All week
LONDONIST PARTY: Would you believe it — Londonist turns 20 years old in 2024! To celebrate, we're throwing a party at the magnificent Five Points Taproom & Courtyard on Wednesday 12 June. There's live music, incredible food and the chance to mingle with the Londonist team and other London lovers. Be sure to nab a ticket soon! (Your first couple of drinks are included.)
JIMMY'S BBQ CLUB: Back for its seventh year on the South Bank, Jimmy's BBQ Club offers up a six-course tasting menu Thames-side, featuring the likes of South Brockwell farm asparagus from Sussex and ChalkStream rainbow trout from Hampshire. During the day, there's also street food — or you can just use one of the two bars, and get yourself a wine or cocktail. Throughout summer
GYPSY JAZZ FESTIVAL: The jazz style affectionately known as 'Gypsy Jazz' is celebrated at the London Gypsy Jazz Festival. It's the event's third edition, and has concerts and shows taking place at various events all this week at venues across Soho, Chelsea, Battersea and Old Street. 6-12 May
ART OF THE BRICK: More than 90 bricky sculptures by Lego artist Nathan Sawaya are on display in Shoreditch, including interpretations of famous art masterpieces, such as Michelangelo's David, and The Scream by Edvard Munch. This is the final week to see them. Until 12 May
INJECTING HOPE: Also closing this week is Injecting Hope, a free exhibition at the Science Museum, looking at how scientists work quickly to produced vaccines as new pandemics take hold. FREE, until 12 May
JIGSAW OF THE WEEK: If you find yourself rained in over the bank holiday, then a new jigsaw puzzle might be called for to while away the time. Artist Dex has just released his culture map of London as a 1,000 piece puzzle, which won't just keep your mind occupied but also gen you up on every aspect of the capital's culture — books, films, music, the lot.
EAT OF THE WEEK: Pasta restaurant Noci opens a Richmond branch on Monday 6 May, bringing its menu of spritzes, silken pasta and Sicilian sides to west London. It's particularly worth knowing about their lunchtime meal deal, where £15 gets you focaccia, pasta and a drink from Mon-Fri, 12pm-3pm.
DRINK OF THE WEEK: The Dorchester's Vesper Bar is surely one of the most opulent places for a livener after a stroll around Hyde Park — and it's just launched a new cocktail menu, called Essentia. Among the 11 concoctions is the Sunkissed Summers (Seatrus gin, rhubarb 'sea water', aloe vera) and the Thunderstorm (Altamura vodka, oregano mezcal, passionfruit, Greek punch, patchouli). All kinds of bank holiday weather covered, then.
DAY TRIP OF THE WEEK: Fancy a dose of nostalgia? Head to the House on the Hill Museum in Stansted — it has 70,000 toys on display, from ancient Roman playthings to the electronic toys of our own childhoods, and is located in the grounds of (and included in admission to) Mountfitchet Castle. See our Beyond London section for further inspiration for trips out of London for a day, a weekend, or longer.
Bank holiday Monday 6 May
BANK HOLIDAY: Take a look at our guide to spending the bank holiday weekend in London for ways to fill your time, from walking routes to top-notch pubs to guided tours and cultural days out this bank holiday Monday.
