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, to bring you our take on the best things happening around the city.
All week
ARCHITECTURE FESTIVAL: The London Festival of Architecture continues throughout June, with walks, talks and other events taking place all over the capital. Highlights this week include a walking tour uncovering the hidden history and lost river of Marylebone; tours of the historic BBC TV studios at Alexandra Palace; a look at some of London's living walls, and many, many other things to see and do. Until 30 June 2026
SHAKESPEARE IN THE SQUARES: The 2026 Shakespeare in the Square season is now underway, with open-air performances of Love's Labour's Lost at six different gardens this week alone — including Montagu Square, the Charterhouse, and Norland Square. Until 12 July 2026
MAKING IT FESTIVAL: Making It Festival 2026 at Guildhall School brings together student work from music, drama, production and design across the school's venues. The programme features final-year productions, ensemble concerts, new writing, installations and workshops presented in spaces such as Silk Street and Milton Court. Some (though not all) events are free. 8-26 June 2026
THE LAST MAN: A one-person musical about solitary survival, The Last Man at Southwark Playhouse Elephant follows a lone occupant of bunker B-103 after a devastating virus, mixing live rock music with video-diary elements and dark humour. This week is your last chance to see it. Until 13 June 2026
JAZZ FESTIVAL: Running until Saturday, Battersea Jazz Festival offers gigs and performances around the area, including a jazz jam session on a barge on Monday, and a performance by the Emily Masser-Alex Clarke Quintet on Friday. Until 13 June 2026
ROMEO & JULIET: Time's running out to see Sadie Sink and Noah Jupe starring in Shakespeare's classic love story Romeo & Juliet at the Harold Pinter Theatre. Hey, if it's good enough for Taylor Swift... Until 20 June 2026
BOOK OF THE WEEK: "Boat Woman's calling me to her across the rooftops, round the chimneys and pigeons, the aerials, the scaffolding. She's calling me in that chirpy South London-Vietnamese drawl she copies from the girls who make her nails look like punk eagle talons down at the Market." So begins Where the Shadows End, the debut novel from Louisa Bello, about Sam, a Londoner of dual heritage who lives his life accompanied by voices no one else can hear. It's out now. (Affiliate link)
Today's events: Monday 8 June
BRUTAL BARBICAN: Join historian Colin Davey for an in-depth stroll through the estate that everyone has an opinion on. The Brutal Barbican walking tour explores the history, architecture, and stories of this "Marmite" development, unpicking the controversy behind its concrete facade. 10.30am-12.30pm
SHADWELL SAILORTOWN: Explore the murky history of the early Docklands on a Shadwell Sailortown walking tour led by historian Laura Agustín. The route winds through former multicultural hubs where 17th-century trades like sail-making and sugar-refining sat alongside opium dens, river pirates, and escaping slaves. See remnants of imposing warehouses and river stairs while learning about the women who worked the docks as merchants, seamen, and lodging-house keepers. 1pm-3.30pm
RIVER LITTER DETECTIVES: Join environmental charity Thames21 at Broomhouse Dock in Fulham to help monitor the health of the capital's famous waterway. As a river citizen scientist, collect and categorise plastic pollution and sewage-derived waste to help determine which types of litter pose the greatest threat to the tidal Thames. FREE, 2pm-4pm
WORLD CUP SHIRTS: Journalist and author Joey D’Urso visits the Old Queen's Head in Islington to reveal the global politics and power struggles woven into football kit design. Hear how national identities are forged through fabric, from the Prussian origins of Germany's black and white to Brazil's switch to yellow following their 1950 defeat. D’Urso also shares remarkable tales of shirts featuring dead gangsters and the political symbolism behind Ghana's "Black Stars." 5.45pm
