All week
FUELFEST: Taking place at Barbican, Fuelfest celebrates 20 years of Fuel Theatre Company, which specialises in "fresh work for adventurous people by inspiring artists". This week, see a multimedia take on Joint Enterprise law by poet Jay Bernard, and a collaboration between artist Melanie Wilson and an AI machine. Until 22 March
HELIOS: Time's running out to see a 1:200 million scale sculpture of the Sun on display at the Old Royal Naval College's Painted Hall. Helios is a work by artist Luke Jerram — who has previously installed his Moon and Mars sculptures in various buildings around London — and can be viewed in these beautiful surroundings. Until 25 March
ELEKTRA: Oscar-winner Brie Larson (Room, Lessons in Chemistry, Captain Marvel), stars in the first major revival in over a decade of Sophokles' Elektra. This version of the timeless Greek tragedy — which follows a grieving daughter's quest for vengeance — is directed by Daniel Fish (Oklahoma!) and based on a translation by award-winning poet Anne Carson. See it at Duke of York's Theatre in the West End while you can. Until 12 April (sponsor)
XHLOE AND NATASHA: Comedy duo Xhloe and Natasha bring a double-bill of their Fringe shows, A Letter To Lyndon B. Johnson Or God: Whoever Reads This First, and What If They Ate The Baby? to Soho Theatre. The former explores children’s innocence and their relationship with war, set to a Beatles' soundtrack, while the latter is a dystopian take on the 1950s American housewife. 17-29 March
SCREEN CUBA: Holborn's Garden Cinema and the ICA are among the venues in London screening Cuban cinema for the Screen Cuba festival. Highlights this week include road trip film Guantanamera, a satire on life (and death) during the ‘Special Period’ in Cuba following the demise of the Soviet Union, and The People of the Documentary, about a planned artistic exchange featuring 400 Cuban artists, which had to be scaled back when Trump came to power (the first time). Until 29 March
FITZROVIA'S BEST BARS: Looking for somewhere to unwind with a drink after work? The Fitzrovia Quarter is packed full of eclectic spots, from sophisticated cocktail bars to characterful pubs. Kick back with dive bar vibes at London Cocktail Club, enjoy live music at The Social, celebrate the start of spring in The Oxford Market's beer garden, or go traditional at Victorian pub The Yorkshire Grey. Have a browse of all of the options and plan your next night out. (sponsor)
WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH: A reminder that Women's History Month events are ongoing throughout March, celebrating the often-overlooked achievements of women, and particularly women who have fought for their right to be recognised. We've rounded up some exciting events here including shows, talks and tours. 1-31 March
LITERARY FOOTPRINTS: The guides at Footprints of London continue their series of guided walks themed around literature, for the Literary Footprints festival. Highlights this week include a virtual tour of Samuel Johnson's life on Fleet Street, a walking tour focusing on sci-fi and dystopian fiction in which London has been destroyed, and a stroll around Waterloo, discussing its role in works of fiction. Until 31 March
BARNES MUSIC FESTIVAL: Barnes Music Festival, which takes place at venues across the area, is now underway, with pianists, saxophonists, organists, singers and a concert band taking part. The schedule this week includes Mendelssohn's Song Without Words, and impressionist and former Barnes resident Alistair McGowan marking the centenary of composer Erik Satie's death. Under-12s get free entry as part of the festival's Youth Programme, in a bid to reach a younger audience. Until 30 March
EAT OF THE WEEK: Described as a "love letter" to the travels of head chef Josh Dallaway and sommelier Sinead Murdoch, nomadic restaurant Tasca has arrived in Bethnal Green for a year-long residency at Cav. Inspired by the cuisine of Portugal and Spain, expect fun interpretations such as a Tomme de Chevre cheese and Iberico ham between brioche, drizzled with smoked maple syrup and served with salted goats milk ice cream. Can really see that working actually.
DOCUMENTARY OF THE WEEK: Bernard Falk's Tour Of Hidden London first came out 50 years ago, but this cavalcade of oddities around the capital has just been republished by the BBC Archive and WHAT a treat it is. Put that Netflix series on pause, and set aside 45 minutes to join Falk this week.
Monday 17 March
ST PATRICK'S DAY: Expect to see plenty of green today as London marks St Patrick's Day. Though many of the parties and celebratory events happened over the weekend, there are a couple of things on today, including a 13-hour party, and St Paddy's cabaret shows. Otherwise, head to an Irish pub or bar for a pint of Guinness or two.
