All week

HADESTOWN: Take a trip to the underworld with a Greek myth-inspired musical that intertwines two ancient love stories — those of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and King Hades and his wife Persephone. Hadestown is penned by Grammy®-winning singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell and has racked up a whopping EIGHT Tony® awards, including Best Musical and Best Director for Rachel Chavkin. See the 'musical of the year' (The Guardian) at the Lyric Theatre now. (sponsor)

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS: With the summer holidays well underway, take a look at our guide to family-friendly things to do in London, to keep children and teenagers of all ages amused and happy.

ROUGH TRADE: Revered record shop/label Rough Trade has plonked itself in the Barbican, with a pop-up shop running for the rest of 2024, selling (uber hip) records, t shirts and the like. We're impressed just by the photos they've sent us — we spy a copy of 1970s plant-growing concept album, Plantasia. Kudos. Until the end of the year

THE CONSTITUENT: Time's running out to see The Constituent, an Old Vic show starring Anna Maxwell Martin, James Corden, and Zachary Hart as an MP, an ex-serviceman, and a parliamentary protection officer. Until 10 August

OLYMPICS: Badminton, hockey, judo, volleyball and water polo are among the sports being contested at this first full week of the Paris 2024 Olympics. Keep up to date with the action from across the Channel at these Olympic screenings at venues around London — many of them free. Until 11 August

FANGIRLS: If you bottled the adrenaline rush of your first crush, mixed it with the memory of seeing your favourite artist perform live and poured this potent cocktail of emotions into a stage musical, you’d probably end up with something like Fangirls. This award-winning, pop-powered comedy is at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre for a strictly limited season, following multiple sold-out runs across Australia. Until 24 August (sponsor)

CAMDEN FRINGE: Who needs Edinburgh when you've got Camden Fringe? The festival, which begins on Monday, offers new and experimental theatre and comedy performances by emerging artists across north London, with 300 shows on 2024's programme. 29 July-25 August

PROMS: A reminder that this year's Proms are ongoing, predominantly at the Royal Albert Hall. Picks this week include Sam Smith joining the BBC Concert Orchestra for a retrospective look at their seminal debut solo album In the Lonely Hour, 10 years on from its original release (takes place on Friday). Until 14 September

EAT OF THE WEEK: You no longer need to schlep to Manchester or Liverpool to indulge in the teutonic raucousness of Albert's Schloss — they've opened a sprawling new branch on Shaftesbury Avenue, and it's packed with hearty fare (think hunks of schweinshaxe, and slabs of schnitzel), regular live music (including lashings of booming oompah) and for our money, the best thing of all — 'Press for Pilsner Urquell' buttons*. Prost!

AUGUST IN LONDON: With August getting underway this week, have a look at our guide to the month ahead in London and get planning. A new museum, a beer festival, Afternoon Tea Week, and treats for fans of Friends TV show and Formula 1 racing all feature.

*Aware this is Czech not German, but it is a mighty fine brew

Monday 29 July

DANGEROUS SECRETS: Footprints of London guide David Charnick leads a walking tour themed on betrayals, assassinations and other covert activity. Begin near the Old Vic in Waterloo and learn about secret agents and spy rings as you walk up towards Westminster station. 10.30am-12.30pm

JURASSIC ENCOUNTERS: The Natural History Museum offers an animal handling show, where you can meet the modern-day relatives of the animals that lived alongside the dinosaurs. Children and their families can get up close to snakes, lizards and tarantulas, while learning all about them. 11am/12pm/1pm

JOHNNY OSBOURNE: 'Dancehall Godfather' Johnny Osbourne is back at the Jazz Cafe in Camden for his only headline show in London this year, accompanied by the Upper Cut Band. Restaurant tickets for the event have sold out, but standing tickets are still available at time of writing. 7pm

UKRAINIAN FREEDOM ORCHESTRA: The Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra and ROH Songs for Ukraine Chorus team up for a one-off performance of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony — a piece of music which marks its 200th anniversary this year — taking place at St Paul’s Cathedral. 7.30pm

