All weekend
BANK HOLIDAY: If you're lucky enough to have all three days off work, take a look at our guide to spending the bank holiday in London. From country walks and cycle routes to secret gardens, and things to do if it rains, we've got you covered. Finally, don't let transport woes ruin your bank holiday weekend plans; we've compiled a list of all the planned closures and disruptions on TfL and National Rail London services.
DAY TRIP IDEAS: If you want to venture a bit further afield this bank holiday, we've got just the thing. From attractions close to the M25, to seaside trips, quaint villages, and nearby towns and cities, we've mapped our favourite day trips from London.
NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL: August bank holiday and Notting Hill Carnival go hand in hand. If you're planning to take part in the huge street festival, have a read of our guide — we've covered everything from what's on when to how to get there.
CANOPY MARKET: Canopy Market has teamed up with non-profit Made in Arts London for a weekend of arty workshops, live painting, and plenty of shopping. Head to King's Cross to browse the some of the best emerging design the city has to offer. Canopy Market, free entry, book ahead for some events, 24-26 August
GREAT BIG SUMMER WEEKEND: Four days of music, dancing, and carnival fun are coming to Southbank Centre to see out the season in style. Highlights include a history of hip hop, a musical mystery tour, and a kids' carnival parade. Royal Festival Hall Terrace, free, just turn up, 10am-11pm, 24-27 August
BOUNCY CASTLE BONANZA: Unleash your inner child with the help of 300 metres of inflatable fun. The Monster bouncy castle boasts 42 obstacles, including a mega slide and a bouncy cage of doom. There are also cocktails and street food to help keep your stamina up. Alexandra Palace, £23, book ahead, 24-27 August
SMITHFIELD 150: The glorious Victorian markets in Smithfield are turning 150, and Culture Mile is throwing a party to celebrate. With six festival zones, the two day event is packed with live performances, including an exploration of London's gory past with Horrible Histories. There's also a roller disco, cocktails, fairground rides, and plenty more. Smithfield Markets (Farringdon), free, just turn up, 11am-8pm, 25-26 August
FOOD FESTIVAL: Feast on scrumptious street food in the grounds of a Tudor and Baroque palace while the kids meet a shire horse or enrol in circus school. The fifth edition of the Hampton Court Palace Food Festival also features live music and cookery demos from Michel Roux Jr, Nadiya Hussain and Melissa Hemsley. Hampton Court Palace, included in Palace admission, book ahead, 25-27 August
Saturday 25 August
EAST LONDON TALENT MARKET: From indie clobber to arts and crafts, there's something for every kind of market maven at East Village's pop up for independent brands. Treat yourself to a boozy frozen treat from JW Ice Cream while you're there. East Village (Stratford), free entry, just turn up, 11am-4pm
SHIP SHAPE SATURDAY: It's all hands on deck at the HMS Belfast. Learn how the Imperial War Museum preserves its largest treasure and try your hand at restoration and pest-busting. HMS Belfast, included in admission, just turn up, 11am-1pm/2pm-4pm
SHADWELL FIRE STATION OPEN DAY: Got a little one obsessed with fire engines? Take them to see a real one at Shadwell Fire Station's open day. They might even be able to get inside it, plus they'll meet the firefighters and learn about fire safety. Shadwell Fire Station, free, just turn up, 1pm
DRAG BRUNCH: If you're looking for a quiet meal, this is not the one. But if you want DJs, dance troupes, and drag queen-led games to entertain you while you munch French toast and knock back bottomless fizz, look no further than this Fabulous Brunch, Darling. 100 Wardour Street (Soho), £20-£35, book ahead, 12pm/2pm
SING AND SIGN: Take your baby for a sing-along in Queen's Park. This free taster session from the UK's longest running baby signing programme is suitable for all tots under 30 months. Park Cafe (Queen's Park), free, just turn up, 2.30pm-4.30pm
COMEDY: Comedian Hyde Panaser's got 99 problems but his beard ain't one. See his debut show about navigating a multicultural life both with and without some truly impressive facial hair. The Bill Murray (Islington), £7, book ahead, 3.30pm
GIN CRUISE: The nicest summer we've had in years isn't over yet, and if you're looking to squeeze every drop of fun out of it, Artisan Drinks has just the tonic. Climb aboard the Electric Barge for a gin-soaked cruise to Camden — you'll get three G&Ts, tapas, a mini gin masterclass and some extra goodies to take home. Departs from Little Venice, £60, book ahead, 7pm-10pm
ONE WOMAN SHOW: In It's Beautiful, Over There — a show named after Thomas Edison's last words — Stephanie Greenwood explores death, grief, and memory... and how to fold origami swans. Upstairs at the Gatehouse (Highgate), £12, book ahead, 7pm/8.45pm
ON THE TOWN: Head to BBC Proms to mark what would have been composer Leonard Bernstein's 100th birthday. The music he wrote for 1944 musical On The Town will be conducted by John Wilson, to launch a Bernstein weekend at the Proms. Royal Albert Hall, £18-£72, book ahead, 7.30pm
CABARET CLUB: Ahead of Notting Hill Carnival, The London Cabaret Club invites you on a tropical tour of immersive cabaret. Expect rum cocktails, a mouth-watering Caribbean menu, and more diamante and rainbow-hued feathers than you can shake a stick at. The Bloomsbury Ballroom (Holborn), from £25, book ahead, 7.30pm-3am
LIVE MUSIC: London punk outfit Sauna Youth celebrate the upcoming release of their third album by making some noise under Cambridge Heath's railway arches. They're joined by new wavers Current Affairs and fellow punks Pinkgrip. Redon (Cambridge Heath), £8, book ahead, 7.30pm-1.30am
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.
