Things to do
LAST CHANCE LEONARDO: It's the final week of British Library's current exhibition about Leonardo da Vinci, marking 500 years since his death. See inside some of his notebooks with his drawings and diagrams, which show the fascination he had with motion. From notes about water to paintings of nature, it's a varied exhibition, in line with Leonardo's own interests. British Library, £7, book ahead, until 8 September
TOTALLY THAMES: It's the first full week of Totally Thames, so dive head first into the programme of events celebrating the capital's waterways. Today's highlights include a photographic tour of the Thames by kayak, and a wander along the shore with mudlarks. 1-30 September
WAR KNITTING: Take part in a knitting and crochet workshop based on original patterns used in the second world war. You'll need to be familiar with knitting to make yourself a knitted turban under expert guidance. Dugdale Centre (Enfield), £20, book ahead, 11am-3pm
SQUARE MILE SECRETS: Learn the history they don't teach you in school on this guided walk around the Square Mile. Visit parts of the area that many people never see, wander down atmospheric alleyways, see two sites linked to the occult, and finish at a poignant reminder of the power of the Blitz. Cannon Street, £15, book ahead, 1.30pm-3pm (sponsor)
PALAEONTOLOGY: How have popular culture and palaeontology shaped each other through the years? A one evening pop-up exhibition and discussion delves into how dinosaurs, fossils and the like are presented in TV, film and art, and how the media has influenced the way palaeontologists present their findings. Specific case studies involving bears, fossil whales and dinosaurs feature. King's College London (Strand), free, book ahead, 6pm-8.15pm
CHUKA UMUNNA: Streatham MP Chuka Umunna chats to Lib Dem candidate for London Mayor, Siobhan Benita, about his career so far. Elected as a Labour MP in 2010, he was one of the founding members of Change UK in early 2019, before joining the Lib Dems a few months later. Submit your questions in advance, and hear Umunna's views on the future of politics, and the Brexit deadline. The Exchange (Twickenham), £10, book ahead, 6.30pm-8pm
BRITISH POLYMATHS: Polymaths — they don't make them like they used to, or so some would have you believe. Hear from a panel of contemporary polymaths who prove that their skillset didn't die out at the end of the Renaissance. University Challenge star and mathematician Bobby Seagull chats to visual artist and economic macro strategist Davey Jose, Miss England 2017, oncologist, and singer Stephanie Hill and historian Peter Burke. British Library, £15/£10, book ahead, 7pm-8.30pm
WILDLIFE DRAWING: Spend the evening at a drawing class based on the invertebrates of the Royal Parks, and those from more tropical climes. It's open to artists of all abilities, from beginners to experts, and is a chance to learn about tarantulas, scorpions, giant African land snails, leaf insects and the like. All materials provided. Age 18+. Hyde Park, £10, book ahead, 7pm-9pm
LIVE MUSIC: Scottish folk singer-songwriter and ukulele player Claire Hastings performs an intimate gig. Expect to hear traditional and original songs on the theme of journeys, based on her second album from earlier this year. The Green Note (Camden), £12, book ahead, 7.30pm
WOMEN OF WAR: Short film experts Shorts On Tap screen a programme of films on the theme 'women of war'. They're the finalists in the World Citizen Short Film Competition, and address the situations in conflict zones all over the world. Some of the filmmakers take part in a panel discussion after the screening. Regent Street Cinema, £4, book ahead, 7.30pm-11pm
THE FEELING: New dark comedy musical The Feeling launches today. It follows the story of six friends, all connected to each other in some way, and looks at how friendships and relationships can be toxic if everything isn't how it seems. The Other Palace (Victoria), £22, book ahead, 8pm
Tube ponderings with Barry Heck
Our resident tube fancier dishes out daily thoughts on the London Underground.
My Roundel of the Week can be found in Elephant Park, the new housing estate where the Heygate used to be. The developers are currently running a sculpture trail based around Elmer the elephant. One of them has a great big roundel on its backside. Follow Barry on Twitter @HeckTube.
Good cause of the day
Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club is really stretching out its 60th birthday celebrations. Book ahead for its anniversary gala at the Royal Albert Hall in October, which brings together jazz musicians from around the world to pay tribute to the legendary Soho venue. The event raises money for the Ronnie Scott's Charitable Foundation, which supports aspiring musicians. Find out more and book tickets.
What we're reading
- How to train like a Notting Hill Carnival dancer.
- Does Fleabag still work as a stage show?
- Environmentalists plan drone blockade on Heathrow.
- Olympic Park's Orbit legacy floundering.
