Things To Do This Week In London: 24 February-2 March 2025

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LUXMURALIS: You've got until Friday evening to see Luminous by Luxmuralis, a light and sound show taking place inside St Paul's Cathedral. See the interior of the dome, and other parts of the building, illuminated in a show inspired by the building's own history and archives. Until 28 February

SLOMO SAUNA: Two wood-fired saunas, three cold plunge pools and an ice tank are in situ at King's Cross, as Slomo Sauna returns to London — offering hot yoga, leaf whisking, body scrubs, silent sauna sessions and men-only mental health gatherings. Until 2 March

LOST GARDENS: The Garden Museum's current exhibition, Lost Gardens of London, delves into the little-known history of some of London's most intriguing forgotten gardens. Pleasure grounds, private botanical collections, humble allotments and leafy squares all feature in the display, which uses artworks and other documents to showcase the lost green spaces. Until 2 March

HERE WE GLOW: Also closing this week is Here We Glow, the free light festival at Westfield London in White City. Wander among the huge colourful bubbles of Evanescent, which glisten in the daytime sunlight before glowing incandescent at night, and look out for The Anooki, two Inuit-inspired characters, among six other illuminated artworks. FREE, until 2 March

KEW ORCHIDS FESTIVAL 2025: You know spring is on its way when the Orchids festival returns to Kew Gardens. This year is Peru's turn in the spotlight; the country is home to some of the world's rarest plant species so being able to see them in London is a real treat. You've got until Sunday to see them, in the toasty warm Princess of Wales Conservatory. Until 2 March

RETHINKING THE BRITISH MUSEUM: Visit the British Museum's newly reopened Reading Room to see a free display about the venue's future. Rethinking the British Museum showcases the ideas of five different architectural teams for the Western Range, an area containing around a third of the museum's galleries including the Egyptian sculpture gallery and the Parthenon Sculptures. FREE, until 2 March

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: Cirque du Soleil's latest show, Corteo, comes to an end at the Royal Albert Hall. It's a long-running Cirque show taking the form of a festive parade imagined by a clown, and offers a never-before-seen seating arrangement splitting the Royal Albert Hall in half. Until 2 March

LONDON AT WAR: The London Archives opens new, free exhibition London in the Second World War, about the experiences of Londoners during the conflict. View bomb damage maps, personal diaries, rarely seen artworks and photographs. The same venue also has a free exhibition of vintage tram posters running at the moment too. FREE, 24 February-2 October

MARCH EVENTS: With a new month kicking off at the end of the week, have a read of our guide to top events in London in March and get planning. It features new exhibitions and shows, art fairs, and one-off events which are likely to sell out in advance. March is also Women's History Month, with events going on throughout the month.

TRAIN STATION EAT OF THE WEEK: The plush St Pancras Bar and Brasserie has just launched a French-style menu featuring the likes of pissaladiere, charcuterie and pistachio-studded paté en croute, designed by chef Thomas Piat. Eat up at the counter, while watching the chefs put dishes together. There's also an extremely boozy rum baba for dessert.

BAR OF THE WEEK: Surely the only sport-and-horror-themed dive bar in London BLOODsports (see what they did there?) has just opened in Covent Garden, offering a bunch of screens beaming various live sports games, plus the occasional horror classic thrown into the mix. It's from the folks behind MEATliquor, so to go with your bloody mary or frozen peach daiquiri, you can sink your teeth into a Dead Hippie burger. Hats off to the Shining-themed bar too.

Monday 24 February

JUST WRITE IT: Are you a writer looking for fellow wordsmiths to show your work to? Head to Deptford Lounge for Just Write It! An hour-long writing session is followed by a second hour in which you can discuss and share constructive feedback. 6.30pm-8.30pm

SCIENCE OF AGEING: Scientist and Professor of Vaccine Immunology John Tregoning is at the Royal Institution to discuss the content of his book, Live Forever?: A Curious Scientist’s Guide to Wellness, Ageing and Death. Find out about the age-limiting processes that take place inside our bodies, and which prevent us from living forever, including organ failure, strokes and dementia, and how treatments have changed. 7pm-8.30pm

CONTROL FREAK: Comedian and singer-songwriter Anna Hale offers a work-in-progress look at her current show, Control Freak, at the Pleasance Theatre in Islington. Think part stand-up show, part music gig, part cry for help. 7.40pm

JAZZ IN THE ROUND: Jazz in the Round + Serious presents Fazer, Yama Warashi, and Jemima Whyte in an evening celebrating contemporary jazz. Expect to hear the distinct sounds of these talented artists as they explore the boundaries of jazz at the Cockpit Theatre's monthly Jazz in the Round event. 8pm

JAM SESSION: The redoubtable Skehans in Telegraph Hill hosts its regular Monday night jam session. Bring along an instrument, and if you don't play, simply lend them your ears! 8.30pm

MONDAYS IN LONDON: Our guide to things to do in London on a Monday has plenty of ideas for today, or a future Monday when you may find yourself at a loose end — think guided walks and tours, comedy shows, live music and more.

