The Chelsea Fringe

Commencing on Saturday, the Chelsea Fringe celebrates the forthcoming RHS Chelsea Flower Show with an extended programme of horticultural events around London. There is a huge variety of events – most of which are free – on offer: visitors can enjoy everything from treasure hunts to floral-themed cocktails. See the Chelsea Fringe website for full programme details. 18 May-9 Jun

Museums at Night

An inspirational festival for those of a nocturnal persuasion, Museums at Night opens up most of London’s cultural institutions for three evenings of learning, exploration and fun. Whatever your interests, there should be something for you; whether that’s a pyjama party at Hampton Court Palace, a 1940s-themed event at the RAF Museum or a tour of the magnificent Banqueting House. For a full list of events, times and ticket prices, visit the Museums at Night website. 16-18 May 

Propaganda: Power and Persuasion at the British Library 

A must for anyone who is curious about how governments communicate with and influence their citizens, the British Library’s new exhibition promises to be a fascinating insight into international state propaganda. Concentrating on the 20th and 21st centuries, the exhibition uses posters, films, cartoons and texts to illustrate the sometimes surprising ways in which people can be informed, mis-informed or persuaded. Entry is free for under 18s or £9 for adults.. 17 May-17 Sep

Curiosities and Quirky Fans at the Fan Museum

Celebrate the quirkier side of fan-making at this wonderful small museum in Greenwich. At this new exhibition you can explore the history of ‘alternative’ fan-making and see how craftsmen have incorporated both unusual objects and designs into their beautiful creations. Admission is £4 for adults. 15 May-1 Sep

Gefiltefest  

Get the best challah, falafels and bagels in town at the Gefiltefest London Jewish Food Festival. Taking place at Ivy House, the former home of ballerina Anna Pavlova, the festival will offer a mix of food stalls, cooking demonstrations, lectures, tastings and workshops. Highlights include talks by award-winning Jewish authors, a chance to find out who won the 2013 Jewish Food awards, and a debate on the merits of eating locust. Adult tickets are £25. 19 May

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The Sound Tracks Festival on the East London Line

Enjoy a day of great music throughout East London during the Sound Tracks Festival. Not only will a great variety of bands be playing at venues such as Dalston Roof Park, The Geffrye Museum and the Brunel Museum, but you can also listen to live music on the East London Line as you travel between venues. Wristbands, which allow entry to all the festival venues, are £15. 11 May

The Richmond May Fair

Head to the pretty green at Richmond for a traditional May Fair, which features craft stalls, a vintage carousel and all-day entertainment. Don’t miss the crowning of the Richmond May Queen, or the dancing around the Maypole! Entry is free. 11 May

The Marriott London Sevens at Twickenham Stadium

Combine rugby and fancy dress at the Marriott London Sevens, which is known for its carnival atmosphere. Not only can you watch a series of exciting short matches throughout the weekend, but there’s also live entertainment and competitions galore. This year’s fancy dress theme is ‘safari’, so dig out your adventure gear and animal costumes! Tickets are £25. 11-12 May

The World on Regent Street

Regent Street will be pedestrianised for this free one-day festival, which features entertainment and activities from around the globe. Visitors can enjoy Argentine tango lessons, Trinidadian steel band music, Chinese drumming and much more. All of the street’s shops will also be open – perfect for some retail therapy. 12 May

The London Burlesque Festival

Be dazzled at the glitzy London Burlesque Festival, a ten day extravaganza of burlesque and cabaret that takes throughout London. At this international festival, which is the largest of its kind in the world, you can see everything from the best of home-grown talent to the biggest stars of ‘boylesque’. Event times and ticket prices vary – see the festival website for full details. 10-19 May

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London Coffee Festival at the Truman Brewery

London has a booming coffee culture, and this festival celebrates the crème de la (café) crème of the coffee world. Visitors can learn about the art of making the perfect cup of coffee, see demonstrations of everything from bean roasting to cutting-edge coffee science, and even find out how to set up their own coffee shop. You can also marvel at the level of skill displayed in the 2013 UK Barista Championships, enjoy live music in the festival zone, and taste a variety of fantastic coffee flavours in the Artisan Market. Adult tickets start from £9.50. 25-28 Apr

