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
BBC PROMS: This is the final week of (predominantly) classical music festival BBC Proms 2026, with performers including the Freiburg Baroque Orchestra, the Mahler Academy Orchestra and the Jules Buckley Orchestra taking part in shows at the Royal Albert Hall. Until 12 September 2026
TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD: Aaron Sorkin’s stage adaptation of Harper Lee's novel To Kill A Mockingbird runs at Wyndham's Theatre until Saturday, starring Richard Coyle as lawyer Atticus Finch. Until 12 September 2026
THE TRUTH: Florian Zeller's marital comedy The Truth is at the Apollo Theatre until Saturday, starring Stephen Mangan with Ardal O'Hanlon, Sarah Hadland and Janie Dee as two couples tangled in secrets. Until 12 September 2026
DEATH NOTE THE MUSICAL: Based on the manga by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata, Death Note The Musical is on at the Barbican, also ending this weekend. 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. Until 12 September 2026
PAINT! PATTERN! PRINT!: The Fashion & Textile Museum explores the painterly patterns of design pioneers Susan Collier and Sarah Campbell, from first sketches and studio photographs to printed cloth, fashion and homeware. The sisters worked together for 50 years, creating vibrant patterns and collaborating with brands such as Liberty’s, Heals and Jaeger. Until 13 September 2026
IMMERSIVE GREASE: Don your best 1950s attire for an immersive staging of the 1978 musical Grease. Battersea Park transforms into Rydell High, as a 30-strong cast perform across multiple screens and sets. Until 13 September 2026
LONDON PODCAST FESTIVAL: Headphones at the ready for the final week of London Podcast Festival at Kings Place, which sees both mainstream and more niche podcasts recorded in front of a live audience, with some streamed online too. Life After Prison, Wrong Turns With Jameela Jamil and Beef And Dairy Network are some of the big name shows this week, along with offerings on comedy, history and wrestling. Until 13 September 2026
FREE FILM FESTIVALS: Peckham and Nunhead Free Film Festival (until 13 September) and Streatham Free Film Festival (until 20 September) both run throughout the week, offering free film screenings and other events at local venues within their respective communities. Watch Paddington 2 at Christ Church Peckham; a selection of short films at the legendary Peckhamplex Cinema; The Secret Agent in an outdoor beer garden, or Vertigo at Streatham Library, among many other options.
BOOK OF THE WEEK: Samuel Pepys is reimagined as a detective investigating the brutal murder of a libertine aristocrat, in Jack Jewers' new novel, Seething Lane, which sounds like a fine Londony thriller to get stuck into this autumn. Jack's also written a feature for us on the thoroughfare after which his book is named.
Today's events: Monday 7 September
YOGA IN THE GARDEN: Unwind after hours at Chelsea Physic Garden with a yoga session led by Live Karma Yoga. While the historic site is closed to the general public, flow through poses in London's oldest botanical garden, accompanied by the sounds of birdsong and rustling branches. The practice is designed to be inclusive for all levels — just bring your own yoga mat and water bottle. 6pm-7.30pm
EMPATHY: A new season of free talks begins today at Gresham College (Barnard's Inn Hall in Holborn). Today, Professor Jane Shaw asks 'Why do we need empathy', drawing on examples from the arts. 6pm
THAMES MUDLARKING: Mudlark Anna Borzello visits The Landor Pub in Clapham to reveal the ordinary lives of Londoners through objects discarded in the river over the last 2,000 years. Borzello explores hidden histories found at low tide, from Georgian wig curlers to Native American clay pipes. The evening includes a Q&A session after the talk. 7pm-8.30pm
BROTHERS IN HARMONY: Two symphonies by 13-year-old British composer Carey Tan get their world premiere at Cadogan Hall, performed by the Philharmonia Orchestra under Geoffrey Paterson. Carey's brother, pianist Kevin Tan, is also on the programme, playing Beethoven's 'Emperor' Concerto and Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No. 2. 7pm