Tuesday 25 February

EMBROIDERY EXHIBITION: View over 150 pieces of embroidery artwork at The Broderers' Exhibition at Bankside Gallery, organised by the Worshipful Company of Broderers. Both contemporary and traditional artworks are on show, and visitors can vote for the Viewers' Choice Award, from 20 shortlisted pieces. FREE, 25 February-2 March

THE LAST LAUGH: Fresh from the Edinburgh Fringe, comedy show The Last Laugh opens at Noël Coward Theatre, reimagining the lives of British comedy stars Tommy Cooper, Eric Morecambe and Bob Monkhouse. 25 February-22 March

HISTORY OF MISINFORMATION: The British Academy stays open late for an evening on the history of misinformation. Hear from Academy Fellows and historians about historical incidences of fake news, from the rumours that helped spark the French Revolution to the Great Moon Hoax that gripped 19th-century New York. FREE, 6.30pm

MEDIEVAL WORLD: Join professional calligrapher Patricia Lovett for an exploration of Medieval manuscripts at the British Library. Learn about the skilled artists and scribes who created the works, and view some original artworks. Ties in with the venue's current Medieval Women exhibition. 7pm

VOGUE CONVERSATIONS: Lightroom in King's Cross continues its series of Vogue Conversations, this time hosting Andreas Kronthaler, creative director of Vivienne Westwood. Hear fom Kronthaler as part of the venue's current VOGUE: Inventing The Runway show, an immersive exhibition about the history of catwalk shows. 7pm

CHARITY COMEDY: Adam Hills hosts a night of comedy raising money for The Children's Trust at The Comedy Store in Leicester Square. Rosie Jones, Tim Vine, Jake Lambert, Michelle Shaughnessy and Peter Rethinasamy are all on the line-up. 7.30pm

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Wednesday 26 February

LONDON SKETCHES: Urban sketcher Peta Bridle makes wonderful drawings of London streetscapes, taken from a low viewpoint. Her latest exhibition, Drawn to London, opens today at The Back to Ours Cafe, The Good Shepherd Building, Davies Lane, Leytonstone. Until 25 March

CANDLELIT LATE: Strawberry Hill House in Twickenham has a Candlelit Late, giving you the chance to explore the Gothic castle after dark, at your own pace. Wander through corridors and chambers admiring both the building itself and the artefacts on display. Your ticket includes a glass of fizz. 5.30pm-7.30pm

MESSY MODERN LOVE: Catch artist and storyteller Philippa Found talking about her book It's Complicated at Conway Hall. It's a curation of some of the 1,500 stories she collected as part of her Lockdown Love Stories project, in which people shared their stories via anonymous submissions. 6.30pm-8pm

SOHO CALLING: Music festival Soho Calling takes place across six venues (The Lower Third, The Forge, The Social, 100 Club, 21 Soho and Phoenix Arts Club), with 20+ performers from across the UK and Europe. Choose between an All Access wristband to hop between the venues, or tickets for one specific place. 7pm-11pm

MEDIEVAL JEWISH COMMUNITIES: The National Archives offers an online talk about the lives and experiences of Jews in medieval Europe, including what we can learn about the communities themselves and what they can tell us about the diversity of European cities. It's given by Miri Rubin, Professor of Medieval and Early Modern History at QMUL. 7.30pm

ENGLAND V SPAIN: Head to Wembley Stadium to watch the England Women's football team — current European champions — take on the Spanish Women's team, who are the current world champions. Mary Earps, Millie Bright, Lucy Bronze, Leah Williamson and Alessia Russo are among the Lionesses expected to play. KO 8pm

Thursday 27 February

BIRDSONG: Sebastian Faulks' wartime novel Birdsong comes to the stage at Alexandra Palace, starring EastEnders actor Max Bowden in the story of a woman trying to understand her grandfather's experiences of the First World War. 27 February-8 March

