosts the premiere of Women from Hackney's History, a new film commissioned by the Hackney Society to celebrate local trailblazers. Spanning three centuries of stories, the production features pioneers such as Clara Ludski, the founder of the Rio itself, and was filmed across various borough locations. The screening is followed by a panel discussion with filmmaker Barney Snow and editor Sue Doe, plus a Q&A and a book signing. 2pm
BROCKLEY MAX ALL-DAYER: Community arts festival Brockley Max celebrates its 25th anniversary with an outdoor garden show at the Fox and Firkin in Lewisham. Internationally acclaimed tuba visionary and former Sons of Kemet member Theon Cross headlines the event, bringing his unique "21st-century sound-system" style to the stage. The eclectic lineup also features neo-soul from Hillarynx, electronic duo The Palindrones, and a closing indoor afterparty with DJs Drezone and Mr. Strutt. 2pm-10pm
WAGE THEFT: Political economist Matthew Cole visits Conway Hall to discuss the "silent epidemic" of unpaid hours blighting the global workforce. The talk explores how wage theft is often a structural feature of modern capitalism rather than just the result of rogue employers. Cole, a lecturer at the University of Sussex, examines the history of these practices and offers strategies for workers to fight back. 3pm-4.30pm
FLEETWOOD MAC: A sensational cast of West End singers and a 13-piece live band gather at the world-famous London Palladium for a one-night-only gala performance celebrating 50 years of the band's self-titled album and the hit single Rhiannon. Expect hundreds of flickering candles and a guest appearance by Eurovision stars Remember Monday. 7.30pm
INCEPTION: Christopher Nolan's 2010 thriller Inception stars Leonardo DiCaprio as a thief who uses dream-sharing technology to steal — and implant — ideas. We'll be honest, we've watched it several times and we're still not sure we follow all the complex layers of the film, but if that sounds like your bag, it's screened at Rooftop Cinema Club Stratford tonight. 7.30pm
BEING MR WICKHAM: Adrian Lukis reprises his BBC role as George Wickham in a one‑man play that revisits the roguish Pride & Prejudice character on the eve of his 60th birthday. The one-off, 70‑minute performance at the Garrick Theatre offers Wickham's take on events involving Darcy, Lizzie and Waterloo. 7.30pm