The Woman, The Gaze, The World at Hanmi Gallery 

Do women see the world differently than men? Explore the question at this thoughtful exhibition, which pairs photographic artists and writers to demonstrate the myriad variations on perspective and question the very nature of interpretation. The exhibition is open at the Hanmi Gallery from Tuesday-Sunday between 12 and 7pm, and entry is free. 23 Apr-5 May

Thunder and Lightning at York Hall, Bethnal Green

Enjoy a rare chance to see women’s boxing in London at what promises to be a thrilling contest between Britain’s Marianne Marston and Latvia’s Aleksandra Jasjukevica.Taking place as part of an evening of matches, which includes the competition for the International Masters Welterweight title, the fight promises to be especially poignant as Marston has dedicated it to her late mentor, former Heavyweight Champion of the World Smokin’ Joe Frazier. Tickets to the spectacular evening of boxing start at £30. 27 Apr

Secret Cinema 020 

Secret Cinema, which runs popular clandestine film events in interesting locations around London, is running its ‘most important and ambitious’ event to date. Although – for obvious reasons – no details are yet available, Secret Cinema’s 20th production promises to be a treat for all those who love cinema, adventure and the thrill of the unknown. Tickets are £43.50. 24 Apr-9 Jun

The Olivier Awards, Covent Garden 

Theatre-lovers will enjoy this great chance to see all the action from the 2013 Olivier Awards free in Covent Garden. Not only can you watch the glittering ceremony streamed live from the nearby Royal Opera House, but there will also be exclusive live performances from hit West End shows and a variety of very special guests. 28 Apr

The London Tweed Run

Are your sartorial senses dismayed by today’s lycra-clad cyclists? Celebrate proper cycling attire at the annual Tweed Run, a refined bike ride through London in which all participants are dressed in tweed. Many of the bicycles used match the traditional clothing, and you’ll see unicycles and vintage bikes amongst the mass of cyclists. Places for participants have now been allocated, but spectators can watch along the route – keep an eye on the Tweed Run website for details. 13 Apr

The E4 Udderbelly Festival

Get ready to giggle as the upside-down purple cow returns to the South Bank for another summer of top comedy, circus and cabaret. Not only does the E4 Udderbelly Festival give you the chance to see hilarious acts such as Richard Herring and Stephen K Amos, but the festival space also boasts a huge outdoor bar which is great for sunny afternoons. Visit the festival website for ticket and schedule information. 12 Apr-14 Jul 

Asia House Festival

Immerse yourself in the Orient at the fourth Asia House Fair, which features the best in arts, crafts and design from across Asia. More than 35 stalls will be present, offering unusual handmade gifts from the likes of China Life, Memsahib and Treasures from the Silk Road. Visitors can also enjoy Afternoon Tea in Mackwood’s Tea Room. Entry is free and you can check the fair’s opening times on the Asia House website. 12-14 Apr

The RHS Orchid and Botanical Art Festival at Royal Horticultural Halls

See spectacular displays of orchids at the Royal Horticultural Society’s show, which presents displays from prominent British and international growers. Visitors can also shop for beautiful plants, listen to talks by orchid experts and marvel at the largest botanical art display of the year. Tickets are £8 and can be booked on the RHS website, where you can also view the show’s opening times.  11-13 Apr

Spring Open Weekend at the London Transport Museum Depot, Acton

Celebrate the 150th anniversary of the London Underground at the London Transport Museum’s Depot, which houses more than 400,000 items. As well as seeing the Metropolitan Steam Locomotive No. 1 in steam, families can ride the model railway, listen to talks, see fascinating displays and even make their own model steam train. Tickets are £10 and the event runs from 11am-5pm both days. 13-14 Apr

More London events

Oysters and Absinthe at Callooh Callay 

This weekend is your last chance to discover the atmospheric absinthe and oyster bar at Callooh Callay, an eclectic Alice in Wonderland-inspired bar by Old Street. Located behind the venue’s wardrobe (seriously), the upstairs absinthe bar offers a selection of reasonably-priced oysters and bar snacks alongside delicious absinthe cocktails such as Sazerac and Death in the Afternoon. You’ve only got until Saturday to mix with the Green Fairy, however, as the pop-up bar is being once again converted to a new theme. Until 6 Apr

