Things To Do This Week In London: 27 June-3 July 2022

All week

WIMBLEDON: The biggest fortnight in tennis is back. If you can't make it to SW19 yourself, fear not — plenty of places around the capital show the action on big screens, often for free. Here's our guide to where to watch Wimbledon 2022. 27 June-10 July

SCREEN ON THE CANAL: Head down to the canal next to Granary Square in King's Cross for Everyman Screen on the Canal, a free, waterside open-air cinema. Throughout the summer it's got a packed programme, including family films, cult classics and blockbuster favourites — think Grease, Mamma Mia! and West Side Story. Plus the action from Wimbledon and the Tour de France is shown. King's Cross, free, just turn up, 27 June-7 August

LIFT FESTIVAL: Unlock ghost stories hidden in a shopping centre, or attend a film screening and garden party celebrating Black activism. Just some of the options as LIFT Festival continues this week. Various locations and prices, until 10 July

SUMMER BY THE RIVER: Wimbledon screenings, Italian-inspired music and an American folk music gig are on this week's programme at Summer by the River, a free festival with an art deco-inspired bar, and a tacos and tequila pop-up. London Bridge, free, just turn up, until 2 September

URBAN BEACHES: Dreaming of kicking back on a deckchair on a sandy beach somewhere warm? Well we can't guarantee the temeratures, but for the rest, check out London's pop-up urban beaches, including one which is great for kids, and a couple of rather exclusive venues.

BOATING: Cool yourself down by taking to the water on one of London's oarsome boating lakes. Rowing boats and pedalos are available at lakes, ponds and even a canal, from Hyde Park's Serpentine to the waterways of the Olympic Park.

Monday 27 June

POPPY FACTORY: The Poppy Factory in Richmond — where millions of paper poppies are made each year — is welcoming people to its new visitor centre, as well as a Falklands-themed exhibition. The Poppy Factory (Richmond), £12-£18, book ahead, various times

SOMERS TOWN TOUR: As part of London Festival of Architecture (which ends on Thursday), take a guided tour around the Somers Town area between Euston and St Pancras, and see how housing there has changed over the past 120 years. The former slum housing was replaced with 20th century social housing, and now a new private development looks likely to alter the area again. The Doric Arch (Euston), £12, book ahead, 11am-12.30pm

CONSUMMATE ROGUES: Soho jazz institution Ronnie Scott's ushers you upstairs to its Voodoo Lounge for a night of blues, rock and New Orleans-infused music, courtesy of London duo Consummate Rogues. Ronnie Scott's (Soho), £10 online/£15 door, doors 6pm, music starts 7pm

EDINBURGH PREVIEW: Comedian Bella Hull offers a preview of the show she'll be performing at this year's Edinburgh Fringe. She's been in the comedy business for seven years, and has been a support act for the likes of Al Murray and Russell Howard. Pleasance Theatre (Islington), £5, book ahead, 7.45pm

PUB QUIZ: It's quiz night at the Faltering Fullback, where it's just £1 entry per person, and teams can be any size you like. Reckon there might be a Wimbledon question in there this week... The Faltering Fullback (Finsbury), £1 per person, just turn up, 8.45pm

Tuesday 28 June

TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY: Italian photographer Alessandro Sarno is in London to launch his new book, Exumas: The Kingdom of Blue, which showcases life in the Bahamas. He discusses his career, which has led to the publication of several beautiful photographic books. Stanfords (Covent Garden), £5, book ahead, 6.30pm-8pm

STATE OF LONDON DEBATE: The annual State of London Debate is a chance for Londoners to put their questions to Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, and his deputies, hosted by LBC's James O'Brien. Topics could include housing, transport, the environment... anything that's under the Mayor's jurisdiction. At time of writing, tickets are still available to attend in person, but there's also the chance to watch online and submit your questions virtually. The O2/online, free, book ahead, 7.30pm-9pm

