All week

UKRAINE: As atrocities continue in Ukraine, consider donating the cost of a few pints or a theatre ticket to our friends who find themselves in desperate times. The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) needs your help to provide aid to refugees and displaced people.

CELEBRATING WOMEN: March is Women's History Month, and this Tuesday (8 March) is International Women's Day. We've picked some of the best events to celebrate both, from talks to auctions to guided tours — browse our highlights here.

MOVIE THEATERS: Last chance to see Yves Marchand & Romain Meffre: Movie Theaters, a photography exhibition showing the faded glamour of old-fashioned American cinemas, captured over 15 years. See what our reviewer thought of the show. Tristan Hoare Gallery (Great Portland Street), free entry, just turn up, until 11 March

BARNES MUSIC FESTIVAL: The 10th anniversary edition of Barnes Music Festival is now under way, with a programme of choral, instrumental, orchestral, opera, jazz and film events at venues across SW13. Highlights this week include a cello and violin performance by the Barnes Music Society, and Music in the Dark. Browse the full programme. Various locations and prices, book ahead, until 20 March

VIRTUAL VERONESE: Paolo Veronese's 1561 painting The Consecration of Saint Nicholas was originally commissioned to hang in the church of San Benedetto al Po, near Mantua, Italy. Though it's now in the National Gallery here in London, the Virtual Veronese exhibition uses virtual reality to show visitors what it would have looked like in its original location. National Gallery, free, book ahead, 7 March-13 April

HACKNEY COLLIERY BAND: Get your brass on with the hugely talented Hackney Colliery Band, and their new show, Explosions. Always pushing the envelope, and with guests including Mark Thomas, Grace Petrie and Last Skeptik, expect to hear much more than that song from the Hovis ad. Wilton's Music Hall (Shadwell), from £13, book ahead, 8-12 March

CURL TALK PROJECT: Stunning portraits of/insightful stories about women with curly hair feature in The Curl Talk Project, an exhibition that explores what it means to have curly hair in a society which often flexes prejudices against it. Granary Square (King's Cross), free, just turn up, 8 March-10 April

WOMEN AT WAR: Vintage poster shop and gallery AntikBar opens an exhibition of prints which focus on the role of women during the second world war, when they took up jobs previously done by men. The posters come from various countries, including the UK, USA, USSR and some Nazi-occupied countries. AntikBar (Chelsea), free, just turn up, 8 March-9 May

Monday 7 March

HANDMAID'S TALE: Publisher Katie Isbester, arts student Teddy 't Hooft and policy researcher Matthew Godwin join forces for a debate about what Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale and current American politics can tell us about the process by which a democratic government strips a people of their rights. Online event, free, book ahead, 6.30pm-7.30pm

MOTORSPORT SCIENCE: There's a lot of science behind motorsports, but that research doesn't just stay on the track. Science journalist Kit Chapman talks about how Mercedes’ F1 engineering team helped London's NHS during the Covid-19 pandemic, and how F1 aerodynamics are used to keep food cool in supermarkets.Royal Institution (Mayfair) or online, £16/£10/£7, book ahead, 7pm-8.30pm

OPEN MIC COMEDY: The George Tavern in East London (which is after your support against developers by the way) hosts an open mic comedy night. Anyone is free to take to the stage, and do their tight/loose five. The George Tavern (Shadwell), free entry, just turn up, 7pm

CHESS CLUB: Think you've got what it takes to be a chess master? Or just bored of Monday night TV? Head to Dulwich Chess Club to play a game or two and have a pint with new people. Newcomers, novices and experts all welcome. The Plough (Dulwich), free entry, just turn up, 8pm-11.20pm

Tuesday 8 March

CELL PHONES: Computer science expert Professor Richard Harvey gives a free Gresham College lecture about how mobile phones became so ubiquitous, and why it's so hard to navigate life and function in society without them these days.Museum of London or online, free, book ahead, 6pm-7pm

THREATENED SPECIES: The Zoological Society of London hosts a panel of speakers to discuss the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, which helps scientists to monitor which animal species are under threat of extinction, as well as a new tool for assessing species recovery and the impact of conservation efforts. Online event, free, book ahead, 6pm-7.30pm

BROMPTON CEMETERY: Suffragettes, campaigners, artists and music hall artists are among the women buried at Brompton Cemetery. They're often overlooked in favour of their male relatives or counterparts, but this online talk makes sure their stories are told. Online event, free, book ahead, 6.30pm-7.30pm

THE FEMALE ANIMAL: Broadcaster and filmmaker Lucy Cooke demonstrates how the female of many species has often been misunderstood by scientists, who often base their studies on outdated binary expectations of bodies, brains, biology and behaviour. Royal Institution (Mayfair), £16/£10/£7, book ahead, 7pm-8.30pm