CANALWAY CAVALCADE: Today's the final day of this year's Canalway Cavalcade in Little Venice, a vibrant festival which sees dozens of boats moor up in the area with live music, children's activities and boat-based fun. FREE, 10am-5pm
JUMBLE TRAIL: The area around Francis Road in Leyton is taken over by a jumble trail, with stalls popping up in up to 100 residents' gardens, selling pre-loved items including kid's clothes and toys, bric-a-brac, homewares, clothing and the like. Navigate the trail using this map. 11am-4pm
RUISLIP LIDO RAILWAY: Choo choo! The Ruislip Lido Railway (which we're partial to riding ourselves) holds the final day of its Gala Weekend, where the public can get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to keep the railway running. Visit the workshop and yard, sit in some of the locomotives on display, and — if you like what you see — find out about becoming a volunteer there. 11am-5pm
POND DIPPING: Get to know your pond skater from your stickleback at the pond dipping weekend at London Wetland Centre in Barnes. Drop in at the pond zone and learn about what goes on under the water. It's included in admission fee, and there's also interactive storytelling for younger visitors. 11am/2pm
PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITIONS: A reminder that today is the final day of the Sony World Photography Awards Exhibition at Somerset House, with stories from around the world told through photography. 11am-6pm
MONDAY MATINEE: Head to the Handel Hendrix House in Mayfair for a lunchtime concert. Beth Stone and Aidan Phillips perform a programme of flute and harpsichord sonatas from baroque composers linked to the life of George Frideric Handel. 1pm
Tuesday 7 May
DECORATIVE FAIR: Interested in interior design? Make for the Decorative Fair at Evolution London in Battersea Park and browse antiques, fine and decorative art and 20th century design, dating from the 1700s to the 1970s. Top tip: entry is free after 4pm each day. 7-12 May
FUTURE TECH: In today's Gresham College lecture, Prof Victoria Baines explores the next 50 years of technology. "Why should we fear disruption? Should we instead embrace it?" FREE, 6pm
LOVE LIES BLEEDING: Barbican Cinema screens newly-released film Love Lies Bleeding, followed by a talk with the film's director Rose Glass and co-writer Weronika Tofilska. Starring Kristen Stewart and set in 1989, it follows the relationship between a gym manager and a bodybuilder. 6.30pm
LORD'S DINING CLUB: If you've got deep enough pockets, there's a chance to dine in the Long Room at Lord's cricket ground tonight. At this edition of the Lord's Dining Club, chef and restaurateur Tom Shepherd cooks up a four-course meal, paired with a matching wine flight, and a cocktail reception on arrival. 6.45pm
COMMON: Join a theatrical walk around the green spaces of south-east London. Common by Teatro Vivo celebrates the green areas in Sydenham and Forest Hill that only exist because of those who battled to keep them that way for over 400 years — and continue to battle today. 7pm (and until 12 May)
FIRKIN HILARIOUS COMEDY: Russell Hicks, Ali Woods, Sapphire Mcintosh, Sallyann Fellowes and an unidentified special guest are all on the line-up at the punny new monthly event Firkin Hilarious Comedy at The Fox & Firkin in Lewisham. 7pm
Wednesday 8 May
AFFORDABLE ART FAIR: The Affordable Art Fair pitches up in Hampstead from today, selling thousands of contemporary artworks with prices starting at £50, and 100 galleries from all over the world taking part. Today's the preview, and there are late-night openings on Thursday and Friday, plus painting classes, tours and other events. 8-12 May
JAMES PLAYFAIR: Learn about the life and work of James Playfair, an 18th-century architect who died at the age of 38, and who may have gone on to reshape the architecture of Scotland had he lived longer. This talk at Sir John Soane's Museum delves into his architectural ambitions to 'improve' Scottish architecture by aligning it with the standards of metropolitan London. 6pm-7.30pm
SKYLINE SKETCHING: Lift 109, the viewing gallery at the top of one of Battersea Power Station's chimneys, offers its latest special event: Skyline Sketching. Get after-hours access, and take part in a guided sketching session with a tutor, recreating the London skyline which is stretched out in front of you. 6pm-8pm
EVOLUTION: How might species, including our own, evolve in the future? Professor Robin May takes a 10 million year view in today's Gresham lecture. FREE, 6pm
