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
DIVE BAR FESTIVAL: Hackney's hosting a full-blown dive bar festival throughout this week, celebrating the area's alternative venues known for their underground music, alt decor and value drinks deals. Sketching, £4 pints, free tacos and live music are among the happenings on the schedule. 4-10 May 2026
HUGH BONNEVILLE: Hugh Bonneville plays C.S. Lewis opposite Maggie Siff as Joy Davidman in Shadowlands, based on a true story about an unexpected love that upends Narnia author Lewis’s life. See it at Aldwych Theatre until the end of this week. Until 9 May 2026
A MIRRORED MONET: Set in Paris in 1916, musical A Mirrored Monet follows Claude Monet as he wrestles to finish The Water Lilies. The piece uses music and projections to recreate Belle Époque cafés and studios. See it at the Charing Cross Theatre before it closes. Until 9 May 2026
LONDON WALKING FESTIVAL: Running (well, walking) throughout May, this annual festival expounds the joys of exploring and commuting on foot. At the core of the festival are over 200 guided walks. Find out what's happening near you, or explore a part of the capital about which you know nothing. All month
I'M SORRY, PRIME MINISTER: Another theatre show closing this week, political satire I'm Sorry, Prime Minister stars Griff Rhys Jones as Jim Hacker and Clive Francis as Sir Humphrey Appleby in the age of being cancelled, at the Apollo Theatre. Until 9 May 2026
JEEZUS!: The hit debut from award-winning migrant-led company Alpaq, JEEZUS! sees a Peruvian altar boy begin to have feelings for the man on the cross. The result, we are told, is like if "Bo Burnham, Bad Bunny, and Bertolt Brecht had a baby". It's on at New Diorama Theatre. Until 9 May 2026
SEEDS OF EXCHANGE: Garden Museum exhibition Seeds of Exchange examines botanical exchange between Canton (Guangzhou) and London in the late 18th century, displaying a collection of Chinese botanical art and research for the first time in Britain since it was commissioned 235 years ago. Until 10 May 2026
SPRING IN BLOOM: The cosy Library dining room at London Marriott County Hall has launched a Spring in Bloom afternoon tea ahead of the Chelsea Flower Show later this month. The appearance and flavours of items on the menu are inspired by British gardens, including a rhubarb and custard and lemon elderflower cheesecake, and a mini replica of the the Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) fashioned out of rose and white chocolate. The venue offers great views across the river to the Houses of Parliament too. Served until the end of May.
PECKHAM FRINGE: Theatre show Peckham Fringe gets into its stride this week, with performances at both Theatre Peckham, and sister venue Canada Water Theatre. The week's highlights include Republic of Silence, about the controversial Mother and Baby Homes in Ireland, and Four-Walled Boyfriend, about the lengths people go to in order to keep their sexuality a secret. Until 5 June 2026
ATTENBOROUGH'S BIRTHDAY: London legend and national treasure Sir David Attenborough turns 100 this Friday (8 May). A few London venues are celebrating the milestone with special parties, events, and screenings of his work throughout this week — including a mass singalong in Trafalgar Square.
PUB OF THE WEEK: The erstwhile Leconfield pub on Green Lanes has been made over, and given the odontic name the Golden Tooth — a pub/restaurant from the team behind the former Papi restaurant in Hackney, serving up playful comfort food such as chicken and red prawn stargazy pie, and cheese and lardy cake. The Golden Tooth is open for drinks/snacks seven times a week, with food served Wednesday-Sunday evenings (lunch Friday-Sunday).
Today's events: Bank holiday Monday 4 May
BANK HOLIDAY: Lucky enough to have the day off work? Our guide to spending the bank holiday in London has plenty of ideas for ways to keep yourself busy, from guided walks and gardens to explore, to activities to try, and where to find your nearest pub.
