Things To Do This Weekend In London: 10

Aug 28, 2023

PUB IN THE PARK: Food and music festival Pub in the Park pitches up in Dulwich Park for the weekend. Tinie Tempah, Heather Small, The Craig Charles Funk & Soul Club and The Dolly Parton Experience are all on the eclectic music line-up, with a chef demo stage, fire pit, artisan food market and pop-up bars taking care of the food and drink side of things. 9-11 June

SALLY POTTER: Holborn's Garden Cinema hosts a weekend of screenings and events celebrating film director Sally Potter, ahead of the release of her debut album, Pink Bikini, next month. 1993 film Orlando, 2004 film Yes, and 2012's Ginger & Rosa are among those on the programme, each accompanied by an introduction or Q&A with Potter herself. 9-11 June

ART AND CRAFT TRAIL: Visit the homes and studios of east London's artists and makers on the E8 Art and Craft Trail. Follow the interactive map to browse and buy art, illustration, ceramics, jewellery and more, directly from those who created it. FREE, 10-11 June

LAMBETH COUNTRY SHOW: The annual two-day Lambeth Country Show pitches up in its usual spot in Brockwell Park for all manner of entertainment: sheep shearing, vegetable sculptures, live music, chocolate making, and... a wall of death. FREE, 10-11 June

WINE AND FLOWERS: Discover les beaux vins of the Loire Valley, at Bloom Big Festival, which champions the stunning region nicknamed the 'Garden of France'. As well as sipping your way through an array of delicious wines, you can get stuck into terrarium or flower crown making — and upcycle an old wine bottle into a scented candle. Hosted in Southwark Quarter, this festival's family-friendly too. 10 and 11 June (sponsor)

JUNIPALOOZA: Gin has its moment in the spotlight at Junipalooza, a gin festival at Tobacco Dock where you can meet distillers and brand reps to learn more about their products. There are plenty of tasting opportunities too, as well as food and water to keep you fresh. 10-11 June

FESTIVAL OF COMMUNITIES: Created by Queen Mary University London, the Festival of Communities is a celebration of everything great in east London. Taking place in Stepney Green Park and the QMUL Mile End campus, events include sports trial sessions, hands-on science, craft activities and more. FREE, 10-11 June

JAIPUR LITERATURE FESTIVAL: William Dalrymple, Shashi Tharoor, Vauhini Vara, Tom Holland, Tahmima Anam, Vishal Bhardwaj, Asma Khan and Sathnam Sanghera are among the speakers on the line-up for the London Jaipur Literature Festival, a satellite event of the huge Jaipur Literature Festival which takes place in India each January. 10-11 June

OPEN GARDENS WEEKEND: London Square Open Gardens Weekend is a chance to explore London's green spaces via open days, tours and talks. They range from allotments to small private gardens, to the larger gardens in the likes of Eaton Square Garden, usually only accessible to local residents with a key. 10-11 June

BARNET MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL: See re-enactments of the Battles of Barnet 1471 and the Second Battle of St Albans 1461, as well as displays by the gunners, archers and mounted knights at this year's Barnet Medieval Festival. New for 2023 is a medieval fashion show and craft demonstration. 10-11 June

MELTDOWN FESTIVAL: The 28th edition of the UK's longest-running artist-curated music festival, Meltdown, is at Southbank Centre, with French singer-songwriter Christine and the Queens at the helm. This weekend's events include workshops and DJ sets with Rain Crew, performances by synth-pop duo Let's Eat Grandma and Afropop superstar Yemi Alade, and new immersive, multi-sensory experience BitterSuite Presents Bodies Tilted. 9-18 June

SERPENTINE PAVILION: It's the time of year when a new building mysteriously appears in Kensington Gardens. It is, of course, the Serpentine Pavilion, an architectural commission by the nearby Serpentine Galleries, and this year's is À table, designed by French-Lebanese architect Lina Ghotmeh. We're promised 'notions of memory, space and landscape' in a low, modest and skeletal structure. FREE, 9 June-29 October

RIVER STAGE: Free outdoor festival River Stage is back outside National Theatre on South Bank, for four weekends of themed entertainment featuring a wide range of performers. It kicks off with The Glory, a weekend of cabaret hosted by drag acts Jonny Woo and John Sizzle. FREE, 9 June-2 July

PLAY FOUNTAINS: It's a sure sign that summer's here when the play fountains outside Southbank Centre are switched back on. Officially known as Jeppe Hein's Appearing Rooms, the water feature is a favourite with kids on hot days, as they try to catch the water jets before they disappear again. Parents: a change of clothes and a towel are advised. FREE, 7 June-3 September

TEMPLE BAR WALK: As part of London Festival of Architecture, join a guided walk from Temple Bar in Paternoster Square, visiting recently-opened public and privately-operated spaces in the Square Mile, via London Wall, Finsbury Circus, Broadgate and Aldgate. 10am-12pm

TOY STORY: Canary Wharf's free Family Film Club continues with a screening of Toy Story in Canada Square Park. It's outdoors, so dress appropriately, and get down there early to bag yourself a decent spot. FREE, 10.30am

WORLD NAKED BIKE RIDE: Prudes may wish to avert their eyes as the World Naked Bike Ride comes to town. Cyclists let it all hang out as they ride in a group on one of several pre-agreed routes converging on Wellington Arch. Don't forget your suncream if you're taking part. FREE to watch or take part, from 11am

CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES: Peckham's Melange chocolate shop hosts a truffle-making workshop for adults. Learn about the complexities of working with chocolate, and the techniques used to make, fill and decorate your own chocolate truffles. 11.30am-2pm

