All weekend

IMAGINE CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL: February half term starts this weekend, which means Southbank Centre's Imagine Children's Festival is back, celebrating all facets of children's literature. The programme is packed, catering to all ages and budgets. Southbank Centre, various prices, some events require booking, 9-20 February

LOUISE BOURGEOIS: One of our exhibitions to look forward to in 2022, Hayward Gallery hosts a retrospective of Louise Bourgeois' work, using fabric and textiles. She used everyday domestic items like bed linen and napkins, to cover the themes of identity and sexuality, trauma and memory, guilt and reparation.  Hayward Gallery, £15, book ahead, 9 February-15 May

STEPHEN HAWKING: After his death, Science Museum acquired objects from the office of Professor Stephen Hawking, on display from Thursday. On show for the first time is a rare copy of Hawking's PhD thesis, his wheelchair and his treasured blackboard filled with academic doodles and jokes. Science Museum, free, 10 February-12 June

CARIBBEAN LEGACIES: The 6,000-odd Caribbean people directly recruited by London Transport in the 1950s-70s are the subject of Legacies: London Transport’s Caribbean Workforce. Stories — both positive and negative — are told through first-hand accounts, as you're invited to explore the legacies that live on across London's transport network, the city and Britain as a whole. London Transport Museum (Covent Garden), included in admission, 11 February-summer 2024

STRICTLY COME DANCING: If you were glued to the latest series of Strictly when it was on TV, catch the live show at the Strictly Come Dancing tour. Past contestants including Sara Davies, Max George, Maisie Smith, Tilly Ramsay, Rhys Stephenson, John Whaite and 2021 winner Rose Ayling-Ellis are all taking part. The O2 Arena, from £35, book ahead, 11-13 February

HALF TERM: Need ways to keep the kids entertained while school's out? How does ice skating, pretending to be a vet, learning about cats and dogs, viewing wildlife photos, or taking a trip to the real Hundred Acre Wood sound? We've covered all that and more in our guide to things to do in London in half term. 12-20 February

BEATRIX POTTER: The V&A is apparently home to the largest collection of Beatrix Potter's letters and photos anywhere in the world, so it's about time it housed an exhibition about the beloved author and illustrator. Find out how her work as a conservationist and scientist inspired the animal characters we know and love. (And get warmed up with a tour of the London locations linked to Beatrix Potter.) V&A (South Kensington), £14, book ahead, from 12 February

FREUD AND CHINA: Sigmund Freud loved to collect antiquities, and among them were a number of pieces from China. This exhibition, launching today, takes a closer look at some of these artefacts, and explores how China influenced the Austrian neurologist and vice versa. Freud Museum (Swiss Cottage), included in museum entry, from 12 February

LAST CHANCE: It's the final weekend of Helen Levitt: In The Street, a retrospective spanning 50 years of work by American street photographer Helen Levitt. She predominantly worked in New York, capturing neighbourhoods of the city in black and white, and colour. The Photographer's Gallery, £5, book ahead, until 13 February

BOB MARLEY: Saatchi Gallery has opened an exhibition about the life and work of Jamaican musician Bob Marley. Music, memorabilia, fan art and previously unseen photos feature, including some which highlight Marley's connections to London. It's only here for 10 weeks, so don't dawdle. Saatchi Gallery (Chelsea), from £19.80, book ahead, until 18 April

VALENTINE'S: It's not until Monday, but London's Valentine's Day events are in full flow this weekend — and they're not just for couples. We've selected events including comedy and spoken word nights, film screenings and a dog walk, which can be enjoyed with mates, a date, or on your own.

Saturday 12 February

ART AND CERAMICS MARKET: The DIY Art Market and Independent Ceramics Market team up for a joint event. Browse stalls by local, independent artists selling prints, ceramics, zines, sculptures, jewellery and more.Truman's Social Club (Walthamstow), £1 entry, just turn up, 11am-5.15pm

JOHN SIMMONDS: Ever heard of John Simmonds? He was a black sailor who served with Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar, and he's the subject of today's Character Encounters at National Maritime Museum. The family-friendly event is a chance to 'meet' Simmonds in a roving performance, and learn about his life. National Maritime Museum (Greenwich), free, just turn up, 12pm-3pm

