Things to do
EMERGE FESTIVAL: This evening is the first of two special nights where London cultural venues stay open late for some truly quirky, fascinating and unusual events. Tonight's Emerge Festival events include a gin bar on top of Wellington Arch, a photography masterclass atop the Monument, and a House of Scandal at Apsley House. Browse the full programme. Various locations and prices, book ahead, 27-28 September
FEMINISTA FILMS: See a whole programme of films intended to inspire women and girls at the Feminista Film Festival. Tonight's launch night programme includes a feature on Sarah Outen, who traverses the globe by bike, kayak and rowing boat, and a look at the first national Afghan women's football team. Soho Hotel, £16, book ahead, 27-28 September
CAPITAL CRIME: The inaugural Capital Crime Writing Festival brings together crime and thriller writers from all over to discuss their work. Hear from the likes of Lynda La Plante, Martina Cole and Anthony Horowitz through talks, panel discussions and book signings. Grand Connaught Rooms (Covent Garden), £80-£150, book ahead, until 28 September
TATTOO CONVENTION: 400 of the world's most influential tattoo artists gather together under one roof for a weekend dedicated to the very best of body art, as London Tattoo Convention celebrates its 15th anniversary. The event is aimed at both people covered in inkings and those working up the courage to get their very first tattoo. See master tattooists in action and maybe even get your own tattoo done at the show. Tobacco Dock (Wapping), from £30, book ahead, 27-29 September
ZANDRA RHODES: Fashion designer Zandra Rhodes's 50 year career is celebrated in a new exhibition launching today. Since founding her fashion house in 1969, she's gone on to become one of the most recognisable labels in London. See more than 50 of her key looks and 30 original textiles on display. Fashion & Textile Museum (Bermondsey), £9.90, book ahead, 27 September-26 January
VICTORIA CROSS: Learn about the history of the prestigious Victoria Cross war medal in a free talk. Hear from David Callaghan who for 42 years worked for Hancocks of London, the only company to have produced the medal since it was introduced in 1856. National Army Museum (Chelsea), free, book ahead, 11.30am
FREDDIE MERCURY: Fitzrovia Chapel celebrates Queen frontman Freddie Mercury with a free lunchtime event. Listen to audio extracts from Freddie Mercury: The Definitive Biography, by rock journalist Lesley-Ann Jones, with accompanying music and an introduction by resident chapel speaker, Kate Thorogood. Fitzrovia Chapel, free, just turn up, 1pm-1.30pm
THE HIDDEN: Novelist and historian Mary Chamberlain discusses her recent novel, The Hidden, which is set against the backdrop of Nazi-occupied Jersey during the second world war. She drew heavily on files from The National Archives for the historical research on which the book is based. National Archives (Kew), £7.50, book ahead, 2pm-3.30pm
MUSEUM LATE: Natural History Museum celebrates our interconnected planet at its monthly late night opening. This month, the event is part of the wider European Researchers' Night, with over 150 scientists present to talk about their work, including environmental issues, and how new technology helps to solve them. Natural History Museum (South Kensington), free, just turn up, 6pm-9.30pm
THEATRE QUIZ: A celebration of the last year on Broadway is the theme of this month's musical theatre quiz. Put together a team of up to five and go head to head in the themed competition to win prizes including theatre memorabilia and West End tickets. The Other Palace (Victoria), £35 for a team of five, book ahead, 7pm
TRUTH: Entertainer and web developer Tom Scott headlines this month's discourse evening at the Royal Institution. He talks about what truth means in the internet age, how to be popular on the internet, and dealing with a world where view counts are often more important than truth. Royal Institution (Mayfair), £20, book ahead, 7.20pm-8.45pm
Tube ponderings with Barry Heck
Our resident tube fancier dishes out daily thoughts on the London Underground.
If you've ever stepped out of the tube station at Wood Green, you might have wondered 'Where is the wood?' and 'Where is the green?'. Look, instead, within the station. The old ticket office has been turned into a 'tiny park' by horticultural interventionists The Edible Bus Stop. The unusual planter is a sequel to an experiment a couple of years back at St James's Park. Follow Barry on Twitter @HeckTube.
Good cause of the day
Head to Waterstones Piccadilly tonight to hear from journalist and author Holly Bourne about romance, feminism, #MeToo, and crying in public. The event raises money for Women's Aid. Find out more and book tickets.
What we're reading
- The young people of west London want to keep Hammersmith Bridge car-free.
- Wrightbus, maker of the New Routemaster bus, goes into administration.
- Meteor seen shooting across London sky.
- DLR platforms at Bank set to get even more overcrowded from next week.