STRANGERS ON THE SHORE: Celebrate the return of writer and legendary Soho barfly Michael Smith at The Social as he launches his first book in thirteen years. Strangers on the Shore explores life on the margins and the transition into middle age through a deeply romantic yet politically sharp lens. The evening features an interview with Lias Saoudi, a reading by Richard Milward, and a screening of underground classic film CAN HOUSE followed by a Q&A. 7pm
SWING DANCING: Head to the 100 Club (Oxford Street) for an evening of live swing bands, DJs and social dancing hosted by SwingdanceUK. The night includes Beginners and Intermediate Lindy Hop classes, DJ sets from Simon 'Mr Kicks' Selmon and Holly France, and live bands such as the Denmark Street Big Band and King Groovy. 7.30pm-11pm
BYLINE TIMES: Independent investigative news outlet Byline Times is at The Cockpit in Marylebone for an evening of challenging political discussion. The Lure of... : Hope features the editorial team and special guests with an inside track on current affairs, helping the audience unpick the complexities of modern life. 7.30pm
QUEEROVISION: Eight comedians battle for a spot in the grand final as the second London heat of Queerovision comes to The Divine in Dalston. Hosted by multilingual drag comedian Teena, watch five-minute sets from each performer before the audience and a guest jury decides who progresses to the semi-finals. 8pm
ECHOES OF TIME: Classical and contemporary music collide at The Fox and Firkin in Lewisham for an immersive concert experience. Echoes of Time features a programme pairing the works of Beethoven and Shostakovich with electronic elements and folk-inspired new music. Performed by a collective of London’s top freelance musicians, explore the unexpected links between historical masterpieces and modern acoustic performance. 8pm
EDINBURGH PREVIEWS: Catch two full comedy sets for the price of one as Downstairs at the King's Head hosts its Edinburgh Previews. The double bill features viral musical satirist Josh Weller, recently selected as an opener for Fred Armisen, followed by Patrick Monahan’s new hour exploring his Iranian-British identity and life since the 1980s. 8pm
Today's events: Tuesday 9 June
LONDON CONCOURS: Luxury cars meet garden party vibes at the London Concours, taking place at the Honourable Artillery Company in the City. The classic car show brings together dozens of the world's most beautiful motors, with special categories for Dream Cars, Hypercars, and American Muscle Cars — though tickets aren't cheap! 9-11 June 2026
JEWISH LONDON WALK: Discover the hidden history behind the capital’s landmarks on a walking tour. Guide Stephen Burstin leads this two-hour stroll, revealing the 13th-century Jewish leaders who helped fund Westminster Abbey and the surprising ancestry of former Prime Minister David Cameron at 10 Downing Street. Stops at Trafalgar Square and Parliament Square to unpick stories of billionaire cousins and legal pioneers. 10.30am-12.30pm
TUNNEL VISION: London Blue Badge tour guide Louise Halfpenny leads an illustrated talk at Guildhall Library exploring how the subterranean network has inspired creatives since 1863. Learn about diverse works, from the world-famous Tube map to Henry Moore’s poignant wartime sketches and Jock McFadyen’s 1990s paintings. FREE, 2pm-3pm
THE GREAT EXHIBITION: V&A Keeper Emeritus Julius Bryant gives an online presentation exploring the rich visual culture and legacy of the 1851 World's Fair. The Great Exhibition in Art draws on the museum’s own collections to reveal how fine art shaped the public image of industry and empire, reflecting Prince Albert’s original vision for British taste. 3.30pm-4.30pm
QUEER 60S: Frank Simon’s 1968 documentary The Queen plays at Barbican Cinema, offering a rare glimpse into the 1967 Miss All-America Camp Beauty Contest. The film captures the New York drag scene at a time when such pageants were illegal, culminating in a legendary, high-drama speech by Crystal LaBeija. This special screening includes a ScreenTalk with trailblazing trans actress Mzz Kimberley, hosted by drag artist and RuPaul's Drag Race UK star Crystal. 6.20pm
A SENSE OF OCCASION: Granta editor and debut novelist Brodie Crellin visits Daunt Books Notting Hill to discuss their first book, a sharp and funny exploration of family dysfunction and grief. Crellin is joined by award-winning writer and journalist Lamorna Ash to unpick the story of three characters thrown together in a tiny house while attempting to organise a funeral. 6.30pm