BROTHERS IN ARMS: Military historians James Holland and Dan Hill offer a virtual battlefield tour, looking at how the Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry (who finished the second world war with more battle honours than any other single unit in the British Army) advanced across North-West Europe in 1944-45. Online event, £10, book ahead, 7.30pm

GLU: Mikey Shoes from Queens of the Stone Age/Mini Mansions comes to the Sebright Arms in the guise of his project GLU, for a four-night residency of his pop with attitude. Sebright Arms (Bethnal Green), free, just turn up, 8pm

FRIENDS OF ELEPHANTS: As part of the London Indian Film Festival, catch a screening of Hati Bondhu: Friends of Elephants, a documentary about the conflicts between humans and elephants in the Assam region, and what's being done to ease tensions. Rich Mix (Shoreditch), £11.90, book ahead, 8.30pm

Wednesday 29 June

IN THE BLACK FANTASTIC: Hayward Gallery's new exhibition, In the Black Fantastic, brings together myth, science fiction, spiritual traditions and the legacy of Afrofuturism. See works by 11 contemporary artists from the African diaspora, which question our knowledge of the world. Southbank Centre, £13.50, book ahead, 29 June-18 September

PRIDE LATES: Science Museum stays open late for a special Pride Late, marking 50 years of Pride in London. Catch performances from a whole host of cabaret and burlesque drag artists, including Romeo De La Cruz, Dolly Trolley and Kim Moan Ho, and watch a special screening of newly released documentary George Michael Freedom Uncut. Plus, learn the history behind queer objects on display, take part in a Pride pub quiz, and dance the night away at a silent disco. Age 18+. Science Museum (South Kensington), free/£10 VIP, book ahead, 6.30pm-10pm

PRIDE POETRY: It's a Pride month special at this open mic night, where up to 20 poets, writers and other creatives, both new and established, have their moment in the spotlight. Email ahead if you want to book yourself a slot — otherwise, sit back and enjoy others' performances. Two Brewers (Clapham), £5.98, book ahead, 7pm-10pm

PRIDE OF PASSAGE: The World Monuments Fund joins forces with Queer Britain, for this special event at Strawberry Hill House, which explores the LBGTQ+ history of the man who built the grand estate and lived here. Learn about Walpole's sexuality and the liberating impact of the Grand Tour. Strawberry Hill House (Twickenham), free but donation encouraged, book ahead, 7pm-8pm

MAYFLOWER 400: The last of the Mayflower 400 lectures takes place tonight, and is a chance to hear from Rita Cruise O’Brien, author of The Mayflower: Myths, Truths and Legacies, about the myths and legacies of the Mayflower story. The event series — delayed by two years due to Covid — celebrates the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower setting sail from Rotherhithe. Canada Water Theatre, £3.75, book ahead, 7.30pm

Thursday 30 June

CLIMATE FORWARD LONDON: The New York Times hosts three days of science, culture, policy, storytelling and debate, looking at how the world is doing on the Cop26 climate promises. Topics at Climate Forward range from sustainable fashion to pension investments to the removal of carbon dioxide from our oceans. The Conduit (Covent Garden) £100, or online for free, book ahead, 30 June-2 July

OTHER ART FAIR: Head to King's Cross for The Other Art Fair, which aims to be accessible, include everyone, and ditch the elitist nature which is often seen in the art world. Around 100 artists are already confirmed for the event, giving you a chance to buy direct from painters, sculptors and more. West Handyside Canopy, from £11, book ahead, 30 June-3 July

SPITALFIELDS MUSIC FESTIVAL: Over 20 London and world premieres and rare performances feature in the Spitalfields Music Festival programme, taking place at venues across east London. Shows range from classical music to concert-theatre to booming brass bands, and there are a few walking tours of the local area thrown in too. Various locations, £10-£25, book ahead, 30 June-13 July

TWILIGHT AT LONDON ZOO: London Zoo's late-night openings are back, for adults only. Twilight at London Zoo is a rare chance to see the animals at dusk, and enjoy tours, live acoustic music and street food. Takes place on Thursdays and Fridays. Age 18+. ZSL London Zoo (Regent's Park), £21.50, book ahead, 6pm-10pm, (until 22 July)

