All week
WINDRUSH DAY: 22 June is Windrush Day, an event introduced in 2018 to mark the anniversary of the arrival of the Empire Windrush from the Caribbean, bringing with it many people who settled in London and made the city their home. It's the 75th anniversary this month, so events are going on all week (and beyond), including Windrush 75 at the Bernie Grant Arts Centre (19-24 June), which has live music, films, art exhibitions and more; the launch of Over A Barrel: Windrush Children Tragedy and Triumph at Black Cultural Archives (from 22 June), and Windrush 75: Celebration of Soundsystem Culture at EartH (23 June). Browse more Windrush Day 2023 events in London, and sign up to our new Londonist: Time Machine newsletter for a special feature next week.
GAIA: There are still tickets available to see Luke Jerram's Gaia on display in Teddington, as part of the Richmond Arts and Ideas Festival. It's a 7m-wide model of the Earth, adorned with satellite imagery from NASA, illuminated and surrounded by a special soundtrack. FREE, until 2 July
REFUGEE WEEK: Compassion is the theme of this year's Refugee Week at Southbank Centre, where the programme includes music, talks, workshops, film screenings and artworks. Join in with a mass singalong or a West African dance workshop, or watch a series of short films made by refugees and asylum seekers. 19-25 June
MORPH TRAIL: Just in time for the summer holidays, a trail of up to 70 sculptures of TV character Morph is being unveiled around South Bank and the City. A map and app will be available, with fun facts for kids to unlock along the way, and a programme of accompanying events to be announced. Crucially, the trail is step-free, to make it accessible to as many people as possible, and afterwards, the many Morphs will be auctioned off to raise money for Whizz Kids. FREE, 19 June-20 August
FREE WELLBEING FESTIVAL: A major festival exploring the relationship between mental health and environmental change takes place at Wellcome Collection this week. Land Body Ecologies encompasses sound, touch, taste and vision, for a four-day festival of free art installations, workshops, talks, films and performances that probe the deep interconnections of the health of the earth and our wellbeing. FREE, 22-25 June
RECOGNITION: "I want to be nothing in the world except what I am — a musician". Talawa Theatre Company is premiering its latest show, Recognition, at Croydon's Fairfield Halls. It tells the story of Song, a young Black composer up against a deadline, who suddenly discovers the work of classical composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor. Until 24 June
LONDON DESIGN BIENNALE: This is the final week of the 2023 London Design Biennale. The theme this year is The Global Game: Remapping Collaborations, and Somerset House hosts the work of more than 40 designers from around the world, created in response to the theme. Until 25 June
ARTISAN-LED WORKSHOPS: Fancy getting creative? New online platform Wecandoo connects Londoners with local artisans through a wide range of bespoke workshops. This week, you can try your hand at ceramics, woodcarving, saori weaving, terrarium-making and more. A great way to get out of your comfort zone, and maybe even discover your new favourite hobby! (sponsor)
LONDON FESTIVAL OF ARCHITECTURE: A celebration of architecture and 'city-making', the London Festival of Architecture programme continues this week, with public installations to talks, tours, debates and performances — plus some family-friendly events too. Highlights include an online talk about the future of the British Museum, a walking tour of the Bank of England, and a Summer Solstice Festival in West Hendon. Until 30 June
EARTH PHOTO EXHIBITION: The Royal Geographical Society in Kensington is currently hosting a free exhibition of photos telling stories of our planet, its inhabitants and its lands. The Earth Photo exhibition also focuses on the effects of climate change. FREE, until 23 August
OUTDOOR CINEMA: As the evenings are the lightest they'll be all year, why not head to one of London's outdoor cinemas and watch a classic or newly-released film in the open-air as the sun sets.
PLAY OF THE WEEK: It's a case of deja vu at the Old Vic, where Danny Rubin/Tim Minchin's musical adaptation of Groundhog Day returns after premiering at the theatre in 2016. With its dynamically cartoonish staging, sharp as a tack lyrics — and a tour de force from Andy Karl as cynical weatherman Phil Connors — it's an absolute riot. ★★★★ Until 21 August
EAT OF THE WEEK: Just opened in Notting Hill by Harneet Baweja (founder of Gunpowder), Empire Empire is an ode to the Indian disco era of the 70s — a place that pairs Asha Bhosle bangers with biryani brunches and whisky sodas. Sounds like a hoot.
READ OF THE WEEK: In the tercentenary of Christopher Wren's death, Blue Crow Media have launched another fantastic map to get you roaming London — this one plotting out 39 of the great architect's structures. It'll taker you all over the city, from Hampton to Greenwich.
DAY TRIP OF THE WEEK: We're approaching peak lavender season, so make plans to visit one of these six lovely lavender fields in the area surrounding London. Walk and take photographs among the pretty purple plants, and some places allow you to take a picnic too.
