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
BBC PROMS: This is the final week of classical music festival the BBC Proms, culminating in the famous Last Night of the Proms on Saturday (and an End of Proms church service the following day). There are still a few concerts to catch before that though, including the Vienna Philharmonic playing Mozart and Tchaikovsky, and the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra performing Brahms's Second Symphony. Until 13 September
TOTALLY THAMES: An annual celebration of London's rivers, Totally Thames Festival is well underway. Highlights this week include live music at Crossness Pumping Station, and a free performance by 40 choirs. Browse the full programme and dip your toe in. Some events FREE, until 30 September
LONDON PODCAST FESTIVAL: More than 20 shows and events take place at Kings Place this week for the final days of the London Podcast Festival. Both mainstream and more niche podcasts are recorded in front of a live audience, with some podcasts streamed online too. Sitcom Wooden Overcoats, Dan Snow's History Hit and the Empire Film Podcast are on the schedule, along with events to help you create your own podcast. Until 14 September
FAWLTY TOWERS: I know nothing! Beloved British sitcom Fawlty Towers wraps up its time on stage at the Apollo Theatre, with Danny Bayne, Paul Nicholas, Joanne Clifton and Helen Lederer heading up an 18-strong cast, recreating classic moments from the 1970s TV series. Until 13 September. Not yet had enough of Basil's antics? Faulty Towers: The Dining Experience continues, near Russell Square.
TINA THE MUSICAL: It may be Simply The Best, but Tina - The Tina Turner Musical ends its lengthy run at the Aldwych Theatre this week. Sing and dance along to a celebration of the late singer's life via a jukebox musical featuring her top hits including Proud Mary and Private Dancer. Until 13 September
FELT CHIPPY: Time's running out to see one of our favourite exhibitions of the year. Textile artist Lucy Sparrow's Bourdon Street Chippy is a life-sized replica of a fish and chip shop... made entirely from felt. She's painstakingly created battered fish fillets, individual chips, branded condiment bottles, bowls of mushy peas, and even artworks for the wall and flyers for the notice board, entirely from felt and textiles. Incredible artistic skill meets charming whimsy. FREE, until 14 September (open Wednesday-Sunday)
PODCAST OF THE WEEK: Camden Unlocked is a new eight-part podcast series, in which local Shlomo Levin speaks to various individuals and groups who are shaping Camden's cultural and social landscape. It's available to listen for free on Spotify and Apple Music.
Today's events: Monday 8 September
AMERICAN CANDY: Dark comedy show American Candy opens at the Omnibus Clapham, telling the story of two people who work in an American-style sweet shop, and find themselves hiding a body in the basement shortly after closing time. 8-10 September
COLDPLAY: A Film For The Future is the film created to accompany Coldplay's newest album, Moon Music, and today's your last chance to catch a screening at Lightroom in King's Cross. As is Lightroom's way, viewers are completely immersed in the film, with projections on the walls, floor and ceiling. 3pm-4pm
THE POPESS: Last call to catch The Popess, a dark comedy set in a 13th century Italy, in which Guglielma of Bohemia — believed to be the second coming of the Holy Spirit — appoints Sister Maifreda Pirovano, as her Popess. It's on at the Glitch in Waterloo. 7pm-8pm
2000 METERS TO ANDRIIVKA: The Frontline Club in Paddington screens 2000 Meters to Andriivka, a hard-hitting documentary about Ukrainian soldiers on the frontline of the Russia-Ukraine war — who they are, where they came from, and the impossible decisions they face in the trenches as they fight for every inch of their land. It's made by the Oscar-winning team behind 20 Days in Mariupol, a documentary about the first few weeks of the Russian invasion. 7pm-9pm
NOVA REID: Join author Nova Reid and journalist and former barrister Afua Hirsch for a conversation exploring identity, belonging, and the untold stories that shape who we are. Expect discussions on legacy and significant contributions by extraordinary Black women to history and society, at the Bloomsbury Theatre. 7.30pm
Today's events: Tuesday 9 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, 9-13 September
THE ART OF PRINTING: Pop into Bankside Gallery for a free art exhibition that shows the diversity and possibilities of printmaking. 32 artists will exhibit at the gallery (right next to Tate Modern) as part of LOOP's 20th anniversary exhibition. You'll be able to see how the printmaking process works, with some artists printing onto found materials, or manipulating the print into 3-D forms, or mixing it up with collage. Stop by, have a chat, and see how they go about their craft. FREE, 9-14 September (sponsor)
