Things to do this week is sponsored by London Transport Museum.
All week
BBC PROMS: All good things must come to an end, and so it is with this year's BBC Proms, now entering their final week. Unfortunately, if you haven't already got your ticket for Last Night of the Proms, you've missed out, but other concerts to catch this week include Beethoven's Missa Solemnis, and performances by the Philadelphia Orchestra — browse the full programme. Until 10 September
GDIF: Greenwich + Docklands International Festival also enters its final week. We love the look of Unfurl, a light and sound installation in Bethnal Green Gardens, as well as The Relaxerette, apparently the most relaxing fairground ride in the world. Most events FREE, until 11 September
PICTURING PICKWICK: Last chance to see Picturing Pickwick: The Art of The Pickwick Papers at Charles Dickens Museum. The exhibition showcases the illustrations that went with Dickens' book The Pickwick Papers, and looks at the often tumultuous relationship between Dickens and his illustrators. Until 11 September
TOTALLY THAMES: A tour of 'London's lost village', a multimedia exhibition, and an "olfactory river adventure" are some of the more intriguing events on the Totally Thames programme this week. The month-long festival celebrates all aspects of London's main waterway through walks, talks, tours, exhibitions, performances and more. Until 30 September
STRANGER THINGS: Join Eleven, Dustin, Mike, Lucas, Max, and Will at Stranger Things: The Experience, and immerse yourself in Hawkins Lab. Take part in a brand new Stranger Things storyline before enjoying an 80s-themed Mix-Tape medley with food and drinks, special merchandise, photo ops, and more. Takes place at Troubadour Brent Cross Studios. Until December
BEATRIX POTTER: Explore the story of one of the world's most famous children's authors in the current V&A exhibition, Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature. Curated in collaboration with the National Trust, it uses over 200 personal objects including artworks, letters, manuscripts and sketches — some of which have never been shown in public before — to look at Potter's life from London to the Lake District. Until 8 January 2023 (sponsor)
NO SANTANDER CYCLES: Don't forget that from 10pm on Friday 9 September until 6am on Monday 12 September, you won't be able to hire a Santander Cycle anywhere in London (though you can still return any bikes you already have on hire). This is due to the system being upgraded ready for new e-bikes to become available from Monday. 9-12 September
GOAN FOOD FESTIVAL: Modern Indian restaurant Gunpowder comes over all Goan, at their Soho and Tower Bridge restaurants — with a menu celebrating flavours from the Indian west coast. Some highlights include Goan Xec Xec velvet crab with cockles, fried chicken with melon seeds in the batter, and the feni and chilli margarita with the traditional taijin rim swapped for their gunpowder spice. 5-11 September
Monday 5 September
GLAMROU: Catch Muslim drag sensation Glamrou at Soho Theatre all week. Glamrou — also known as drag queen, actor, screenwriter and author Amrou Al-Kadhi — shows the state of harmonious contradiction that is being a Muslim drag queen, and saying things that no-one else dares to say. 5-10 September
HG WELLS: Join Footprints of London guide Robin Rowles for a walking tour of London locations associated with the life and work of writer HG Wells. The two-hour route starts at Russell Square tube station and finishes near the Millennium Bridge, visiting the London that Wells knew well. 11am-1pm
NEON NAKED LIFE DRAWING: Make your way to the Old Queen's Head in Islington for an evening of Neon Naked Life Drawing. Sharpen up your drawing skills by creating a likeness of models covered in neon paint. Use UV paints to experiment with colour, shape and texture, and try out different techniques under expert guidance. 6pm-9.30pm
MUSICAL IMPROV: The Albany on Great Portland Street hosts Geraldyne — a night of musical comedy improv, which is so funny, apparently someone from Comedy Central "almost weed" watching it. You've been warned. 7pm
CANON FODDER: Mark Waldron, Jennifer Wong and Charlotte Shevchenko Knight head Canon Fodder, an evening of poetry at the Social. They're performing their own material, plus that by poets they feel have been overlooked. There's also live music, plus a couple of open mic poetry slots. 7pm-11pm
Tuesday 6 September
SMARTPHONE PHOTOGRAPHY: Aimed at small business owners and entrepreneurs, the British Library offers a smartphone photography lesson. Learn how to take better smartphone photos for your website, social media, or other marketing purposes. 5.30pm-7.30pm
