Top London events: experience the Swinging City
This celebration of all things beer and cider is always a popular bash, and its fifteenth year promises live music and 100-plus ales. This includes selections from breweries a few miles away, all the way up to Scotland and across the pond in Texas. Tickets include a free pint.
East End of London Puzzle & Treasure Hunt
Explore east London by setting off on an interactive treasure hunt, working your way towards the ultimate reward — a reduced bar bill at one of the area’s many great pubs. You’ll need to solve puzzles and crack codes to unlock clues, and you even get to learn some local history.
Kayak Bus: Greenwich to Battersea
Make the most of the summer (ok, autumn) by squeezing in an epic kayak trip along the Thames. The route takes you from Greenwich to Battersea, meaning you’ll paddle by some of London’s premium sights along the way, and you’ll be given guidance if you’re a kayaking newbie.
Graffiti Workshops
The subterranean arches of Leake Street provide a suitably moody setting for these artist-led graffiti masterclasses. You’ll learn to use a spray can on your own blank canvas, creating a ‘graffiti galaxy’ that you can take home. All the protective gear is supplied for you.
Shoreditch Comedy Show at City Comedy Club
Let a cast of ace comics ease you into the weekend with an evening of premium laughs. This long-running night has hosted acts who’ve gone on to grace "Mock the Week," "8 Out of 10 Cats," "Never Mind the Buzzcocks," and Comedy Central, so you’ll be in safe (and funny) hands.
The Bowl: Bowling, Karaoke & Party
On the last Friday of every month, this party featuring complimentary bowling and karaoke takes over All Star Lanes, where you can play games or just dance to whatever the DJ is playing.
Caravan Coffee School: Roastery Tour & Tasting Class
Stop just drinking coffee and start learning all about the world’s most popular drink at Caravan Coffee’s knowledge-packed HQ. You’ll get brewing tips, tour the roastery, taste four different coffees in a guided session, and leave with a premium bag of beans.
German Kraft Brewery Tour & Tasting
Learn how to sip and assess like a pro, as a professional beer sommelier leads a tasting of three beers produced using German brewing techniques. You’ll also tour the factory to discover the processes and ingredients involved in making all this delightful nectar.
The Perception Cocktail Masterclass
Sample creative concoctions from a new menu at the seriously sleek Perception cocktail bar, nestled within the W London hotel. Experienced mixologists will give you a crash course in cocktail flavours and preparation before you sample the goods.
Kiki Cabaret
Comedy, cabaret, dancing, prosecco, life-affirming lip-syncing... is there a more fun-packed Saturday night in east London? Not according to outrageous and fabulously costumed host Ms Ginger Phlappage. Get ready for ten maximum-fun performances and DJs spinning party tunes.
Pottery Taster Session
If you've ever wanted to try your hand at throwing clay on a wheel, head to this pottery introduction session and get creative. After a demonstration, you'll hand-sculpt a pot using coiling techniques and a potter's wheel, before your masterpiece gets glazed for pickup later.
Brazilian Dance Class
Get a lively workout at a dance class focusing on forró, an energetic style of Brazilian music. The sessions are based on high-intensity interval training (HIIT) techniques, so you're guaranteed a serious cardio boost alongside the infectious Brazilian rhythms.
April Fool’s Day ‘Fool Your Senses’ Beer Tasting
Put on a blindfold and perplex your tastebuds in this kooky tasting event designed to challenge preconceptions. Mystery beers and foods will be tasted, and your job is to identify those flavours — all while having a whole lot of fun.
Tour of the Mansion House
If you’ve ever wanted to nose around the house of the Lord Mayor of the City of London, here’s your chance. As you’re led around this grand abode, travel back in time via stories of powerful politicians the building has housed and the prisoners’ cells that once stood there.
Open Shorts Night
Find out what some of the UK’s most exciting rising filmmakers are creating at an evening of short films. All sorts of genres will be covered, tackled by rising independent directors and writers. The ticket price includes a free drink at the post-show networking.
