Looking for something fun to do today? Something eye-opening to watch tonight? Something delicious to eat tomorrow? Our guide to things to do this week in London is personally curated, ensuring there’s always a diverse range of events for you to choose from. Get stuck in!
What’s on all week
LONDONERS ON TRIAL: On Monday, The London Archives opens new, free exhibition Londoners on Trial: Crime, Courts and the Public 1244-1924, which delves into the history of law and order in the capital. Learn about famous cases including Dick Turpin, Jack Sheppard, Oscar Wilde, and Sylvia Pankhurst, to see how the city was governed as it grew. FREE, 9 March 2026-February 2027
JANE AUSTEN: The British Library marked Jane Austen’s 250th birthday with a small, single-case display of unique manuscripts and rare editions, from her earliest writing to her final completed novel, Persuasion. See it until this weekend. FREE, until 15 March 2026
SUHZOU EMBROIDERY: The Royal Geographical Society’s current exhibition traces Chinese Suzhou needlework’s shift from craft to independent art across three themed chapters, showing historic and contemporary pieces and emphasising technique as an aesthetic language. FREE, until 16 March 2026
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. Highlights this week include the life of Cold Comfort Farm author, Stella Gibbons, in Highgate, and a virtual tour in the footsteps of Dickens’ Oliver Twist. Throughout March 2026
UCL 200: Two Centuries Here is a multi-space exhibition on UCL’s Bloomsbury campus marking 200 years since the university’s founding. It moves through the North and South Cloisters, the Octagon Gallery, the Japanese Garden and the Student Centre, and displays photography, objects and interactive material exploring UCL Origins, Impact, Community and Futures. See items such as a Crookes tube, a rocket nose cone linked to UCL’s Mullard Space Science Laboratory and Egyptian objects bequeathed by Amelia Edwards. FREE, until 31 July 2026
EAT OF THE WEEK: Located in Southwark’s Africa Centre, Little Baobab peddles authentic Senegalese cuisine, and right now its seasonal menu — devised by founder and chef Khadim — features Ndambe Teranga bites (a snack-sized take on black-eyed pea stew), lamb mafe (chops in peanut sauce) and chocolate fondant.
PUBS OF THE WEEK: Given that many will be celebrating St Patrick’s Day on Saturday and Sunday (and probably in the preceding days too), we’ll hand you over to our guide on the best Irish pubs in London — just be warned that they’ll likely be rammed in and around the weekend.
MAP OF THE WEEK: TfL has just released a new Art Map, pointing you in the direction of 26 permanent artworks on the London Underground, including newer ones, like Alexandre da Cunha’s Sunset, Sunrise, Sunset at Battersea Power Station. You can pick up the map for free in all Zone 1 London Underground stations, plus stations with Art on the Underground commissions outside of Zone 1, including Brixton, Seven Sisters and Sudbury Town.
Today’s events: Monday 9 March
FINDING FITZROVIA: City of London guide and lecturer Jill Finch leads a one-hour talk on the characters, squares and alleyways of Fitzrovia, and the curious origins and boundaries of the area’s name. Watch in person at Guildhall Library or online via YouTube. FREE, 2pm
WOMEN OF SOUTHWARK: Join a Cathedral Guide at Southwark Cathedral for a one-hour walking tour exploring women linked to the church, from Victorian pioneers Octavia Hill and Isabella Gilmore to benefactors Dorothy Appleby and Elizabeth Newcomen. 2.30pm
HISTORY OF IRELAND: Author James Hawes is at Waterstones Gower Street to discuss his new book, The Shortest History of Ireland — just in time for St Patrick’s Day next week. He reveals how Ireland is so much more than a mere catalogue of colonial repression, and instead has always been able to assimilate would-be invaders. 6.30pm
CAROLE CADWALLADR: The Conversation series of discussion events continues at St Martin-in-the-Fields, with an appearance by award-winning investigative journalist Carole Cadwalladr. Watch in person or online as she discusses how tech and money are restructuring global power and democracy. 7pm
ANIME FILM SCORES: Head to Camden’s Jazz Cafe for an intimate live performance where a piano and string ensemble recreate scores from Studio Ghibli films including Grave of the Fireflies, Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away, accompanied by an audio‑visual display. Stompy’s Playground are the evening’s performers. 7pm-10.30pm
Today’s events: Tuesday 10 March