MARITIME BLACKWALL: Join Footprints of London guide Rob Smith for a wander around the Blackwall area of London's Docklands, hearing about the history of the East India Company as you go. Also visit and learn about the maritime history of the Leamouth Peninsula. East India DLR, £12/£9, book ahead, 2pm-4pm

KURDISH MUSIC: Learn traditional Kurdish rhythm in an afternoon of music and dance workshops. Master the basics, then take part in an evening of social dancing to show off your new skills, accompanied by a live band. Poplar Union, fee/£5, book ahead, 2pm-11pm

WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL: East London Phoenix are in action against the Loughborough Lightning Wheelchair Basketball team today. The home side have got off to a strong start this season, and want plenty of support for this tie. SportsDock (Gallions Reach), £5 (adults), £2.50 (kids) + booking fees, book ahead, 5pm-7pm

ORCHIDS AFTER HOURS: Visit Kew Gardens once the daytime visitors have gone home, for Orchids After Hours. See the current Orchids exhibition inside the Princess of Wales Conservatory after dark, with cocktails and street food available, and performances from Costa Rican artists. Kew Gardens, £18, book ahead, 6pm-10pm

WHITNEY: At time of writing, a handful of tickets remain to see Whitney Houston tribute show, Whitney — Queen of the Night. A full cast and live band perform all of her greatest hits as they tell her life story. Alexandra Palace, £38.35, book ahead, 6.30pm

CANDLELIGHT CLUB: Dancing shoes and glad rags on for The Candlelight Club's Valentine's Party, open to anyone, whether coupled up or happily single and looking for a good night out with friends. Expect the usual display of 1920s glamour, including cabaret from Champagne Charlie, live band, cocktail bar and separate rum, absinthe and cigar bar. Central London location, from £25, book ahead, 7pm

Sunday 13 February

VALENTINE'S DOG WALK: They say dogs are man's best friend, but why shouldn't they be our Valentine's dates too? Canine charity All Dogs Matter hosts a fundraising Valentine's dog walk on Hampstead Heath. Take your pooch along for the stroll, and browse stalls at the Garden Gate pub afterwards. Oh, and there's a prize for the best-dressed dog, so get sewing. Hampstead Heath, £5 per adult, book ahead, 11am-2pm

VINTAGE CLOTHING AND RECORD FAIR: Another day of independent shopping in Walthamstow, as a vintage clothing fair and record fair combine. Focus in on sustainability over fast fashion, while the music side of things offers rare vinyl finds and new independent labels. Truman's Social Club (Walthamstow), £1 entry, just turn up, 11am-5pm

PALACE TOUR: Ever been to Fulham Palace? Get an introduction to the building on this guided history tour, and visit the Victorian chapel, Tudor great hall, Georgian dining rooms, and other parts of the building and grounds.Fulham Palace, £8/£6, book ahead, 2pm-3.15pm

ANGLO-ITALIAN MUSIC: The Chamber Ensemble of London perform a concert celebrating Anglo-Italian friendship which was meant to take place in Italy last year, until Covid stopped play. Lucky for us Londoners, it's happening here instead, with works by the likes of Vivaldi and Puccini, as well as newly-written pieces. Conway Hall (Holborn) or online, £10-£14, book ahead, 6.30pm-8pm

DATING COMEDY: Rich Mix hosts a stand-up comedy show about the world of dating, online dating and the keys to a successful relationship, with a line-up of different comedians performing. Rich Mix (Shoreditch), £20, book ahead, 7.15pm

LONDON MOZART PLAYERS: Cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason joins forces with the London Mozart Players for a Fresh Take on Shostakovich’s Cello Concerto No. 2. It's part of the London Mozart Players' Fresh Take series, in which the performers introduce the composer and their work at the start of the concert. Fairfield Halls (Croydon), £10-£41.75, book ahead, 7.30pm

SPOTTISWOODE: Anglo-American singer-songwriter Spottiswoode has drawn comparisons to everyone from Leonard Cohen to Nick Cave. He's also been called a genius by the New Yorker. Tonight's your chance to see him in this wonderfully intimate setting. Green Note (Camden), £16.50, book ahead, doors 7.30pm

SUPER BOWL: Tonight is February is Super Bowl Sunday, when two of America's best NFL teams face off (with a bangin' line-up for the half-time show, we might add). Assuming you're not jetting off to California to watch in person, here's a guide to Super Bowl screenings and parties in London. It runs into the early hours, so consider booking Monday off work. From 8pm