Things to do this weekend is sponsored by the British Academy.
All weekend
GET HIKING: Here's a smart new way to enjoy the London area. Vespucci Adventures have a ton of specially designed walks — both digital and on paper — to get you out exploring. New hikes arrive each month. One of the latest ("A Roam in Regents Park") starts at Baker Street and meanders through the titular park, then up to the views from Primrose Hill. You'll then return along the Regent's Canal. The guide is packed with exploration tips and historical notes, not to mention lots of ideas for places to eat and drink en route. Vespucci Adventures will also be offering free downloadable hikes on their website (2 free hikes per month). Give it a go! (sponsor)
WIMBLEDON: It's the biggest weekend in the tennis calendar as the Wimbledon finals take place. Heading down there to watch? Get clued up on how and when to queue for Wimbledon tickets — though they will be in VERY high demand this weekend. Can't face The Queue? Plenty of places around London show the action live on big screens — many of them free. You can even tuck into a tennis-themed afternoon tea while you watch at the Ham Yard Hotel. Until 14 July
BST HYDE PARK: The final two shows on this year's BST Hyde Park schedule take place this weekend. Kylie Minogue takes to the stage on Saturday night, with special guests Marina, Anitta, Ella Henderson and ALTÉGO. On Sunday night, K-pop band Stray Kids give a UK exclusive performance. Plus, Stevie Nicks plays on Friday night, if you want to start the weekend in style. Until 14 July
KEW THE MUSIC: A stage and large screen is set up in Kew Gardens for live music all week — catch Beverley Knight on Saturday and Richard Ashcroft at the grand finale on Sunday. Take your own picnic chair or blanket, pack a picnic or buy food and drink on site — and enjoy live music in a relaxed and (hopefully) sunny setting. 8-14 July
SUMMER SERIES: It's a bumper few days for music festivals in the capital. Summer Series at Somerset House continues over this weekend, with South African DJ and producer DBN Gogo headlining Saturday night, and Corinne Bailey Rae performing her album Black Rainbows on Sunday. 11-21 July
BUCKINGHAM PALACE: Take the opportunity to go inside Buckingham Palace at the annual summer opening of the State Rooms. The Throne Room, Ballroom Grand Staircase and Palace Gardens are among the areas open to the public for just a few weeks — we've been inside a few times, and it is spectacular. 11 July-29 September
WATERLOO FESTIVAL: St John's Church is the central focus of the Waterloo Festival, which is on all weekend. Jazz and chamber choir concerts take place on Sunday, and there's a secret garden storytelling session on Saturday. 12-15 July
URBAN ART: Josephine Avenue in Brixton is transformed into an open air art fair, with 120 exhibitors showing their work. It's the 22nd edition of Urban Art Fair, with food stalls pitching up alongside the art to keep everyone fed. 13-14 July
WHITECROSS STREET PARTY: Though it hosts a lively street food market most week days, Whitecross Street near Barbican really comes alive for the annual Whitecross Street Party this weekend. There's a focus on the radical communities which have called the area home, and the event opens with a parade, followed by short film screenings, panel talks (author Malorie Blackman is scheduled), with live painting and street art, a words stage, live music, family activities, food stalls and more. FREE, 13-14 July
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Don't miss the British Academy's Summer Showcase this weekend
Here's one for your diary: The British Academy's Summer Showcase is back this week, for two days of fascinating (and free!) talks, workshops, screenings and other events, inspiring you to think differently about the world around you.
Kickstart your weekend with a relaxed Late on Friday evening (5pm-8pm), or head along for the full, family-friendly day on Saturday (11am-5pm). Highlights include talks and panels from experts including historian and BAFTA-winning filmmaker David Olusoga, sociologist and journalist Gary Younge, and disability activist and broadcaster Dr Shani Dhanda. Play around with a photorealistic game engine, make your own bound book and learn about the surprising history of sunscreen, among many other events and activities going on.
The British Academy's Summer Showcase, 12-13 July. Book your free ticket now.
