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
SUMMER HOLIDAYS: Running out of ideas already? Keep the kids happy with our pick of summer holiday events in London — and keep your wallet happy with our free family events guide. Plus, have a browse of these family-friendly theatre shows on in the capital right now, suitable for all ages from tots to teens.
JAY JURDEN: American comedian and writer Jay Jurden, whose credits include Hulu, Netflix, HBO and The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, brings a new hour of stand-up to Soho Upstairs. Expect fast-paced, personal comedy exploring identity and current topics in a 60-minute set. 3-8 August 2026
LONDON PADEL WEEK: The capital's first city-wide padel lifestyle festival, London Padel Week has more than 50 events taking place across five clubs this week. Whether you play regularly or have never picked up a racket, experience the UK's fastest-growing sport at venues from Wembley to Stratford. Try the latest rackets and products, join social tournaments, take part in coaching sessions, and enjoy talks, DJ sets, courtside socialising and networking events, as well as Italian food and drink tastings. 3-9 August 2026 (sponsor)
ROUTES, RUINS AND RECONNAISANCE: Writer, traveller and archaeologist Gertrude Bell is the subject of the Royal Geographical Society's new exhibition, Routes, Ruins and Reconnaissance. View newly-digitised images created from original negatives held in the Society's collection, which showcase her archaeological and geographical work, and how she became invaluable to British intelligence in the First World War. FREE, 3-24 August 2026
CAMDEN FRINGE: The Camden Fringe kicks off on Monday, bringing a month of theatre, music, comedy and dance to venues across the area. Highlights of this opening week include The Simpsons writer Mike Reiss revealing secrets of the show, interactive comedy horror This App Is A Haunted House, and bittersweet comedy Take Care. Take a look at our picks for Camden Fringe 2026 or browse the full programme. 3-30 August 2026
ALLEGRA: Maureen Lipman stars in Allegra, a play about a woman who cannot stop herself from bursting into song, and the effect it has on those around her. It's on at the Harold Pinter Theatre, but only until this weekend. Until 8 August 2026
DARK OF THE MOON: Also closing this weekend is supernatural witchcraft tale Dark of the Moon at Charing Cross Theatre, a musical telling the stories of two very different places: a charming rural Appalachian town, and the mystical world of witches and warlocks from the Smoky Mountains. Until 8 August 2026
UPSIDE DOWN LONDON: Pinhole London installs a temporary camera obscura on the Terrace at Alexandra Palace, projecting a live, upside-down view of landmarks such as the Shard and the BT Tower. Until 9 August 2026
HOLY POP!: Last chance to see Holy Pop!, a Somerset House exhibition dedicated to the world of modern shrines and collections of objects which honour celebrity heroes. Until 9 August 2026
COMEDY FESTIVAL: The laughs keep coming at Roundhouse Comedy Festival in Camden, where this week's acts include Adam Buxton, Sam Campbell and Desiree Burch, as well as three different productions from comedy streaming service Dropout. Until 18 August 2026
BBC PROMS: South African vocal group Ladysmith Black Mambazo make their BBC Proms debut this week, celebrating 40 year's of Paul Simon's album Graceland. Also on the Proms schedule this week: pieces by Dvořák, Zimmermann and Mendelssohn, a Relaxed Prom with a Transatlantic theme, and plenty more — browse the full schedule. Until 12 September 2026
DRINK OF THE WEEK: New cocktail bar Nancy's invited us up for a drink recently — by up, we mean the four flights of stairs that open into a repurposed 1970s office building overlooking London Bridge station. The view's superb (especially if you like watching trains), the drinks menu's exciting (signature cocktails capitalise on ingredients from local suppliers like Kernel and Borough Olives) and the kitsch decor — think tiger skin couches and mirror-tiled bar — is retro-tastic. Even the pool table's groovy.
