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!
What's on all week
EASTER HOLIDAYS: Kids still off school? Keep them occupied with our Easter holidays events guide, which has plenty of suggestions of entertainment for all ages, from theatre shows and exhibitions to special events and family activities.
TULIP FESTIVAL: Over 100,000 bulbs bring a riot of colour to the gardens of Hampton Court Palace for its annual Tulip Festival — one of the UK's largest displays of planted tulips, which has opened a week earlier than planned due to the mild weather bringing the tulips into bloom. Wander through the formal gardens and historic courtyards, and see 'floating' bowls in the Great Fountain and a free style of planting in the kitchen gardens. Find other places to see tulip displays in and around London. From 3 April 2026
TOWER HAMLETS LIFE: Artist Olga Regina's solo exhibition Memory of a New City explores the layered identity of Canary Wharf and London’s Docklands, capturing moments where everyday life intersects with something slightly unexpected in London's financial district. View the exhibition at Brady Arts & Commuity Centre in Whitechapel. FREE, 4-25 April 2026 (closed Easter Monday)
MARIA AND ROSETTA: A stage portrait of Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Marie Knight, starring Beverley Knight and Ntombizodwa Ndlovu with live musicians, Maria and Rosetta follows Rosetta’s boundary‑breaking gospel and early rock and roll performances in 1946 Mississippi. It's on at Soho Place until this weekend. Until 11 April 2026
LOVE LETTERS: Witness devotion, longing, sacrifice, heartache and passion expressed through personal letters, poems, drawings, official memorials and wills. Correspondence dating back more than 500 years is on display in this final week of the free Love Letters exhibition at The National Archives in Kew. The love stories of royalty and parliamentarians are told, alongside those of literary icons and anonymous people. Plus, the Love Letters Late event on Friday 10 April (£15) offers an after-hours celebration of love and literary longing. FREE, until 12 April 2026 (sponsor)
BACK TO THE FUTURE: Fire up the DeLorean for one last chance to see musical take on Back to the Future at the Adelphi Theatre, starring Caden Braunch as Marty McFly and Brian Conley as Doc Brown, as the legendary car transports them between time periods. Until 12 April 2026
THE SINGH TWINS: The Shirley Sherwood Gallery at Kew Gardens hosts visual exhibition The Singh Twins, which features fabric light boxes that detail how plants such as cotton, spices and dyes played a pivotal role in colonial expansion. Until 12 April 2026
ROMEO AND JULIET: An action-packed version of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet — with BMX tricks! — plays at Shakespeare's Globe during the Easter holidays, offering an ideal introduction to the famous play for younger viewers, and anyone studying Shakespeare. Playing Shakespeare with Deutsche Bank: Romeo and Juliet is just 90 minutes long, with tickets from £5 and half-price seated tickets for under-16s. Until 12 April 2026 (sponsor)
REVEL PUCK CIRCUS: Head inside the big top pitches in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park for A Glimmer Daze Gambit, a touring show of contemporary circus by Revel Puck Circus. Watch acrobatics, clowning and general chaos, starring grassroots London based and international circus artists from Argentina, the USA, Ethiopia, and Canada. Until 12 April 2026
MAP OF THE WEEK: Fans of The Clash: a new map of the band's Big Smoke haunts has just dropped. Penned by pop culture historian Paul Gorman, it calls in at a slew of gig venues (from the 100 Club to the Royal Albert Hall to HMP Wandsworth...), as well as Paddington's Joe Strummer Subway and the site of the group's favourite indie bookshop. Divvied into north, south, east, west and central, this is fodder for a few self-guided walking tours. London is most definitely calling.
CAUSE OF THE WEEK: Like so many food banks across London, Bounds Green's does sterling work providing a vital lifeline to locals who are struggling. Sadly, Bounds Green Food Bank is struggling too; it's in urgent need of regular donations to ensure it can continue helping some 4,600 people. If you think you can lend them a hand, consider chipping in.
