Things To Do This Week In London: 23-29 September 2024

Two new Silk Road exhibitions, a local history festival, and the Greatest Showman

All week

WHY AM I SO SINGLE? The writers of stage smash SIX are back with Why Am I So Single? Described as "riotously life-affirming" (The Times), and "a heartfelt meta-theatrical marvel" (WhatsOnStage), the all-singing, all-dancing tale of two best friends attempts to answer the question we've all asked ourselves at one time or another. It's on at the Garrick Theatre — book now and be one of the first to see. (sponsor)

TOTALLY THAMES: This is the final full week of this year's Totally Thames festival, a celebration of London's main waterway. Highlights this week include a sketching session on the Thames Pathway, and a talk about the history of London Bridge. Browse the full programme to find events that take your fancy. Until 30 September

THE GREATEST SHOWMAN: Fans of The Greatest Showman should head to Earl's Court for Come Alive!, a circus show inspired by the film. Expect a blend of musical theatre and circus performance including songs from the soundtrack such as This Is Me, Rewrite the Stars, and A Million Dreams. From 23 September

FOE TO FRIEND: Last chance to see the National Army Museum's free exhibition Foe To Friend, about the British Army's presence in Germany since the end of the Second World War in 1945. Hear about the lives of individual soldiers in Germany over the last 45 years, and how the Army helped rebuild a divided nation, provided protection during the Cold War, and later used Germany as a base from which to deploy troops across the world. FREE, until 29 September

MARC QUINN: 17 stainless steel and bronze sculptures have been dotted around Kew Gardens — including inside the Temperate House — all summer. They're the work of sculptor Marc Quinn, who aims to reflect the relationship between nature and humanity, and this week is your last chance to see them. Until 29 September

STORYTELLER: The Imperial War Museum marks the 13th anniversary of the death of photojournalist, filmmaker and humanitarian Tim Hetherington. Photography from across his career as a war reporter, and a selection of his cameras and diaries are on display, with his film Sleeping Soldiers available to watch too. FREE, Until 29 September

MINI GOLF: Last chance to tee off on what may just be London's most photogenic golf course. Wild Swing Mini Golf at Greenwich Peninsula is decorated with species of wildflower found nearby. All equipment is provided, and it's only £2.88 per person — bargain! Until 29 September

COLLECTING MORRIS: The William Morris Society in Hammersmith has launched its latest exhibition, Collecting Morris: Highlights from the Helena Stephenson Collection, which features original William Morris designs, wallpapers, textiles and Kelmscott Press books, which belonged to Stephenson, the last person to privately own Kelmscott House. Until 13 April 2025

LONDON DAY BY DAY: Never be stuck for something to do in London again with our day-by-day guide to the capital. We've gathered regular events that happen every (or almost every) week into one place, spanning walking tours, pub quizzes, live music, comedy nights and plenty more. Take a look, and bookmark it now so you've never short of ways to entertain yourself again.

DRINK OF THE WEEK: A new/old pub for Peckhamites: the Clock House Tavern on Peckham Rye has just reopened (it's now owned by Parched, which runs the nearby White Horse and Montpellier), offering a range of cask ales, whiskies and cocktails. With its oak panelling and leather banquette seating, this should make for a pleasant setting for drinks after an autumnal stroll across the Rye.

PLAY OF THE WEEK: Hit Netflix sitcom Kim's Convenience is back in its original form — on the stage — at Riverside Studios in Hammersmith, and it's a heck of a lot of fun. Our ★★★★ review praises its comfort blanket quality, edgy laughs, and one of the most lovable comedy characters in recent memory. Until 26 October

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Monday 23 September

LATE BRUCKNER, EARLY MAHLER: Fancy genning up on your classical composers? Charlton House kicks off a series of lectures today on Anton Bruckner and Gustav Mahler, separated by nearly four decades, but both creators of towering symphonic cycles. There are 10 more lectures in the series to follow, although you can attend this one on its own if you like, and enjoy it as a free taster session if you're a newcomer. 10am

ARCTIC EXPEDITION: The Royal Geographical Society offers a free online lecture about the Hayes Expedition to the Arctic, which took place 1860-61. Hear about the earliest photographs of the high Arctic, which were taken during the expedition, and see drawings made by the expedition's crew. FREE, 2.30pm-3.45pm

BEVERLEY KNIGHT: Soul singer Beverley Knight brings her current tour, 50 — which marks a milestone birthday in her life — to the Royal Albert Hall for one night. She performs songs from her latest album, The Fifth Chapter, as well as other tunes from throughout her career. 7.30pm

BLACKHEATH HALLS OPERA: One-act opera Cavalleria Rusticana is performed on stage at Blackheath Halls by an 80-strong chorus with members aged 8-80, accompanied by the Blackheath Halls Orchestra. The work tells the story of Turiddu, who returns from military service to find his fiancée Lola has married a neighbour. 7.30pm