Today's events: Monday 3 August
PIANO/CELLO CONCERT: Pianist Jinghui Fang appears with cellist Liling Wang and pianist Jiaxi Wang for a free lunchtime concert at St Paul's Church (AKA the Actors' Church) in Covent Garden, as part of the Classical‑D Piano Festival 2026. The 60‑minute programme includes Franck's Cello Sonata, Chopin, Saint‑Saëns' The Swan, Piazzolla's Libertango, Albéniz's Asturias, Philip Glass and a Schubert piano piece. FREE, 1pm
FAMILY FOODBANK TAKEOVER: Families are invited to JW3 on Finchley Road to learn about food poverty through a hands-on volunteering session. Help sort through some of the 80 delivery crates the centre receives each week before heading to the O2 Shopping Centre for a supermarket sweep to purchase essential donations. It is a practical way for children and adults to support the local community while seeing the teamwork required to run a major foodbank operation. 1.30pm-4.30pm
BROKEN UMBRELLA CHALLENGE: Five-nine year-olds and their families are invited to a hands-on workshop at the British Library, where they can learn to repurpose broken objects into new creations. The session explores repair, creativity and sustainability, and you're welcome to bring a broken toy along to repair, as long as it has no sharp edges. FREE, 3pm-4.30pm
NATALIE HAYNES: Writer and broadcaster Natalie Haynes headlines an evening at the British Museum featuring a conversation about her work and interests in the classical world, and a reading from her 2025 book No Friend to this House – a feminist retelling of the Greek myth of Medea. 6pm-7.30pm
DIRTY DANCING + GREASE: It's a double bill of classic musical movies at Rooftop Cinema Club in Peckham, which shows 1987 dance romance Dirty Dancing, followed immediately by 1978 high school romance Grease. Pick your favourite, or book both for a double header. 6.30pm/8.55pm
HAPPY MONDAYS: Shazia Mirza and Marc Burrows star in this week's Happy Mondays Comedy at the Amersham Arms in New Cross, offering a double bill of Edinburgh Fringe/WIP preview shows. 8pm
Today's events: Tuesday 4 August
HEARTLESS ROGUES: Enjoy a lively evening of sea shanties on board the dry-docked Golden Hinde on Bankside. South London pirate band Frankie Heartless and the Heartless Rogues leads a night of pirate revelry and folk tunes. 7pm-10pm
CARNIVAL IS 60: Notting Hill Carnival takes place at the end of the month, 60 years on from the first one. The milestone is marked at a special Carnival 60 series of events over the coming weeks. Tonight, the Prince Bonaparte in Westbourne Park hosts a panel discussion with political activist Ansel Wong CBE about what the future of carnival will look like over the next 60 years with guests including costume designer Symone Williams, interspersed with live poetry and calypso music. 7pm
BARBIE: Make like it's summer 2023 all over again at the free Canary Wharf Summer Screens open-air cinema shows Greta Gerwig's Barbie. Margot Robbie stars as the eponymous toy steps into the real world and gets a reality check. As for Ryan Gosling? He's just Ken. FREE, 7pm
NEW ORLEANS JAM SESSION: Kennington’s Toulouse Lautrec Jazz Club transforms into a slice of the French Quarter for this monthly celebration of brass-band grooves and second-line rhythms. Led by pianist Dom Pipkin, the New Orleans Jam Session invites musicians of all levels to join the house band for a night of collective improvisation and bluesy energy. Horn players are especially encouraged to bring their instruments to the session, which kicks off with a short opening set before the floor opens to guests. 7.30pm
PUB QUIZ: Test your general knowledge at Kingston’s rock 'n' roll sanctuary as the August Pub Quiz takes over The Fighting Cocks. Hosted by veteran quizmaster Andy, the evening pits teams of up to five against each other for the chance to win a rolling jackpot prize. Cheating via smartphone is strictly discouraged — expect to hear the traditional local refrain of "Bastard!" directed at anyone caught reaching for Google. FREE, 7.30pm
COMEDY: Michael Brunström's surreal new caper delves into the story of Swiss folklore hero William Tell... and then imagines him taking on online bots armed with a crossbow, an apple and an overture. Told you it was surreal. It's on at Camden Comedy Club. 8.30pm
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An enchanting summer holiday treat for the whole family
Lewis Carroll's beloved Alice in Wonderland comes to glorious life in an imaginative retelling at Soho Theatre Walthamstow this week.
Delight the whole family as extraordinary puppets and lavish costumes bring Carroll's colourful characters vividly to life. Join Alice as she encounters the mischievous Cheshire Cat, the hurried White Rabbit and the imperious Queen of Hearts, tumbling through a world of wonderful nonsense.
With a breezy 60-minute runtime, it's the ideal summer holiday outing, and fair warning: the kids will still be talking about it long after the final curtain.
Alice in Wonderland is at Soho Theatre Walthamstow, 5-16 August 2026. Age five+.
