Things to do this week is sponsored by RHS.
All week
YOUNG V&A: Three years after the Museum of Childhood closed, the Young V&A is now open in its place. The child-centric museum is divided into three galleries, Play, Imagine and Design, with hands-on exhibits and activities in each. Plus, there's a special (and free!) Summer Festival this weekend. FREE, open now — festival runs 8-9 July
WES ANDERSON: Step into the world of film director Wes Anderson at Asteroid City, an exhibition linked to his new film of the same name. Sets, props and costumes from the film are on display at 180 Strand. Until 7 July
WILLIAMS RACING FAN ZONE: Coinciding with the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, a Williams F1 Fan Zone opens on Regent Street. It's a chance to get a closer look at some of the cars, have a go at driving on professional simulators, test your reflexes against those of an F1 driver, and enjoy Q&A sessions with professional drivers. FREE ENTRY, 3-9 July
WIMBLEDON: The Wimbledon tennis tournament 2023 begins on Monday, and you can expect to hear plenty about it, with screenings taking place all over town for those of us who can't make it down to Wimbledon itself. Canary Wharf, King's Cross and Mayfair are just some of the areas offering free open-air screenings — see our full guide to Wimbledon screenings in London this year. Many are FREE, 3-16 July
BITESIZE FESTIVAL: The brilliant Riverside Studios in Hammersmith launches its Bitesize Festival this week, featuring a month's worth of short new plays, musicals, comedy shows, dance displays and more. Check out the lineup here. 3-29 July
SHAKESPEARE IN THE GARDEN: Shakespeare as it's supposed to be performed (in a pub garden), this roving series of performances takes place outside various Fuller's hostelries, many of which are in London. Choose from Twelfth Night and Romeo & Juliet. 3 July-15 September
FUSE INTERNATIONAL: FUSE International is a festival that offers an eclectic programme of music, theatre, dance, comedy, visual arts, spoken word, circus and more, at various locations around Kingston. Highlights this week include one-woman show My Dad Wears A Dress and dark comedy Gruesome Playground Injuries. Until 9 July
OVER A BARREL: The Black Cultural Archives in Brixton (which we visited recently) is currently home to interactive exhibition Over A Barrel: Windrush Children, Tragedy and Triumph. Co-curated by award-winning journalist Nadine White and cultural researcher Jasmine Pierre, it examines the often overlooked stories of the Windrush children, the tensions and traumas of separation and reunion, and the cultural and social adjustments these children had to make in order to thrive in a hostile environment. 'Barrel children' were those waiting to be reunited with their migrant parents. Until 10 July
OUTDOOR CULTURE: Cross your fingers for decent weather this week, then make the most of it with London's al fresco culture options. Theatre, films, art and live music can all be enjoyed in the open-air if you know where to look and what to book... which we do, naturally.
OUTDOOR CINEMA: As an extension to the above, London's awash with outdoor cinemas, from ones on rooftops to those in palace grounds, and alongside canals. Get booking to watch cult classic and new release films in the open-air this summer.
TAPROOM OF THE WEEK: We just got round to visiting Werewolf Beer in Camden, and loved it so much we wrote an article about it. If sipping scarily good brews in old ghost train cabs is a bit of you — better get down there!
DAY TRIP OF THE WEEK: Get out of London and explore a castle or fortress — these are our favourite castles in Kent, ranging from clifftop fortresses to inland estates, and one that's absolutely dripping with Tudor (and Star Wars) history, where Anne Boleyn grew up and Henry VIII is known to have visited. Find other inspiration for day trips and weekend breaks in our Beyond London section.
Monday 3 July
POETRY NIGHT: Wembley Park's resident spoken word poet Rohan Samuel hosts the regular Bring Your Own Bars poetry session at BoxPark Wembley. Rapper and poet Fisky headlines this week's event, and there are open mic slots for anyone who wants to showcase their own work. FREE, 6.30pm-10pm
ZIGGY STARDUST: Bertha DocHouse in Bloomsbury hosts a screening of the UK premiere of D.A. Pennebaker’s celebrated concert documentary Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars. It features footage of David Bowie and his group the Spiders from Mars performing at the Hammersmith Odeon on 3 July 1973 — exactly 50 years ago. 7pm
THE LOL WORD: Queer women, trans and non-binary comedy collective The LOL Word is back at Soho Theatre for an evening of stand-up comedy. Expect plenty of punching the patriarchy. 7.15pm
NEW MUSIC: Every Monday night, the Half Moon in Putney holds a New Moon music night, giving up-and-coming musicians a platform to perform. This week, London-based soul/jazz band Tris and the Tribe, and electric-indie group RedFox are among the line-up. 7.30pm
MONDAYS IN LONDON: Looking for something else to do, today or any other week? Take a look at our guide to things to do in London on a Monday — we've gathered together live music venues, comedy and cabaret clubs which keep going on what is usually the quietest day of the week, along with guided walks and tours scheduled on a Monday, and a few special offers too.