ALL CHANGE: King's Cross station is the focus of a free talk at Guildhall Library. Hear about the history of Lewis Cubitt's building, from its grand opening in 1852, to major redevelopment in the 21st century. Tickets to attend in person have sold out, but you can watch online. FREE, 2pm-3pm
YOUNG WRITER AWARD: The shortlisted authors of The Sunday Times Young Writer of the Year Award are at Barbican for an evening of readings and discussion. Before the winner is announced on Tuesday, finalists Harriet Baker, Moses Mckenzie, Scott Preston and Ralf Webb are on stage with respected author Zadie Smith. 7pm
THE DOCTORS' ORCHESTRA: 75 musically-gifted doctors join forces for a classical concert at Cadogan Hall in aid of international charity Freedom From Torture. The Doctors' Orchestra performs works by Schumann, Berlioz and Sibelius. The concert is also livestreamed for anyone who can't make it in person. 7.30pm
CHORAL SINGING: Choir The Sixteen and founder/conductor Harry Christophers are at Croydon Minster this evening, with their Choral Pilgrimage: Angel of Peace show. It includes beautiful passages of music from Hildegard of Bingen, Arvo Pärt and John Taverner. 7.30pm
SKELETONS IN THE CLOSET: Cat Irving, human remains conservator for Surgeons’ Hall, gives a talk about the ossuaries of Europe — rooms built to house the bones of dead people. Through photos, take a journey across Europe encompassing painted skulls and bejewelled skeletons, bone chandeliers and the six million people who lie beneath the streets of Paris. The online talk is hosted by the Last Tuesday Society. 8pm-9.30pm
Tuesday 18 March
SADDEST SHOW ON EARTH: A new, free exhibition opens at The Vaults in Waterloo, with a dark undertone. The Saddest Show on Earth by artist and conservationist Sophie Green looks at how humans have exploited nature and the animals around us, with themes of consumerism and environmental despair. Artworks include photo-realistic illustrations of various animal species on display on plinths. FREE, 18-30 March
DAVID HOCKNEY: The colourful world of David Hockney is the topic of a free talk at Guildhall Library, given by Arts Society Lecturer Frank Woodgate. Hear about Hockney's career, from his graffiti-like paintings of the 1960s, through Royal Academy and Tate Britain shows, and recent works using i-Phones, i-Pads and multi-camera videos. FREE, 2pm-3pm
THE CONVERSATION: Theatre director Nicholas Hytner and Helen Castor are the guests at tonight's edition of The Conversation at St Martin-in-the-Fields. They discuss Shakespeare’s insights into power and human nature as shown through Richard II, followed by a chance for the audience to discuss the topic further, in small groups. Alternatively, watch online via livestream. 6.30pm
LINDLEY LATE: Archaeologist Dr Sadie Watson uncovers the evidence for Roman gardens in London at tonight's RHS Lindley Late. Head to the Lindley Library in Westminster for a talk about how archaeology and archaeobotany can help us to understand the flora and design of gardens in Roman London, and how this still influences our green spaces today. 6.30pm-8.30pm
NIGHT AT THE OPERA: Kensington and Chelsea Music Society are back at Leighton House for A Night at the Opera. Soloists from Opera Holland Park and pianist William Vann perform a programme of opera arias and ensembles, taking place in Leighton's studio. Your ticket includes access to the entirety of the Leighton House Museum. 7.30pm
This is a sponsored inclusion on behalf of the London Symphony Orchestra.
An eclectic 60 minute orchestral adventure – with 2-for-1 tickets!
Discover incredible music from 18th-century Austria, 20th-century Hungary, and modern-day Iran with the London Symphony Orchestra this week. They’re back at the Barbican on Wednesday 19 March with a new Half Six Fix concert – a novel (and novice-friendly) orchestral experience.
Each Half Six Fix concert lasts just an hour and begins in the same way, with an introduction from your conductor. Taking up the baton this time is the wonderfully versatile Barbara Hannigan, who’ll conduct the LSO while singing (talk about multitasking!) She’ll provide fascinating insights into each piece’s composition and prime you on what to listen out for.
