Looking for things to do in London throughout the month? Check out 100+ Marvellous Things To Do In London This May.
All week
COLOR THEORIES: Visual design enthusiast Julio Torres is at Soho Theatre with his show Color Theories, which offers a glimpse into the inner lives of the colours in the rainbow, through a lens of surreal humour. 12-17 May
LONDON CRAFT WEEK: Wigs? Tick. Rugs? Of course. Paper flowers? Naturally. Find out about some of the more unusual things being made here in the capital at London Craft Week. Workshops, demonstrations, talks and workshop tours feature in the impressively large programme, showcasing the handiwork of London's makers. 12-18 May
WELLNESS FESTIVALS: Both Kensington and Fitzrovia hold their own wellness festivals this week, with local businesses showing off what they have to offer through expert-led workouts and classes, talks, yoga sessions and run clubs. 12-18 May
MILLENNIUM GIRLS: Set in London in the late 1990s, Millennium Girls premieres at Brixton House. The show spans three decades, telling the story of Jessica, Chanel and Latisha as they navigate first kisses, free yards, bullies and breakdowns, with a soundtrack of UK garage and 90s classics. 12-31 May
MIDNIGHT COWBOY: Midnight Cowboy - A New Musical ends its world premiere run at Southwark Playhouse Elephant. It's based on the novel by James Leo Herlihy, which in turn inspired a film of the same name, about the unlikely friendship between two men who head to New York City in search of a better life. Until 17 May
ADMIRAL BYNG: The true story of the final voyage of Admiral John Byng is brought to life in this play at the Playground Theatre (Notting Hill). Watch the story of the last two days of Byng's life, after his squadron arrived too late to save a vital naval base on the island of Menorca. Until 17 May
COCKFOSTERS: Surrealist comedy play Cockfosters is all about the Tube, telling the story of two strangers who meet at Heathrow and get to know each other on a Piccadilly line journey across London. See it at Southwark Playhouse Borough until Friday, and read our article about the inspiration behind it. Until 17 May
PHOTOGRAPHY NOW: Closing this weekend, the V&A's free Photography Now display showcases the latest additions to the V&A’s collection of global contemporary photography, touching on topics including conflict, colonialism, social inequality and ecology issues. FREE, until 18 May
DULWICH FESTIVAL: This is the main week of this year's Dulwich Festival, an impressive programme of events taking place in the Dulwich area spanning walks, talks, tours, performances and loads more. Our picks include the West Dulwich spring fair, a history of the Herne Hill Velodrome, a lunchtime salsa workshop, a sensory supperclub where you'll eat with your hands, stories of the residents of West Norwood Cemetery, and the ever-popular Goose Green Fair. And if none of those appeal? There's plenty more on the programme. Until 18 May
AUSTENTATIOUS: Time's running out to see Jane Austen-inspired improv, in comedy show Austentatious at the Vaudeville Theatre. The cast — dressed in period costume and with live musical accompaniment — takes a title suggestion from the audience and runs with it. Until 19 May
EAT OF THE WEEK: Shoreditch's much-loved Leroy restaurant might be gone, but it's now been replaced by Duchy — a venture from Alex Grant and chef Simon Shand, who met while working at Leroy — its new menu championing French/Italian cooking made with fresh British ingredients: think brown crab arancini; roasted pork neck with bagna cauda and courgette; and Dover sole with grenobloise sauce. Booking is open.
PUBS OF THE WEEK: As the weather hots up, here's your reminder that we've mapped out London's best beer gardens — north, south, east, west and central — which you'd do well to bookmark for the (hopefully decent) summer ahead.