Saturday 13 July
LONDON ARCHAEOLOGY: Southwark Cathedral hosts a day of talks about the archaeology of London, with topics ranging from historic graffiti at the Tower of London to the social history of London houses. 10am-4pm
BRITISH NANNY EXHIBITION: For one day only, the National Nanny Association holds a photo exhibition, featuring snaps showing the evolution of the British nanny through time. Takes place at The Depot in Islington. 10am-4pm
MODEL RAILWAY DAY: Whitewebbs Museum in Enfield is the place to head for a model railway show, with 15+ layouts to see in action, along with traders selling all you need to complete your own tracks at home. There are children's activities too, but note that the museum itself is closed for the day. 10am-4pm
CLIMB FESTIVAL: Some of the world's top climbers go head-to-head, taking on a 16-metre-high wall at Canary Wharf South Dock. There are also climbing workshops from professional athletes, talks from wall climbers, live DJs and other entertainment. 10.30am-9pm
MUSEUM BIRTHDAY FESTIVAL: It's been a year since the rebranded Young V&A museum opened its doors in Bethnal Green, an anniversary that's being celebrated with a free birthday festival, open to all ages. Activities include workshops led by fashion accessory designer Clara Chu and political cartoonist and puppet animator Zoom Rockman, as well as live performances by locals. FREE, 11am-3.30pm
LGBT SUMMER FAIR: Performances, workshops, talks, market stalls, and an exhibition are all part of the LGBT summer fair at Conway Hall, which is inspired by the annual fairs hosted by the LGBT Humanists in the 1980s. Screen print your own t-shirt, make zines and badges, watch a short film, and browse the wares of artists and sellers, including Housmans radical bookshop. 12pm-9pm
KALEIDOSCOPE FESTIVAL: Soul II Soul, Artful Dodger and comedians Simon Amstell and Sophie Duker are all on the eclectic line-up at Kaleidoscope Festival. The one-day event takes over Alexandra Palace with live music, DJ sets, comedy and spoken word performances, plus magicians, games and workshops for families — all with incredible views over London. 1pm
MONSTER JAM: Usually home to football, the London Stadium has some rather different visitors in the form of Monster Jam, featuring 12,000lb behemoths on wheels taking part in stunts (including backflips!). They're going to ruin that pitch... 3pm
COCKTAILS IN THE CITY: Boozy festival Cocktails in the City takes place over three weekends this summer, bringing together some of the most popular bars in London to serve up their concoctions in the private garden of Bedford Square, with live entertainment thrown in. Today's the final day of this year's first edition, with a games theme. 12pm-10pm
SHAKEITUP: Bard-based bedlam is promised at ShakeItUp, the improvised Shakespeare show at The Other Palace Theatre, in which the cast use audience suggestions to create a new Shakespeare play live on stage, with music and songs thrown in. Today's the final day to see it. 3pm/8pm
POPES OF CHILLITOWN: Playing tunes from their wonderfully-named new album, Work Hard, Play Hard, See You In The Graveyard, ska/dub/punk outfit Popes of Chillitown are at Camden's Underworld tonight, with a slew of other bands on warm-up duty, including Baldhead and Filthy Militia. Doors 5pm
CRICKET: See the England Women's cricket team — including Sophie Ecclestone (world number 1 ranked bowler), Heather Knight (captain) and star opener, Tammy Beaumont — in action at The Oval, as part of the Women’s Vitality IT20 Series against New Zealand. The action continues at Lord's on Wednesday. 6.30pm
COMEDY FESTIVAL: Balham Comedy Festival continues through the weekend, with a Best of Banana Cabaret show at The Bedford tonight.Robin Morgan, Carey Marx, Sarah Callaghan and Tony Law all perform, with John Moloney as compere. 8.30pm-11pm
THE CLONG SHOW: No, that's not a typo. One of the final events if this year's Clown Festival at Soho Theatre is The Clong Show, bringing together six of the world's funniest clowns to compete for the Clong Award. 10.15pm
Sunday 14 July
PRE-LOVED FASHION: Browse and buy second hand clothing and accessories at the Pre-Loved Fashion Market, taking place at 1 Church Hill in Walthamstow. Mens, women's and children's clothes are available, with Nia Roberts DJing. 10am-3pm
GIANT LONDON FLEA: London's largest indoor flea market is back at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, with 100+ traders selling vintage items, home decor, and other pre-loved bits and bobs. Takes place in the multi-storey car park, with food and drink traders nearby. 10am-5pm
HAND SHADOW SHOW: Take the kids along to Dulwich Picture Gallery for the Mr Shadow Hand Shadow Show, inspired by the vintage hand shadow routines by such masters of the art as Prasanna Rao, Edward Victor and Albert Almoznino. 10.30am/1.30pm
FAMILY CYCLING EVENT: Arena Square in Wembley Park hosts a family cycling event, with eccentric-wheeled bikes, KMX Karts, tandems, tricycles, miniature modern penny farthings, children's bikes and other sets of wheels to try out. Most suitable for age 7+, with disability friendly adapted cycles available. 11am-3pm
BASTILLE DAY BRUNCH: Celebrate Bastille Day at Pavyllon London restaurant at the Four Seasons on Park Lane. It serves a one-off Bastille Day bottomless brunch, with free-flowing champagne and a Bloody Mary station, as well as live music and children's entertainment. 11.30am-3pm
HARLEM IN MAYFAIR: Black History Walks offers a guided tour around Mayfair, focusing on the hidden African and Caribbean history of the posh area, from the 1920s to the 2020s. Hear about Black-owned businesses, Kenyan, South African and Zimbabwean connections and ancient African goddesses. 1pm-3pm
FAMILY SPORTS DAY: Head down to the gardens at Brixton Windmill for a family-friendly afternoon of sports, games and activities, including football, volley ball, races, games, Tai Chi and Zumba. FREE, 1pm-5pm
COMEDY OF ERRORS: Roaming theatre troupe The Handlebards pitch up at Strawberry Hill House for a performance of The Comedy of Errors. It's an outdoor show, so dress for the weather, and take along a picnic chair to sit on, and snacks to enjoy while you watch. 5pm-7pm
EUROS: The final of this year's Euros football tournament takes place tonight. At time of writing, we don't know which two teams will be battling for victory, but you'll need to book in advance or get there very early to bag a table at these venues screening the match. Alternatively, try one of London's best pubs and bars for watching football, though be aware that they'll all be chocka too. 8pm
