Things To Do This Week In London: 30 June-6 July 2025

Wimbledon, Pride, and the Women's Euros begin.

All Week

WIMBLEDON: Did somebody mention Pimm's? Tennis tournament Wimbledon begins in SW19 on Monday, running for two weeks. Keen to watch the action first-hand? Read everything you need to know about joining 'The Queue' for tickets — just know that Wimbledon station isn't the closest stop to the tennis club. Happy to watch on TV? We've put together a guide to all of the London venues showing the action live on large screens, many of them free. Even better, treat yourself to a Wimbledon-themed afternoon tea to enjoy as you watch.

SPITALFIELDS MUSIC FESTIVAL: Award-winning musicians pop up in an eclectic mix of east London venues for Spitalfields Music Festival, beginning on Tuesday with The Carice Singers performing works by rising composers, including a world premiere. Over the following days, see Dylan Thomas’ Under Milk Wood transformed with a new score, and an experimental electro-acoustic concert from the Liebestraum Duo, among many other auditory treats. History walking tours across Shoreditch, Whitechapel, Spitalfields, Clapton and Hackney are also on the festival's programme. 1-9 July (sponsor)

BST HYDE PARK: With music festival BST Hyde Park now underway, Open House takes place in Hyde Park on the weekdays between the big gigs. It's free entry, and open to everyone, with free entertainment including live music performances, film and Wimbledon screenings, sports workshops, and kids' theatre performances. Check the website for the day-by-day programme. FREE, 30 June-3 July and 7-10 July

SOLDIER MAGAZINE: The National Army Museum's exhibition about official British Army magazine Soldier closes this week, celebrating the publication's 80th birthday, and looking back over its history and how it has covered big news stories and conflicts. FREE, until 6 July

EALING SUMMER SOCIAL: Ealing Broadway Town Square hosts a Summer Social for two months from Tuesday, promising street food, a pétanque court, carnival style games, live sports screening and a whole lot more. 1 July-31 August

TRANSPORT PHOTOS: London Transport Museum's latest exhibition is rather clever. Then and Now: London's transport in photographs showcases historic photos of the transport network (ticket gates, Tube station tunnels), some dating back as far as the 19th century. Alongside them are modern snaps taken by photographer and TfL train driver Anne Maningas, who used a Bronica medium format film camera from the 1990s to add a sense of continuity between the old photos and the new. Until 2026

JULY IN LONDON: With a new month beginning this week, bookmark our guide to things to do in London in July. It's a curated list of the best events taking place in the capital, from festivals to new shows, via dinosaurs, burlesque and a chance to visit Buckingham Palace.

EAT OF THE WEEK: If you were among the foodies mourning the closure of acclaimed Thai restaurant Singburi at the end of last year, cease those tears. It's now reopened in Shoreditch, where its famous blackboard has chalked up the likes of dill & lemongrass pork sausage, prawn & betel leaf southern curry, and smoked pork belly & green peppercorn. Book a table.

PUB OF THE WEEK: Over on our ever-growing pub database, we've just paid our first visit to the Old Ivy House just north of the City, and were pleasantly surprised by this Shepherd Neame pub's eccentric decor and varied beer choice. Plus, any pub whose afternoon playlist includes Pink Floyd, Belle and Sebastian, Duran Duran and Neil Young — while James Bond plays on the TV — is OK by us.

Monday 30 June

BABY BROADWAY: Though open to children of all ages, Baby Broadway is mainly aimed at under-sevens and their families. Head to the Royal Albert Hall for an interactive experience where they can sing and dance along to tunes from classic musicals and films, performed by West End singers, accompanied by bubbles and puppets. 11am

SURVEY OF LONDON: This year’s Survey of London annual event features a conversation about the pressing housing crisis affecting the city. Led by Dr Samuel Johnson-Schlee of South Bank University, with contributions from notable speakers including Edwina Attlee and Kieran Yates, the discussion emphasises the importance of understanding home beyond physical spaces. Proceeds will benefit the New Horizon Youth Centre, assisting vulnerable young people. Takes place at Bloomsbury Theatre. 6.30pm