Kitchen Science
If your kids are bored by science in the classroom, let award-winning science communicator and professor Stephen Ashworth show them the wacky scientific happenings that take place in a kitchen. The experiments in this entertaining show can be replicated at home for further fun.
Streatham Life Drawing Class
Want to try life drawing but don't know where to start? These chilled-out classes are the ideal introduction. Equipment such as pencils and charcoals are provided, and the focus is firmly on having fun, whether you’re an experienced artist or a first-time sketcher.
Margarita Journey
Finding great margaritas can be difficult in London, so secure yourself three belters on this walking tour. A knowledgeable guide leads you around three top bars, with a meticulously mixed margarita waiting for you in each, garnished with some tequila history and trivia.
Writing on the Wall
Long before graffiti adorned coffee table books, people in the 18th century were writing and etching on walls. Journey back to these times with cultural historian Madeleine Pelling, who explains how graffiti was an important medium for all of society to tell incredible stories.
Jive Me to the Moon
Put some swing into your step at a monthly dance class that teaches jive ballroom-style dancing to all levels, from absolute beginners to hot-footed experts. Pick your class based on experience, learn some moves, then dance the night away afterwards to a DJ.
City Pubs Walk: Drink & Ink
The district confusingly known as The City of London is awash with pubs, so seek out the good stuff on this guided historical walk. Visit the architecturally marvellous Black Friar, the pubs of Fleet Street (once frequented by top journalists), and other storied watering holes.
Creative Photography
Find out how to properly capture London’s urban sprawl on camera at this workshop. A professional photographer will lead a journey around the area, offering tips and techniques the whole way, before you head off on a solo venture to try out your new skills.
Street Photography Walk
Capture the wonders and appealing weirdness of London by snapping its life-filled streets on this walk, led by an experienced photographer. Attendees visit five locations around bustling Waterloo, each providing plenty of opportunities for captivating urban shots.
Learn How to Restore Vintage Furniture
Turn that sad and weathered vintage table you bought on impulse into a handsome piece of desirable furniture by practising basic restoration techniques at a hands-on, beginners’ workshop. You’ll be taught about staining, sealing, and using tools to spruce up your items.
Bell House Open Garden
With spring arriving, take the chance to lose yourself for a few hours in a beautiful hidden garden, tucked-away behind a grand Georgian manor house in leafy Dulwich. The two acres house a rose garden, woodland walk, and beds growing all manner of fruits, vegetables and herbs.
Rye Lane Beer Festival
New-ish taproom on the Peckham scene Eko Brewery hosts a knees-up featuring over 20 of its “African-inspired vegan beers” and ciders, which is good news for us all. See if you can pick out the coconut palm sugar and South African hops in their delicious brews.
Caravan Coffee School: Home Espresso Class
Turn your home coffee-making into an artform with the skills from this masterclass. The brew gurus from Caravan Coffee will teach you how to steam milk, pour a pattern, and ‘dial in’ your home setup to ensure you’re getting the best from your coffee tech.
25 Years of Logan D
Join drum ’n’ bass stalwart Logan D in celebrating his 25 years of spinning hefty tunes behind the decks. This all-day party promises eight solid hours of D&B, jungle, and old-school sounds, supplied by artists including Nicky Blackmarket, Micky Finn, Ragga Twins, and Majistrate.
London Comedy Walk
Laugh your way through this insight-lol tour of central London’s many comedy hotspots, learning about the capital’s comic heritage along the way. You’ll pass iconic venues and hear memorable tales about greats who’ve performed at them, from Joan Rivers to Stephen Fry.
Nature Weaving Connection Workshop
Learn two skills in one at a workshop that teaches not only how to weave, but also how to forage, thus supplying the materials you’ll need for all that weaving. Begin with an ethical foraging walk on the River Lea towpath, before some weaving tuition using what you’ve acquired.
Acton’s Lost Cinemas Walking Tour
Back in the 1940s, now-leafy west London suburb Acton boasted five cinemas, becoming a hotspot for movie fans at a time when the film industry was thriving. Hear the colourful history of these cinemas — which ranged from grandiose to ghastly — on a guided tour of the sites.
