All week
DUST: Equal parts heartbreaking and hilarious, this one-woman show from Milly Thomas takes the audience beyond the grave and into purgatory. A young woman who dies by suicide watches the aftermath of her actions, and quickly discovers that death isn't all it's cracked up to be. Considering its taboo subject matter, in lesser hands this one could have easily missed the mark, but we thought it was pretty powerful stuff. Trafalgar Studios (Whitehall), from £15.50, 3pm/7.45pm, until 13 October
LADIES OF QUALITY AND DISTINCTION: For much of human history, it's been depressingly common for the contributions of women to be overlooked — by contemporaries and historians alike. Quite rightfully, The Foundling Museum is doing its bit to remedy this, by putting the spotlight on the women integral to establishment and running of the famous children's home. The Foundling Museum (Bloomsbury), £10 (included in museum admission), just turn up, until 20 January
SPACE SHIFTERS: Feeling dizzy? You will be after this art exhibition dedicated to spatial disruption and disorientation. Over 20 international artists have contributed works, including large-scale installations, ambitious architectural interventions, and site-specific commissions. Hayward Gallery (Southbank Centre), £16, book ahead, 11am-7pm, 26 September-6 January 2019
RAINDANCE FILM FESTIVAL: Cinephiles, it's time to get excited The UK's biggest indie film festival returns this week to bring you over 300 features, shorts, documentaries, music videos, and VR experiences. If the latest blockbuster releases have left you feeling cold, head to Vue Piccadilly to discover some of the most groundbreaking work to hit the silver screen Vue Piccadilly (St. James's), £13, book ahead, 1am-11pm, 26 September-7 October
Monday 24 September
THE UK IN 100 SECONDS: Despite what certain tabloid rags would have you believe, the UK isn't actually all that full (in fact, just 6% is built upon). Get ready to have your assumptions challenged at the premiere of The UK in 100 seconds, a film from guerrilla geographer Daniel Raven-Ellison and filmmaker Jack Smith that offers a provocative bird's eye view of the country. Prince Charles Cinema (Leicester Place), £7, book ahead, 6.45pm-8.30pm
ALL ABOUT BLOCKCHAIN: Hands up who's still not quite sure what the deal is with blockchain! Finally get to grips with the tech that underpins cryptocurrencies, and learn how its utility extends far beyond finance at this evening talk. The Royal Institution (Mayfair), £16, book ahead, 7pm-8.30pm
THE AFRICAN SALSA ORCHESTRA: Travel all the way from Contonou to Cuba on the infectious rhythms of the African Salsa Orchestra. This explosive 10-piece band bring their blazing horns and heady mix of gospel, RnB, and reggae to Rich Mix for the 16th London African Music Festival. Rich Mix (Shoreditch), £20, book ahead, 8pm
Tuesday 25 September
ARCHIVAL INVESTIGATION: Get a primer in investigating primary sources and then put your newfound skills to good use at The National Archives. Rummage through their original documents collection and learn how those active in the women's suffrage movement interacted with the state, before touring the archives' new exhibition, Suffragettes vs. the State. The National Archives (Kew), £15, book ahead, 10.30am-1pm
SARCOPHAGUS SECRETS: Last year, London-based archaeologists dug up a shocking discovery — an extremely rare Roman sarcophagus buried way beneath the tarmac on Southwark's Harper Road. Hear all about the excavation process from those who undertook it at the Museum of London and then see it for yourself at the museum's Roman Dead exhibition. Museum of London (London Wall), £12, book ahead, 6.30pm-9pm
AUCTION AGAINST HUNGER: Some of the nation's most innovative chefs and street food traders are taking over Borough Market— and it's all for an incredible cause. Your ticket gets you seven dishes of your choice, five drinks (there's talk of Espresso Martinis) and as many snacks as you can stomach. If that's not enough excitement for you, try your luck at the silent auction for the chance of winning some money-can't-buy prizes. Borough Market (London Bridge), £60, book ahead, 6.30pm-11pm
SIXTEENTH CENTURY STYLINGS: Get your groove on to some 16th and 17th century bangers with Jordi Savall and his Hespèrion XXI ensemble. Expect British Renaissance and Baroque music performed with historical sensitivity and creative flair. Queen Elizabeth Hall (Southbank Centre), £15-£45, book ahead, 7.30pm
Wednesday 26 September
RED, RED WINE: Hone both your palate and your palette at a multi-sensory wine experience themed around the colour red. Head to an east end art gallery, sample six fine wines and respond to visual, aural, tactile and virtual reality stimuli to strengthen the neural pathways that influence wine recognition. Now that's what we call brain training. The Leyden Gallery (Spitalfields), £47, book ahead, 7pm
MEDUSA AT THE CRYPT: Is this snake-haired Gorgon with the stony stare really as monstrous as ancient Greek myth-makers would have us believe? This immersive, site-sensitive work explores flirts with the character being an unsung feminist hero — as uncompromising in her femininity as she is in her fight against injustice. The Crypt Gallery (Euston), £15, book ahead, 7pm, until 29 September
MEERA SYAL AND TANIKA GUPTA: Want to find out what writing for the theatre is really like? Learn from seasoned experts and firm friends Tanika Gupta and Meera Syal, who are popping in to a north London church for an evening of lively discussion. Archway Methodist Church (Archway), £7-£10, book ahead, 7pm
