All weekend
CORONATION EVENTS: It probably hasn't escaped you that the coronation of King Charles III takes place this weekend. We've put together a few guides to help you navigate proceedings:
- A guide to the coronation, including the whens, wheres, formalities and the like;
- Our pick of coronation events, screenings and parties — for those of us who didn't get an invite to the Abbey itself;
- Regal-themed afternoon tea menus to celebrate the coronation;
- Where to escape the coronation altogether — in London and beyond.
Whatever you're up to, note that parts of central London will be very, very busy, some roads may be closed and buses diverted, and on Saturday, tubes may not stop at certain stations in the centre of the coronation action, to help with crowd control.
BANK HOLIDAY: Thanks to the coronation, this weekend is a bank holiday, so probably worth perusing our guide to spending bank holiday weekend in London. We've covered walking tours, cycling routes, secret gardens, sporting endeavours, pubs, Sunday roasts, family-friendly activities, and plenty more.
BEYOND LONDON: Even better, why not head out of London for the day (or longer)? Our Beyond London section has all manner of ideas, from tracking down the bits of London that ended up at the seaside, to exploring towns close to London, to quirky things to do such as seeking out a model solar system right next to the M25.
OUTDOOR CINEMA: As May begins, so does outdoor cinema season in London. Open-air film screenings take place on rooftops, in parks and at other locations around London — see our guide to outdoor cinemas in London for the summer 2023 highlights.
BREW LDN: Beer festival Brew LDN is back, taking over Printworks in Rotherhithe for two days of craft beer, cider, food and music — it's last time the event will be held at the venue, which is closing soon. Sample drinks from a range of breweries — including Badger Brewery, Cloak and Dagger Brewing, Freedom Brewery and Toast Ale. 5-7 May
DUNKIRK AT THE DOCKS: Over the coronation weekend, St Katharine Docks hosts a Dunkirk at the Docks Classic Boat Festival, thought to be the largest UK gathering of Dunkirk Little Ships in years. 35 of the vessels used in the Dunkirk evacuation in 1940 are on display, with a tea dance and other events taking place on dry land over the weekend too. 5-8 May
STREET ART EXHIBITION: You've only got until Tuesday to see Beyond The Streets London, the most comprehensive graffiti and street art exhibition to open in the UK, featuring over 100 international artists and taking over Saatchi Gallery in Chelsea. Until 9 May
ARAB WOMEN FILMMAKERS: Holborn's The Garden Cinema hosts Mukhrijat: Arab Women Filmmakers, a film festival showing recent key feature films that tell everyday human stories from the Arab world. This weekend's programme includes The Blue Caftan, about the owners of a traditional caftan store in a Moroccan medina, and Souad, about a young woman who appears to lead a conservative and veiled life, while having another life on social media. Until 19 May
WISTERIA: It's around this time each year that #WisteriaHysteria explodes, turning walls, buildings and gardens across the capital lilac, as the popular flowers come into bloom. Read our guide on where to see wisteria in bloom in London — and plan a walk to go see some.
Saturday 6 May
THE TACOVER: Apparently London's only taco festival, The Tacover is at Signature Brew in Walthamstow. Held in association with the Mexican embassy, the foodie event champions authentic Mexican owned brands from across the UK, with 30 taco vendors (including vegan and Halal options) present at four sessions across two days. 6-7 May
BANK HOLIDAY CELEBRATION: Alexandra Palace reopens its Terrace for the season with a huge bank holiday party. Tuck into street food and drinks from pop-up bars as you enjoy views over London, with live music and DJs (and hopefully, catch a glimpse of the Red Arrows flypast on Saturday...). 6-7 May
GARDEN OPEN DAY: Did you know that on a few weekends each year, you can visit the Hampton Court Palace gardens for free? The Garden Open Days offer free access to the grounds (excluding the maze and Magic Garden playground), and there are three of them this month (though note that the first one today is part of a coronation screening event, so likely to be very busy, plenty of Union Flags, that kind of vibe). FREE, from 10am
THEATRELAND BLACK HISTORY: Explore the hidden history of African presence in the West End's theatres, on this guided tour by Black History Walks. Discover how long there has been an African/Caribbean presence on the London stage, who the performers were, where they appeared — and how they were received by audiences. 10am-12pm
TRAINER CUSTOMISATION: The Migration Museum in Lewisham Shopping Centre holds a creative shoe customising session. Take your trainers along and learn how to make them your own, using paint, stencils, embroidery patches and creating new lace holes. It's hosted by Aida, founder of Afro Kickz, a sneakers brand inspired by traditional African imagery and modern Black culture. 12pm-3pm