TEDxKingsCollegeLondon 2024 Conference
‘Mosaic minds’ is the intriguing and wide-open theme for this TEDx event. Ten speakers get creative with a talk around that very topic, exploring the concept that the mind is shaped by literally countless emotions, experiences, and ideas, making each one individual.
Terrarium Masterclass
Don’t let not having a garden stop you from having a garden — simply make a mini-one in a glass jar at this workshop. You’ll be taught to create a thriving ecosystem using live plants, soil, moss, and sand, before encasing it in glass and learning how to care for it at home.
Lana Del Rave
No prizes for guessing who this brilliantly named night celebrates. But as well as tunes galore from LDR, there’ll be other bangers from aligned artists, such as Florence + The Machine, Lorde, and The Weeknd. There’ll also be tribute acts, balloon drops, and tons of confetti.
An Evening with Martin Parr
Primarily known for his eccentric snapshots of quintessentially British scenes, celebrated photographer Martin Parr chats about his fashion photography, collected in a new book that showcases his work with titans such as Vogue and Gucci. Quiz the man after his talk in a Q&A.
Hacknakey: Life Drawing with Naked Live Music
It’s not just the subjects that are naked at this inclusive life drawing class — it’s the entertainers, too. Every session features models taking different short poses to test your sketching prowess, before a guest musician accompanies the action with a live, clothes-free set.
Vintage Jazz Dance Classes
Party like it’s 1929 by learning the Charleston and other snappy vintage moves during these classes, led by a jazz dance expert. Complete beginners are welcome and there are also separate sessions available for those with experience in fancy footwork.
Southgate Swing
What do you need to learn how to swing dance like a pro? Accompaniment from live swing bands blasting out hits from across the decades, of course. As well as live music and a wooden dance floor, these monthly classes feature tuition from Lindy Hop teachers and experts.
Why We Travel: a Journey into Human Motivation
Beyond the cheap Aperol spritzes, have you ever asked yourself why exactly you travel? Go deeper into the reasons with travel writer Ash Bhardwaj, whose latest book takes an insightful look into what travel can offer us and how it can help fulfil us in different ways.
Love Quest
Modern dating is already funny. Love Quest amps up the absurdity by blindfolding singles onstage while a comedian leads them on a series of games and challenges to find true love, sight unseen. Stick around after the show to mingle, drink, and maybe event find your perfect match.
Learn How to Upcycle Furniture
Everyone’s got old furniture they don’t want, but instead of selling it, you can turn it into something you do want at this workshop. Cleaning, sanding, painting, and tools will all be covered, and furniture and materials are supplied.
Modernist Hampstead
Leafy north-west London district Hampstead has much to recommend it, not least its array of modernist architecture, which you’ll see up-close on this walking tour. As you wander and learn, look out for striking buildings by famed architects Ernö Goldfinger and Ernst Freud.
Ana Tijoux
When Chilean-French singer, rapper, and activist Ana Tijoux has something to say, it’s worth listening to, and that goes as much for her music as it does the issues she campaigns passionately about. Hear her smart, infectious blend of folk, hip-hop, and more at a rare UK show.
Camberwell Ceilidh Club
Ceilidhs aren’t just for Burns’ Night, people. For the uninitiated, a ceilidh is essentially a seriously lively dance, led by a “caller” and hosted at a big ol’ party. Join in the fun en masse with this south London crew, featuring live music and a wallet-friendly BYOB policy.
Royal Maritime Greenwich Ghost Tour
Peek into the darker goings-on of this seemingly peaceful spot, as you trace Greenwich’s various spectres. You’ll hear tales of drunken, wronged sailors and jilted lovers, learn about the Cutty Sark Curse, and visit a seriously creepy tunnel and a haunted pub.
Hishek Bishek
Ditch the generic house and spend Saturday grooving to ridiculously rhythmical tunes from around the Arabic-speaking world at this ace club night. Egyptian disco, funky numbers from Lebanon and Iraq, and dance floor-led takes on Syrian and Palestinian dabke are all on the menu.
