All weekend
There's lots going on in London this weekend, but do check venues' opening hours before you set out, as it's a bank holiday weekend, so times may differ from usual.
BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND: It's a four-day bank holiday weekend! Need help to fill the extra days? Read our bank holidays in London guide for inspiration, from walking tours and cycling routes, to swimming, playgrounds, free stuff and more.
EASTER HOLIDAYS: Kids off school and in need of entertainment? Take a look at our guide to Easter holiday events in London, covering exhibitions, shows and more for all ages. We know the pennies don't stretch as far as they used to, so we've included some free, family-friendly things to do too.
HISPANIC ART: Time's running out to see the Royal Academy's current headline exhibition, Spain and the Hispanic World, which explores the art and culture of the Hispanic world from ancient times to the early 20th century. Sculptures, paintings, silk textiles, ceramics, silverwork, precious jewellery, maps and drawings feature, including masterpieces by Goya and Velázquez. Until 10 April
ASMR: Another exhibition closing soon is Weird Sensation Feels Good: The World Of ASMR at Design Museum. It explores ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response): a physical sensation of euphoria or deep calm, sometimes a tingling in the body, triggered through sound, touch, and movement. For a double dose of culture, pair it with the museum's new exhibition opening this Friday — details below. Until 10 April
ALADDIN SANE: Southbank Centre marks 50 years since the release of David Bowie's album Aladdin Sane with a series of events centring around a special exhibition exploring the creation of the album's iconic artwork, including the legendary lightning flash portrait by photographer Brian Duffy. 6 April-28 May
MARKET PLACE HARROW: Street food restaurant brand Market Place already has venues in Vauxhall, Peckham and Hounslow, and its latest site in Harrow opens from 6 April. Head to 80-84 St Ann's Road for food from Bread Ahead Bakery, Indo-Chinese brand Pepper Spice; Japanese street food brand Little Tokyo, masala bar Chaii & Spice, South American meat specialists Argentinian Grill and authentic Turkish brand Farm House Kebabs. Opens 6 April
AI WEIWEI: If you've been to the Design Museum in the last couple of weeks, you'll have seen the recreation of Monet's Water Lillies, made entirely from Lego. That's a precursor to the new exhibition opening on Friday, Ai Weiwei: Making Sense, which brings together several of the Chinese artist's works as a commentary on design. 7 April-30 July
PETER RABBIT ADVENTURE: Beloved Beatrix Potter character Peter Rabbit is the subject of a current immersive experience in Covent Garden. Designed for children and their families, it involves live performances, poetry and an obstacle course as you search for notes, maps and other clues to rescue Jemima Puddle-Duck from the clutches of Mr. McGregor. Until 16 April
Good Friday 7 April
CLUELESS: Watch classic 1995 film Clueless, accompanied by a meal tailored to what you're seeing on screen. Taste Film takes over The Refinery near Moorgate for two screenings each day, accompanied by courses including a cinnamon pretzel and a Pop Your Cherry cocktail, served at relevant points in the film. 7-8 April
LIFE OF BRIAN: There are two screenings of Monty Python's Life of Brian at the Prince Charles Cinema this weekend, and another next week. Watch the comedy troupe's extended skit about a man — Brian — who was born next to Jesus on the same day, and spends his life being mistaken for the Messiah. 1.10pm (repeated tomorrow 3.30pm)
JUNGLE BOOK REIMAGINED: Akram Khan’s new dance-theatre production Jungle Book reimagined is open at Sadler’s Wells. Based on Rudyard Kipling's family classic, it's a reinvention the journey of Mowgli through the eyes of a climate refugee, featuring an original score, 10 international dancers and state-of-the-art animation and visuals. 2pm (repeated tomorrow — both are relaxed performances)