Today's events: Easter Monday 6 April
BANK HOLIDAY: Today's Easter Monday, a bank holiday. If you're lucky enough to have the day off, take a look at our bank holidays in London guide for ways to fill your time, whatever the weather does. Take a tour, go on a walk, try a new hobby, or entertain the kids.
TOY CARS: Take the family along to Alexandra Palace, where you can make and race your own toy car at Easter weekend workshops. Suitable for all ages, the sessions give children the chance to build their own wooden vehicle, then test it on a special race track. 10am-3.30pm
VINTAGE MARKET: Both inside and outside Beckenham Place Mansion, 50 vintage traders pitch up for the So Last Century vintage market. Browse and buy furniture, homewares, posters, prints, books and records, with street food stalls serving up crepes, bao buns and burritos. 10am-5pm
CHAIR LIFTING: One of those quirky annual traditions which London does so well is the Easter Monday chair lifting in Greenwich. The Blackheath Morris Men make the rounds of local landmarks, pausing to allow people (well, women) to climb onto a beautifully decorated chair, which they then hoist above their shoulders between dances. FREE, 12pm-4pm
LIGHTYEAR: Headlining the Fighting Cocks in Kingston tonight are Lightyear, known for their blend of ska/funk/indie-rock/hip-hop wrapped up in a fun (perhaps topless) set. Support comes from high-energy ska-punkers Slow Gherkin. 7pm
PRIMARY SCHOOL BANGERS: Round off Easter weekend with a good old sing-song. James B Partridge hosts Primary School Bangers at Barbican, a show where the audience can sing along with tunes familiar from childhood school assemblies. Altogether now... Shiiiine Jesus Shine. 7.30pm
IMPROV SHAKESPEARE: "Shakespeare hasn't written anything new for an age, so we thought we'd give him a hand." Enter Shake it Up: The Improvised Shakespeare Show, appearing at the Hen & Chickens in Islington this evening, and doing exactly what it says on ye olde tin. 7.30pm-8.30pm
Today's events: Tuesday 7 April
MIDNIGHT IN THE TOYSHOP: Take the family to see Midnight in the Toyshop, open for a limited run at St. Martin's Theatre from today. Toys Belle Ballerina, Rebel Racer and Grumble the Dinosaur spring to life and try to save their shop from tech entrepreneur Peyton Pixel, in a one‑hour musical adventure with songs and dances. 7-12 April 2026
ELIXIR FESTIVAL: Aiming to reshape perceptions around dancing and age, Sadler's Wells' Elixir Festival consists of films, talks and workshops, including Kontakthof – Echoes of '78 where past and present collide, and a bold double bill from Sadler's Wells' very own Company of Elders that redefines age and movement. 7-12 April 2026
ADVENTURES IN SCIENCE: The Magical Mr West — with his corvid companion Crowbert — offers a 60-minute mix of magic and hands-on science at Wilton’s Music Hall, demonstrating principles from supersonic speed to how misinformation spreads. Suitable for children aged six+ and their families. 2.30pm/7pm
IMMUNE HEALTH MYTHS: Immunologist Daniel M. Davis debunks immune health myths about age, sleep, stress, and supplements, in tonight's edition of The Conversation at St Martin-in-the-Fields (Trafalgar Square). He shares research from his book, Self-Defence: A Myth-busting Guide to Immune Health, followed by a Q&A and discussion session. 7pm
CLAPHAM COMEDY CLUB: Kyrah Gray headlines a work-in-progress preview at Clapham Comedy Club (Bread & Roses Theatre), hosted by MC Sion James. Gray shows off new material following a Pleasance Reserve run at Edinburgh Fringe and recent appearances on Comedy Central Live. 8pm
COMEDY KNOCKOUT: An audience‑decided stand‑up competition, Comedy Knockout comes to Backyard Comedy Club, hosted and refereed by David Ward. 12 emerging comedians perform short sets and the audience votes after each round; finalists compete for a weekend slot at the club. 8pm-10.30pm
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From Thursday 9-Sunday 12 April 2026, London Transport Museum's Acton Depot slides open its doors for a rare set of open days, summoning you into a wonderful world of transit heritage. Climb aboard bygone trains and buses. Try out vintage ticket machines. Watch live demos of historic signalling equipment. Chat to museum volunteers about their favourite objects from this treasure trove of 320,000.