CHEMICAL WEAPONS: Dr Gemma Bowsher from the Centre for Conflict and Health Research gives a talk about how health professionals, scientists, and policymakers confront the challenge of biological threats in war zones, at this week's Pints of Knowledge. Head to The Sun in Clapham to hear about how bio-threats such as infectious diseases and chemical weapons, present unique dangers in already chaotic environments, and what this could mean in the future. 7pm-8.30pm

CABARET AND DRAG SHOWCASE: 15 epic up-and-coming artists from Soho Theatre's Cabaret and Drag Lab course show off their new skills in a one-night only show at the Dean Street venue. Expect kings, queens, things, lip sync, burlesque, comedy and more. 7.15pm

FRINGE PREVIEW: Comedian Katie Norris offers a preview of her upcoming Edinburgh Fringe show, Go West, Old Maid. Make for the Pleasance Theatre in Islington to watch the personal odyssey into the untamed realms of her imagination. 7.40pm

JAZZ IN THE ROUND: The monthly Jazz In The Round at the Cockpit Theatre showcases the Mark Kavuma Quartet, featuring renowned musicians Mark Kavuma on trumpet, John Edwards on double bass, and Jamie Pye on guitar, with a focus on storytelling through music. 8pm

Tuesday 1 July

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 the fight against plastic waste, and the next big telescope. It begins with an adults-only Lates evening tonight. FREE, 1-6 July

TILL THE STARS COME DOWN: National Theatre production Till the Stars Come Down transfers to Theatre Royal Haymarket, telling the story of Sylvia and Marek’s wedding, taking place on a hot day where passions boil over and limits are tested. 1 July-27 September

CULTURE MILE: For one day only, Aldermanbury near Guildhall closes to traffic for Culture Mile on the Street, a free festival reimagining how we use City streets. Enjoy live music and a Pride celebration, take part in planting workshops, walking tours, and early morning yoga. Note that some activities require booking. FREE, from 8am

ATHENA KUJBLENU: As part of the Leadenhall Live series of events, hear from comedian, writer and voiceover artist Athena Kugblenu as she discusses social media and the contradiction it gives between creativity and productivity. Takes place at the base of the Leadenhall Building (AKA 'the Cheesegrater') in the City. FREE, 12.30pm-1.30pm

ROYAL PAVILION BRIGHTON: Art historian Dr Alexandra Loske discusses the Royal Pavilion in Brighton, a remarkable example of Regency architecture. Find out about the historical context of the Pavilion, how its lavish interiors came to be, and the recent conservation efforts to preserve it. Watch in person at the V&A South Kensington, or online via livestream. 3.30pm-4.30pm

RUN TO WINE: Love a cheeky glass of wine, but feel you should earn it first? Run to Wine invites you to take part in a socially-paced 5km circuit, followed by wine tasting, cheese and charcuterie at Brew & Barrel in Clapham Old Town. 6.45pm-9pm

LANA DEL REY: Join the City String Ensemble for a live orchestral reimagining of Lana Del Rey's music, delivered outdoors with the Wembley Stadium arch in the background. It's part of the Summer Rocks series, with limited seating available on a first-come, first-served basis. FREE, 7pm-8pm

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Fill your week with flowers

South west London goes green this week as RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival comes to town, offering Show Gardens, a Floral Marquee, plant sellers, homewares stalls, food and drink, live music and loads more to enjoy, whether you're a keen gardener or just love being among flowers.

Wander through Show Gardens designed by established and up-and-coming designers, on a range of themes. Like what you see? Swing by the Plant Village to stock up on everything you need to recreate it at home. Then head to the How To Stage and the Get Growing Festival Stage, for expert talks and live demonstrations. Among the line-up: BBC Gardener's World presenters Arit Anderson and Joe Swift, and RHS Ambassador Adam Frost.

Don't forget to visit the Festival of Roses, with brand new varieties on show, and a seating area where you can relax and soak up the scents. The Floral Marquee is packed with colourful plants and flowers, with expert growers from across the UK on hand to offer advice.

