Things to do this weekend is sponsored by the National Army Museum.
All weekend
TRACEY EMIN: It's your final chance to see this latest exhibition by controversial artist Tracey Emin. It's a very personal show, laying bare her experiences with rape, botched abortion and her mother's ashes — read our full review. White Cube (Bermondsey), free, just turn up, until 7 April
LONDON HAT WEEK: Dig out your best headgear for London Hat Week, a plethora of events celebrating the capital's millinery heritage and industry. Masterclasses, exhibitions and talks all feature in this weekend's programme, and although it's largely aimed at those in the fashion industry, there are events for the more casual hat-botherer too. 4-10 April
NUMBER 90: Canalside restaurant, bar and party venue Number 90 celebrates its fifth birthday with a three-day mini festival with guest DJs, special competitions, piñatas and more. Number 90 (Hackney Wick), free-£5, book ahead, 5-7 April
EASTER HOLIDAYS: If your kids are off school for the next couple of weeks, find ways to keep them busy with our guide to spending the Easter holidays in London. From theatre shows to exhibitions to fun days out, we've got it all covered. 6-22 April
BEASTS OF LONDON: Due to be one of the biggest exhibitions of 2019 in London, Beasts of London opens at Museum of London this weekend. The immersive experience tells the stories of London's animal residents, dating right back to Roman Londinium, and how they helped make the capital what it is today. Read our full review. Museum of London, from £8/£6.40, book ahead, 5 April-January 2020
CRAFTY FOX MARKET: Local makers, designers and crafters take over street food market Mercato Metropolitano for a whole weekend, thanks to Crafty Fox Market. The specially-curated line-up of stallholders is different each day, and includes jewellery, pot plants, prints, ceramics, clothing and more. Mercato Metropolitano (Elephant & Castle), free, just turn up, 6-7 April
NOW PLAY THIS: As part of London Games Festival, Now Play This returns to Somerset House. Solo and multiplayer games are available to play, including experimental new releases, with two free outdoor games added for this year. Somerset House, £8/£6.50, book ahead, 6-14 April. Video games fanatics might also be interested in Power Up at Science Museum (from £8, book ahead, 6-22 April)
MARY QUANT: One stonking blockbuster of a fashion exhibition isn't enough for the V&A, so it opens a show about sixties icon Mary Quant. The story of the London designer's life and career is told through her designs — including items donated by the public especially for the exhibition. V&A Museum, from £12, book ahead, 6 April-February 2020
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The art of persuasion at the National Army Museum
Maximum meaning, minimum means. That's the philosophy behind the pioneering work of Abram Games, 'official war poster artist' during the second world war. Through his bold, direct, and sometimes controversial work, the iconic designer sought to educate, recruit and influence soldiers and civilians alike.
Over seven decades later, Games' work continues to influence visual designers looking to master the art of persuasion. And thanks to a major new exhibition at the National Army Museum, you can discover it for yourself. See over 100 posters which Games created during his employment as a poster artist for the Public Relations Department at the War Office, 1941-1945.
The art of persuasion: Wartime posters by Abram Games at the National Army Museum, Chelsea. Standard exhibitions tickets cost £6 and can be bought here.
