All week

BBC PROMS: The world's largest classical music festival comes to a close this week. Naturally, The Last Night of the Proms has sold out — though it will be broadcast on TV — but see what else is on with our guide to the BBC Proms. Until 9 September

GDIF: This year's Greenwich + Docklands International Festival also wraps up at the end of this week, but there are still plenty of events to catch, including a catwalk-style show celebrating fluidity and self expression, and Dancing City — two days of free outdoor dance performances. Most events FREE, until 10 September

TOTALLY THAMES: The annual festival celebrating London's river goes on all month with walks, talks, exhibitions and other events. This week, catch Climate Cabaret in Kingston, sightseeing river cruises celebrating Brunel's work, or a talk focusing on William Morris's fascination with the river among many, many other happenings. Until 1 October

BEACH VOLLEYBALL: 200 tonnes of sand appear in Canary Wharf from Monday to create two full-sized volleyball courts for Action For Kids Beach Volleyball, a charity fundraising pop-up. Courts can be booked out, so you can practice your skills, or hold a mini tournament with friends and family — or even sign your team up for the corporate competition. 4-28 September

This is the final week of all four of the following exhibitions:

• ASHISH: 60+ works by fashion designer Ashish Gupta are on show at the William Morris Gallery in Walthamstow, including a major new commission. FREE, until 10 September
• ANDY WARHOL: We're huge fans of Andy Warhol: The Textiles at Fashion & Textile Museum, which shines a light on the pop artist's lesser-known work designing and printing textiles. Some fantastic original items of clothing and pieces of fabric on show, dating back to the 1950s-60s. Until 10 September
• MILK: Wellcome Collection has turned its gaze to how the science and marketing of milk is woven into our cultural history, from 'breast is best' to the advertising of milk's nutritional value, and whether milk moustaches will become a thing of the past. FREE, until 10 September
• BERTHE MORISOT: Time's running out to see the first major UK exhibition of trailblazing Impressionist Berthe Morisot since 1950. Dulwich Picture Gallery brings together around 30 of her pieces to show her as an influential figure of the Impressionist movement. Until 10 September

MUSEUM OF THE WEEK: The Wiener Holocaust Library — which we visited a little while back — is marking 90 years since its foundation in Amsterdam, with two special free exhibitions — one pulling out highlights from its eye-opening archives, and the second, delving into the family history if the Wieners. An excellent excuse to visit this institution.

DAY TRIP OF THE WEEK: With Totally Thames in full flow (above), why not visit an historic boatyard just outside London? We were seriously impressed on our visit to Historic Dockyard Chatham, a Kent attraction with classic ships, a submarine you can board, a narrow-gauge steam railway, more gallery space than most museums, and a ton more besides, including three of the most incredible rooms you'll ever see. Our Beyond London section has plenty more ideas for days out and weekends away.

Monday 4 September

THE BIG SEW OFF: Take part in 24-hour sewathon The Big Sew Off, raising money for mental health charity Mind. Though it's hosted by the New Craft House in Hackney, you can join in virtually from anywhere in the world. From 10am

GARDEN YOGA: Limber up and head to Chelsea Physic Garden after work for the monthly yoga class in the open-air, accompanied by the sound of birdsong. Take a water bottle, and a yoga mat if you have one. 6pm-7pm

POETRY NIGHT: Make your way to Boxpark Wembley for Bring Your Own Bars, a regular poetry night hosted by resident poet Rohan Samuel. You can sign up for an open mic slot on the door if you're so inclined, otherwise just enjoy an evening of wordplay by others. FREE, 6.30pm-10pm

FRENCH-JAPANESE OMAKASE: Bethnal Green's Issho-Ni is hosting the first in a series of French omakase chef's table events, helmed by Guillaume Gillan. Settle in for six courses of food theatre from the open kitchen. 6.30pm

REFUGEE COMEDY COLLECTIVE: Soho Theatre hosts No Direction Home, a refugee comedy collective putting the spotlight on aspiring comedians of refugee and migrant backgrounds, alongside special guest headliners and hosts — tonight Amy Gledhill hosts and Maisie Adams headlines. 7.15pm