BOUQUET WORKSHOP: Hackney-based florist Rebel Rebel offers a hand-tied bouquet workshop. Head along to The Dusty Knuckle in Dalston to learn how to put a bouquet together step by step, from preparing your stems to taking your finished bouquet home with you. 6.30pm-8.30pm
LENNY HENRY: Actor and comedian Lenny Henry takes to the stage at Alexandra Palace to celebrate the publication of Rising To The Surface, the sequel to his best-selling memoir, Who Am I Again?. Hear him discuss his life and career, from his early days in Dudley through to professional comedian and co-founder of Comic Relief. Doors 6.30pm
DARK MATTER: What exactly is dark matter? Particle physicist Peter Fisher spills the beans at this Royal Institution online lecture, aimed at anyone who wants to know more about the mysterious, non-luminous form of matter that is believed to account for about 27% of the mass-energy balance in the universe. 7pm-8.30pm
SEPTEMBER SPOOKS: London Fortean Society's September meet-up focuses on ghostly visions and screaming skulls. Hear from Londonist contributor Sandra Lawrence about her new book, Miss Willmott's Ghosts, and journalist Tina Vantyler about her own book, True Tales of the Supernatural from the UK. Probably not an event for the easily spooked... 7pm-8.30pm
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Celebrate all things Elizabeth line at London Transport Museum's Friday Late
Get ready to paint the town purple — London Transport Museum is throwing a street party-style Museum Late this Friday, in honour of the capital's newest railway. It's a chance for adults to explore the home of London's transport history after-hours (with the kids out the way, we'll be heading straight to "drive" an Elizabeth line train in the Future Engineers Gallery), and get involved in some very special activities.
As the shiny new Elizabeth line is named after the Queen, the museum is hosting a nostalgia-inducing medley of games and creative activities inspired by different decades of her reign. Take a seat at the giant street party table for balloon modelling, wristband making and hopscotch (actually, that one might require you to get back on your feet), all led by quirkily costumed historical characters. There's even the chance to build your own Elizabeth line station!
This right royal knees up also includes an Elizabeth line pub quiz with the chance to win stylish purple moquette merch. Though don't worry if your tube trivia knowledge isn't quite up to scratch — you can also shop it. Plus, documentary curator Rosamund Lily West and Chris Nix, creator of Hidden London disused station tours, reveal secrets of the Elizabeth line. Grab a purple cocktail from the bar and learn all about the line's surprisingly old origins, how its story is being recorded for future generations and much more besides.
Elizabeth line Late at London Transport Museum. From 6.45pm on Friday 9 September. Tickets cost £15, or £12 for concessions.
Wednesday 7 September
UNLIMITED FESTIVAL: Southbank Centre shines a light on disabled artists and companies with Unlimited Festival, beginning today. The five-day programme covers dance, performance, comedy, music and visual arts, including BSL performances, and a street art project designed for users of mobility wheels to take part in. Some events FREE, 7-11 September
DOCUMENTARY FESTIVAL: Open City Documentary Festival is a celebration of non-fiction cinema in London, organised in conjunction with UCL and taking place at various locations around the capital. Confirmed for the programme so far are a film about Minimata, a small Japanese town where mercury was dumped into the sea — as well as talks, masterclasses, book launches and more. 7-13 September
THE BLITZ: On the anniversary of the first day of the Blitz, London Metropolitan Archives offers a walking tour around the Port of London, looking at how well-prepared Londoners were, whether the planning for such a situation paid off, and how they coped with aerial bombardment. 11am-1pm
ELIZABETH TOWER: Join an online talk to hear about the history of the Elizabeth Tower at the Houses of Parliament, from its construction, to the recent renovation project. There's a chance to ask questions at the end, too. 6pm
UKRAINIAN LITERATURE: The British Library is taking part in today's worldwide reading of Ukrainian literature. Head along in person or watch online as organisations across the UK, take part in readings and a chance to connect with the culture of Ukraine. FREE, 7pm-8.30pm
GLORIANA: Authors Siobhan Clarke and Linda Collins discuss their new book Gloriana: Elizabeth I and the Art of Queenship in this online event. Elizabeth I needed a very particular image to hold her divided country together — find out how she used the 'Cult of Gloriana' to elevate herself to the status of a virgin goddess. 7.30pm