Sunday 26 August
NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL: It's family day at Notting Hill Carnival, so if you've got little revellers in tow, choose today over tomorrow's more raucous affair. There's still everything that makes the carnival brilliant though; expect beautiful costumes, steel bands, and thumping beats. Notting Hill, free, just turn up, 9am-7pm
LONDON FIELDS FETE: A brand new celebration of east London's music, art, and culture is coming to Netil Market in the form of London Fields Fete. Expect live music, crafting, and a vinyl fair. Netil Market, free, just turn up, 11am-9pm
BATUKE! FESTIVAL: Immerse yourself in Afro-Luso culture at Rich Mix's Batuke! Festival, with dance workshops, an African market, and an evening party where you can show off your newly acquired moves. Rich Mix (Shoreditch), £56, book ahead, 11.30am
OYSTER FESTIVAL: Here's an absolute gem (or should we say pearl?) of an event for seafood lovers. Mason & Company is hosting a two day oyster extravaganza, with live shucking, fish-friendly beer pairings and even an oyster-based cocktail. There's also live music from Rollo Markee Blues. Mason & Company (Hackney Wick), free entry, book ahead, 12pm-10pm, until 27 August
OPEN MIC UK: The UK's biggest music competition for unsigned acts has kicked off this year's hunt for the next potential chart-topper. So if you're a London-based singer, songwriter, rapper or vocal group looking for your big break, get yourself down to the Camden auditions. Dingwalls (Camden Lock), £5, book ahead, 1pm-8pm
MUSICAL SUMMER SHOWCASE: Join And What LDN's squad of musicians, MCs, DJs, and vocalists for an all-day jamming session overlooking the canal in Hackney Wick. The line up includes electronic artist Grass Temple, funk fusion act Copper Feel, and 90s-toned soul singer Molly J. Grow (Hackney Wick), free before 11pm/£5 after, just turn up, 2pm-2am
CUBAN POOCH PARTY: This Cuban-themed canine meet-up is something a bit different for dog owners. Socialise with other owners over Cuban cocktails, while your pooch get spoilt rotten with mocktails and a free grooming session. Makeover complete, you and your pooch will take part in a Latin-themed photo shoot. Coffee Studio 7Gr (Clapham), £18 (per person with up to three dogs), book ahead, 5pm-9.30pm
SWING DANCE SUNDAY: Big Papa Mac is coming to Cahoots to show you how to bust a move, 1940s-style. Head to the disused tube station-themed bar (it's way more glam that it sounds) for swing dancing, sing-alongs, and the chance to get your hair done in victory rolls. Cahoots (Carnaby Street), £20, book ahead, 5pm-2am
JUNGLE JAMBOREE: Secret speakeasy Uncle Barts invites you to take a walk on the wild side this evening with a jungle-themed knees-up. Get yourself an animal-themed outfit (or raid the fancy dress box) and prepare for an evening of prohibition era debauchery. Uncle Barts (Chelsea), free entry, book ahead, 6pm-1am
Bank Holiday Monday 27 August
BACKSTAGE TOUR: National Theatre's ever-popular backstage tours take place today. See what goes into preparing one of the theatre's shows, including making the set and building the props. National Theatre, £11, book ahead, 10am/12.30pm
LEATHER, LIMOS AND LUBRICATION: Today's Footprints of London walk follows a trail of historic signs — known as ghostsigns — which tell the story of Soho and Covent Garden's past. As you see the signs, you'll hear about the businesses they once belonged to. Covent Garden, £9-£12, book ahead, 11am-1pm
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
NOTTING HILL: If the carnival is a bit much for you, how about the Hugh Grant version of Notting Hill instead? The classic London rom-com is being shown on the big screen for free tonight. Boxpark Croydon, free, book ahead, 7.30pm-9.30pm
SOHO COMEDY CLUB: Every Monday, professional comedians try out new jokes on the audience in a small, raw setting at Soho Comedy Club. Round Table (Soho), £5.48, book ahead, 8.30pm-11pm