Monday 19 June
KNOLLYS ROSE: The Knollys Rose Ceremony is one of those bizarre ancient rituals that London does so well. See a single red rose cut from a garden in Seething Lane, placed on an altar cushion from All Hallows-by-the-Tower and taken Mansion House where it is presented to the Lord Mayor of London. Why? To signify a symbolic peppercorn rent dating back to 1381. FREE, 10.40am
TIBETAN FILM: Genesis Cinema hosts a screening of 2019 film Balloon, in honour of its director Pema Tseden who died suddenly in May. The screening is followed by reflections on Tibetan Tseden’s life and work with noted Tibetan historian Dr Tsering Shakya and a Q&A. 6.15pm
JESSIE BURTON: The much-loved author is at Charlotte Street Hotel for a literary salon celebrating her newest book, The House of Fortune, a sequel to The Miniaturist. She chats to journalist and author Kate Maxwell about the novel, a story of love, fate and two women determined to make their own way. 6.30pm
THIS CLASSICAL LIFE: BBC Radio 3 show This Classical Life is back at Alexandra Palace Theatre tonight, with saxophonist Jess Gillam promising 'a night packed with music for the curious listener', with help from the likes of Norwegian violin sensation Mari Samuelsen and rock-meets-classical bass guitarist/composer Lauri Porra — plus the full BBC Concert Orchestra. 6.30pm
LORD DAVID PITT: The British Library's annual Pitt Lecture, in recognition of Lord David Pitt, is given by historian David Olusoga this year. He discusses politician and activist Pitt's achievements and the impact he had on racial and health inequality, followed by a conversation with Darla Jane Gilroy and Cllr. Sabrina Francis. 7pm-8.30pm
HAPPY MONDAYS COMEDY: Comedians Ali Woods and Dan Tiernan both offer previews of their Edinburgh Fringe shows at this week's Happy Mondays Comedy. It takes place at The Amersham Arms in New Cross, with Sion James hosting. 8pm
Tuesday 20 June
SCOUTS! THE MUSICAL: The Other Palace hosts family-friendly comedy musical Scouts! The Musical. It's exactly what it sounds like — a show about the Scout youth movement, when members from all over the world meet up to compete, until someone tries to sabotage the competition. The show comes with a warning of audience participation, so have your Ging Gang Goolies well-rehearsed. 20 June-9 July
THE FACEMAKER: Historian Lindsay Fitzharris is at the Imperial War Museum to discuss her new book, The Facemaker, with PhD Student Ellie Grigsby. It tells the story of pioneering plastic surgeon Harold Gillies, who pioneered plastic surgery for soldiers in the first world war. There's a chance to ask questions afterwards, as well as exploring the museum's galleries. 6pm-8pm
RIDDIM AND POETRY: As part of its Windrush celebrations, the Museum of London Docklands hosts a line up of poets of Caribbean heritage for performances and readings on themes of migration, home and community. 6.30pm
BLACK PANTHER: Canary Wharf's free Movie Nights continue with a screening of Black Panther on the open-air cinema screen. The 2018 superhero film is based on a Marvel character who steps in to prevent two foes from destroying the kingdom of Wakanda. Take your own picnic blanket and snacks to enjoy while the film is on. FREE, 7pm
NATURAL BORN STORYTELLERS: Head to Aces & Eights in Tufnell Park for regular storytelling show Natural Born Storytellers. This month's theme is 'dream come true', and regular performers take to the stage along with audience members to share their tales. 7.45pm-9.45pm
Wednesday 21 June
LONDON ACTION FESTIVAL: All things action film and TV are celebrated at the London Action Festival, with screenings, panel events, exhibitions and more. It debuted last year, and this year's highlights include a chance to hear from Bodyguard writer Jed Mercurio, and film director Gareth Evans. 21-25 June
PLANET SUMMER: Climate hope is the focus of Planet Summer, a season of events at Southbank Centre which begins today. Theatre, exhibitions, live music and talks all feature, including an appearance by Greta Thunberg, pedal-powered DJ sets, and displays of objects from previous climate demonstrations. 21 June-3 September
MAKE MUSIC DAY: All manner of professional and amateur musicians are invited to join the Big Summer Wind Orchestra and Choir for a free performance in King's Cross for Make Music Day. Singers, as well as players of any wind orchestra instrument can take part, with sheet music provided. FREE, 6.30pm-8pm
JAWDANCE: Dean Atta, Livia Kojo Alour and Toby Campion are among the acts at spoken word night Jawdance, which returns to Rich Mix. 7pm
ANNE BOLEYN: Historian and broadcaster Tracy Borman gives an online talk about the relationship between Anne Boleyn and her daughter, Elizabeth I, both well-known in British history, but whose stories are rarely told together. Find out about the influence that Anne Boleyn had over her daughter, as pieced together from original documents and artefacts that Borman uncovered while researching her new book. 7.30pm