Tuesday 4 July
AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE DAY: 4 July is Independence Day for the USA. Whether you're an American here in London, or a Londoner wanting to get in on the fun, try one of the best American restaurants in London, or London's best diners... or head further afield to these 6 retro American diners worth leaving London for. There are also plenty of special Independence Day events taking place all over the capital.
SUMMER SCIENCE EXHIBITION: The Royal Society’s annual Summer Science Exhibition is a free interactive experience for anyone curious about the latest advances in science and technology. Take part in drop-in workshops, meet scientists and researchers, and find out about topics such as predicting volcanic eruptions, life on Mars and how drumming can improve brain plasticity. It begins with a Lates evening tonight, and some events will be made available digitally for anyone who cant be there in person. FREE, 4-9 July
BEYOND RETRO: Walthamstow bar Big Penny Social and vintage shop Beyond Retro team up for a pop-up shop, with events going on throughout the week. Browse through racks of vintage clothes and accessories, with up to 50% off the usual shop prices. 4-9 July
HOUSEMATES FESTIVAL: South London theatre Brixton House lets young artists take over for three weeks for Housemates Festival, kicking off tonight. There are 10 productions to choose from, including Before I Go, about a young boy who tragically dies and gets stuck in limbo, and Everything I Own, about a man remembering his father's passion after his death. 4-23 July
YOGA IN THE PARK: Lululemon Ambassador Sanchia Legister leads an evening session of yoga in Hyde Park this evening, with live music from Ambassador and DJ Charlie Dark. 6.30pm-8.30pm
DANE BAPTISTE: The hugely talented Dane Baptiste is at the Half Moon in Putney tonight, putting his latest show to the test, with a WIP. Support comes from Milton Jones. 8pm
Sponsor message
Flowers galore and feel-good summer vibes at RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival
Up for some green-fingered fun in the grounds of a spectacular former royal residence? RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival returns this week – and this year’s line up looks bloomin' brilliant. From 4 to 9 July, you’re invited to experience incredible show gardens, meet (and buy from) expert growers, and get barrow-loads of inspiration for transforming your own green space.
Highlights include the RHS Iconic Horticultural Hero Garden which celebrates Carol Klein, and a response to climate change in the form of the RHS Resilient Garden. There are also talks by big names from the world of horticulture, including Adam Frost, Sue Kent and Joe Swift. Flower lovers are particularly well-catered for, with floristry workshops and the sensory feast that is the Festival of Roses. And you can even take a living part of the festival home with you – the Plant Village sells everything from bulbs, to blooms, to bonsai trees.
RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival also happens to be a great shout for a family excursion, with trails, den building, and other fun activities to foster a life-long appreciation for nature in your little ones. Plus, there’s plenty live music and food and drink available, so you can really make a day of it.
Wednesday 5 July
SUMMER PLACE FESTIVAL: The Royal Over-Seas League in St James's hosts its first ever Summer Place Festival, a celebration of food and the arts featuring talks, concerts and workshops. Hear from V&A curator Catherine Haill, take part in chocolate or gin tasting masterclasses, browse a makers market, or immerse yourself in a gong bath, among other events. 5-8 July
FLAMENCO FESTIVAL: Castanets at the ready, as the Flamenco Festival returns to Sadlers Wells. Spanish dancer and choreographer Sara Baras is the headline act, with flamenco guitarist Rafael Riqueni, dancer Mercedes de Córdoba and all-male troupe Gala Flamenca also on the programme. 5-15 July
SH!T-FACED SHAKESPEARE: Theatre troupe Sh!t-faced Shakespeare returns to Leicester Square Theatre for a (rough take on a) performance of Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing. The premise is this: a group of professional actors, one of whom has had a bit too much to drink before taking to the stage, a rough script, and a whole lot of drunken improv. 5 July-9 September
KOREAN WAR VETERANS: A panel of veterans from the Korean War gather at the National Army Museum in Chelsea to mark the 70th anniversary of the armistice, and to share their stories. Dr Grace Huxford, Senior Lecturer in Modern History, chairs the event as the veterans talk about things they experienced when they themselves were still just teenagers. 6.30pm