LEIGH BOWERY!: Artist Leigh Bowery is the subject of a retrospective at Tate Modern. Experience some of his 'Looks' alongside collaborations with artists including Michael Clark, Charles Atlas, Nick Knight, Nicola Rainbird, Mr Pearl, and Lucian Freud, offering an insight into the creative scenes in London, New York and beyond during Bowery's lifetime. 27 February-31 August

AFTER DARK FESTIVAL: Fire displays and acrobatic performances are on offer at UEL's free After Dark Festival, taking place at the Docklands campus and open to everyone. Take part in an illuminated parade, or juggling workshops, and view glowing performances and installations. FREE, 5pm-8pm

ANIMATION AT WAR: Barbican Cinema launches a year-long series, Animation At War, looking at how filmmakers use animation to capture the chaos, complexity and human cost of war. Tonight's screening is Japanese drama In This Corner Of The World, directed by Studio Ghibli alum Sunao Katabuchi. 6.10pm

CANINE SLAVES: Join Professor Helen Cowie from the University of York to explore animal rights in the 19th century. Hear about human-animal interactions during the Victorian era, including the emergence of the animal protection movement and changing social attitudes towards various animals. Takes place at Keats House in Hampstead. 6.30pm-8pm

KNITFLIX: Throwley Yard Cinema in Sutton — featured in our list of London's top independent cinemas — hosts its inaugural 'Knitflix' night. Take along your needles and yarn, and get crafty in front of the big screen, while watching Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy. It's hoped it'll become a monthly event, showing a different film each time. 7pm

EMILY JENNINGS: London-based soprano and folk musician Emily Jennings is at Aces & Eights in Tufnell Park for a live show, blending music with storytelling in her unique style. 8pm

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Friday 28 February

LIQUID DREAMS: The Mall Tavern in Notting Hill hosts two-day beer festival Liquid Dreams, celebrating independent brewing. More than 40 brewers are represented, with three different sessions, and a choice of all-you-can-drink or pay-as-you-go tickets available. 28 February-1 March

COLLECT 2025: Head to Somerset House for Collect 2025, an art fair specialising in contemporary craft and design. Over 400 artists are represented by 40 specialist galleries and dealers, with prices ranging from £500 to £50,000. You've got 50 grand kicking about, right? 28 February-2 March

FLAVOUR&SOME: Control Room A at Battersea Power Station hosts the Flavour&Some Experience, combining high-end dining and live performance. Eat your way through five courses by award-winning chef Adam Thomason, each accompanied by dynamic live performances. 28 February-2 March

MACBETH: Got a strong stomach? The Lyric Hammersmith hosts a particularly visceral production of Shakespeare's Macbeth, which brings into question why the cautionary tale still resonates so strongly with modern audiences. 28 February-29 March

QUEER AS FOLKLORE: Author and queer historian Sacha Coward is at Chelsea Physic Garden to discuss his book, Queer As Folklore, delving into the overlooked queer history of heroes and villains of storytelling, magic, and fantasy. 6pm-8pm

SOANE LATE: Sir John Soane's Museum stays open late for an evening inspired by the current exhibition Soane and Modernism: Make It New. Hear expert talks about the exhibition, and view drawings which didn't make it into the final display, as well as exploring the museum after dark. 6pm-8pm

FIERCE QUEENS: Fierce Queens brings together performers and historians for a night of queer liberation and LGBTQ+ representation at the Queen's House in Greenwich. Drag King and Queen Adam All and Apple Derrieres host a fashion show demonstrating how queer fashion has paved political progression through iconic emblems from the green carnation, to dungarees, to leather that all signify messages of love, power and freedom. 7pm-11pm

Saturday 1 March

ST DAVID'S DAY: Whether you're a Welsh person in London, or just an avid fan of all things from England's western neighbour, check out our guide to being Welsh in London, and find a little slice of Cymru just in time for St David's Day.