HANDEL'S SALON: Lead curator Claire Davies and author Huon Mallalieu meet at Handel Hendrix House in Mayfair to explore the visual representation of sound in art. Part of the Handel’s Salon: The Ear of the Beholder series, the talk examines Mallalieu's new book and uncovers how the composer's own art collection reflected the musical world he inhabited. 6.30pm
FOREIGN CORRESPONDENTS: Authors Jen Stout and Sara Wheeler meet at the Frontline Club in Paddington to compare the practicalities of journalism in the 1950s versus today. Wheeler discusses her recent biography of Jan Morris, the correspondent who broke the story of Suez collusion, while Stout reflects on her own experiences filing dispatches from the current conflict in Ukraine. 7pm-8.30pm
ELIZABETH DILLER: Acclaimed architect Elizabeth Diller visits the V&A South Kensington to discuss the design and first anniversary of the V&A East Storehouse. In this evening talk, the Diller Scofidio + Renfro co-founder speaks with V&A Deputy Director Tim Reeve about creating the transformative public space and the future of accessible collections. 7pm-8pm
ALEX KEALEY: The "sharply witty, almost sexily cerebral" comedian Alex Kealey (the Telegraph's description, not his own) is recording a 'greatest hits comedy special' at the Courtyard Theatre in Hoxton tonight, and there are two chances to catch it. 7pm and 9pm
UFOS ON FILM: Mark Pilkington, author of the meta-conspiracy classic Mirage Men, visits The Horse Hospital in Bloomsbury to present a curated selection of filmic artefacts from the flying saucer era. View "UFO vérité" — accidental documents captured on 8mm film, VHS, and smartphones — to explore how these fragments shape belief and wonder. 7pm-10.30pm
MARILYN MONROE: To mark Marilyn Monroe’s 100th birthday, The Ivy in the West End stages a vintage‑Hollywood dining evening with live performances and entertainment. A specially curated three‑course menu is available for £79 and includes a complimentary cocktail on arrival. 7pm-11pm
JAZZ JAM: Musicians and listeners gather at the Tea House Theatre in Vauxhall for an evening of live improvisation and swing. A house band featuring Tamas Teszary on vibraphone, guitarist Benjamin Gasiglia, double bassist Jason Simpson, and drummer Eric Ford leads the Jazz Jam session. 8pm-midnight
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Sinatra The Musical is now open at Aldwych Theatre — be among the first to see it, with tickets for this week's performances.
Today's events: Wednesday 10 June
LIVE AT CHELSEA: The legends keep coming at the newcomer Live At Chelsea festival, which pitches up in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea from today: over the course of five nights, acts include Holly Johnson, The Proclaimers, The Beach Boys (Mike Love's iteration at least), and Sparks perform. To paraphrase the latter, this festival is big enough for all of them. 10-14 June 2026
HAMPTON COURT PALACE FESTIVAL: Want a taste of pop royalty? Hampton Court Palace Festival's two-week shindig is back from today (it's individual shows rather than a festival), ready to welcome you with a flute of champagne and space for a picnic, before performances from Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Nile Rodgers & Chic, and David Gray, among others. 10-19 June 2026
RETURN OF THE GODZ: Return of The GODZ brings the troupe's mix of comedy, circus and acrobatics to the Peacock Theatre, following mythic figures such as Cupid and Hercules as the show stages a hedonistic Mount Olympus party. Prepare to witness gravity-defying stunts, feats of strength and comic twists in the adults-only show. 10-20 June 2026
LETTERPRESS PRINTING: Discover the tactile pleasure of traditional hand-typesetting at the St Bride Foundation’s Adana/Letterpress workshop. Led by tutor Mick Clayton, this hands-on session teaches beginners how to set type and print using the classic Adana platen press, a staple of small-scale tabletop printing. 10.30am-4pm