ENCHANTED CITY: Poet, Rotherhithe local, and author of the superb book London Clay, Tom Chivers is at the Brunel Museum, hosting an evening of talks and performances which explore the enchanted subterranean netherworlds of his writings. Brunel Museum (Rotherhithe), £5, book ahead, 7pm-9pm

IRISH HOOLEY: Irish Music & Dance in London presents a concert full of sounds and moves from the Emerald Isle. Clare Friel (fiddle) and Conor Connolly (accordion) perform with vocalists Marty Barry and Cathal Ó Curráin, plus The Thatch Céilí Band are joined on stage by the Camden Set Dancers, and The Trad Gathering presents an ensemble of today’s great young London Irish musicians. Bloomsbury Theatre, £20, book ahead, 7.30pm

Friday 1 July

FERIA DE LONDRES: Celebration of Spanish food and culture Feria de Londres takes over Guildhall Yard. Expect Spanish music and flamenco performances and workshops, food and drink stalls and other family fun. And if that's your sort of thing, also check out the Flamenco Festival at Sadlers Wells running until 2 July. Guildhall Yard, £10, book ahead, 1-3 July

ADVENTURE CINEMA: For three days, Adventure Cinema takes over the grounds of Isleworth's Osterley Park and House, screening three films that music fans will love, in the open air. Book tonight for West Side Story, tomorrow for Mamma Mia!, or Sunday for The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Check out the other outdoor cinemas in London this summer too. Osterley Park, £14.50, book ahead, 1-3 July

WIRELESS: Taking place across two sites in London (plus one in Birmingham) across two weekends, it's fair to say that Wireless Festival is back with a bang. A$AP Rocky and The Kid Laroi headline Crystal Palace this weekend, with Cardi B, SZA and Nicki Minaj taking over Finsbury Park next weekend. 1-3 July (and 8-10 July)

THE SOUTHBURY CHILD: Alex Jennings stars in a new production, The Southbury Child, a darkly comic play by Stephen Beresford about a vicar in a remote coastal area, who loses his grip over his parish when his faith impels him to take a hard line with a bereaved parishioner. The Bridge Theatre (Tower Bridge), from £18, book ahead, 1 July-27 August

LGBTQI+ LATE: Artist Sadie Lee curates The Wallace Collection's annual late-night celebration of Queer-themed performances, music and art. Full programme TBC at time of writing, but your ticket includes access to the current Inspiring Walt Disney exhibition. The Wallace Collection (Marylebone), £12, book ahead, 6.30pm-9.30pm

Saturday 2 July

AFRICA FASHION: The V&A opens a new exhibition, Africa Fashion, looking at the global impact of the African fashion scene through photos, textiles, music and visual arts. V&A Museum, £16, book ahead, from 2 July

DRAGON GUARDIANS: There is a Dragon hidden in South Norwood Country Park that's been asleep for thousands of years — and it's the job of you and your kids (aged 4-8) to take care of her. Interactive show The Dragon Guardians features storytelling, song and puppetry, and takes place every Saturday and Sunday in July — starting today. South Norwood Park, £11, book ahead, 10am-11.30am

CRAFTY FOX MARKET: Jewellery, ceramics, greeting cards, colouring books, ungendered clothing, and leather goods are among the items available at this month's Crafty Fox Market. Have a browse, meet the makers, and maybe treat yourself to an item or two. Plus, it takes place in a food market, so that's lunch sorted. Mercato Metropolitano (Elephant & Castle), free entry, just turn up, 11am-5pm

SOUL BRUNCH: Don your brightest gladrags, and boogie on down to the Got Soul Brunch & Day Party. They'll be blasting out tunes from Erykah Badu, Wizkid, Jill Scott, Focalistic, Beyonce et al — dished up with rum punch, 60 minutes of bottomless prosecco, veggie food, plus games and competitions. The Gable (Moorgate), £43.71, book ahead, 12pm-5pm