KEATS MEETS COLERIDGE: Take part in a 90-minute guided walk across Hampstead Heath to join a reimagining of the famous 1819 encounter between Romantic poets John Keats and Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Led by historic enactors, Keats meets Coleridge begins near Coleridge’s former home in Highgate and explores the "thousand things" the pair discussed, from nightingales to dreams. The tour concludes at Keats House in Hampstead, with admission to the house included in the ticket price. 11am/2.30pm
SQUID SQUAD: The Cartoon Museum hosts an interactive undersea comics adventure with award-winning illustrator and comedian Aoife Dooley. Aimed at children aged five+, the Squid Squad workshop features drawing exercises and character-creation challenges inspired by her graphic novel series. 11.30am-1pm
MINI FOLK ALL-DAYER: The Fox and Firkin in Lewisham hosts a high-energy Mini Folk + Cut A Shine + Hackney Folk Club all Dayer for families and folk fans. The afternoon features soft play, bubble shows, and craft tables for children, while the evening shifts to a grown-up ceilidh with a barn dance, maypole, and live music from Club Debris. 12pm-10pm
CHINGFORD HISTORY WALK: Guide Joanna Moncrieff leads a bank holiday walking tour from Pimp Hall to Ale House Field, exploring Chingford’s evolution from a forest village to a London suburb. The two-mile route uncovers a 17th-century dovecote and shares stories of local characters ranging from Henry VIII to the creator of the FA Cup. 2pm-4pm
CAMP TAKEOVER: Two Brewers Clapham hosts a high-energy night of camp, comedy, and pure drag energy to round off the long weekend. The May Bank Holiday Monday session features performances from Amy LaQueefa and Cherry Liquor taking to the stage from 9pm, with free entry all night. 5pm-1am
CREATURES OF THE NIGHT: The Last Tuesday Society in Hackney hosts Creatures of the Night, an in-person lecture exploring how vampires represent gender and sexuality on screen. Horror expert and therapist Katie Evans applies psychoanalysis to the vampiric legend, tracing its evolution from Nosferatu to Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Tickets include a complimentary glass of Devil’s Botany Chocolate Absinthe to enjoy during the talk. 6.30pm-8.30pm
PUNK EXPLOSION: The Hope and Anchor in Islington hosts Bank Holiday Monday Punk Explosion!!!, a high-energy showcase of raw punk and rock. The line-up features four bands — Johnny Moses and the Electric Motherfuckers, The Cheap Heathens, Family of Strangers, and Enclaves — each playing a 30-minute set of original material. 7pm
DR MEW: The Queer Comedy Club in Archway hosts Dr Mew Science Fiction comedy, a themed night of stand-up and cabaret for sci-fi fans. The show explores the genre from a queer-friendly perspective, and the audience is encouraged to get into the spirit of things with cosplay. FREE, 7pm-8pm
PHANTOMS OF THE POPERA: Original X Factor stars and vocal harmony quartet G4 are at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley for a night of high-energy musical theatre showstoppers. The G4: Phantoms Of The Popera Tour features anthems from West End and Broadway hits including Hamilton, Wicked, and Les Misérables, delivered with the group's signature operatic flair. 7.30pm
Today's events: Tuesday 5 May
BALLET MIXED BILL: Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, the all-male comedy ballet company famed for spoofing classical repertoire, perform a Mixed Bill at the Peacock Theatre. Expect technically precise dance combined with comic pastiche. 5-9 May 2026
GUY’S HOSPITAL 300TH ANNIVERSARY: The Florence Nightingale Museum joins the Guy’s Hospital 300th Anniversary Celebration with a hands-on outreach day featuring nursing history and artefacts. Visitors can try on historical nursing uniforms, handle museum objects, and pose for a photo with the famous fanoos lantern. 9am-5pm
