Things To Do This Week In London: 23-29 June 2025

All week

CLIMATE FESTIVAL: The Fleet Street Quarter hosts a Climate Festival, aiming to help businesses in the area and beyond accelerate their efforts to transition to net zero. Events include a talk about the relationship between climate change and human rights, and an evening of poetry themed on the climate and ecological emergency. 23-27 June

JIMMY: The life of American tennis player Jimmy Connors is retold in comic form by Adam Riches at the London premiere of Jimmy, at Park Theatre. Learn about Connors' career at his peak, his subsequent downfall — and one of the greatest comebacks in sporting history. Directed by Tom Parry, this promises to be a good 'un. 23 June-12 July

VINTAGE TRAM POSTERS: Make your way to the London Archives for the final days of its London Tramways Posters exhibition, and get an eyeful of some of the artwork used to promote London's tram network in the first half of the 20th century. 40 vintage tram posters dating from the 1920s-30s are on show. FREE, until 26 June

MUSIC IN CHURCHES: It's the second (and final) week of this year's Summer Music in City Churches, which is pretty much exactly what it sounds like: live music in churches around the City of London. Highlights include string quartets by Haydn and Mendelssohn performed at St James Garlickhythe (Monday) and a celebration of the life and loves of Claude Debussy at St Giles Cripplegate (Tuesday). Until 27 June

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER: One of our favourite annual exhibitions, Wildlife Photographer of the Year at the Natural History Museum showcases images from all over the planet depicting the beauty and power of nature, and the struggles it faces due to environmental issues. This week is your last chance to see this edition, and it's likely to be busy so book ahead if you can. Until 29 June

CRUEL BRITANNIA: Former lads mag editor turned transgender playwright, Kristen Smyth performs the London debut of Cruel Britannia: After Frankenstein — a transgender reimagining of Mary Shelley's classic novel — at the Glitch in Waterloo. Until 30 June

LONDON CLOWN FESTIVAL: Multi-award-winning comedy duo Dan Lees and Neil Frost (AKA The Establishment) and comedy-monster Red Bastard perform at London Clown Festival, which celebrates all forms of clowning, extending far beyond the stereotypical red nose. Jacksons Lane and Soho Theatre host the festival. Until 4 July

96 FESTIVAL: Clapham's Omnibus Theatre celebrates the iconic Pride party on Clapham Common in 1996 with 96 Festival. Described as a "spectacular celebration of queerness and theatre", the programme this week includes the first public sharing of new multimedia theatrical performance and accompanying exhibition Dysbiosis, and Fridaze, a queer cabaret-style night. Until 12 July

OUTDOOR CINEMA: It wouldn't be summer in London without an onslaught of pop-up outdoor cinemas and rooftop film screenings, including a couple which we've mentioned below. Here's the full guide to outdoor cinema in London this summer.

EAT/DRINK OF THE WEEK: A martini-slinging seafood bistro sounds just the ticket right now, and that's what Shoreditch's just-launched Noisy Oyster is offering. From the folk behind Soho's Firebird, it's got a raw bar serving seasonal oysters alongside the likes of scallops dressed with pickled raspberry. Main dishes include dry-aged tuna steak paired with pink peppercorn sauce and trout roe. The martinis range from classic, to potent twists like the 'Agave', mixed with with tequila, mezcal and sherry.

PUB OF THE WEEK: If you find yourself on a summer stroll through Wandsworth Common, look out for the newly-renovated Althorpe pub, on Bellevue Road. There's a smashing outdoor seating area overlooking the Common, and a menu featuring spritzes to oysters to roasts. It's a Young's pub, so don't get tooo excited about the beer offering.

