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
AUGUST HIGHLIGHTS: With a new month kicking off this week, bookmark our guide to the best London events in August, and make sure you don't miss out on the newest theatre shows and exhibitions, huge festivals, and other things to help you make the most of summer in the capital.
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS: Looking for ways to entertain the kids? Our summer holidays event guide is packed with ideas, from days out to special events, to exhibitions for all ages. Fancy a family theatre trip? From hit musicals to favourite book characters and live science, these are our picks. And if you're on a budget, these free things to do in the summer holidays should hit the spot.
BIG PLAY OUT: Nerf battles, dinosaur walkabouts, animal encounters, K-Pop dance workshops, funfair rides, silent discos and much more are all part of Wandsworth's Big Play Out, taking over Battersea Park for five days of unforgettable fun this week. Kickstart the summer holidays with family experiences designed for primary school children — with all activities and food included in your ticket price. 27-31 July 2026 (sponsor)
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
THE MISANTHROPE: Also closing this week is The Misanthrope at the National Theatre. Killing Eve actor Sandra Oh stars as successful author Alice, who faces intense criticism and backlash as she grows bolder in speaking up for the causes she believes in. Until 1 August 2026
EDINBURGH FRINGE PREVIEWS: Before London's entire comedy scene heads north for Edinburgh Fringe, there are a fair few final preview shows at venues around town this week. The Playground Theatre in White City is one such place, with Joe Pasquale, Stephen K Amos and Phil Nichol featuring in the 11½ Angry Men Fringe preview season. Until 1 August 2026
50% OFF SIRENS TICKETS: Five elite vocalists perform fearless songs and stories of female empowerment in Sirens at Emerald Theatre — and Londonist readers can save 50% on tickets by using code LONDONIST50 when booking online. Hear new arrangements of popular songs by the likes of Madonna, Billie Eilish, Prince and Lady Gaga, performed masterfully by musical theatre stars including Georgia Gagen (Ted Lasso, Heathers) and Dani Kobrin (Carrie). Until 9 August 2026 (sponsor)
BBC PROMS: It's all happening at the Royal Albert Hall as huge music festival BBC Proms continues. Highlights this week include a programme of nature-inspired works on Monday evening, and a rendition of Elgar’s sweeping First Symphony on Wednesday evening. Browse the full programme. Until 12 September 2026
BEATRIX POTTER: Tuesday 28 July marks 160 years since author and illustrator Beatrix Potter was born. Though she's usually linked with the Lake District these days, she lived much of her life in London — we've put together a guide to locations linked to her across the capital, including where her characters' names came from. Mark the occasion with The Tales of Peter Rabbit afternoon tea, being served at JW Marriott Grosvenor House London throughout the summer, including a "Tom Kitten's tangle" elderflower mousse (not mouse) and "Squirrel Nutkin's harvest" spiced cake.
VIDEO OF THE WEEK: We recently reported on Daniel Coughlin's AI video of what London would've looked like, had Christopher Wren been given more free rein post-Great Fire. Daniel's just published another video, about the long-demolished Wych Street. Were it still with us, the street would probably be one of the city's most visited.
EAT OF THE WEEK: Australian-inspired cafe Stubby's has opened in Parsons Green, slinging some intriguing-sounding sandwiches, including the Georgia (mutton adobo, potato scraggle, pickled kohlrabi) and Barry (shiso porchetta, curry sauce, smacked cucumber). Beverages look equally delicious, especially the iced maple sea salt matcha.