PRIDE IN LONDON: The Pride in London Parade is going big this year, as 2022 marks 50 years since the first ever Pride in London. The parade will take the same route as it did in 1972, marching from Hyde Park to Whitehall, to commemorate the occasion, with celebrations also taking place in Golden Square, Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square and other locations — full details on the Pride in London website. There are plenty of Pride after-parties happening today too. Parade runs 12pm-6pm

OUTDOOR FILM FESTIVAL: Another of London's outdoor cinemas is now open. The Outdoor Film Festival screens 11 films over seven weekends, including a double bill today. Spend the afternoon watching King Richard, about the father of Venus and Serena Williams, or head over in the evening to catch Pedro Almodóvar film, Parallel Mothers. Greenwich Peninsula (North Greenwich), from £6, book ahead, 2pm/6pm, until 27 August

Sunday 3 July

TURKISH FESTIVAL: Everyone's welcome at the West London Turkish Festival, which celebrates Turkish culture, cuisine and hospitality. Expect live music, stage performances, a football tournament, funfair rides for the kiddies, and food stalls serving Turkish dishes including kebab and doner. 3 July

RED BULL SOAPBOX FESTIVAL: Watch teams of amateur drivers go head to head in their own homemade cars at the Red Bull Soapbox Race at Alexandra Palace. 3 July

FLOWER MARKET: Lots of Londoners know about Columbia Road Flower Market — but did you know there's one on the first Sunday of each month in Chiswick? Browse the blooms, and pick out a bunch or two to add some seasonal colour to your home. Old Market Place (Chiswick), free entry, just turn up, 9am-3.30pm

CROYDON AIPORT: The first Sunday of the month is open day at Croydon Airport — where you'll learn all about the glitzy age when Hollywood film stars, politicians and flying aces all made use of London's first airport. Croydon Airport, free, book ahead, various time

SUNDAY PAPERS LIVE: Arts & crafts, pub quizzes, market stalls, and live music are all part of Sunday Papers Live, which has an expert speaker to present each section of today's Sunday papers. It takes place in an oversized living room set-up, with food and drink available throughout the day. Cecil Sharp House (Camden), £39.50/£20 evening only, book ahead, 12.30pm-10pm

BETWEEN TWO BARS: Go on a guided tour between Temple Bar monument and the original Temple Bar, taking in the cornucopia of architectural styles in this part of the City, and discovering the various signs, reliefs and sculptures that reveal the stories behind the buildings. Temple, £12, book ahead, 2pm

Urban oddity of the week

If you're heading down to Wimbledon for the tennis, remember to have a wander around the area for urban oddities, of which there are many. You might seek out the ye olde turnstile of Dairy Walk, not far from the courts. Or perhaps uncover the gold postbox of Olympic rower Sophie Hoskins. The most unusual feature of all, though, is this bizarre piece of street furniture on Sunnyside Passage, a little to the west of central Wimbledon. It's an old-fashioned electricity transformer, of a kind now very rare on the streets. More fun to pretend it's some alternative form of TARDIS, however.

Good cause of the week

As part of Pride weekend Westminster LGBT+ Forum is putting on a special fundraising walk to give you a vivid snapshot view of London's deep history of sexual diversity. Guide Richard Cohen leads two tours (11am and 2.30pm) on Sunday, meeting at the pastiche Eleanor Cross in front of Charing Cross station (though please book ahead).

Meet the Mollies and Macaronis of 18th century Covent Garden, poet and libertine John Wilmot, and Oscar Wilde. Hear the extraordinary story of a soldier who challenged all the norms of gender identity in the 18th century. And discover how Soho developed into the heart of London's modern LGBTQ+ community. Finally, take a look at the Bohemian sub-cultures of Fitzrovia looking at a notorious pub which attracted the literary and artistic demimonde of the 1920s and 1930s where festive Pride refreshments await.

This is a fundraiser for the Disasters Emergency Committee Humanitarian Appeal for Ukraine.

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