EARL'S COURT: They demolished the famous exhibition centre a few years ago, but what's going to be built in its place? The London Society presents an evening discussion featuring spokespersons from the developers and local community. 6.30pm-8.30pm
LONDON MOTH STORYSLAM: 'Snooping' is the juicy-sounding theme of this month's London Moth Storyslam at Rich Mix in Shoreditch. The open-mic storytelling competition is open to everyone, with the condition that the story you're telling must be true, and fit within your five-minute timeslot. Not a performer? No problem — just kick back and watch others doing their thing. 7.15pm
DAVID BADDIEL: Comedian and author David Baddiel is at Kent House in Knightsbridge discussing his latest book, The God Desire. It's a philosophical memoir about his keen desire to believe in a deity and why this very desperation to believe proves his atheism correct. 7.30pm-9pm
Thursday 9 May
WIMBLEDON ART FAIR: More than 150 artists exhibit at Wimbledon Art Fair, giving you a chance to purchase artworks directly from their creators. There's also a rare opportunity to go inside artists' studios. Tonight's the launch night, with live music while you browse. FREE ENTRY, 9-12 May
CALL THE MIDWIFE: Museum of London Docklands offers a guided walk through the streets of Poplar, focusing on sites linked to the memoir and TV series Call The Midwife. Visit the Lansbury Estate, Poplar High Street and St Frideswide’s Mission House ('Nonnatus' House) hearing about the local community and the nurses and nuns who served them following the second world war. 2pm
BEATING THE BOUNDS: We love London's many unusual traditions and customs, including Beating the Bounds, an ancient ritual still observed at the church of All Hallows by the Tower. Watch as members of the Clergy and Livery Companies visit each parish boundary to pray for protection and blessings — including boarding a boat to reach a boundary marker in the middle of the Thames. FREE to watch, 4.15pm
ROMANTIC LONDON: Jake Elliott (University of Roehampton) and Amy Wilcockson (University of Glasgow) discuss current research on two Romantic poets, William Blake and his lesser-known contemporary Thomas Campbell. Find out about the two poets’ perceptions of London as a city, and as a place to live and work. Takes place at Keats House in Hampstead. 6.30pm-8pm
SCIENCE MUSEUM LATE: The Science Museum in South Kensington keeps its doors open for the regular Science Museum Late. There's a focus on creativity this month, with craft workshops, and a look at the power of AI as a partner to human creativity and the potential risks for creators and consumers. There's also a silent disco, and a chance to explore the usual galleries and exhibitions after-hours. FREE, 6.30pm-10pm
LATE NIGHT JAZZ: Stay up past your bedtime for late night jazz at the Royal Albert Hall. This week, London-based musician and singer-songwriter Plumm performs in the venue's Elgar Room. 9.30pm
Friday 10 May
NATIONAL GALLERY 200: This month marks 200 years since the National Gallery opened, an occasion being celebrated with a weekend of special events. There's a late night opening on the Friday night, including a special performance by Jools Holland (tickets via ballot only), and a light show across the exterior front of the gallery on both nights. 10-11 May
HIGHWAYS FESTIVAL: Country and Americana artists are at the forefront of Highways Festival, taking place at the Royal Albert Hall. In addition to the performances on stage, there are other events around the venue, including an exhibition of Nashville photographs by Alan Messer. 10-18 May
DULWICH FESTIVAL: A celebration of art and culture in the local area, Dulwich Festival kicks off today with live music at Christ's Chapel and Copper Beech Cafe, Kenny Imafidon talking about his book That Peckham Boy at Alleyn's School, and a dance party at the Crown & Greyhound. An artists' open house weekend, a family-friendly ceilidh, and the Dulwich Park Fair are just some of the events coming up in the next few days. 10-19 May
DEATH RAILWAY: During the second world war, a 'railway of death' ran between Thailand and Burma, constructed for the Japanese by thousands of prisoners of war. Today at the National Army Museum, research curator Justin Saddington talks about the diary of Ted Senior, a soldier and prisoner of war who worked on building the railway and survived. FREE, 12pm-1pm