After that, it’s time for Golfam Khayam’s Je ne suis pas une fable à conter – a new work based on a poem by Iranian poet Ahmad Shamlou. Then, you’ll be treated to excerpts from Haydn’s sprightly Symphony No. 39. The event culminates with one of Bartók’s most thrilling scores, The Miraculous Mandarin. As it all unfolds, you’ll get unique glimpses of how an orchestra operates, via big screen musician close-ups. And because it’s all over by 7.30pm, you’ll have tons of time to debrief with your concert buddy, and if a post-performance martini in the Barbican bar isn’t enough to tempt a mate/date out, 2-for-1 tickets sure will be…
Half Six Fix runs 6.30pm-7.30pm on Wednesday 19 March at the Barbican. Tickets start at £15, and you can get two for the price of one by entering the code LDN25HSF when prompted at the checkout.
Wednesday 19 March
LONDON SOUNDTRACK FESTIVAL: Drum roll please, as the London Soundtrack Festival arrives in town, celebrating the music of films, TV and video games. Live orchestral performances, in-conversation events, and film screenings introduced by composers are among the events on the programme. Get started tonight with a screening of Charlie Chaplin’s Modern Times, with the original score played live by the Covent Garden Sinfonia and conducted by Ben Palmer. 19-26 March
BFI FLARE: London's LGBTQIA+ film festival BFI Flare also gets underway today, taking the form of an 11-day celebration of queer cinema featuring gala screenings, panel discussions, short films and more. The BFI Bar hosts an opening night party tonight, with screenings, workshops and Q&As over the coming days. Plenty of events have already sold out, so be quick if you want tickets. 19-30 March
STILL THE HOURS: Hampton Court Palace hosts the world premiere of a promenade experience. Wander through the palace after dark, accompanied by audio telling the stories of women who lived or worked there. Suffragettes, royal mistresses, queens and maids all feature, their stories told by actors including Kathryn Hunter and Miranda Richardson, and backed up by historical research. 19-30 March
JOHN MORLEY: The first solo exhibition of work by painter John Morley in almost 30 years opens at the Garden Museum today. John Morley: Artist Gardener showcases his paintings and pastels of flowers, fruits and garden plants, many of which have never been publicly displayed. 19 March-20 April
SOCIETY FOR NEW CUISINE: Described as "The Substance meets Woman in Black" (so pretty dark then), The Society for New Cuisine is the debut play from East-Asian writer and performer Chris Fung — about a man who loses everything after a shattering break-up, then discovers a group of people who seem to have all the answers... It's on at Clapham's Omnibus Theatre. 19 March-5 April
MODERNISM: The London Society hosts a talk in the recently refurbished Space House, off Kingsway, about the challenges of preserving and adapting modernist architecture. 6pm-9pm
JAWDANCE: Regular spoken word and poetry night Jawdance is back at Rich Mix in Shoreditch, for an International Women's Day celebration. Kat François hosts, with performances by Ayan Aden, Sally Pomme Clayton and Desree, and an open mic slot for anyone else who wants to have a go. 7pm
TRAINING SCHOOL FOR ELEPHANTS: Journalist Sophy Roberts and photographer Michael Turek are at Stanfords in Covent Garden discussing Roberts' new book, A Training School for Elephants. It's the story of a bizarre colonial expedition to Lake Tanganyika, following in the footsteps of four 19th century elephants, resulting in the discovery of a strange abandoned school for elephants in north east Congo. 7pm-8.30pm
WITCHES: ArtHouse Crouch End hosts Bad Gal Film Club's Women History Month special — a screening of director Elizabeth Sankey's documentary, Witches. Delve into the social stigmas that women have endured across centuries, through interviews and film clips, exploring the connections between postpartum mental health and the portrayal of witches in Western society and popular culture. The screening is followed by a Q&A with Sankey. 8pm-10pm
Thursday 20 March
THE STITCH FESTIVAL: Embroidery, batik, pattern design, punch needle, crochet and dressmaking are just some of the skills and hobbies encompassed in The Stitch Festival in Islington. Shows, talks and workshops are programmed throughout the weekend, with 150+ traders selling supplies and equipment. 20-23 March