TYBURNIA: Guildhall Library hosts an illustrated talk by Pete Smith exploring the dual history of Tyburn, from its centuries as London’s notorious ‘theatre of death’ to its 19th-century transformation into a prosperous residential district. Discover the stories of the area's residents and the disorderly crowds that once gathered for public executions in Tyburnia. FREE, 2pm-3pm
LE CLUB KNIGHT: Duckie Sharp, the 'Commandant de Danse' himself, returns to the Ridley Road Market Bar in Dalston for Le Club Knight. Expect an eclectic mix of weirdo disco, dance punk, and house française at this late-night session in one of Hackney's top-rated bars. 6pm-2am
QUEER AS PUNK: Barbican Cinema screens Queer as Punk as part of the Queer East Festival 2026. Director Yihwen Chen follows Malaysian band Shh...Diam! over several years, documenting how they use nonconformist performances to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in a country where freedom of expression is severely curtailed. 6.20pm
VOICES FROM THE SHADOWS: University College London hosts a poignant talk exploring LGBTQ experiences during the Nazi era. Eric Marcus, founder of the Making Gay History podcast, uncovers personal narratives and historical perspectives from this period. FREE, 6.30pm
UNDERGROUND LONDON: Walthamstow Trades Hall hosts the inaugural event of the OffBeat Folk Film Festival: Underground London. The screening features contemporary films that explore a side of the capital rarely seen on screen, focusing on hidden narratives and subcultures. 6.30pm
FOREIGN INTERVENTION ETHICS: LSE hosts a panel of four philosophers to examine the moral complexities of military action, at the Old Theatre in Holborn. The ethics of foreign intervention brings together experts including Kieran Oberman and Jonathan Parry to discuss whether humanitarian grounds can justify violating international law. The debate uses recent global events in Venezuela and Iran as a lens for rigorous ethical analysis. FREE, 6.30pm-8pm
PUNK SPIRIT: Housmans Bookshop in King's Cross hosts Californian journalist and musician John Malkin to discuss his new oral history, Punk Spirit!. The talk explores the intersection of punk rock with spirituality and liberation, featuring insights from members of the Sex Pistols, Crass, and Pussy Riot. 7pm-8.30pm
BATHTUB GIN: Expect a high-energy night of rock and roll at the Camden Club with up-and-coming band Bathtub Gin at their Chalk Farm venue. After the band’s set of raw live performance, the floor opens up for a collaborative jam session where visiting musicians are welcome to join in. 7pm-11.30pm
COMEDY INCORPORATED: Comedy Incorporated at Signature Brew Haggerston is an evening featuring a varied mix of comics at the canal-side independent venue. No tickets are required for this over-18s showcase, though donations are appreciated to support the performers. FREE, 7.30pm
Today's events: Wednesday 6 May
AFFORDABLE ART FAIR: The Affordable Art Fair pitches up in Hampstead, selling thousands of contemporary artworks with prices starting at £100, and 100 galleries from all over the world taking part. Painting classes. late-night openings, and a pop-up rooftop bar with views across the Heath are on this year's schedule. 6-10 May 2026
OXFORD HOUSE: Join a unique guided tour of this listed Victorian building in Bethnal Green, which served as one of the world’s first settlement houses. The Oxford House Building Tour offers a chance to peek into the archives, visit a ‘secret chapel’, and climb a spiral staircase for 360-degree rooftop views of east London. 11am
BROADSIDES: Guildhall Library hosts the launch of Broadsides: Speaking to the People, a new exhibition exploring the cheaply printed sheets that served as London’s historical witness. Join curator Sarah Hume to discover how these documents ranged from biting political satire and melodrama to the dry announcement of laws. FREE, 6pm-7.30pm
ABIGAIL DISNEY: Catch a screening of The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales, a personal documentary exploring the US inequality crisis, at LSE. The film re-examines modern capitalism through the lens of the Disney family story and is followed by a Q&A with the filmmaker Abigail Disney herself. 6pm-8pm