WORMHOLES AND HOLLYWOOD: Quantum physicist Jim Al-Khalili and Nobel Prize winner Kip Thorne are at the Royal Institution giving an insight into their work, including Thorne's role as executive producer on 2014 film Interstellar, his wager with Stephen Hawking on the nature of black holes, and industry secrets revealed through his work with NASA. 7pm-8.30pm
COMEDY ALLSTARS: Late-night comedy series London Comedy Allstars continues at Underbelly Boulevard, where Carl Donnelly, Michael Odewale, Sikisa, and Dan Tiernan are on the line-up this time. 9.30pm
Saturday 11 May
LONDON CARD SHOW: Collectors of Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh!, sports, Formula 1, UFC, Disney, and Marvel cards are invited to the London Card Show at Sandown Park Racecourse on the London/Surrey border. With over 550 tables, there are plenty of chances to buy and trade with fellow enthusiasts. 11-12 May
BARNES HISTORY WALK: Mike Hildesley, Chair of community group Barnes Common, leads a guided walk around the area, focusing on the history and ecology. Find out about conservation work going on in meadows, woodlands, acid grassland, and the orchard, and delve into who the land belonged to and how it has been used through the centuries. 10.30am
HOT SAUCE FESTIVAL: How hot is too hot for you? Find out at the Hot Sauce Festival in Peckham, where hundreds of small-batch sauces from 40+ traders are available to try and buy, along with live music, games, street food — and a bar for those all-important, palate-cleansing drinks. 11am-7pm
DRIVE-IN CINEMA: The Lion King, Star Wars: A New Hope, Mamma Mia and From Russia With Love are screened at the Embassy Gardens Drive-In Cinema, in situ for one day only. Focus is as much on the wheels as it is the films, with the bougie option to watch while sat in a classic, super or muscle car — or you can rock up in your own set of wheels, which is the significantly cheaper option. 10am-10pm
DYKE MARCH CABARET: The last Dyke March in London was 11 years ago apparently, but now plans are afoot to bring it back — with the help from tonight's cabaret and drag show at The Divine in Dalston. Performers at the fundraiser include Joelle Taylor, Imani Mason Jordan, Chiyo and Curly — and your ticket allows you to stay on for post-show shenanigans. 7pm-9pm
SHAKE & FINGERPOP: Get thee to Sutton's Sound Lounge for Shake & Fingerpop — a night of vinyl-spinning, foot-tapping, floor fillers — as played by the likes of Elly P and Rusty Vinyl. 7pm-11.55pm
CHARITY COMEDY: Have a laugh while raising money for Cherry Lodge Cancer Care, at a charity comedy night at Totteridge Cricket Club. Fiona Allen headlines, with support from Carwyn Blayney, Olivia Lee, Johnny CT and Shruti Sharma. 8pm-10.45pm
Sunday 12 May
MAUSOLEUM TOUR: Take a rare tour of the Kilmorey Mausoleum in Twickenham and the surrounding garden — listening to stories about its secret tunnel from local guides. There's also a plant sale, and tips from wildlife experts. 10am-2pm
KITE DAY: The annual Streatham Common Kite Day is back, with all manner of kites taking to the skies, including a 30m-long blue whale kite. Watch demonstrations by experts including Brighton Kite Flyers, and join in with your own kite — bring it along if you already have one, or pick one up from the stalls on the day. FREE, 11am-5pm
PUPPET FESTIVAL: One of those unique London events we love, the Covent Garden May Fayre & Puppet Festival celebrates the first recorded production of a Mr Punch show, as seen/recorded by Samuel Pepys in Covent Garden in 1662. It draws puppeteers from all over the country for a procession, church service, shows, stalls and workshops. FREE, 11am-5.30pm
VINTAGE FAIR: Refresh your wardrobe at the Frock Me Vintage Fair, taking place at Chelsea Old Town Hall with 60+ vintage dealers selling clothing and accessories dating back as far as the 1920s. 11am-5.30pm
DULWICH PARK FAIR: Magicians, maypoles and brass bands abound at Dulwich Park Fair this afternoon. Another highlight is the dog show — for which you can enter your pooch in categories including 'waggiest tail' and 'best trick'. 12pm-5pm
LUCIE JONES: 2009 X-Factor finalist and West End performer Lucie Jones gives two concerts at Cadogan Hall in Chelsea, off the back of her UK tour last year. 2.30pm-6.30pm
MIA FOLICK: LA-based singer-songwriter Mia Folick is at Lafayette in King's Cross, playing her catchy brand of electropop — including stuff from 2023 EP, ROACH. 7pm
FLAMENCO: Top flamenco dancers José Franco and Inma Carmona are at the Church Hall of the Holy Apostles in Pimlico to present Tablao — their debut London show. They're accompanied by guitarist Francisco Martín Cerdán and singer Eduardo López. 7.30pm-9.30pm