Today's events: Monday 27 July
PRIME MINISTER'S HOMES: Rob Smith of Footprints of London leads a two-hour walking tour looking at the exterior homes of 12 former British prime ministers, including Churchill, Gladstone and Disraeli, around Mayfair and St James. Begin at Green Park and finish at Waterloo Place near Piccadilly Circus, hearing historical anecdotes and political scandals as you go. 11am-1pm
NATIONAL ART LIBRARY TALKS: Most Mondays, the V&A South Kensington hosts a member of the library or archives team, who will introduce a single, hand-picked item from the collections, ranging from historic manuscripts and rare pamphlets to puzzling artistic objects. These talks offer a rare chance to get up close to unusual treasures curated on behalf of the nation, though you won't know exactly which object you'll hear about today until you arrive. FREE, 2pm-2.15pm
AMY LAQUEEFA: Drag queen Amy LaQueefa hosts the weekly Monday Madness at The Two Brewers in Clapham. Get ready to twerk at an evening of camp realness, fierce vibes, and all the glittery glam you can handle. 5pm-2am (entertainment from 9pm)
JOSEPH MORPURGO: Pleasance Theatre in Islington hosts a preview of Joseph Morpurgo's Highlander 70 — a 60-minute, retro-inflected cross-media comedy show — before he takes it to Edinburgh Fringe. 7.30pm
HAPPY MONDAYS: Happy Mondays Comedy presents a double bill of sketch-show previews and work-in-progress pieces at the Amersham Arms in New Cross, featuring Blayney & Quartey, James Trickey and Carwyn Blayney, with Sion James as MC. 8pm
LOVE ISLAND FINAL: The grand final of this year's Love Island is being shown at Rooftop Cinema Club's Peckham venue. Head up to the roof of the Bussey Building to watch with other fans of the show, and prepare for unexpected twists and drama as the series comes to a close. 9pm
Today's events: Tuesday 28 July
THE ENORMOUS CROCODILE: After a successful run at the Open Air Theatre last summer, Roald Dahl's Enormous Crocodile snaps its way into the Lyric Hammersmith, with music and large puppets telling the story of the other jungle creatures who summon up the courage to stop his rampage. 28 July-22 August 2026
THE CAR MAN: Matthew Bourne returns to Sadler's Wells with The Car Man, a reimagining of Bizet's Carmen set in a 1950s garage‑diner. Choreographed by Bourne with a score by Terry Davies featuring Rodion Shchedrin's Carmen Suite, the production tells the story of a small town shattered by the arrival of a handsome and enigmatic stranger. 28 July-29 August 2026
AMERICAN PHOTOGRAPHY: Step into a century of American city life at Dulwich Picture Gallery, which displays photographs of the people who built, inhabited and transformed urban spaces into living communities in new exhibition Portraits of a City. It features works by 34 influential photographers from 1907 to 2012. 28 July-4 October 2026
FREE FLORETTE SALAD: Get a free lunch today, as leading salad brand Florette brings #SaladTok social media trends to life. Swing by The Good Life Eatery in Marylebone, where tempting trends are transformed into a tasting experience. Here you can bag yourself a complimentary maximalist salad bowl inspired by the recipes and flavour combinations that have captured millions of views across TikTok and Instagram. Give your humble lunch a major glow-up with crunchy textures and vibrant toppings — but get down there promptly, as it's first come, first served! FREE, 12pm-3pm (or while stocks last) (sponsor)
SUMMER SCHOLARS: The British Library hosts a double bill of lunchtime talks exploring the transatlantic influence of comics and fast food. Comic book historian Michael Finn discusses how the short-lived 1930s British newsprint comic Wags served as a training ground for future American legends like Jack Kirby and Will Eisner. Then PhD student Tom Willett examines the 1970s expansion of McDonald’s into the UK, using oral histories to trace the food processing technologies that reshaped British eating habits. FREE, 1pm-2pm
FREUD MUSEUM AT 40: The final home of Sigmund and Anna Freud in Hampstead marks four decades as a public institution. Director Anna Jobson hosts tonight's 40th anniversary celebration, which features a behind-the-scenes tour of the house's 2,000 antiquities and a conversation with Lord David Freud, the great-grandson of the father of psychoanalysis. Explore the famous study and the magnificent art collection before concluding with a drinks reception in the museum garden. FREE, 1pm-3pm
CLAPTON CFC WOMEN: The fan-owned Old Spotted Dog Ground in Forest Gate hosts a friendly match between Clapton CFC and Haringey Borough. See the award-winning community club's Women's First Team in action at the historic venue, which recently earned accolades for its volunteer-led grounds team. Admission is budget-friendly, with a pay-what-you-can policy for concessions. 8pm
Sponsor message
Challenge your body and your brain at Activate this summer
Jump, dodge, problem-solve and compete your way across the capital, at interactive gaming experience Activate. With over 800 games and levels to choose from at each of its five London locations, no two visits are the same. During your 60-minute Activate adventure, electronic wristbands track your progress as you tackle lasers, basketball hoops, interactive tiles and much more.
Activate combines immersive technology with physical and mental challenges, so both your brain and body get a workout — ideal for getting the kids off the sofa during the school holidays, or gathering a group together for a live-gaming sesh.
Even better news for parents and carers, Activate has launched two special offers for the summer holidays. The Summer Pass (£39.95) gives you four 60-minute visits over four consecutive weeks, making the fun last all summer long. Additionally, one child under 16 goes free with every paying adult throughout August, meaning family days out at Activate are even better value.
Activate has locations at The O2, Oxford Street, Islington, White City and Vauxhall.
