All week
EASTER HOLIDAYS: With most London schools closed for the Easter holidays, there are plenty of family-friendly things to get up to in the capital this week. Take a look at our guide to Easter holiday events in London for exhibitions, shows and other events for kids of all ages — including plenty of free and cheap stuff.
TEENAGERS: Teenagers can be particularly tricky to entertain while school's out, but don't fret. We've come up with 25 ideas for days out with teenagers in London, from shopping to sports to street art and more.
EXECUTIONS: The thought-provoking Executions at Museum of London Docklands ends this week. It offers a sensitive but fascinating look back at the history of capital punishment in London, including an affecting replica of the Tyburn Tree. Well worth seeing if you can squeeze it into your week. Until 16 April
AFRICA FASHION: The V&A's Africa Fashion exhibition displays more than 250 objects by 45 designers from more than 20 countries, celebrating the talent and diversity of Africa's fashion industry from the mid-20th century to today. Sketches, photographs, film and catwalk footage all feature, alongside plenty of outfits — and this is its final week. Until 16 April
BEYOND THE STREETS: A reminder that there's not long left to see Beyond The Streets London, a graffiti and street art exhibition at Saatchi Gallery in Chelsea. It's a big one, featuring work by 100 artists around the world, and spanning three floors of the gallery, exploring how the street art scene has evolved. Until 9 May
CROWN TO COUTURE: Ogle astounding outfits through time — from Charles II's gown, to Phoebe Waller-Bridge's Monique Lhuillier dress — at Kensington Palace's Crown to Couture exhibition. Also learn how Victorian and Georgian-era 'celebrities' influenced today's fashion. Until 29 October
EAT OF THE WEEK: Do brunch, feast on popcorn shrimp, or grab a Google Bird signature cocktail from The Orangery Bar & Kitchen, a new eatery set in a light-and-plant-filled part of the Sun Street Hotel, near Liverpool Street.
PUB OF THE WEEK: Now and then, you walk into a boozer only to have your breath taken away by its overwhelmingly eclectic interior. With its unlikely baubles, such as vintage one-arm bandits and a pair of Edwardian ice skates, Belgravia's Nags Head is one such establishment. Even the pump handles are antiques. What a find.
Easter Monday 10 April
BANK HOLIDAY: Today's a bank holiday Monday, so if you're lucky enough to have the day off work, take a look at our guide to things to do in London on a bank holiday, spanning walking and cycle routes, guided tours, places to eat and drink, and plenty more. Even if you've already got plans today, bookmark the page, as we've got three (!) bank holidays coming up in May.
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 show. 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
Tuesday 11 April
PETER RABBIT: Wilton's Music Hall hosts children's concert The Tales of Peter Rabbit and Jemima Puddle-Duck across five lunchtime this week, starting today. It uses storytelling, songs, and a live orchestra to bring Beatrix Potter's tales to life on stage. 12.30pm, 11-15 April
CELTIC AND ROMAN BRITAIN: Guildhall Library offers a free online talk about objects from Celtic and Roman Britain in the British Museum. Hear from history lecturer Dr William Sterling about Roman ties with Britain before Julius Caesar, right through to the conquest by Emperor Claudius and Boudicca's revolution. FREE, 2pm-3pm
BAKE ME A CAT: Kim-Joy, a finalist of The Great British Bake Off 2018, is at Waterstones in Piccadilly to celebrate the launch of her new recipe book, Bake Me A Cat. It features 50 recipes for animal-themed baked goods, and the launch is a chance to see her in conversation with fellow GBBO finalist, Ruby Bhogal. 6.30pm
THE RED SHOES: As part of the St Marylebone Festival at St Marylebone Parish Church (in, you've guessed it, Marylebone), catch a screening of 1948 film The Red Shoes. It's the story of a ballerina who has to choose between her career on stage and her romance with a composer, and is based on a Hans Christian Andersen tale. 6.45pm-9.30pm
PUB QUIZ: Every Tuesday, the Railway in Streatham hosts a pub quiz night. It's £2.50 per person entry, with a £50 cash prize up for grabs. 8pm
Wednesday 12 April
HUMANS 2.0: The next chapter of Circa's internationally-acclaimed physical circus show Humans launches at Southbank Centre. Humans 2.0 features 10 performers doing choreographed acrobatics and dance to a specially performed soundtrack. Age 8+. 12-16 April
MEDIEVAL CITY: Join City Highlights guide John Finn for a London Metropolitan Archives walking tour focusing on medieval London. Beginning at St Paul's, visit sites in the City where both rich and poor people lived and worked during the Middle Ages. 11am-1pm