TELEPHONE BOX: The red phone box is an icon of London, and you can find out more about its inspiration, origins, design, designer and evolution in a free talk at Guildhall Library, by Lester Hillman, who has spent decades helping to cherish and celebrate the origin of the box. FREE, 2pm-3pm
WOMEN IN WILDLIFE: Hosted by zoologist and broadcaster Lucy Cooke, this Wild Talks lecture at ZSL’s Huxley Lecture Theatre looks at women who shaped the Zoological Society of London’s past and those leading conservation today. Speakers include Tina Campanella, Dr Heidi Ma, Olivia Wilson‑Holt and Dr Lucy Archer; the session includes talks followed by a Q&A. FREE, 6pm-7.30pm
UNDER THE YUGOSLAV SKY: Under the Yugoslav Sky (1934), directed by Miodrag Đorđević, was the first feature-length sound film made in Yugoslavia, following journeys from Belgrade to Zagreb, Sarajevo to Ohrid and the Adriatic. The screening at Bertha DocHouse in Bloomsbury is curated and introduced by Dr Mina Radovic as part of Serbian Film Festival UK. 6.20pm
JOKES AND SPOKES: Comedians James Acaster, Janine Harouni, Catherine Bohart, Jack Barry and others take to the stage at Union Chapel for Jokes and Spokes. The Bike Project’s charity comedy night raises money in support of refugees. 7.30pm
ERICA MANZOLI: Indie songstress Erica Manzoli is at the Grace in Islington, performing songs from her new EP, First Girl On The Moon. 7.30pm
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Immerse yourself in all things art deco at London Transport Museum
Anyone who has visited London Transport Museum’s eye-popping Global Poster Gallery will know that the capital’s Tube and bus network has given rise to a glorious range of graphic artworks over the last century or so. Some of the most striking examples were heavily influenced by the art deco movement – sporting bold colours, geometric shapes and abstract interpretations of iconic landmarks.
Such posters are at the heart of Art Deco: The Golden Age of Poster Design. This London Transport Museum exhibition launched late last year to mark the centenary of the 1925 Paris exhibition where art deco originated. It’s your chance to see works by design greats like Edward McKnight Kauffer and Dora Batty, alongside photography, short films and ceramics.
Here, you’ll explore the origins of art deco, admire posters that capture the world of leisure and pleasure, and even learn about art deco architecture (including the work of Tube station designer Charles Holden).
Entry to the exhibition is included in your admission to London Transport Museum, open 10am-6pm daily. Later this month adults also have the option of visiting after-hours, at an art deco Museum Late on 20 March – featuring Charleston dancers, jazz musicians and expertly-mixed cocktails.
Today’s events: Wednesday 11 March
OSCAR WILDE: OSO Arts in Barnes presents Oscar Wilde’s satire The Importance of Being Earnest, directed by Mark Beer and performed by an integrated cast of actors with visible and invisible disabilities. The play examines Victorian society’s obsession with status and marriage, and the Saturday performance features pre-show smooth jazz and a post-show Q&A. 11-15 March 2026
NOWRUZ FESTIVAL: Lauderdale House in Highgate marks Persian New Year, or Nowruz Festival, with exhibitions, music, talks, a bazaar and family activities curated by Mehrdad Aref‑Adib. It begins tonight with a launch event, and a chance to view three special exhibitions. 11 March-6 April 2026
PROTEIN PUZZLES: David Balchin from the Protein Biogenesis Laboratory gives a morning lecture on how proteins fold and why correct folding matters for health, followed by a Q&A. The talk is part of the Crick Institute’s public events programme at the King’s Cross venue, and is aimed at a general audience. FREE, 10am-11am
SCI-FI BOOK CLUB: INK@84 bookshop in Highbury kicks off a brand new sci-fi book club tonight, where the title of choice is Annie Bot, about the perfect girlfriend, who is also a robot. Grab a drink from the bar, chat over the book and peruse other titles on the shelves. 6.30pm
SOUTH EASTERN RAILWAY: Southeastern Railway hosts an evening of talks and a panel with railway historian Christian Wolmar, Network SouthEast founder Chris Green OBE and South Eastern Railway Managing Director Steve White exploring the line’s history and its future under Great British Railways. Takes place at One Birdcage Walk. 6.45pm-10pm
MICHAEL PORTILLO: Travel broadcaster and former MP Michael Portillo shares stories from his political career and later life as a travel presenter, at the Royal Geographical Society in South Kensington. He discusses his family background, years in government under Margaret Thatcher, the famous loss of his parliamentary seat, and his subsequent TV travels on the world’s railways. 7.30pm-9.20pm
