All week
GIANT LEGS: A pair of giant feet dangle outside Lazinc's new Mayfair gallery — it's the legs of a high jumper and you'll have to go inside to find the head. This exhibition features photos of work by the artist JR who created large scale art works for the 2016 Olympics in Rio. 29 Sackville Street, free, just turn up, until 28 February
AFRICAN FOLKLORE: Snakes coil themselves around a person's leg while demons lurk behind a boxer in this exhibition from painter Michael Armitage, which looks at mental health and folklore in East Africa. The Chapel at South London Gallery, free, just turn up, until 23 February
RHYTHM & REACTION: Think history of jazz, and everybody thinks New Orleans — rightly so, as that's where it originated. But what about the history of jazz in the UK? That's the topic of this interesting and historically informative show, which you can read more about here. Two Temple Place, free, just turn up, until 22 April
Monday 5 February
BECOMING HITLER: A new book on the dictator is being launched at The Wiener Library. Hear author Thomas Weber talk about his latest publication focusing on the making of a Nazi. Wiener Library, free, just turn up, 6.30pm-8pm
LIFE DRAWING: Get your pencils out and join east London's 2B Or Not 2B Collective for their weekly non-profit life drawing class. These guys want to make art accessible for all ages and incomes, so for those on low income or homeless, it's a give what you can affair. For everyone else, its a fiver. Every Monday, The Macbeth (Hoxton) £5, just turn up, 7.30pm-9.30pm
NO HARD FELINES: Pun-loving and fun-loving feminists should head to this all female variety night, with everything from cabaret to stand up from east London's best creatives. Led by women who want to put to end to cat-calling and reclaim the pussies, expect the unexpected at this night of girl power. Star by Hackney Downs, £5, just turn up, 7.30pm-10.30pm
Tuesday 6 February
JU JITSU: Ever fancied yourself as a martial arts master? There's a free taster session for anyone who thinks they'd like to give this form of Japanese self-defence a stab. Theatre Deli (Broadgate), free, just turn up 7pm-9pm
MUSIC FIX: Get your dose of new tunes and up and coming bands at The Social. On the first Tuesday of the month, The Fix hosts all the best new and exciting performers for a free night of midweek music. The Social (Little Portland Street) free, just turn up, 7pm-10pm
SOUPER LUNCH: Make your way to Borough Market from 12-2pm to get your hands on a warming bowl of soupy goodness all made by children at local schools. They'll all be made from surplus vegetables, with profits going to FareShare. You'll be pleased to know the kids have been trained up by a Saturday Kitchen expert, so expect pretty tasty options. Borough Market, 12-2pm
Wednesday 7 February
JOHNSON'S CITY: Step back in time to 18th century London, and explore the area where Doctor Johnson, famous writer, critic and lexicographer, lived and worked. This Fleet Street tour will take you around the streets he knew and loved, all guided by an expert. Meet at Dr. Johnson's House, £5/£4, just turn up, 3pm-4pm
POLITE CLUB: Pleases and thank yous totally optional at comedian Izzy Mant's Polite Club, a show aimed at conquering her lifelong addiction to politeness. The Pleasance Theatre (Islington), £5, book ahead, 9pm
WANDERLUST: Find out 2018's must-visit destinations from travel guru and founder of The Style Traveller at this free talk at Clerkenwell's Bourne and Hollingsworth Buildings. From idyllic beaches to cool cities, discover where you should be booking this year's holiday. Bourne and Hollingsworth Buildings, free, just turn up, 6.30pm-9pm
MUSEUM MASTER: Join former politician Tristram Hunt, director of the V&A, as he talks about the connections between the museum and the home — the lecture, V&A: a museum for the home and world, will be followed by a reception in Bloomsbury's impressive Senate House. Institute of Historical Research, Senate House, free, book ahead, 6pm-7.30pm
RYE HERE, RYE NOW: Calling all creatives — whether you're a graphic designer or filmmaker, photographer or textile designer, head to this Peckham pub for a night of networking, idea exchanging and collaborating. John the Unicorn, free, book ahead, 7pm-10pm
Thursday 8 February