THE GREEKS: Find out how the National Theatre has staged some of the most important Greek plays over the years, in new, free exhibition The Greeks: Radical Reinvention. At the Wolfson Gallery, delve into the National Theatre's archives to see how sound, space, dance, and community have helped to reinvent traditional Greek plays for modern audiences. FREE, 9 September-February 2026
DICKENS WALK: Join guide Diane Burstein for a guided walk through the London of Charles Dickens, and find out how his walks through the city inspired his work. Visit locations including the courtyards of Lincoln's Inn, setting for Bleak House, and hear how he helped to found London’s first and most famous children’s hospital, before viewing the exterior of his former home, now the Charles Dickens Museum. 3pm-5pm
GRESHAM COLLEGE TERM: The first free lecture of the Gresham College autumn term takes place today, with Professor Daniel Susskind discussing automation anxiety — the fear that a new technology will take over your job. As with all Gresham College lectures, you can watch in person at Barnard's Inn Hall in Holborn, or online via livestream. Worth checking the programme for upcoming events too — the diverse range of topics spans the end of the universe, China's economic prospects, and Shakespeare's musical fairies, to name but a few. FREE, 6pm
VJ DAY: New BBC documentary series The History Podcast: The Second Map is celebrated at the Imperial War Museum. Journalist and broadcaster Kavita Puri and IWM's Director for Narrative and Content, Peter Johnston, discuss the 80th anniversary of VJ Day. The podcast itself uses first-hand testimonies from soldiers and civilians to tell of defeat, victory, and how two mighty imperial powers fought for territory and valuable resources. 6.30pm-8.30pm
Today's events: Wednesday 10 September
BALLET NIGHTS: Classical ballet, contemporary dance and live music combine for Ballet Nights 009, a mixed bill show at Cadogan Hall. Principals of the Royal Ballet Fumi Kaneko and Vadim Muntagirov make their Ballet Nights debut performing Stravinksy's Apollo. Also scheduled: ENB Principal duo Sangeun Lee and Gareth Haw performing William Forsythe’s electric Slingerland Duet, and the London debut of celebrated Flamenco duo pianist Andrés Barrios and Flamenco dancer El Yiyo, among others. 10-11 September
SOHO JAZZ FESTIVAL: Get down with the trumpets at the Soho Jazz Festival, spanning 40+ shows and 15+ venues across five days. Opening night highlights include the Frazer Smith Quartet at Archer Street, and the Late Late Show with Alex Western-King at Ronnie Scott's. Single day and multi-day festival passes are available. Peruse the full line-up. 10-14 September
CHISWICK BOOK FESTIVAL: Gill Hornby, Axel Scheffler, Reeta Chakrabarti and Jeremy Vine 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. 10-15 September
THE STATESMAN: Theatro Technis near Mornington Crescent welcomes The Statesman to its stage for the next two-and-a-half weeks. It's an absurdist comedy about a humourless village and the bitter old man whose job it is to teach them to be funny. 10-27 September
SHERLOCK: The Sohemian Society's latest talk, upstairs at the Horse & Groom on Great Portland Street, sees Conan Doyle biographer Andrew Lycett explore the origins of Sherlock Holmes. 6.15pm (doors), 7pm start
GAME DINNER: Renowned chefs Rafael Liuth and Ben Murphy team up for a collaborative game dinner at The Jugged Hare near Barbican. Tuck into a six-course menu celebrating game and seasonal British ingredients — think fir-smoked partridge and wild Suffolk venison, among other dishes. 6.30pm
SHANTY SINGERS: The Colliers Wood Shanty Singers' semi-regular performances on board the Golden Hinde usually sell out way in advance, but at time of writing there are a few tickets left for tonight's lively show. Seven singers, an accordionist and a violinist perform three sets with breaks in between, dipping into their repertoire of 80 shanty songs. 7pm-10.30pm
WINDMILL TALK: Brixton Windmill's annual talk, part of the Lambeth Heritage Festival, reveals that there used to be 12 windmills in Lambeth, of which Brixton is the only survivor. Hear about where the other 11 were located, what their function was, and what stands in their place today. Just the sort of quirky local history we love. FREE, 7.15pm
Today's events: Thursday 11 September
DRACULA: The Lyric Hammersmith stages a new adaptation of Bram Stoker's Dracula, focusing on the perspective of Mina Harker, the main female character in the classic horror novel. Armed with her husband’s journal, a pile of old letters and her wits, Mina begins to piece together the story of the mysterious Count Dracula and his journey to England. 11 September-11 October
LADY MAYORESS'S BOTTOMLESS BRUNCH: A rare chance to have brunch inside Mansion House, the official residence of the Lord Mayor of London. Representative Lady Mayoress Corinne Lee hosts a fundraising Lady Mayoress's Bottomless Brunch with special guest Dame Arlene Phillips. Begin with a drinks reception, followed by a brunch menu, and a lively game of bingo with the chance to win prizes, all raising money for educational charity Treloar's. 12pm-3.30pm