SABINE ADEYINKA: Take the kids along to Stanfords travel bookshop's new outpost at Battersea Power Station for an afternoon with children's author Sabine Adeyinka. She discusses her book, Jummy At The River School, about a student at a boarding school in Nigeria, ahead of the sequel, A Time to Shine At The River School, being released in May. 2pm-3.30pm
ART AND AI: Artificial intelligence is a hot topic at the moment, and it's not good news for everyone. Head to Conway Hall to hear how advances in artificial intelligence are causing problems for artists who are trying to make a living — from visual artists whose work is being used as a basis for AI creations, to voice actors who may have signed away the rights for their voices to be used in AI works. 6.30pm
THE MOTH STORYSLAM: Storytelling competition night The Moth StorySLAM is back at Rich Mix for a night of tales with the theme 'Clean'. If you've got a five-minute story on the topic, sign up for a slot, and share it with the audience on the night (note: stories must be true). Otherwise, kick back and enjoy other people spinning their yarns up on stage. 7.15pm
Thursday 13 April
WIZARD OF OZ: We're off to see the wizard, at the Cockpit Theatre in Marylebone. It has an Easter panto version of The Wizard of Oz, based on Frank L. Baum's novel. It's the preview show today, with additional performances Friday-Sunday. 13-16 April
GRAFFITI WORKSHOP: The Leake Street graffiti tunnels beneath Waterloo station currently have an artist-in-residence, Marc Craig, and he's offering regular graffiti workshops for anyone who wants to try their hand at the art form. Learn how to use a spray can and try out various techniques to create your own masterpiece on a blank stretch of wall within the tunnel. 2pm/6pm and various other dates
PAINTING AND PROSECCO: Try your hand at recreating Monet's Le Grand Canal painting at Painting & Prosecco in Holborn. Aided along by a drink or two, and with guidance from a professional artist, create your own take on the Venetian painting. All art supplies are provided. 7.30pm-10pm
GARRETT MILLERICK: Ahead of Edinburgh season, comedian Garrett Millerick tries out new material, in his work-in-progress show Never Had It So Good at the Pleasance Theatre in Islington. Find out why, despite everything going on, Millerick reckons we're alive during the best period in all of human history. 7.40pm
VICTOR MECHANICK: The effortlessly cool French musician Victor Mechanick calls in at Hoxton's Sebright Arms tonight, with support from JOSSLE and Yaz Aiyla. 8pm
Friday 14 April
BRICK LANE JAZZ FESTIVAL: The Brick Lane Jazz Festival returns for a weekend of live music, starting today. Headline acts include Indian-raised, London-based performer Sarathy Korwar, and south London pianist and composer Ashley Henry. You can buy day or weekend passes to all shows at the Old Truman Brewery, with tickets to Village Underground shows sold separately. 14-16 April
IN THE ROUND: The seventh incarnation of In The Round Festival takes place at Camden Roundhouse, giving fans a chance to experience music performed live on the venue's circular stage. Gambian multi-instrumentalist Sona Jobarteh, singer-songwriter Cam, and American soul singer Leroy Huston are all on this year's programme. 14-25 April
WORLD PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS: One of our art critic's April picks is the Sony World Photography Awards Exhibition at Somerset House, which opens today. See the shortlisted photos — 415,000 images from over 200 countries — as well as new additions for 2023 including a space dedicated to recent works by Australian photographer Adam Ferguson, who won the 2022 Photographer of the Year for his series Migrantes, and a spotlight on the winning series of the new Sustainability Prize. 14 April-1 May
FLEETWOOD MAC TRIBUTE: Go Your Own Way to Fairfield Halls in Croydon for Rumours of Fleetwood Mac, a tribute act celebrating the rock band. Across 2.5 hours, hear some of the band's greatest hits played, by a group of performers endorsed by Mick Fleetwood himself. 7.30pm
WRESTIVAL: Head Drop is a pro wrestling show which showcases the camp dynamic of the British grappling scene's glory years, curated by Rob Brazier, a queer photographer with a long-standing history in the British wrestling scene. Heroes and villains go head-to-head to demonstrate their athleticism, charisma, technique and raw power. Some of the UK's top wrestlers including Jerry Bakewell, Spike Trivet and Livvii Grace are taking part. 9pm
TAYLOR SWIFT PARTY: If you're getting jealous of the Taylor Swift fans Stateside who've already experienced The Eras Tour live, get yourself to O2 Academy Islington for Taylor Swift: The Eras Party, a club night where the DJ plays 30 minutes of tracks from each TS album — the order of the albums is assigned by bingo balls, and announced on social media in the lead up to the event. If that's not enough T-Swizzle for you, have a look at our pick of other Taylor Swift-themed events in London. 11pm