Feria de Londres
An Andalusian feria (a type of fair) is a joyful thing, and you can experience the best bits in this London version. Just like its Spanish counterpart, there’ll be live flamenco music, energetic dancing (which you can join or just watch), food and drink, and traditional dress.
Zombies! Improv! Pirates!
What happens when you lock quick-witted zombies in a room with gag-ready pirates? Find out at this unpredictable and frequently hilarious improv comedy night. The audience plays a part in the action, so be ready for games and to offer up suggestions for the impromptu adventures.
Repair & Refashion Your Clothes
Stop ignoring those torn, stretched, and weathered old clothes at the back of your wardrobe, and instead fix them up, saving cash and helping the planet. This class teaches essential repair techniques, and you can practice your handiwork before trying it out on your garments.
Mind Over Slammer
This national poetry slam has the rather appealing draw of an £1,800 prize for the overall winner, meaning it’ll attract serious talent. Tonight is the London heat, and as well as entrants competing for a place in the final there’s a performance by acclaimed poet Samuel King.
Kintsugi Workshop
Don’t throw away those broken plates and cups. Instead, learn how to fix them using the Japanese art of kintsugi. During this workshop, a mending expert will help you restore a damaged object by using an ancient technique that embraces imperfection and visible repairs.
Gingerline's The Grand Expedition 2024
Gingerline's unforgettable dining experience returns to London, welcoming guests into an immersive space (in a top-secret location) for a four-course meal with an aeronautical theme.
Mindfulness Through Art
Give your brain a break from stressful tasks at this workshop, which promotes calm and wellbeing through painting. The latest event is themed around nature, so flora and fauna from gardens of all kind will be brought to life on the canvas, after introductory breathing exercises.
Handmade Soap Making
We use it every day, in some form, so it pays to spend time learning how to make your own soap at these expert-led workshops. You’ll use natural materials, including shea butter, and can experiment with colours and shapes to create your bespoke soapy masterpiece.
Silent Disco Boat Party
A unique opportunity to cruise the Thames while grooving to undeniable dance floor anthems — all without disturbing a soul, thanks to the whole "silent disco" element. You’ll pass some of London’s most iconic sights and you get to pick your soundtrack from three DJ channels.
Gingerline's The Grand Expedition 2024
Gingerline's unforgettable dining experience returns to London, welcoming guests into an immersive space (in a top-secret location) for a four-course meal with an aeronautical theme.
On the Rise: DJ Workshop
Everybody wants to be a DJ and now’s your chance to fulfil that particular dream by heading to this three-hour masterclass. You’ll work on phrase mixing, matching sound levels, understanding EQ, looping, and tons more. Prepare to start soundtracking the party.
Beginner Photography Workshop & Photo Walk
If you’ve always wanted to get into photography but are overwhelmed by where to start, here’s your answer. This workshop caters to absolute beginners and covers the essentials, such as camera handling, understanding shooting modes, and the difference between lenses.
Three-Hour Salsa Dance Workshop
If you want to learn salsa but don’t have months to spare, this intensive crash-course offers a solid grounding in the necessary fancy footwork. Experienced instructors will get you moving to the rhythms and speedily learning the fundamentals, even if you’re a complete beginner.
The artist who won the Turner Prize for a divisive installation (in which the lights in a room flick on and off) swaps art for music with a set at a cherished gigging pub. There’s an experimental tinge to his tunes, but Creed’s music is surprisingly upbeat and pretty darn catchy.
The Epic History of “The Lord of the Rings”: Middle Earth & Beyond
Take a deep dive into J.R.R. Tolkien’s life and work through a compelling talk about his magnum opus, “The Lord of the Rings.” Award-winning author and Tolkien expert John Garth leads the discussion, exploring the book’s continued relevance more than 80 years after its creation.
Dringo Bingo
It’s official: bingo is no longer boring, as this version themed around dancehall and reggae proves once and for all. There’ll be bingo, obviously, but also a whole lot of dancing, music trivia, and some stellar prizes, including bar tabs and festival tickets.