The festival is family-friendly (under-16s go free, and kids' entertainment includes a trail from The Wombles), and has plenty of street food stalls. Treat yourself to lunch or a drink and enjoy it at the bandstand, watching live music performances to finish up a wonderful summery day out.

RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival takes place 1-6 July. See the website for the full programme and to book your tickets before they sell out.

Wednesday 2 July

HOUSE OF LIFE: Described as "one part sermon, one part rebirth, three parts party", show House of Life opens at Brixton House offering a sense of togetherness and elevation at a time when people feel more disconnected than ever. Expect a lively rave atmosphere, and to leave feeling a lot better than when you arrived. 2-4 July

OTHER PEOPLE'S SECRETS: Head to OSO Arts Centre (Barnes) to watch Other People's Secrets, a series of short plays exploring the power that secrets have to change lives. Comedy, drama, thriller and farce are promised in the 1hr 45 min show. 2-6 July

WOMEN'S EUROS: Calling all footie fans! Reigning European champions, England's Lionesses defend their title at the Women's Euros tournament, with Wales also taking part this time. Switzerland host, but plenty of London bars, pubs and other venues are screening the matches, so book your table now, and get down there to support them. Iceland, Finland, Switzerland and Norway all play on opening day today, with England's first match on Saturday evening. 2-25 July

QUEER VOICES IN FOOTBALL: Talking of footy, The Standard in King's Cross hosts a free talk this evening, TheirStories Pride Special: Queer Voices in Football, in which a panel including Joanie Evans (ex player and previous Co-President of the Gay Games) and Fae Fulconis (Hackney Women's FC) discuss the recent Supreme Court ruling and FA ban on trans women in football. FREE, 6pm

BIG BINGO PARTY: Drag queen and hostess with the mostest Fanny Galore heads up a big bingo party at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley. Eyes down and dabbers ready as you play the traditional game, with a lively twist. Bar snacks are included in your ticket price. 7pm

PRATIBHA PARMAR: The ICA screens three films by writer and filmmaker Pratibha Parmar which explore South Asian queer diasporic life. Watch Memory Pictures, Flesh & Paper, and Khush, followed by a Q&A with Parmar and writer and educator Abeera Khan. The event links to the current Connecting Thin Black Lines 1985–2025 exhibition. 7pm

COCKNEY SING-A-LONG: At time of writing, there are a few tickets left to Carradine's Cockney Sing-A-Long at Wilton's Music Hall, a popular event which usually sells out way in advance. Musician Tom Carradine and his five-piece band, The China Plates, lead a traditional East End sing-a-long featuring music hall, tunes from both world wars, dazzling songs from the West End stage and timeless melodies spanning the decades. 7.30pm

Thursday 3 July

BATTERSEA JAZZ FESTIVAL: The Battersea Jazz Festival gets underway with live performances at various venues including local churches and Clapham Grand. Today's opening show features members of the North London Jazz Collective performing at the Landor Space. 3-12 July

NYE: Michael Sheen stars in (some performances of) Nye at the National Theatre. The show celebrates the life of Former Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Nye Bevan, and his contribution towards creating the NHS. 3 July-16 August

COPACABANA: The London Cabaret Club's latest all-singing, all-dancing production is Copacabana, an electrifying celebration bursting with vibrant showgirls, exotic decor, and the infectious energy of a Rio carnival. Expect plenty of feathers, cha cha-ing, and exotic cocktails. 3 July-27 September

CITY BEERFEST: Clock off work early and head to Guildhall Yard for boozy party City Beerfest. Several breweries are serving their beers, plus there's live music and street food, and the whole event raises money for the Lord Mayor's Appeal charity. 12.30pm-9pm

CARTIER LECTURE: Tying in with the current, glittering, Cartier exhibition at the V&A South Kensington, hear from its lead curator about the jewellery house's more inventive techniques, and the inspirations for those. In this free lunchtime lecture, some of the exhibition’s key items are put into the spotlight. FREE, 1pm-1.55pm

