All week
SUMMER BY THE RIVER: Free outdoor festival Summer by the River continues until Friday this week, taking place on the south side of the Thames near Tower Bridge. Last chance to enjoy family film screenings, live music and more. FREE, until 2 September
THE SECRET GARDEN: It's the final week of The Garden Museum's summer holiday exhibition, The Secret Garden. It's a celebration of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s beloved classic children’s book The Secret Garden, showing how different artists have illustrated it in the century since it was published. There are family-friendly games and trails, and kids go free. Until 4 September
EDVARD MUNCH: Also closing this week is Edvard Munch Masterpieces From Bergen. The Courtauld Gallery exhibition is the first time this major collection of 18 paintings by Munch has been shown in the UK, from his early works to his highly expressive later paintings. Until 4 September
BBC PROMS: It's the penultimate week of this year's BBC Proms, and there are still plenty of chances to catch a concert or two. Highlights this week include a celebration of 100 years of the BBC, and the storytelling spectacle of The Dream Prom. Until 10 September
GDIF: A giant rotating zoetrope which was created for Burning Man, a promenading theatre production, and a rainbow island of foam. Some of the highlights of this year's Greenwich + Docklands International Festival, which carries on this week and next. Most events FREE, until 11 September
SUMMER HOLIDAYS: From theatre shows, to museum events, to where to find your nearest playground, boating lake or ice rink, our guide to London in the summer holidays has plenty of ideas for family-friendly days out.
Bank holiday Monday 29 August
BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND: It's a bank holiday Monday. If you're lucky enough to have today off work, make the most of it with our guide to spending the bank holiday in London. Whether you're after cultural days out, new walking routes, something a bit active, or just a new spot to eat and drink, we've got you covered.
FOOD FESTIVAL: Feast your eyes on the surroundings of Hampton Court Palace, and your stomach on goodies from the Hampton Court Palace Food Festival, which is in its final day in the palace gardens. Tuck into street food, browse and buy artisan products including wine, rum, cakes, pastries, coffee and cheese. There's also live music at the bandstand, and face painting and shire horse rides for kids. 10am-6pm
FREE CRAZY GOLF: For one day only, crazy golf venue Swingers City (located near the Gherkin) offers free crazy golf all day to celebrate its 6th birthday. Free slots are allocated on a first come, first served basis, and there's also an exclusive birthday cocktail and half-price Perrier Jouet Champagne. FREE, 11am-10pm
NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL: It's the August bank holiday Monday, and that means....Carnival! The first in-person Notting Hill Carnival since 2019 takes over west London's streets, with music, dancing, Caribbean food... and a new eco-friendly twist for 2022. It's been on all weekend, but today is the main day. Here's our Notting Hill Carnival guide. FREE, from 12pm
CARNIVAL WEEKENDER: Foodie haven Seven Dials Market hosts a Carnival Weekender, with music, dancing and costumes taking over the Covent Garden warehouse all weekend. Sound system Reggae Roast provides the soundtrack, with plenty of feathers, masks and glitter, plus special edition dishes and cocktails from the regular food and drink traders. 1pm-1am
POOCHES AND PINTS: Walthamstow's Truman's Social Club hosts its annual Pooches & Pints Dog Show, raising money for canine charity All Dogs Matter. Sign your dog up in advance to take part, or if you don't have a dog, just turn up and watch others strut their stuff while you enjoy a pint or two.1.30pm-4pm
Tuesday 30 August
ATTENBOROUGH AND HIS ANIMALS: All this week, Attenborough and his Animals is on at Wilton's Music Hall. The family-friendly stage show combines clowning and physical theatre, with two performers bringing to life the animals seen in David Attenborough documentaries. 30 August-3 September
UNDERGROUND HISTORY: Join Footprints of London guide Stephen Benton for a tour through the history of the London Underground, from 1863 to today. You'll need an Oyster or ticket for travel on Zones 1-2, as the tour involves riding the Underground, between one of its oldest stations, and one of its newest. Along the way, admire the different architecture types at different stations, and finish up with a ride on the Elizabeth line. 11am-1pm
DAUGHTER OF AUSCHWITZ: One of the youngest people to emerge from Auschwitz, Tova Friedman wrote a book about her horrific experiences called The Daughter of Auschwitz. Tonight, she's discussing the book, at the Jewish Museum. 6pm
BOB MARLEY: As part of its Reggae on Film series, the BFI screens Bob Marley: The Making of a Legend. The 2011 documentary draws on archive footage, mainly taken before the reggae star became successful. The screening also includes a Q&A with the film's directors, Esther Anderson and Gian Godoy. 6.10pm
THE INVISIBLE MAM: Comedian Hayley Ellis performs her new show, The Invisible Mam, at Bloomsbury Theatre. She takes an amusing look at becoming a mum and then going into lockdown, meaning her maternity leave didn't turn out quite as she'd planned. 7.30pm