Top London events: experience the Swinging City
Wandsworth Common Easter Beer & Cider Festival
This celebration of all things beer and cider is always a popular bash, and its fifteenth year promises live music and 100-plus ales. This includes selections from breweries a few miles away, all the way up to Scotland and across the pond in Texas. Tickets include a free pint.
East End of London Puzzle & Treasure Hunt
Explore east London by setting off on an interactive treasure hunt, working your way towards the ultimate reward — a reduced bar bill at one of the area’s many great pubs. You’ll need to solve puzzles and crack codes to unlock clues, and you even get to learn some local history.
Kayak Bus: Greenwich to Battersea
Make the most of the summer (ok, autumn) by squeezing in an epic kayak trip along the Thames. The route takes you from Greenwich to Battersea, meaning you’ll paddle by some of London’s premium sights along the way, and you’ll be given guidance if you’re a kayaking newbie.
Graffiti Workshops
The subterranean arches of Leake Street provide a suitably moody setting for these artist-led graffiti masterclasses. You’ll learn to use a spray can on your own blank canvas, creating a ‘graffiti galaxy’ that you can take home. All the protective gear is supplied for you.
Shoreditch Comedy Show at City Comedy Club
Let a cast of ace comics ease you into the weekend with an evening of premium laughs. This long-running night has hosted acts who’ve gone on to grace "Mock the Week," "8 Out of 10 Cats," "Never Mind the Buzzcocks," and Comedy Central, so you’ll be in safe (and funny) hands.
The Bowl: Bowling, Karaoke & Party
On the last Friday of every month, this party featuring complimentary bowling and karaoke takes over All Star Lanes, where you can play games or just dance to whatever the DJ is playing.
Caravan Coffee School: Roastery Tour & Tasting Class
Stop just drinking coffee and start learning all about the world’s most popular drink at Caravan Coffee’s knowledge-packed HQ. You’ll get brewing tips, tour the roastery, taste four different coffees in a guided session, and leave with a premium bag of beans.
German Kraft Brewery Tour & Tasting
Learn how to sip and assess like a pro, as a professional beer sommelier leads a tasting of three beers produced using German brewing techniques. You’ll also tour the factory to discover the processes and ingredients involved in making all this delightful nectar.
The Perception Cocktail Masterclass
Sample creative concoctions from a new menu at the seriously sleek Perception cocktail bar, nestled within the W London hotel. Experienced mixologists will give you a crash course in cocktail flavours and preparation before you sample the goods.
Kiki Cabaret
Comedy, cabaret, dancing, prosecco, life-affirming lip-syncing... is there a more fun-packed Saturday night in east London? Not according to outrageous and fabulously costumed host Ms Ginger Phlappage. Get ready for ten maximum-fun performances and DJs spinning party tunes.
Pottery Taster Session
If you've ever wanted to try your hand at throwing clay on a wheel, head to this pottery introduction session and get creative. After a demonstration, you'll hand-sculpt a pot using coiling techniques and a potter's wheel, before your masterpiece gets glazed for pickup later.
Brazilian Dance Class
Get a lively workout at a dance class focusing on forró, an energetic style of Brazilian music. The sessions are based on high-intensity interval training (HIIT) techniques, so you're guaranteed a serious cardio boost alongside the infectious Brazilian rhythms.
April Fool’s Day ‘Fool Your Senses’ Beer Tasting
Put on a blindfold and perplex your tastebuds in this kooky tasting event designed to challenge preconceptions. Mystery beers and foods will be tasted, and your job is to identify those flavours — all while having a whole lot of fun.
Tour of the Mansion House
If you’ve ever wanted to nose around the house of the Lord Mayor of the City of London, here’s your chance. As you’re led around this grand abode, travel back in time via stories of powerful politicians the building has housed and the prisoners’ cells that once stood there.
Open Shorts Night
Find out what some of the UK’s most exciting rising filmmakers are creating at an evening of short films. All sorts of genres will be covered, tackled by rising independent directors and writers. The ticket price includes a free drink at the post-show networking.