Share

Monday 23 June

GREASE: Classic musical film Grease is tonight's showing at Rooftop Film Club in Peckham. Kick back as the sun sets and watch as Sandy and Danny attempt to rekindle their summer romance when they end up at the same high school. 6.45pm

NERDY COMEDY NIGHT: Members of science comedy trio Festival of the Spoken Nerd try out nerdy new material, live on stage at the Cockpit Theatre. At An Evening of Unnecessary Detail, Matt Parker offers a preview of his solo show, with guests including Zoe Griffiths, Robin Lamboll, Mike Sulu, Farah Sharp and Dian Cathal. 7pm

ANGELS IN THE CELLAR: Peter Hahn is at Dulwich Books, discussing his new book, Angels in the Cellar — a true story which started with him having a nervous breakdown in the back of a taxi, and led to him reviving a vineyard in the Loire Valley. 7pm

FUTURE HEALTH: Remember Prof Chris Whitty, the Chief Medical Officer who popped up on our screens so often during Covid? He's giving a free talk at Gresham College today on the future of health. Advances in science including new drug classes, diagnostics and AI are changing what is possible in diagnosis and treatment. Where's it all heading? FREE, 7pm

POISON: Alternatively, head to the Royal Institution for a lecture on the disruption of health. Join chemist-turned-writer Kathryn Harkup as she explores how Agatha Christie’s extensive knowledge of drugs and medicine mixed with real life cases, allowed her to plot out some intricate poisonings. 7pm

PINTS OF KNOWLEDGE: Can Brexit be reversed? That's the topic of discussion at tonight's Pints Of Knowledge at The Star by Liverpool Street. Professor of Law Paul James Cardwell delves into whether the UK can rejoin the EU, what processes that would involve, and whether the EU would welcome the UK back. 7pm-8.30pm

KT TUNSTALL: Singer-songwriter KT Tunstall headlines a solo show at the Royal Albert Hall, 20 years after the release of her debut album Eye To The Telescope. 7.30pm

QUIZ NIGHT: The Strongroom Bar in Shoreditch hosts a Strongroom Quiz Night every Monday, for teams of up to six people, and prizes for first, second and third place. Expect general knowledge, picture rounds, puzzles, creative challenges and music rounds. 8pm

Tuesday 24 June

POTTY THE PLANT: Adult comedy musical Potty the Plant opens at Wilton's Music Hall, starring Potty, a singing, talking, tap dancing, potted plant, involved in mysterious events which begin to occur at Little Boo Boo’s General Hospital. 24-28 June

GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY: Award-winning play Girl From The North Country returns to the Old Vic for a strictly limited run, telling the story of a small community struggling during the Depression in 1934 America, using Bob Dylan songs as a soundtrack. 24 June-23 August

THIN BLACK LINES: The ICA opens new exhibition, Connecting Thin Black Lines 1985-2025, celebrating 40 years since The Thin Black Line, the groundbreaking group show of young Black and Asian women artists at the ICA in 1985. Lubaina Himid curates works by all of the original artists -- including Brenda Agard, Sutapa Biswas, Chila Kumari Burman, Claudette Johnson and Maud Sulter -- including new commissions, and works created over the intervening four decades. 24 June-7 September

FAWLTY TOWERS: I know nothing! Beloved British sitcom Fawlty Towers is back on stage at the Apollo Theatre, with Danny Bayne, Paul Nicholas, Joanne Clifton and Helen Lederer heading up an 18-strong cast, recreating classic moments from the 1970s TV series. 24 June-13 September

MORE THAN A SHIRT: The Volley in Old Street hosts the launch of investigative journalist Joey D'Urso's new book More Than A Shirt: How Football Shirts Explain Global Politics, Money and Power. Explore geopolitics and some of the biggest stories of our time through the designs of 22 shirts from the beautiful game, from Birmingham to Mumbai. 6.30pm

MIDSUMMER NIGHTMARE: Greenwich Theatre marks Midsummer's Day with A Midsummer Nightmare, a new take on Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, offering darker twists and stranger happenings than the original. 7.30pm

Sponsor message

Classical Pride comes back to London

Celebrate LGBTQ+ artistry in style this week, as one of the UK’s most exciting emerging music festivals returns to the capital. Through concerts at iconic London venues, Classical Pride shines a spotlight on queer composers and musicians (past and present) and actively reimagines the future of the classical tradition.

