Looking for something fun to do today? Something eye-opening to watch tonight? Something delicious to eat tomorrow? Our guide to things to do this week in London is personally curated, ensuring there's always a diverse range of events for you to choose from.
All week
BEACH VOLLEYBALL: This is the final week of this year's AFK Beach Volleyball in Canary Wharf, raising money for charity Action For Kids. Hire out the sandy court in Union Square and challenge friends or colleagues to a match during your one-hour slot. Until 10 August
THAT BASTARD PUCCINI: A play about a race between two of Italy’s hottest composers, Giacomo Puccini and Ruggero Leoncavallo, to compose an opera about the enchanting love story of La Boheme, this week is your last chance to see That Bastard, Puccini! at Park Theatre. Until 9 August
EXTRAORDINARY WOMEN: Compton Mackenzie's 1928 comic novel Extraordinary Women is on stage at Jermyn Street Theatre, set on the Mediterranean island of Sirene, peaceful in the aftermath of the First World War, until a group of extraordinary women arrive. Until 10 August
POWER OF GARDENING: The British Library's current exhibition looks at how centuries of gardening have empowered communities and shaped the natural world. Objects on display in Unearthed: The Power of Gardening include botanical illustrations and the world's oldest mechanised lawnmower. Until 10 August
EARTH PHOTO: Shortlisted images from this year's Earth Photo competition are on display at Syon Park, spotlighting the challenges faced by our planet. This year's winning image, by Lorenzo Poli, is a black-and-white photograph taken at the Chuquicamata mine in Chile, depicting the marks which humanity has made on the natural world. Until 13 September
CAMDEN FRINGE: Performing arts festival Camden Fringe is in full swing at venues around north London. Our picks this week include theatre show I Want You, about six people's experiences over the course of three wars — one of which, at time of writing, hasn't happened yet; and dance show The Forty Elephants, telling the story of the eponymous all-female crime syndicate. That's just a fraction of what's on offer, so it's worth browsing the full programme. Until 24 August
BBC PROMS: Also ongoing is music festival BBC Proms, offering a range of concerts at the Royal Albert Hall (and other UK venues) this week. Highlights include From Dark Till Dawn, a late-night performance curated by the Hall's organist Anna Lapwood, running from late Friday night into Saturday morning; and The Planets and Star Wars (Saturday), promising "moons and meteor showers, spaceships, stars and lightsabers from the National Youth Orchestra and Dalia Stasevska." Until 13 September
SUMMER HOLIDAYS: Already running out of ideas for things to do in the school holidays? Our summer holidays guide has plenty of ideas for events and activities, from toddlers to teenagers. On a tight budget? We've curated a list of free things to do in London in the summer holidays, from museums to festivals and free-entry venues. If you're got a theatre fan on your hands, book one of these family-friendly shows and musicals for all ages, pronto.
PUB OF THE WEEK: We love ourselves a good Czech brew, so are thrilled to hear about the launch of The Stranded, on Strand, which is now pouring cold, foamy serves of Budvar. Just the thing to see out the rest of the summer.
BOOK OF THE WEEK: "The Seine is a beautiful woman who disports herself leisurely. The Thames is a hard-working mother with a great many children; she is coarse, often agitated, constantly fussing over her household." One of many memorable quotes in Louis-Sébastien Mercier's musings on 18th century Paris and London, available as the beautifully illustrated book, Neighbours and Rivals.
