What we're reading:
- How London became the tuberculosis capital of Western Europe.
- Hundreds of Met Police officers moonlighting as cab drivers.
- The squatters transforming a derelict Romford pub.
- How China can help London fix its air pollution crisis.
- Why London in 1894 was the world's first smart city.
Things to do:
HOWARD HODGKIN: See the final six paintings completed by one of Britain's most celebrated contemporary artists, the late Howard Hodgkin. There are also over twenty other works for you to eyeball, on display in Europe for the first time ever. Gagosian Gallery, free, just turn up, until 28 July
SUSTAINABLE FOOD FEST: Try sample dishes lovingly created from leftovers by Mercato Metropolitano's generous stall holders at a food festival dedicated to saving perfectly good nosh from the bin. You'll also pick up some tips for squeezing the most out of your weekly shop, with a cookery demo using the UK's top 10 wasted ingredients, courtesy of celebrity chef Cyrus Todiwala. Mercato Metropolitano (Elephant & Castle), £10 fully refundable deposit, book ahead, 12.30pm-3.30pm
RUFUS LONGBOTTOM AND THE SPACE RABBIT: When Space Rabbit’s planet is destroyed by a meteorite, she ends up making an unlikely pal in the form of an elderly care home resident itching for one last adventure. Hop along to Greenwich and follow their journey with your little ones — there'll be music, and may be even a bit of magic courtesy of our extra-terrestrial heroine. Greenwich Theatre, £13, book ahead, 2pm/6pm
PUSHING BOARDERS LAUNCH PARTY: Celebrate the far-reaching social impact of skateboarding at (where else?) House of Vans. Tonight's launch party starts three days of talks, film screenings, and workshops. There's also free beer and complimentary skate sessions (just maybe don't enjoy your freebies in that order). House of Vans (Waterloo), free, book ahead, 6pm
SUMMER BY THE RIVER: London's largest free outdoor festival returns for a summer of live music, comedy, film screenings, and much more. Let your hair down at tonight's launch party, featuring performances from The London Belles and Holy Moly and the Crackers. London Bridge City, free entry, just turn up, 6pm-10pm
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Sounds Like London: our picks today
June brings the Mayor of London's Sounds Like London campaign to the capital — a month-long celebration of both women in music and London's grassroots music scene. Here's our pick of today's Sounds Like London events:
LOCKED IN, LOCKED ON: This exhibition, organised by Red Bull, explores the vital role that pirate radio played in the genesis of Grime, and UK music culture as a whole. Platform LDN (Carnaby), free, 10am-5pm, 1-30 June
JON ALLEN: Folk rock singer songwriter Jon Allen plays music from his new album Blue Flame, filling The Borderline with the sound of his whiskey-soaked voice. The Borderline, £19.60, book ahead, 7pm
SOAS RADIO SHOWCASE: Students and alumni from SOAS perform a unique programme of world music in a 20th century church. Delight in the dulcet tones of Chinese Yangqin, Indian raga singing, and Tuscan folk while you munch on Indian street food. St Mary's Music Hall (Walthamstow), £12, book ahead, 6.30pm-10.30pm
BRAIN RINSE: Race through the corridors of your mind and discover your inner ninja at an interactive comedy show featuring mountaineering, expressive dance, and er...tantric air kissing. Blue Elephant Theatre (Camberwell), £10, book ahead, 8pm (repeated tomorrow)
ITALIAN BANQUET: Let S.Pellegrino, purveyor of posh fizzy water from the province of Bergamo, wine and dine you with a beautiful three course meal straight out of its homeland. Get ready to soak up the convivial atmosphere of an Italian casa while sipping on vino perfectly paired to each dish. Perseverance Works (Shoreditch), £45, book ahead, 7pm
THE DISSOLUTE SOCIETY: Contemporary improv meets spoken word, 20th century classical, European jazz, and soulful grooves at The Dissolute Society's album launch. Joining the exuberant octet are special guest pianist Alexander Hawkins and Mark Lockheart on the tenor sax. Omnibus Theatre (Clapham), £15, book ahead, 8.30pm-11pm
CONCRETE TV: Get your '90s nostalgia fix with a special late night screening of Concrete TV — the New York public access show that combined music videos and infomercials with old school skin flicks and Hollywood thriller scenes. Your ticket includes one free drink, and it's safe to say you may need it. Rio Cinema (Dalston), £5-£10, book ahead, 11pm-1am
Good cause of the day
If you do just One Good Thing today, take a single quality item to St Martin-in-the-Field's pop up charity shop. They're after vintage clothing, antiques, jewellery, and small items of homeware, with all the proceeds going to the church's own charitable drive to help Londoners overcome homelessness. Don't have anything to give away? Pop in and pick up a bargain instead — it's open throughout June.
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