The best things to do this weekend in London

Sushi handrolls are having a moment right now, with Kumori just one of several recent or upcoming such openings in London. The prestigious handroll bar gained initial prominence through pop-up residencies at elite events such as the Monaco F1 Grand Prix. According to its founder, the new Soho restaurant brings together trend-setting style, unique combinations, and an emphasis on imported Japanese ingredients.

Situated near Battersea Park, The Falconbrook is a classic neighbourhood pub that has been elegantly renovated with wooden furnishings and pastel tones to create a refined yet cosy atmosphere. The pub features a heated rear terrace with a snug cabin feel and welcomes both children and dogs. Managed by Portobello Pubs and Bars, the establishment serves a diverse range of craft beers and unique beer-based cocktails alongside a menu of hearty British staples, including traditional Sunday roasts.

Trafalgar Square is hosting two major free cultural festivals this weekend, beginning with the Sikh celebration of Vaisakhi on Saturday. Attendees can enjoy a diverse programme of performances alongside traditional Indian tea and complimentary vegetarian food in the spirit of community giving. The festivities continue on Sunday with the Feast of St George, again featuring entertainment like Morris dancing, tasty English fare, and even a visit by London's iconic Pearly Kings and Queens.

The London Taco Experience returns this weekend for a springtime fiesta at Freight Brixton, a major new rooftop venue in South London. Guests can enjoy an extensive range of affordable tacos from top local traders alongside a dedicated hot sauce showcase, exclusive mezcal tasting sessions, live mariachi bands, DJ sets and more throughout the day.

A brand-new museum in East London, V&A East Museum (not to be confused with the nearby V&A East Storehouse) highlights creativity as a driving force for change around the world across five storeys of fascinating exhibits from the V&A's vast collection. It's one of the most significant new additions to London culture in years, and its inaugural exhibition, “The Music is Black: A British Story,” is dedicated to the influence of Black British music on UK and global culture. Memorable exhibits include Jme's Super Nintendo, outfits by Little Simz, Seal, and Skin, and more.

Hackney Flea Market hosts some of the capital's most popular flea markets, attracting a diverse crowd of bargain hunters and collectors in search of unique finds. The wide-ranging inventory, from affordable trinkets to high-end statement pieces, fosters a vibrant and energetic atmosphere. This weekend, the market returns to Stoke Newington in what has become as much a social occasion as it is a shopping opportunity.

The Sony World Photography Awards return to Somerset House with a collection of over 300 fascinating images from across the globe. This year's main event is an immersive mixed-media showcase dedicated to street photography icon Joel Meyerowitz, complemented by an expanded presentation from last year's winner, Zed Nelson. Providing a comprehensive look at both emerging and established talent, the event serves as a definitive annual overview of contemporary photography.

The River Walk Market has resumed its weekly residency at Battersea Power Station, featuring a diverse array of independent food, drink, and craft traders every Sunday until late August. The riverside event showcases a mix of established favourites and new vendors, ranging from artisan cheese and vermouth producers to specialist pet brands. Set against the backdrop of the iconic historic landmark, the market provides a rotating shopping experience that complements the area's permanent retail and dining offerings.

Following a celebrated global run, the musical “Lifeline” is playing at Southwark Playhouse Elephant until May. This production intertwines two historical love stories, one featuring penicillin-discoverer Alexander Fleming in 1950 and another following a modern-day Edinburgh doctor, set against a backdrop of traditional Scottish folk music. Each show offers a unique, immersive experience, featuring a professional West End cast alongside a live six-piece band and a rotating chorus of real-life healthcare professionals.

Head to the National Maritime Museum, where “Astronomers Take Over” brings a hands-on space twist to your usual museum visit. You can try landing a Mars rover, experiment with light and chat to experts from the Royal Observatory Greenwich. With the main planetarium closed, there's also a smaller alternative experience that's worth a look.

A new immersive exhibition uses 360° projections and life-size replicas to bring 9th-century Viking history and mythology to life. Visitors of all ages can engage with interactive displays, including ceremonial sword handling, the legendary Yggdrasil World Tree, and VR experiences, during the 90-minute tour. The unique display combines historical education with modern entertainment.

One of the landmark exhibitions of the year, “Tracey Emin: A Life in Art” has launched at Tate Modern. Offering a major retrospective of the ground-breaking artist's four-decade career, it brings together iconic works like “My Bed” alongside rarely seen pieces across painting, neon, textiles, film, and installation, as well as newer works. The show charts Emin's confessional practice and deeply personal approach to art, exploring how she has continually transformed her own experiences into powerful reflections on love, trauma, and healing.

Marking 50 years of Aardman, the Young V&A in East London is hosting “Inside Aardman: Wallace & Gromit and Friends”, a major exhibition celebrating the studio's stop-motion legacy. Featuring more than 150 items – including original puppets, props, sketches, and concept art – it lifts the lid on the craft behind the beloved characters while tracing the wider history of stop-motion through pieces from the V&A collection. Designed with families in mind, the exhibition also includes hands-on activities.

