All week
BEYOND THE STREETS: Taking over the whole of Chelsea' Saatchi Gallery, Beyond The Streets London is the most comprehensive grafitti and street art exhibition to open in the UK, featuring over 100 international artists. Until 9 May
LONDON CRAFT WEEK: Quilts? Tick. Paper flowers? Of course. Keyrings made from eggshells? Naturally. Find out about some of the more unusual things being made here in the capital at London Craft Week. Workshops, demonstrations, talks and workshop tours feature in the programme, showcasing the handiwork of London's makers. 8-14 May
TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD: The stage adaptation of Harper Lee's Puliltzer-winning novel To Kill A Mockingbird is only on at the Gielgud Theatre for a couple more weeks, starring Matthew Modine as lawyer Atticus Finch. Until 20 May
PERSIA TO GREECE: The British Museum has just opened a new exhibition, Luxury and power: Persia to Greece. Using the Greek capture of the Persian king during the Greco-Persian wars as a starting point, it explores luxury as a political tool in the Middle East and southeast Europe from 550-30 BC. Gold, silver and glasswares are among the exhibits on show. Until 13 August
TITANOSAUR: A reminder, now that the initial fuss has died down, that Natural History Museum's Titanosaur exhibition is still very much open. Come face to face with a gigantic, 37m-long skeleton of a Patagotitan mayorum, the largest dinosaur known to have roamed the Earth. Until January 2024
DAY TRIP OF THE WEEK: In need of some sea air? Take yourself to Folkestone, an artistic hub of a town on the Kent coast, where a former train station has been repurposed, where Antony Gormley artworks can be found, and where the food scene makes it well worth arriving hungry.
MUSEUM OF THE WEEK: Been to the Canal Museum before? It's really central — located in King's Cross — and tells the fascinating story of how the canals linked up London to the rest of the country (and world). They do narrow boat trips, and there are some great kid-friendly attractions (including a toy ice cream stall). The museum's usually open Tuesday to Sundays, but it also opens bank holiday Mondays... meaning it's open every day this week!
Bank holiday Monday 8 May
BANK HOLIDAY: Running out of things to do on the second consecutive bank holiday weekend? Take a look at our guide to spending a bank holiday in London for inspiration, whether you want to swot up on a walking tour, relax with nature in a park or garden, kick back in a pub, tee off at crazy golf, catch some cool comedy...
BEYOND LONDON: Even better, why not head out of London for the day? Our Beyond London section has all manner of ideas, from tracking down the bits of London that ended up at the seaside, to conquering the many castles which surround London, to tucking into a slice of lemon drizzle at a beautiful tea room.
PARENT & BABY CINEMA: Most Mondays, Big Penny Social host a Parent & Baby Film Club, where parents or carers with little ones can watch a film, with less pressure than a normal cinema environment. This week, that film is Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, about two aspiring musicians who are given a chance to represent their country at Eurovision. For more parent and baby events, click here. For more Eurovision, click here. 12.30pm
FRENCH SOHO: Join Footprints of London guide Jane Parker for a walking tour around Soho, focusing on the area's French community. Starting at Soho Square, visit churches, chapels, cafés and cake shops which reflect the French history, and hear about the Huguenots and other people who shaped the area into what it is today. 2.30pm-4.30pm
L. R. LAM: Sunday Times bestselling author L.R. Lam is at Waterstones Piccadilly, to celebrate the publication of their new book fantasy romance book Dragonfall — the first in a trilogy. They chat to fellow fantasy author Samantha Shannon about their work. 6.30pm
Tuesday 9 May
RICH HARDISTY: Actor, writer, and comedian Rich Hardisty brings his show Silly Boy back to Soho Theatre. He reveals how his mental illnesses affect him, touching on anorexia, bipolar disorder, self-harm, borderline personality disorder and heroin abuse, revealing the interesting, hilarious, and sometimes shocking things his brain is capable of doing. 9-10 May
UNDER MILK WOOD: Almost 70 years after Dylan Thomas' radio drama Under Milk Wood was first broadcast, catch a production of it at Wilton's Music Hall. Olivier Award-winning actor Guy Masterson takes to the stage to recreate the fictional Welsh town of Llareggub and its inhabitants. 9-13 May
WAR OF THE WORLDS: Barbican Cinema screens 2005 Spielberg film War of the Worlds, an adaptation of H. G. Wells' novel about a Martian invasion of the Home Counties. The screening is followed by a talk by Philip Ball, author of The Beauty of Chemistry: Art, Wonder, and Science, about whether we are alone in the universe, or if there is something out there after all. 6.10pm
PAPER HOME: Instead of whacking on Netflix tonight, why not flex YOUR creative muscles, by making a 3D miniature home out of paper, which can then be folded up into a 2D book? That's what you can do at Lab E20 in Stratford. 6.30pm-8.30pm