This spectacular climax to London’s Pride Month festivities takes place 27 June-4 July. It all kicks off this Friday (27 June), when London’s leading LGBTQ+ choir, The Fourth Choir, performs stirring works spanning nine centuries at Wigmore Hall. On Sunday 29 June, you’re invited on a journey of resilience, joy and nostalgia led by trumpeter Aaron Azunda Akugbo and Manchester Camerata chamber orchestra at Kings Place. The celebrations continue next week, with a Pulitzer Prize-winning Partita at Wilton’s Music Hall and an incredible finale event at the Barbican, featuring the London Symphony Orchestra.

From LGBTQ people to allies, and from classical music aficionados to newbie concert-goers, all are welcome at Classical Pride 2025. Standard tickets start at just £15 per event – browse the full programme and find booking links here.

Wednesday 25 June

WORLD OF WASPS: UCL's Grant Museum of Zoology opens new, free exhibition World of Wasps, which reveals the hidden world of the misunderstood creatures, using UCL research to delve into their homes, lives and relationships. The exhibition is accompanied by a programme of events including museum lates and family creative workshops. FREE, 25 June-24 January

LUNAR LATE: London Museum Docklands keeps its doors open slightly longer for a Lunar Late. Spend time among Luke Jerram's sculpture The Moon, accompanied by Felix Taylor's soundscape. It's intended as a relaxation session, so choose whether to spend the 45 minutes journalling, sketching, meditating, or following one of the self-guided mindfulness activities provided. 5.15pm-6pm

PRIDE AT STRAWBERRY HILL: Head to Strawberry Hill House in Twickenham for an LGBTQ+ house tour to celebrate Pride. Learn about the correspondence between Strawberry Hill creator Horace Walpole and his network of friends and acquaintances, to get an insight into his sexuality. Ticket includes a drink before the tour begins. 6.30pm

NOVELISTS ON WINDRUSH DAY: Waterstones Piccadilly marks Windrush Day by hosting novelists Mel Pennant and Lisa Smith, Windrush campaigner Patrick Vernon OBE and journalist Kuba Shand-Baptiste for a discussion about the Windrush legacy, and how they have drawn on their lived experiences as well as those of relatives and friends to inspire their writing. 6.30pm

KNOCK2BAG COMEDY: Phil Wang headlines Knock2Bag comedy night at MOTH Club in Hackney, with support from Amy Matthews, Jin Hao Li, Ania Magliano, Tom Rosenthal, Gabriel Ebulue and Ray Badran. Seating is limited, so get there early if you want a seat. 7pm

SAX & SLINGS: The Guards Bar and Lounge in the illustrious Raffles hotel is hosting 'Sax & Slings' sessions every Wednesday from now until the end of August. Sip on a signature Singapore Sling (invented at Raffles in Singapore) while listening to live jazz from Royal College of Music musicians. Various other refreshing concoctions have been crafted for the series (inc. a London Sling) and there are posh bites to go with. 7pm-9pm, and every Weds until 27 August

ALEX KEALY: "So technically clever that it's almost beautiful...A career-defining show" is how Broadway Baby describes comedian Alex Kealy's latest show The Fear. See if you agree by heading to Soho Theatre to watch it tonight or tomorrow night. 9pm (and again tomorrow at the same time)

Share

Thursday 26 June

THIRST: Humanity's vital connection with freshwater is explored in Thirst, a new exhibition at Wellcome Collection. 125 objects, including artworks, historical artefacts and the latest research, take visitors through five distinct water conditions (aridity, rain, glaciers, surface water, groundwater), highlighting the impact of access to freshwater on health and ecosystems, from ancient Mesopotamia and Victorian London to modern-day Nepal and Singapore. FREE, 26 June-1 February

LOWER MARSH LATE: Lower Marsh in Waterloo holds the first of its summer open-air film screenings. Watch musical film Mamma Mia! at a free open-air cinema, with deckchairs provided, and food and drink available to buy from local businesses. FREE, 5.30pm-8pm

BARREL CHILDREN: Barrel Children: The Families Windrush Left Behind is the debut film from award-winning journalist Nadine White, telling the stories of Caribbean children who grew up away from their parents before migrating to join them in Britain. See it at Dugdale Arts Centre tonight, followed by a Q&A with participants of Enfield Caribbean Association. 7pm