Today's events: Wednesday 5 August
CORAM'S FIELDS PLAYDAY: The annual Coram's Fields Playday sees families invited into the Bloomsbury park for a free day of activities celebrating Article 31 of the United Nation’s charter on the Rights of a Child, which states every child has the right to play. Trampolines, an inflatable obstacle course, a stage, a sports zone and a reading corner are all part of the event, which also marks an impressive 90 years since Coram's Fields opened. FREE, 12pm-4pm
JACK SHEPPARD: The London Archives in Clerkenwell hosts a 90-minute talk on the history of burglary and housebreaking in the capital, and the life of notorious burglar Jack Sheppard. The session, led by Dr Anna Cusack, looks at policing, punishment and social context. 5.30pm
DAD’S MOOD IS BAD: Aspiring performers and seasoned acts alike can take to the stage at The Finsbury in Manor House for the Dad’s Mood is Bad open mic night. The evening welcomes walk-ins if space permits, though those wishing to guarantee a slot are encouraged to book a set in advance via Instagram. FREE, 7pm-11pm
SPARK STORYTELLING: Britain’s first true storytelling club returns to Upstairs at The Ritzy in Brixton for an evening of personal narratives. The theme for this session is "Holidays," inviting participants to share five-minute tales of sunburns, missed flights, or life-changing adventures. Whether you are a first-timer or a seasoned performer, you can sign up on the night to tell a story, provided it is true and happened to you. 7.30pm
ROCKWOOD TAYLOR: Charlie Rockwood Farr and Lynne Taylor perform as Rockwood Taylor, an Americana duo whose songs draw on influences from John Prine, Townes Van Zandt, Nina Simone and Patsy Cline. See them live at The Harrison in King's Cross tonight. 8pm
Today's events: Thursday 6 August
COCKTAILS IN THE CITY: The second and final edition of this year's Cocktails in the City takes place at Bedford Square Gardens, opening the usually-private park to ticket holders, with 20 of London's best bars appearing in pop-up form to serve their tipples. There are also street food stalls, live music, a silent disco, and cocktail making workshops. 6-8 August 2026
CHARITY SUPER.MKT: Charity Super.Mkt returns to Coal Drops Yard with a curated market of vintage and pre-loved fashion, repair drop-ins and upcycling sessions. The pop-up brings together charity sellers — including stands supporting the British Heart Foundation, Fight for Sight and Havens Hospices — alongside designer and high-street second‑hand pieces, all raising money for good causes. 6-9 August 2026
FREE LIVE MUSIC: Rising Shropshire songwriter Danny Griffiths brings his indie-alternative anthems to the riverside for a free lunchtime concert. Part of the Summer by the River programme, the performance takes place in the award-winning Putting Down Roots Pocket Garden near Morgan's Lane. Catch a lunchtime set from an emerging artist known for big, melodic hooks. FREE, 1pm-2pm
DISCOVERY EXPEDITION: The Royal Geographical Society marks the 125th anniversary of Captain Scott’s Discovery expedition to Antarctica with an afternoon of talks, archive displays, a dinner and a one‑man show. Speakers include Jamie Owen FRGS, Ed Armston‑Sheret who launches his book Grip of the Ice, and polar historian Anne Strathie. 1.30pm-10pm
LONDON TRADITIONS: We're huge fans of the bizarre rituals and ceremonies which take place in London every year. If you are too, head to Guildhall Library this afternoon for a free talk about the capital’s many fascinating customs and observances. FREE, 2pm
CAMDEN NIGHT MARKET: Every Thursday this month, Camden Market's North Yard stays open throughout the evening for a night market. Traders stay open until 9pm, including food and drink venues, and you can bag yourself a free glass of prosecco if you register in advance. FREE, 5pm-9pm
Today's events: Friday 7 August
GAY MEN'S CHORUS: For the first time ever, the Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles performs on this side of the pond, headlining three shows at St Paul's Church in Covent Garden. Expect a mix of Motown, musical-theatre numbers, anthems and gospel, with repertoire ranging from Stevie Wonder and the Temptations to songs from Dreamgirls, The Wiz, La Cage aux Folles, and Wicked, all raising funds for Terrence Higgins Trust. 7-8 August 2026
OUTDOOR CINEMA: Another chance to watch a film in the open air, this time out west at Gunnersbury Park. The pop-up Picturehouse screen enters its second and final weekend, screening 10 Things I Hate About You tonight, followed by Jurassic Park and Grease over the weekend. Your ticket includes a £7 credit towards food and drink on site. 7-9 August 2026
COSTA DEL CROYDON: A pop-up beach once again appears on a car park rooftop in central Croydon from today. Feel the sand between your toes in a giant sand pit, try bungee trampolines, a water splash zone... and, new for 2026, adults-only evenings on Thursdays. Who needs Brighton anyway? FREE, 7-31 August 2026
FAMILY DAY: Little explorers are invited to discover the hidden stories of Two Temple Place during a free Family Day at the historic neo-Tudor mansion. Choose between a digital trail featuring the Green Man or a paper-based quest led by Little Red Hood to navigate the building's ornate architecture. FREE, 10am-4.30pm