Thursday 22 June
NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY: Finally, after a three-year closure, the National Portrait Gallery reopens its doors to the public today. It'll look a little different from how we remember it, with a brand new entrance, a complete rehang of the artworks (so your old favourites might not be in the same place) and the reopening of the East Wing. FREE, from 22 June
LONDON INDIAN FILM FESTIVAL: Europe's largest South Asian film festival returns to BFI Southbank for a week of screenings, including several UK premieres. LGBTQIA+ short film programme Too Desi Too Queer is back, accompanied by a Q&A session, and there's also a celebration of up-and-coming British Asian filmmakers. 22-29 June
MAASAI MARA PHOTOGRAPHY: See an exhibition of photographs taken in the Masaai Mara by wildlife photographer Matthew Williams-Ellis. Images portray the animals he photographed as independent and emotional creatures, rather than just one in a whole species, and includes elephants, lions, hyenas and cheetahs. FREE, 22 June-2 July
ILLUSIONARIES: Apparently 'London's first-ever story-based immersive art experience', Illusionaries opens at Crossrail Place in Canary Wharf. That basically means it combines light, sound and movement — and the first show is Memories of a Dead Poet, a 40-minute experience across three galleries featuring wraparound projections, an infinity cube mirror, and a soundscape room. 22 June-24 September
BRAZILIAN SUMMER NIGHT: Head to Rich Mix for an evening of live and upbeat Brazilian music, with sounds from different regions from the country performed throughout the night. There are tributes to singers Gal Coats and Rita Lee, who both passed away recently, and songs from Luiz Gonzaga, Milton Nascimento, Chico Buarque, Tom Jobim, Tim Maia, Djavan and others. 6.30pm
THIN VEIL OF LONDON: It's your last chance (for the time being) to catch this stupendously good walk around the "silent corners of Holborn and Bloomsbury" in search of the weird and wonderful echoes of "folk horror" writer Arthur Machen. Trust us, you'll have a hoot and learn tons about the area, even if you've never heard of Machen. Now also available through a self-guiding audio guide. 6.30pm
Friday 23 June
ENGINEERS GALLERY: Science Museum unveils its brand new major gallery, Engineers, designed to challenge misconceptions about what engineers do, and offer a new look at the range of topics the role can cover. Stories from more than 60 engineers feature in the gallery. Watch out for our review, coming soon. FREE, from 23 June
THE BUBBLY SHOW: Restaurant brand Searcys hosts its first ever Bubbly Show, a two-day celebration of all things fizz, including exhibitors from champagne houses and English sparkling wine producers, as well as tastings, talks, masterclasses and even a lesson in sabrage. 23-24 June
RIVER STAGE: Shubbak Festival takes over National Theatre's free, open-air River Stage on South Bank, for a weekend of contemporary Arab culture. It kicks off tonight with a fusion of acrobatics, Chinese pole and urban street moves, live music blending influences from all over the world, and a DJ set by British-Lebanese DJ and producer Saliah. Other events across the weekend include dance performances and origami workshops. FREE, 23-25 June
400 LONDONERS: Artist Rod Kitson opens an exhibition of almost 400 of his works in Surrey Quays. Where Are We Now is a collection of oil paintings of Londoners from a range of ages and backgrounds — including Londonist Visual Arts Editor Tabish Khan. FREE, 23 June-20 July
WIZARD OF OZ: It's curtains up on the long-awaited production of The Wizard of Oz at the London Palladium, starring Jason Manford as the Cowardly Lion and Ashley Banjo as the Tin Man. 23 June-3 September
INSECTS: Tying in with the current Animals: Art, Science and Sound exhibition, the British Library hosts a talk about insects. Broadcaster and beekeeper Martha Kearney, entomologist George McGavin, macro photographer Levon Biss and composer Karen Wimhurst join forces to discuss the miraculous world of insects. Watch in person or online. 7pm-8.30pm
Saturday 24 June
GREAT WILD WALK: Sign up to take part in a six- or 10-mile walk through Epping Forest, raising money for the World Wildlife Fund. The Great Wild Walk is a family-friendly event, and dogs are welcome, with a fundraising target of £150 per person, and money raised going to the WWF's conservation projects around the world. 24 June
BST HYDE PARK: BST Hyde Park is back, bringing Guns 'N' Roses, P!nk, Take That, Bruce Springsteen and others to the huge pop-up festival site in Hyde Park. Some gigs have sold out, others still have tickets available, and the Open House midweek events will take place again this year with outdoor cinema, live music, and other events for anyone who didn't get tickets to the main shows. It kicks off tonight with P!nk. 24 June-8 July