PUB QUIZ: As always on a Monday, the White Horse in Wembley hosts a pub quiz. Entry is £2 per person, with prizes and a jackpot to be won. Plus, treat yourself to a burger and they'll throw in a free beer. 8pm-10pm

Tuesday 24 September

ALGERIAN CULTURE FESTIVAL: Rich Mix in Shoreditch hosts DzFest, a festival of Algerian arts and culture. It opens with an interactive session exploring Algerian songs and music videos from the 90s and early 2000s, followed by performances, and dancing and singing workshops. 24-28 September

LEHMAN TRILOGY: Theatre show The Lehman Trilogy returns to London, opening at the Gillian Lynne Theatre, telling the story of a German family who arrived in New York in 1844, becoming the banking company which collapsed into bankruptcy 163 years later, triggering a huge global financial crisis. From 24 September

COMPUTING HISTORY: Today's Gresham College lecture features cybersecurity expert Professor Victoria Baines discussing the ancient history of computers and code. Find out how ancient shipwrecks and the textile mills of Northern England both made use of the forerunners of today's modern computers. Watch in person at Barnard's Inn Hall, or online. FREE, 6pm

CROYDONOPOLIS: Londonist editor Will Noble is at the Golden Ark micropub in Selsdon, chatting about his new book, Croydonopolis: A Journey to the Greatest City That Never Was with his publisher and erstwhile Croydonian, Graham Coster. One for folks with a fondness for Croydon nostalgia and good beer. Just turn up. FREE, 7.30pm

ZOLA JESUS: American singer-songwriter Zola Jesus is at Grand Junction in Paddington. Expect elements of electronic, industrial, classical, and goth music as she celebrates her recent live video performance, Alive in Cappadocia. 8pm

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Wednesday 25 September

CHELSEA HISTORY FESTIVAL: Returning for its 6th edition, Chelsea History Festival is extra special this year, as it celebrates the launch of the new Chelsea Heritage Quarter. Events include a preview of the new Soane Stable Yard at Royal Hospital Chelsea, which opens in October — the first time part of the RHC site has been permanently open to the public. Also on the programme are talks by bestselling author Kate Mosse, author and broadcaster James Holland, and Horrible Histories author Terry Deary. 25-29 September

THE PLACE I AM NOT: Cypriot artist Maria Loizidou is thrust into the limelight at the Freud Museum in Hampstead and the Hellenic Centre in Marylebone, which jointly host her exhibition The Place I Am Not. It explores the themes of identity, belonging, and the immigrant experience through the lens of Sigmund Freud’s life in London. 25 September-20 October

LOOKING FOR LEONARDO: Dulwich Picture Gallery's Assistant Curator Lucy West gives a talk about the oldest paintings in Dulwich Picture Gallery’s collection, which were once thought to be by esteemed artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Hans Holbein and Jan Gossaer. 11am-12pm

COLOUR THERAPY: Colour expert and Londonist contributor Momtaz Begum-Hossain leads a weaving workshop focused on the meanings of colour at Southbank Centre. Before the workshop, enjoy a live performance by London-based pop/R&B artist Asha Gold. FREE, 5.30pm

ROCK AND OYSTER: The Laundry Restaurant in Brixton celebrates the start of autumn with oyster experts Wright Bros and English sparkling wine brand Nyetimber. Head to the terrace to enjoy freshly shucked Cumbrae, Achill and La 'M' rock oysters served au naturale and cooked. South London-based Cyndi Handson Ellesse provides a live soundtrack. 6pm-8pm

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF SOUND: Mexico City-based producer Camilo Lara, aka Mexican Institute of Sound, performs a rare London show at the Jazz Cafe. The musician — whose music has been featured in the likes of Narcos, Breaking Bad, Y tu Mamá También and Ugly Betty — is backed by a full live band. 7pm-9.30pm

THE FAIRY QUEEN: 17th-century opera The Fairy Queen by Henry Purcell is brought to life on stage by a variety of performers at Cadogan Hall, including choral ensemble The Sixteen. The show is an adaptation of William Shakespeare's comedy A Midsummer Night's Dream. 7.30pm

Thursday 26 September

BRITISH ART FAIR: The British Art Fair takes place at Chelsea's Saatchi Gallery, showcasing Modern British and Contemporary British Art, with 70+ exhibitors selling works by names including David Hockney, Bridget Riley, Frank Auerbach, Alan Davie, Paul Nash, L.S. Lowry, Barbara Hepworth, Henry Moore, Grayson Perry, Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin and Banksy. 26-29 September

VICTORIANS IN MOURNING: The Wellcome Collection's Lou Brook is at Keats House in Hampstead, for her talk Victorians in Mourning, which discusses out ancestors' approach to death, with its many rules and regulations. 6.30pm-8pm