NEW AGE OF CONQUEST: The Guardian's foreign correspondent Luke Harding and The Rest is Politics co-host Alastair Campbell meet at Kings Place for a discussion on the shifting international order. The conversation explores themes from Harding's new book, Betrayal, examining how military coercion and nationalism are challenging post-war democratic principles. Hear about reporting from Ukraine and insights into the geopolitical impact of Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin. 7.30pm
TRADER’S WORLD: Waterloo’s 1901 Arts Club hosts Trader's World, a tribute to the late Australian actor and flamenco expert Trader Faulkner. Friends from the worlds of theatre and music, including pianist Viv McLean and soprano Sofia Kirwan-Baez, perform a programme of Gershwin, Coward, and De Falla to celebrate the raconteur's colourful life. The evening supports the ENO Benevolent Fund and features a surprise celebrity guest. 7.30pm
Today's events: Tuesday 8 September
WILDLIFE ART EXHIBITION: Annual art exhibition David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation - Wildlife Artist of the Year pops up at Mall Galleries, showcasing wildlife-themed artworks from around the world, from recycled plastic sculptures and intricate pencil drawings to vast colourful oil paintings. All artworks are for sale, with 50% of proceeds going to the charity's conservation work in Asia and Africa. FREE, 8-12 September 2026
IMPROVISED HAMILTON: The Other Palace in Victoria welcomes tongue-in-cheek production Shamilton! The Improvised Hip-Hop Musical. Each performance is entirely unique, using audience suggestions to create a full-scale musical in the style of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s masterpiece. Expect freestyle rap, spontaneous choreography, and clever wordplay as the cast builds a brand-new story from scratch. 8-20 September 2026
STAR TREK LATES: Celebrate the 60th anniversary of sci-fi franchise Star Trek with an adults-only evening at the Science Museum. It's a final chance to explore the museum's Star Trek Warp Trail, along with short talks, and a 360-degree projection of the Enterprise Bridge for photo opportunities. Join the Explainer team for a Starfleet-inspired journey through the Space gallery or test your skills on over 150 vintage consoles in the Power Up gaming zone. FREE, 6pm
COLD WAR ESPIONAGE: Hear the gripping story of a mysterious double agent codenamed ‘Redwood’. Joined by former MI6 head of station Ian McCredie, bestselling historian Ben Macintyre discusses how this Russian intelligence officer exposed a secret Kremlin plot to overthrow the Iranian regime, potentially preventing a nuclear conflict, drawing on newly declassified archives and interviews with officers from the KGB, CIA, and MI6. Takes place at the Emmanuel Centre in Westminster. 7.30pm-8.45pm
MODERN MIDDLE EAST: Get a comprehensive overview of the Middle East region’s complex history from 1900 to the present day, as historian Simon Sebag Montefiore visits the Royal Geographical Society in Kensington. Hear about pivotal moments including the creation of Saudi Arabia, the fall of the Shah in Iran, and the failure of the Arab Spring. 7.30pm-8.45pm
TRUE CRIME: Kingston’s Rose Theatre explores the dark psychology of criminal behaviour in The Makings of a Murderer. The talk, by Peter Bleskley, a founding member of Scotland Yard's undercover unit, provides a deep dive into the investigative techniques used to track and understand those who commit the ultimate crime. 7.30pm
TCC FILM QUIZ: Chiswick Cinema hosts its popular TCC Film Quiz, led by host Ashley Fisher. Teams of up to six people can test their knowledge across all genres and eras of cinema, with themed prizes up for grabs and the bar remaining open throughout the evening. 7pm
Sponsor message
Celebrate London Design Festival at Oxo Tower Wharf
Riverside creative hub Oxo Tower Wharf gets in on the London Design Festival action from this coming weekend, offering special demos, workshops and exhibitions.