BENEATH THE STONES: Descend into the undercroft of St Mary Magdalene’s Church in Paddington for a subterranean tour of its hidden sanctuary. The guided walk explores the Chapel of St Sepulchre, an early masterpiece by architect Sir Ninian Comper featuring intricate 15th-century style stone carving, gilding, and stained glass. Learn about the inventive Victorian engineering required to create this memorial space and see the results of its recent restoration. 11am-12pm
WOMEN'S PRIZE LIVE: Enjoy a day festival of author talks, shortlist readings and workshops in Bedford Square Gardens to celebrate literary award The Women's Prize 2026. Authors including Candice Carty-Williams, Thangam Debbonaire, Anita Rani and Kathryn Stockett take part, with readings of the 2026 Women’s Prize shortlists, a pop‑up bookshop and signing station, plus workshops and other events throughout the day. 12pm-9pm
HOGARTH SPOTLIGHT: A volunteer guide leads a focused exploration of William Hogarth’s 18th-century masterpiece March of the Guards to Finchley, at the Foundling Museum in Bloomsbury. The Spotlight Talk unpicks the intricate vignettes and historical context of the 1750 painting, which depicts soldiers gathering at Tottenham Court Road. 2pm
BEEKEEPING: Head to Bell House in Dulwich for an evening with the bees, a hands-on exploration of the garden’s pollinators. After a tour of the grounds to learn about the honeybee life cycle, suit up in full beekeeping gear to inspect the hives and search for the queen. The session is suitable for anyone aged seven+ and offers a rare look at the complexity of a working colony. 5.30pm-7pm
GEOFF DYER: Author Geoff Dyer visits Daunt Books Hampstead to discuss his new memoir, Homework, which explores his 1950s upbringing as the son of a dinner lady and a sheet-metal worker. The book reflects on a generation defined by post-war frugality and the social transformation that led Dyer from Airfix models and wargames to a place at Oxford. 6.30pm
OPEN MIC NIGHT: Bethnal Green's Oxford House provides a welcoming stage for local talent with its bi-monthly Open Mic Night in the venue’s café. Musicians, poets, and playwrights are invited to share 10-minute sets in a supportive community atmosphere. Sign-ups are available on the night from 6pm, or performers can pre-book one of the limited slots in advance. FREE, 6.45pm-8.45pm
I'M JUST A GIRL: Author Jess Bacon is at Foyles Charing Cross Road to explore the complexities and cultural nuances of modern girlhood. Joined by a panel including Anita Bhagwandas, Ellie Austen-Williams, and Sophie Gilbert, the conversation delves into the themes of her new book I'm Just A Girl before opening up for a public Q&A and signing session. 7pm
COCKNEY SING-A-LONG: Step into a time capsule of musical delight as moustachioed maestro Tom Carradine brings his traditional East End knees-up to the historic stage of Wilton’s Music Hall. Accompanied by his six-piece band, The China Plates, Carradine leads the audience through a nostalgic repertoire of Music Hall classics, wartime spirits, and West End show tunes. 7pm
TOM BRACE: Watch an attempt at a world-first feat of illusion. In Tom Brace Saws Himself in Half at Greenwich Theatre, the performer navigates the history of magic, showcasing classic tricks while trying to secure his own place in the Magic Hall of Fame. 7.30pm
Today's events: Thursday 11 June
KINGSTON BEER FESTIVAL: Over 100 cask and craft beers, ciders and perries are promised at the Kingston Beer Festival, with more details to come soon. 11-13 June 2026
SUMMER EXHIBITION: No, not that Summer Exhibition — this one's at Richmond's Landmark Arts Centre, showcasing a cornucopia of paintings, collage, sculpture, ceramics, mixed-media and photography by members of Richmond Art Society. All works are for sale, and we're told all budgets are catered for. 11-14 June 2026
HARRY STYLES' MELTDOWN: Harry Styles is the curator of this year's Meltdown at Southbank Centre, ahead of his run of shows at Wembley Stadium beginning tomorrow. Among the acts he's chosen to perform are Warpaint, Kamasi Washington and Erika de Casier. 11-21 June 2026
2026 WORLD CUP: The USA, Canada and Mexico are the hosts for the 2026 World Cup. If you're watching from this side of the Atlantic, book yourself a spot at these London pubs and bars which are showing World Cup games. 11 June-19 July 2026