REMEMBERING WILDLIFE: Wildlife photographer Margot Raggett is at Shirley Methodist Hall, for a Croydon Camera Club lecture in which she discusses her Remembering Wildlife series of books, including her upcoming title on giraffes, which launches as a Kickstarter campaign in April. 8pm
ASIAN COMEDY SHOWCASE: Jin Hao Li headlines an evening at the Backyard Comedy Club hosted by Sam See, celebrating the best acts from all over Asia and from all over the world, along with one “Token White Act” (their words, not ours). Other performers include Jen Zheng, Blank Peng, Ken Cheng, Shannon Ong and Leslie Gold. 8pm-10.15pm
MYSTERY MOVIE: Mystery Movie at the Prince Charles Cinema is a recurring screening series where the title is not revealed in advance — turn up and be surprised. Screenings are selected by the Programming Team and front-of-house, duty and projection staff, and many shows are presented on 35mm. 8.45pm
Today’s events: Thursday 12 March
CAVERN CLUB STORY: Revel in the history of Liverpool’s famous venue, and the acts that made it iconic, in musical The Cavern Club Story at Stratford East Theatre. The production features live musicians, visuals and a set list that references songs by The Beatles, Cilla Black, The Rolling Stones, Queen, Status Quo, Adele and Oasis. 12-13 March 2026
STUBBS: The works of visionary British painter George Stubbs — best known for his portrait of racehorse Scrub — are collected together in a free display at the National Gallery. It shines a spotlight on the 18 months Stubbs spent studying and drawing the anatomy of horses in the 1750s. FREE, 12 March-31 May 2026
DAVID HOCKNEY: A free exhibition of David Hockney artworks opens at the Serpentine North Gallery in Hyde Park. It focuses on his most recent works, the majority of which are created on an iPad, and includes Moon Room, which reflects Hockney’s lifelong interest in the cycle of light and time passing; his Sunrise body of work; and A Year in Normandie, a 90-metre-long frieze, inspired by the Bayeux Tapestry, showing the change of seasons at the artist’s former studio. FREE, 12 March-23 August 2026
PUB BIRTHDAY PARTY: Leytonstone’s Red Lion pub celebrates one year since reopening with live music in the Ballroom, drinks, nibbles and a neighbourhood knees-up. The event is described as a community celebration rather than a headliner gig, and everyone’s welcome. From 6pm
CRIME SCENE IMPROVISATION: Fully improvised crime-comedy CSI: Crime Scene Improvisation is at Wilton’s Music Hall. The cast invents a murder on the spot and the audience supplies key details, watching the story come to life right in front of you. 7.30pm
PIANO IN THE ELMS: Nine Elms-based music festival Piano in the Elms gets underway today, when Kamilla Arku and Jordan Söderberg Mills give a performance at Embassy Gardens. The festival continues with further performances tomorrow, Saturday and next week 7.30pm
Today’s events: Friday 13 March
COUNTRY TO COUNTRY: Three days of country music come to The O2 as Country To Country festival returns. Rising Nashville stars take to the stage(s) between sets from headline acts including Keith Urban, Zach Top and Brooks & Dunn. 13-15 March 2026
OFF MENU LIVE: Popular foodie podcast Off Menu brings a platter of live shows to the Royal Albert Hall. Ed Gamble and James Acaster host, with a different guest at each show being served a surprise set of dream dishes. 13-16 March 2026
BLACK ATHENA FESTIVAL: Docklands-based organisation Certain Blacks presents its latest cross-disciplinary festival, Black Athena, at Rich Mix. Expect dance, theatre, music and live art — including dub and bass sound innovators, Graffiti Bodies, Nigerian theatre exploring totemism and an anime-infused dance-theatre piece. It’s inspired by Martin Bernal’s book, Black Athena. 13-21 March 2026
MOORGATE COMEDY CLUB: Nick Helm, Russell Hicks, Sarah Mills, Ayo Adenekan and Estefania Baha headline Moorgate Comedy Club at the Tokenhouse pub cellar, hosted by MC Siôn James. 7pm-10.15pm
SCI-FI FILM FESTIVAL: A one‑night screening of contemporary science‑fiction short films curated for originality and visual impact comes to Big Penny Social in Walthamstow. The programme gathers a selection of short works that explore technology, identity and human relationships. 8pm-11pm
RIO AFTER DARK: Shimmy off the last of the winter blues with Rio After Dark, Sushisamba’s weekly Brazilian-themed party, with DJs, percussionists and dancers galore. Negronis, palomas and espresso martinis will keep you jiving till the small hours. 10.30pm-3am
Today’s events: Saturday 14 March
PALACE GARDENS: One of the semi-regular Open Garden Weekends at Hampton Court Palace is a chance to visit parts of the gardens and grounds without paying the usual admission fees. Should be looking pleasantly spring-like at this time of year. FREE, 14-15 March 2026