Thursday 8 September
COCKTAILS IN THE CITY: The final Cocktails in the City event of the summer kicks off today. For three days, Bedford Square Garden is home to pop-up versions of some of London's best bars, including The Blind Pig, Callooh Callay, London Shuffle Club and TT Liquor. Sup on specially-concocted cocktails as you enjoy live music and entertainment, special workshops and street food. 8-10 September
LONDON PODCAST FESTIVAL: Headphones at the ready for London Podcast Festival at Kings Place, which sees both mainstream and niche podcasts filmed in front of a live audience, with some of the recordings streamed online too. The Guilty Feminist and the Empire Film Podcast are some of the big name shows, along with offerings on comedy, food and politics. 8-18 September
OPEN HOUSE LONDON: It's the most wonderful time of year, when all manner of London buildings and structures which are usually off-limits to the public fling their doors open and welcome us in. Our previous Open House London highlights include going inside the St Pancras clock tower, and on the roof of 55 Broadway. 8-21 September
CAT VIDEO FEST: A 75-minute compilation reel of the best cat videos from submissions and sourced from the internet — that's Cat Video Fest. Aptly, the screening takes place at Catford Mews, and raises money for local cat charities. 7pm
02 COMEDY: On three Thursdays throughout September, comedian Lou Sanders is offering special shows — on the roof of the O2 Arena. Part of the Up At The O2 experience, the audience climb up on to the roof (led by expert guides), to enjoy the show (and the view). 7pm
ROBERT HARRIS: Renowned historical fiction author Robert Harris is at the British Library to discuss his newest book, Act Of Oblivion, with Jeremy Paxman. It's set in 1660 and travels across the globe, as father and son-in-law General Edward Whalley and Colonel William Goffe are crossing the Atlantic, on the run and wanted for the murder of Charles I. A live stream is available if you can't be there in person. 7pm-8.15pm
MIDDLE EARTH: Calling all Lord of the Rings fans. Hear about the science behind Middle Earth, as paleontologist Jean-Sebastien Steyer and science journalist Loïc Mangin reveal the little-known scientific roots of Tolkien's work. Tolkien was a botanist, paleontologist and geologist, as well as an author, so it's of little surprise that he paid attention to these details. 7pm-8.30pm
EUROPEAN FOOTBALL: Watch West Ham United take on Romania's FCSB in the UEFA Europa Conference League at the iconic London Stadium tonight — a chance to see top European football at affordable prices. Tickets on general sale from 10am on Monday 5 September, from £24 for adults and from £15 for juniors. Kick Off 8pm (sponsor)
Friday 9 September
CLASSIC BOAT FESTIVAL: Head to St Katharine Docks near the Tower of London to see around 40 preserved vintage boats mooring up for the Classic Boat Festival. Over the course of the weekend, some of the boats are open for visitors to step aboard, with talks and entertainment available back on dry land for anyone who hasn't found their sea legs. FREE, 9-11 September
LIFE LESSONS FESTIVAL: The Times hosts Life Lessons Festival, three days of talks, masterclasses, arts and culture in King's Cross. Louis Theroux, Caitlin Moran, Paloma Faith, David Gandy, Dan Snow and Vicky McClure are among the big names on the programme, along with Jeremy and Ian, the duo behind the All On The Board tube station messages. Topics include business, motherhood, happiness, careers, and the importance of nature. 9-11 September
AFRICAN IMAGINARIUM: Dr Christine Checinska and Ekow Eshun, the curators of the V&A’s Africa Fashion and the Hayward Gallery’s In The Black Fantastic team up for a discussion about the place of myth and fantasy in African culture, including fashion and photography. Enjoy the talk in person or online. 6.30pm-8.15pm
TROPICS PARTY: Start your weekend off at 100 Wardour Street, where there's an Into The Tropics themed party. The venue's tropical summer decor is still in place, with DJs playing all night and jungle animals (not real, we assume) roaming the venue to keep the party going. 8pm-3am
SWIFTOGEDDON: Head to Troxy in Limehouse to Shake It Off at Swiftogeddon, a Taylor Swift-themed club night. Whether you're Miss Americana or a London Boy, bring this Cruel Summer to an end with an evening of deep cuts, extended mixes, fan favourites and all the hits. 9pm-2am
Saturday 10 September