Bollywood Showstoppers at The O2

Revel in the magic of Bollywood dance at this spectacular show, which combines colourful costumes, catchy songs and amazing choreography. Amongst the performers will be notable performers Bipasha Basu, Shaan and Atif Aslam. Tickets start at £25. 7 Apr

Open Days at Upminster Windmill

Visit one of England’s finest examples of an 18th century smock mill (a windmill with a hexagonal or octagonal tower) in Upminster this weekend. The Grade II* listed building will be open for free tours on Saturday and Sunday, on which visitors can view the mill’s fascinating machinery and enjoy views that extend over London to the transmitter at Crystal Palace. 6-7 Apr

Eagles at Easter: Falconry Displays at the Royal Air Force Museum

In celebration of the symbolic place that birds of prey have within the Royal Air Force (RAF) – the eagle is, for example, featured prominently on the service’s badge – the RAF Museum is staging falconry displays on its helipad. Three displays will be held per day, and visitors can also enjoy the museum’s display of more than 100 aircraft as well as a host of fun activities. Entry is free. 6-12 Apr

Warhol on Film at the ICA

This weekend the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) will be screening UK premieres of three rare Warhol films from the 1960s, which have been newly restored. Chelsea Girls, Sleep and Vinyl are among the most significant works of the artist’s career, during which he created more than 600 films. Screening times and ticket prices can be found on the ICA website. 5-7 Apr

The Wonder Street Fair at the Barbican Centre

Coinciding with the Barbican’s Festival of Neuroscience, the Wonder Street Fair will fill the Barbican Foyer with free activities, performances and demonstrations. More than 20 inspiring activities will be on offer, including the chance to discover cave painting, play with motion sensors and even knit a neuron. 12pm-7.30pm, 7-9 Apr

Photo by Ade Bradshaw via Flickr.

Despite the weather, this could be a great weekend to get out and about in London. You can watch more than 3,000 rowers compete in the Head of the River Race or see some newborn lambs in Enfield. And, if it’s pouring down, there are plenty of indoor activities to keep you entertained!

David Bowie Is at the Victoria and Albert Museum 

David Bowie Is comes at a time of renewed interest in the legendary David Bowie, and is the first-ever international retrospective of his multifaceted career. Given unprecedented access to the David Bowie Archive, the V&A has produced a compelling exhibition that includes handwritten lyrics, fashion, photography, film, instruments and much more. Tickets start at £14 for adults. 23 Mar-11 Aug

The Head of the River Race 2013

Stand on the riverbank between Mortlake and Putney and you’ll see the magnificent sight of more than 400 crews of eights fighting it out to be crowned Head of the River. The professional rowing race is held annually and is only open to male competitors, who come from all around the world to row the 6.8km course. The action starts at 12.45pm; why not watch the race and then warm up with a visit to one of the area’s many good pubs? 23 Mar

Wilfred Bagshawe’s Time Emporium at Village Underground

Escape to a fantastical Victorian world at the latest event from the team behind the acclaimed Winterwell Festival. Taking place at Village Underground in Shoreditch, Wilfred Bagshawe’s Time Emporium is a delightful feat of imagination. The time portal takes visitors from the eponymous gentleman’s Victorian shop to various eras and adventures – all in the hope of recovering a priceless ancient artifact. This immersive theatrical experience is set to be one of spring’s most memorable events and tickets (£25) are selling out fast – make sure you get one just in the nick of time. 22-23 Mar

Lambing Weekend at Forty Hall Farm

Take your children to experience the magic of spring at Forty Hall Farm in Enfield, where the farm’s special weekend allows them to get close to cute newborn lambs. As well as meeting the baby sheep, families can see other farmyard friends such as pigs, cows, alpacas and goats, or watch sheep-shearing, wool spinning, Morris dancing and lots of other traditional activities. The farm will also be demonstrating the fruits of their labours through a series of food stalls, from which they’ll be selling their own sausages and other treats. Admission is £3 or £2 for children, and the event starts at 11am on both days. 23-24 Mar