SUPERGIRLY: Not many comedians can say they've supported Elton John, but Supergirly is one of them — and now she's at the Museum of Comedy, for Back to the Noughty 90s, a nostalgic singalong that's "an all-out assault on the world of pop". Various dates from 5-15 July
COMEDY NIGHT: The Crown & Treaty in Uxbridge once again hosts Windsor & Eton Brewery's comedy night — which means a free drink for every audience member! Kate Barron, Rory O'Hanlon, Clinton Baptiste, Farhan Solo and Dan Morris are all on the line-up this time round. 8.30pm
Thursday 6 July
COCKTAILS IN THE CITY: Boozy festival Cocktails in the City takes place over three weekends this summer, starting today, bringing together some of the most popular bars in London to serve up their drinks in a private garden, Bedford Square, with live entertainment thrown in. 6-8 July
SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL: The 10th London edition of Sundance Film Festival comes to Picturehouse Central, with feature length fiction and documentary films, as well as a programme of shorts. It opens tonight with Scrapper, about a 12 year old girl living alone following the death of her mother. 6-9 July
SUMMER SERIES: Alison Goldfrapp, Beabadoobee and Gabzy are among the headliners at this year's Somerset House Summer Series, a programme of open-air gigs taking place in the building's courtyard. It begins tonight with French psych-rock collective La Femme, and support act Sam Quealy. Some gigs have sold out, but tickets are still available for others. 6-16 July
DRAGON BOAT RACE: South Dock in Canary Wharf hosts a day of dragon boat racing in support of Water Aid. It's £350 to enter a team, but if you can't do that, head down there today to watch and support them taking to the water in South Dock. 12pm-6pm
CITY BEERFEST: Clock off work early and head to Guildhall Yard for City Beerfest. Several breweries are serving their beers, plus there's live music and street food, and the whole event raises money for charity. Rude not to go, really. 12.30pm-9pm
GREEK FESTIVAL: The Brunswick in Bloomsbury hosts a free Greek Festival, with live music, dancers, food giveaways and plate smashing. FREE, 6pm-10pm
MULTI-STORY ORCHESTRA: The Multi-Story Orchestra combine spoken word and music for a new piece set around a first date in Peckham. Routes begins with the question ‘so, where are you from?’ and celebrates culture and community through the narration of personal journeys. See it performed at Bold Tendencies in Peckham tonight and tomorrow. 7pm-8pm, 6-7 July
Friday 7 July
BALHAM COMEDY FESTIVAL: Ed Byrne, Richard Herring, Tiffany Stevenson, Rob Newman, Milton Jones, Rich Hall, Darran Griffiths and Janey Godley are among the comedians on the bill at the Balham Comedy Festival, which begins today. Organised by Banana Cabaret and taking place at The Bedford, it features a total of 28 comedians across nine nights. 7-15 July
THE CROWN JEWELS: New comedy play The Crown Jewels opens at the Garrick Theatre, depicting a riotous plot to steal the crown jewels, based on a true story from the reign of King Charles II. 7 July-16 September
PALACE GARDEN: The monthly open day at Lambeth Palace Gardens takes place today — a rare chance to see inside the private garden of the Archbishop of Canterbury. Wander among the plants before enjoying refreshments in the marquee, with proceeds going to local charities. Read about our visit to Lambeth Palace Gardens, or find out about the history of the 1000 year-old garden. 12pm-3pm
COMMUNITY TEA DANCE: Aimed at older members of the community, the Royal Albert Hall's Community Tea Dance has you dancing to quicksteps, foxtrots, waltzes and Latin tunes, but at a slightly slower pace than professional dancers, to allow everyone to join in and keep up. Your ticket includes tea/coffee and a slice of cake. 3pm
ZOO NIGHTS: Visit the animals at London Zoo after the zoo closes to the daytime crowd, as Zoo Nights continues. It's a chance to see some species when they are at their most active and there's also entertainment in the form of talks, animal-themed games, and a hook-a-duck contest in the listed Lubetkin Penguin Pool. 6pm-10pm
Saturday 8 July
BOTTOMLESS PIZZA: Now that we've got your attention: Piazza Italiana in the City has just started doing a Saturday brunch featuring bottomless pizza and pasta (plus a starter and dessert!). It's £35 to fill your boots, although booze will of course cost you more.
