All week
AFROPUNK FEST: Through panel discussions, workshops, parties, and live shows, Afropunk celebrates the African and Caribbean influences in alternative cultures. Highlights include performances from Akala and August Green, a Grace Jones film screening, and a poetry night from Apples and Snakes. Electric Brixton, various prices, book ahead for some events, 3-8 September
LONDON DESIGN BIENNALE: World-class innovators bring their design installations on the theme of emotional states to London for the second London Design Biennale. Design nerds won't want to miss this. Somerset House, £19.50, book ahead, 4-23 September
BLOOD WEDDING: This contemporary version of Federico García Lorca’s 1932 folk tragedy transports the classic to modern day London. There's grit, there's black humour, there's forbidden love. Omnibus Theatre (Clapham Common), £16, book ahead, 4-23 September
UNLIMITED: Southbank Centre's festival celebrating extraordinary work by artists with disabilities returns. Some events are ticketed, but there's also plenty you can see for free, including immersive performance art, vogue balls, folk music, and a samba school. Check the brochure for access services for visitors with disabilities. Southbank Centre, various prices, book ahead for some events, 5-9 September
Monday 3 September
CRICKET IN THE CITY: Anyone for cricket? Six teams battle it out in London’s only T6 tournament while you tuck into cream teas and enjoy the comic commentary. All proceeds go to The Sick Children's Trust. The Honourable Artillery Company (Moorgate), from £20, book ahead, 9.30am-6.30pm
SUNSET ROOFTOP YOGA: Make the of those long evenings while you still can with a sunset yoga session of the roof of The Culpeper. You'll be guided through steady vinyasa flow practice as dusk slowly envelops the city. The Culpeper (Aldgate), £25, book ahead, 7pm-9pm
BEER BASICS: Earn a reputation as the craft beer connoisseur amongst your crew with the help of Mason & Company's tutored tastings. This time, they're focusing on tart and sour beer styles. Mason & Company (Hackney Wick), £10, book ahead, 7pm-9pm
BECOMING WHITE ELK: Learn all about the king of Jazz Age con artists who reinvented himself as a war hero and a Cherokee nation leader at this evening talk. This is the bizarre true story of Edgar Laplante and his transformation into Chief White Elk, which saw him seduce a Hungarian countess, buddy up with the Mussolini regime, and become a victim of his own lies. Conway Hall (Holborn), £6, book ahead, 7.30pm
Tuesday 4 September
KHALED HOSSEINI: The award-winning author of The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns chats about his latest work. You'll hear all about his illustrated story, Sea Prayer, and take home your own copy. Southbank Centre, £28, book ahead, 7.30pm
SHANNON AND THE CLAMS: With a sound described as a brawling Etta James backed up by the 13th Floor Elevators singing Shangri Las-style tunes, this garage punk quartet seem to have carved out a niche for themselves. See them perform live tonight, in all their mustachioed and bee-hive glory. The Garage (Islington), £12.50, book ahead, 7.30pm
LAUGH TRAIN HOME: Tonight's headliner at this Battersea comedy club is Live at the Apollo star Marlon Davis. He'll be tickling your funny bone alongside Nigel Ng and MC Carly Smallman. The Honor Oak (Forest Hill), £7, book ahead, 8pm-10pm
Wednesday 5 September
CHRISTO BOOK SIGNING: Fans of artist Christo (and his creative partner and wife, the late Jeanne-Claude) will be pleased to know that the man himself will be popping into TASCHEN to sign copies of his new book, Barrels and The Mastaba. An ideal memento for admirers of that giant pink sculpture on the Serpentine. TASCHEN (Chelsea), £35 (includes copy of the new book), book ahead, 5pm-6pm
RUM OFF: Head to this mustard-hued 1970s-style bar for a night of sampling rums and voting for your favourite. This isn't just any old grog, either — you'll try three small batch, artisanal offerings mixed into an inventive serve by top bartenders. Bobby Fitzpatrick (West Hampstead), £8, book ahead, 7pm-10pm
STORY TIME: Who says bedtime stories are just for kids? Discover a world of mythical beasts and heart-wrenching poetry with an adult twist in The Amersham Arm's hideaway. There are blankets, pillows, and you're even encouraged to show up in your jim-jams. The Amersham Arms (New Cross), £10, book ahead, 7.40pm-9.30pm (repeated on Thursday)
SCANDALE: This hip hop dance theatre production investigates the very beginnings of choreography to ask whether music or movement is the mother of dance. Expect ambient chamber music, electronica, and some spectacular moves. Sadler's Wells, £20, book ahead, 8pm (repeated on Thursday)
An invitation to Londonist's beer launch party
Love London? Love beer? Then we've got some very exciting news to share. Londonist has teamed up with the talented folk at Fourpure Brewery to create our own unique, Londony brew. And we want to you to celebrate its launch with us this month. So join us for an epic party at the Fourpure brewery on Sunday 16 September (that's only two weeks away!). There'll be live music, the chance to win some Londonist swag and, naturally, lots and lots of beer. More deets and booking info can be found here — and you can book tickets here.