Monday 12 May
CHILDREN'S CONCERT: Children under five and their families are welcome at a special Wigs and Wiggles concert at Handel Hendrix House. Sing, dance and move as you experience Handel's music and the sounds of the Baroque era. 11am-11.45am
MEET THE FOODIES: The British Library's Food Season brings together a panel of food entrepreneurs to talk about how they have each managed to launch their own unique business. Participants include Amelia Christie-Miller, founder of Bold Bean Co and author of cookbook Bold Beans; Marianne Olaleye, co-founder of West African doughnut brand Puff Puff Ministry; and Segun Akinwoleola, founder of The Gym Kitchen. 6.30pm
GUNTHER STEINER: Former F1 team principal and Netflix Drive to Survive star Guenther Steiner brings his tour, Unfiltered, to Barbican. Hear about the twists and turns of his career, and some of the most dramatic F1 moments he's witnessed first hand. 7.30pm
SHORT FILM NIGHT: As part of the Herne Hill Free Film Festival programme, the Prince Regent pub hosts a short film night, showcasing work by talented filmmakers from the local area. Some of the creators are present, to introduce their work, though the programme isn't released ahead of the event. FREE, 8pm
HAPPY MONDAYS COMEDY: Emmanuel Sonubi offers a preview of his upcoming Edinburgh Fringe show at this week's Happy Mondays Comedy in New Cross. Abbie Murphy, Courtney Cornfield, Bas Rahman and Alfie Dundas also perform sets on stage. 8pm
Tuesday 13 May
JANE EYRE: Here’s a thrillingly fresh way to experience Charlotte Bronte’s Gothic masterpiece. Northern Ballet has reimagined Jane Eyre as an incredible piece of dance theatre, with choreography by Cathy Marston and haunting music performed live. Head to Sadler’s Wells to immerse yourself in this ahead-of-its-time tale of dark secrets, brooding romance and quiet defiance, featuring one of literature’s most compelling heroines. 13-17 May (sponsor)
FORGE FESTIVAL: Southwark Playhouse hosts the inaugural edition of Forge Festival, showcasing the work of four young theatre companies: Shepard Tone, Speakbeat Collective, November Theatre and Visual Sauce, each offering the world premiere of their latest work, including an intriguing-sounding piece about a Hollywood conspiracy concealed for decades. 13-17 May
FEMALE PILOT CLUB: Five new sitcom scripts by working-class women are showcased in Female Pilot Club at Leicester Square Theatre, supported by BBC Comedy. Each of the ten-minute extracts was chosen from more than 400 entries, and developed in collaboration with top comedy writers before being put on stage. 5pm
RETURN OF THE KING: Join tour guide Richard Watkins to explore Charles II's first ten years on the throne, its great characters and nation-changing events. You'll visit sites from the neo classical Banqueting House to Burlington House, including Whitehall and the gorgeous St James's Square. 6pm-8pm
BEAUTIFUL WORLD CABARET: Crazy Coqs at Brasserie Zedel launches new event series Beautiful World Cabaret, a programme of 12 cabaret shows featuring well-known faces to raise awareness around the climate and environmental crisis. Award-winning musical theatre star Janie Dee headlines tonight, performing songs and stories to inspire a love of nature. 9.15pm
LA LA LAND: Rooftop Film Club in Peckham screens 2016 film La La Land, starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone as a musician and an aspiring actress. Watch it on the roof of the Bussey Building, with a wood-burning heater and hot drinks to keep things toasty. 9.30pm
Wednesday 14 May
FESTIVAL OF WORDS: Fleet Street Quarter launches its inaugural Festival of Words today, four days of talks and writing workshops, with topics including Samuel Pepys' diary, warnings from history, and how to edit your own novel. 14-17 May
PHOTO LONDON: International fair Photo London is back at Somerset House for a celebration of all things snap happy. As well as a chance to collect and purchase photos from around the world, there are talks, tours and workshops on all aspects of photography. 14-18 May