BIG FAT QUIZBOX: Good on the trivia? Got a talent for holding onto random bits of information? Get down to Boxpark in Wembley for the weekly Big Fat Quizbox, a team quiz on topics spanning — but not limited to — travel, current affairs, fashion and music. Prizes range from cash to, er, bubblegum. Age 18+. 7pm-9pm
Wednesday 10 May
PHOTO LONDON: International fair Photo London is back at Somerset House for a celebration of all things snap happy. As well as a chance to collect and purchase photos from around the world, there are talks, tours and workshops on all aspects of photography. 10-14 May
OPEN AIR THEATRE: The Regent's Park Open Air Theatre kicks off its season with a production of Once On This Island, a musical about prejudice, set in the Caribbean. Watch the show at the open-air auditorium, located in the middle of Regent's Park. Read our guide to outdoor culture for more al fresco fun this summer. From 10 May
BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN: 2005 film Brokeback Mountain has been made into a 'play with music', and rides into Soho Place for two months. It's the story of cowboys Ennis and Jack who take isolated jobs in 1960s Wyoming, and find themselves in a complex relationship. Mike Faist and Lucas Hedges star in this world premiere production. From 10 May
REVIVAL SEASON: Rapper Brandon 'BEZ' Evans and producer Jonah Swilley have joined forces to form musical duo Revival Season — and appear tonight at Windmill Brixton. If the likes of the Beastie Boys, Digable Planets and The Pharcyde are your cup of tea, you're going to love this. 7.45pm
VICTORIA EMBANKMENT: London Metropolitan Archives offers a walking tour along Victoria Embankment, led by City Highlights guide Mike Moran. As you stroll from Blackfriars to Westminster, learn about the 19th century engineering which went into creating the Embankment. 11am-1pm
Thursday 11 May
WIMBLEDON ART FAIR: More than 150 artists exhibit at Wimbledon Art Fair, giving you a chance to purchase artworks directly from the people who created them. There's also a rare opportunity to go inside artists' studios and see them at work. FREE ENTRY, 11-14 May
AFFORDABLE ART FAIR: There's a double dose of art fairs this weekend as the Affordable Art Fair pitches up in Hampstead, selling thousands of contemporary artworks with prices starting at £50. 11-14 May
CURATOR'S INTRODUCTION: Tempted by the British Museum's new exhibition (in 'All week', above)? Exhibition curator Jamie Fraser and Keeper of the Department of the Middle East Paul Collins give a free online introduction to the display, offering some context and discussing its themes. FREE, 5.30pm-6.30pm
WOMEN, ART AND ZOOLOGY: The British Library celebrates the contribution of women as artists, illustrators and scientists with an illustrated lecture by Ann Sylph, Librarian at the Zoological Society of London. Find out how women have been involved in depicting and describing species over the centuries, thus contributing to scientific research. The event ties in with the current Animals: Art, Science and Sound exhibition. FREE, 7.15pm-8.45pm
SHIFT HAPPENS: For its annual Justin Howes Memorial Lecture, the St Bride Foundation hosts Marcin Wichary, author of Shift Happens, an upcoming book about the history of keyboards. Hear about how people have used keyboards not only for practical reasons, but also to have fun, and help solve a typewriter mystery. 7pm-8.30pm
QUEER COMEDY CLUB: Have you heard? London's getting a dedicated LGBTQ+ comedy club, offering a safe space for LGBTQ+ comedians. The Queer Comedy Club in Archway has its inaugural show tonight, featuring Josh Jones, Dee Allum, Ben Pollard and Kathy Maniura. 8pm-10pm
Friday 12 May
DISNEY 100: This year marks 100 years since the founding of the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio, so there are plenty of Disney 100 events taking place around the world, including an immersive Disney experience right here in London. The Wonder of Friendship involves four themed rooms, namely: the Alice in Wonderland Garden of Mystery; the Lilo & Stitch Ohana Bay; the Lion King Orchestral Oasis; and the Mickey and Friends Wonderverse, and is recommended for people 18+. Sorry, kiddos. From 12 May
MRS DOUBTFIRE: HELLO poppets! Legendary Robin Williams film Mrs Doubtfire is now a stage musical, with its London debut at the Shaftesbury Theatre. It tells the story of a separated father who assumes the role of nanny Euphegenia Doubtfire in a bid to see his children. From 12 May
KENSINGTON DOLLS HOUSE FESTIVAL: Experience life in miniature at the Kensington Dollshouse Festival. 120 top miniaturists from around the world exhibit and sell their works for anyone looking to kit out their own dolls house, plus there are displays, kids' activities and more. 12-13 May
DULWICH FESTIVAL: Theatre, music, talks, dancing, fairs, exhibitions and more form part of the full-to-brimming Dulwich Festival programme, which celebrates the history and culture of the local area. It kicks off today with a Party in the Park for older kids, and a chance to hear from novelist Caleb Azumah Nelson about his new book, Small Worlds. Some events FREE, 12-21 May
THE DIANA ROSS STORY: Fairfield Halls in Croydon hosts In The Name of Love: The Diana Ross Story, a musical show about the life of the Motown singer. Hear songs including Where Did Our Love Go, Stop in The Name of Love and You Can’t Hurry Love (anyone noticing a theme?) performed in chronological order, from her time with The Supremes to her solo career. Doors 7pm