HEALING COMEDY CLUB: Felicity Ward headlines an evening of stand-up comedy at the Healing Comedy Club, held at Drayton Court in West Ealing. Kuan-Wen Huang, Sam Nicoresti, and Will Robbins also appear, and 2-for-1 cocktails and pizzas are available at the bar both before and after the show. 7.30pm-9.30pm

Friday 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. There are also some special Independence Day events taking place all over the capital. 4 July

LONDON CHILDREN'S BALLET: A talented company of 50 young dancers, aged 9-16, performs new production Ella’s Big Chance: A Jazz-Age Cinderella, based on an original story by Shirley Hughes. It's the tale of dress shop owner Mr Cinders, who is left to bring up his daughter Ella on his own when his wife dies, and is suitable for age three+. See it at the Peacock Theatre. 4-6 July

BALHAM COMEDY FESTIVAL: Stephen K. Amos, Shaparak Khorsandi, Ben Norris and Esther Manito are among the comedians on the bill at the Balham Comedy Festival, organised by Banana Cabaret and taking place at The Bedford. 4-12 July

MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR: Shakespeare’s raucous comedy The Merry Wives of Windsor comes to the Globe, bringing to life the antics of the disreputable knight Sir John Falstaff attempting to seduce two wealthy housewives. 4 July-27 September

MOVIEDROME: Cult 1980s-1990s BBC series Moviedrome gets its time in the spotlight as the subject of the BFI's latest season. Moviedrome: Bringing The Cult TV Series To The Big Screen shows some of the most notable titles screened by the series, featuring witty and insightful introductions from hosts Alex Cox and later Mark Cousins. 4 July-25 August

BLACK STABBATH: Not a typo: knowing that not every Black Sabbath fan will have scored tickets for the big, final gig at Villa Park tomorrow night, tribute band Black Stabbath are putting on a special night at Camden Underworld, with support from the likes of Lords of Darkness, The Big Four Covers Band, The Machine Rages On and Alice in Chains UK. This show happens again on Sunday (not Saturday though, as presumably members of Black Stabbath band will be at Villa Park). Doors from 6pm, repeated on Sunday. Support acts vary.

CAMPFIRE CLUB: The Nest Collective's Campfire Club series of outdoor live music continues at Cody Dock. Bask in the glow of the campfire as the sun sets, while listening to a live performance by singer-songwriter Hayden Thorpe. 7pm-10.30pm

SILENT DISCO: Three DJs take charge of a channel each at tonight's silent disco at Between The Bridges. Don a pair of LED headphones and dance the night away to your choice of 80s synth-pop, 90s and 00s anthems, or today’s chart-toppers. 7pm-11pm

CRIME SCENE IMPROVISATION: There's been a murder! And the CSI: Crime Scene Improvisation gang are on the case at Wilton's Music Hall tonight. Expect some hilariously absurd sleuthing as they make it all up on the spot. 7.30pm-8.30pm

THE DIRTY THIRTY: Watch "30 queer plays in 60 straight minutes" at the Pride edition of the Dirty Thirty at the Rosemary Branch Theatre in Islington. Each of the mini-shows is an irreproducible snapshot of life at that very moment. 9pm

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Saturday 5 July

EEL PIE ISLAND: The second of this summer's open weekends at Eel Pie Island offers a chance to set foot on the mysterious and private island in the Thames and visit the artists who live and work there in their studios — and of course, buy artworks straight from the source. FREE (booking now required), 5-6 July

BEAUTIFUL WORLD CABARET: Janie Dee, Wayne Sleep and Carly Mercedes Dyer are on today's opening day line-up at Beautiful World Cabaret at Charing Cross Theatre. The event features a variety of performers from different backgrounds exploring the themes of nature and wonder through music and storytelling. 5-13 July

BIG GAY BRUNCH: Warm up for Pride (below) at The Actors' Church in Covent Garden, which serves a Big Gay Brunch. Expect a camp village fete vibe, with live music, comedy, games, food and drink, with performers including drag artist Le Gateau Chocolat and the stars of Magic Mike Live, before the main event gets underway in central London. From 11am