THE DROVER'S WIFE: To celebrate International Women’s Day, the London Australian Film Society holds an exclusive preview screening of new western film, The Drover's Wife, directed by and starring Leah Purcell. It's an adaptation of Henry Lawson's Australian classic short story of the same name, dealing with the racism and misogyny of colonial outback Australia, and one woman's determination to thrive within it. Regent Street Cinema, £17, book ahead, 7.15pm

Wednesday 9 March

FOREST BATHING: It's becoming an increasingly popular pastime, and now you can give forest bathing a go at Kew Gardens. The session is led by the Forest Bathing Institute, and consists of a slow, sensory woodland walk designed to calm your body and mind. Kew Gardens, £60, book ahead, 10.30am-1.30pm

CHAPEL OPEN DAY: The stunning Fitzrovia Chapel holds one of its semi-regular open days, inviting the public inside the Grade-II listed building to ogle the beautiful interiors. Here's an idea of what to expect. Fitzrovia Chapel, free, just turn up, 11am-4pm

PROTESTANT SLAVERY: Find out how Protestant missionaries encountered slavery, from Gresham College Professor of Divinity Alec Ryrie. When they travelled to Africa in the 17th and 18th centuries, missionaries intended to get rid of slavery, but ended up being implicated in it themselves. Museum of London or online, free, book ahead, 6pm-7pm

JOAN LITTLEWOOD: British Library hosts an online event delving into its Theatre Royal Stratford East and Joan Littlewood Archives. Journalist Shyama Perera, actor and archivist Murray Melvin and British Library curator Eleanor Dickens delve into more than 25 years of papers, documents, cast notes and more. Online event, £5, book ahead, 7.30pm-8.45pm

PUB QUIZ: So big is The Bull Islington's quiz, it's played out over two floors of the pub. There's a 'handsome' cash prize for the winners, plus a drinks rounds with a huge game of rock paper scissors. Oh, and there's a new burger menu to tuck into as well. The Bull Islington, £2 per person, book a table for free, 7.30pm-10.30pm

Thursday 10 March

JEWISH BOXERS: Rich Mix hosts an exhibition celebrating the lost and forgotten stories of Jewish boxers in the UK. Queer and trans artist and boxer Orion Isaacs presents photographs alongside interviews either with boxers themselves, or with their families. Rich Mix (Shoreditch), free entry, book ahead for tonight's launch, 10-13 March

YOGA: Get your oms in first thing this morning, with a yoga session in the Temperate House at Kew. The vinyasa flow class takes place among rare and endangered plants before the gardens open to the public, and is led by instructor Anil Jangi.Kew Gardens, £45, book ahead, 7.30am-8.45am

FLOWER ARRANGING: Spend an evening with Brixton Village florist Stems Wilder, and learn how to expertly put together your own bouquet (while sipping a glass or two of wine). Then take your bouquet away, to give to someone special. BRXTN Studios (Brixton Village), £60.50 (inc two glasses of wine and flowers), book ahead, 7pm

A BLOCK OF FLATS: Fresh to the stage, A Block of Flats is writer/poet Inua Ellams' take on climate change, kindness and empathy in today's London. It centres on five inhabitants from a block of flats, chosen by the universal forces of Chaos and Order to decide the fate of humanity. Part of The Albany's 05Fest, running from 10-19 March. The Albany (Deptford), £10, book ahead, 7pm

THE WASHING LINE: The horrific tale of Jim Jones and The Peoples Temple is retold through music, dance and multimedia in Chickenshed's new play, The Washing Line, which asks "what drives people to join alternative forms of community?" Launching tonight, it's on until 26 March. Rayne Theatre (South Bank), from £8, book ahead, 7pm

Friday 11 March

WOMEN OF THE WORLD: A highlight of International Women's Day every year, Southbank Centre's Women of the World festival is back, for three days of events celebrating women, girls and non-binary people. The programme includes both virtual and in-person events, such as speed mentoring, an evening with Patrisse Cullors, co-founder of Black Lives Matter, and appearances from Marian Keyes, Bridget Christie, Grace Victory and Candice Braithwaite. Southbank Centre, various prices, book ahead, 11-13 March

AID FOR JAPAN: 11 years after the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan which killed almost 20,000 people, Aid For Japan hosts an anniversary event. Head to London Metropolitan Archives for an exclusive look at New Earth Theatre's Tsunagu/Connect exhibition, telling the stories of Japanese women who have emigrated to the UK since 1945.London Metropolitan Archives, pay what you can, book ahead, 12pm-4pm

DOUGLAS ADAMS: Today marks what would have been the 70th birthday of author Douglas Adams, and the British Library celebrates with online viewings of two events filmed at the venue in March 2020; a discussion of early performances of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (£5, book ahead, 8.15pm), and a conversation between comedy John Lloyd (who produced the original radio series of Hitchhikers), Douglas's brother James Thrift and radio producer, Dirk Maggs — hosted by Dick Fiddy of the BFI (£5, book ahead, 7pm). From 7pm