QUEER FLOWER ARRANGING: Queer 'punk florist' Ru Dannreuther is at QMUL ArtsOne in Bethnal Green, teaching tricks of the trade to those who want to take their flower arranging to the next level. You'll learn the basics of flower buying, giving flowers a longer vase life, how to make a buttonhole, and how to fashion a small hand tied bouquet. 10am-1pm
MODERN PAGAN WITCHCRAFT: Today's Gresham College lecture delves into modern Pagan witchcraft, with Professor Ronald Hutton talking about the origins of Paganism and how it became so popular across the western world, along with what modern Pagans do and why. Watch in person at Barnard's Inn Hall, or online. FREE, 6pm
CHOIR CHOIR CHOIR: Choir! Choir Choir! comes to Islington Assembly Hall, turning the audience into performers as hosts Daveed Goldman and Nobu Adilman lead you in renditions of well-known songs by the likes of Leonard Cohen, Adele, Whitney Houston and Oasis. 7pm
MAGIC OF BIRDS: Nature and wildlife enthusiast Charlie Bingham and wildlife sound expert Axel Drioli are at Stanfords in Covent Garden to discuss Bingham's new book The Life -Affirming Magic of Birds. Hear about their experiences with nature and their passion for making it more accessible to everyone. 7pm-8.30pm
LAUGH TILL IT HURTS: Sarah Keyworth, Adam Buxton and Simon Brodkin are among the comedians appearing at Laugh Till It Hurts, a comedy show raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support. Takes place at Bloomsbury Theatre. 7.30pm
Thursday 15 May
JUST FOR ONE DAY: Live Aid musical Just For One Day returns to London, taking over the Shaftesbury Theatre for a lengthy run. The story of 13 July 1985, the day of the Live Aid concert, is told through songs by Bob Dylan, David Bowie, The Who, U2, Queen, Madonna, The Police, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Diana Ross and others. 10% of ticket sales are donated directly to The Band Aid Charitable Trust. From 15 May
RARE BOOKS: Books, original manuscripts, letters and rare items are all for sale at the annual Firsts: London's Rare Book Fair. Taking place at Chelsea's Saatchi Gallery, this year it has a theme of 'Books in Bloom',with a special focus on the relationship between books and botanicals, as well as a chance to purchase rare and unique tomes. 15-18 May
BEATLES & BERIO: Head to Smith Square Hall in Pimlico at lunchtime for an hour-long journey through avant-garde and pop, orchestra and band music. Sinfonia Smith Square and the Berkeley Ensemble team up for a performance of works by the Beatles, John McCabe, Maurice Ravel and Luciano Berio. 1.05pm
CHEAPSIDE: Guildhall Library offers a free talk about the history of Cheapside, the street which today runs from St Paul's towards Bank, but which was once London's main shopping street, and arguably the most important thoroughfare in Britain. FREE, 2pm-3pm
MEDIEVAL WOMEN: Two of London's best tour guides, Rob Smith and Laura Agustin, join forces for a look at the lives of poor women in medieval times. How do we know how poor women lived in the Middle Ages when historians have ignored them? Find out by walking the river to meet six medieval working women: the scullery maid, victualler, laundress, alewife, sex worker and huckster. There'll also be pub action afterwards, for those who like to keep the conversation going. (Can't make it? Laura has another walk about poor women on 17 May.) 6pm
FLAMENCO SHOW: Performers Maria de Huelva and Yumi La Blanca give a free live Flamenco show at Poplar Union. You've got a chance to learn the steps yourself, guided by the experts and accompanied by traditional music. 18+. FREE, 7pm-10.30pm
BOND BY CANDLELIGHT: Live orchestra London Concertante is at Cadogan Hall for a concert of music from James Bond films. Hear theme tunes including Diamonds Are Forever, Skyfall, No Time To Die and Goldfinger performed by candlelight. 7.30pm