PRIDE IN LONDON: The absolutely huge Pride in London festival takes place today, with a parade winding through the centre of London from Hyde Park Corner to Whitehall, and festival stages set up around Soho. Expect to see many Pride after-parties and other LGBTQ+ events taking place around this time too. FREE, from 12pm

SLAYING THE FIELD: Baller FC — which was set up by passionate members of the queer community and football fans with a mission to grow women’s football fandom — puts on a special party at Signature Brew in Walthamstow. Not only is it celebrating Pride in London, but also England and Wales' first games in the Women's Euros tournament. The 12-hour festival has appearances from football collectives including Uhaul Dyke Rescue, Match of the Gay and Purple Pool as well as a chance to watch queer short footy films Solers United and We’ll Go Down in History (Truk United FC). 1pm-1am

ADAM DANT: Head to the Heath Robinson Museum in Pinner to hear from artist Adam Dant, whose work has featured on Londonist in the past. In this illustrated talk, though, Dant focuses on his time as Official Artist of the 2015 General Election, when he was granted rare access to certain aspects of modern politics. Hear about his encounters with some of Britain’s most powerful and peculiar institutions, from the corridors of Westminster to centuries-old guilds. 3.45pm-5.15pm

CRICKET: The Oval in *checks notes* Oval hosts England Women tonight, as they take on India in what promises to be an exciting IT20 fixture. At time of writing, adult tickets start from just £16 (restricted view)/£21 (not restricted), with under-sixteens' seats costing from £10. 6.35pm

NORTHERN LIGHTS: Over the past year, Londoners have been treated to the rare sight (at this latitude) of the northern lights. Join planetary scientist Marina Galand at the Royal Institution for a look at what causes the phenomenon, and whether other planets and moons get the light show. 7pm

Sunday 6 July

JOE WICKS FESTIVAL: Join Joe Wicks for a family-friendly wellbeing event at Kew Gardens, featuring fitness sessions led by Wicks and guest experts, including activities like yoga and pilates. Enjoy workshops and inspiring talks covering topics such as nutrition and mental health. 9.30am-6pm

ANTIQUES FAIR:The 'Horti' is London's longest-running monthly antiques fair, held at The Royal Horticultural Halls in Westminster and featuring over 130 exhibitors offering a wide range of antiques such as jewellery, silver, and collectables. 10am-4.30pm

LONDON YOUTH GAMES: The London Youth Games (LYG) Community Sport Festival is happening at Copper Box Arena in Stratford. It features the finals for basketball, volleyball and netball, showcasing the best young athletes in London, as well as offering fitness challenges and other activities for spectators. 10am

HAMPSTEAD BIG FAIR: Heath Street in Hampstead goes traffic-free for the Hampstead Big Fair, with 110 stalls selling crafts, food and drink, alongside a funfair, circus school, live music and other entertainment. FREE, 12pm-5pm

THE CALLY FESTIVAL: Islington's Caledonian Road — affectionately known as 'The Cally' — closes to traffic and puts on its party gear for The Cally Festival. The free-entry celebration of local culture has live music, storytelling, workshops, kids' activities and more. FREE, 12pm-6pm

FREE JAZZ: There's live jazz, salsa dancing and an LGBTQ+ community choir in Bermondsey Square this afternoon, courtesy of a Jazz Days Pride special. FREE, 1.30pm-5.30pm

SOUND LOUNGE: Sutton's Sound Lounge welcomes a trio of North American artists today, namely Canadian folk and country artist Sarah Jane Scouten, North Carolinian singer-songwriter Jeffrey Dean Foster, and Élise LeBlanc, who performs songs exploring queer desire, betrayal, hope, and nature lore. It's pay what you can. 4pm-8pm

ALWAYS BE COMEDY: A mystery guest appears at Always Be Comedy at the Tommyfield in Kennington this afternoon, alongside Amy Annette with a WIP. Not promising anything, but often, ABC's mystery guests are major comedy names. 4.30pm-6.15pm

BREAKING BARRIERS: Taking place at The Other Palace, Breaking Barriers is a night of musical theatre featuring disabled and neurodivergent performers. It showcases a range of emerging artists, aiming to challenge industry norms and amplify underrepresented voices in theatre. 5p

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