Things to do this week is sponsored by London Transport Museum.
All week
ENORMOUS CROCODILE: You've only got until Saturday to see family-friendly theatre show The Enormous Crocodile, which brings Roald Dahl's book to life on stage at the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre. Until 8 June
BROCKLEY MAX: Ongoing until Saturday, Brockley Max festival is a celebration of live music, theatre, art, comedy and poetry in the south-east London neighbourhood. Catch photography and art exhibitions, try your hand at screen printing and song writing in workshops, hear from local authors, attend jam or open mic nights, and so much more, at venues all around the area. Until 8 June
EVEREST 24: This is the final full week of Everest 24, a free exhibition at the Royal Geographical Society, commemorating the centenary of the 1924 British Mount Everest expedition during which Man Bahadur and Lance-Naik Shamsherpun died and George Mallory and Andrew Irvine disappeared. There's a special exhibition tour by curators Jamie Owen and Vanessa O'Brien on Thursday. FREE, until 11 June
ARCHITECTURE FESTIVAL: The London Festival of Architecture gets its 20th edition underway, with a packed programme of events all month. Highlights this week include a museum late at the Royal College of Physicians, a walking tour about migration in the City of London, a series of giant inflatable sculptures popping up at The Mall Wood Green, and dozens more options. Until 30 June
SUMMER BY THE RIVER: Fully finding its feet this week is Summer by the River, the free-entry festival taking place on the South Bank of the Thames between London Bridge and Tower Bridge. Food stalls and bars pop-up in the area, and there's a programme of free entertainment, including live music and film screenings. FREE, until September
CAMDEN ROAR: Theatre, music, storytelling, workshops, comedy... it's all going on at Camden Roar, an arts festival hosted by Camden People's Theatre, and taking up a big chunk of the month, featuring shows and events that dig deep into the borough's decidedly rich heritage. 4-23 June
FLOATING RESTAURANT OF THE WEEK: Barge East is a 125 year-old Dutch barge that's been moored up in Hackney and transformed into an award-winning restaurant. It's just launched its summer menu, featuring fish over coals, bouillabaisse sauce and samphire; and rice pudding crémeux, forced Yorkshire rhubarb, and stem ginger. Some of the veg, fruit and herbs are even handpicked at the adjacent Barge East Gardens.
DAY TRIP OF THE WEEK: Get out of the capital for a few hours, stretch your legs and breathe in some fresh air at one of these beautiful waterside walks around a lake. Spend some time in nature at reservoirs, country parks and castles surrounding the capital.
Monday 3 June
MONDAY MATINEE: Soprano Angela Hicks and Lutenist Kristiina Watt take centre stage at Handel Hendrix House in Mayfair, performing a concert of works with a theme of love, by Henry Purcell, Barbara Strozzi, G. F. Handel and others. 1pm
CHURCHILL'S D-DAY: The Churchill War Rooms host the launch of new book, Churchill’s D-Day: The Inside Story, written by Allen Packwood, a world-renowned expert on Winston Churchill, and General Lord Richard Dannatt, a former Chief of the General Staff and member of the House of Lords. Learn about Churchill's role in the planning and execution of D-Day, followed by a Q&A session, and a chance to explore the venue. 6pm-8.30pm
HAUNTED DOLLS: Cultural and social historian Dr Louise Fenton gives a talk about a glass cabinet which is home to thirteen dolls. It's found in Greyfriars Kirkyard in Edinburgh, and the dolls have been left there over a number of years. Find out about Fenton's research into the dolls, over a complimentary glass of Devil's Botany Absinthe at the Last Tuesday Society in Hackney. 6.30pm-8.30pm