CHEAPSIDE HISTORY: Guide Richard Watkins leads a walking tour exploring the City of London's former economic artery, Cheapside. Discover the stories behind side streets named after medieval trades, 18th-century luxury goods, and the site of historic apprentice riots. The tour meets outside St Paul's tube station and traces the grand ceremonial route used for royal processions and the Lord/Lady Mayor’s Show. 6pm-8pm
ULTIMATE FOOTBALL QUIZ: The Old Queen’s Head in Islington hosts The Ultimate Football Quiz, a night of niche and niggly trivia for the capital's soccer obsessives. Expect hefty two-footed questions, "Who Am I?" rounds, and exclusive content, with a £100 bar tab up for grabs for the winning team. 7pm
DAD’S MOOD IS BAD: The Finsbury in Manor House hosts Dad’s Mood is Bad, a mid-week open mic showcase for local talent. Performers can book a set in advance via Instagram, though walk-ins are also permitted if there is space. FREE, 7pm-11pm
QUEER MYTHS: Historian Sacha Coward is at The Blues Kitchen Brixton to explore the hidden LGBTQ+ roots of monsters and magical creatures, from literary vampires to mermaids. Coward examines how these fantastical figures have served as queer symbols throughout history, followed by a public Q&A session. 7pm-9.30pm
BLACK DEATH: An Evening with Thomas Asbridge celebrates the release of historian Thomas Asbridge's new history of the bubonic plague, The Black Death, exploring the devastating impact of the pandemic. Takes place at Waterstones King's Road. 7pm
3D PRINTED BUILDINGS: Architect Renee Dobre discusses the reality behind viral videos of concrete-printing robots. The Pints of Knowledge event explores how computational design is moving from sci-fi renderings to practical construction workflows, and is followed by an audience Q&A. 7pm
SEVEN AUTHORS: The Soho Reading Series brings a Seven Author Book Extravaganza to the historic 100 Club on Oxford Street. This evening of literary discovery takes place in the world’s oldest independent venue, which has been hosting live performances in the heart of Soho since the 1940s. 7.30pm
COSMIC UCL: As part of UCL's bicentenrary celebrations, Cosmic UCL is a one‑night showcase at Bloomsbury Theatre combining short science talks with performances. Physicist and broadcaster Helen Czerski hosts, joined by Maggie Aderin, Jon Butterworth, Kevin Fong, Saiful Islam, Nick Lane, Mark Miodownik, Christine Ohuruogu and Adam Rutherford, with music from Gecko and comedy from John‑Luke Roberts. 7.30pm
Today's events: Thursday 7 May
WOMEN IN ART FAIR:;The Women in Art Fair returns to gallery@0x0 with a four-day programme showcasing work by women artists, curated prizes and a series of talks and workshops. 7-10 May 2026
AN IDEAL HUSBAND: Oscar Wilde’s comedy An Ideal Husband is staged at the Lyric Hammersmith in a new production. The play follows Sir Robert Chiltern as his spotless reputation is threatened by the devious Mrs Cheveley. 7 May-6 June 2026
MAMIE DICKENS: The Charles Dickens Museum hosts an exhibition talk on Mamie Dickens, the author’s eldest daughter and former housekeeper. Great-great-great granddaughter Lucinda Dickens Hawksley explores Mamie’s transition from a dutiful "local celebrity" in Kent to her later, secretive life in Manchester. Watch in person, or online. FREE, 12.30pm
TRANSFIGURED NIGHT: Musicians from Sinfonia Smith Square perform a lunchtime recital of chamber music at Smith Square Hall in Westminster. The programme features Schoenberg’s passionate Transfigured Night, often considered the greatest string sextet ever written, alongside Louise Farrenc’s Beethoven-inspired Nonet in E flat. 1.05pm
HAWAIIAN BASKETRY: Join Native Hawaiian cultural educators Lloyd Kumulāʻau Sing Jr and May Haunani Balino-Sing for Hawaiian basketry, weaving and ‘ie‘ie: stories and roots, an online talk hosted by the British Museum. Learn about the materials and skill involved in the endangered art of weaving with ‘ie‘ie rootlets, which were traditionally used to create baskets, fish traps, and mahiole (helmets) for Hawaiian chiefs. FREE, 5.30pm-6.30pm