MESSIAH ON GOOD FRIDAY: For the 147th time, the Royal Choral Society performs Handel's Messiah at the Royal Albert Hall on Good Friday — a tradition that's only ever been interrupted by the Blitz and Covid. 150 singers are conducted by the choir's music director Richard Cooke, and accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and a quartet of soloists. 2.30pm
PASSION OF JESUS: Every Good Friday, Trafalgar Square is packed out with thousands of people gathering to watch The Passion of Jesus, a free retelling of the Easter story, featuring 100 actors. Everyone's welcome, but it involves — spoiler — a crucifixion scene, so may not be suitable for younger kiddies. FREE, 12pm/3.15pm
WIDOW'S BUN CEREMONY: One of London's oddest traditions take place on Good Friday every year. Head to The Widow's Son pub in Bow, to watch the Widow's Bun Ceremony. A hot cross bun, with the year baked into to the top, is hung from the ceiling, to honour a widow who apparently used to continue baking them for her son, even years after he stopped returning home and was presumed dead. FREE, 3pm
DRAG RACE: The Haters Roast at Eventim Apollo Hammersmith is a a drag comedy spectacular hosted by The Vivienne, winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Season 1. It features nine Drag Race stars from across the UK, the US and Canada including Trinity the Tuck, New York City queen Miz Cracker and the infamously disqualified Willam. Doors 7pm
ANNIE GET YOUR GUN: For one night only, hit musical Annie Get Your Gun is celebrated with a special concert production at The London Palladium. Rachel Tucker (who's starred in Wicked and Come From Away) plays American sharpshooter Annie Oakley. 7.30pm
Easter Saturday 8 April
WIZARD OF OZ: I've a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore. This week's Family Film Club at Barbican Cinema features a screening of 1939 film The Wizard of Oz, starring Judy Garland as Dorothy, who finds herself on an adventure involving a tin man, a scarecrow, a cowardly lion, and her dog, Toto. 11am
ROGER RABBIT: Take the family along to Leicester Square's Prince Charles Cinema for a screening of 1988 film Who Framed Roger Rabbit. It probably needs no introduction, but just in case: a private detective is hired to investigate Jessica Rabbit, wife of cartoon star Roger Rabbit, and murder, revenge and chaos ensue. 12.45pm
DECODER: Catch a screening of 1984 sci-fi/cyberpunk film Decoder at Barbican Cinema. It was made by German artist Muscha, though became largely forgotten due to low distribution numbers. Today, English artist and filmmaker Stewart Home introduces the story of a man who learns that the soundtrack being played in the fast food chain he works in is being used to manipulate customers. 3.30pm
OLD JEWISH JOKES: Camden Comedy Club at the Camden Head hosts Jewish comedian Ivor Dembina, who performs his Edinburgh Pick of the Fringe award-winning show, Old Jewish Jokes, about the life of the modern Jewish comic. 6pm
JESSIE CAVE: Actor and comedian Jessie Cave — who played Lavender Brown in the Harry Potter films — kicks off a stint at Soho Theatre, showcasing her current work in progress show. It's about the chaos of heartbreak and being a working mother, but we're promised it contains hope and humour. 7.15pm
JEFF GOLDBLUM: Beloved American actor/musician Jeff Goldblum joins his band on stage for a live concert at Royal Festival Hall. Jeff Goldblum & The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra are in town to celebrate the launch of his new EP of jazz standards. 7.45pm
SOUTH LONDON SOUL TRAIN: The South London Soul Train celebrates 50 years of hip hop with a special club night at Peckham Levels, overseen by DJ Koco. 10pm-5am
HARRY VS MILEY: Cheesy disco night Club de Fromage runs an Easter special, playing off the songs of pop superstars Harry Styles and Miley Cyrus against each other. Expect to hear songs from the likes of Madonna, ABBA, S Club, Taylor Swift and Beyonce, along with sing alongs, confetti cannons and balloons. Takes place at The O2 Academy Islington. 10.30pm-3am
Easter Sunday 9 April
LONDON GAMES FESTIVAL: It's 'game over' for this year's London Games Festival, which comes to an end today. It celebrates all aspects of the video gaming industry here in the capital, with a programme including networking events, exhibitions, an awards ceremony, and of course, plenty of gaming sessions. Until 9 April