PRIDE: The National Theatre's headline Summer 2026 production is Pride, set during the miners's strike of 1984, when Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners (LGSM) quickly finds itself entwined with a small pit village in South Wales. 11 June-12 September 2026
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING: The curtain lifts on a new production of Much Ado About Nothing at Shakespeare's Globe. The romantic comedy follows Beatrice, Benedick and a web of gossip and mistaken reputations, set in a modern world of style, status and late-night parties. From 11 June 2026
SUMMER POETRY AND JAZZ: Relax at Keats House in Hampstead for a seasonal fusion of spoken word and live music. The Keats House Poetry Ambassadors perform alongside musician Catherine Lima to celebrate the season within the historic Regency villa where John Keats once lived. 6.30pm-8pm
1940s NOIR HEROINES: Author and female character expert Helen Jacey launches her new novel, Third Woman, with a talk on how sexuality, mental health, and fashion influenced the representation of women in old Hollywood, followed by a murder mystery mini-quiz and a chance to meet the character Elvira Slate. The event culminates in a big-screen screening of the 1944 noir classic Laura, all at the Cinema Museum (Kennington). 7pm
FOOTBALL QUIZ: Get in the mood for the World Cup at The Old Queens Head in Islington with a night of big-hitting trivia and England-themed rounds. The Ultimate Football Quiz features classic World Cup moments and "Who Am I?" teasers, with a £100 bar tab up for grabs for the winning team (max. eight people per team). 7pm
STORIES OF PROTEST: Health researcher Bakita Kasadha, photographer Gideon Mendel, and activist Angelina Namiba gather at the Wellcome Collection for a panel discussion on the history and current reality of HIV activism. The evening explores the "Tenderness and Rage" display, contrasting 1990s London AIDS wards with global contemporary experiences to highlight the fight for treatment rights. FREE, 7pm-8.30pm
SOUL AT THE RITZY: Rare and underplayed soul records take centre stage at the Brixton cinema’s upstairs bar for a cosmopolitan night of music and movement. Soul at The Ritzy invites a friendly crowd to enjoy "to-die-for" collections from guest DJs. FREE ENTRY, 7.30pm-midnight
KOSHER GIRAFFES: Artist Hugo Max is at JW3 for a multi-disciplinary evening exploring Jewish identity through collective history and religious practice. Watch a curated programme of experimental short films, interspersed with live musical performances and a Q&A session. 8pm-9pm
PEOPLE’S EMERGENCY BRIEFING: Holborn’s Garden Cinema screens People’s Emergency Briefing + Discussion, a 50-minute film exploring the risks of the UK’s climate and nature crisis. Hosted by Chris Packham, the documentary features expert insights on food security, health, and economics, followed by a discussion led by Solveig Herzum. 8.30pm
Today's events: Friday 12 June
BURGER FEST: It's all about the patties down at Richmond Athletics Ground, where Burger Fest brings together 20 top traders from all over the UK to battle it out to be crowned the winner throughout the weekend. Expect full-size burgers, mini sliders, as well as eating competitions and other entertainment. 12-14 June 2026
CROYDON ART FAIR: Croydon's Whitgift Centre is taken over by three-day art fair, Art On Our Doorstep, from today — with the chance to browse and buy ceramics, photography, painting, illustration and mixed media — and meet the artists behind the pieces. DJ sets take place throughout. 12-14 June 2026
WINE CIRCUIT: Over 20 wine stalls, an artisan market, street food trucks and a packed programme of ticketed tastings, pairings and evening events return to Battersea Power Station for vino festival The Wine Circuit. Take part in Strictly Bangers quiz, or Drag Wine Tasting with Beth Brickenden and Vanity Von Glow. 12-14 June 2026
HEPWORTH IN COLOUR: Barbara Hepworth’s experiments with colour across sculpture and drawing are brought together in a research-led exhibition at the Courtauld Gallery. Around 20 sculptures and 30 drawings — including early painted wood and stone carvings from the 1940s and later works from the 1950s and 1960s — are on show. 12 June-6 September 2026