SHAKESPEARE'S LONDON: One of only six documents in the world that contains Shakespeare's signature is the subject of today's lunchtime talk at the London Archives in Clerkenwell. It's the deed for the house he bought in Blackfriars in 1613, and forms the basis for a wider talk about the Bard's life in London. 12.30pm
FLAT AND THE CURVES: Comedy cabaret outfit Flat and the Curves grace Crazy Coqs in Soho tonight. Mashing together punchlines and powerhouse vocals, they've been described as "Six meets Bridesmaids." 7pm
THE ROCKET MAN: Elton John tribute show The Rocket Man rocks onto the stage at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley, with a singer and live band replicating John's costumes, vocals and piano solos as they cover hits including Crocodile Rock, I Guess That’s Why They Call it the Blues, I’m Still Standing, and Your Song. 7.30pm
THE BIG LEBOWSKI: We may be well into September but outdoor cinema season continues at Rooftop Film Club. The Peckham branch screens 1998 mistaken identity caper The Big Lebowski. Kick back in a deckchair with a pair of wireless headphones and enjoy the film, and the views of the London skyline after dark. 9.30pm
Today's events: Friday 12 September
SEEN PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION: The Royal National Institute of Blind People takes over the Grimaldi Building in King's Cross for Seen Photography Exhibition. 22 powerful portraits by photographer Joshua Bratt showcase the lives of blind and partially sighted people, individuals thriving in their careers, pursuing their passions and overcoming barriers. FREE, 12-14 September
MARKFIELD ROAD FESTIVAL: Taking place in South Tottenham, Markfield Road Festival is a free arts festival for all ages. 2025's programme includes open arts studios, short films screenings, life drawing, and yoga sessions with the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation. 12-14 September
FLOWER FESTIVAL: The Faery Tale Castle is the enchanting theme of this year's flower festival at Strawberry Hill House. Wander through the house and gardens viewing special displays created by floral designers from all over the UK. Expect spinning wheels, a witch’s perfumery, flying carpets, a goblin market, and a giant spider lurking in the gardens. 12-14 September
HERITAGE OPEN DAYS: Not only do we get Open House (below) in September, but Heritage Open Days too. This nationwide programme of events — including 34 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, 12-21 September
THE WEIR: Brendan Gleeson stars in The Weir, a play set on a a stormy night in an isolated pub in rural Ireland, where the everyday lives of four men are interrupted by the arrival of a woman called Valerie. See it at Harold Pinter Theatre from today. 12 September-6 December
CRYSTAL PALACE: Join tour guide Richard Watkins for an intriguing amble around Crystal Palace, exploring the area's railway heritage. 2pm
SWIFTOGEDDON: It's been a BIG summer for Swifties (The new album! The engagement!), and the party continues at Taylor Swift club night Swiftogeddon, which is back at Between the Bridges for four hours of non-stop Taylor tunes. Expect to hear her well-known chart hits alongside lesser-known tracks and deep cuts, including the 10-minute version of All Too Well. 7pm-11pm
Today's events: Saturday 13 September
DAVID BOWIE CENTRE: A V&A museum dedicated to the late David Bowie opens as part of V&A East Storehouse on Hackney's East Bank, housing 90,000 items related to the cosmic musician, including stage outfits, photos, hand-written lyrics and instruments. There's not room to display them all at once, so they'll be on rotation, giving you a good excuse to visit again and again. From 13 September
JURASSIC HIGH STEET: Take the Met line up to Chesham if you dare. For today the small town is overrun with dinosaurs. Expect plenty of dino fun with holograms, a swamp, eggs, fossils, frozen dinos to find, and a dinosaur expert on hand (or claw). Particularly suited to families with young children. FREE
STEP INSIDE 25: Somerset House celebrates its 25th anniversary as a culture and events venue with Step Inside 25, a weekend of free events and activities, including pop-up basketball, silent disco experiences, drawing workshops and more — all inspired by some of the most successful exhibitions held there over the past quarter of a century. FREE, 13-14 September
CERAMICS IN THE CITY: Local and international ceramic artists showcase and sell their wares at Ceramics in the City at the Museum of the Home in Hoxton. Browse and buy tableware, stoneware, ornamental objects and collector pieces, and watch live demonstrations by the artists. 13-14 September
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. Open House London 2025 begins today, and you're able to visit many of the sites without booking including churches, houses, museums, university campuses, art galleries, and even a Battle of Britain bunker. Browse the full calendar and get stuck in. 13-21 September
