What we're reading:
- London Zoo's annual weigh-in in pictures.
- How Crossrail will change London.
- An epic history of an Isle of Dogs traffic island.
- Londoners rally behind beloved Bethnal Green coffee vendor.
- A gin cinema is coming to London.
Things to do:
NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL: This one hardly needs much introduction... Notting Hill Carnival, one of London's biggest and best loved annual events, returns in all its feathery, bass-thumping glory. Expect loud music, beautiful costumes, and absolutely massive crowds at Europe's biggest street festival. First timers, here's everything you need to know. Notting Hill, free, just turn up, 9am-8.30pm
FANTASTIC FOOD FESTIVAL: Sponsored by posh fizzy drinks company Cawston Press, this food festival offers all manner of scrumptious artisan grub from 45 stalls, plus celebrity chef appearances, and activities to keep kids busy. Plus, your ticket gets you BOGOF prosecco. Wimbledon Park, £6, book ahead, 11am
IT'S ALWAYS SUNNY: There's no shame in a bank holiday binge-watch, but why not make it a little more companionable by heading to Genesis Cinema's bar? It's screening 12 hours of cult sitcom It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia, and there may be beer pong involved. Genesis Cinema (Stepney Green), free, book ahead, 11am-11pm
UNDIVIDED FESTIVAL: This free, family-friendly festival has one aim; to bring the whole community together, regardless of background or age. Activities include games, free performances and live music, with reasonably-priced food available to buy. Deptford Lounge, free, book ahead, 12pm-6pm
HIP HOP HISTORY: Get schooled on 45 years of hip hop under the tutelage of London's finest DJs, dancers, and beatboxers. As the afternoon rages on, you'll hear classic from the genre's earliest beginnings, through the golden age of the late 80s and early 90s, right up to today's baddest MCs. Southbank Centre, free, just turn up, 12pm-6pm
Drink brand new Londonist beer at our Fourpure Brewery party
If anyone can organise a piss-up in the brewery it should be us, right? We regularly write about London's unrivalled craft beer scene, spend a decent amount of time indulging in it, and now we've even created our very own London-y brew (with the help of the fantastic folks at Fourpure). Join us to celebrate the launch of Londonist beer in style on Sunday 16 September at the Fourpure Brewery. For just a tenner you get an eight hour party, live music, the chance to win Londonist goodies, and four cans of one-off Londonist beer to take home. Find out more here, or go ahead and book your tickets.
AW SHUCKS: Ever shucked an oyster before? Learn how it's done with the help of Tom Browne from Decatur at this Hackney Wick oyster festival. He'll also be sharing pearls of wisdom on the company's connection to London history and he'll even throw in a free oyster. Mason and Company, free entry, book ahead, 2pm
FLAG IT UP: Make some big, beautiful outdoor artwork with a professional illustrator at a flag-making workshop hosted by our media partner, Wembley Park. You'll be taking part in a large scale public art project which will see your creations fly high over the park for the whole of September. Wembley Park, free, book ahead, 2pm-5pm
RELAXED PROM: Experience the thrill of an orchestral concert without all the stuffiness. The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra has teamed up with Royal Albert Hall to present an informal evening with chill out zones and a relaxed attitude to movement and noise — perfect for those with young children, learning disabilities, sensory impairments, or those with autism. Royal Albert Hall, £8, book ahead, 4.15pm
SEUN KUTI: Egypt 80 and Seun Kuti, the youngest son of the legendary Fela Kuti, team up for two nights of pure, unadulterated afrobeat. Their explosive music is guaranteed to get even the most committed wallflower dancing. The Jazz Cafe (Camden), £22.50, book ahead, 7pm-11pm
NOTTING HILL: If the carnival gets too hectic, why not spend the evening seeing Notting Hill through the eyes of Richard Curtis instead? His Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts-starring romcom classic Notting Hill is being screened for free. Boxpark Croydon, free, book ahead, 7.30pm-9.30pm
Good cause of the day
The new school year is just days away, as any parent knows, summer growth spurts and new equipment requirements can make this a very expensive time. That's why the Al-Mizan Charitable Trust want your help packing a backpack full of school supplies to be given to children living in poverty across the UK. Head to Harrow Central Mosque to give them a helping hand. Or, if you can't make it, consider sponsoring a backpack for £50.
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