SEWAGE IN OUR WATER: LSE brings together a panel of experts including David Henderson, CEO of Water UK, and James Wallace, Chief Executive of River Action, to discuss the problem of sewage in our waters. Find out about the new laws and huge investments which are needed to prevent dumping of sewage, plastics in our oceans, leaking from landfills, and other environmental issues surrounding water supplies. FREE, 6.30pm-8.30pm

GRACE JONES: New pop-up Camden Cult Cinema screens 2017 documentary film Grace Jones: Bloodlight And Bami. It follows singer and actress Grace Jones behind the scenes, showing her as a lover, daughter, mother, sister and even grandmother. 7.30pm

SHOWGIRLS LIVE: Drag powerhouse Baby Lame takes over Rio Cinema in Dalston for an outrageous screening of the cult classic film Showgirls. Join Team Nomi or Team Cristal and expect games, prizes, singalongs, and live performances from cabaret performers alongside the screening. 8pm

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Friday 27 September

SILK ROAD: The British Library's new exhibition, A Silk Road Oasis: Life in Ancient Dunhang, is a chance to learn about Dunhuang, at the edge of the Gobi Desert, once a bustling town on the Silk Road connecting China and the Mediterranean. Individual stories of people who lived there 1,000 years ago are told, thanks to the contents of the 'Library Cave', part of the Buddhist cave complex of Mogao, where manuscripts, documents and artworks remained sealed for nearly 900 years. From 27 September

INTERSTELLAR: To mark the 10th anniversary of sci-fi film Interstellar, the Science Museum begins a series of special screenings in its IMAX cinema. The film, about a group of astronauts searching for a new home for humankind in space, is screened surrounded by an immersive sound system. 27 September-6 October

MONET AND LONDON: The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House opens new exhibition Monet and London: Views of the Thames. See paintings of Charing Cross Bridge, Waterloo Bridge and the Houses of Parliament, which were put on display in Paris in 1904, but have never been shown in London until now. 27 September-19 January. Tonight, there's a special edition of Courtauld Lates, giving you a chance to be one of the first to see the exhibition, and enjoy themed cocktails from a pop-up bar. 6.30pm-10.30pm

LONDON NIGHT HIKE: Raise money for Maggie's Cancer Charity by taking part in the London Night Hike. Sign up to walk a 10 or 18 mile route alongside the Thames overnight, passing London landmarks as you go. 6pm

CHRISTIE'S LATES: Auction house Christie's in Mayfair stays open late for an evening in advance of Black History Month. It brings together artists and thinkers from across the African diaspora — keep an eye on the website for the full programme. FREE, 6pm-9pm

GALLERY LATE: Also staying open late is Dulwich Picture Gallery, themed around the current Yoshida: Three Generations of Japanese Printmaking exhibition. View the exhibition, and the gallery's other displays, and take part in workshops spanning sashiko stitching, lino printmaking, and more. There's also a pop-up bar, and food from Roy's Authentic Jerk Chicken. FREE, 6pm-10pm

ZANDRA RHODES: Though tickets to attend in person have sold out, you can still sign up to watch the livestream of fashion designer Dame Zandra Rhodes discussing her new memoir at the V&A. She talks to journalist Ella Alexander about her life, from opening her first store, thanks to a loan from Vanessa Redgrave, to designing for everyone from Freddie Mercury to Barbra Streisand. 6.30pm-7.30pm

THE MOTH MAINSTAGE: Comedian and writer Sara Barron hosts The Moth Mainstage, which brings together five storytellers, each sharing intimate, true tales from their own lives. The evening’s theme is "All-In", and the stories will be recorded for future episodes of The Moth Podcast and Moth Radio Hour. The show, at Union Chapel in Islington, also features a musical performance. Doors 7pm (sponsor)

Saturday 28 September

CLASSIC CAR BOOT SALE: All manner of vintage vehicles park up at King's Cross for the autumn edition of the Classic Car Boot Sale. Ogle the wheels, while buying vintage fashion from the back of them. Other entertainment includes clothing repair workshops, live DJs, and motorcycle and scooter ride-ins. 28-29 September

BEE AND HONEY SHOW: Capel Manor Gardens in Enfield hosts its annual Bee and Honey Show, a chance to learn all about honeybees and the threats they face. Watch the bees going about their daily business in an observation hive, and speak with exhibitors and beekeepers to get further insight. Local honey is for sale, and children can take part in activities including candle rolling and bee badge making. 28-29 September

HALAL FOOD FESTIVAL: 150+ vendors pitch up at the London Stadium in Stratford for the World Halal Food Festival. As well as dishes from all of those vendors available to purchase, the event encompasses a cookery theatre, a live entertainment stage and a kids' zone. 28-29 September

