Things To Do This Week In London: 26 August-1 September 2024

Things to do this week is sponsored by Beavertown.

All week

TWO STRANGERS: Or, to give it its full name, Two Strangers (Carry A Cake Across New York), has received top reviews since opening at the Criterion Theatre; it's about two members of a wedding party meeting for the first time, and you've only got until Saturday to see it. Until 31 August

YOKO ONO: Visitors are urged to thwack nails into a board and scribble over a white row boat at Tate Modern's retrospective of Yoko Ono: Music of the Mind. You're probably not going to 'get' everything in there — but hasn't that always been the way with Yoko's work? This is the final week of the show. Until 1 September

TURN IT UP: Also closing at the end of this week is the Science Museum's family-friendly exhibition Turn It Up: The Power of Music, which looks at the effect music has on our lives. It's interactive, with a musical playground, a musical robot, and a chance to see and play some rather unusual instruments. Until 1 September

SHAKESPEARE AND WAR: And another last chance reminder! The National Army Museum's Shakespeare and War exhibition looks at how the Bard's work depicts battles and military characters, and how it has shaped our perceptions of war. FREE, until 1 September

WHY AM I SO SINGLE?: The romantic woes of two best pals are hilariously scrutinised in this relatable new British musical. Why Am I So Single? – which comes from the writers of SIX — is all about dates, mates and celebrating love in all its forms. It receives its world premiere at the Garrick Theatre this week, and tickets start at £20. (sponsor)

BARBICAN OUTDOOR CINEMA: There's an eclectic range of films on offer at Barbican's Outdoor Cinema this week including Ingmar Bergman's Wild Strawberries, as well as Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, and An American In Paris. All films are shown on a giant screen in the open-air Sculpture Courtyard, with food and drink available to buy nearby. Until 1 September

GREENWICH AND DOCKLANDS INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL: Free outdoor performing arts festival Greenwich and Docklands International Festival is ongoing, with two weeks of theatre, art, dance and circus in outdoor locations. FREE, until 8 September

PUB OF THE WEEK: The Wandle in Earlsfield recently reopened its doors following a makeover, and there's also stuff going on various days of the week, including Wings Wednesday, Fizz Friday, live music on Friday and Saturday evenings, and roast dinners — followed by a "highly-competitive" quiz on Sundays

THEATRE OF THE WEEK: The West End behemoth that is The 39 Steps is back in London's West End for a strictly limited time. We described it as "a showpiece of low budget stage buffoonery, silly voices and whip-smart clowning" — read our full review and decide if it's one for you. Until 28 September

Bank holiday Monday 26 August

BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY: Good news! It's bank holiday Monday. If you're lucky enough to be off work, make the most of the extra day with our guide to spending the bank holiday in London, so you're guaranteed a good time... even if good weather isn't guaranteed.

ECO FAIR: Carshalton Park is the place to head for the EcoFair, a family-friendly day out with a focus on sustainability. Watch live music across three solar-powered stages, including acoustic guitar act Gabriel Mesh & The Gas, and browse more than 100 stalls selling eco-friendly goods including art and craft items and veggie and vegan food and drink. 10.30am-8pm

DICKENS MUSEUM: Representatives from the Old Operating Theatre pop up at the Charles Dickens Museum in Bloomsbury for an object-handling session, where you can learn about the health hazards in Victorian London. Get up close to 19th-century medical and surgical objects as you hear tales of stinking rivers and choking smog. The museum will also be showing off some unpublished letters from Dickens family to "Plorn" Dickens, the youngest son of Charles and Catherine. FREE, 11am/2pm

FOOD FESTIVAL: Feast your eyes on the surroundings of Hampton Court Palace, and your stomach on goodies from the Hampton Court Palace Food Festival, which is held in the palace gardens — and today's the final day. Tuck into street food, browse and buy artisan products including wine, rum, cakes, pastries, coffee and cheese. There's also live music at the bandstand, garden games, and face painting and shire horse and cart rides for kids. From 10am

NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL: Notting Hill Carnival is back on the streets of west London, and today's the main event. Expect the usual heady mix of Caribbean culture, samba, mas, soca and calypso, dazzling costumes... and lots and lots of people. Here's everything you need to know about this year's event. Free, from 12pm

DRAG QUEEN STORY HOUR: The Underbelly Festival pop-up in Cavendish Square (near Oxford Circus) hosts a final Drag Queen Story Hour show. The family-friendly show combines inclusive stories with fabulously dressed drag queens, led by published children's author Aida H Dee. Suitable for age 3+. 12pm

SING OUT THE SUMMER: Last chance to catch live vocal performances as part of Southbank Centre's Sing Out The Summer weekend. Head to the venue's Riverside Terrace for free pop-up and roaming shows by the likes of London Show Choir, The Autistic Adult Choir, and British Gospel Arts Choir. FREE, 12pm-6pm