MONDAY MENDING CLUB: Got some clothes that need mending? Take them along to Monday Mending Club at Big Penny Social, where textile artist Mika Sembongi teaches skills to help you fix them rather than throwing them away. FREE, 7.30pm-9.30pm
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 June
KISS ME, KATE: One of the year's most anticipated theatre openings, Kiss Me, Kate starts at Barbican, starringLine of Duty star Adrian Dunbar as Fred Graham (Petruchio) and Stephanie J Block as Lilli Vanessi (Katherine). Set in the 1940s, it's the story of theatre director Fred Graham who is reunited with his ex-wife, Lilli Vanessi, when the two are forced to play opposite one another in a new production of Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew. From 4 June
LONDON CONCOURS: Luxury cars meet garden party at the London Concours, taking place at the Honourable Artillery Company in the City. The classic car show brings together dozens of the world's most unique cars, including McLarens, Jaguar E-Types and 50 Supercars. 4-6 June
FLAMENCO FESTIVAL: Castanets at the ready, as the Flamenco Festival returns to Sadlers Wells. Spanish composer and guitarist Vicente Amigo is the headline act, with choreographer Rocío Molina, and dancer Eva Yerbabuena among the other performers. It culminates with a performance by the 38 dancers of Spanish national company, Ballet Nacional de España. 4-15 June
YAMATO: Experience Taiko drumming, a centuries-old tradition in Japanese culture, with performance group YAMATO at Peacock Theatre. Inspired by the spirit of Japan, the show incorporates high-energy athleticism with musical tradition. 4-22 June
HOLLOWAY ROAD: In the 19th century, the Islington street was considered the Oxford Street of the north. Join guide Jane Parker for a stroll around the area, in search of surviving features from its Victorian heyday. 11am-1pm
PROOF: What do we mean by 'proof'? When is something proven or just conjectured? Join Professor Sarah Hart for some insights from a mathematician, in this free Gresham. FREE, 1pm
IT STARTS WITH VEG: Chef Ceri Jones launches her debut cookbook, It Starts With Veg, at the Garden Museum in Lambeth. The book offers recipes for 40 different types of veg, and Jones chats to Flora Donovan from specialist fruit and vegetable wholesaler Natoora, and food writer and vegetable grower Kathy Slack. You can watch the event in person at the museum, or livestream it online. 7pm-8pm
CHURCHYARD THEATRE: Catch an outdoor performance of Shakespeare's The Comedy of Errors, in the churchyard at Southwark Cathedral. Travelling theatre troupe The Handlebards perform the comedy, about two sets of twins who find themselves on the same island, and you're invited to bring a chair or blanket to sit on. 7pm-9pm
Sponsor message
Celebrate Pride Month after-hours at London Transport Museum
Friday Late alert! London Transport Museum has joined forces with OUTbound — TfL’s LGBTQ+ Colleague Network Group — for some rather special after-hours fun. Inspired by the experiences of LGBTQ+ Londoners and transport workers, Pride on the Move is a chance to enjoy talks, workshops, music and more.
Grab a drink from the pop up bar and bop along to an eclectic set by the legendary DJ Ritu MBE. Take part in a mini quiz hosted by drag sensation The Nightbus. Learn how OUTbound advocates on behalf of LGBTQ+ colleagues and promotes safer travel for all Londoners. And prepare for London Pride by designing your own Pride look (if you’re in need of inspo, check out the the Tube-themed gown worn at Pride by Crossrail Programme Accountant Ervin Corzo-Rueda — on display for one night only!)
Pride on the Move runs 6.30pm-10pm on Friday 7 June at London Transport Museum, which you’ll find in the heart of Covent Garden. You can get your tickets to this over-18s event here.