Kitchen Science
If your kids are bored by science in the classroom, let award-winning science communicator and professor Stephen Ashworth show them the wacky scientific happenings that take place in a kitchen. The experiments in this entertaining show can be replicated at home for further fun.
Streatham Life Drawing Class
Want to try life drawing but don't know where to start? These chilled-out classes are the ideal introduction. Equipment such as pencils and charcoals are provided, and the focus is firmly on having fun, whether you’re an experienced artist or a first-time sketcher.
Margarita Journey
Finding great margaritas can be difficult in London, so secure yourself three belters on this walking tour. A knowledgeable guide leads you around three top bars, with a meticulously mixed margarita waiting for you in each, garnished with some tequila history and trivia.
Writing on the Wall
Long before graffiti adorned coffee table books, people in the 18th century were writing and etching on walls. Journey back to these times with cultural historian Madeleine Pelling, who explains how graffiti was an important medium for all of society to tell incredible stories.
Jive Me to the Moon
Put some swing into your step at a monthly dance class that teaches jive ballroom-style dancing to all levels, from absolute beginners to hot-footed experts. Pick your class based on experience, learn some moves, then dance the night away afterwards to a DJ.
City Pubs Walk: Drink & Ink
The district confusingly known as The City of London is awash with pubs, so seek out the good stuff on this guided historical walk. Visit the architecturally marvellous Black Friar, the pubs of Fleet Street (once frequented by top journalists), and other storied watering holes.
Creative Photography
Find out how to properly capture London’s urban sprawl on camera at this workshop. A professional photographer will lead a journey around the area, offering tips and techniques the whole way, before you head off on a solo venture to try out your new skills.
Street Photography Walk
Capture the wonders and appealing weirdness of London by snapping its life-filled streets on this walk, led by an experienced photographer. Attendees visit five locations around bustling Waterloo, each providing plenty of opportunities for captivating urban shots.
Learn How to Restore Vintage Furniture
Turn that sad and weathered vintage table you bought on impulse into a handsome piece of desirable furniture by practising basic restoration techniques at a hands-on, beginners’ workshop. You’ll be taught about staining, sealing, and using tools to spruce up your items.
Bell House Open Garden
With spring arriving, take the chance to lose yourself for a few hours in a beautiful hidden garden, tucked-away behind a grand Georgian manor house in leafy Dulwich. The two acres house a rose garden, woodland walk, and beds growing all manner of fruits, vegetables and herbs.
Rye Lane Beer Festival
New-ish taproom on the Peckham scene Eko Brewery hosts a knees-up featuring over 20 of its “African-inspired vegan beers” and ciders, which is good news for us all. See if you can pick out the coconut palm sugar and South African hops in their delicious brews.
Caravan Coffee School: Home Espresso Class
Turn your home coffee-making into an artform with the skills from this masterclass. The brew gurus from Caravan Coffee will teach you how to steam milk, pour a pattern, and ‘dial in’ your home setup to ensure you’re getting the best from your coffee tech.
25 Years of Logan D
Join drum ’n’ bass stalwart Logan D in celebrating his 25 years of spinning hefty tunes behind the decks. This all-day party promises eight solid hours of D&B, jungle, and old-school sounds, supplied by artists including Nicky Blackmarket, Micky Finn, Ragga Twins, and Majistrate.
London Comedy Walk
Laugh your way through this insight-lol tour of central London’s many comedy hotspots, learning about the capital’s comic heritage along the way. You’ll pass iconic venues and hear memorable tales about greats who’ve performed at them, from Joan Rivers to Stephen Fry.
Nature Weaving Connection Workshop
Learn two skills in one at a workshop that teaches not only how to weave, but also how to forage, thus supplying the materials you’ll need for all that weaving. Begin with an ethical foraging walk on the River Lea towpath, before some weaving tuition using what you’ve acquired.
Acton’s Lost Cinemas Walking Tour
Back in the 1940s, now-leafy west London suburb Acton boasted five cinemas, becoming a hotspot for movie fans at a time when the film industry was thriving. Hear the colourful history of these cinemas — which ranged from grandiose to ghastly — on a guided tour of the sites.