BASS IN THE BOROUGH: Kinetika Bloco's Bass in the Borough is an evening of music and dance curated by Melody McFarlane and Telia Maria, taking place at Southbank Centre. Expect performances from south London youth bands and community groups, and a DJ set, as part of the venue's summer Riverside Sessions. FREE, 6.30pm
Today's events: Saturday 8 August
THAMESMEAD FESTIVAL: South-east London is the place to be when the free Thamesmead Festival returns to Southmere Park, on the banks of Southmere Lake. Four stages pop up, with local performers showcasing their talents, spanning R&B, soul and rap music, headlined by 10-piece collective Natalie Williams & the Soul Family Band. Also happening: craft workshops, kids' entertainment, a local market and loads more. FREE ENTRY, 12pm-7.30pm
HANDLE WITH CARE: Explore the tactile history of health and art at the Wellcome Collection during Handle with Care: Conversations Through Objects. This drop-in session allows you to touch and examine items from the collection at various stations, guided by the museum's engagement team. FREE, 1pm-3pm
WIND IN THE WILLOWS: Explore the stretch of the Thames that Sir David Attenborough calls his favourite place on the planet with this Wind in the Willows walking tour from Richmond to Twickenham. Led by Laura Agustín of Footprints of London, the route takes in the Tudor gatehouse of Richmond Palace, the wildflowers of Marble Hill Park, and the rock music history of Eel Pie Island. 1pm-4.30pm
REGGAE FOOD FESTIVAL: Celebrate Jamaican Independence Day (6 August) in style as the London Reggae & Food Festival returns to Riverside East in Stratford. DJs Saxon Sound, Seani B, Izzy Bossy, Shayna Marie, Vybz-SR and Tuggzy OnPoint play a sountrack of reggae and dancehall, alongside a range of authentic Caribbean food traders. 3pm-10pm
JEFFREY ALEXANDER: Described as a proponent of 'dusty folk, cosmic jazz, deep psych, free improv, and even (gasp!) indie rock', it's fair to say Jeffrey Alexander has his fingers in a few musical pies. Tonight he's at Cafe Oto accompanied by the Heavy Lidders, while Christina Carter supports. 7.30pm
POUR IT UP: Unpretentious party vibes take over the upstairs club room at The Old Queens Head in Islington for a late-night session of R&B and hip-hop. Expect a genre-spanning soundtrack featuring the likes of Kendrick Lamar, Peggy Gou, Burna Boy, and Beyoncé, with DJs keeping the floor moving until the early hours of Sunday morning. FREE before 9pm, until 3am
Today's events: Sunday 9 August
FAMILY BEACH DISCO: Little ones and their grown-ups can let loose at JW3 for an uplifting, all-ages dance party. Led by fan favourite Ilana Banana, the Family Disco on the Beach features bubbles, rainbows, parachute games, and a specially curated playlist designed to get everyone from crawling babies to grandparents moving. Crafting activities are also available on-site to complement the sensory musical experience. 11am-12pm
FULHAM PALACE: Successive bishops have pottered around the walled garden at Fulham Palace while in residence here. Today's tour is a chance to learn more about these men of the cloth, and their relationship with the space — including Bishop Terrick, who redesigned the garden in the 18th century to take advantage of the river views. 11.30-12.45
ITALIAN MUSIC: Fresh from their annual festival in Tuscany, the musicians of Sinfonia Smith Square bring a Mediterranean flavour to Westminster for their final performance of the year. Sinfonia Smith Square’s Guide to Italy features a whistle-stop tour of much-loved Italian music performed across the hall, the gardens, and the surrounding square. Grab a gelato and explore the Grade I-listed Baroque venue during this family-friendly musical journey. FREE, 11.30am/1.30pm/3.30pm
ART IN THE PARK: Free, drop-in art and craft workshops for children, families and adults are on offer this afternoon in Windmill Gardens, adjacent to Brixton Windmill. Activities include paper flower making, t‑shirt painting, junk plants, nature collages and kaleidoscope making — just turn up to take part. FREE, 1pm-5pm
GIRL DINNER: This afternoon's Sip & Paint session at London Art Bar (Holborn) centres around Wyland Tondelier's Summer Table For Two painting. Have a go at creating your own version of the masterpiece, aided along with a drink or two, with all art supplies provided. 2pm-4pm
CRICKET: A double-header of The Hundred cricket awaits at Lord's, where London Spirit take on Birmingham Phoenix, the women's match starting early afternoon, and the men's, early evening. One ticket gets you access to both matches — so get comfortable! 2.30pm and 6pm
SKOOB BOOKS EXTRAVAGANZA: Bloomsbury’s iconic second-hand bookshop is celebrated with an evening of drinks, shop history, and literary community at The Horse Hospital. The Skoob Books Extravaganza features a show-and-tell of the shop's ephemera collection and a quiz with "rich prizes" for the well-read. Browse books for sale and meet the team behind the long-running institution. FREE entry, 6pm-10pm