SHAKESPEARE IN CONCERT: A cast of six retells fragments of Shakespeare plays (The Tempest, Love's Labour's Lost, Macbeth, Henry VIII) through original music, performed polyphonic a cappella style, in Shakespeare in Concert. It's on at Camden's Etcetera Theatre. 7pm-8pm

SON OF AN IMMIGRANT: Jamaican-born comedian Dale Elliott Jr. brings his Son Of An Immigrant tour to the newly-opened Soho Theatre Walthamstow for one night only, offering an authentically Jamaican lens on everything from racial dynamics to the surprising cultural overlaps that unite us. 8pm

FLEETWOOD BAC: Tribute band Fleetwood Bac rock up at the Half Moon in Putney, replicating a full Fleetwood Mac show as they were back in the 1970s and 1980s. The group is regarded as the UK’s most authentic Fleetwood Mac Tribute show, and were the first to fully replicate the classic Stevie, Lindsey, Christine, John and Mick ‘Rumours’ line-up. 8pm

THURSDAYS IN LONDON: For more events today, or any other Thursday, bookmark our guide to things to do in London on a Thursday, packed full of regular talks, concerts, lectures, tours, pub quizzes and other Thursday happenings.

Friday 27 June

BST HYDE PARK: BST Hyde Park is back, beginning with an Olivia Rodrigo gig tonight, and appearances by Zach Bryan, Noah Kahan, Sabrina Carpenter, Neil Young, Stevie Wonder and Jeff Lynne's ELO over the coming days. The Open House midweek events will take place again this year with outdoor cinema, live music, and other events open to everyone. 27 June-13 July

SONGS ON THE STEPS: Head to Holland Park for Songs on the Steps, a free, open-air performance given by performers from Opera Holland Park. It's open to everyone, and takes place on the steps in front of the summer venue, so why not take your lunch (and a rug) along, and get comfy for the 40-minute recital. FREE, 1pm

RAGGED AND REFORMERS: Tour guide Richard Watkins of Footprints of London uncovers the underbelly of Victorian London on a guided walk through Marylebone. Meet at Baker Street and hear about the area's slum housing, the workhouse, and the hard lives of the street kids, as well as those who worked to improve the lot of the poor. 2.30pm-4.30pm

PRIDE SCREENING: The London Art Bar in Holborn screens 2014 film Pride, just over a week before this year's Pride in London takes place. The film tells the story of a group of 1980s LGBT activists who form an unlikely alliance with a small mining community during the miners' strike. 7pm-10.30pm

WINE CABARET: It's a wine tasting, but not how you know it. Uncorked: Wine & Cabaret at Underbelly Boulevard Soho is hosted by burlesque performer John Celestus, and takes you through sparkling, red, rose and white wines, accompanied by cabaret-style entertainment. 7.15pm

WANDA SYKES: Emmy award-winning American comedian, writer, actress and producer Wanda Sykes brings her Please & Thank You tour to Southbank Centre, and at time of writing, a handful of tickets remain. 8pm

COLLYWOBBLERS COMEDY: Stephen Carlin offers a preview of his upcoming Edinburgh Fringe show at Collywobblers Comedy, which takes over Mondo Brewing Co in Battersea. Also on the bill: Caroline Madds, Kiyanosh Sahebi, Lucy Hassett, John Smith and MC Sion James. 8pm

Saturday 28 June

PRINT FAIR: The summer edition of the Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair takes over Woolwich Works, bringing together galleries and studios including Rhodes Editions, Soho Review and Jealous Gallery, and, for the first time, you can acquire work directly from some of their artists. Also on the programme: live music, family-friendly demos and workshops, and food and drink stalls. 28-29 June

FUSE INTERNATIONAL: For nine days, performing arts festival FUSE International takes over Kingston, with a programme of music, theatre, dance, comedy, visual arts, spoken word, circus and more. The festival brochure contains the full programme. 28 June-6 July

NOUGHTS AND CROSSES: Malorie Blackman's powerful novel Noughts & Crosses plays at Regent's Park Open-Air Theatre. Set in dystopian Britain, it tells the story of two young friends divided by racial segregation. It's a tough watch, featuring racism and oppression, violent scenes, sexual references, swearing and depictions of hanging, so may not be suitable for all young people. Age 14+.28 June-26 July