Get a first look at lifestyle brand Wingback's new Everyday Pack, a commuting and travel bag which has been four years in the making. Japanese craft shop wagumi showcases a special collection of items from the 244 officially recognised craft traditions of Japan, some of which are rarely seen overseas — think unique stoneware, lacquerware and washi paper products. And bespoke footwear brand Carréducker celebrates the work of Britain’s next generation of award-winning shoemakers.
In addition to these special London Design Festival events, Oxo Tower Wharf's year-round creatives are in residence. Across two floors, more than 25 designer-makers have studios where they specialise in crafts including millinery, ceramics, jewellery-making, weaving and leatherwork. Visit their studio showrooms to get an insight into their work, and to browse and commission unique products, direct from expert makers.
London Design Festival at Oxo Tower Wharf takes place 12-20 September 2026.
Today's events: Wednesday 9 September
CHISWICK BOOK FESTIVAL: Adele Parks, Iain Dale, Jacqueline Wilson, Kate Mosse, Mary Portas and Sophie Hannah are just some of the famous names on the schedule at Chiswick Book Festival, taking place at a variety of venues including Chiswick Cinema, Chiswick Library and Hogarth's House. 9-14 September 2026
FIRE FIRE: Playwright John Webber employs his experiences of growing up in Thurrock, Essex — once one of the UK's primary oil refinery hubs — to pen Fire Fire, which asks how class affects climate activism. It starts today at Arcola Theatre. 9 September-3 October 2026
YUJA WANG: Experience a virtual recital in which an avatar of world-renowned pianist Yuja Wang performs on a Steinway Spirio piano inside a roaming, animated dreamscape at the Royal Festival Hall. Choose whether to move around the space or sit to watch the 45-minute presentation. 9 September 2026-January 2027
THE THREE DEGREES: Legendary vocal trio The Three Degrees return to Soul Mama in Islington for a night of soulful harmonies and glamorous stagecraft. The group's current line-up of Helen Scott, Valerie Holiday and Freddie Pool performs timeless hits including When Will I See You Again and Dirty Ol’ Man. 6.30pm-9.30pm
ENSHITTIFICATION: Author and activist Cory Doctorow visits St James's Piccadilly to discuss the decay of digital platforms, and the paperback release of his latest book. In conversation with Riley Quinn, Doctorow explores his concept of Enshittification, examining why the online world feels increasingly broken and how users can navigate the worsening landscape of big tech. 7pm
EMIGRE CABARET: Tenor Norbert Meyn and pianist Christopher Gould present a cabaret song recital telling the story of musicians who fled Nazi Europe and made new lives in Britain. The performance, at St John’s Church, Waterloo, includes songs by Robert Kahn, Karl Rankl, Hans Gál, Mátyás Seiber and Eric Sanders. 7pm-8.15pm
FOOTBALL WEEKLY LIVE: Max Rushden, Barry Glendenning, and a host of regular panellists bring sports podcast Football Weekly Live to the stage at Soho Theatre Walthamstow. Join them for a deep dive into the summer’s action in the USA, featuring behind-the-scenes outtakes and stories deemed too hot for the standard podcast recording. Expect surprise cameos and expert analysis as the team unpacks the latest from the world of football. 7.30pm
Today's events: Thursday 10 September
FOURTH PLINTH UNVEILING: Trafalgar Square gets a glow-up as the latest Fourth Plinth installation is unveiled today. Lady in Blue by Tschabalala Self is made of bronze and patinated with lapis lazuli blue, and represents "a young, metropolitan woman of colour". It replaces the current installation, Mil Veces un Instante (A Thousand Times in an Instant) by Teresa Margolles which has been in situ since 2024. From 10 September 2026
TASTE OF ICELAND: Get stuck into three days of Icelandic food, music, literature and culture across multiple venues at Taste Of Iceland festival. Headliners and highlights include comedian Ari Eldjárn, an Iceland Noir crime fiction session with authors Ragnar Jónasson and Yrsa Sigurðardóttir, and an Icelandic tasting menu at Darby's. 10-12 September 2026