LITERARY FOOTPRINTS: The guides at Footprints of London have once again put together a series of guided walks themed around literature, creating the Literary Footprints festival. Throughout March, join walks (and some virtual tours) on topics including Wolf Hall, Virginia Woolf, Charles Dickens, Monica Ali's Brick Lane and much more. 1-31 March

EMERY WALKER: Hammersmith's Emery Walker House, a stunning house-museum of arts and crafts delights, reopens today after its winter closure. It's a delight to explore at any time, but visit at select times on Thursdays and Saturdays for a guided tour, and check out a new display about Walker's importance to typography and printing. From 1 March

PUNCH: In 2011, James Hodgkinson was killed by a single punch, thrown by Jacob Dunne in an unprovoked attack. Punch opens at the Young Vic, telling that story, and how Joan and David, the parents of the victim, sparked a profound change in Dunne's life. Former Coronation Street star Julie Hesmondhalgh stars. 1 March-26 April

JEWISH BOOK WEEK: Taking place at Kings Place in King's Cross across nine days from today, Jewish Book Week hosts talks, film screenings and panel debates covering topics including food for change, football, Shakespeare, Jewish country houses, and Curb Your Enthusiasm. Many of the events are available online too. 1-9 March

WOMEN OF THE CITY: The Square Mile is traditionally a very male-dominated place — it's only had two female Lord Mayors in over 700 years, for example. But join this London on the Ground tour to discover the many important contributions that women have made within the City. 1pm

SAIL TO HOPE: Head to 54 The Gallery in Mayfair for an afternoon of music and art. View the Sail To Hope art exhibition by visual artist Esra Kizir Gokcen, and enjoy a 45 minute solo set from celebrated saxophone virtuoso Tim Garland, surrounded by the artworks which inspired his Moment Of Departure album. Plus, Londonist art critic Tabish Khan moderates an artist talk, followed by a Q&A session. 3pm-5pm

MARDIS GRAS: Oriole cocktail bar in Covent Garden is channeling New Orleans vibes this afternoon, with an al fresco Maris Gras party in The Yards, featuring six-piece brass band The Fallen Heroes, food specials inc. po'boys and gumbo, and Orleans-style cocktails including sazeracs and vieux carrés. 3pm-6pm

COUNTRY NIGHT: Don your tassels and cowboy boots and head to Fairfield Halls in Croydon for A Country Night in Nashville. Performers Dominic Halpin and the Hurricanes cover songs by the likes of Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, The Chicks, Willie Nelson and Kacey Musgraves, recreating a honky tonk in downtown Nashville. 7.30pm

LIVE AT THE CHAPEL: Monthly Islington comedy club Live at the Chapel has David O'Doherty headlining this time, accompanied by Rachel Parris, Laura Smyth, Dane Buckley and Catherine Bohart. Takes place at Union Chapel. 7.45pm

Sunday 2 March

WINTER SCULPTURE PARK: Claiming to be London's largest sculpture park, Winter Sculpture Park opens on the disused former Thamesmead golf course, with 40 artworks by 34 artists spread across 6.5 acres. FREE, 2 March-26 April

SO LAST CENTURY: The So Last Century vintage and retro fair pops up at Goldsmiths, University of London in New Cross, with 50 dealers selling mid-20th century furniture, lighting, homeware and ceramics, original 1960s and 70s posters and art, prints and charts, vintage designer fashion, accessories and lots more. 10.30am-4pm

SEETHING FESTIVAL: Community Brain (the folks behind Surbiton Ski Sunday) host the Seething Festival today — a day of live music and local traders, in honour of 'Lefi Ganderson — the Goat Boy of Mount Seething'. FREE, 1pm-5pm

FRANK ZAPPA: Zappa fans won't want to pass over the opportunity of seeing Pygmy Twylyte perform songs of the late zany musician, with not one but two (entirely different) sets at the Putney Half Moon today. The first starts at 2pm, and the second at 7.30pm. Attend either, or indeed both — although kids can't attend the second show. 2pm and 7pm

BRAZILIAN CARNAVAL: While the 2025 Brazilian Carnival takes place in Rio de Janeiro and Salvador da Bahia, get your own slice of the action at Clapham Grand. The party venue offers an afternoon of samba, funk, house, hip hop and disco music from live performers and DJs, along with acrobats and other entertainment. 2pm-9pm

UNNECESSARY DETAIL: The Festival of the Spoken Nerd crew bring An Evening of Unnecessary Detail to the Royal Institution, with scientists, experts and comedians taking over the stage to talk about whatever they like, in incredible detail. This time round, the line-up includes a glaciologist, a forest ecologist, and a neuroscientist. 7pm-10pm

DREAM COUNT: Author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie launches her new book, Dream Count, in a special event at Southbank Centre. It's about a Nigerian travel writer living in America in the midst of the pandemic, and Adichie discusses it with Elizabeth Day. 7.30pm

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