Today's Events: Monday 4 August
MOVIEDROME FILM CLUB: As part of the ongoing Moviedrome Festival celebrating the cult 1980s-1990s BBC series, BFI Southbank screens 1962 film What Ever Happened To Baby Jane?, about ageing former child star ‘Baby Jane’ Hudson and Blanche, her disabled sister, who live together in disharmony. It's followed by a discussion led by filmmaker and Stims Collective co-founder Georgia Kumari Bradburn. 6.10pm
LIVE FOLK MUSIC: Folk duo (and sisters) DUEA are at the Green Note in Camden for a live show, their first in London, blending their Italian roots with international folk influences and a touch of electronics. Doors 7pm
NEW MOON: As always, the Half Moon in Putney livens up a Monday night with New Moon, an evening of live music by up-and-coming acts. Tonight that includes soul-rock singer and songwriter Evangeline Eastwood, and jazz, pop and soul singer Nola Stockley, among others. 7.30pm
GHOST FROM A PERFECT PLACE: Theatre show Ghost From A Perfect Place had its premiere at Hampstead Theatre in 1994 where it was denounced as "pornographic" by the Guardian's Michael Billington and hailed as "a masterpiece" by the Spectator. Sounds like a show that needs to be seen, and you can do so at the Drayton Arms Theatre tonight. It's the story of a gang leader who terrorised east London returning to his old haunts years later, in the clutches of a new kind of gang. 7.30pm
LOVE ISLAND FINAL: Islanders, you've got a text! If you're eagerly awaiting the finale of this series of Love Island, book yourself a spot to watch it at Rooftop Film Club in Peckham, surrounded by other Love Island fans. Watch all the action on the large screen as the series 12 winners are crowned. 9pm
Today's Events: Tuesday 5 August
WAR HORSE: The National Theatre's beloved puppetry show War Horse brings its UK tour to the New Wimbledon Theatre from today. Based on Michael Morpurgo's book of the same name, it's the story of a young boy's beloved horse, sold to the Cavalry and shipped to France at the start of the First World War. Age 10+. 5-16 August. Find other family-friendly theatre shows on in the summer holidays.
THE HUNDRED: Cricket tournament The Hundred begins with a London Derby between London Spirit and Oval Invincibles in a double header at Lord’s Cricket Ground today. The Women's teams play first, followed by the Men in the evening, with a performance by pop star Mimi Webb in the mix too. Women 2.45pm, men 6.30pm, tournament runs 5-31 August
INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION: The 166th edition of the Royal Photographic Society's International Photography Exhibition opens at Chelsea's Saatchi Gallery today, showcasing contemporary photography from around the world, on topics including family, identity and environmental issues. FREE, 5 August-18 September
FOREIGN FILMS: The ICA hosts a double bill of short films: set on the boardwalk overlooking the Atlantic ocean in a small Moroccan seaport, Balcon atlantico is described as "a poetic elegy of the everyday". It's shown alongside Deprisa Deprisa, a 'quinqui' film, cast with amateurs who were essentially recreating their own lives. The films are followed by DJ sets. 6.30pm-11.15pm
MOVIE NIGHT: 2024 action film Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is shown for free at Movie Night at the Scoop, part of the Summer by the River free programme of events. The Scoop is the outdoor amphitheatre located on the South Bank, between London Bridge and Tower Bridge, and entry is free on a first come, first served basis, with pop-up bars nearby. FREE, 7pm-9.30pm
COMEDY KNOCKOUT: While much of London's comedy scene goes north to Edinburgh for the summer, there are still laughs to be had if you know where to look. Comedy Knockout at Backyard Comedy Club in Bethnal Green brings together 12 aspiring comedians performing their best material, with the audience voting for a winner, who's awarded a coveted weekend performance slot at the venue. 8pm-10.30pm
Today's Events: Wednesday 6 August
JOHN BISHOP: Well-known comedian John Bishop tries out new material in a series of work-in-progress shows at Underbelly Boulevard in Soho. Be the first to see his latest work, and help shape his arena show, which is travelling across the UK and Ireland this autumn. 6-8 August