Today's events: Wednesday 29 July
LAUGHTERAMA: Somerset House hosts brand new comedy festival Laughterama from today, with seven open-air shows taking place in the courtyard, featuring stars including Fern Brady, Jen Brister, Sarah Keyworth, Josh Widdicombe and Ivo Graham. 29 July-2 August 2026
FITZROVIA CHAPEL TOUR: Former Middlesex surgeon James Thomson leads an intimate 45-minute journey through the history and architecture of the stunning Grade II* listed Fitzrovia Chapel. This guided tour explores the ornate gold mosaics and marble of the former hospital chapel, which remains a hidden sanctuary in the heart of the city. FREE, 12pm-12.45pm
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. FREE, 12pm-2pm
FUTURE OF EXPLORATION: Award‑winning journalist and author Tim Marshall (Prisoners of Geography) takes part in a live recording of the Royal Geographical Society podcast, The Future of Exploration. Matt Pycroft interviews Marshall about the geopolitics of space and how exploration is changing. 7pm-8.30pm
BLOOMSBURY FOLKLORE CLUB: George and Vanessa from Connection With Wonder lead the monthly Bloomsbury Folklore Club evening at Waterstones Gower Street, combining an informative talk with storytelling, live music and a Q&A. This month's edition looks at merfolk. 7pm
Today's events: Thursday 30 July
HORRIBLE HISTORIES: Boudica, King John, the Magna Carta, Guy Fawkes and Dick Turpin all feature in the latest Horrible Histories stage show, which tackles Barmy Britain. It's history with the nasty bits left in — because everyone knows that's what kids latch onto. See it at the Apollo Theatre from today. 30 July-31 August 2026
DEATH NOTE: Based on the manga by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata, Death Note The Musical opens at the Barbican today. The plot follows student Light Yagami after he discovers a notebook that can decide who lives and who dies, and the detective L who becomes determined to stop him. 30 July-12 September 2026
RUBBER DUCK RACE: 3,000 rubber ducks are released into Paddington Basin at lunchtime today... all for a good cause. The annual rubber duck race raises money for local charity Cosmic (Children of St Mary's Intensive Care), by allowing the public to sponsor a duck. Later this evening, a dragon boat race takes place along the same stretch of water, also for charity. FREE, from 12pm
OPEN MIC: Established and novice performers share the stage at MAP Studio Cafe in Kentish Town for a warmhearted fortnightly open mic. The Artery prioritises a respectful atmosphere for musicians and an appreciative environment for the audience. You can sign up to play a couple of songs or simply settle in for an evening of independent live music. FREE, 7pm
JAZZ ON THE BANDSTAND: Grammy-nominated trumpeter Wayne Tucker brings his New York-based ensemble to Forest Hill for a sunset performance at the Horniman Museum and Gardens. The open-air show features a mix of jazz, funk, and R&B, including reimagined classics by Miles Davis and Stevie Wonder. The evening includes street food and a licensed bar on the terrace, with the London skyline providing the backdrop. 7pm
QUIZ NIGHT: Canada Water venue Corner Corner hosts a night of laughs and mayhem with Quiz Night: Hosting By Harvey. Gather a team of up to six to tackle a general pub quiz featuring iconic nonsense and the chance to win a £75 bar tab. 7pm-10pm
NIGHT WALK: Artists Clare Qualmann and Gail Burton lead a two-mile walk through the streets of east London to mark 21 years since their original urban archaeology project began. Put your phone aside and navigate a route between Whitechapel and Bethnal Green using a re-issued map to document the shifting cityscape, and share anecdotes and observations of "things that have gone" from the local environment. FREE, 8pm-10.30pm
Today's events: Friday 31 July
OUTDOOR CINEMA: London's open-air cinema season is at its peak right now, and another one opens today. Picturehouse pops up in Gunnersbury Park Museum Gardens for five screenings across this weekend and next. It begins with Mamma Mia! tonight, and each ticket includes a £7 credit towards food and drink. 31 July-9 August 2026
KILBURN HIGH ROAD FESTIVAL: The Kiln Theatre hosts the Kilburn High Road Festival, 16 days of art and performance along the thoroughfare beginning today. Highlights include an audio tour of food culture in the local area; a promenade performance of memorable nights out in the vicinity; and The High Road Unframed, an outdoor exhibition of large-scale installations by local artists. 31 July-15 August 2026
NOW YOU SEE ME: From the producers of The Illusionists, the London premiere of Now You See Me Live — based on the Now You See Me film franchise — has four world‑class illusionists performing as The Horsemen in a limited five‑week season at the London Coliseum, from today. 31 July-6 September 2026
CHILDHOOD IN WAR: Lambeth's Imperial War Museum opens new free exhibition Childhood in War, exploring the experiences of children during wartime from 1914 to the present day. See how aspects of life including play, schooling, health, home life and safety are all impacted by conflict. FREE, 31 July 2026-February 2027