Thursday 6 September
CITY AT DAWN: Take a sunrise stroll through London while sharing stories and short writing exercises. Keeping fit, meeting like-minded folk, and unleashing your creativity all before breakfast? Not bad for a Thursday morning. Meet at Lambeth North station, £10, book ahead, 6.30am-9am
KASAI MASAI: It's soukous and rumba time, with a performance from Congolese music makers Kasai Masai. Led by renowned percussionist, singer and dancer Nickens Nkoso, it'll get you dancing in the aisles. St Mary's Music Hall (Walthamstow), £12, book ahead, 6.30pm-10.30pm
THE APSLEY HOUSE MYSTERY: Travel back in time to 1830s London and prevent a scandal in Bohemia. At a prestigious musical soiree, famed opera singer Madame Fuseli has been found murdered. It's up to you and your team to find out who the culprit is at this murder mystery night. Apsley House (Piccadilly), £20, book ahead, 6pm/8.30pm
HISTORY SHOWOFF: You'll laugh and learn at this comedy cabaret performed by a motley crew of historians, archaeologists, museum folk and comedians. They'll be bring the most weird and wonderful moments from London's history to life live on stage. Southwark Cathedral, £7, book ahead, 7pm-9.30pm
Friday 7 September
GESTURES: There's a lot going on at this performance art night. French artist Olivier de Sagazan transfigures his face using paint and clay to explore the animal that exists in all of us, while Nick Tee explores pain and endurance through his live work, and Michele Servadio performs a post-tattoo ritual. So maybe not one for the squeamish. The Old Baths (Hackney Wick) £25, book ahead, 7pm-2pm
ROLLING STONES REVIVAL: Be transported to The Rolling Stone's iconic Havana Moon concert at this immersive cinema experience. There's Cuban food, impressive lighting design and immersive performances, as well as an ultra-HD screen. Troxy (Aldgate), £28, book ahead, 7pm-11pm
MARY SHELLEY GOTHICK BALL: Best start shopping for some early 1800s finery, because a Regency ball is coming to town. In celebration of the 200th anniversary of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, enjoy live Regency music and expert historical dance tuition from Mrs Bennet's Ballroom (yes, we know, that's Austen). The Livery Hall (Guildhall), £40, book ahead, 7.30pm-10.30pm
BURNING SALT: Hannah Hull, aka Islington Museum's artist-in-residence, aka Burning Salt launches her new EP inspired by the the oral histories of Holloway Prison, which closed in 2016. Your ticket includes a free digital download. New Unity Chapel (Holloway), £12, book ahead, 8pm-10.30pm
Saturday 8 September
ROUGH RUNNER CHALLENGE: This Total Wipeout-type challenge includes a 40m water-slide, sweeper arms, and the legendary travelator. Have you got what it takes to complete the 5k or 10k obstacle course? Finsbury Park, from £41, book ahead, 8-9 September
SUFFRAGETTE CITY: Visit the church where Emily Wilding Davison’s funeral cortège began, see the headquarters of the Women's Social and Political Union, and learn about the all-female Suffragette Hospital on a guided walk celebrating early 20th century women's activism in London. Meet at Holborn Station, £12, book ahead, 2pm-4pm
Sunday 9 September
ARTS FAIR: A dozen traders are setting up shop upstairs at Brixton's historic cinema to wow you with their unique designs. Expect clothes, homeware, jewellery and art. Upstairs at the Ritzy, free entry, just turn up, 12pm-5pm
REGGAE ROAST: Caribbean cuisine + day-long reggae sessions = very positive vibes indeed. Be entertained by a whole heap of selectors, singers, and MCs from the Reggae Roast family. Camden Lock Place, free entry, just turn up, 2pm-9pm
POMANDERS WORKSHOP: Sundays are made for chilling out, and what better way to unwind than with your own soothing pomander ball? Make your own fragranced pouch and discover an early version of aromatherapy at this afternoon workshop. Chiswick House & Gardens, £35, book ahead, 2pm-4pm