Potted Potter: The Unauthorised Harry Experience at the Garrick Theatre

If you’ve read the lengthy Harry Potter series you’ll appreciate just how ambitious condensing all seven books into a 70-minute show really is. Somehow, Olivier Award winners Dan Clarkson and Jeff Turner have done just that, creating a hilarious parody that involves more than 300 characters, a fire-breathing dragon and even a game of Quidditch in which the audience can participate. Potted Potter has received rave reviews for its previous performances and is only in London for a limited run - grab your tickets now before it disapparates. 23 Mar-14 Apr

Not only are there lots of fun, tasty and quirky events on this weekend, but it also contains two significant dates on which you can celebrate the women in your life. On Friday 8 March London will be hosting numerous events to mark International Women’s Day, then on Sunday it’s time to show your mum how much you care by taking her to a special event or meal for Mother’s Day.

Feast at Tobacco Dock

This weekend there’s only one place foodies should be – the Tabacco Dock in Wapping. Here, renowned food festival Feast will be gathering London’s most exciting restaurant chefs and street food stalls for a four day dining extravaganza. You can either buy lunch or dinner tickets, which get you access to a range of tasty dishes from London favourites such as Bone Daddies, Dishoom and The Last Days of Pisco, as well as a variety of experimental cocktails and live music. If meandering between food stalls isn’t your thing, Rita’s Supper Club is providing a ticketed dining experience at the venue, at which you can enjoy a structured meal from their international menu and a range of drinks for £45. Tickets for general entry to Feast are £8. 7-10 Mar

Ballet Revoluciόn at the Peacock Theatre

Catch the first matinees of the Cuban Ballet Revolucion at the Peacock Theatre in Aldwych this weekend. Back in London for a limited three week run, the thrilling fusion of ballet, contemporary dance and hip hop is sure to make an impression with its dynamic choreography, sensual moves and humour. A pop music soundtrack, played by a live Cuban band, completes the memorable show. Tickets start from £15. 6-23 Mar

Fairtrade Market at the Divine Pop-Up Shop, Covent Garden

Head to the Divine Chocolate pop-up shop in Covent Garden – home to many cocoa-based delights until 9 March – for a special fairtrade food market on Saturday. Between 10am-5.30pm you’ll be able to buy tasty treats, wines, fashion and skincare products that have been produced in the developing world under the Fairtrade ethical purchasing scheme. You also have the chance to take home Divine’s two new chocolate flavours before they officially go on sale – yum! 8 Mar

Florimania at Hampton Court Palace

Inspired by their newly re-created model of Henry VIII’s crown, Hampton Court Palace is staging a colourful weekend festival of flower arranging along their Tudor route. Not only can you admire a series of magnificent displays as you explore the Royal Palace, but there are also regular flower arranging demonstrations at which you can learn the art for yourself. There will also be an oyster and champagne bar and opportunities to enjoy afternoon tea, making it a perfect option for a Mother’s Day treat. Access to the festival is included in the ticket price, which is £16.95 for adults. 8-10 Mar

Tudor Food Sampling at Eastbury Manor House

There’s even more Tudor-related fun to be had this weekend at Eastbury Manor House, where you can enjoy a free taste of what food from the era would have been like. The event is Lent-themed and you’ll be able to sample traditional fasting foods such as Kent Lent pie, tartes owte of Lent and almond biscuits. Sampling takes place between 2 and 3.30pm, and access to the event is included with a regular ticket to the historic house. (£4 for adults or free for National Trust members.) 8 Mar

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This weekend sees a couple of unique London events at which you can help a good cause by having fun – what could be better? There are also a couple of great art events, plus a chance to party Cymru style on St David’s Day.