Saturday 6 April
SOHO STREETS: Discovering London tour guide Peter Berthoud leads a charming walk, visiting every street, mews and thoroughfare in Soho over the course of the day. Listen out for plenty of fascinating history and trivia as you go, and partake in plenty of pub stops on the way. Oxford Circus, £35, book ahead, 10am-4.30pm
GAMES PARADE: If you're a video games fan, you won't want to miss the Games Character Parade, where people dress up in costumes and cosplay from video games and parade through the City of London. In addition to the procession, plenty of free, family-friendly activities take place in Guildhall Yard throughout the day, including games, exhibits and crafts. Guildhall Yard (City of London), free, book to take part in parade/just turn up to watch, 10.30am-4pm
WILDLIFE DRAWING: Try your hand at life drawing, at this class... where the models are all birds of prey. It celebrates the opening of Beasts of London (see above), and the history of these birds in London is told as you get stuck into drawing. Equipment is provided, and the class is open to all abilities, with tuition provided. Museum of London, £40, book ahead, 10.45am/1.45pm
COLLECTIVE MARKET: Over 40 different independent traders are selling affordable artwork, original homewares, bespoke toys and natural skincare at The Collective Market. Plus, the resident Street Feast traders open early today so there's plenty of food and drink to fuel your shopping. Hawker House (Canada Water), free entry, just turn up, 12pm-5pm
JAPANESE FILM: Celebrate Japanese culture with a film screening, discussion, live performances and food. The film being show is Close-Knit, about gender, identity and relationships, telling the story of a young girl, her uncle and his transgender partner. Tuck into sushi and sashimi, and enjoy live music by Japanese performer Miou. Moving Pictures Cinema (Elephant & Castle), £15-£30, book ahead, 6pm-10.30pm
EUROPEAN POETRY: As part of the European Poetry Festival, 36 artists from 25 countries perform new poetry and literary works, all written especially for tonight's event. Rich Mix (Shoreditch), free, book ahead, 7.30pm
TILTED CIRCUS: See new shows — some still in development — from circus artists working both in the air and on the ground. New talent and veteran performers showcase their talents at Tilted Circus scratch night, featuring dance, acrobatics, trapeze, hula hoops and other stunts. Jacksons Lane (Highgate), book ahead, 7.30pm
Sunday 7 April
COMMEMORATION WALK: Take a look at the different ways both famous and humble people are remembered in this commemoration walk around the City of London. Beginning at the Kindertransport statue, the route also passes tributes to those who fought for the right for women to vote, and to victims of terrorism. Liverpool Street, £10 (goes to Amnesty International), book ahead, 11am-12.30pm
STABLES TO SKA: From Roundhouse to Winehouse, tour guide Rachel Kolsky leads a walk themed on Camden's musical heritage. From piano-making to Pink Floyd to MTV, the area's got something of an eclectic musical history. Jewish Museum (Camden), £15, book ahead, 11am-1pm
FAMILY COMEDY: Comedy Club 4 Kids does exactly what the title suggests — makes kids laughs. It's a similar format to adult comedy shows, but with family-friendly jokes and sketches. ArtsDepot (North Finchley), from £9, book ahead, 12pm/2.30pm
LIVE AT LUNCH: If you're in the Covent Garden area at lunch time, pop into the Paul Hamlyn Hall at the Royal Opera House for a free musical performance. It's part of the Live At Lunch series of free concerts of music and dance, open to everyone. Royal Opera House (Covent Garden), free, just turn up, 1pm
DENIALISM: Why is speaking the truth so difficult? That's the question being asked at Thinking on Sunday, which looks at 'alternative' forms of knowledge, such as Holocaust denial, global warming denial and 9/11 conspiracies. Keith Kahn-Harris, author of Denial: The Unspeakable Truth, talks about why humans often deny facts, and how it works in our brains. Conway Hall (Holborn), £8/£4, book ahead, 3pm-4.30pm
BOAT RACE: Rowers from Oxford University go up against rowers from Cambridge University in the annual boat race on the Thames. The course runs from Putney Bridge to Mortlake Bridge, so find a spot alongside the river to watch the race go by. Here's our guide to the race. River Thames, free, just turn up, Women's Boat Race 2.13pm, Men's Boat Race 3.10pm
BENGAL TO BETHNAL GREEN: Sounds from Bengal and sounds from Bethnal Green collide in this musical performance, in which Bengali artists living in east London team up with the Grand Union Orchestra, performing traditional music with modern influences. Rich Mix (Shoreditch), free, just turn up, 3.30pm
ALTERNATIVE COMEDY: Established comedians and new acts turn out for Permitted Fruit, a night of alternative and experimental comedy. 'Kooky' Scot Zoë Tomalin showcases her relatable storytelling style, while part stand-up comedian and part performance artist Krishna Istha tackles issues of stereotypes, with others on the line-up too. The Apple Tree (Clerkenwell), £11/£8, book ahead, 6pm-9pm