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 5 September

HANDLEBARDS: Cycling theatre collective Handlebards — who travel between venues by bike — pitch up at Dulwich Picture Gallery for open-air performances of A Midsummer Night's Dream across two evenings. Pack a picnic or buy something from the food truck to enjoy as you watch the Shakespeare play. Take your own blanket or small chair too. 5-6 September

WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN: ArtsDepot in North Finchley opens a new exhibition, All The Women We Could Have Been, looking at what life might have been like for disabled women if they hadn't had limitations to contend with. View a range of artworks on the topic, all by disabled female artists over the age of 50. FREE, 5-28 September

SHORTEST NIGHTS: It's the second half of 2023's The Shortest Nights film festival — and tonight it's at Shoreditch's Rich Mix, screening shorts by the UK's most exciting emerging filmmakers, including fierce and thrilling female-led dramas, and blood-curdlingly funny comedy. 6pm

IAN NAIRN: 40 years after the death of architectural critic Ian Nairn, a new edition of his book, Modern Buildings in London, is published, with contributions by historian Travis Elborough. London Review Bookshop hosts Elborough in conversation with architectural historian Gillian Darley and architect Charles Holland to discuss Nairn's life and legacy. 7pm

DISINFORMATION: In an age of social media, deep fakes, bots and AI, how do we know what we can believe? That's the topic of a discussion between investigative journalist Carole Cadwalladr and US media scholar, blogger and internet activist Professor Ethan Zuckerman, chaired by Mukul Devichand, Editor of Audio Programming at the New York Times, who look at how disinformation and misinformationaffects democracy. Watch in person at the British Library, or livestreamed online. 7pm-8.30pm

WING EVOLUTION: When you think about it, it's incredible that many animal species can fly. Writer and birdwatcher Lev Parikian delves into the topic at the Royal Institution, looking at the evolution of flight, from the first flying insect 300 million years ago, to the birds, bats and butterflies of today, including ancient species, and how flight has shaped life on Earth. 7pm-8.30pm

DEB FILLER: Kiwi/Canadian/Jewish comedian, Deb Filler performs in Kravitz, Cohen, Bernstein and Me at JW3 Centre in Finchley. The show is a tribute to Yiddish, music and mentors in the form of an amusing musical quest featuring renditions of The Beatles' songs in Yiddish. 7.30pm

Wednesday 6 September

DOCUMENTARY FESTIVAL: Open City Documentary Festival is a celebration of non-fiction cinema in London, organised in conjunction with UCL and taking place at various locations around the capital. As well as film screenings, this year's programme includes mentoring and networking sessions and talks by artists. It begins with a screening of poetic essay film Nowhere Near, at Curzon Soho tonight. 6-12 September

OPEN HOUSE LONDON: It's the most wonderful time of year, when all manner of London buildings and structures which are usually off-limits to the public fling their doors open and welcome us in for Open House London. Our previous highlights include going inside the St Pancras clock tower, and on the roof of 55 Broadway — see what's on the programme this year. 6-17 September

DICKENS IN SOUTHWARK: Join a guide from Southwark Cathedral for a walking tour around the local area, themed on author Charles Dickens, who spent time in the area when his father was incarcerated at Marchelsea Prison. On the walk, visit locations from The Pickwick Papers, The Old Curiosity Shop, David Copperfield and Little Dorrit. 11am-1pm

BLACK GEORGIANS: Find out about the lives of everyday Black people living in England during the 18th century, at this free London Metropolitan Archives talk. Thousands of African people were brought over as part of the transatlantic slave trade, but apart from a few well-known figures, little is known about how they lived once they arrived here. Watch in person at London Metropolitan Archives, or online. FREE, 5.30pm-7pm

WINE WALKS: Well, this sounds rather idyllic. Enjoy an evening of wine tasting in Kew Gardens, with tipples inspired by the gardens themselves. Sup a sparkling rosé and pinot noir in the Rose Garden, Italian wines in the Mediterranean Garden, and tropical New World wines in the Temperate House, finishing up with a classic Bordeaux at the Pavilion, where you can also tuck into a cheese and charcuterie board. 6pm

Thursday 7 September

CHELSEA PHYSIC GARDEN: The 350-year anniversary celebrations continue at London’s oldest botanic garden, with the reopening of its historic Glasshouses. Head here today and be the first to discover these freshly-restored structures - filled with succulents, cacti, pelargoniums and other plants from around the world - and their recently-uncovered stories. Chelsea Physic Garden is open 11am-5pm, Sunday to Friday, and there are tons of special anniversary events this autumn (sponsor)