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London Transport Museum's Acton Depot open days, Thursday 9-Sunday 12 April 2026.
Today's events: Wednesday 8 April
HASAN AL-HABIB: Comedian Hasan Al-Habib brings his Edinburgh-recommended show Death To The West Midlands to Soho Theatre Dean Street, using personal stories about his Iraqi-British background and upbringing in Birmingham to explore identity, the Iraq war’s impact and everyday British life. 8-9 April 2026
CHOOSE YOUR OWN CABARET: Drag star Kate Butch, joined by pianist Jordan Paul Clarke, offers an audience‑directed cabaret at Wilton’s Music Hall. The performer lets the crowd choose songs, jokes and elements of the show including what she wears, creating a unique show each night. 8-9 April 2026
ALTERNATIVE BOOK FAIR: Panels, talks and an Indie Press Fair are part of The Alternative Book Fair at Islington Central Library, which aims to bring the world of publishing and literature to a wider audience. Browse stalls from independent publishers such as Galley Beggar, Rough Trade and Indie Novella, and hear from authors including Booker Prize Longlisted Natasha Brown. FREE, 8-11 April 2026
ROUNDHOUSE THREE SIXTY: Roundhouse Three Sixty (formerly known as In The Round) is back at Camden Roundhouse. Running throughout the month across the entire site, the programme features music, spoken word, theatre, visual arts, podcasts and club nights — all celebrating unapologetic and boundary-pushing artists. Imogen Heap, Kae Tempest and Vogue Rites feature, as well as the legendary Roundhouse Poetry Slam. 8-29 April 2026
OVERNIGHT: Author Dan Richards discusses his book Overnight in conversation with journalist Monisha Rajesh at Stanfords in Convent Garden, exploring night‑time labour all around the world, from professions such as bakers, couriers and emergency workers who work through the night, to wildlife and cultural life after dark. 7pm-8.30pm
Today's events: Thursday 9 April
LONDON SOUNDTRACK FESTIVAL: The music used in films, TV and video games is celebrated at the London Soundtrack Festival, a weekend of concerts, screenings and masterclasses across several venues. Highlights include a concert of the music from Downton Abbey and a screening of Wallace & Gromit: The Curse Of The Were-Rabbit, with an introduction by the film's composer Julian Nott. 9-12 April 2026
ROTI KING VS MORLEY'S: Nasi goreng topped with Morley's wings, sambal and a fried egg; fried chicken with spiced fries and peanut sauce; and vegan 'dirty fries' with shiitake rendang are on the menu for four days only, as Roti King and Morley's put their heads together for a tasty collab. Head to Brixton Market, Unit 12FF (Coldharbour Lane entrance, next to The Laundry). 9-12 April 2026 (12pm-10pm, except Sunday when it's 12pm-6pm)
PICASSO TAP TAKEOVER: Tate Modern teams up with Bristol brewery Left Handed Giant for a tap takeover, to mark the final weeks of exhibition Theatre Picasso. Enjoy seven beers on tap, a guest cocktail, live DJs and art-making with materials provided for visitors to join in. 6pm-10pm
BRUNEL'S LEGACY: Tim Bryan, former Director of the Brunel Institute, gives a lecture exploring how Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s image and reputation were crafted by his family and biographers and how that legacy has evolved, as well as the revered engineer’s continuing relevance in the 21st century. Takes place at the Brunel Museum (Rotherhithe), on Isambard Kingdom Brunel's birthday. 6.30pm-8pm
TITANIC DRAG: It's been 84 years: Clapham Grand hosts a camp reworking of the 1997 film Titanic. Expect theatrical drag numbers, comedy and nods to the film’s class and romance storylines. 6.30pm-10.30pm