Saturday 15 April
CLASSIC CAR BOOT SALE: Pre-1990 vehicles including cars, campervans, hot rods, scooters, caravans, motorbikes and custom bicycles park up in King's Cross for the Classic Car Boot Sale, and a weekend of shopping, eating and dancing. Browse and buy vintage clothing and homewares from the Charity Super.Mkt, and visit the Repair Shop for advice on caring for your vintage garments. 15-16 April
PETROL HEADONISM: It's a good weekend for car fans, as in addition to the above, Petrol Headonism Underground takes place in Wembley's underground car parks. With retro, classic and modified vehicles, hypercars, supercars and bikes on display, it brings together car enthusiasts for the first in a series of new events. 15-16 April
CYCLIST TRACK DAYS: Take to two wheels at the Cyclist Track Days at Lee Valley VeloPark in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. It's organised by Cyclist magazine, and anyone's welcome to go along and test ride the newest road bike models from top cycling brands including BMC, Canyon and Ribble. 15-16 April
YOGA BRUNCH: Start your weekend with a 75-minute Yin Yang Yoga class at The Treehouse in Elephant Park, followed by brunch at nearby pub The Rosy Hue. Choose from six dishes, including a vegan option, and add booze for just £3 extra. 10am-1pm
CROYDON BEER FESTIVAL: More than 40 different beers and ciders are available to drink over two sessions at today's Croydon Beer Festival, held in the town centre. 11am-4.30pm and 5.30pm-11pm
VINTAGE SALE: Give your wardrobe a spring refresh at Peckham Vintage Kilo Sale, where you can stock up on vintage clothes, shoes and accessories, priced by weight at £20 a kilo. There's no minimum — or maximum — spend, so pick well and you could take home a selection of new garments for just a few quid. 11am-5pm
EARTHQUAKE FUNDRAISER: Marcus Mumford, Dermot Kennedy, Hozier, James Bay, Anna Calvi and Nilüfer Yanya are among the performers at a one-off charity concert at the Royal Albert Hall, raising money for War Child and The Turkey Mozaik Foundation, following the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. 6.30pm
Sunday 16 April
AMERICANS OF MAYFAIR: Join Footprints of London tour guide Michael Duncan for a walking tour around the salubrious neighbourhood of Mayfair, focusing on the well-known Americans who have lived there over the years. Rock and film stars and presidents are among the people who have stayed there — which is not surprising when you remember that the US Embassy was based in the area until 2018. 11am
CANAL BOAT: King's Cross's wonderful Canal Museum has launched a season of short narrow boat tours, most of which pass through the Islington Tunnel, the longest canal tunnel in London. There are multiple trips on Sundays, most of which are round trips setting off from the museum. 11am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm
FREE JAZZ AND BLUES: Every Sunday, the Oval Tavern in Croydon invites you to two free music sessions; this week, lunchtime jazz comes courtesy of the Tracey Mendham Quartet, followed by an evening of blues from The Broadcasters. Jazz starts 1pm, blues starts 8pm
ALWAYS SUNNY PODCAST: Rob McElhenney, Charlie Day, and Glenn Howerton, of the much-loved TV show It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia bring The Always Sunny Podcast to the Royal Albert Hall — their first live shows in the UK. 2.30pm/7.30pm
DIVERSE CLASSICAL: See the debut concert of Vox Urbane, a new classical vocal ensemble founded to tackle the lack of diversity in classical music. The early evening concert takes place in the atmospheric Asylum Chapel, Peckham. It includes UK premieres by Judd Greenstein and Tara Mack, plus music from Meredith Monk, Philip Glass, Barbara Dudek, Francis Poulenc and more. 6.30pm
ANIA MAGLIANO: Hugely talented comedian Ania Magliano is doing a WIP at the Bill Murray in Angel tonight: we're told to expect good jokes, bad jokes, and some secrets accidentally blurted out to fill the silence. 6.30pm
Urban oddity of the week
Plenty of famous Americans have lived in London (see 'Sunday'), and, in fact, eight US Presidents are commemorated here with public statues and busts. Reckon you could name them? (We've started you off with the pic of JFK). Do your best, then read this article for the answers. Another clue to help you out: London does not have a statue of Donald Trump. And unless something goes horribly awry, it never will.
Good cause of the week
The Brian Tumour Charity is hosting an affordable art exhibition, Time, at Business Design Centre this week (on until 15 April). Featuring photographs, illustrations, paintings, scans and sculptures from the brain tumour community — and by famous artists like David Shrigley — it gives an insight into the journey taken by patients, loved ones, supporters, clinicians and researchers. Pieces are being sold with a silent auction during the week.