AHOY CENTRE: Deptford's AHOY Centre — a charity that builds life skills through sailing, rowing and powerboating — has an open day where you can get stuck into free taster sessions on the water, rowing machine time trials, kids' activities and more. FREE, 10am-4pm

ROYAL WHARF SUMMER FETE: Royal Wharf Park near Silvertown holds its annual summer fete, offering live music performances and DJ sets, garden games, children's entertainment, a waterfront market and food and drink options. FREE, 11am-5pm

SAILORTOWN: Shadwell was an early centre of Docklands. It was a multicultural hub where escaping slaves hid out, fed-up sailors started new lives, river pirates spied opportunities and women provided the comforts of home in lodging-houses, taverns and brothels. And of course women were also seamen, pirates, slaves and merchants! Join Laura Agustin's walk to see remnants of all these phenomena as well as river stairs, imposing warehouses, green spaces, the Thames Path and numerous appealing pubs. 1pm-3.30pm

CLIMB A STEEPLE: At time of writing, tickets are still available for today's tour of St Mary's Islington, including a highly recommended climb of the steeple. Future dates are also available. 2pm

PIZZUP: Designed as a night out for women, PIZZUP at Between the Bridges offers a welcoming and safe place to enjoy food, drink and music. Special guest DJs Lisa Maffia and Romeo and DJ Nikki Beatnik are on the line-up, and your ticket includes two glasses of prosecco. 5pm-10.45pm

GLORIA!: Purcell's Sing unto the Lord, Bach's Christ lag in Todesbanden and Vivaldi's Gloria are performed by the St Margaret’s Choristers of Westminster Abbey at St Margaret's Church, Westminster Abbey. Gloria! is the debut concert for these young choristers. 7pm

MIDSUMMER CEILIDH: The Ceilidh Liberation Front takes over Grand Junction in Paddington for a Midsummer Ceilidh. It's open to everyone, no dancing experience necessary, with live music to accompany the steps. 7pm-10.30pm

Sunday 29 June

RIVER WALK MARKET: Every Sunday between now and 31 August, the River Walk Market is peddling its wares outside Battersea Power Station, those wares varying from cured meats and pecorino from Mercanti di Calabria, to artisan chocs from Diana’s Chocolates, to delish cheeses from Cornish Gouda Co. Especially good to remember if you're after pressies for a food lover. 10am-4pm, Sundays until 31 August

STRATEGY GAMES FESTIVAL: Ravenscourt Park's Mind Sports Centre hosts the London Strategy Games Festival, where you can learn various tabletop strategy games from experts and play with like-minded participants. Everyone's welcome, whether you're a regular player or completely new, with four rooms offering different games throughout the day, including Chess, Hive, Bridge and Othello. 10.15am-8.30pm

YACHT CLUB OPEN DAY: Twickenham Yacht Club has an annual open day, when the community is invited inside to try a range of water-based activities including sailing, paddleboarding, cruising and yachting. You need to be able to swim or keep yourself afloat in order to take part, and buoyancy aids are provided. FREE, 11am-3pm

SUMMER IN THE PARK: Pack a picnic (and picnic blanket) and head to Maryon Park in Charlton for Summer in the Park, a free-entry, family-friendly festival offering an afternoon of performances from local community groups. Full programme TBC - keep an eye on the website. 1pm-6pm

COMEDY CLUB 4 KIDS: Aimed at children aged six+ and their families, Comedy Club 4 Kids pitches up at Park Theatre, offering a regular comedy show, but with jokes suitable for the younger audience. Expect to see stand-ups, sketch acts and cabaret stars from the international circuit, including Charlotte Cropper, Matt Green and more acts TBC. 3pm

CORINA QWAMI: Corner Corner in Canada Water has the Corina Qwami Trio in the house, the eponymous vocalist and tap dancer blending jazz, samba and global rhythms for a seriously feel-good afternoon/evening. If you're not local, this is also a chance to check out the nearby Broadwalk Bridge. 5pm-8pm

STAR-TAKER: Finish up your week with live music on board replica ship the Golden Hinde. The 24-strong Choir of Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, performs an evening of choral music, with a chance to look around the ship included with your ticket. 5.30pm