NICKELFEST: Clerkenwell’s independent grindhouse cinema The Nickel celebrates its first anniversary by dredging the cinematic sewers for a three-day marathon of surprise screenings featuring violence and adult themes. Nickelfest kicks off with five mystery films selected from the venue's most popular and deranged screenings of the past year. 12-14 June 2026
WALES AT WAR: Find out how Welsh identity, language and culture navigated the pressures of global conflict, in a free lunchtime talk by historian Martin Johnes at the National Army Museum in Chelsea. He explores the tension between British military policy and the lived experiences of Welsh soldiers and civilians, which ultimately sparked a post-war cultural renaissance. FREE, 12pm-1pm
THAMESMEAD TAPESTRY: Bow Arts invites the community to the Lakeside Centre for the opening celebration of the Thamesmead Tapestry Exhibition. Be among the first to see this new large-scale textile work, which explores themes of home and belonging, featuring objects from local residents' houses inspired by the tradition of Asafo flags. FREE, 6pm-9pm
JENNY SAIS QUOI: Hear illustrator, designer and street-style icon Jenny Walton discussing the art of the find, in conversation with fashion writer Kerry Olsen. Get practical advice on shopping vintage, colour paletting, and wardrobe curation at the V&A. 6.30pm-7.30pm
WIYAALA: Ghanaian singer-songwriter Wiyaala brings her unique Afro-folk sound to The Sound Lounge in Sutton. Performing in Sissala, Waale, Dagaare and English, she combines powerful vocals with guitar and calabash for a high-energy show alongside guitarist Miha Petric. 7pm
TASTING NOTES: Discover a new holiday tipple and soundtrack at Smith Square Hall as the London Mozart Players present Tasting Notes: Summer Wines. This sensory experience pairs a selection of five quality wines and seasonal canapés with live performances from a string quartet, all introduced by wine and music experts. 7pm
CILLA'S SWINGING '60S: West End singer Sandy Smith takes to the stage at Romford's Brookside Theatre for Cilla & The Swinging '60s, a musical tribute to the life and hits of Cilla Black, with chart-toppers like Anyone Who Had A Heart and Alfie, alongside a selection of classics from contemporaries including Dusty Springfield, Lulu, and The Beatles. 7.30pm
JAZZ CELEBRATION: Jazz sensations Fiona Monbet and Emma Rawicz join the BBC Concert Orchestra as the long-running Friday Night Is Music Night comes to the Alexandra Palace Theatre. Hosted by Katie Derham, enjoy a swinging programme ranging from Charlie Parker classics to a new commission by Rawicz, alongside a unique saxophone arrangement of Vaughan Williams's The Lark Ascending. 7.30pm
LIVE AT THE EMPIRE: Taskmaster champion and Off Menu podcast co-host Ed Gamble headlines a stacked night of comedy at the Hackney Empire. The bill features a high-calibre mix of talent including Sarah Keyworth, Phil Ellis, and recent Edinburgh Comedy Award winner Ayoade Bamgboye, alongside Paddy Young. 8pm
CHARLIE O’LEARY: The Irish Cultural Centre in Hammersmith hosts the London premier screening of a new documentary exploring the extraordinary life of a Dublin football legend. Now 102 years old, O’Leary’s journey spans from founding the Dublin "Street Leagues" in 1945 to serving as the Republic of Ireland’s kit-man during the Jack Charlton era. The film is followed by a live Q&A session hosted by author and broadcaster Tom Watt. 8pm
POP LOAD: Head to Dalston for queer-led pop party Pop Load, over both floors of The Divine. The night features a "demonic disco" in the basement with drag performances and mash-ups, while the ground floor bar provides the beats for a more casual pub party atmosphere. Expect a divinely random soundtrack ranging from Taylor Swift and Britney Spears to the Spice Girls and Charli XCX. 9pm-3am
Today's events: Saturday 13 June
FERREIRA WEEKEND: Explore a lesser-known chapter of maritime history at the Cutty Sark in Greenwich. The ship hosts Ferreira Weekend, a series of activities themed around the decades the famous tea clipper spent under Portuguese ownership after being sold in 1895. Discover how the vessel was renamed and repurposed during its years away from the British merchant fleet. 13-14 June