Wednesday 5 June
MEAN GIRLS: The much-anticipated Mean Girls musical finally opens at the Savoy Theatre. It's based on the 2004 film of the same name, about the cliques in an American high school, which are thrown into chaos when a previously home-schooled new student joins. From 5 June
LIFT: London's International Festival of Theatre (LIFT) takes place every two years, with theatre crews from around the world bringing their productions to various London venues. Participants this year come from Toronto, Mumbai, Lagos, Taipei and other locations, and it begins today with The Land Acknowledgement Or As You Like It at Southbank Centre. 5 June-27 July
WHARF WELLNESS: Canary Wharf hosts a four-day wellbeing festival, with free events such as group runs, padel taster sessions, outdoor workouts, and yoga classes. Several stores around the area also have free events going on. FREE, 5-8 June
QUEER 80S: As part of the Barbican’s Pride season, Queer 80s: Cinema on the Brink of Global Change showcases films from a decade when LGBTQ+ representation on screen thrived. See works by queer filmmakers from across the world who used cinema to tell new stories in different ways with provocative and unapologetic depictions of LGBTQ+ people. Tonight, catch Ulrike Ottinger’s bold and bizarre take on Virginia Woolf’s gender-changing hero Orlando. 5-26 June
WITCH HUNTS: Join Professor Ronald Hutton for a look at historic and contemporary witch hunts at this Gresham College lecture. FREE, 6pm
BREWERY COMEDY: Tony Law, Brennan Reece, Johnny CT, Dan Morris and Sallyann Fellowes all take to the stage at the Windsor & Eton Brewery comedy night, at the Crown & Treaty in Uxbridge. Your ticket includes a free drink. 8.30pm-11.15pm
Thursday 6 June
SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL: Spanning both fiction and documentary films, Sundance Film Festival takes over Picturehouse Central. The programme includes 11 feature films plus a curated programme of UK short films. 6-9 June
MUSIC IN CHURCHES: Twelve concerts of classical, choral, chamber and jazz music take place at St Giles Cripplegate in the City, with themes of love, romance and Shakespeare. Performers include the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and the City of London Choir. 6-15 June
LAST WORD FESTIVAL: Camden Roundhouse's The Last Word Festival is a celebration of spoken word and music, with poetry slams, film screenings, live music performances and more. It kicks off today with the Roundhouse Poetry Slam Final, with 11 finalists going head to head to take the title. 6-30 June
CARTOON FESTIVAL: Fancy having a chuckle over your pint? The Duke of Greenwich (in Greenwich unsurprisingly) is hosting The Great Cartoon Exhibition, with works on display from the likes of Martin Rowson, Ben Jennings & Nicola Jennings from the Guardian, Nick Newman from the Times, and the Mirror's Pete Songi. It launches at 5pm tonight, with a chance to meet some of the cartoonists. FREE, 6 June-6 July
DISCOVER DEGAS: The National Gallery's new exhibition delves into Edgar Degas’ fascination with circus performer, Miss La La, and her gravity defying performances. Find out about the creative process behind his painting, Miss La La at the Cirque Fernando, alongside an array of preparatory sketches that reveal Degas' dedication to capturing her extraordinary aerial feats. 6 June-1 September
TAMING OF THE SHREW: Shakespeare's Globe opens a carnival-esque take on comedy play The Taming of the Shrew, starring Thalissa Teixeira as Katherina and Andrew Leung at Petruchio. 6 June-26 October
HISTORY HOUSE 140: Oxford House in Bethnal Green opens a new exhibition, exploring its own 140-year history, as well as focusing on social change in the East End over that period. View previously unseen material from Oxford House’s archive, new short films and forgotten stories. FREE, 6 June-20 December
BARNES WALLIS: The RAF Museum offers a free online lecture about the life and legacy of Barnes Wallis, the engineer and inventor who created the 'bouncing bomb' used in the Dambuster raids. Richard Morris, who has written a new biography about Wallis, gives the talk. FREE, 6pm
SUE BARKER: Wimbledon Bookfest gets underway with an opening event featuring former tennis player and commentator Sue Barker. She's at the New Wimbledon Theatre talking about her tennis-centric book, Wimbledon: A Personal History, which covers why the tennis tournament is so unique and special. 7.30pm
Friday 7 June
JAIPUR LIT FEST: Novelist Maggie O’Farrell, historian Mary Beard, broadcaster Mishal Husain and Nobel Laureate Venki Ramakrishnan are among the speakers on the line-up for the London Jaipur Literature Festival t the British Library, a satellite event of the huge Jaipur Literature Festival which takes place in India each January. 7-9 June