FLOWER FESTIVAL: A flower festival at Strawberry Hill House turns the beautiful gothic building into a floral masterpiece. Wander through the house and gardens viewing special displays created by floral designers from all over the UK, with a focus on sustainability. 10-13 September 2026
BAYEUX TAPESTRY: The good news: Arguably the biggest exhibition in London this year — possibly for several years — opens today. The bad news: it's currently sold out. The Bayeux Tapestry at the British Museum puts the 70-metre long textile piece on display, the first time it's been in the UK since it was created nearly 1000 years ago. Tickets for visits until 31 December have sold out, with tickets for dates later than that going on sale soon — sign up to the mailing list for alerts, as it's going to be very popular. 10 September 2026-11 July 2027
ARTS AND CRAFTS HERITAGE: Explore the architectural treasures of Carshalton on a guided tour organised by The Victorian Society. The day begins at Little Holland House, the former home of Frank R. Dickinson, which he built himself in the English Arts and Crafts style. After a break for lunch, visit All Saints Church to examine its long history and notable interior work by architects Bodley and Comper. 10.30am-3pm
PORTRAIT OF A CITY: Curator Alexander Moore leads an insightful introduction to the Portrait of a City exhibition at Dulwich Picture Gallery. The talk explores how 34 leading photographers documented urban life across America, from the industrial growth of the early 1900s to modern cultural shifts in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Learn about the powerful narratives of migration, activism, and identity that shaped the medium of photography over the last century. 12.30pm-1.30pm
DICKENS' WOMEN: Writer and arts journalist Caroline Malcolm Boulton gives an online talk about the female characters created by Charles Dickens, questioning whether they are dramatic caricatures or emblematic of Victorian society. The online session, hosted by the Charles Dickens Museum, examines the "mad, bad, or too good to be true" tropes found in his novels and how they might reflect the author's own personal experiences. FREE, 4pm
GEOPOLITICS LIVE: Marking the 10th anniversary of his bestseller Prisoners of Geography, foreign affairs expert Tim Marshall visits Union Chapel in Islington to discuss How Geography Explains Our World. Hear how natural terrain continues to dictate global power struggles, from the Taiwan Strait to the Arctic Ocean. 6pm
FOOTBALL CITY: Explore the intersection of identity, transport, and the beautiful game at the London Transport Museum. Chaired by Dr Josh Bland, the panel discussion features art critic Orit Gat and stadium historian Simon Inglis on how the capital's unique geography and transport networks have shaped fandom from grassroots to the elite level. 6.30pm-7.45pm
FLAME AND SMOKE: Borough Market stays open after-hours for an evening celebrating cooking over fire. Traders and restaurants such as The Black Pig, Kolae, The London Cider House, Mei Mei, Oak Smoke, Padre, Porteña, Utobeer and Wyndham House Poultry serve up exclusive small plates, along with live‑fire demonstrations, masterclasses, Q&As with chefs and a communal food hall. 6.30pm-9.30pm
QUEER FILM CELEBRATION: Dalston’s Rio Cinema marks the fourth anniversary of its Pink Palace queer film club with a special screening of The Birdcage. The evening begins with an illustrated conversation between founder Andrew Woodyatt and Darren Jones exploring the history of LGBTQI+ programming at the cinema, followed by the 1996 Mike Nichols comedy and a DJ party in the lobby. 8.30pm
Today's events: Friday 11 September
CELEBRASIA: South East Asian culture is celebrated at Battersea Power Station's CelebrASIa festival. Browse themed market and food stalls, try your hand at crafts including basket weaving, and watch panel discussions on topics ranging from food and literature to fashion and culture. 11-13 September 2026