WILKO: The story of Wilko Johnson, founder of band Dr Feelgood, is told on stage at Southwark Playhouse in Borough in Wilko: Love and Death and Rock 'n' Roll. He was diagnosed with inoperable cancer and decided to spend his last months living meaningfully... until a miracle happened. 20 March-19 April
ARPITA SINGH: Serpentine North opens the first solo exhibition of artist Arpita Singh outside of India, spotlighting the artist's 60 year-career. Remembering features her paintings from the 1960s through to more recent years, including large-scale oil paintings and more intimate watercolours and ink drawings. FREE, 20 March-27 July
MUSEUM LATE: The former home of Dr Samuel Johnson, located close to Fleet Street, stays open for a museum late. Explore the 17th-century house — the only original townhouse still standing in Gough Square — after hours, with a drink in hand. 5.30pm-7pm
CHAMPAGNE DINNER: Celebrate a decade of the Sky Garden (at the top of the Walkie Talkie on Fenchurch Street) at a special champagne dinner in collaboration with Moët Hennessy. Head to the private dining room on the 37th floor for chef Kerth Gumbs' menu, blending Caribbean flavours with British ingredients, each course paired with a selection of Moët Hennessy champagnes, guided by head sommelier Alexandru Pastrav. 6.30pm
JIMI HENDRIX UNPICKED: Today's free Gresham College lecture centres around musician Jimi Hendrix. Professor Milton Mermikides delves into Hendrix's creativity, and the influences which inspired him, in terms of sonic sculpting, rhythmic feel, fretboard navigation, harmony and composition. FREE, 7.30pm
Friday 21 March
CATSTRAVAGANZA: The cat equivalent of Crufts comes to the Copper Box Arena in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, in the form of London Catstravaganaza 2025. See pedigree and house cats competing for awards including Best Kitten, Best Cat, Best Household Pet Kitten and Best Household Pet, along with a chance to meet renowned cat breeders and shop for kitty-themed goodies. 21-22 March THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED
MILITARY MUSIC: The Massed Bands of His Majesty's Royal Marines give three concerts at the Royal Albert Hall for the Mountbatten Festival of Music, which showcases the skills of some of the world's finest military musicians while raising funds for Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charities. 21-22 March
IDEAL HOME SHOW: Pimp up your pad at the Ideal Home Show at Olympia. Interior designers, furniture suppliers, home accessory stores, and garden DIY experts congregate to help you make the changes you want in your home. Eat & Drink Festival runs alongside it, where you can tuck into all manner of street food, stock up your kitchen cupboards with produce, and pick up tips, inspiration and possibly a new recipe or two from celebrity chefs. 21 March-6 April
VICTOR HUGO: The imaginary worlds of the author of the Hunchback of Notre-Dame are revealed in the Royal Academy's new show, Astonishing Things: The Drawings Of Victor Hugo, which opens today. His artworks are not so well known as his writing, but this is a chance to see his ink and wash visions of imaginary castles, monsters and seascapes. 21 March-29 June
VOICES FROM PRISON: Artist John Costi — whose work is based on his experience of being imprisoned in his early youth — hosts spoken word night Voices from Prison. Head to Rich Mix to watch original performances and readings of work submitted by people in the criminal justice system. 7.30pm
SPIRIT OF UKRAINE: The Royal Overseas League in St James's hosts The Spirit of Ukraine, an evening of music and poetry with visual display in aid of the Ukrainian Children’s Hospital in Lviv. Lubov Kachala, soloist of the Lviv Opera Theatre, and BBC actor Marcella Riordan are among the performers. 7.30pm-10pm
CEILIDH CLUB: Experience a taste of Scotland with the London Ceilidh Club. This lively night at Grand Junction in Paddington features three hours of traditional ceilidh dancing, led by a live band and a caller to guide you through the steps. It caters to both beginners and experienced dancers, with a bar serving craft beers and snacks throughout the evening. 8pm
Saturday 22 March
RIVER RACE: The Head of the River Race is rowed annually from Mortlake to Putney, with up to 400 crews of eights taking part. Get down to the river's edge to watch the action unfold. FREE to watch, 9.15am
CREATIVE WORKSHOP: Caroline Kent, illustrator and founder of stationery brand Scribble & Daub, leads a creative workshop at the Ham Yard Hotel. Learn the art of using a dip pen and ink to create illustrations, which you'll then hand paint and take home with you. 10am-1pm