A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS: Stage and screen actor Martin Shaw stars as Sir Thomas More — scholar, ambassador, Lord Chancellor and friend to King Henry VIII — in A Man For All Seasons at the Harold Pinter Theatre from today. See the historic figure forced to choose between his loyalty and his own conscience, for which he eventually pays the ultimate price. 6 August-6 September
PLAYDAY: Famous for being a place where no adults are allowed without accompanying children, Coram's Fields in Bloomsbury hosts PlayDay 2025, its annual celebration of children's right to play. The free event includes live music, roaming performers, inflatables, creative workshops, sensory zones, animal encounters, and sports challenges. FREE, 12pm-4pm
WATERSTONES BOOKFEST: Calling all book lovers! BookFest 2025 at Waterstones Piccadilly turns the huge book store into even more of a literary haven for the afternoon. Sadly the panel events have all sold out, but you can still visit publisher stalls for proofs and merch giveaways, take part in craft activities and workshops, and get your books signed by authors including Bea Fitzgerald, Georgia Stone, Leon Egan and Lucy Jane Wood. 2pm
ABBEY LATES: Westminster Abbey holds one of its summer late night openings, giving you a chance to explore the building without the daytime crowds. Take a self-guided tour through spots including the Lady Chapel and Poets' Corner. 4.30pm-7pm (last entry 6pm)
HOLY SHIFT! Rebelling teens are nothing new, but in Kym Nelson's comedic yarn, Holy Shift!, there's a twist — her daughter is rebelling through the medium of religion. In this nostalgic joyride, at the Museum of Comedy, Nelson faces up to the realisation that her daughter just might be more emotionally balanced than her... 7pm (and again on Sunday at 5.30pm)
COLDPLAY ON STRINGS: Ahead of Coldplay's concerts at Wembley Stadium later this month, catch a free rendition of their greatest hits reimagined for string quartet, performed by the City String Quartet at the Sound Shell in Wembley Park. There will not be a Kiss Cam! FREE, 7pm-8pm
Today's Events: Thursday 7 August
COCKTAILS IN THE CITY: The second and final edition of this year's Cocktails in the City takes place at Bedford Square Gardens, opening the usually-private park to ticket holders, with 20 of London's best bars appearing in pop-up form to serve their tipples. There are also street food stalls, live music, a silent disco, ice carving and cocktail-making workshops. 7-9 August
SUMMER SOUNDS: Free music festival Summer Sounds is back at King's Cross, with live concerts every evening, and family sessions on Sunday afternoon. Flamenco guitarist Paco Peña, folk singer-songwriter Sam Wilkinson, and R&B artist Nathanael Coke are among this year's performers, and don't miss Songs From The Shows, a Saturday evening performance of West End stage hits. FREE, 7-17 August
THE SPELL OR THE DREAM: The latest installation in the courtyard at Somerset House is Tai Shani's The Spell or The Dream. It features a luminous blue figure caught in a suspended state atop a plinth, accompanied by a newly commissioned soundscape, and aims to provoke a discussion around how we can build a better future together. It's one of our art critic's picks for the best exhibitions to see in London this summer. FREE, 7 August-14 September
SH!TFACED SHAKESPEARE: It's Hamlet, but not as you know it. Touring theatre company Sh!t-faced Shakespeare consists of a cast of professional Shakespearean actors, and each night one of them is chosen to be deliberately intoxicated for up to four hours before showtime. The rest of the cast performs as usual, improvising their way through the unpredictable chaos caused by their drunk cast member, who joins them on stage. See it at Leicester Square Theatre. 7 August-21 September
SOUTH ASIAN LATE: Ealing's Pitzhanger Manor stays open for a South Asian Heritage Late, exploring connections between South Asia and Ealing and Southall. View current exhibitions by artists Permindar Kaur and Prem Sahib, take part in live Bhangra dance workshop or life drawing, and watch a live podcast recording of The Migration Menu, which explores stories of food and migration from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, the Maldives, and Afghanistan. 5pm-8pm