TEDxKingsCollegeLondon 2024 Conference
‘Mosaic minds’ is the intriguing and wide-open theme for this TEDx event. Ten speakers get creative with a talk around that very topic, exploring the concept that the mind is shaped by literally countless emotions, experiences, and ideas, making each one individual.
Terrarium Masterclass
Don’t let not having a garden stop you from having a garden — simply make a mini-one in a glass jar at this workshop. You’ll be taught to create a thriving ecosystem using live plants, soil, moss, and sand, before encasing it in glass and learning how to care for it at home.
Lana Del Rave
No prizes for guessing who this brilliantly named night celebrates. But as well as tunes galore from LDR, there’ll be other bangers from aligned artists, such as Florence + The Machine, Lorde, and The Weeknd. There’ll also be tribute acts, balloon drops, and tons of confetti.
An Evening with Martin Parr
Primarily known for his eccentric snapshots of quintessentially British scenes, celebrated photographer Martin Parr chats about his fashion photography, collected in a new book that showcases his work with titans such as Vogue and Gucci. Quiz the man after his talk in a Q&A.
Hacknakey: Life Drawing with Naked Live Music
It’s not just the subjects that are naked at this inclusive life drawing class — it’s the entertainers, too. Every session features models taking different short poses to test your sketching prowess, before a guest musician accompanies the action with a live, clothes-free set.
Vintage Jazz Dance Classes
Party like it’s 1929 by learning the Charleston and other snappy vintage moves during these classes, led by a jazz dance expert. Complete beginners are welcome and there are also separate sessions available for those with experience in fancy footwork.
Southgate Swing
What do you need to learn how to swing dance like a pro? Accompaniment from live swing bands blasting out hits from across the decades, of course. As well as live music and a wooden dance floor, these monthly classes feature tuition from Lindy Hop teachers and experts.
Why We Travel: a Journey into Human Motivation
Beyond the cheap Aperol spritzes, have you ever asked yourself why exactly you travel? Go deeper into the reasons with travel writer Ash Bhardwaj, whose latest book takes an insightful look into what travel can offer us and how it can help fulfil us in different ways.
Love Quest
Modern dating is already funny. Love Quest amps up the absurdity by blindfolding singles onstage while a comedian leads them on a series of games and challenges to find true love, sight unseen. Stick around after the show to mingle, drink, and maybe event find your perfect match.
Learn How to Upcycle Furniture
Everyone’s got old furniture they don’t want, but instead of selling it, you can turn it into something you do want at this workshop. Cleaning, sanding, painting, and tools will all be covered, and furniture and materials are supplied.
Modernist Hampstead
Leafy north-west London district Hampstead has much to recommend it, not least its array of modernist architecture, which you’ll see up-close on this walking tour. As you wander and learn, look out for striking buildings by famed architects Ernö Goldfinger and Ernst Freud.
Ana Tijoux
When Chilean-French singer, rapper, and activist Ana Tijoux has something to say, it’s worth listening to, and that goes as much for her music as it does the issues she campaigns passionately about. Hear her smart, infectious blend of folk, hip-hop, and more at a rare UK show.
Camberwell Ceilidh Club
Ceilidhs aren’t just for Burns’ Night, people. For the uninitiated, a ceilidh is essentially a seriously lively dance, led by a “caller” and hosted at a big ol’ party. Join in the fun en masse with this south London crew, featuring live music and a wallet-friendly BYOB policy.
Royal Maritime Greenwich Ghost Tour
Peek into the darker goings-on of this seemingly peaceful spot, as you trace Greenwich’s various spectres. You’ll hear tales of drunken, wronged sailors and jilted lovers, learn about the Cutty Sark Curse, and visit a seriously creepy tunnel and a haunted pub.
Hishek Bishek
Ditch the generic house and spend Saturday grooving to ridiculously rhythmical tunes from around the Arabic-speaking world at this ace club night. Egyptian disco, funky numbers from Lebanon and Iraq, and dance floor-led takes on Syrian and Palestinian dabke are all on the menu.