ELA LEE: Daunt Books Notting Hill hosts an evening with British-Korean-Turkish author Ela Lee in conversation with Isabella Silvers to discuss her second novel, Minbak. The sweeping family story explores three generations of women and a secret slice of South Korean history. 6.30pm
POPE'S GROTTO: Trustees of the Pope’s Grotto Preservation Trust join Professor Judith Hawley for an online talk exploring the long-term conservation of Alexander Pope’s 18th-century grotto in Twickenham. Trace the history of the site from its 1720 construction to its recent 2024 reopening. 7pm
LONDON FORTEAN SOCIETY: History Hit’s Madeleine Pelling and Anthony Delaney visit Conway Hall in Holborn to discuss Pelling's new book, Hoax: A Ghost, a Witch and a Princess in the Age of Enlightenment. The talk explores the lives of three women who rose to fame through elaborate deceptions, holding a mirror to our own turbulent relationship with truth and moral panic. 7pm
GENERAL STRIKE: The British Library hosts a panel discussion on The General Strike of 1926: Britain at a Standstill. Historians Professor Jonathan Schneer and Dr David Torrance join journalist Polly Toynbee to examine the nine-day period when two million workers downed tools, exploring how the event reshaped British politics a century ago. 7pm-8.30pm
LORD OF THE RINGS: The modern chamber orchestra Mystery Ensemble is at Hackney Empire for a majestic tribute to Howard Shore’s legendary film scores. This immersive concert features live vocal performances of ethereal Elvish laments and ancient chants, transporting the audience straight into the heart of Middle-earth. 8pm
NINA CONTI: Soho Theatre Walthamstow hosts Neon Nights With Nina Conti, a brand-new showcase featuring a high-energy line-up of established and rising comedy stars. Headliner Nina Conti is joined by Harriet Kemsley, Jeff Innocent, Kyrah Gray, and Sunil Patel, with Amy Annette hosting. 8pm
Today's events: Friday 8 May
SOUND BITES: Music and food festival Sound Bites comes to Syon Park with a mix of street food traders, chef demo stages, pop‑up kitchens and live music. Performers scheduled include Ricky Wilson and Natasha Hamilton, with daytime family-friendly feasting leading into headline DJ and band sets in the evening. 8-9 May 2026
DULWICH FESTIVAL: A celebration of art and culture in the local area, Dulwich Festival has an impressive programme as always, spanning live music, author talks, guided walks and family events culminating in the ever-popular Goose Green fair. 8-17 May 2026
FOOTBALL SHIRT EXHIBITION: London Jersey Gallery stages a pop-up exhibition at the Islington Council LDP Office — not far from Emirates Stadium — exploring Arsenal FC’s history through its shirts, curated by Abdul Rashid Zakari. The display brings together historic kits to show how design, supporter culture and memorable eras have evolved. FREE, 8-31 May 2026
EQUUS: Peter Shaffer's EQUUS is at the Menier Chocolate Factory, directed by Lindsay Posner and presented in co-production with Theatre Royal Bath. The play follows psychiatrist Martin Dysart as he investigates a teenager who has blinded horses; the production contains nudity. 8 May-4 July 2026
HEIGHTS OF LONDON: Explore the highest point in the Borough of Wandsworth on The Heights of London, a 4.8-mile guided walk led by Rob Smith. Reaching 60m above sea level at Putney Heath, the route passes the Beverley Brook, Wimbledon Windmill, and the 1950s Alton Estate. 2pm-5pm
MUSEUM LATE: The Fashion and Textile Museum in Bermondsey hosts a special after-hours opening of its Paint! Pattern! Print! exhibition. Explore the exuberant world of design pioneers Susan Collier and Sarah Campbell with a glass of fizz, viewing over 50 years of vibrant patterns that transformed global interiors and fashion. 6pm-8pm