TOGETHER 23: Head to Charlton Park for free entry, family friendly festival Together 23. DJ Norman Jay MBE headlines the main stage, with support from the likes of the Woolwich Singers. Elsewhere, there's a Kids Stage with school choirs and performing arts schools, and a Kids Town with face painting, drumming workshops, crafts and the like. FREE, 12pm-6pm

TEQUILA AND MEZCAL FESTIVAL: La Piñata is a celebration of Agave spirits, Mexican culture and an opportunity to taste a diverse range of Tequila and Mezcal from over 20 producers side by side, taking place at Tobacco Dock. Masterclasses, live entertainment and food stalls are present, but today's the final day. 12pm-9pm

BOSFEST: A huge free, unticketed street party, Bankside Open Spaces Festival takes place across venues including Red Cross Garden, Crossbones Graveyard and Flat Iron Square. Inspired by Elephant & Castle, there's a Latin twist to this year's event, with a procession, live music, sports and craft workshops, face painting, historical activities, a dog show and more. FREE, 12pm-9pm

HUMAN BODY: Aimed at ages 7+, the Royal Institution hosts a show looking at the wonders of the human body. Dr Jo covers oddities and interesting trivia relating to hearing, sight, brains, heart beats and muscles. 2pm-3.15pm

BIG DOCKLANDS STREET PARTY: While its bigger sibling is closed for relocation, the Museum of London Docklands has its own celebration to mark its 20th anniversary. The Big Docklands Street Party takes its inspiration from London's East End, with live performances, street food and pop-up bars and other entertainment, hosted by Drag Race royalty Vanity Milan. 7pm

EXPLODING CINEMA: Independent short films are the focus of Exploding Cinema at Kennington's Cinema Museum. Kick back and watch animations, documentaries, dramas and CGI films on a range of topics. 7.30pm-10pm

KAISER CHIEFS: The Hampton Court Palace Festival is underway, bringing headline acts to the Palace Gardens. At time of writing, there are still a few tickets left to see The Kaiser Chiefs tonight. The gates open early, giving you enough time to enjoy a picnic in the grounds before the gig. 9pm (gates 5.30pm)

CLASSIC CAR SHOW: Rare and unusual cars gather in Norman Park for the Bromley Pageant of Motoring. Wander among vehicles of various ages and makes, meet fellow enthusiasts, and have a rummage at the autojumble. There's also a funfair and inflatables for kids, and a live action arena with displays going on all day. 9.30am-5pm

SCULPTURE SECRETS: Heritage consultant Dr Dawn Pereira leads a guided walk through Crystal Palace Park, sharing knowledge and research about the statues of the local area. Hear about a goddess who has lost her wings, the remains of an entire continent, and a lonely poet. Part of London Festival of Architecture. 11am-1pm

SUPER CHEFS: Take the kids along to Theatre Peckham for Super Chefs, a cooking-themed stage show featuring singing and dancing, telling the story of six-year-old Manny who is making guacamole for the first time — despite members of his family believing that boys don't belong in the kitchen. 11am/1pm

ANTIQUES FAIR: Over 100 antiques dealers set up in Marylebone for the annual Church Street Antiques Fair. Peruse vintage furniture, art, homeware and the like. There's also refreshment and live music. 11am-5pm

QUEEN'S READING ROOM: Hampton Court Palace hosts the Queen's Reading Room Festival, a literary event which combines music and history in rather flash surroundings. Dame Judi Dench, Gyles Brandreth, David Olusoga and Ben Macintyre are all on the line-up, and there's also a chance to take literary-themed tours of the palace. 11am-9.30pm

RIVERSIDE OPERA: In their pursuit to remove opera from traditional theatre spaces and make it more accessible, Rogue Opera offer a free Riverside Opera Taster performance at Nine Elms Pavilion. It's a family-friendly show starring four professional singers and a pianist, and is part of Wandsworth Arts Fringe. FREE, 11.30am-12.15pm

UNDERGROUND HEIGHTS: Watch a short film about north London's overground sections of the Northern line High Barnet branch and its predecessor the Northern Heights Railway, at Phoenix Cinema. Old maps, railway plans, photographs, and pictures combine to look at how the railway shaped this past of London. The screening is part of the London Festival of Architecture programme of events. 1.30pm-3pm

PIRATE QUEEN: Legendary storytelling collective Crick Crack Club are at the British Museum for a performance of Dauntless — Grace O'Malley, Pirate Queen. Debs Newbold portrays the remarkable and inspirational story of her hero: Grainne ni Mhaille — Grace O'Malley — legendary Irish clan chief and queen of the sea, who stowed away on her father's ship aged just eight. 2.30pm-3.50pm

JAZZ CLASSICS: The Prospective Collective unleash their arsenal of swing jazz classics at Kings Cross's Jamboree venue this afternoon. A wonderful way to wind down at the end of the weekend — and won't cost you a thing, either. 3pm-5pm

WINE TASTING: Finish up your weekend with a wine tasting, with samples for five different wines for £5. Joana Pinhão of Portuguese wine brand Casal das Aires hosts an informal 'around the barrel' tasting at Bar Douro in London Bridge. 4pm

COMEDY BLOOMERS: The London LGBTQ+ Stand Up Comedy Festival comes to an end tonight, and it's going down in a blaze of glory with with headliner Rhys Nicholson, plus Kuan Wen (MC), SuperGirly, Spring Day, Matthew Ali and finalists of LGBTQ+ New Comedian of the Year 2022, Dane Buckley, Umby Winters & Alex Stringer. Takes place at the Seven Dials Comedy Club. 7pm