FAMILY FUN WEEKEND: The monthly Family Fun Weekend takes place at Cutty Sark in Greenwich, with additional family-friendly activities on top of the usual seafaring fun. Help make a large, 3D map of the tea clipper's previous voyages, enjoy sea shanty performances, and interact with characters including the captain. 10-11 September
TURNING TIDES: Free world music festival Turning Tides is back at Greenwich Peninsula. Enjoy live, open-air performances from DakhaBrakha (a world-music quartet from Kyiv who played at Glastonbury this year) and Brixton Chamber Orchestra, along with street food stalls and a pop-up bar. FREE, 10-11 September
REGENCY DAY: Apsley House — also known as Number One London — holds a Regency Day, a chance to experience what Regency life was like in a grand London home such as this. Try out some dance steps, and learn about the food, drink and etiquette of the time. 11am-5pm
WEMBA'S DREAM: Wembley Park and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra team up for Wemba's Dream, a free performance of music, dance, poetry and carnival arts, celebrating the diverse communities of Brent. FREE, 1.15pm-4.30pm
MINIBEASTS: Zoologist and author Dr Nick Crumpton and entomologist and curator, Beulah Garner, tell you why everything you know about minibeasts is wrong. For example, it's not true that all bees die once they've stung you, or that centipedes have 100 legs. Age 7+. 2pm-3.15pm
HER PRIMAL SCREAM: The Feminist Library in Peckham hosts a screening of Her Primal Scream, a short film created by Workie Ticket (a Tyneside-based female led theatre company), about the impact the pandemic had on women in the north-east. 6.30pm
ALFRED THE GREAT OPERA: As part of Tête-a-tête festival catch 30-minute chamber opera A New England, which tells the historical story of Alfred the Great and his adviser Asser. It's on at the Cockpit Theatre, Marylebone. 7pm
Sunday 11 September
DREAM CITY: The British Library hosts creative workshops designed specially for deaf families. Helped along by artists Damien Robinson and Mónica Rivas, have a go at building your dream city — think parks made from sweets, or houses made from trampolines. FREE, 11am/1.30pm
DINOSAURS: Dinosaurs and All That Rubbish is Michael Foreman's environmentally-minded children's book, adapted for the stage. Expect dancing dinosaurs and plenty of rock 'n' roll as the dinos take over ArtsDepot in North Finchley. 11am/2pm
CHILLI FEST: Spice up your life with a visit to Fulham Palace's Chilli Fest — a day dedicated to the colourful, versatile and deliciously painful plant. Buy home-grown chillis and sauce, and there's even a chilli expert on hand for all your, er, burning questions. FREE, 11am-5pm
TWELFTH NIGHT: Theatre group The Handlebards offer a bicycle-powered production of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, in the open-air at Strawberry Hill House. Don't worry, it's the cast pedalling, not you — instead, bring a blanket or chair to sit on and enjoy the show, and don't forget your raincoat if the weather's looking dodgy. 7pm
NEW MUSIC BRITAIN: The London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Sir Simon Rattle, begins its new season with a concert of British music at Barbican — think, past, present and future. Hear work by Elgar, Frank Bridge and current composer Daniel Kidane. 7pm
UNBUILT LONDON: Giant pyramids, monorails, impractical skyscrapers and elegant avenues — just some of the buildings once planned for London, which were never realised. Join Footprints of London guide Rob Smith for an online talk about what London could have looked like, if these buildings had been constructed. 8pm-9pm
THE APARTMENT: "Shut up and deal." One the great rom-coms, The Apartment, is screened for FREE in the Assembly Rooms in Charlton Village this evening, as part of the Charlton & Woolwich Free Film Festival. 8.30pm
Urban oddity of the week
Totally Thames festival is with us once again. The river contains no shortage of urban oddities. One of the more puzzling can be seen at low tide at Bankside. What is this strange collection of concrete and metal? Does that hatch on the left lead to a secret tunnel beneath the Thames? Where does that pipe go? What's the concrete structure shaped like a toilet bowl. So many questions.
Good cause of the week
On 13 September, Midnight Runners will hold a special ‘Train Like A Ranger’ run, in support of the Wildlife Ranger Challenge. It is a collaboration with African conservation charity, Tusk, and is free to attend, with all donations directly supporting rangers on the front line of Africa’s protected areas.
The run will be 7km with four exercise stops, where runners will be put through their paces by army veteran and wildlife ranger trainer James Martin, with challenges including sit-ups, press-ups and burpees. Details of how to sign up can be found here.