BASEBALL: The New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies are in London this weekend, playing two games at the London Stadium. If you don't have tickets though, Trafalgar Square is hosting a free fan festival, screening both of the games (on Saturday and Sunday), and various baseball-themed activities. FREE, 7-9 June
WANDSWORTH ARTS FRINGE: Shakespeare plays set to dance music, yoga for teens, an Asian art exhibition, and a light sculpture are among the items on the rather eclectic Wandsworth Arts Fringe programme this year, beginning today. 7-23 June
MEMORY AND REMEDY: The wonderful Museum of Brands opens its latest exhibition today: Memory and Remedy features the screen-printed imagery of Carey Bennett, who depicts brands such as Gaviscon, Fairy Liquid and Rose's lime cordial ins striking colours. It's included in the museum entry fee. 7 June-19 October
SERPENTINE PAVILION: Head to Kensington Gardens to see this year's Serpentine Pavilion, which opens to the public today. The temporary structure is designed by Seoul-based architect Minsuk Cho and Mass Studios, and features five themed 'islands' designed around an open space, which is apparently inspired by a form of traditional Korean house. FREE, 7 June-27 October
CHARITY BBQ: What better way to kickstart your weekend than with a sizzling summer barbeque in a private rooftop garden? It’s hosted by The Passage and all proceeds go towards that charity’s vital work supporting people experiencing homelessness. Ash Juggessur – AKA Cheffing With Ash — is at the grill, top notch non-alcoholic wine will be flowing (this a sober event), plus there’s a DJ and live painting. 5pm-9pm (sponsor)
SUPPER CLUB: Celebrate the 20th anniversary of Global Generation, the youth environmental charity, with a talk and supper club event at the Paper Garden in Canada Water. The evening begins with a lively discussion with guest Paloma Gormley followed by a three course dinner by chef Mike Shier of Dorian Notting Hill. 6-10pm
AI: Find out how AI may change and shape your future, at tonight's event at the Royal Institution. It begins with a talk on topics including which jobs are likely to be affected by AI, and what skills we'll need to work alongside AI, followed by a range of demonstrations and activities by scientists, spread out around the RI building. 6pm-9pm
ZOO NIGHTS: London Zoo stays open later than usual almost every Friday in June and July for Zoo Nights, an adults-only event, with tours, games, street food tours, and a chance to see the animals at a time when the zoo is usually closed. 6pm-10pm (and until 26 July)
QUEEN'S HOUSE CONCERT: The first in a series of evening concerts in the Great Hall at Queen's House stars harp students from the nearby Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. They perform works by composers including Britten and Bach — and the venue isn't too shabby, either. 7.30pm-8.30pm
FRIDAYS IN LONDON: For further inspiration for ways to spend today, take a look at our guide to things to do on a Friday in London. It includes regular events to get your weekend started in style, such as lunchtime concerts, happy hours and museum lates. Even if you don't need it this week, bookmark it for a future Friday when you might find yourself at a loose end.
Saturday 8 June
LAMBETH COUNTRY SHOW: The annual two-day Lambeth Country Show pitches up in its usual spot in Brockwell Park for all manner of entertainment spanning sheep shearing, vegetable sculptures, live music, chocolate making, and... a wall of death. FREE, 8-9 June
OPEN GARDENS WEEKEND: London Open Gardens Weekend is a chance to explore the city's green spaces via open days, tours and talks. They range from allotments to small private gardens, to the larger spaces including the likes of Eaton Square Garden, usually only accessible to local residents with a key. 8-9 June
RARELY SEEN ART: Charles Lutyens was an artist and art therapist who visited a number of psychiatric institutions as both a therapist and a painter. A World Apart: The Work of Charles Lutyens is a new exhibition at Bethlem Museum of the Mind in Beckenham, which offers a rare glimpse into the world of psychiatric hospitals through Lutyens's paintings. 8 June-31 August
THE LORE OF LOVERBOY: Opening at Somerset House, The Lore of LOVERBOY is the first exhibition on international fashion house Charles Jeffrey LOVERBOY, which counts Harry Styles and Tilda Swinton among its fans. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the building of the fashion empire, with archival and newly-commissioned works on display. 8 June-1 September
WORLD NAKED BIKE RIDE: If you're prudish, you may wish to avert your eyes as the World Naked Bike Ride comes to town. Cyclists let it all hang out as they ride in a group on one of several pre-agreed routes. Don't forget your suncream. FREE, various start times from 11am