SEARCH FOR SPOCK: As part of its ongoing Star Trek at 60 series, the IMAX at the Science Museum screens Star Trek III: The Search For Spock starring William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy and DeForest Kelley. The 1984 film continues the story from The Wrath of Khan as Kirk and his crew attempt to rescue Spock who (spoilers) did not fully die at the end of the last film. 7.15pm
Today's events: Friday 10 April
HOOPLA IMPROV FEST: Comedy theatre Hoopla Improv celebrates its 20th anniversary with a festival running over several weeks, starting today. Shows include Impropera, an opera made up on the spot, and Special Delivery, the UK's longest-running POC improv comedy show. From 10 April 2026
STALKER: As part of Barbican Cinema's Cold War Visions series, it screens Stalker, Andrei Tarkovsky’s seminal 1979 film about a guide known as the Stalker who leads two clients into a mysterious restricted zone created by an unknown event. Shown in Russian with English subtitles. 10-12 April 2026
IDEAL HOME SHOW: Get crafty as the Ideal Home Show returns to Olympia, London, offering a whole host of creative workshops from just £15 each. Try your hand at floral styling, chocolate-making with Oli The Choc, cocktail masterclasses hosted by Portobello Road Distillery, or craft a statement piece for your home. Each workshop lasts an hour (and some include a glass of fizz!) giving you plenty of time to explore the rest of the Ideal Home Show too, included in your ticket. Workshop spaces are limited — book now. 10-19 April 2026 (sponsor)
QUEEN ELIZABETH'S STYLE: Clothing worn by Queen Elizabeth II through all 10 decades of her life goes on display in a special exhibition at the King's Gallery at Buckingham Palace. Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life In Style opens today and showcases 200 items, many on display for the first time, including her christening robe, bridesmaid dress, wedding dress, coronation dress and the ensemble worn for the wedding of Princess Margaret. 10 April-18 October 2026
SCIENCE OF SURGERY: The UCL Hawkes Institute opens Charles Bell House (Fitzrovia) for a public day of demonstrations and lab tours. Try tabletop exhibits, see live demonstrations of surgical equipment, control a surgical robot and experience simulated key‑hole surgery, with researchers on hand to explain their work. FREE, 11am-4pm
KNIGHTSBRIDGE OF OLD: Today, Knightsbridge is synonymous with wealth and luxury, but its history hides stories from the other end of the social scale. Tour guide Laura Agustin goes in search of working life in Knightsbridge in the 18th and 19th century, focussing particularly on the difficult lives of women attached to the men of the nearby barracks, as well as the local courtesans. 1pm-3.30pm
CRYSTAL PALACE: Go in search of a lost railway station, as guide Richard Watkins tracks down the remains of the Crystal Palace High Level line, including station sites, arches, tunnel portals, the track bed and other features. The three-hour walk features a pub-stop half way round. 2pm-5pm
PAULA FONG: Paula Fong, an Americana singer-songwriter from Los Angeles, plays The Harrison in King's Cross with support from London-based folk artist Charlie Franklin. Fong, a finalist in the International Acoustic Music Awards, mixes trad folk, country and soulful vocals. 8.15pm
Today's events: Saturday 11 April
MINISTRY OF SOUND GAMES: Fitness meets clubbing at Ministry of Sound Games, a music-led fitness competition for pairs, consisting of five back-to-back workout zones with live DJs and a different genre in each, followed by an after-party. 10am
LONDON GUARDS: The National Army Museum hosts a day celebrating the London Guards — the reserve battalion combining companies from the Grenadier, Coldstream, Scots and Irish Guards — giving visitors a chance to meet serving members. Hear from Lieutenant Colonel Russell Lewis MC, commanding officer of the London Guards, and take part in other special activities. FREE, 10am-4pm