AMÉLIE IN 35MM: The irrepressibly charming French rom-com that inspired many a slightly-too-short fringe returns in 35mm tonight. Additional romance comes courtesy of live music from singer Carolyn Saint-Pé and her accordionist, and your ticket includes a complimentary cocktail. Screen on the Green (Islington), £19, book ahead, 8pm
Thursday 27 September
BRIDGING THE THAMES: Everything you've ever wanted to know about London Bridge is revealed on an evening walkshop featuring eccentric millionaires, revolutionary radicals, bridge-building priests and an Apache Indian or two. Join the Museum of Walking for a Thames adventure that considers the politics propping up the thoroughfare. Meet at Monument tube station, £15, book ahead, 6pm-8pm
TATE TAP TAKEOVER: Hopheads and art lovers, head to the Tate Modern this Friday for an evening of juicy brews courtesy of VerDant Brewing Company. Your ticket gets you five thirds of beer, the chance to chat to the brewers, and some time to eyeball their unique art work. Tate Modern Bar (South Bank), from £15, book ahead, 6.30pm-10.30pm
REGENCY DANCING: Throw some shapes Regency-style in the oh-so-plush surrounds of Apsley House. In the home of the Duke of Wellington, you'll learn the hottest moves of the early 19th century. Apsley House (Piccadilly), £10-£20, book ahead, 7pm-9pm
SUSANNA: Norwegian songstress Susanna Susanna Wallumrød comes to Shoreditch for her only UK gig of the year. Expect haunting tracks with influences as diverse as Charles Baudelaire, Joy Division, Purcell, and Lou Reed. Rich Mix (Shoreditch), £13, book ahead, 8pm
Friday 28 September
JOY OF SAKE: The largest sake-tasting event outside of Japan brings you over 400 premium rice wines from every corner of the country. Taste as many as you like, while filling your belly with sublime small plates from London's finest restaurants. Barbican Centre (Barbican), £75, book ahead, 6pm-9pm
DIABEL CISSOKHO: Renowned Senegalese singer and multi-instrumentalist Diabel Cissokho has lit up stages at Glasto and Womad with his kora stylings and Mandikan melodies. See him tonight in Leytonstone. St John's Church (Leytonstone), £15, book ahead, 6.30pm-10.3opm
HOW TO TALK TO GIRLS AT PARTIES: Fear not, this isn't the title of some cheesy pick up artist workshop — it's actually the big screen story of 1970s alien punk invasion in south London. Of all the worlds in all the galaxies, Elle Fanning's panda-eyed extraterrestrial comes to Croydon. Harris Academy (South Norwood), £9, book ahead, 7.45pm-10.30pm
BRITISH CHINESE COMEDY NIGHT: A funny foursome comprised of the best Chinese heritage comedians is coming to Covent Garden. Get ready to laugh your socks off with Phil Wang, Evelyn Mock, Nigel Ng and Ken Cheng. 99 Club Covent Garden (Strand Palace Hotel), £14, book ahead, 8.30pm
Saturday 29 September
LAB LIVE: If your kiddo's favourite word is currently 'why?', you won't want to miss the chance to plonk them in the Imagination Lab. They're going on a journey of scientific discovery over 15 activity stations rooted in STEAM subjects, where they can tackle questions like 'Why do I dream?' and 'What am I made of?' Imagination Lab (Lambeth), £12, book ahead, 10am-5pm, until 30 September
WALL STREET ON WATER: How did a once-mighty 19th century port become one of the world's biggest financial hubs? Find out on this architecture-focused amble through Canary Wharf, featuring marine relics, dizzying skyscrapers, and high tech underworlds. Departs Westferry DLR Station, £12, book ahead, 10.30am-12.30pm
ON YER BIKE: Bobbin has been selling brightly-coloured bicycles to London commuters and cool kids for over a decade. Pick up a bargain at its end of season warehouse sale, with deep discounts on popular adult and junior models, helmets and baskets — plus coffee and cake too. Feast Cafe (Stoke Newington), just turn up, 11am-5pm (sponsor)
HACKNEY FLEA MARKET: Nothing beats a nice rummage through some vintage treasures. And a bit of splurge is much easier to justify when you've really worked to find your perfect piece. With records, clothes, homeware, and all manner of curiosities, there's bound to be something that catches your eye at Hackney Flea Market. Abney Hall (Stoke Newington), free, just turn up, 11am-6pm
THE MOTH MAINSTAGE: Fans of live storytelling will be drawn to this event like a moth to a... well, you get the idea. With the theme of Out of the Blue, expect plenty of tales about unforeseen acts and startling discoveries. Union Chapel (Islington), £25, book ahead, 7.30pm
Sunday 30 September
HARINGEY FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL: Hope you're feeling hungry. Over 45 local growers, bakers, brewers, and cheesemakers set up shop on Tottenham Green to show off all the foodie delights the neighbourhood has to offer. Tottenham Green (Tottenham), free entry, just turn up, 11am-6pm
DIY ARTS MARKET: Buy unique works of art directly from the makers at a market that won't break the bank. As well as prints, you can get your hands on jewellery, zines, and tote bags. Evolutionary Arts Hackney (Dalston), £1, just turn up, 11am-6pm
SECRET 10K MISSION: Bog standard park runs not doing it for you? This 10k sees you race through the streets of south London to solve a 17th century Russian-themed murder. Find clues, grill suspects (if you can catch your breath), all while working up a sweat, Meet at secret location near Deptford Bridge Station, £25, book ahead, 11.30am-12.20pm