DOCTOR WHO PROM: Fire up the TARDIS and head for the Royal Albert Hall for the Doctor Who Prom. We're promised a show celebrating the latest adventures of the Doctor, with music from the series performed by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, accompanied by sequences from the series on big screens. There might be a couple of special guest appearances too... Here's everything you need to know about the BBC Proms. 2.30pm

I'M STILL HERE: Summer by the River screens I'm Still Here, a feature documentary film made in March 2020, about homeless people during lockdown. It follows the work of Under One Sky, a volunteer organisation set up to assist London’s homeless people who could no longer rely on the kindness of passing strangers in the empty streets. 7pm-9pm

Tuesday 27 August

DOSA DEEP HOUSE: On-fleek Sri-Lankan restaurant Hoppers hosts another Dosa Deep House session at Coal Drops Yards in King's Cross tonight, featuring beats from Hasaan, paired with special drinks and dishes, including the Mangrove Spritz and Devilled Paneer Drop Dosa. From 5.30pm

WHEN HARRY MET SALLY: Some consider it a New Year's Eve film, but Rooftop Film Club offers a summer screening of 1989 film When Harry Met Sally starring Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal as two friends who reconnect several years later. 6pm

COCKTAIL MASTERCLASS: Head to Kindred in Hammersmith for a rum tasting and cocktail masterclass led by Dr Russ Wakeham of Two Drifters Distillery. Try the brand's Signature Rum and Overproof Spiced Pineapple, then make your own Drifting to Devon cocktail from the venue's menu. 7pm-8.30pm

ADRIAN BLISS: YouTube and TikTok comedy star Adrian Bliss is at Union Chapel, performing his latest character comedy show which shines the spotlight on the lesser-known figures from history. Such characters include the ferret who posed for Leonardo da Vinci, the servant who oversaw Henry VIII's toilet time, and the famous horse who thrilled Queen Victoria. Doors 7pm

TUESDAYS IN LONDON: At a loose end today (or any other Tuesday, for that matter)? Our guide to things to do in London on a Tuesday contains plenty of regular events from guided tours to lunchtime concerts to comedy shows. Bookmark it now so you never waste a Tuesday again — and while you're at it, our London day-by-day page has every day of the week covered.

Beer slushies and brand new clothing at Beavertown's summer pop up

Ever gazed dreamily upon a can of Neck Oil and wished that Beavertown was a place you could actually visit? It's not just the beer talking — the iconic brewery is as beloved for its eye-popping aesthetic as it is for its great tasting brews. And, right now, you're invited to immerse yourself in it, at Beavertown's summer pop up.

Back by popular demand for the second year, the pop up is at Unit 11 of east London's Truman Brewery until 30 August. Here you can shop clothing featuring iconic Beavertown designs (think skulls, spaceships, ray guns, and alluring neon hues), alongside signed artworks, and limited edition gear including embroidered baby tees and an incredibly slick rain poncho, created in collaborating with RAINKISS.

Of course, it wouldn't be a Beavertown pop up without plenty of beer. This time, in addition to classic brews like Neck Oil IPA, Gamma Ray APA and alcohol-free Lazer Crush IPA, there are brand new beer-based creations to sample. Lemon Phantom beer slushy, anyone?

Wednesday 28 August

STATE BALLET OF GEORGIA: The State Ballet of Georgia brings a production of Swan Lake to the London Coliseum, accompanied by the English National Opera Orchestra. Expect gorgeous white tutus and lakeside and ballroom settings, as what is probably the world's most famous ballet is performed once more. 28 August-8 September

PARALYMPICS: The Paralympics Opening Ceremony takes place in Paris tonight, followed by two weeks of sporting championships. Several venues around London are screening the action live from France — you can see the full schedule here. Until 11 September

MISSION CEVICHE: Peruvian rooftop restaurant Llama Inn in Shoreditch hosts two guest chefs — Jose Luis Chavez of New York's Mission Ceviche, and Erik Ramirez founder and exec chef at the OG Llama Inn — for a one-night-only pop-up. Sample four of Chavez's signature dishes, as well as a preview of Llama Inn's upcoming autumn menu. From 5pm

OPEN MIC NIGHT: The Orange Room open mic night spotlights and celebrates Black creatives from London, with a special emphasis on artists from Woolwich. Enjoy an evening of live music and performances at Woolwich Works. 6.30pm-10pm

PAINT POP ART: Try your hand at recreating artist Wyland Tondelier's portrait of Frida Kahlo, at tonight's PopUp Painting at the London Art Bar in Holborn. All art supplies are provided, and a professional artist is on hand to offer guidance as you create a canvas to take home with you. 7pm-9.30pm