SILK ROADS: Confusingly (yet happily), in addition to the British Library's new exhibition (above), the British Museum opens a new, separate exhibition about Silk Roads. It highlights the fact that there was more than one such route, joining places as far apart at Scandinavia, Madagascar, Britain and Japan, and delves into how the silk roads shaped history and cultures. 28 September-23 February

ALICE IN WONDERLAND: The Royal Ballet and The National Ballet of Canada team up for a theatrical adaptation of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland at the Royal Opera House. At a garden party, Alice is surprised to see her parents' friend Lewis Carroll transform into a white rabbit. When she follows him down a rabbit hole, events become curiouser and curiouser. From 28 September

TEDDY BEARS' PICNIC: Under-5s and their families are invited to the Teddy Bears' Picnic at Orchard Dry Dock near Trinity Buoy Wharf. Take part in instrument playing, singing and dancing, along with imaginary play, nursery rhymes, bubbles and parachutes — all with teddies in tow, of course. 10.30am-4pm

STORY GARDEN: Ever visited the wonderful Story Garden in King's Cross? The people behind it, Global Generation, are celebrating their 20th anniversary (just like Londonist) with a big one day festival. Live music, botanical cocktails, beer from 3Locks brewery, wood fired pizzas, crafting workshops and more. Join the party for one last big hurrah before Story Garden moves to its new site in 2025. 1-7pm

CSI: It's CSI but not as you know it — because this time it stands for Crime Scene Improvisation, the sell-out Edinburgh Fringe show in which an absurd crime comedy is made up on the spot. The team are at the wonderful Wilton's Music Hall tonight. 7.30pm

GHOST: If you died, who would you want to haunt? Two musical worlds — Glyndebourne and grungy underground electronica — collide to create Emma Wheeler and Anna Appleby's short opera Ghost, which is on at the Cockpit theatre in Marylebone, and draws on the life experience of queer, neurodivergent women. 8.30pm

Sunday 29 September

SHEEP DRIVE: One of London's wackiest annual events is the Sheep Drive and Livery Fair. Each year, a chosen celebrity has the honour of herding sheep over Southwark Bridge — and this year it's TV star Damian Lewis. FREE, 10am-4pm

MORRIS MINOR CLUB: The Morris Minor Club parks up at Whitewebbs Museum in Enfield, showcasing models including saloons, tourers, vans, pickups and the Traveller estate to the public. The museum itself is open too — read about our visit for an idea of what to expect if you've never been before. 10am-4pm

CARDS AND COLLECTABLES: Trading card collectors and sports enthusiasts gather in Boxpark Wembley for the Cards and Collectables Show and London Trading Card Event. 100+ vendors from around the UK are exhibiting and selling objects spanning sports cards and Pokémon to Magic The Gathering, One Piece, and Yu-Gi-Oh. 11am-5pm

ACTON'S LOST CINEMAS: Back in the 1940s, when cinema-going in Britain was at its peak, Acton boasted five local cinemas all within walking distance of each other. On his Acton's Lost Cinemas walk, Nigel Smith whisks you back in time to discover everything from grand picture palaces to fleapits. 11.30am-1pm

UNRECORDED WOMEN: Written history records only the rich and famous, because poor women do nothing interesting - right? No! Ordinary working women had interesting, varied lives in the Middle Ages, and this walk with Laura Agustin and Rob Smith shows what they were like. You’ll meet 6 women who lived and worked near the Thames in Southwark in the 14th century: scullery maid, victualler, laundress, alewife, sex worker, huckster. noon

HARRISON FESTIVAL: The Harrison pub — which is currently running a crowdfunding campaign to keep itself open — holds a fundraising festival at nearby Jamboree. Watch folk, world and jazz acts perform live, including Flotsam Orchestra, Nick Hart and Whiskey Moon Face. Your ticket includes re-entry, so you can pop over to the Harrison between sets for a Sunday roast if you like. 12pm-7pm

HARVEST FESTIVAL: The London Pearly Kings and Queens Costermongers Harvest Festival brings together pearly kings and queens from across London and beyond for a gathering in Guildhall Yard, followed by a church service at St Mary-le-Bow on Cheapside. There will likely be charity collections taking place, so worth having a few quid on you to make a donation. FREE, 1.30pm

ST AUGUSTINE'S TOWER: Give your calf muscles a workout by climbing St Augustine's Tower in Hackney, the oldest building in the borough. The church building opens on the last Sunday of the month, offering access to its rooftop viewpoint. Alternatively, browse the ground floor exhibition, where you'll find a VR panorama of the view from the top, no climbing required. 2pm-4.30pm

YARD SALE: This afternoon sees the 13th Tufnell Park Yard Sale, in which 80 or so houses sell toys, books, clothes and bric-a-brac from their doorsteps. There's also live music, drink and cake. FREE ENTRY, 2pm-5pm

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