GIANT SHOE BOX: As part of the immersive A Mile in my Shoes exhibition, a giant shoebox will be appearing in south London, bringing together 20 audio stories from refugees and migrants —this one will be tear-jerking but eye-opening. The Migration Museum at The Workshop, Lambeth High Street, free, just turn up, until 25 February
LUNCH HOUR LECTURE: You may not have given it much thought before, but why not widen your horizons and learn about lesbian mothers and conception in post-war Britain at this lunchtime lecture? Discover what social attitudes were like at the time, and find out how far we've come. UCL, free, just turn up, 1.10pm-1.55pm
NEWSWORTHY: Whether fake or real, listen to Ed Williams tackle the topic of just why we don't trust the news, and what it means for the media if we don't. He oversaw communications for the BBC and Reuters, so is pretty well-versed on the topic of information bias and the public's opinion on the news we are given. LSE, free, just turn up, 6.30pm-8pm
Friday 9 February
PROPER GANDER: People were pretty wary of propaganda during the second world war, but that didn't stop it being produced to try and rouse Britain's spirit. From London Transport to Bovril and the Army, this talk will explore the secret life of propaganda posters, looking back at their origins and the reactions they brought about. National Army Museum (Chelsea), free, booking recommended, 11.30am-12.30pm
WORLD WILDLIFE: In the last few years, photographer Nick Dale travelled across all seven continents to take some stunning snaps of the natural world. Catch the last day of Nick's exhibition, which features bears in Alaska and tigers in India — this truly eclectic mix of animal portraits will transport you to the centre of the animal kingdom. 508 King's Road Gallery (Chelsea), free, just turn up, 10am-6pm
OUR OWN THING: Specially created for 10-25 year olds with learning difficulties and their families, this is a unique night of soul beats and feel-good music run by the London Symphony Orchestra to make music accessible to everyone. Watch digital art come to life alongside songs inspired by genres from RnB to classical in this family-friendly environment. LSO St. Luke's, £3, just turn up, 7pm-9pm
Saturday 10 February
BOOKSHOP CRAWL: The London Bookshop Crawl is like a traditional pub crawl, only minus the pints. Unite with fellow bibliophiles and library lovers to discover the eclectic mix of bookshops throughout the city. Organise your own route, or join a guided crawl and make new friends — there'll be discounts and freebies at participating shops. Guided crawls £3, book ahead, 9-11 February
GIRLS IN TECH: A whole two days dedicated to women and girls in science and technology sounds too good to miss for any females with a soft spot for STEM subjects. Whether you're a student looking for career options, a recent graduate, or just a woman looking for a change in industry, head to this day of talks, advice and workshops that could help you get your foot in the science door. Microsoft, 70 Wilson Street, free, book ahead, 9am Saturday-5pm Sunday
NO ORDINARY BICYCLE: Discover the revolution of the two-wheeled vehicle at this exhibition on John Kemp Starley, who was a pioneer in the world of bicycles. Learn about his legacy and how his designs are still used today. Vestry House Museum, free, just turn up, until 25 February
KID'S BOOK SWAP: Stratford's Discover Story Centre is hosting a book swap solely for the littluns — simply bring along a book you no longer want and come home with a new one without paying a penny. Discover Story Centre (Stratford), free, just turn up, 1pm-4.30pm
Sunday 11 February
ARTY MARKET: Over 70 makers and creators will be showcasing their wares at Epic Dalston for a DIY Art Market, just in time for Valentine's Day. Pick up a one-of-a-kind gift, from T-shirts to jewellery, prints to ceramics. Epic Dalston, free, just turn up, 11am-6pm
BLUEBIRD BAKE OFF: Chelsea's Bluebird Café is on a mission to find a winning baker of the classic Lemon Drizzle Cake — their charity bake off is all in aid of WaterAid, and features award-winning bakeries to undiscovered talent. Judged by Masterchef finalists and dessert-obsessed food writer Felicity Spector, this event is a must for any aspiring Mary Berry. Bluebird, Chelsea, free entry, book ahead, 12pm-3pm
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