What we're reading:
- Visualisation myths: Henry Beck and the London Underground map.
- Shoreditch: Is hipster heaven now falling prey to 'cultural cleansing'?
- The world's best new cocktail bar has been revealed (and it's in Bethnal Green).
- Going out in Hackney to find the after-hours carnage worrying the council.
- Why millions in London are listening to this nine-year-old girl's advice.
Things to do:
CITY VEGAN FESTIVAL: Fat Gay Vegan is bringing a stellar line-up of plant-based street food to the heart of London. Enjoy veganised versions of burgers, pizza, and ramen in Guildhall Yard's historic surrounds. Guildhall Yard (City of London), free entry, just turn up, 11am-2.30pm
KINDNESS CAFE: This is probably the closest you're going to get to a free lunch in central London. Gosh! is giving away plant pots (which are actually food packages, rather than somewhere you grow your pansies) to anyone who pledges to commit an act of kindness today. Spreading the love and that sweet, sweet potato pakora — what's not to like? South Bank, free, just turn up, 11am-3pm, repeated tomorrow
THE CASH COWS: Musical double act The Cash Cows are coming to The Floating Pocket Park to give your favourite hits a jazz/rockabilly revamp. From Bob Dylan to Beyonce, this canalside concert is full of surprises. Floating Pocket Park, Paddington Basin, free, just turn up, 5.30pm-8pm
UNDERDOG SUMMER SHOW LAUNCH: Be the first to see fresh new work from Underdog Gallery's top artists. Make sure you get down there early for free drinks and live music. Underdog Gallery (London Bridge), free, just turn up, 6pm-10pm
PARKS, PLEASURE, POLITICS: Take a leisurely amble through Battersea Park while learning all about its 150+ year history. You'll discover how parks went from medieval private hunting grounds to public spaces of relaxation, in a story of land-grabbing monarchs, Victorian industrialists, hippies and punks. Rosery Gate (Battersea Park), free, book ahead, 6.15pm-7.45pm
TRUMAN CAPOTE'S TREACHERY: Join novelist Kelleigh Greenberg-Jephcott to discuss a great writer and a great betrayal. She'll be looking at the nefarious means through which Truman Capote beat his writer's block — by spilling the most intimate secrets of his 'Swans', six It girls from the writer's inner circle. Waterstones Covent Garden, free, book ahead, 6.30pm-8pm
ADVENTURE FILMS UNDERGROUND: Catch a screening of three of the world's best adventure films while on a mini adventure of your own, 50ft deep in a Grade II* listed railway tunnel shaft. We bet you've never done cinema like this before. Brunel Museum (Rotherhithe), £25, book ahead, 6.30pm-10pm (partner)
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TATE TAP TAKEOVER: Beavertown craft brewery is taking over the taps at the Tate Modern bar for a night of tastings, talks and drawing. As renowned for their zany packaging as they are for their big flavours, Beavertown's own in-house illustrator Nick Dwyer will be sketching Day of the Dead-esque skulls and flying spaceships while you sip. Terrace Bar, Tate Modern, from £15, book ahead, 6.30pm-10.30pm
HOW TO DRAW ANYTHING: Learn how to draw with joyful abandon with the help of the authors of How to Draw Anything. This workshop swaps arty pretension for practical tips, and you'll leave with sketches you'll be proud as punch to stick on your fridge. Jewish Museum (Camden), £10, book ahead, 7pm-8.30pm
VEGAN WINE AND CHEESE NIGHT: Wanna go vegan, but struggling to give up cheese? Fromage fans should get themselves down to Tell Your Friends for a night of dairy-free cheese and vegan wine pairings. Rumour has it that there's fondue involved. Tell Your Friends (Parsons Green), £25, book ahead, 7pm-10pm
Good cause of the day
Grand Union Canal is playing host to a seriously quacky race today. The COSMIC Rubber Duck Race sees 500 of the beloved bathing companions partake in a 100 metre race. Sponsor a duck and be in with a chance of winning some epic prizes. All the proceeds go to COSMIC's Home from Home appeal, a £600,000 project to build and run first-class accommodation for the parents and family of critically ill children being treated at the Children's Intensive Care Unit at St Mary's Hospital.