HERITAGE OPEN DAYS: Not only do we get Open House (below) in September, but Heritage Open Days too. This nationwide programme of events — including 40+ in London — invites you inside hidden places, to celebrate history and culture. In London that includes walks, behind-the-scenes tours, and a chance to visit the place we once suggested might be the best shed museum anywhere, Dulwich's British Vintage Wireless and Television Museum. FREE, 11-20 September 2026
POLISH JAZZ: Anna Martia Jopek, Wojtek Mazolewski and EABS perform at the opening gala night of the Polish Jazz Festival, which plays out at Cadogan Hall, Union Chapel and Kings Place over the next two-and-a-bit weeks. There's more on tomorrow and Sunday. 11-27 September 2026
CIRCULAR FASHION: Ahead of London Fashion Week, Conway Hall in Holborn hosts two expert panels to discuss the future of the industry and the rise of repair culture. Sustainable fashion pioneer Safia Minney MBE leads the conversation, exploring how making and mending can act as a form of activism. Speakers including journalist Tansy Hoskins and Selvedge Magazine founder Polly Leonard examine what a truly circular wardrobe looks like. 6.30pm-8.30pm
INTERACTIVE HORROR OPERA: Near total darkness sets the scene for an interactive horror opera at The Cockpit in Marylebone. Part of Tête à Tête: The Opera Festival 2026, The Dunwich Horror: An Opera uses a soundscape of flute, theremin, and human voices to adapt H.P. Lovecraft's tale of an isolated village under threat. The original score by Jen Hazel blends experimental music with 1920s American vernacular styles, and the audience may even be called upon to help set the town free. 7pm
THE COMEDY STORE: Comedians Dave Fulton, Markus Birdman, Lily Phillips and Jimmy McGhie are on the line-up as The Comedy Store kicks off a series of events at Woolwich Works. 7.30pm
CLUB BOOTS: The Glove That Fits in Hackney hosts new underground electronic queer night Club Boots, featuring Katie Baxter, Meg Ward and more TBA. 10pm-4am
Today's events: Saturday 12 September
AEROPLANE FOOD: Hear us out! Barnet Food Festival lands at the RAF Museum London this weekend, featuring a host of deliciously independent food stalls, including succulent souvlaki from Alla Greek, spicy Asian chicken from Papa Ji, banging desserts from Cocoa Yum Mum and so much more. Enjoy a free kids zone, family activities and live entertainment. Then pay a flying visit to the free museum, featuring iconic aircraft including a WWII Avro Lancaster Bomber and the Sea King helicopter flown by Prince William. 12-13 September (sponsor)
THE BIG BRINE: If you find yourself in a pickle this weekend, make your way over to Hackney Bridge for The Big Brine, a foodie festival celebrating all things fermented, pickled and brined. Taste, sip, crunch and explore various dishes, alongside live music, chef demos and other entertainment. 12-13 September 2026
CLASSIC BOAT FESTIVAL: All manner of vintage vessels moor up at St Katharine Docks (next to the Tower of London) for the Classic Boat Festival. Even if you don't know your port from your starboard, it's a fascinating spectacle, with around 50 preserved vessels on display, including Dunkirk Little Ships. FREE, 12-13 September 2026
OPEN HOUSE LONDON: It's the most wonderful time of year, when all manner of London buildings and structures — usually off-limits to the public — fling open their doors for Open House London. Highlights for 2026 include livery halls and City churches, along with a solid programme of guided walks. Our previous Open House London highlights include going inside the St Pancras clock tower, and up on the roof of 55 Broadway. Entry is free and most venues don't require booking (though expect to queue for the more popular ones). 12-20 September 2026
LONDON DESIGN FESTIVAL: The 24th edition of London Design Festival begins today, showcasing London as the design capital of the world. Highlights announced so far include The Pangolin Shield, a large-scale artwork inspired by the endangered species to be installed on the pedestrianised part of Strand, and L-Acoustics, an immersive sound experience at Wapping Hydraulic Power Station. 12-20 September 2026
CLERKENWELL: Dubbed 'London's first suburb', this is a fascinating part of town where ancient and modern thrive side by side. A London on the Ground tour explores the eclectic mix, including a chance to see the well from which Clerkenwell gets its name. 11am