AMY WINEHOUSE: Camden's Jazz Cafe celebrates the legacy of local singer Amy Winehouse. Singer Ciara Haidar and a full live band cover some of Winehouse's best-known songs, on a stage where seh herself once performed. 7pm-10.30pm

Thursday 29 August

MEATOPIA: Barbecue cooking is celebrated at Meatopia, a food and drink festival taking place at Tobacco Dock in Wapping. Several respected chefs appear throughout the festival, cooking meat, fish and veggie dishes over life fire, using sustainable wood and charcoal and responsibly-sourced ingredients. Craft beer and other drinks are available in the TAPtopia hall, and entertainment comes in the form of live musicians and roaming bands. 29 August-1 September

BEDROOM FARCE: "Four couples, three bedrooms, one night" — Alan Ayckbourn’s 1975 comedy, Bedroom Farce, is revived at the Queen's Theatre in Hornchurch, starting tonight. It's described as "a witty and heartwarming exploration of relationships, spanning 12 hilarious hours", although we should point out the play itself doesn't go on for that long. Until 21 Sept

EGYPTIAN BOARD GAMES: Take the kids along to Sir John Soane's Museum for a free workshop focusing on the Ancient Egyptian board game Senet. Learn how to play the game, which was found in Ancient Egyptian tombs and was played by the Pharaohs, and make your own version to take home. FREE, 11am-3pm

CARTOON MUSEUM LATE: The Cartoon Museum in Bloomsbury stays open late for an evening focusing on the origins of comics. Browse a selection of original comics pages and artwork, dating back as far as Rex Maxon's Tarzan (1931) and EC Segar's Popeye (1933). 6pm-8pm

EXPERIMENTAL FILM: The work of Jerome Hiler, an American experimental filmmaker and painter, is put into the spotlight at Barbican. Watch two of his films, New Shores (1971-87) and In the Stone House (2012), which showcase his meditative, often haunting approach to documenting everyday life. 6.30pm

LONDON'S STREET TREES: London's aptly named tree expert, Paul Wood, is at Stanfords in Covent Garden, discussing the updated third edition of his book, London's Street Trees. Hear about the impressive range of species — more than 400 — which grow on London's roads, making the capital something of an arboretum. 7pm-8.30pm

Friday 30 August

MUDLARKING FESTIVAL: Southwark Cathedral hosts a mudlarking and heritage crafts festival. Meet mudlarks — including author Lara Maiklem — to hear about their finds on the Thames foreshore, and watch demonstrations of crafts including stone and wood carving, flint knapping, bee keeping and falconry. 30-31 August

OPERA GREENWICH: Specialising in bringing opera to the local community, Opera Greenwich brings a new production of Puccini's La Bohème to St Alfege Church, as part of Puccini 100 Opera Week, which marks the centenary of the composer's death. 30-31 August

FREETHOUGHT HISTORY FESTIVAL: Interested in radical ideas and lively debate? Don’t miss the inaugural Freethought History Festival at Conway Hall! Taking place at the home of the UK’s last remaining ethical society, this unique event celebrates the history of humanism, secularism, and other concepts associated with the movement through talks, screenings, workshops and more. 30 August-1 September (sponsor)

BRENTFORD ART TRAIL: A variety of venues in the Brentford area open their doors for the Brentford Art Trail. As well as viewing paintings, ceramics, photography and other artworks, take guided tours of St Mary's Convent, watch live Morris dancing performances, or tuck into a BBQ at the Musical Museum. 30 August-1 September

BLACK POUND MARKETPLACE: The Black Pound Marketplace takes over Battersea Power Station, celebrating inspirational Black business owners. Browse skincare products, homewares, clothing and sportswear, accessories and more, all made by young stallholders supported by youth charity The Prince's Trust. 11am-8pm

GREAT FIRE: Tour guide Richard Watkins leads a group around the great churches and other sites affected by the Great Fire of London, looking at some of the great players in the events from Pepys to Mayor Bludworth to James, the Duke of York. 2.30pm

THE KINKS: Here's a treat for fans of rock band The Kinks: to mark 60 years since the group's formation, take a three-hour guided tour on a 1961 Routemaster, visiting venues and locations where The Kinks performed, recorded and hung-out. After this, watch a show by the 'Konks' tribute band, playing renditions of all of The Kinks' hits and lesser known album tracks. 3pm-10.30pm

COURTAULD LATE: The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House (which was unaffected by the recent fire) stays open late for a chance to view the artworks — including a last look at the current exhibitions Roger Mayne: Youth, and Henry Moore: Shadows on the Wall. There's a pop-up bar serving ‘Courtauld Cocktails’, and live DJ sets in the Gallery Entrance Hall throughout the evening. 6.30pm-10.30pm