Saturday 13 May
RUISLIP LIDO RAILWAY: Choo choo! The Ruislip Lido Railway (which we're partial to riding ourselves) holds a Gala Weekend, where the public can get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to keep the railway running. Visit the workshop and yard, sit in some of the locomotives on display, and — if you like what you see — find out about becoming a volunteer there. 13-14 May
PUSS IN BOOTS: This week's Family Film Club at Barbican Cinema screens recent release Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. It's a wallet-friendly way to entertain the whole family, with adult tickets at £3.50 and children's tickets at £2.50. 11am
LONDINIUM: Roman London is all around us, if only we have eyes to see. Only last week, Historic England granted protected status to section of the Roman river wall, parts of which survive beneath Thames-side buildings. Join London on the Ground for a guided walk around the surviving parts of Londinium that can be seen above ground. 11am
HOW TO BUILD A RACING CAR: OK, listen, you don't actually get to drive home your own racing car at the end of this Royal Institution lecture. But Fran Scott WILL invite you to look under the bonnet of various cars, study their shapes, examine their engines, and use this knowledge to put together the perfect racing car (in demos that get nice and messy). Suitable for ages 7+ 2pm-3.15pm
54THEGATE: The Horse Hospital in Bloomsbury holds a one-day exhibition and sale of artwork from 54theGate, an arts centre for people with learning disabilities in Shepherd's Bush. Browse the artworks — and if you're there around 5pm, enjoy live music from Mr aka Amazing and guests. FREE ENTRY, 2pm-7pm
EUROVISION: If you're partial to sequins, disco balls and cheese by the truckload, today's your day. It's the Eurovision final, and the celebrations are likely to be bigger than ever this year, as the action is held on home turf in Liverpool — on behalf of last year's winner, Ukraine. Here's our guide to London Eurovision parties and screenings. Events start from 5pm
BOAT COMEDY: Talk about the Boat that Rocked with Laughter... Tattershall Castle is a vessel moored up on Victoria Embankment, which hosts comedy shows, and on board tonight are Josh Jones, Paul McCaffery and Raj Poojarah. 8pm
Sunday 14 May
HOT AIR BALLOONS: We've got our fingers crossed that the weather conditions are ideal for the Lord Mayor's Hot Air Balloon Regatta, which sees dozens of balloons flying over the London sky early one Sunday morning — hopefully today! It hasn't taken place since 2019, and there are two dates in May and one in July set aside for it this year. FREE, from 5.30am(!)
MODEL RAILWAY OPEN DAY: Head to King's Cross for the Spring Open Day at the world's oldest model railway club. Chat to current members and see some of their layouts in action, as well as some still under construction. FREE, 11am-4pm
KITE DAY: Let's go fly a kite... at the annual Streatham Common Kite Day. Watch demonstrations by kite-flying experts from all over the world, with kites of up to 30 metres in length taking to the skies. Take your own kite along to join in, or simply wander around enjoying live music and food stalls as the action takes place overhead. FREE, 11am-5pm
PUPPET FESTIVAL: One of those unique London events we love, the Covent Garden May Fayre & Puppet Festival is back. It celebrates the first recorded production of a Mr Punch show, seen by Samuel Pepys in Covent Garden in 1662, and draws puppeteers from all over the country for a procession, church service, shows, stalls and workshops. FREE, 11am-5.30pm
GRAND FLANEUR WALK: 'The most dandified walk of a lifetime' is how organisers describe the Grand Flaneur Walk, a stroll without purpose, with participants wearing their finest dandy, flaneur or fop outfits — think top hats, handlebar moustaches, pocket squares, pocket watches; the works! FREE, 12pm
SHIRLEY WINDMILL: What better time to visit Shirley Windmill than National Mills Day?! Discover a touch of the bucolic in Croydon borough, at this beautifully restored landmark, which dates back to the mid 19th century. 12pm-5pm (last guided tour at 4pm)
Museum treasure of the week
Around the turn of the century, London Underground dabbled with alternative forms of advertising. Among the trials were these novelty strap-hangers, used as 3-D adverts for products like Pepsi and Creme Eggs. (One wonders if the Vaseline one was particularly slippery.) The wheeze never caught on, unfortunately. The sample strap hangers can be seen at London Transport Museum.
Got a favourite exhibit from a London museum? Send a pic to [email protected]
Good cause of the week
Fancy a guided walk along the route of the hidden River Walbrook, all for a good cause? On Sunday 14 May, guide Richard Cohen will lead a group along the route, which runs from Shoreditch to the Thames near Cannon Street. The funds raised from ticket sales will go towards Amnesty International's project to Protect Civilian Lives in Ukraine. This pays for crisis investigators to interview witnesses and use satellite technology to document indiscriminate bombings, attacks on civilians and other human rights abuses. Tickets and times here.