GREAT RIVER RACE: Sort of like the London Marathon on water, the Great River Race is a 21.6-mile dash along the Thames between Millwall and Richmond, with all manner of rowing boats taking part. It's free to watch from the river banks and bridges on the day — full details and timings here. FREE, from 12.45pm
KEEPING THE PEACE: Humanist heritage expert Madeleine Goodall leads a guided walk through the streets and squares of Bloomsbury to uncover the history of anti-war movements and pacifism. The tour begins at Conway Hall and explores the lives of those who challenged militarism and worked toward reconstruction and remembrance in the wake of global conflict. 2pm-4pm
HANDLEBARDS MACBETH: The Sculpture Garden at Dulwich Picture Gallery is the backdrop for an environmentally-sustainable staging of the Scottish Play. The HandleBards, a troupe of actors who carry their entire set and props on their bikes, deliver a fantastically funny, bicycle-powered version of the Shakespearean tragedy. Bring your own chairs, blankets, and picnics for this outdoor performance. 3pm-5pm
ICE HOCKEY: Sapphire Ice and Leisure in Romford hosts a high-speed pre-season ice hockey clash between the Romford Raiders and the Streatham Redhawks. This Interleague Challenge offers fans a first look at the squads as they prepare for the upcoming campaign. Choose between tiered seating or standing room to catch the local derby action on the ice. 5.15pm
LATE LATE SHOW: Soho jazz institution Ronnie Scott's hosts a high-energy performance by The Boom Yeh to celebrate the release of their new album, Near Earth Objects. The seven-piece ensemble, featuring a full horn section and musicians who have worked with Jamiroquai and The Brand New Heavies, blends jazz-funk, rock, and afrobeat into a thunderous live set. 11.15pm
Today's events: Sunday 13 September
WELLNESS FESTIVAL: A free, outdoor Wellness Festival takes place at Wembley Park, combining movement, mindfulness and music across the neighbourhood. Expect fitness classes, yoga, pilates, mindful practices, family-friendly sessions and live music, with expert-led workshops in partnership with local fitness brands. Some sessions require booking — check the programme for details. FREE, 9am-6pm
DAVID BOWIE AFTERNOON: Celebrate the work of Mr David Jones as club night Feeling Gloomy returns to The Phoenix in Cavendish Square. An Afternoon of David Bowie begins with deep cuts and rarities before building to a final stretch of non-stop hits and sing-alongs. The event features Bowie visuals to accompany the tunes. 1pm-4.30pm
KOREAN BBQ FESTIVAL: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park welcomes the debut Korean BBQ Festival to Riverside East. The one-day foodie fest brings together a curated selection of market traders and authentic food stalls where you can explore the diverse flavours of Korean cuisine, alongside a programme of live entertainment and dancers. 2pm-10pm
THE GOOD IMMIGRANT: 10 years after crowdfunded essay collection The Good Immigrant became a cultural landmark, editor Nikesh Shukla chairs a live panel at Soho Theatre Walthamstow to reflect on a decade of British identity. Original contributors including Inua Ellams, Salena Godden, and Wei Ming Kam discuss what it means to be "other" in contemporary Britain, with insights from journalist Kieran Yates and actor Vera Chok. 7.30pm
ROSIE JONES: Star of Taskmaster, Live at the Apollo and various other shows, Rosie Jones leads Up The Creek's Sunday Service tonight, a comedy show with added candlelit ambience — swish! Doors 6.30pm/show starts 7.30pm
AMERICAPPELLA: Kevin Sheils (not to be confused with Kevin Shields) takes to the mic at Walthamstow Folk Club this evening for Americappella — a performance of 60s and 70s American folk songs, sans instrumental accompaniment. There are also some tall tales and bad jokes. 7.30pm
FLAMENCO AT JAMBOREE: Dancer and director Lourdes Fernandez brings a raw, intimate performance of traditional Spanish art to Jamboree in King's Cross. The night of flamenco features an acoustic set-up with guitar, drums, and vocals, plus a special guest appearance by Baha Yetkin on the oud. 8pm