WILDLIFE DRAWING WORKSHOP: Been to the new gardens at the Natural History Museum yet? Get a very close look at them at a wildlife drawing workshop, in which you'll capture some of the plant species living there on paper. Expert artists are on hand to offer advice, and all art materials are provided. 6.45pm-9.30pm

Saturday 31 August

QUEEN'S PARK BOOK FESTIVAL: Taking place in the park itself, Queen's Park Book Festival brings together authors and famous faces including Elif Shafak, Jay Rayner and Caroline Lucas for two days of talks and events, culminating in a comedy night. 31 August-1 September

ANIME & GAMING CON: What claims to be the UK's largest anime convention comes to Hammersmith, with four floors of merch, gaming, comics and cosplay. Expect appearances from J-rock cover band Nattoheads, as well as a chance to meet voice actors from anime productions. 31 August-1 September

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Chiswick House and Gardens hosts a bonanza of a launch today, for both its ongoing Black Chiswick through History programme, and a celebration of its Kitchen Garden art projects. There are special tours, clay tile workshops, cookery demonstrations, and a make-your-own-teabag session — plus lots more. 10.30am-3.30pm

ROTISSERIE CHICKEN: Bar Levan in Peckham has the spits turning again, for another afternoon of rotisserie chicken action, with sharing portions of chicken served up with chicken fat roasted potatoes and summer salad. Booking recommended. From 12pm

TELEVISION CENTRE LIVE: The iconic forecourt at Television Centre in White City hosts a local artists market today, with over 30 artists and designers selling illustrations, paintings, ceramics, vintage clothing, knitwear and jewellery. There's also live music from Next Door Records. FREE, 12pm-6pm

BARNSBURY: It's one of the most charming areas of London, but the Islington neighbourhood of Barnsbury isn't on many people's radar. Join London on the Ground tour guide Jonathan to explore the history of its leafy squares. 1.30pm

SHAMILTON!: Comedy group Baby Wants Candy presents Shamilton!, a Hamilton inspired hit hip hop show, in which the cast improvise a musical live on stage, based on a historical figure chosen by the audience. Could be Genghis Khan or Winston Churchill or Kim Kardashian. See it at the Leicester Square Theatre. 4pm/9.30pm

ICE SKATING FREESTYLER: The UK’s first ever freestyle ice skating competition takes place at Alexandra Palace ice rink. Watch ice skating tricks, flips, dances, and stops, all set to music and disco lights, before the event culminates in the Battle Skate-Off competition. 4.30pm

DIRTY DANCING: Watch classic 1987 film Dirty Dancing on a large screen at the Clapham Grand, in a special drink-along screening. The Grand's team offer themed entertainment before and after the film, and there's a costume contest, and hot dogs, nachos and watermelon cocktails to tuck into while you watch. 6.30pm-11pm

Sunday 1 September

SEPTEMBER IN LONDON: September gets underway today, kicking off a whole month of incredible events in London including festivals themed around murals, music, podcasts, classic boats and, er, Harry Styles, as well as new shows and exhibitions, Open House, and so much. Take a look at our curated September events guide and get booking!

BELGRAVIA SCANDALS: Footprints of London guide Michael Duncan offers a guided walk around Belgravia, focusing on the scandals of the upmarket area. Meet at Victoria station and hear about a murder that led to one of the most famous disappearances in British history, a Peer who was friends with the Krays, and the pub where the Great Train Robbery was planned. 11am-12.30pm

BROMPTON CEMETERY: The Friends of Brompton Cemetery host their annual open day today, with a whole slew of tours (general, catacombs, trees), alongside birds of prey, pedicab rides, children's storytelling, dog grooming advice and a lot more. FREE, 11am-5pm

UK AFRICAN ACROBATS: The African Acrobats is a performing arts troupe which trained in Ghana, and specialises in street dance, African drumming, traditional African dance, circus skills, fire eating, fire limbo and acrobatics. See them for free in two open-air performances at Woolwich Works today. FREE, 12pm/2pm

BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY: 2018 film Bohemian Rhapsody — which chronicles the rise of Freddie Mercury and Queen — is shown at Rooftop Film Club in Stratford. Head to Roof East and bag yourself a deckchair and headphones to watch the film,with food and drink available to buy from the venue's vendors. 4.15pm

SHOOT FROM THE HIP: Prepare to shout out silly suggestions, as the Shoot From the Hip improv clan take to the stage at Angel's Bill Murray to deliver an hour and a half of daft off-the-cuff comedy. 5.30pm-7pm

BRUCKNER'S FIFTH SYMPHONY: Book yourself a civilised evening at the Royal Albert Hall, enjoying a performance of Bruckner's 5th Symphony, performed by the Berliner Philharmoniker. The performance is part of the BBC Proms schedule, and will be broadcast live on BBC Radio 3. 7.30pm

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