Wednesday 31 August
BRITANICK: Comedy duo Nick Kocher and Brian McElhaney — together known as BriTANick — appear at Soho Theatre. It's the London debut for the Emmy-nominated writers for Saturday Night Live and It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia, so we're not sure what to expect — but their online videos have had 50 million views and their New York and LA shows always sell out, so worth a punt we reckon. 31 August-3 September
NATURE TALKS: Natural History Museum's Bring Your Own Baby: Nature Talks series is a chance for parents and carers with babies under a year old to enjoy a talk about science and nature, with little ones in tow in a relaxed and friendly environment. Today Curator of Fossil Fish, Emma Bernard, gives a talk about Super Sharks, with a chance to see teeth from the largest shark that ever lived, the megalodon. 2pm-3pm
TIME TO SHRINE: London Bridge-based live music venue Amazing Grace launches new music showcase event Time To Shrine tonight. Alternative R&B singer Amie Blu, musician and producer Humble the Great, and Irish R&B singer-songwriter Erica Cody headline tonight — all inside a 17th century church building. 5pm-midnight
INDIA LATE: Science Museum's monthly late-night opening takes place tonight. This time, it's a celebration of Indian science and culture, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of Indian Independence. Learn about Indian folklore, or take part in a mass participation artwork with artist Chila Burman (whose neon works took over Covent Garden last autumn). BBC Radio Presenter DJ Ritu performs in the Energy Hall all evening, plus there's the usual blend of talks, a pub quiz, a silent disco and more. Age 18+. FREE, 6.30pm-10pm
GENTLEMEN'S CLUBS: Ever wondered what goes on at London's high-end gentlemen's clubs? Find out without leaving your own home on this virtual tour, which tells the story of their sudden growth in the St James's area in the 19th century. Find out where they were situated, which ones still exist today, and admire the architectureof their construction. 7pm-8pm
Thursday 1 September
TOTALLY THAMES: The annual celebration of London's river returns, for a month of tours and river cruises, music performances, talks, art installations, theatre shows, guided walks and more, starting today. See the full Totally Thames 2022 programme. 1-30 September
JAMES BOND AND BEYOND: James Bond is missing. That's the premise of new book Double or Nothing by Kim Sherwood, the first in an officially commissioned trilogy of books intended to 'blow the world of Ian Fleming's James Bond wide open'. Tonight, Sherwood and fellow Bond author Charlie Higson discuss the book and celebrate its launch — watch the event in person at the British Library, or livestreamed online.7pm-8.30pm
BRIDGE ON THE RIVER KWAI: Screenwriter, playwright and film blogger Carol Saint Martin hosts the latest Screenplay By event an Kennington's Cinema Museum, focusing on the screenwriters and storytellers behind famous films, and their own stories. Tonight, it's 1967 film The Bridge On The River Kwai. 7pm
OSCARS FASHION: Love the red carpet fashion at Hollywood awards ceremonies? Bermondsey's Fashion & Textile Museum hosts an online talk by entertainment journalist Esther Zuckerman about the most glamorous, radical and scandalous moments in Oscars fashion history. 7pm-8.30pm
SUMMER ANTHEMS: Electronic music singer Alex Mills headlines tonight's Summer Anthems event at live music venue 100 Wardour Street in Soho. Enjoy drinks or dinner as the Leeds-born, London-residing singer performs — then keep the party going into the small hours, as the venue's open until 3am. 9.30pm-10.30pm
Friday 2 September
CAMDEN INSPIRE: Free two-day festival Camden Inspire is a celebration of the local community and businesses, taking place just off Camden High Street and featuring interactive street art, live music, food, drink and entertainment. The music stage is curated by the likes of Roundhouse and Green Note, and everything from tacos to gnocchi is available at the food and drink stalls. FREE, 2-3 September
MEATOPIA: Carnivores, unite! Food festival Meatopia takes over Tobacco Dock for three days of live cooking and exclusive dishes celebrating cooking over fire, plus a beer hall and live music to get the party started. 2-4 September
PUB IN THE PARK: Making its final London stop this summer, Pub in the Park comes to Chiswick for three days of food, drink and live music. Craig David, Beverley Knight and Sophie Ellis-Bextor are on the music line-up, with Tom Kerridge among the chefs doing live demos. 2-4 September
FOOD & PLAY: Head to The Piazza in Wimbledon for Food & Play, a free new event helping you to make the most of summer. There's table football and giant Jenga and Connect 4 for family and friends to enjoy, plus live music, and pop-up stalls from local restaurants and bars including the Cheese Cave and cocktail specialists Tequila Mockingbird. FREE, 12pm-9pm
ARSENAL OF SOUNDS: Located on the site of the Royal Arsenal, Woolwich Works is now a multi-purpose event venue, hosting plenty of live music. Tonight is the launch of a regular new event, Arsenal of Sounds. Expect a unique mix of rhythms from all over Latin America from band Malphino, and a blend of Afro-Brazilian percussion, Scottish folktales, and West African rhythms from all-female five-piece band Let Drum Beat. 8pm