LOVE ISLAND FINAL: Rooftop Film Club at the Bussey Building in Peckham screens the Love Island series finale on its large, open-air cinema screen. Special cocktails themed on the series are available throughout the evening, including the Who's Emma?! (vodka, elderflower liqueur, Aperol, lemon juice, grapefruit juice and egg white). 9pm

Tuesday 30 July

SYMPHONIC HORIZONS: Science and orchestral music combine in Symphonic Horizons at the Royal Opera House. Professor Brian Cox examines cosmic ideas and links between cosmology and music by Mahler, Strauss and Sibelius, accompanied by the Britten Sinfonia conducted by Daniel Harding. 30 July-4 August

BRAINIAC LIVE: For four weeks in the summer holidays, Brainiac Live is at the Marylebone Theatre, with science experiments and demonstrations performed live on stage. Expect loud bangs, flashing lights, smoke, and haze effects. Recommended for age 5+. 30 July-24 August

COVENT GARDEN PUBS: This sounds like our kind of walking tour... Explore the pubs of Covent Garden learning about their history including a pub frequented by a highwayman, ones related to Dickens and Turner, and another where rough bare knuckle boxing was staged. The tour includes a drink stop in one of the boozers. 2.30pm-4.30pm

WONKA: The Summer by the River programme of free events continues, including an open-air screening of 2023 film Wonka, telling the back story of Roald Dahl character, chocolate factory owner Willy Wonka. If the weather's decent, this one's likely to be popular, so head down to The Scoop in plenty of time to bag a decent spot. FREE, 7pm-9pm

OPEN MIC NIGHT: The White Horse pub in Wembley holds an open mic night, spanning music, comedy and more. Book yourself a slot on the night to show off your talent, or sit back and watch other performers on stage. FREE ENTRY, 8pm-10pm

Wednesday 31 July

FRANKIE GOES TO BOLLYWOOD: New musical show Frankie Goes to Bollywood opens at Southbank Centre, telling the true stories of British women navigating the glitzy world of Bollywood. Expect ornate costumes, impressive sets, and live music and dancing. 31 July-18 August

ROMAN LONDON: Take the kids along on a family-friendly guided walk, tracing the remains of Roman London. Visit the remains of the Roman city wall, the location of a long lost fort and Londinium’s hidden amphitheatre, all in the City of London. Suitable for ages 5+. 10.30am

ORWELL'S GHOSTS: 75 years after Nineteen Eighty-Four was first published, Laura Beers is at Waterstones Islington to talk about her new book, Orwell's Ghosts. Hear what the term 'Orwellian' really means, and what George Orwell himself would likely have to say about certain issues in today's society. 6.30pm-8pm

BOOKSHOP BAND: Meanwhile, at another bookshop across town, things get rather lively. Musical duo The Bookshop Band perform at Stanfords in Battersea Power Station, in a concert celebrating their 14th album, Emerge, Return. Their party trick is to bring the books to the stage and use a multitude of instruments to draw you into them. No prior knowledge of the books is necessary but if you do find yourself wanting to read one, your ticket gives you a 15% discount on the night. 7pm-8.30pm

KRAY TWINS: TV presenter Fred Dinenage — known both as a news anchor, and for presenting children's programme How — is at the Half Moon in Putney to talk about his experiences working with Ronnie and Reggie Kray. The notorious criminal twins chose Dinenage as their official biographer, giving him unparalleled access. The show features untold stories and rare archive photos, audio and video. 8pm

Thursday 1 August

CHRISTMAS COCKTAIL POP-UP: Yes, it's (just about) August, and no, that's not a typo. Mistletoe Mixer is a Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar, opening in the City today for just over a fortnight. You'll need to book ahead to get your fill of eggnog and fairy lights, as the venue only seats 12 people at a time. 1-17 August