RUISLIP COMEDY: Comedians Sara Barron, Dan Evans, Johnny CT, Jacqui Doherty and Callum Mackenzie are at Ruislip Hall saying funny things tonight. Profits are donated to Bumblebee Children’s Ward at Hillingdon Hospital, and there's a free drink for early bird ticket holders. 8pm-11pm
Friday 16 May
NEW SPACE EXHIBITION: We're rather excited about this one: Natural History Museum launches a new exhibition all about space. Specifically it asks whether there could be life beyond Earth, along with giving you the opportunity to touch a piece of Mars, wrap your hands around a fragment of the Moon and snap a selfie with the Allende meteorite, which is older than Earth itself. Recommended age 8+. From 16 May
SARGENT: Experience the power and glamour of John Singer Sargent’s portraits in Kenwood House's new exhibition, Heiress: Sargent’s American Portraits. The show reveals the real stories behind the American women who crossed the Atlantic to marry British aristocrats in an exchange of money for titles. These women include a war-time nurse and the first sitting female MP. 16 May-5 Oct
HIGHWAYS COUNTRY FESTIVAL: Country and Americana artists are at the forefront of Highways Festival, taking place at the Royal Albert Hall. In addition to the performances on stage (including Eric Church headlining both nights), there are other curated events around the venue. 16-17 May
ODES TO SE LDN: Part of Peckham Fringe, theatre show Odes To SE LDN immerses audiences in the customs, conventions and happenings of the local community. See it at Theatre Peckham in Camberwell. 16-17 May
KENSINGTON DOLLSHOUSE FESTIVAL: Experience life in miniature at the Kensington Dollshouse Festival. 120 top miniaturists from multiple countries exhibit and sell their works for anyone looking to kit out their own dolls house, plus there are displays, kids' activities and more. 16-17 May
FEEL GOOD FESTIVAL: Mind, body and soul are the focus of the Feel Good Festival at Hampton Court Palace, which features workshops, talks and drop-in clinics designed to help you to be the best version of yourself. 16-18 May
DANCE PHOTOGRAPHY: Dance in all its forms is celebrated at Commons Festival, at Stanley Arts in Norwood. It begins today with an exhibition of dance photography by local artist Chris Nash, who showcases works from throughout his 45-year career. FREE, 10am-5pm
FREE BURGERS: Restaurant Nanny Bill's celebrates its 10th anniversary by giving away 200 of its gravy-soaked Dalston Dip burgers at lunchtime today. Both the London Bridge (Vinegar Yard) and Croydon (Boxpark) sites are taking part in the giveaway on a first come, first served basis (veggie/vegan alternatives available). FREE, from 12pm
AHIR SHAH: Not been to the new Soho Theatre Walthamstow yet? Here's your chance: Ahir Shah brings his Edinburgh Comedy Award-winning ENDS to the venue, after two years touring it internationally. It tackles issues of racism, immigration and classism. 8pm
RIHANNA CLUB NIGHT: Don't Stop The Music at Queen of Hoxton, which holds a club night themed on pop and R&B singer Rihanna. Dance to her well-known hits and deep cuts, as well as tunes by artists with similar vibes - think Beyonce, Ciara and Nicki Minaj. 10pm-2am
Saturday 17 May
HACKNEY HISTORY FEST: It's the second — and final — weekend of Hackney History Festival, with walks, talks and films celebrating the borough's history. Celebrate 40 years of Hackney City Farm, hear about the Dalston Peace Mural from two people who feature in it, and help get some Hackney women added to Wikipedia. 17-18 May
POP OFF, MICHELANGELO: Fringe musical comedy Pop Off, Michelangelo! makes its West End return at Underbelly Boulavard, telling the story of best-friends-turned-bitter-rivals Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, with RuPaul’s Drag Race UK finalist Michael Marouli as the Pope. 17 May-22 June
CHEAM CHARTER FAIR: Rumour has it that the Cheam Charter Fair dates back to 1259 — though even the modern-day organisers can't verify that. Either way, head to the London-Surrey border for a traditional fair of stalls, kicked off with a procession at 9am. FREE ENTRY, 9am-2pm