CASTELLERS OF LONDON: The Castellers of London — who perform the centuries-old Catalonian feat of creating 'human castles' — are at the Blue Market in Bermondsey this afternoon. As well as oohing and aahing at their daring exploits, there's the chance to dig into some juicy calçots, a seasonal spring onion-like vegetable that's barbecued and dipped in a nutty romesco sauce. 12pm-3pm
IMITATION OF LIFE: Douglas Sirk's 1959 melodrama, Imitation of Life, explores the intersecting lives of two single mothers—one black and one white—navigating difficulties in a patriarchal society. This film screening at Barbican Cinema is part of the Noah Davis series, celebrating art and cinema focused on identity and representation. 3.20pm
BLUES JAM: Elephant and Castle's Temple of Art and Music hosts its weekly Great British Blues Jam, where you can kick back and soak up the sounds with a drink, or — if you play — join in with the groove. It's free to get in, although you can also pre-book tickets which include drinks packages. FREE, 4pm-7pm
CANDLELIGHT CLUB: Regular speakeasy event The Candlelight Club returns to an historic ballroom at a secret south London location for its Spring Ball. Get dressed up for an evening of live jazz and ragtime music by seven-piece band Trudgeon's Troubadours and DJs the Bee’s Knees. Cabaret host Champagne Charlie presides over it all, with burlesque, tarot reading and Charleston dance classes too. 7pm-1am
GUJARATI DANCING: Subrang Arts presents Taaliyo na Taale, a showcase of the folk dances known as 'Garbas' from the cultural heart of Gujarat, West India, which are recognised by UNESCO as the intangible cultural heritage of humanity. See it at Croydon's Fairfield Halls. 7.15pm
TCHAIKOVSKY: There's a rare chance to hear Tchaikovsky's ambitious Manfred Symphony tonight, in a performance from Fulham Symphony Orchestra at Sinfonia Smith Square in Westminster. Leoš Janáček's Taras Bulba and Poème by Jeanne Demessieux are also on the programme. 7.30pm
EARTH HOUR: For one hour on Saturday evening, London's switching the lights off for WWF's Earth Hour, raising awareness of the effects of global warming. Individual businesses and households are encouraged to take part by turning off the lights, but several of the capital's major landmarks will be plunged into darkness too. FREE, 8.30pm
Sunday 23 March
PALACE HALF: If ever a half marathon route was fit for a king/queen, it's the Palace Half. Start your run at the gates of Hampton Court Palace and take in the local area — including crossing the Thames twice, before finishing in the palace gardens. Plenty of charities are still looking for runners to take part on their behalf. 23 March. All weekend, Hampton Court Palace holds garden open days, meaning you can visit the grounds for free (22-23 March).
MID CENTURY MODERN: 85 midcentury dealers and modern designers descend on Dulwich College to sell artwork, furniture, lighting, rugs, textiles, ceramics, wallpaper and more, dating from the 20th century. The Midcentury Modern also has food vans on site, and if you buy any large items, delivery is available. 10am-4pm
WALTHAMSTOW FLEA MARKET: Alternatively, if you're up for an afternoon of bargain hunting, make for Big Penny Social where Walthamstow Flea Market takes place. It brings together 60 dealers selling vintage and pre-loved furniture, homewares and clothing. 11am-5pm
SUNDAY BRUNCH: Mie ayam kampung (egg noodles topped with diced chicken, meatballs and crispy wanton) and bubur ayam (rice porridge with shredded chicken, fried soybeans, fried dough and crackers) are on the new Sunday brunch menu at Indonesian restaurant Toba in St. James's Market. 11.30am-3pm
ROMEO & JULIET: Barbican Cinema screens Romeo & Juliet, the Royal Ballet's retelling of Shakespeare's famous love story. It's an Encore screening, meaning it's not streamed live, but is a recording of the current production, which runs until May at the Royal Opera House. 2pm
SOPRANO SONGBIRD: West End musical star Gina Beck — who has performed in Matilda, Wicked, and The Phantom of the Opera, among other shows — stars in her debut solo concert, Soprano Songbird, at St Paul's Church in Covent Garden. She performs songs from shows she has starred in, alongside long-time friend and co-star Simon Bailey, in aid of the MS Society. 5.30pm
MOONLIGHT SIRENS: "Batten down the hatches, lock up your sons and assume the brace position..." Honky tonk bar the Duke's of Highgate welcomes all-female blues group the Moonlight Sirens to the stage this evening. FREE, 8pm