HUMAN EVOLUTION: Part of its Dig Deeper event series, the Natural History Museum hosts Rewriting the Story of Human Evolution. Leading researchers Professor Chris Stringer and Silvia Bello examine how recent discoveries regarding stone tools and the control of fire are challenging long-held assumptions about our early ancestors. 6.30pm-8pm
COCOA BUTTER CLUB: Signature Brew Blackhorse Road hosts The Cocoa Butter Club's Summer Soirée, a high-energy celebration of burlesque, drag, and live music. The evening features a soundtrack of RnB, Neo Soul, and old-school jams, followed by the Slicc N Thicc after-party. 7pm
BRITISH ASIAN CABARET: Heeramandi aims to reclaim the legacy of historical Lahore courtesans through a mix of contemporary dance, burlesque and satire. The production at Jacksons Lane, a collaboration with Amina Khayyam Dance Company, features everything from South Asian classical Kathak to pole and cage performances. 7.30pm
CHASING ALIENS: Acclaimed filmmaker and podcaster Jon Ronson joins Orwell Prize-winning journalist Daniel Lavelle at Conway Hall to discuss the human obsession with extraterrestrial life. The talk explores Lavelle’s road trip through America’s UFO heartlands, featured in his new book Chasing Aliens, covering everything from fringe rituals at Skinwalker Ranch to Harvard astrophysicists. 7.30pm-9pm
DERVISH: Legendary Irish folk band Dervish returns to the London Irish Centre in Camden for a night of traditional music and fiery energy. Fronted by the distinctive vocals of Cathy Jordan, the BBC Lifetime Achievement Award winners draw on the rich musical heritage of Sligo and Leitrim with a line-up featuring fiddle, flute, and bouzouki. 8pm
COMEDY FUNDRAISER: The Chickenshed in Southgate hosts Laugh Your Shed Off, a comedy fundraiser featuring a line-up of rising stand-up stars. The bill includes 2025 BBC New Comedy Award winner Eli Hart and Irish surrealist Roger O'Sullivan, alongside sharp observational sets from Shalaka Kurup and Chantel Nash. 8pm
Today's events: Saturday 9 May
CROUCH END ART: Call in at 40 venues around Crouch End, to meet/admire the work of almost 60 artists — paintings, prints, ceramics, photography, sculpture and more, as part of Crouch End Open Studios. Many artworks are available to buy. FREE, 9-10 May 2026
HOT SAUCE FESTIVAL: How hot is too hot for you? Find out at the Hot Sauce Festival in Peckham, where hundreds of small-batch sauces from dozens of traders are available to try and buy, along with live music, games, street food — and a bar for those all-important, palate-cleansing drinks. 9-10 May 2026
HENRY MOORE: Renowned artist Henry Moore’s work is shown in new exhibition Monumental Nature, taking place across Kew Gardens. It spans 30 outdoor sculptures and an indoor display at the Shirley Sherwood Gallery featuring more than 90 smaller works, including drawings, models and sketchbooks. A family trail and sensory activity guide are available too. 9 May-January 2027
LIBRARIES OF LONDON: Join Open City for the libraries of London cycle tour, a 5.2-mile journey exploring the architectural history of bookshops and public libraries from Bloomsbury to the East End. Led by Justin Manley, the route visits the expansive British Library, Holborn Library, and the Bishopsgate Institute before finishing at the Whitechapel Gallery. 10.30am-1.30pm
A WOMAN’S WORK: Elinor Cleghorn, author of Unwell Women, leads A Woman’s Work guided tour around the Foundling Museum in Bloomsbury. Explore the radical history of mothering and how the 18th-century stigmatisation of single mothers necessitated the creation of the Foundling Hospital. 11am
INDIE LABEL MARKET: Live music, artists & makers, beers and DJs are on the docket at Coal Drops Yard for the spring edition of Independent Label Market London. After a fun day tickling your ear drums with the sounds of indie/your taste buds with beers from the likes of Werewolf and Orbit, head home with an armful of fresh vinyl. 11am-6.30pm