QUEEN'S READING ROOM FESTIVAL: Hampton Court Palace hosts the Queen's Reading Room Festival, a literary event which combines music and history in rather flash surroundings. Miriam Margolyes, Helena Bonham Carter, Sir Ian Rankin and Harlan Coben are among the headliners this year. 11am-9.30pm
FESTIVAL OF COMMUNITIES: Created by Queen Mary University London, the Festival of Communities is a celebration of everything great in east London. Taking place in Stepney Green Park, events include sports trial sessions, hands-on science and craft activities. Try Thai Boxing, make herbal tea, learn about tropical butterflies and more at the family-friendly event. FREE, 11.30am
BOSFEST: A huge free, unticketed street party, Bankside Open Spaces Festival takes place across venues including Red Cross Garden, Crossbones Graveyard and Flat Iron Square. Expect live music, sports and craft workshops, a pop-up murder mystery tour, Irish dancing and more. FREE, 12pm-9pm
SEX AND THE STAGE: When the Puritan Protectorate ended in 1660, London's sex industry grew wildly public and was linked to both theatres and the underworld. Join tour guide Laura Agustin for a walk around the Covent Garden area, looking at the historic connections between the theatre and the sex industry. 1pm
SCULPTURE WALK FUNDRAISER: Charity Women + Health offers a fundraising walk visiting sculptures of — and by — remarkable women around Camden, beginning at King's Cross. Choose between a 9-mile walk (47 sculptures), a 6-mile route (40 sculptures) or a 3-mile walk (25 sculptures). 1pm-6pm
Sunday 9 June
FAIRY AND PIXIE LAND: Opening at Dulwich Park, Fairy and Pixie Land is an immersive, family-friendly show in the woods. Taste a fairy potion, choose your own fairy or pixie wings, and make a magic wand before watching a 25-minute promenade performance featuring a famous Scottish mythical creature. The event raises money for local children's charity Whippersnappers. 9 June-28 July
ANTIQUES FAIR: The monthly Adams Antiques Fair returns to the Royal Horticultural Halls in Westminster, bringing together 120+ antiques dealers from the UK and beyond to sell their wares. A queue tends to form before opening time for this one, so get there early if you want a shot at getting your hands on the best finds. 10am-4.30pm
OLD YORK ROAD UNPLUGGED: There's live music (including an Adele tribute), street food, competitions, live appearances from Bluey and Bingo — and plenty more besides — at Wandsworth's Old York Road Unplugged event today. FREE, From 11am
WALTHAMSTOW FLEA MARKET: Head for Big Penny Social to visit the Walthamstow Flea Market, a one-day event with 60 traders selling furniture, homewares, vintage clothes, textiles and oddities. The venue doubles up as a pub/beer hall, so refreshments are readily available throughout the day. 11am-5pm
MARYLEBONE SUMMER FESTIVAL: A pop-up mini golf course, a dog zone, wellness classes by Lululemon, a ferris wheel and fairground rides, live music, and a farmers market are all part of the Marylebone Summer Festival in Marylebone Village, along with pop-up bars and plenty more to entice you into the area. 11am-5.30pm
FREE JAZZ: Every Sunday at the Old Blue Last in Shoreditch, there's a free jazz show. Order a wine, sit at a candlelit table, let the sweet sounds wash over you, and forget about those work emails for another few hours. FREE, 6pm-9pm
RICHARD HERRING: Comedian Richard Herring is at Leicester Square Theatre performing his current show Can I Have My Ball Back? — his first stand-up show in six years — about discovering he had testicular cancer, and having his right testicle removed as a result. 7pm
PUB QUIZ: While pub quizzes tend to be a first half of the week kinda deal, the Rosy Hue in Elephant and Castle hosts its quiz every Sunday night. Pull together a team to tackle mystery voices, TV themes, a picture round and various other puzzles. First prize is £75. 8pm
Good cause of the week
Chiswick House & Gardens Trust are inviting people to come and get involved with a day of gardening. It’s all part of national volunteering festival The Big Help Out, and will take place on Saturday 8 June from 10.30pm to 12.30pm.
The Big Help Out is a great opportunity for you to roll up your sleeves, get some fresh air, learn something new and contribute to the community. Open to families, local residents, keen gardeners and newbies, everyone who gets involved will help the charity to improve the meadow and smarten up the appearance at Burlington Gate.
It’s a one-off chance to volunteer at Chiswick House & Gardens. Chiswick House & Gardens also have several other volunteering opportunities available throughout the year.
