Things to do
KNITTING AND STITCHING: Needles at the ready for The Knitting & Stitching Show, a celebration of the many different types of needlecraft. Browse stalls to stock up on materials, tools and supplies; get inspiration from textile displays; and pick up tips at the free demonstrations by craft presenters. Alexandra Palace, from £16, book ahead, 10-13 October
NEW SCIENTIST LIVE: All aspects of science are covered at New Scientist Live, a festival which aims to make science accessible to the general public. 120 talks take place across four days, covering topics from rocket engines to time travel to the future of healthcare. No lab goggles required. ExCel London, from £31, book ahead, 10-13 October
CAFE CONVERSATIONS: Thames Clippers launches Cafe Conversations, a free sailing along the Thames aimed at anyone who struggles to meet new people, whether you're retired, work from home, or simply live far from friends and family. Enjoy interesting conversations about a variety of topics and ideas with friendly, like-minded people, while seeing London landmarks from the river. Battersea Power Station Pier, free, book ahead, 11.50am-1.05pm
CURRY CURRY BANG BANG: One of our picks of the best food festivals in London this autumn, Curry Curry Bang Bang is a National Curry Week event. Dishoom, Yum Bun, Sparrow and Raastawala are among the confirmed traders, all serving up South Asian curries in tasting sizes. Your £10 ticket includes a beer, and a chance to sample the dishes. Hawker House (Canada Water), £10, book ahead, 5pm
MUSEUM LATES: The Royal College of Physicians hosts a late-night opening to coincide with the launch of exhibition, Under The Skin. View the museum's collection dating back five centuries, including historical apothecary jars and surgical instruments, and be one of the first to visit the new exhibition. Royal College of Physicians (Regent's Park), free, book ahead, 5pm-8.30pm
KONNIE HUQ: Author and former Blue Peter presenter Konnie Huq talks about her new children's book series, and introduces the lead character, science-obsessed Cookie Haque. Expect quizzes, games, and science experiments live on stage, courtesy of RI science presenter, Jemma Naumann. Aimed at age 7+. Royal Institution (Mayfair), £16/£10/£7, book ahead, 6pm-7.15pm
CLIMATE CHANGE: The results of climate change, such as rising sea levels, are forcing many people to leave their homes and relocate elsewhere — but understandably, many are reluctant to do so. Dr Helen Adams talks about emotional bonds to a place, and suggests alternatives to resettlement or migration. Latymer Upper School (Ravenscourt Park), free, book ahead, 6.30pm-7.45pm
DIS-EASE: Watch work-in-progress documentary Dis-ease, which looks at how pop culture and language are used to talk about disease, and how this affects the way they are treated. Director Mariam Ghani takes part in a Q&A after the screening. Wellcome Collection (Euston), free, book ahead, 7pm-8.30pm
SHORT HISTORY OF LONDON: Author and journalist Simon Jenkins discusses his new book, A Short History Of London, released this week. It covers the capital's past though Roman, Saxon, Norman, Medieval and Georgian times, right up to the modern city which rose from Blitz rubble. The MCT at Alleyn's (East Dulwich), £30/£10/£8, book ahead, 7.30pm
THE KNAP OF HOWAR: South East London Folklore Society's monthly meet-up focuses on the Knap of Howar, a Neolithic stone structure in Orkney, Scotland. Geometer Nichola Cope summarises many years of research into how the 5,000 year old structure was built and designed, and what it tells us about the people responsible. The Old King's Head (Borough), £5/£3, book ahead, 8pm
Tube ponderings with Barry Heck
Our resident tube fancier is on holiday this week, in a place beyond the end of the Underground lines. He'll return next week, if he can find his way back.
Good cause of the day
Head to Granary Square in King's Cross tonight for a huge massaoke session in aid of the New Horizon Youth Centre, which supports young homeless people in London. The giant sing-along session is accompanied by lyrics on screen and a live band, and takes place on World Homeless Day. Find out more and book tickets.
What we're reading
- Mapped: the dragons that surround London.
- Climate change protesters blockade Smithfield meat market.
- The humpback whale spotted in the Thames has died.
- Finsbury Park residents in temporary accommodation as full extent of flooding damage becomes clear.