MAY DISCO BALL: Blackheath Halls hosts the Haven’t Stopped Dancing Yet May Disco Ball for a night of feel-good 70s and 80s hits. DJ Lady G spins classic tracks in the Hearn Recital Room, accompanied by flash-mob style routines, free retro sweets, and prizes for the best fancy dress. 10% of profits from the event are donated to Cancer Research UK. 7.30pm
BANANA CABARET: The legendary Banana Cabaret at the Bedford in Balham is not long for this world; catch one of the final nights tonight, with stand up from Finlay Christie, Sally Ann Hayward, Mark Thomas and Simon Evans. 8.15pm-10.30pm
Today's events: Sunday 10 May
MEDIEVAL JEWISH LONDON: The Medieval Jewish London History Day is a one-day festival bringing the City’s 11th-century Jewish community back to life. The programme features expert talks on everyday life and myths, a guided walking tour of the original Jewish quarter, and family activities including clay golem making, at Barbican. 9.45am-4.45pm
WAYZGOOSE: The St Bride Foundation in Fleet Street hosts its annual celebration of letterpress, bringing together the UK's inky community for a day of stalls and networking. Browse letterpress supplies, type, ornaments, and second-hand books from over 20 specialist traders, or try your hand at printing on historic presses in the foundation's workshop. 11am-4pm
ART OF THE BLITZ: Tour guide Jonathan Wober marks 85 years since the end of the Blitz with a tour of City of London sites, particularly those that were depicted by the artists of the time. 11am
VINTAGE FASHION FAIR: Chelsea Old Town Hall hosts the return of Frock Me! Vintage Fashion Fair, for rare antique clothing and textiles. Over 60 leading dealers gather on the King’s Road to showcase highly curated pieces ranging from the Victorian era to pre-loved designer labels like Biba and Ossie Clark. 11am-5.30pm
PUPPET FESTIVAL: One of those unique London events we love, the Covent Garden May Fayre & Puppet Festival is back. It celebrates the first recorded production of a Mr Punch show, as seen/recorded by Samuel Pepys in Covent Garden in 1662, and draws puppeteers from all over the country for a procession, church service, shows, stalls and workshops. FREE, 11am-5.30pm
HUBFEST: The Fox and Firkin in Lewisham hosts HUBFEST 2026, a vibrant community festival raising funds for the Lewisham Donation Hub. Expect live music and DJs alongside poetry, creative workshops, and street food in the venue's large garden. While the daytime is family-friendly with free entry for under-16s, the music continues late into the night for the over-18s. 12pm-12am
KENNINGTON COMMON: Guide Laura Agustin tours the Kennington area, exploring the history of demonstrations in the area (including the famous Chartist rally of 1848) as well as questions of land ownership. 1pm-3.30pm
AN AFTERNOON OF DAVID BOWIE: Feeling Gloomy returns to The Phoenix in Cavendish Square for an afternoon of David Bowie, a wall-to-wall celebration of the Thin White Duke. The session starts with deep cuts and rarities before building to a final 105 minutes of non-stop hits, accompanied by Bowie visuals and sing-alongs. 1pm-4.30pm
LONDON HAT WALK: Watch (or join) a group of people parading their most magnificent hats. The London Hat Walk is all about showing off your headwear and making new friends, following a route along the river from Tate Modern to Tower Bridge. Anyone's welcome to take part... as long as you're wearing a hat! FREE, 2pm
WIFI WARS: An interactive live show where the entire audience competes in games and quizzes, comedian Steve McNeil hosts WiFi Wars at Artsdepot in North Finchley. Using Guinness World Record-breaking technology developed at the Royal Institution, players use their own smartphones or tablets to battle it out in real time across retro video games and modern puzzles. 3pm
WE ONLY COME OUT AT NIGHT: Islington’s legendary Hope & Anchor hosts We Only Come Out At Night, a dark and atmospheric music fundraiser for the London Wildlife Trust. The evening features a four-band bill including distorted alt-rock from The Silent Era and sets by Penny Skint, Carrie Abyss, and The Fourth Talisman, with all profits supporting the protection of the capital’s green spaces. 6pm