COCKTAILS IN THE CITY: For the final time this year, boozy festival Cocktails in the City pitches up at Bedford Square Gardens, for three days of mixology masterclasses, live music, a silent disco and other entertainment, as well as plenty of cocktails to sup from London bars including Trailer Happiness, The Thin White Duke, and The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town. Oh, and if this sounds right up your street, you'll also want to know about London Cocktail Week, a completely separate event taking place in October. 7-9 September

LONDON PODCAST FESTIVAL: Headphones at the ready for London Podcast Festival at Kings Place, which sees both mainstream and niche podcasts filmed in front of a live audience, with some of the recordings streamed online too. Drunk Women Solving Crime, No Such Thing As A Fish, and the Empire Film Podcast are some of the big name shows, along with offerings on comedy, food and politics. Dope Black Mums X Dope Black Dads is the first event kicking off the festival tonight. 7-17 September

THE INVINCIBLES: Queen's Theatre Hornchurch hosts the world premiere of The Invincibles, a new play celebrating both the Sterling Ladies, a successful local football team during the first world war, and the more recent successes of England's Lionesses. The two teams are separated by a century, but they are united by a shared love for the game of women's football. 7-23 September

SIR RANULPH FIENNES: Explorer and writer Sir Ranulph Fiennes swaps mountains for the hills of north London, heading up to Alexandra Palace for the latest stop in his touring live show, Mad, Bad and Dangerous. Hear him talk about his adventures, from school misdemeanours, to his time in the military and beyond, including circumnavigating the globe, losing fingers to frostbite, and learning a few lessons along the way. 6.30pm

COMEDY CLUB: Candace Bryan, Stella Graham, Steve Gribbin, Ana Little, Paul Ricketts and Chris Norton Walker are the six comedians on the line-up for this month's Comedy Club at Catford Mews. Chris Douce is MC. 8pm

Friday 8 September

MARKFIELD ROAD FESTIVAL: Taking place in South Tottenham, Markfield Road Festival is a free arts and music festival for all ages. Visit open arts studios, watch short films screenings and live music performances, take part in workshops including life drawing, watch a carnival procession featuring local school children, and let your kids enjoy bouncy castles and face painting. FREE ENTRY, 8-10 September

HERITAGE OPEN DAYS: Free rides on 1950/60s London buses feature as part of this year's Heritage Open Days. The programme of events opens up everything from lesser-known museums, to old factories, to music halls to the public, showcasing a slew of cultural nooks and crannies that may have escaped your attention. 8-17 September

THE FATHER AND THE ASSASSIN: The National Theatre opens a production of The Father and the Assassin by Anupama Chandrasekhar. The play explores oppression and extremism by following 30 years of the life of Nathuram Godse, the journalist and nationalist who went on to murder Mahatma Ghandi. 8 September-14 October

RUGBY WORLD CUP: Hosted in France, the Rugby World Cup begins tonight with the host country taking on New Zealand, followed by seven more weeks of action. We've got a guide to where to watch the Rugby World Cup in London, featuring pubs and other venues which are screening the matches. FYI, England's first match is tomorrow, against Argentina. 8 September-28 October

SCRAMBLE! Comedy night Scramble! celebrates its first birthday with a bumper lineup of comedians including Rob Duncan, Su Mi, Mark Silcox, Frank, Ella the Great and Elf Lyons. There's a a free pizza slice for everyone, plus the comedy's followed by DJs and bands till late. All happening in their new Stoke Newington venue. 7pm-1am

LITTLE CITY: Aimed at children under 6 and their families, Little City is a role playing activity, popping up at Big Penny Social in Walthamstow. Children can take on roles such as hairdresser, firefighter, cafe owner and builder, using special toys and backdrops. 9.30am-1.45pm

Saturday 9 September

GOTOBEAT: Signature Brew in Blackhorse Road kicks off its two-day Gotobeat Festival today, featuring Girlie, Beth McCarthy and Orchards. If you like great live music paired with fresh beer, you'll want to consider this. Until 10 September