Saturday 3 September
LONDON TATTOO SHOW: Keen to get your next tattoo, or just looking for inspiration? Seasoned tattoo enthusiasts and those without a single inking (yet) are welcome at the Big London Tattoo Show, which has around 360 world-class tattoo artists present. There are also fairground rides, side shows, and other entertainment. 3-4 September
PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP: Join Photographer in Residence Joseph O' Sullivan for a street photography workshop at Montcalm East hotel near Old Street. Begin at the hotel's photography studio before heading out onto the streets of east London to learn different techniques and snap some shots under O'Sullivan's expert guidance. 10am-1pm
PECKHAM FETE: A Dog show, sack races, coconut shies, Punch and Judy, a tea and cakes tent, and book and plant stalls feature at the annual Peckham Rye Fete. We're told there will be Pimm's too, if that sways it... 12pm-5pm
CRAFTY FOX: Browse and buy handmade homeware, crafted ceramics, fashion, artwork, one-off jewellery pieces, organic skincare, stand-out kidswear and more as Crafty Fox Market takes over Mercato Metropolitano for its first autumn event of the year. The 30 stallholders have been handpicked for the event, and the venue is a food market, so plenty of options for tasty refreshments as you shop. FREE, 11am-5pm
INTERESTING CONFERENCE: Enjoy an afternoon of 16 short talks on 'interesting things' at the Interesting Conference at Conway Hall. Topics range from lawn bowls to long grief, via Charles Darwin and 'Detroit on Thames'. Intriguing. The full line-up is being gradually announced on Twitter. 12.30pm-4pm
LAUREL AND HARDY SOCIETY: The quarterly meeting of the Laurel and Hardy Society takes place at the Cinema Museum in Kennington. Non-members are welcome to attend for a fee, and enjoy screenings of Should Married Men Go Home? (1928); The Laurel-Hardy Murder Case (1930); Come Clean (1931); Scram! (1932); and Pack Up Your Troubles (1932). 3pm
BROMLEY FC: Fancy watching a spot of fifth tier football? Course you do! Head to Hayes Lane, to watch Bromley take on Eastleigh. 3pm KO
Sunday 4 September
GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY: Fan of Marvel Studios? You need to know about Secret Cinema's new Guardians of the Galaxy live immersive experience. Choose between just the immersive experience, or watching the film + immersive experience, with locations and characters you'll recognise, recreated in typical Secret Cinema style. 4 September-30 October
PECKHAM SALVAGE YARD: Head to Copeland Park for Peckham Salvage Yard, a flea market-style event with over 60 traders taking part. Rummage through 20th century furniture, French antiques, vintage clothes, reclaimed lighting and unexpected oddities. 11am-5pm
DIVERSE SPITALFIELDS: Join author and Londonist contributor David Fathers for a walking tour of Diverse Spitalfields, tying in with his recent book, Diverse London. Learn about the four different groups of migrants who have arrived in the area over the past 300 years, and pass sites including the former homes and shops of the silk-weaving Huguenots, and ghost signs which give clues about previous inhabitants' identities. 12pm-2.30pm
TIM PEAKE: Astronaut Tim Peake makes an appearance at the London Palladium to talk about his 2015 experience of being the first British astronaut to visit the International Space Station to conduct a spacewalk while orbiting Earth. He also shows photos and never-seen-before footage of his career, and reveals what life as an astronaut is really like. 2pm
HOOTERS COMEDY: Nope, nothing to do with *that* Hooters — this early evening show at 2Northdown features a quadruple bill of smoking hot stand up, including Leicester Square New Comedian Of The Year Finalist 2021 Karen Hobbs, and Kate Norris, who makes up 50% of one of our fave comedy duos, Norris and Parker. 6pm
EDWARD ENNINFUL: End your week on a fashion-forward note, as Southbank Centre hosts an evening with British Vogue editor-in-chief Edward Enninful, in conversation with actress Michaela Coel. Enninful discusses his journey breaking into the exclusive fashion industry, as a Black, gay, working class refugee, and how he's changing the industry by putting first responders, octogenarians and civil rights activists on the cover of Vogue. 7.30pm
Urban oddity of the week
Attenborough and his Animals (see Tuesday) reminds us of how the big man is celebrated around town in various murals. The largest, and sadly now gone, appeared in Bethnal Green in 2019. But we're also fond of this mural at West Dulwich station, which shows Attenbrough and other naturalists and scientists.
Good cause of the week
Comedy for charity: Book now for a 19 October comedy night in London's famous Comedy Store. Parkinson's UK flagship comedy night, Shake with Laughter, is back and celebrating its 10th anniversary. Join host Rob Deering and other comedians, including the legendary Jo Brand. Tickets cost £23.50 per person (£20 for students) with proceeds going towards Parkinson's UK's efforts to improve the lives of people with this currently incurable disease.