FOOD SEASON WEEKENDER: The British Library opens its Food Season with two days of talks and panels featuring foodies including Ruthie Rogers and Simon Russell Beale, sessions on the Silk Roads, seaweed, the legacy of Edna Lewis, food photography with Vittles and a Firepower panel on women and BBQ (including former Londonist food editor Helen Graves). 13-14 June 2026
WANDSWORTH PRISON MUSEUM: A rare chance to visit the small but fascinating Wandsworth Prison Museum, as it holds an open weekend. View more than 470 objects charting the prison’s history, with displays relating to Oscar Wilde, Jack the Ripper, John Haigh, the Kray twins, William Joyce (Lord Haw Haw) and Ronnie Biggs. FREE, 13-14 June 2026
TAKE FLIGHT: Rebel Sparks brings a multi-sensory aerial performance designed specifically for babies aged two and under to Grand Junction in Paddington. Take Flight follows a musical mother bird as her baby hatches and explores the world, culminating in a stunning aerial sequence. The 35-minute show is followed by a 15-minute stay-and-play session to let little ones investigate the interactive set. 9.30am/11.30am/1.30pm
VINTAGE BUS RIDES: London Bus Museum runs a heritage day, putting vintage buses from the 1930s-90s into service on TfL routes 213 (Kingston–Sutton) and 293 (North Cheam–Epsom). Board at any participating stop on the timetable between 10am and 5pm for a free ride. Some services even have a conductor handing out facsimile tickets. FREE, 10am-5pm
WANNA PLAY? FESTIVAL: Alexandra Palace Park hosts a family-friendly day of creativity and conversation as part of the London Festival of Architecture. The Wanna Play? Festival invites local residents to help re-imagine the park's playground and skatepark through hands-on workshops with architectural collective Unit 38 and RIBA. Highlights include a skate jam with Reggae Roast DJs, and breakdancing lessons, alongside street food and live acoustic music at the Boathouse Cafe. FREE, 10am
AMERICANS OF MAYFAIR: Explore one of London’s most exclusive neighbourhoods and discover the presidents, rock stars, and Hollywood icons who once called it home. This guided walk visits the house where America’s second president lived, the church where Eisenhower worshipped, and a hotel with unique ties to one of the country's most celebrated families. 11am-12.30pm
COWGIRLS & COCKTAILS: Dust off your chaps and head to the Star in Shoreditch for a high-energy cowgirls & cocktails bottomless brunch. Enjoy 90 minutes of unlimited drinks and Neapolitan pizza from 081 Pizza, accompanied by a rootin’ tootin’ programme of country-themed musical bingo, line dancing, and "country-oke." 2pm-4pm
NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY: Photographer David Kearley leads a hands-on workshop at Forty Hall in Enfield focused on capturing the beauty and atmosphere of the natural world. Explore the historic grounds while learning practical techniques with a focus on light, composition, and creative observation, for beginners and amateurs using DSLRs or smartphones. 3pm-4.30pm
BMW CLASSICS: Sir Antonio Pappano leads the London Symphony Orchestra in a major open-air concert in Trafalgar Square. The programme features the world premiere of Louise Drewett’s Four Dances, performed by an orchestra of LSO musicians and young performers from east London, alongside highlights from Holst’s The Planets and Elgar’s Enigma Variations. Entry is entirely free with no tickets required, and gates open from 2.45pm. FREE, 4pm-5.30pm
A LAST BIG STORY: Veteran news anchor Jon Snow returns to the screen for a final investigation into a mining disaster in Zambia. Screening at Bertha DocHouse in Bloomsbury, A Last Big Story follows Snow and his wife Precious over the course of a year as they work to expose how a Chinese-owned mine has devastated local land and water. 6pm
'60S BRITISH INVASION: Stellar six-piece band Carnaby Army returns to The Exchange in Twickenham with a high-energy tribute to the era-defining sounds of the 1960s. The electrifying live show features a refreshed set-list of hits from The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and The Kinks, spanning mod, rock and soul. 8pm
Today's events: Sunday 14 June
WORLD NAKED BIKE RIDE 2026: If you're prudish, you may wish to avert your eyes as the World Naked Bike Ride pedals into town. Cyclists let it all hang out as they ride in a group on one of several pre-agreed routes, all converging near Wellington Arch. Don't forget your suncream. Note: this year it takes place on a Sunday instead of a Saturday for the first time. FREE, from 10.45am (start time varies by route)