TURNER'S ITALY: New exhibition Seeing the Light launches today at Turner's House in Twickenham. It explores the artist's depictions of Italy, a place he visited and painted in 1819. 8 July-29 October
CAMBERWELL: Head to the Green today for Feel Good Festival, a free event that "brings together local organisations and charities, health professionals, food banks and pantries, health organisations and volunteers, all offering their services for free, from both Lambeth and Southwark". FREE, 11am-3pm
BRITISH LIBRARY CELEBRATIONS: To mark 50 years since the British Library was established, there's a free open day. Meet the British Library features curator and expert talks, sound performances, workshops and activities around the building, including a chance to learn how the 150 million physical items in the library's collection are cared for, and a tour of the public art in the building. FREE, 11am-5pm
TRANS PRIDE: Trans Pride begins in Trafalgar Square at 1pm — though the exact route is TBC at time of writing. It takes the form of "a protest march calling for equality in the UK and beyond", and is open to trans people and allies of the trans community who wish to show support. FREE, 1pm. There's also a T-Boys Club x Byenary special Trans Pride club night at Rich Mix. 7pm
WESTMINSTER ABBEY SUMMER FETE: Head to Dean's Yard alongside Westminster Abbey for a summer fete complete with live performances, an inflatable obstacle course, food and drink stalls, a birds of prey display, Morris dancing and more. FREE ENTRY, 8 July
MANSFIELD PARK: As part of the St Marylebone Festival, a performances of an opera based on Jane Austen novel Mansfield Park comes to St Marylebone Parish Church. 5pm-7.15pm
CRICKET: England Women take on Australia Women at Lord's this evening, in the T20I cricket (which is a lot pacier than the usual test matches). Tickets start at £15 for adults and £5 for under 16s, so doesn't have to be too spendy, either. 6.35pm
CANDLELIGHT CLUB: Get your gladrags on and head to 1920s speakeasy-style party The Candlelight Club. The Gatsby-inspired event takes place in an elegant ballroom at a secret London location with live music and DJs, burlesque performances and tarot readings, all overseen by cabaret host Champagne Charlie. 7pm-1am
PUNKVERT PARTY: Super fun Japanese electro punksters Vaiwatt headline a 'Punkvert Party' at Camden's Dublin Castle tonight. Support comes from a suitably anarchic lineup, including Dead Happy and My Bad Sister. 7.30pm
Sunday 9 July
TURKISH FESTIVAL: Everyone's welcome at the West London Turkish Festival, which celebrates Turkish culture, cuisine and hospitality. Expect live music, stage performances, a football tournament, funfair rides for the kiddies, and food stalls serving Turkish dishes including lots of juicy kebab. 10am-8pm
CRAFTY FOX: Jewellery, tote bags, ceramics and embroidery are among the items you can browse and buy from 100+ traders at the Crafty Fox Summer Market, taking place at Granary Square in King's Cross. There will also be creative workshops taking place throughout the day — details TBC. Free entry, 11am-5pm
CHAMBER MUSIC: Guildhall School's Chamber Music Festival winds up with a flurry of events today: a Sunday afternoon concert with works by Schumann and Roussel (2.30pm), a free masterclass with cellist David Waterman (5pm) and a closing concert (7pm), featuring works from the likes of Bartok and Elgar.
EAT THE SCREEN: The closing screening of SAFAR Film Festival is also part of Barbican's Eat The Screen series, focusing on the food industry. Watch a double bill of films, Foragers, and Food Over Bethlehem, followed by a discussion about food sovereignty in Palestine under occupation. 5.30pm
SHENANIGANS: Bring your week to a close with On Shenanigans, an adults-only games night at pop-up beer garden Between The Bridges. Prepare for battle in the limbo, musical chairs, lip-sync battles and other games, with a DJ playing the soundtrack to the evening. 5pm-10pm
PIRATE COMEDY: "You wouldn't steal a boat..." Former Cambridge Footlights Spruce Moose Comedy sail into the Museum of Comedy tonight, for a comedy show about two pirates who set out on a quest for revenge, gold... and bootleg DVDs. 7pm (also on 5 August)
BARTS 900: For a more high-brow end to your week, head to the Royal Albert Hall where the St Bartholomew's Hospital Choral Society perform a programme of English Classical and Choral music as part of the Barts 900 celebrations marking 900 years since the oldest working hospital in the UK was established. Find out more about the history of the St Barts Choir from a current member. 7.30pm
Museum treasure of the week
You know you're getting old when your childhood starts appearing in museums. As part of its bold new direction, the National Portrait Gallery has placed a greater emphasis on collecting 'everyday portraits', such as the stuff you find on tea towels, royal souvenirs, posters and, indeed, sticker albums. This one shows the Scotland team from Euro 96 (the year of the Southgate penalty), as depicted in a Panini sticker album. The display contains other football stickers, including members of the England women's team.
Good cause of the week
STAY SAFE UA is a Ukrainian NGO delivering aid and evacuating people from Eastern Ukraine. They're hosting a fundraising evening at the Archway Tavern on Thursday (6 July), where you can hear stories from their front-line relief efforts. Their recent work has been focused around Bakhmut, evacuating civilians in the region to a refugee centre nearby. The event will also include a raffle with a chance to win a one of a kind Ukrainian Vodka. For entry, there is a suggested donation of £20 to STAY SAFE UA.