TITANIC: The real-life stories and testimonies of people who survived the Titanic disaster are brought to life in stage show The Night Titanic Sank. Three people's stories are told as the maritime disaster unfolds around them. Culture Palace (Enfield), £10/£8, book ahead, 7.30pm

COUNTRY TO COUNTRY: Three days of country music makes up Country To Country festival. Rising Nashville stars take to the stage between sets from headline acts including Miranda Lambert and Darius Rucker. The O2 (North Greenwich), various prices, book ahead, 11-13 March

Saturday 12 March

IWD COMEDY: Museum of Comedy is celebrating female talent throughout the week to mark International Women's Day, and today there are three different shows from Celya AB, Chloe Petts and Jain Edwards. From £9, book ahead, various times

CRAFTERAMA: Whether you're a long-time crafter or just picked up a new hobby in lockdown, head to Crafterama, a weekend covering paper crafts, stamps, decoupage, beading, resin art, needle crafts and more. Exhibitors from all over the country show off their craft materials and tools, offering shed-loads of inspiration for your next project. Alexandra Palace, from £5 per day, book ahead, 12-13 March

YARD SALE: The Museum of the Home hosts a Yard Sale, with designers, makers and coveted interiors brands appearing, all supporting London's homeless women and families. As well as chance to browse and buy (grab an early bird ticket to get in there first), there's a series of talks and tours throughout the day. Museum of the Home (Hoxton), £15 early bird/£5 general, book ahead, 9am-4pm

EGGSPERIMENTS: Aimed at 6-12 year olds and their families, A Most Eggcellent Eggsibition of Eggsperiments is an evening of science with Science In Schools presenter Dan Plane. Royal Institution (Mayfair), £16/£10/£7, book ahead, 6pm-7.15pm

RESISTANCE COMEDY: Essex comedian Josh James headlines Resistance Comedy night, supported by unsuccessful Mexican wrestler Jerry Bakewell, and stand-ups Zahra Barri and Rajiv Poojara, with Darran Griffiths as MC. The Culture Palace (Enfield), £13, book ahead, 7.30pm

Sunday 13 March

FAMILY RAVE: Big Fish Little Fish brings another of its family raves to London. 2 Bad Mice DJ as the whole family takes to the dance floor, which offers bubbles, balloons and foam, plus there's face painting, and a chill-out space. The Goodness (Wood Green), adult £11/child £8, book ahead, 12pm-2pm

ST PATRICK'S FESTIVAL: It's the time of year when London dons green and downs Guinness. Ahead of St Patrick's Day next week, the parade and festival takes place for the first time since 2019, featuring a procession through central London, and an afternoon of free performances and activities — full details here. Trafalgar Square, free, just turn up, 12pm-6pm

PEOPLE SHOW: Widely recognised as the UK's first alternative theatre company, People Show is celebrated in a special event. Founding member Mark Long, performer Fiona Creese and musician George Khan are among the panelists delving into People Show's 55-year history, by way of its archive. British Library, £10, book ahead, 2pm-4pm

INNA DE YARD: The White Lion screens the 2019 documentary Inna De Yard, which sees a group of superstar reggae artists (including Ken Boothe, Winston McAnuff and Kiddus I) as they record a new album in the mountains of Jamaica. There are also reggae DJs and Caribbean food from Lisa's Kitchen. The White Lion (Streatham), £5.50, book ahead, film starts 4pm

RETRO CARIBBEAN SOUNDS: The One Stop club returns to Dalston for a night of Caribbean music from the 60s and 70s, with some soul and R&B thrown in for good measure. Everything's played off vinyl by DJ Gio. Ridley Road Market Bar (Dalston), free entry, just turn up, 6pm-12am

LONDON SLAVE OWNERS: Footprints of London guide Rob Smith hosts an online event, focusing on the Londoners who owned plantations elsewhere in the world where enslaved people worked. Find out who they were, where they lived, what they spent their ill-gotten money on, and what legacy they have left in London today. Online event, £8 per person/£16 group, book ahead, 8pm-9pm

Urban oddity of the week

This week would have seen Douglas Adams turn 70 (see Friday). The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy author is buried in Highgate east cemetery and he has a grave that is both understated and curious. The headstone itself simply reads "Douglas Adams Writer 1952-2001". But then we notice the pot of pens and the plot number of 42 — an obvious reference to fans of his books.

Good cause of the week

To coincide with International Women's Day (8 March), enjoy a two-hour live comedy event at Up the Creek Comedy Club in Greenwich. The show, organised by University of Greenwich students, will bring people together through laughter to support and empower women and children suffering from domestic abuse. All proceeds will go to Women's Aid Federation of England.