CLASSIC BOAT FESTIVAL: All manner of vintage vessels moor up at St Katharine Docks (next to the Tower of London) for the Classic Boat Festival. Even if you don't know your port from your starboard, it's a fascinating spectacle, with around 40 preserved vessels on display, including Dunkirk Little Ships. FREE, 9-10 September

CAMDEN MUSIC FESTIVAL: To celebrate the expansion of Camden's Music Walk of Fame with the addition of 11 more plaques, the inaugural Camden Music Festival takes place on Hawley Crescent and Camden High Street. It's an all-dayer featuring free performances from Jazzie B (Founder of Soul II Soul) and Rusty Egan (Blitz Music Machine). 9 September

THE HOME OF FOOD: Lord's Cricket Ground launches a brand new food festival, The Home of Food by chef Tommy Banks, with food trucks and well-known chefs serving up dishes all weekend. Richard Corrigan, Selin Kiazim, Gareth Ward, Lisa Goodwin Allen and Aktar Islam are among the chefs and restaurateurs taking part, and entertainment includes cricket taster session and cooking lessons for children, and behind the scenes tours of the cricket ground by expert guides. 9-10 September

FAMILY RAVE: Horniman Museum hosts one of the legendary Big Fish Little Fish family raves, for parents (and grandparents, aunts, uncles...) who aren't ready to give up their raving lifestyle yet, to share it with their children in a safe and friendly environment. Think dancing to live DJs, along with craft activities, face painting, and other child-friendly entertainment. Takes place outside, so dress appropriately. 2pm-6pm

GATTI'S MUSIC HALL: The London Canal Museum stays open late for a special concert performance in the style of Carlo Gatti's Music Hall Theatre — a venue which was run by the entrepreneur and ice importer and his family. See The New Players' Theatre Company in an evening of Victorian-style entertainment. The museum itself is also open late, so you can learn about the history of Carlo Gatti and the ice trade. 7.30pm

Sunday 10 September

AEGEAN SUNDAYS: The Counter in Notting Hill, Kemal Demirasal's ocakbasi restaurant, has just launched its Aegean Sundays menu, a 12-dish feasting menu exploring the coastal cuisine of Turkey, with the likes of fried squid, sauteed prawns, and a special fish of the day. It's £50 per person.

CONSERVATORY ART: Barbican’s Conservatory unveils a new site-specific commission by Indian sculptor Ranjani Shettar. Cloud songs on the horizon features large-scale suspended sculptures across the entirety of the Conservatory, made from wood, stainless steel, muslin and lacquer, using techniques that have been adapted from traditional Indian crafts. From 10 September

ANTIQUES FAIR: The regular Adams Antiques Fair returns to the Royal Horticultural Halls in Westminster, with over 120 exhibitors from all over the UK (and some beyond) selling jewellery, silverware, decorative pieces and other objects. 10am-4.30pm

LONDON POLE CHAMPIONSHIPS: Pole dancing competition the London Pole Championships takes place at ArtsDepot in North Finchley. Watch shows of musicality, strength, stamina and flexibility, and see who will be crowned the winner in each category, including beginners and doubles. 2pm

GOODTIME JAZZ: Get your toes tapping to classics from Louis Armstrong, Fats Waller and Benny Goodman, with Pete's Goodtime Jazz Band, who play Ilford's Kenneth More Theatre this afternoon. 2pm-4pm

ICE HOCKEY: Ice hockey season is back! Catch Streatham Ice Hockey — one of London's four main teams — in action at home against Milton Keynes Thunder. New to the sport, need a refresher now the season's starting again, or want to know more about the four London teams? You'll be needing our guide to ice hockey in London. 6.45pm

THE MERSEY BEATLES: Penny Lane might be in your ears and in your eyes, but it's Fairfield Halls in Croydon you'll want to head for, to catch a performance by The Beatles tribute act The Mersey Beatles. They had a 10-year residency at Liverpool's Cavern Club, known at the birthplace of The Beatles, so we're expecting very good things from them. 7.30pm

Good cause of the week

Ever wanted to see the view from the top of One Canada Square? The pyramid-topped skyscraper was the UK's tallest building until the Shard came along, but it's rarely open to the public. Now, food charity The Felix Project is organising a sponsored stair climb to raise money for its community projects. If you think you have what it takes to march up the tower's 1,031 steps, then sign up for the event now. Entry is £25 per person, with a fundraising target of £300.