OUR STREET: Opening at The Curve within Barbican Centre, Our Street is a pop-up space with various events and entertainment going on throughout August. It's designed as a London neighbourhood, with familiar bus stops, London skylines, local shops and hopscotch courts, and events include dance sessions and storytelling for kids, lates and games nights for adults, and a family rave for the whole family. Check the schedule for full details. FREE ENTRY (charge for some special events), 1-23 August

INSIDE OUT FESTIVAL: Inside Out is a month-long celebration of culture and the arts in the City of Westminster, featuring plenty of family-friendly events and activities. Free walking tours by the Westminster Guides Lecturers Association, a Fitzrovia Fete, and art activities in Trafalgar Square are some of the options on offer. FREE, 1-31 August

SUMMER IN THE COURTYARD: Somerset House puts its Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court to use with Summer in the Courtyard, a series of events which opens the space up to everyone. On weekdays throughout August it's full of food and drink pop-ups for anyone who wants to go along for lunch, as well as workshops on selected days. Various events including a Queer Family Picnic, and the Vogue Rites Power Ball take place at the weekends. 1-31 August

AFRICAN REMEMBRANCE DAY: Museum of London Docklands holds an African Remembrance Day ceremony, honouring the African victims of enslavement. The event consists of opening libation/prayers, a speech by Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP, a three-minute silence, drumming, poems and readings, and a closing circle and singing of Bob Marley’s Redemption Song. FREE, 12pm

HORNIMAN MUSEUM LATE: Forest Hill's Horniman Museum stays open late, offering you a chance to explore the galleries and collections after hours, with discounted tickets to the aquarium and current Dinosaur rEvolution exhibition. The Horniman Cafe will be serving food, and drinks are available too. FREE, 5.30pm-9pm

SWIFTIE SING OFF: Shake It Off at Summer by the River, which holds a free Swiftie Summer Sing Off. Drag hosts Bonk & Pasty lead the open-air karaoke session focusing on Taylor Swift songs, with themed outfits very much encouraged. For today's date, August has got to be top of the setlist, surely? FREE, 6.30pm-9.30pm

PAM AYRES: Poet Pam Ayres, musician George Fenton, and a group of West End singers and musicians are at OSO Arts Centre in Barnes for a work in progress concert performance of Who Are You Calling Vermin?, a recent book of poems and songs by Ayres. The event is a fundraiser for the venue's Ticket Subsidy Scheme, which provides free tickets to carers and those on low income. 7.30pm

Friday 2 August

CLOUD X FESTIVAL: R&B, Soul and Alt Rap celebration Cloud X Festival is back at Crystal Palace Bowl, with a focus on the next generation of musicians. South London soul singer Jaz Karis, Swiss singer-songwriter Priya Ragu and R&B/pop singer-songwriter Sam Tompkins are among the line-up. 2 August

JAZZ ON THE LAWN: Saxophonist Derek Nash, singer Noel McCalla and their band join forces to celebrate the music of Stevie Wonder, in a Jazz on the Lawn concert at Fulham Palace. You can bring your own picnic along to enjoy during the show. 6.30pm-10pm

OLD DIRTY BRASSTARDS: Tweed-clad 10-piece brass band Old Dirty Brasstards perform a pop punk show at Big Penny Social in Walthamstow. They cover songs by the likes of Green Day, Blink-182, Sum 41, Fall Out Boy and My Chemical Romance. 7pm-11pm

TINY DANCER: Elton John tribute act Tom Weston is at Fairfield Halls in Croydon, performing some of John's hits including Rocket Man, Your Song, Crocodile Rock and Candle in the Wind. 7.30pm

OLYMPICS COMEDY: Don't Tell Comedy hosts a gig in its Summer Olympic Series, at an indoor sports-themed location somewhere in Bermondsey. As with all Don't Tell Comedy events, the venue and the comedians are kept a surprise — the former is revealed at 8am on the day of the show, and the latter when the show begins. 7.30pm

Saturday 3 August

PLAYTOPIA: Open at Evolution Battersea for two days, Playtopia is an event for children and their families, with games and other activities. Aimed at 4-13 year olds, it features inflatables, street dance sessions, science workshops, educational animal experiences, a soft play zone, Paw Patrol and Bluey shows, and a colourful carousel. 3-4 August