FOOD FESTIVAL: Eat your way around the world on Camberwell Green at an international food festival. Munch on dishes from Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, the Middle East and the Mediterranean, at a variety of stalls, with many local food and drink businesses represented. Live music, face painting, bouncy castles and arts and crafts keep everyone entertained. 11am-7pm
WOMEN FOR WOMEN: The #SheInspiresMe car boot sale parks up at Selfridges again, raising money for Women For Women's work supporting women and girls affected by war and conflict. Browse car boots filled with new, past-season, vintage and pre-loved designer fashion donated by luxury brands, designers and fashion and beauty insiders — and bag yourself a bargain while doing some good. 12pm-6pm
FA CUP FINAL: Crystal Palace will attempt to win their first ever FA Cup this afternoon, as they take on Man City at Wembley. If you've not got tickets for the game, scope out the best bars in London for watching the footy. KO 4.30pm
ROYAL VARIETY NIGHT: Ghosts actor Kiell Smith-Bynoe hosts A Right Old Royal Variety Night at Stratford East Theatre. Guests include comedians Jeff Innocent and Desiree Burch, hula-hooper Amazi, and jazz fusion dance group The Queens, among others. Part of the venue's 140th birthday celebrations. 7.30pm
EUROVISION FINAL: Taking place in Basel, Switzerland this year, the Eurovision final will be shown on TV as usual, with several London venues hosting screening parties. We've made a list of all the ones we know of, to help you find somewhere to show off your best sequinned outfit, wave a flag, and award 'nil points' to whichever country you think deserves it. From 8pm
Sunday 18 May
SUNDAY FUN-DAY: Take the kids along to Lauderdale House in Highgate for Sunday Fun-Day a day of free workshops aimed at 4-10 year olds, designed to teach them about the history of the building. The statue of Sir Sydney Waterlow in Waterlow Park provides inspiration for a model-making workshop. FREE, 11am
URBAN VILLAGE FETE: Live music and dancing, street food stalls, crafting workshops, and talks on topics including sports and sustainability are all part of the Urban Village Fete, which celebrates its 10th birthday this year. It's a family-friendly event taking over Greenwich Peninsula, in support of charity War Child. FREE entry (charge for some workshops), 11am-7pm
UNLIMITED TIRAMISU: Are there two more dangerous words in the English/Italian language? Nonetheless, Fitzrovia's authentic Roman restaurant Agrodulce is now doing a Sunday brunch each week, where fresh plates of pasta/pizza are indeed followed with as much tiramisu as you can eat. 12pm-3.30pm
CHARITY JAZZ: The Bromley Jazz Collective gives a charity concert at Chislehurst Methodist Church, raising money for SPANA (The Society for the Protection Animals Abroad). Expect to hear tunes including April in Paris, Summertime, Sweet Georgia Brown and Autumn Leaves. 2pm-4.30pm
PUNK ALL DAYER: Harker, Downcast and Pardon Us are among the motley crew of punk bands thrashing it out on stage at Kingston's Fighting Cocks today, as a Punk All Dayer promises to shake the neighbourhood to its foundations. From 3pm
NETBALL SUPER LEAGUE: Netball team London Pulse are at home, taking on visiting team Loughborough Lightning in the Netball Super League, at the Copper Box Arena in the Olympic Park. 6pm
COLLYWOBBLERS COMEDY: Comedians Mark Thomas and Patrick Monahan team up to offer previews of each of their Edinburgh Fringe shows. Sion James is the MC at Collywobblers Comedy, which takes place at The Railway in Streatham. 7.30pm-10.15pm
BOOKER PRIZE READINGS: Though tickets to attend in person have sold out, you can watch Southbank Centre's International Booker Prize shortlist readings via livestream. Hear extracts from some of the the finest novels and short story collections from around the globe that have been translated into English and published in the UK and/or Ireland, ahead of the winner being announced. FREE, 7.45pm