Feria de Londres
An Andalusian feria (a type of fair) is a joyful thing, and you can experience the best bits in this London version. Just like its Spanish counterpart, there’ll be live flamenco music, energetic dancing (which you can join or just watch), food and drink, and traditional dress.
Zombies! Improv! Pirates!
What happens when you lock quick-witted zombies in a room with gag-ready pirates? Find out at this unpredictable and frequently hilarious improv comedy night. The audience plays a part in the action, so be ready for games and to offer up suggestions for the impromptu adventures.
Repair & Refashion Your Clothes
Stop ignoring those torn, stretched, and weathered old clothes at the back of your wardrobe, and instead fix them up, saving cash and helping the planet. This class teaches essential repair techniques, and you can practice your handiwork before trying it out on your garments.
Mind Over Slammer
This national poetry slam has the rather appealing draw of an £1,800 prize for the overall winner, meaning it’ll attract serious talent. Tonight is the London heat, and as well as entrants competing for a place in the final there’s a performance by acclaimed poet Samuel King.
Kintsugi Workshop
Don’t throw away those broken plates and cups. Instead, learn how to fix them using the Japanese art of kintsugi. During this workshop, a mending expert will help you restore a damaged object by using an ancient technique that embraces imperfection and visible repairs.
Gingerline's The Grand Expedition 2024
Gingerline's unforgettable dining experience returns to London, welcoming guests into an immersive space (in a top-secret location) for a four-course meal with an aeronautical theme.
Mindfulness Through Art
Give your brain a break from stressful tasks at this workshop, which promotes calm and wellbeing through painting. The latest event is themed around nature, so flora and fauna from gardens of all kind will be brought to life on the canvas, after introductory breathing exercises.
Handmade Soap Making
We use it every day, in some form, so it pays to spend time learning how to make your own soap at these expert-led workshops. You’ll use natural materials, including shea butter, and can experiment with colours and shapes to create your bespoke soapy masterpiece.
Silent Disco Boat Party
A unique opportunity to cruise the Thames while grooving to undeniable dance floor anthems — all without disturbing a soul, thanks to the whole "silent disco" element. You’ll pass some of London’s most iconic sights and you get to pick your soundtrack from three DJ channels.
Gingerline's The Grand Expedition 2024
Gingerline's unforgettable dining experience returns to London, welcoming guests into an immersive space (in a top-secret location) for a four-course meal with an aeronautical theme.
On the Rise: DJ Workshop
Everybody wants to be a DJ and now’s your chance to fulfil that particular dream by heading to this three-hour masterclass. You’ll work on phrase mixing, matching sound levels, understanding EQ, looping, and tons more. Prepare to start soundtracking the party.
Beginner Photography Workshop & Photo Walk
If you’ve always wanted to get into photography but are overwhelmed by where to start, here’s your answer. This workshop caters to absolute beginners and covers the essentials, such as camera handling, understanding shooting modes, and the difference between lenses.
Three-Hour Salsa Dance Workshop
If you want to learn salsa but don’t have months to spare, this intensive crash-course offers a solid grounding in the necessary fancy footwork. Experienced instructors will get you moving to the rhythms and speedily learning the fundamentals, even if you’re a complete beginner.
The artist who won the Turner Prize for a divisive installation (in which the lights in a room flick on and off) swaps art for music with a set at a cherished gigging pub. There’s an experimental tinge to his tunes, but Creed’s music is surprisingly upbeat and pretty darn catchy.
The Epic History of “The Lord of the Rings”: Middle Earth & Beyond
Take a deep dive into J.R.R. Tolkien’s life and work through a compelling talk about his magnum opus, “The Lord of the Rings.” Award-winning author and Tolkien expert John Garth leads the discussion, exploring the book’s continued relevance more than 80 years after its creation.
Dringo Bingo
It’s official: bingo is no longer boring, as this version themed around dancehall and reggae proves once and for all. There’ll be bingo, obviously, but also a whole lot of dancing, music trivia, and some stellar prizes, including bar tabs and festival tickets.