NOW PLAY THIS: Tying in with London Games Festival (above), Somerset House hosts Now Play This 2023, a festival of experimental games featuring interactive exhibitions, live shows and chances to test drive some of those games. Until 9 April
EASTER FAMILY DISCO: Kids buzzing from too much chocolate? Take them along to Big Penny Social in Walthamstow for the Easter family disco and Easter egg hunt. Dance to family-friendly tunes as you enjoy games and singalongs, and then take part in the egg hunt. (Oh hang on, that involves more chocolate...) 10am-1pm
FITZROVIA GHOSTSIGNS: Footprints of London guide Jane Parker offers a walking tour around the Fitzrovia area focusing on ghostsigns — faded adverts of brands and businesses from the past. Hunt out mosaics and symbols embedded within masonry and metal. 11am-1pm
GIRL POWER BRUNCH: Live music venue 100 Wardour Street hosts a Girl Power themed brunch. Choose between two or three courses, add on bottomless bubbles if you're so inclined, and tuck in as a DJ plays tunes by the likes of Miley Cyrus, Celine Dion, Beyoncé, Dua Lipa, Kylie and more. 11am-5pm
SUNDAY JAZZ LUNCH: The Ryan Quigley Quintet headlines today's Sunday jazz lunch at legendary Soho venue Ronnie Scott's. They celebrate the music of 1960s jazz pianist Horace Silver, including tunes such as Song For My Father, Room 608, Ecaroh, The Jody Grind, Strollin' and The Preacher. A traditional Sunday lunch is available to order as you enjoy the music. 12pm
POOCH PARTY: M Restaurant in Canary Wharf caters for humans and their dogs on Easter Sunday, with a pooch party. It's begins with an Easter hunt for four-legged guests, with treats hidden on the terrace outside, waiting to be sniffed out. Then tuck into a three-course brunch menu, while your dog enjoys their own, canine-friendly three-course treat. 12pm-4pm
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL: Watch the London Lions Women's team take on the Newcastle Eagles in a home basketball match at the Copper Box Arena in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Tickets start at just a fiver. 12.30pm
PREPPERS COMEDY: You wouldn't think there'd be much funny about an apocalypse, but comedy duo Stuart Laws and Matt Sandstorm tease out the humour in Preppers, a comedy show about preparing for Doomsday. Catch it at Camden Comedy Club at the Camden Head. 5pm
SUNDAY CONCERT: Internationally-renowned cellist Raphael Wallfisch and Conway Hall Director of Music, Simon Callaghan, team up for this week's Sunday concert, to perform Myaskovsky's Second Cello Sonata, along with pieces by Debussy, Franck, and Clara Schumann. 6.30pm
EASTER JAZZ NIGHT: Mayfair cocktail bar Mr Fogg's Apothecary hosts live music by a jazz trio band led by vocalist Riketté Genesis. Expect a set featuring jazz vibes, straight up 1920s-40s swing and beyond, with songs by the likes of Julie London, Sarah Vaughan and Ella Fitzgerald. 8.01pm-11.01pm
Easter Monday 10 April
EASTER 10K: If you're the sort who likes running 10k on an Easter Monday... well, you're a better person than us. But you can do so at the aptly-named London Easter 10k in Regent's Park, which also has adults' and kids' fun runs in addition to the big race. 10.30am
LONDON'S BURNING: Every Monday, City of London Guides offer a London's Burning guided walk. Tour the areas of the City which were affected by the Great Fire of London in 1666, and the Blitz during 1941, and find out how those events shaped the area. 11am-1pm
COMEDY WIP: Comedian, actor and writer Tamsyn Kelly is at Camden Comedy Club to showcase her current Work In Progress. She won the DAVE Edinburgh Panel Prize as part of Best In Class at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and was a regional finalist in the BBC New Comedian of the Year Award 2021. 7pm
NEW MUSIC: The Half Moon in Putney showcases up-and-coming musicians at its regular New Moon live music night. Tonight's performers include rock band Sugar Darling, soul singer-songwriter Chelsea Becker, and multi-instrumentalist Tigere. 7.30pm
PUB QUIZ: As always on a Monday, the White Horse in Wembley hosts a pub quiz. It's £2 entry per person, maximum six people per team, with a £50 bar tab for the winning team. 8pm-10pm