The Mundo Pixar Experience lands in Wembley Park (from 13 February). Set inside a purpose-built space the size of a small aircraft hangar, the immersive exhibition brings 14 Pixar worlds to life – from shrinking down in Andy's Room in “Toy Story” to stepping onto the “Monsters, Inc.” Scare Floor and grabbing a snap with Lightning McQueen at Flo's Café. Expect scenes from “Inside Out 2”, “Coco", “Up” and more, complete with cinematic soundtracks and themed scents.

With country music's growing mainstream appeal, line dancing has become a fun and social way to let loose, and Lil' Nashville has established itself as the home of line dancing in London. Weekly one-hour beginner classes take place on Wednesdays and Saturdays for ages 12+, while Sunday sessions cater to intermediate dancers looking to refine technique and tackle more dynamic choreography. After each class, the dance floor stays open for social dancing, with food and drinks rounding out the full Lil' Nashville experience.

The Royal Air Force Museum is launching a series of hands-on, family-friendly workshops where children can build models of iconic aircraft like the Supermarine Spitfire and the infamous Messerschmitt. The Airfix Model Club runs across ten weekends in 2026, guiding young engineers through each project. Participants receive an engineer's licence to track their progress, unlock a mystery model, and enjoy discounts on Airfix kits in the museum shop.

Over at the British Museum, you can dive into “Hawai'i: a kingdom crossing oceans” – the museum's first major exhibition of 2026. At its core is the tragic 1824 London journey of King Liholiho and Queen Kamāmalu, retold through objects, artworks, and first-hand accounts. By pairing historic pieces with contemporary Kānaka ʻŌiwi voices, the show balances beauty with critical reflection on how and why these objects now reside in a London gallery.

On every second Sunday of the month, the Vagina Museum in Bethnal Green hosts the Writer's Gym, a meetup for budding storytellers. Taking place in the museum café, the workshop offers a chilled, supportive environment with fresh prompts each session to encourage playful experimentation and creativity. Open to all genres and abilities, it welcomes anyone from complete beginners to more seasoned writers.

Wes Anderson fans have a solid reason to swing by the Design Museum this weekend, as the director's archive of around 600 props, costumes and sketches goes on show. The big draw is the three-metre-wide model of the Grand Budapest Hotel, which looks just as sweet in person as it does on screen. You can also check out the “Asteroid City” vending machines, Margot Tenenbaum's fur coat from “The Royal Tenenbaums” and plenty of tiny stop motion pieces from “Fantastic Mr Fox” and “Isle of Dogs”. It is expected to get busy, so booking ahead is advised.

“Dark Secrets: The Esoteric Exhibition” is an immersive exploration of the occult, folklore, and the supernatural, featuring over 1,000 rare artefacts across 27 themed rooms. From cursed dolls and voodoo fetishes to the “Malleus Maleficarum” and Jimi Hendrix's jacket, the display weaves together history, myth, and pop culture. Set in the atmospheric tunnels of The Vaults beneath Waterloo Station, it offers a theatrical deep dive into humanity's enduring fascination with the unknown.

Paddington Bear is coming to the stage this November in a brand-new musical at London's Savoy Theatre. Featuring original songs by Tom Fletcher of McFly and directed by Luke Sheppard of “& Juliet” fame, the show brings the beloved story of the marmalade-loving bear from Peru to life. Suitable for audiences aged four and up, “Paddington the Musical” promises a heart-warming adventure for everyone.

Tate Modern's “Nigerian Modernism” brings together over 50 artists who transformed Nigerian art during the years around independence, breaking with colonial traditions and forging new identities. The show traces the networks connecting Nigerian cities like Zaria, Lagos, and Enugu with European art centres, highlighting collectives such as the Zaria Art Society and Mbari Artists' and Writers' Club. With works spanning painting, sculpture, and more, the exhibition underlines Nigeria's bold artistic innovation and its enduring influence on global modernism.

The David Bowie Centre at V&A East Storehouse is the permanent home of the music icon's vast archive, featuring over 90,000 items covering his lengthy career, including costumes, instruments, diaries, lyrics, and photographs. Visitors can access a working archive through the V&A's Order an Object service and enjoy curated displays, film screenings, and installations celebrating Bowie's cultural legacy.

On the third Sunday of each month, Chiswick transforms into Cheesewick for London's only dedicated cheese market. Held at Old Market Place, it features over 200 cheeses and gourmet treats from UK cheesemongers, with seasonal specials and new traders keeping the selection fresh. Run by local women, the market champions community spirit and supports charities through regular donations.

“Stranger Things: The First Shadow,” a prequel to the popular Netflix series, is making waves in London's West End as a major theatrical hit. The play, unfolding the backstory of the series' villain Henry Creel, is co-directed by Stephen Daldry and Justin Martin, and has been praised for capturing the essence of “Stranger Things” as well as putting on an astounding visual feast.

Head on a Greek journey to the island of Skopelos for an unforgettable evening of dining and dancing at this “Mamma Mia”-inspired event. As the sun sets, discover yourself at Nikos' family-run taverna, feasting on a tasty four-course Greek meal, including dishes like Greek mezze, salad, confit lamb shoulder, and slow-cooked beef with garlic-roasted potatoes. A live band will play iconic ABBA tracks throughout the night, ensuring the dance floor stays lively with their best hits.

Our event calendar highlights the top things to do in London.