SUMMER CYCLE: Your once-a-year chance to ride a bike through Kew Gardens comes in the form of the Summer Cycle, an evening event open to everyone. Bring your own bike and cycle through the gardens and past the famous glass houses, on two wheels. 5pm-9pm
CURATOR TWILIGHT TOUR: Join a curator for an after-hours tour of Mayfair's Handel & Hendrix Museum, where musicians George Frideric Handel and Jimi Hendrix both lived, centuries apart. Get the lowdown into their lives while they resided there, and learn about some of the objects on display. 6pm
FIZZ UP HIGH: Ascend to the Horizon 22 viewing platform after hours, for Summer Sunsets with Searcys — a chance to drink in the incredible views from 58 floors up, accompanied by a glass of English sparkling wine. 6.30pm-10pm
STANS: Barbican Cinema screens Stans, a new documentary film about the connection between hip-hop legend Eminem and his devoted fans, known as Stans. Hear the stories of real-life superfans who identify with the themes of his music, and watch a candid new sit-down interview with Eminem himself. 8.30pm (and until 10 August)
Today's Events: Friday 8 August
CARIBBEAN CULTURE FESTIVAL: Ahead of Notting Hill Carnival later this month, London Museum Docklands holds a family festival of Caribbean culture with more than a dozen free events and activities across two days. Make your own carnival headdress, hear first-hand stories from the Windrush generation, take part in a Soca dance workshop, or make a Caribbean-inspired pizza. Though it's free, note that some activities require booking. FREE, 8-9 August
TWELFTH NIGHT: Shakespeare’s tragicomedy, Twelfth Night, or What You Will opens at the Globe Theatre tonight, telling the story of twins separated in a shipwreck, along with a lovesick duke, a mourning heiress and a besotted steward. 8 August-25 October
AFTERNOON TEA: An occasional chance to have afternoon tea at the Churchill War Rooms. Begin with an introductory talk about the history of the underground venue where Churchill himself lived and worked, then enjoy a traditional afternoon tea in the Harmsworth Room, once Plant Room 7, which housed the equipment necessary for regulating the airflow through the war rooms. After you've eaten, explore the rest of the Churchill War Rooms and see where some of the most important decisions of the war were made. 12pm-4.30pm
BACK2LIFE CAFÉ: Camden Market's Camden in Summer series continues at the Back2Life Café in Market Place, with sounds from DJ and founder of the Soul II Soul collective, Jazzie B. FREE, 5pm-8pm
SUMMER SOUNDS: OSO Arts Centre in Barnes brings the fun outside for Summer Sounds, with live music and DJ sets on Barnes Green. DJ Senrab is on the decks, taking you on a journey through the underground disco club scene with street food and pop-up bars available nearby. 6pm
BARRIOKE: Usually a sell-out, there are a few tickets left for Barrioke at Between the Bridges on South Bank. The karaoke night is led by actor Shaun Williamson — AKA Barry from Eastenders — and has gained something of a cult following. This is your chance to see what it's all about. 7pm
EUROFEST: Missing Eurovision? Get yourself to the Royal Vauxhall Tavern for Eurofest, a summer patry hosted by Spanish electropop duo Nebulossa, who represented their country at Eurovision 2024. Their live performance is followed by seven hours of non-stop Eurovision music. 9pm
Today's Events: Saturday 9 August
BOLLYWOOD MELA WEEKEND: Camden Market marks South Asian Heritage Month with a Bollywood Mela Weekend. Head to Hawley Wharf for traditional and contemporary dance performances, live music, family crafts, a tuk tuk and rikshaw display, giant walkabout puppets, henna and face painting. FREE, 9-10 August
NAIRN'S PIMLICO: Join Open City for a walking tour exploring Pimlico, asking whether architectural critic Ian Nairn's description of the area as a 'village' remains accurate today. Begin at Pimlico station and wander past stucco terraces, Dolphin Square, Churchill Gardens and the Lillington Gardens Estate, seeing a variety of architectural styles as you go. 11am
LONDON TACO EXPERIENCE: Foodies, head to Riverside East in Stratford for the London Taco Experience, with eight of the capital's taco traders serving up their top dishes, along with margaritas, mezcal tasting sessions, and spicy condiments galore at the Hot Sauce Showcase. 11am/5pm