SKY GARDEN LATE: Head to the Sky Garden’s City Garden Bar for a lively start to your weekend at Havana Heat Nights. Expect tropical rum cocktails, live Latin band and DJ sets and panoramic views from 36 floors up. 6.30pm-10pm
TRIO EXPLORATIONS: Three prominent figures from London’s contemporary jazz scene converge at SJQ in Dalston for an evening of improvisational interplay and sonic experimentation. Trio Explorations features Sheldon Agwu on electric guitar, Max Luthert on upright bass and modular synth, and Yusuf Ahmed on drums. The performance moves between lush ambient soundscapes and high-intensity rhythms. 7pm-2am
LOCALISM: Head to Little Portland Street for an underground disco as Localism takes over the dance floor at The Social. This late-night session features a rotation of London DJs spinning electronic music through a high-spec sound system. FREE, 11pm-3am
Today's events: Saturday 1 August
DUNKIRK LITTLE SHIPS: Start your August by the water, as a fleet of 16 Dunkirk Little Ships drops anchor at St Katharine Docks next to Tower Bridge. The vessels taking part in Dunkirks at the Docks are just a handful of those which were involved in Operation Dynamo, rescuing Allied troops from the beaches of northern France in 1940. FREE, 1 August 2026
A LIKELY STORY: Paintings and drawings by artist-in-residence Rosie Bayliss fill the Georgian rooms of Bell House in Dulwich for this solo exhibition. A Likely Story explores the psychological tension between domestic interiors and the gardens beyond, capturing figures in moments of quiet observation. The works, ranging from small fragments to larger canvases, were created to engage directly with the historic architecture and memory of the house. FREE, 1-2 August 2026
ROUNDHOUSE COMEDY FESTIVAL: Chuckle your way through the first half of August at Roundhouse Comedy Festival. The legendary Camden venue hosts the likes of Joe Lycett, Katherine Ryan, Alexei Sayle and Ayoade Bamgboye, offering a mix of established and up-and-coming talent. Frank Skinner leads the charge with tonight's show. 1-18 August 2026
BRILLIANT TREES: Photographer and curator David Bennet leads a relaxed, family-friendly photography walk through the summer greenery of Valence Park in Dagenham. You only need a smartphone to join the session, which explores the vibrant foliage and warm light of the park's trees following a successful community exhibition earlier this year. FREE, 11am-12.30pm
DORK'S DAY OUT: Dork Magazine presents Dork's Day Out at Colours Hoxton, with Aussie indie-popster Hatchie supported by Men-An-Tol, MORN, Opal Mag and THEATRE. From 3pm
HITS DIFFERENT: Hits Different is a club night from the team behind Swiftogeddon, taking over Between The Bridges on South Bank for a summer party that plays the new wave of pop. DJs will be spinning Taylor Swift, Harry Styles, Olivia Rodrigo, Charli XCX, Maisie Peters, Billie Eilish and more all evening. 7pm-11pm
Today's events: Sunday 2 August
SHIPYARD TOURS: Step inside the working shipyard at The Golden Hinde (near Borough Market) for a guided visit that includes a 30-minute tour of the active restoration space and a 30-minute guided tour onboard the ship, explaining design, construction methods and conservation practices. The shipyard is an active industrial site so appropriate clothing and closed-toe footwear are required, and hard hats and high-vis are provided. 11am
LITTLE HOLLAND HOUSE: The monthly open day of Carshalton's Little Holland House invites the public inside for tours. The former home of artist and craftsman Frank Dickinson is Grade-II listed and packed with paintings, furniture, copperwork and other craft objects made by Dickinson. FREE, 11am-5pm
JAZZ CAFE FESTIVAL: For the third time, Camden's Jazz Cafe curates its own live music festival, spanning a range of genres and playing out in Burgess Park in south London. Singer-songwriter Ari Lennox, rapper Smino and singer/DJ Durand Bernarr are among this year's headliners. 12pm-10pm
FRAGRANCE BLENDING: The Greenhouses in Marylebone continues its series of special afternoon tea events with a hands-on fragrance-blending workshop led by experts from Ribbon & Bow. Learn about top, heart and base notes, and craft a 10 ml blended fragrance to take home with you. Afternoon tea is also included in your ticket. 2pm-4pm
PETER RABBIT: Quantum Theatre brings Michael Whitmore’s adaptation of Beatrix Potter’s The Tale of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny to Chiswick House and Gardens. The family-friendly outdoor performance following Peter and his cousin Benjamin as they get into scrapes in Mr McGregor’s garden. Take along a blanket and a picnic to make an afternoon of it. 2pm/5pM
FREE COMEDY: Kentish Town's Rose & Crown is back for another instalment of Sunday Schtick. an open mic night starring comedy newbies alongside more established acts testing out their raw material. FREE, 7pm