SOUNDS OF BLOSSOM: Kew Gardens goes all out for blossom season again, with a musical soundtrack playing in the gardens’ blossom hotspots. The new pieces of music were composed and recorded by students from the Royal College of Music, and are included in your entry ticket. 14 March-6 April 2026
A MIRRORED MONET: Inspired by letters and diaries from French painter Claude Monet and his peers, new theatre show A Mirrored Monet immerses audiences in the cafés, studios and salons of Belle Époque Paris, through music and projections. It tells the story of Monet’s struggle to finish his masterpiece, The Water Lillies. See it at Charing Cross Theatre. 14 March-9 May 2026
MODEL RAILWAY SHOW: Chug down to south London for the Beckenham and West Wickham Vintage Model Railway Show. Various layouts are on display, and specialist traders will be present, helping you plan your own layout at home. 10am-4.30pm
VINTAGE BUS RIDES: The lovely team from the London Bus Museum are offering free heritage bus rides through central London today. Buses dating from the 1930s-1980s will ply the 38 bus route between Victoria and Hackney, with anyone welcome to board for free (note if you board the modern TfL version of the route instead, normal charges will still apply). FREE
WOMEN’S RIVER RACE: Ahead of the famous Boat Races in April, there’s the Head of the River Race at the end of March. And before that, there’s the Women’s Eights Head of the River Race, taking place today. Its’s the largest women’s rowing race in the world with around 2,880 women racing and up to 320 crews taking part. Find a spot along the river between Mortlake and Putney to watch them passing and cheer them on. FREE to watch, 12.15pm
SIX NATIONS: Today’s the final day of rugby tournament Six Nations 2026, with matches at 2.10pm (Ireland and Scotland), 4.40pm (Wales and Italy) and 8.10pm (France and England). Whoever you’re supporting, don’t miss a minute of the action at these London pubs and venues which are screening Six Nations. Spoiler alert: they’ll be very busy today, so book ahead, or arrive early for a shot at getting a good view.
MEDIEVAL BANQUET: Join historians, chefs, minstrels and a sharp-tongued jester for the an immersive, multi-sensory supper club, in which you’ll “feast upon the wonders of Britain’s lost cuisine” in the heart of Smithfield. Hosts Dr Matthew Green and chef-to-the-stars and Times journalist Jack Burke will present such dishes as thyme-stuffed dormice and boar’s head pies. 7pm
Today’s events: Sunday 15 March
MOTHER’S DAY: A reminder that today is Mother’s Day. Pick her up a card and maybe a bunch of flowers or a box of chocolates, eh?
PALACE HALF: If ever a half marathon route was fit for a king/queen, it’s the Palace Half. It begins at the gates of Hampton Court Palace, passing through the local area — including crossing the Thames twice, before finishing in the palace gardens. If you’re in the vicinity, get down there and cheer the runners on, as many are doing it for charity. From 9am
FAMILY PUB QUIZ: Bring Your Baby Pub Quiz stages a family-friendly Mother’s Day special at Big Penny Social, hosted by organiser and professional TV quiz writer Anthony. Settle in for a picture round followed by five quiz rounds for all the family. 11am-1.30pm
ST PATRICK’S DAY FESTIVAL: Shamrock novelty glasses at the ready as the St Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival sweeps into town. Central London becomes a sea of green celebrating all things Irish, beginning with a parade from Hyde Park Corner, ending at Trafalgar Square with live entertainment throughout the afternoon. Have a look at other ways to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in London too. FREE, 12pm-6pm
FAMILY RAVE: Big Fish Little Fish brings a Mother’s Day family rave to Multi Story at Peckham Levels, with DJ Prime Cuts headlining. Expect a multi-sensory dancefloor with bubbles, giant balloons and a parachute finale, plus Wheadon’s Wacky Craft tables and facepainting. The event is aimed at families with 0–8 year olds though all ages are welcome. 2pm-4pm
TALL TALES: Camden Comedy Club hosts another instalment of Tall Tales & Cocktails, in which four comedians spin rib-tickling stories. Keep an eye on the Tall Tales Instagram account for the lineup. There’s also a £6 pint and a slice of pizza deal. 7.30pm
JEZ LOWE: County Durham folk singer-songwriter Jez Lowe performs songs from his part of the UK, which speak of social, political and historical events — some wry, some likely to bring a tear to your eye. He’s on at Walthamstow Folk Club. 7.30pm
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