BEEKEEPER OF ALEPPO: The critically acclaimed stage adaptation of 2019 novel The Beekeeper of Aleppo has its final airing at the Richmond Theatre today. It's the story of Nuri, a beekeeper, and his artist wife Afra who live in the Syrian city of Aleppo — until the war breaks out and they are forced to escape. 2.30pm/7.30pm
PAINT LONDON: Head to London Art Bar in Holborn for a Pop Up Painting session, where you'll create your own version of the London skyline. All materials are provided, and a practising artist is on hand to offer tips and guidance. 3.30pm-6pm
NON STOP STYLES: Beyond The Bridges on South Bank hosts a club night dedicated to singer Harry Styles. Non Stop Styles plays his songs, from the early One Direction days to his recent solo career, ahead of his European tour later this month. Your ticket includes a free drink. 7pm
ROLLER DISCO: Roller Nation in Tottenham has regular skating events going on every week, including a classic roller disco every Saturday evening. Skate (or stumble) your way around the rink to a soundtrack of tunes from the 70s-90s. Bring your own skates or hire some there — and fancy dress is very much encouraged. Age 18+. 7pm-1am
Sunday 7 May
EXTINCTION BECKONS: Mike Nelson: Extinction Beckons is filled with references to film, politics and colonialism, leaving viewers to draw their own narratives. Our art critic described the Hayward Gallery exhibition as "an invitation to get lost in the worlds Nelson has created — a mind blowing mix of immersive and conceptual art. Unforgettable" — and today is your last chance to see it. 10am-5.30pm
THE LION KING: From one king to another... today's film of choice at Barbican Cinema's Family Film Club is Disney classic The Lion King. Hakuna Matata to that. 11am
VINTAGE FAIR: Frock Me! Vintage Fair returns to Chelsea Old Town Hall, with more than 60 exhibitors selling clothing, jewellery and textiles dating back as far as the Victorian era. Vintage British labels such as Ossie Clark, Bill Gibb and Biba have been found at previous events, so worth having a good rummage. 11am-5.30pm
POOCH PARTY: Dogs are invited to celebrate the coronation at a Pooch Party at M Restaurant in Canary Wharf. With food for humans and dogs, and a dog fashion show (regal outfits required!), the event raises money for canine charity Dogs Trust. 12pm-4pm
BRITPOP BRUNCH: If you didn't get enough Harry Styles at last night's club night, head to the Britpop Brunch at music venue 100 Wardour Street. Choose between two or three courses of food, plus bottomless booze, as a DJ plays songs by the likes of the Spice Girls, Elton John, Robbie Williams, Harry Styles and Adele. 12pm-5pm
SOLO CRAFT FAIR: On the first Sunday of each month this summer, Solo Craft Fair is popping up at Between The Bridges on South Bank. Over 60 London-based makers and designers are selling their wares, including art, jewellery and plants. 12pm-5pm
BOOK OF KINGS: Spoken word artist Xanthe Gresham is at the British Library for an afternoon of wild mythology from Persia. She performs sections of The Shahnameh: The Book of Kings, an epic poem written more than 1,000 years ago, accompanied by Iranian musician Arash Moradi. 2.30pm-4pm
ROYAL POETS OF ENFIELD: Historian and lecturer Michael King is at Forty Hall to talk about the Royal poets of Enfield. Henry VIII, Elizabeth I and James I are among the monarchs to have had residences in Enfield, and all were poets. 4pm
LATE NIGHT JAZZ: If you're lucky enough to have tomorrow off, why not stay out late tonight? The Royal Albert Hall puts on one of its Late Night Jazz shows in the Elgar Room, starring Afro-Latin jazz band COLECTIVA. 9.30pm
Monday 8 May
LONDON CRAFT WEEK: Quilts? Tick. Paper flowers? Of course. Keyrings made from eggshells? Naturally. Find out about some of the more unusual things being made here in the capital at London Craft Week, which begins today with a fine jewellery exhibition, a display of Vivienne Westwood corsets, and a tour of a candlestick making workshop, among many other events. 8-14 May
PARENT & BABY CINEMA: Most Mondays, Big Penny Social host a Parent & Baby Film Club, where parents or carers with little ones can watch a film, with less pressure than a normal cinema environment. This week, that film is Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, about two aspiring musicians who are given a chance to represent their country at Eurovision. For more parent and baby events, click here. For more Eurovision, click here. 12.30pm
FRENCH SOHO: Join Footprints of London guide Jane Parker for a walking tour around Soho, focusing on the area's French community. Starting at Soho Square, visit churches, chapels, cafés and cake shops which reflect the French history, and hear about the Huguenots and other people who shaped the area into what it is today. 2.30pm-4.30pm
MAMMA MIA! Round off your weekend with an all-singing, all-dancing screening of Mamma Mia! — with views over London to boot. Rooftop Film Club screens the 2008 musical film, complete with ABBA soundtrack (well, it is the start of Eurovision week...) at its Roof East venue in Stratford. 8.35pm