LONDON DESIGN FESTIVAL: The 23rd edition of London Design Festival showcases London as the design capital of the world. We're expecting the usual blend of displays and exhibitions, talks and more, including The Flavour Library, an interactive experience where you pick a chocolate shell, filling and toppings — each representing a city's qualities — and watch as your choices transform an animated cityscape, and 11 Million Dots, one of Europe's largest public artworks which is appearing on the side of a building in Park Royal. 13-21 September
THUNDERBIRDS ARE GO: Notting Hill's Museum of Brands unveils a nostalgic exhibition featuring toys themed on Thunderbirds and other Gerry Anderson classics on Saturday. Marking 60 years since Thunderbirds first aired, and 50 years since the first broadcast of Space: 1999, the exhibition features over 400 items — many on public display for the first time — spanning toys, games and books. 13 September-February 2026
A DAY ON THE LANE: Marylebone Lane goes fully pedestrianised for the day, for A Day on the Lane, which sees various workshops, street food stalls, live music and workout classes unfold throughout the day. The event supports the Young Westminster Foundation, helping create brighter futures for young people in Westminster. 10am-4pm
DOG SHOW: Take your pooch along to Parsons Green for the Brain Tumour Research Campaign dog show. Enter your pet for categories including Golden Oldie, Waggiest Tail, and Most Appealing Eyes, and stick around until the end for the Best in Show judging. Human entertainment including stalls, competitions and street food runs throughout the day too, all raising money for the charity. 10.30am-5pm
RAG FAIR: Explore the area east of the Tower with guide Laura Agustin. Called 'Tumult of Women - Rag Fair, Rosemary Lane, Brothels and the Docks', the wide-ranging walk looks at the many ways women eked out a living in this area from the 17th to 19th century. 1pm-3.30pm
PLAY CHASE TAG: Unleash your inner child (or just your child) at Brent Cross Town this afternoon, with an adrenaline-pumping game of chase tag. Two organised games — suitable for ages eight and up — play out in Exploratory Park, with professional coaches guiding you. Book your slot. FREE, 3.30pm and 5.30pm
MURDER MYSTERY: Things get spooky at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, where two murder mystery experiences take place. Gather in the Painted Hall and spend 90 minutes exploring the historic buildings and interrogating suspects to piece together the scattered clues before the time is up. 7pm/8.30m
Today's events: Sunday 14 September
50 FIRST DATES: 2004 rom com film 50 First Dates has been reincarnated as a musical, telling the story of Henry, who starts dating Lucy, a woman with short-term memory loss, leading him to recreate their first date over and over again when she can't remember it. See it at The Other Palace from today. From 14 September
ANTIQUES FAIR: It's that time of the month again when the Adams Antique Fair pitches up at the Royal Horticultural Halls in Westminster, bringing together 130+ traders from all over Europe selling all manner of vintage goodies. 10am-4.30pm
SUNDAY SEISIÚN: The London Irish Centre in Camden hosts a Sunday Seisiún, with artists including Big Sleep, Delivery Service, Fizzy Orange, katie phelan and Rua Rí doing their thing — plus Irish-Chinese eats from Paddy Wok. 2pm
EASYSKANKING: Tap your feet to a set from Easyskanking, bringing their ska/rocksteady/reggae sounds to CryerArts in Carshalton, with covers of everything from Desmond Dekker to Katy Perry. There's also a BBQ on the go, seeing out summer in style. FREE, 3pm
LADIES IN BLOOMERS: Experience a unique outdoor performance that merges music and horticulture at the Story Garden in King’s Cross. The London Sinfonietta leads the world premiere of Omri Kochavi's Ladies in Bloomers, an immersive event featuring four singers and on-stage gardeners. paying tribute to pioneering female gardeners of the early 20th century. 6pm-8pm
A HORROR PLAY: Underbelly Boulevard Soho continues its Fringe Fix series, bringing the best of this year's Edinburgh Fringe to London, with Scatter: A Horror Play. The one-man show tells the story of a man who travels to a Welsh village to scatter his father's ashes, finding a horrifying legacy awaiting him. 7pm
COMEDY IN A BREWERY: Brockley Brewery in south London has a packed night of comedy for your delectation, with acts including Rory O' Hanlon, Carwyn Blayney, Audrey Simmons, Joe Haddad, Anna Gray — plus a special guest. 7pm-10pm
DAGMARR'S DIMANCHE: Flamboyant spectre Hersh Dagmarr presents Dagmarr’s Dimanche at Brasserie Zedel, featuring a blend of Kabarett and Chanson. Joined by pianist/arranger Frau Karen Newby, Dagmarr transports audiences through a decadent show incorporating tunes from Marlene Dietrich to the Pet Shop Boys. This month's special guest is illusionist Enrico Touché. 7.30pm