DIVA: One of the biggest exhibitions opening this month is DIVA, the V&A's deep-dive into the power and creativity of iconic performers from the 19th century onwards, looking at the origins of the term 'diva' and how it has been subverted and embraced. It features costumes worn by Maria Callas, Cher, Elton John, Janelle Monae and Marilyn Monroe. From 24 June
CRAZY FOR YOU: The Gillian Lynne Theatre is the place to head to see Crazy For You, a romantic comedy musical about a man torn between his show-business dreams and running the family bank. From 24 June
SUMMER IN BATTERSEA PARK: Wandsworth hosts a free series of outdoor events, Summer in Battersea Park, across four weekends in June and July. Events include live music from the bandstand, free screenings of sports events, kids' activities, a dog show and plenty more. FREE 24 June-16 July
WRENATHON: 11 community choirs. Nine City of London Churches. A wealth of musical genres. Wrenathon: A Vocal Marathon invites you to explore a number of churches (four of which were designed by Wren), while soaking up music in them from the likes of Filament Theatre Company and Newham-based youth choir NewYVC. 12pm-7.30pm
IMPROV: The League of Improv is back at Soho's Century Club for an evening of long-form improv, completely made up on the spot. 8pm
WEAPONS OF MASS HILARITY: What happens when an Arab, Persian and Turk walk into a bar? Find out at tonight's Weapons of Mass Hilarity — a night which showcases Middle Eastern comedians. Tonight they include multi award-winning American-Egyptian Maria Shehata; Palestinian comic Nadz; and AYN Theatre Group alumnus Baz Shadnia. It's a fundraiser for the Turkey and Syria earthquake fund. 8pm-10.30pm
SHENANIGANS CABARET: The Golden Hinde on Bankside hosts Shenanigans Cabaret, an evening of debauchery featuring contortionists, burlesque acts, drag stars and an extreme violinist. The event celebrates the replica galleon's 50th anniversary. Age 18+. 8pm-11pm
Sunday 25 June
WHITEWEBBS MUSEUM: 'Tis the monthly opening of Whitewebbs Museum, London's other transport museum which is located up in Enfield, in a Victorian water pumping station. The eclectic collection includes model aeroplanes, toys, motorbikes, vintage fire engines, classic cars, an old train carriage and much more. Read all about our visit. 10am-4pm
ANTIQUES FAIR: More than 120 exhibitors flock to the Royal Horticultural Halls in Westminster for the Adams Antique Fair. Browse and buy antique jewellery, silver, decorative pieces and collectables. 10am-4.30pm
WOMEN OF THE CITY: For much of its history, the City of London was not a place where women could easily make their mark. But there were exceptions. Join London on the Ground's Groundbreaking Women of the City tour to "Hear tales of pioneers and leaders from queens to thieves, including publishers and poets, artists and rebels, business leaders and socialites." 2.30pm
THE LOST PATHS: Jack Cornish, Head of Paths at the Ramblers, has dedicated the last five years of his life to walking forgotten routes through the British countryside. Today he's taking the more urban route to Conway Hall, to talk about his book, The Lost Paths, which shows how special these routes are and the role they played in Britain's history. 3pm
INTERACTIVE STORYTELLING: Queer Britain in King's Cross hosts an interactive storytelling event celebrating LGBTQ+ families. It's led by Jodie Lancet-Grant, author of The Pirate Mums, and aimed at children aged 3-7 and their parents/carers. Hear the story of Billy, whose two mums are pirates. 3pm-5pm
MEZCALERIA: KOL Mezcaleria in Marylebone hosts a pop-up by Amsterdam bar Sins of Sal. Tuck into six special cocktails created by the Sins of Sal team and the KOL Mezcaleria team, using three different expressions of agave available from The Lost Explorer Mezcal (Espadín, Tobalá, Salmiana). 5pm-10pm
JEY: Korean-Australian singer, and FA Crew member, Jey, goes solo at The Garage in Highbury tonight. Support comes from KHAKII. 7pm
Museum treasure of the week
This is a toaster (in two bits), but not like one you've ever seen before. Designer Thomas Thwaites attempted to build it from scratch — as in, totally from scratch, even forming his own plastics from crude oil. His efforts show how even cheap, everyday items could not be built without considerable design, engineering and scientific input. You'll find this curious exhibit in room 76 of the V&A, which showcases design from 1900 to now.
Good cause of the week
Visiting Brixton Village? Look out for the new fashion pop-up from Shelter. The homeless charity has a presence in the market for eight weeks, with proceeds going towards its cause. "With its carefully curated collection of high-quality, sustainable fashion, books and music, the Shelter Boutique aims to redefine the concept of charity shopping and offer a purposeful shopping experience in Brixton," they say. It's open Thur-Sat each week, until the end of July.