HIPPODROME: Take a tour of the Leicester Square area, culminating in a look around the historic Hippodrome building, courtesy of Amazing London. Complimentary tea/coffee will be served at the end. Other dates available on Saturdays and Sundays through August. 11am
CHURCH TOWER: Today brings another chance to climb the historic tower of St Mary's church Islington on Upper Street, with Islington Guided Walks. The views are amazing. 2pm
WINDRUSH WOMEN: Join Black History Walks at the Fellowship Inn right next to Bellingham station, for a screening of Fearless, a film telling the stories of six women from the Windrush generation aged between 78 and 90. Find out what happened when they left their homes in the Caribbean, Ireland and South Asia in the 1950s-60s to answer Britain's call for workers, with archive footage and photography woven into the interviews. FREE, 3pm-5.30pm
FREE INDIE GIG: The Shacklewell Arms in Dalston hosts a line-up of free indie music this evening, with sets from Glass Eel, Mildred, Glasshouse Red Spider Mite, and WING! (Their exclamation mark, not ours). FREE, 7pm
POP TARTS: The ninth instalment of Pop Tarts lands at LGBTQ+ club The Divine, with Violetta J'Adore hosting a night of fun, campery, glamour and drag celebrating all things pop girlie. If your scene is Lady Gaga, Chappell Roan and Charli xcx, this one's for you. Doors 7pm
PAINT MARILYN: Try your hand at recreating Wyland Tondelier's Pop Art-inspired painting of Marilyn Monroe. PopUp Painting at the London Art Bar in Holborn provides you with all art supplies, with a professional artist on hand to offer help if you need it — though you're equally welcome to follow your own creativity. A drink is included in your ticket, with more available to purchase at the bar. 7.30pm-10pm
Today's Events: Sunday 10 August
MARKFIELD BEAM ENGINE MUSEUM: The now-defunct Markfield Beam Engine, dating from Victorian times, still stands in its engine house in a quiet park just off the A10, and can be visited on certain Sundays and bank holidays, including today. Look out for free guided tours and kids' activities while you're there. 10am-3.30pm
SNEAKER FESTIVAL: KicksnCoffee Sneaker Festival is at Big Penny Social in Walthamstow, where you can shop for sneakers and streetwear, and chat to fellow enthusiasts over coffee. The Walthamstow-on-Sea pop-up beach is open at the same venue, if you fancy making a day of it. 11am-5pm
RAVER TOTS: Head to Danson Park in Bexley this afternoon for family-friendly festival Raver Tots. Alongside a funfair, face painting and arts and crafts, there are performances from the likes of So Solid Crew and DJ Luck & MC Neat. Final release tickets now on sale. From 1pm
ART IN THE PARK: T shirt painting, jewellery weaving and paper marbling are among the creative activities available at Art in the Park, taking place in Windmill Gardens outside Brixton Windmill. Guided tours of the windmill are available throughout the day too, but need to be booked in advance. 1pm-5pm
COMEDY: Three shows for you to choose from at the Islington comedy venue today (or do all three). Shit Lawyer (4pm-5pm) has been described as "like the Secret Barrister, but with gags and a face." Charlie Vero-Martin treats you to surreal storytelling with a WIP for her latest show (5.30pm-6.30pm). Then Abby Govinden explains How to Embarrass Your Immigrant Parents (8.30pm-9.30pm). 4pm-5pm, 5.30pm-6.30pm, 8.30pm-9.30pm
SING WTF YOU WANT: Blondies bar in Clapton hands over the mic to you, for their Sing WTF You Want rock karaoke session, open to "legends, screamers, shower singers and chaos gremlins alike." Rock, punk, metal, emo and guilty pleasure songs welcome — and each performer gets a free Jäger shot. 6pm-8pm
RHYTHM OF HOPE: The Rhythm of Hope Reggae & Gospel Fundraising Concert takes place at Woolwich Works, raising money for Food for the Poor (FFPJA), the largest charity in the Caribbean. Two-time Grammy-nominated Jamaican singer Etana headlines, joined by singer-songwriter and rapper Teejay, and other acts to be announced. 7pm
IMPROV COMEDY: Every Sunday evening, the renowned Comedy Store Players switch on their lightning fast brains, and perform an improv show. You, the audience, provide suggestions for characters, locations and themes — and they improvise hilarious scenes in front of you. It's a classic night of London comedy. Age 18+. 7.30pm