WILLIAM MORRIS WALK: Join the William Morris Society for a guided walk from Hammersmith to All Saints' Church Putney, led by William Morris Historian Peter Walker. It ends with a tour of the Morris & Co. stained glass at All Saints — the most extensive glazing scheme by the company in any London church. 11am

PIRATE ACADEMY: Children's author Justin Somper's new book Pirate Academy is the focus of a day of activities on board the Golden Hinde. Somper himself leads the session for 8-12 year olds, taking you into the future and a new age of piracy. After that, the crew of the ship show you how to load the cannon and raise the anchor. 11am/2pm

SUMMER FESTIVAL: Big Penny Social in Walthamstow hosts a summer festival, raising money and awareness for charity Transcend Sarcoma. Expect live DJs and bands, a craft market, and plenty of food and drink available to buy. 1pm

MOBILE CUBES: Two motorised mobile cubes set on circular rails are used by Le Grand Jeté, for their acrobatic (and free) Répliques show, playing out in Bell Square, Hounslow. There are two shows, and you should book ahead. 1pm and 3pm

SEWING MACHINE MUSEUM: London's little-known Sewing Machine Museum opens its doors, allowing the public inside to view one man's personal collection of hundreds of the machines — including one which belonged to Queen Victoria's daughter. Read about our visit for an idea of what to expect. 2pm-5pm

AVOCADO IMPROV: 'Avocado' is best friends Hamza and Jake — and tonight they take to Barons Court Theatre to pluck an entire one-act play out of thin air (with help from the audience, of course). They like to play some great music at these improv shows too, promising to have you "dancing in your seat and rolling in the aisles." 9.30pm

Sunday 4 August

SUNDAYS IN LONDON: The final day of the week can seem a bit quiet in the capital — but not if you know where to look. Our guide to spending Sunday in London covers markets, rarely-open museums, comedy shows, and the capital's best roast dinners. Have a browse to find something to do today, or bookmark it for a future Sunday when you might find yourself at a loose end.

ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA: Shakespeare's Globe opens its new production of Antony and Cleopatra — the first time this play has been shown at the venue in over a decade. It's the story of Roman general Antony abandoning his duties when he falls for Egyptian queen Cleopatra. 4 August-15 September

SOUTH LONDON FLEA MARKET: Traders selling vintage furniture, reclaimed industrial fixtures, lighting, and salvaged electricals, homewares and curiosities pitch up at Copeland Park in Peckham for the Big South London Flea. There are food stalls, cafes and bars nearby to keep you fed and watered while you browse. 11am-5pm

MUCH ADO: Another treat for Shakespeare fans today, as the East London Shakespeare Festival comes to a close with a performance of Much Ado About Nothing at Big Penny Social. Doors open an hour before the show so you can get lunch or a drink before settling down in the garden to watch. 1.30pm-3.30pm

BLACK HISTORY BUS TOUR: Board a bus in Brixton, and take a three-hour tour around London looking at some of the city's best-known sights and tourist attractions from an African/Caribbean perspective. 2pm-5pm

LGBTQ BRITISH MUSEUM: The British Museum runs regular LGBTQ+ tours, focusing on objects in the museum with LGBTQ+ connections, dating from the ancient world to the present day, including some rather famous artworks. Age 12+. FREE, 2.30pm-3.40pm

PUNKS 4 TRANSEXUALISM: Gender Crisis, Third Kulture and Antifa Super Soldier are among the punk groups playing at the New Cross Inn this evening, for the third instalment of Punks 4 Transexualism. All money raised goes towards supporting Transgender Action Block. Doors 5pm

WE ARE WINDRUSH: Reggae Choir performs We Are Windrush, a musical show honouring the rich cultural heritage and contributions of the Windrush Generation. Storytelling, spoken word and visual elements form part of the show alongside the choir's performance. It takes place at Artsdepot in North Finchley. 7pm