ROCK’N’ROLL CHELSEA: Explore the bohemian heritage and musical landmarks of SW3 on a walking tour led by guide Adam. The route follows in the footsteps of the Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd, visiting the King’s Road address where Eric Clapton collaborated with George Harrison and the riverside pad once occupied by Mick Jagger. 10.45am-1pm
MARYLEBONE SUMMER FESTIVAL: A one-day street festival along the local high street, Marylebone Summer Festival offers live music on the main stage, dog show Bark in the Park, a wellness zone, and a children’s area with rides and activities. The event raises funds for Young Westminster Foundation. 11am-5pm
THE BIG SCOOP: Raise funds for Lewisham Food Bank at the Fox and Firkin with a day-long music festival offering soulful outdoor sets and a high-energy dance floor. The eclectic line-up features Australian singer-songwriter Allysha Joy, the experimental ambient project ATMOSS, and a club-driven live set from Plumm x Benjamin. This community-led event also doubles as an unconventional wedding celebration for two local residents, with everyone welcome to attend. 1pm-12am
DOLL-MAKING: As part of Museum's of the Home's What the Folk? Fest (13-21 June) this afternoon you can get involved in a miniature doll-making workshop. Learn how storytelling, history and personal expression can be stitched into tiny dolls — and leave the session with a meaningful creation of your own. 1.30pm-4.30pm
NEUROSPICY: Dalston’s Rio Cinema presents a showcase of brand-new short films created by emerging neurodivergent talent. The Neurospicy 3 programme features the award-winning short Meat Puppet, starring BAFTA-winner David Jonsson, and concludes with a Q&A session with industry guests Brick and Parvinder Shergill. 2pm
SCHOOL'S OUT! COMEDY CLUB: Comedian Philip Simon brings his award-winning, interactive joke show to JW3, where the children are the headline acts. The session invites kids aged 4+ to take over the microphone and share their favourite gags, while parents watch from the safety of their seats. 2pm-3pm
IRISH MUSIC: Limerick's Michael Hogan is at Corner Corner in Canada Water, playing his blend of soul, pop rock, and Irish music on the guitar. Book a table, or just show up. 2pm-5pm
LONDON GAY MEN'S CHORUS: Over 100 singers take to the stage at the Rose Theatre in Kingston to celebrate 35 years of "keeping it gay". The birthday concert by the London Gay Men's Chorus features a vast repertoire ranging from opera and musical theatre to disco and k-pop, including hits by Lady Gaga, Pet Shop Boys, and Stephen Sondheim. 5pm
OPERA ON THE TERRACE: Michelin-starred chef Angela Hartnett and the team at Cicoria take over the terrace of the Royal Opera House for an evening of Italian-inspired dining and performance. Enjoy a seasonal three-course menu paired with wine while artists including Hannah Edmunds and Emmanuel Fonoti-Fuimaono perform sets of arias and duets overlooking the Covent Garden Piazza. 5.30pm-8.30pm
NO FRILLS FOLK CLUB: Musicians of all abilities and styles are invited to pull up a chair at the Windmill Brixton for an evening of informal, round-the-table music. The No Frills Folk Club welcomes everything from Irish and Scottish tunes to bluegrass, Yiddish and Balkan melodies, led by a house band featuring mandolin, hurdy-gurdy and melodeon. Whether you want to swap songs and learn new techniques or simply enjoy a pint while the session unfolds, the atmosphere is strictly inclusive and low-pressure. FREE, 7pm
CLASSICAL PRIDE: The London Symphony Orchestra returns to the Barbican for Classical Pride 2026, a major celebration of LGBTQ+ composers and performers. Conducted by festival founder Oliver Zeffman, the kaleidoscopic programme features the UK premiere of Henriëtte Bosmans’ Cello Concerto No 2 with soloist Laura van der Heijden, alongside Ravel’s infectious Boléro and Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings. The evening also pays tribute to the late Michael Tilson Thomas with a performance of his jubilant work, Agnegram. Proceeds go to the charity Rainbow Railroad. 7pm