CHURCHILL'S SPY: The latest event in the Imperial War Museum's Meet The Author series sees children's author Sufiya Ahmed appear at the museum shop to talk about her books, which chronicle the adventures of Rosie Raja and her spy father. FREE, 11am-3pm
HORNIMAN SPRING FAIR: Live music, dancing, circus skills workshops, children's games and a craft corner are all part of the fun at the Horniman Spring Fair, taking place in the grounds of the south London museum. Ticket holders can also get reduced-price entry to the Butterfly House on the day. 11am-4pm
FAMILY CONCERT: The Britten Sinfonia combines live music, animation and storytelling with a circus performer in an adaptation of children's book Leon and the Place Between by Angela McAllister. The performance, at Big Penny Social, is aimed at younger audiences but is suitable for all. 11.30am-12.20pm
LIVE DISSECTION: Professor of Evolutionary Biology Ben Garrod and vet Jess French lead a live animal dissection at the Royal Institution, with anatomy explained across two demonstration sessions and an extended interval of hands-on activities. The animal featuring in the dissection died of old age and has been donated for the purpose of education. 1pm-5pm
THE CLOWN OPERA: Family-friendly show The Clown Opera is at the Museum of Comedy, about a Maestro and two cleaners whose mishaps reveal a lost operatic work, mixing music, physical comedy and imagination, for ages seven+. 7pm
BELLE AFFAIR: Bromley recently reopened the Royal Bell hotel, and they've done a magnificent job with it too. Part of the new offering is The Belle Affair, a weekly blowout of burlesque and dance floor bangers that's spot on for a (stylishly) raucous night out. Tickets include 90 minutes of bottomless pre-show bubbly and pizza, so by the time the first act's on, you'll already be buzzing. 7pm-1am
Today's events: Sunday 12 April
WORLD'S GREATEST LOVER: X Factor winners Matt Terry and Dalton Harris star alongside Jaymi Hensley and Joaquin Pedro Valdes in new pop‑rock musical World's Greatest Lover, opening today at The Other Palace. Legendary romancers Romeo, Casanova, Cyrano de Bergerac and the Marquis de Sade join forces for one night to discover the truth about love. 12 April-7 June 2026
DRINK, DEATH AND DEBAUCHERY: Guide Bridget Chandler leads a two‑hour walk through the West End — St Giles, Seven Dials and Covent Garden — tracing the 18th‑century gin craze, William Hogarth’s Gin Lane, gallows, plague pits and sites linked to prostitution. Meet at the Dominion Theatre, and end at the Foundling Museum (tour includes museum entry). 11am
VINTAGE FAIR: Frock Me! brings more than 60 vintage dealers to Chelsea Old Town Hall on King's Road, offering curated clothing, jewellery and textiles from Victorian-era pieces to pre-loved designer labels. Frock Me! fairs are popular with designers and costume buyers as well as the public. 11am-5.30pm
CRAZY GINGER CABBIE: Social media star Crazy Ginger Cabbie — real name Aaron — stars in an afternoon of laughs at Backyard Comedy Club in Bethnal Green, joined on stage by other performers... and members of the audience. 3.30pm-5.30pm
SUNDAY CONCERT: The Paddington Trio — Tuulia Hero (violin), Patrick Moriarty (cello) and Stephanie Tang (piano) — perform a programme including Andrea Tarrodi's Trio No.1 ‘Akacia’, Ravel's Trio in A minor and Schubert's Trio in E flat D.929 at Conway Hall in Holborn. 6.30pm-8.30pm
MO PLEASURE: Chelsea's 606 Club welcomes Morris "Mo" Pleasure and his band. Described as "the greatest multi-instrumentalist of his generation" (he's played with Janet Jackson, Boney James and Bette Midler), Mo will serenade with smooth jazz and groove material. Sounds spot on for a Sunday evening. 8pm
FREE COMEDY: Brewhouse & Kitchen in Islington hosts a bout of free comedy tonight, with a selection of acts providing you with 90 minutes of laughs. Best to book your seat. FREE, 8pm-9.30pm