Tiger Tracks at St Pancras International

Head to St Pancras International Station for the ‘world’s biggest tiger event‘, which aims to highlight the plight of the endangered wild tiger. Inside the magnificent station you’ll find tiger-themed activities, music and entertainment, as well as a special photographic exhibition. The station’s shops and eateries will also be getting involved, and you can find out more about the festival’s special events on the Save Wild Tigers website. 1-21 Mar

St David’s Day, various venues

Taking place on 1 March every year, St David’s Day is the national day of Wales. You might see people wearing a daffodil or leek in celebration of Welsh national pride, and there are lots of fun events in London at which you can join in with the festivities. Check out the St David’s Day Dinner at Guildhall, the fantastic London Welsh Male Voice Choir in Dartford (2 Mar) or a medley of Welsh entertainment at Loose Cannon in the City. 1 Mar

Art13 London at Olympia

Billed as ‘the most exciting new art fair launch in a decade’, Art13 - organised by the people behind Art HK – will bring 129 international art galleries under the same roof in Olympia’s Grand Hall. Thousands of artworks, including painting, photography, sculpture and prints, will be on display and prices start from just £100. For those wishing to make a day of it, the exclusive Fortnum and Mason Champagne Bar & Restaurant should be a delightful place for a spot of afternoon tea. Get two-for-one tickets to Art13. 1-3 Mar

The Wine March

If there was ever a good excuse to drink wine, this is it. Raising money to build water projects in poverty-stricken areas of the developing world, the 2Water Wine March is a five mile walk along the Thames, with stops for wine tasting along the way. Led by the Three Wine Men – TV wine experts Oz Clark, Olly Smith and Tim Atkin MW – the march starts with a glass of wine at Vinopolis, before heading east via Gordon Ramsay’s The Narrow to Canary Wharf gastropub The Gun. Tickets are £15 and include a glass of wine at each stop, with all proceeds going to the 2Water charity. 3 Mar

Angela Williams – An Hour with Audrey Hepburn at the Heartbreak Gallery

Head to the aptly named Heartbreak Gallery to see stunning photographs of Audrey Hepburn, many of which are on display for the first time. Taken at the Ritz in 1964, the photographs capture the actress’s innate glamour, charisma and beauty, and are sure to have you longing for a bygone era. Follow this with a look at Williams’ snaps of other 60s icons, displayed in the adjoining room. Entry is free. 27 Feb – 31 Mar 

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Vodafone London Fashion Weekend at Somerset House Anyone who longs to be part of the London Fashion Week action will love the Vodafone London Fashion Weekend, a stylish consumer event that takes place just after London Fashion Week itself. Set against the stunning backdrop of Somerset House, the four-day event offers catwalk shows, lectures and – of course – exclusive shopping opportunities. Tickets start from £15.50.21-24 Feb 

The London Super Comic Convention at ExCeL

A must for comic book fans, the London Super Comic Convention is the largest event of its kind in the UK. Exhibitors come from across the globe to display the latest in comics and comic memorabilia, whilst many of the world’s most famous comic creators will be on site to meet fans and sign autographs. Tickets start from £17.50. 23-24 Feb

Banff Mountain Film Festival Tour at the Union Chapel

Temperatures are plummeting in Islington this weekend, as the Banff Mountain Film Festival tour skis in to the Union Chapel. The festival is one of the most prestigious mountain festivals in the world, and celebrates adventure, human endurance and the great outdoors through the medium of film. The London screenings allow you to see the festival’s best short films and share in a world of high octane action, beautiful vistas and remote cultures without leaving the (comparative) warmth of Islington. Screenings vary depending on the evening and tickets are £13.50. 21 Feb-1 Mar

Chinese New Year Celebrations at the National Maritime Museum

Discover British East Asian heritage and how the sea aided the flow of ideas from Asia to Britain at the National Maritime Museum, which is hosting a day of free Chinese New Year celebrations. From 11am to 4pm, both adults and children can enjoy themed workshops, music and performances that celebrate the Year of the Snake and highlight the influence of Oriental culture on the UK. 23 Feb

Anton & Erin Go To Hollywood at The Barbican

Anton Du Beke and Erin Boag, stars of the enduringly popular Strictly Come Dancing, are bringing a dash of glamour to the Barbican this Saturday. The twinkle-toed pair are dancing in a new show that pays homage to classic MGM musicals such as Gigi. Featuring a 25-piece orchestra, memorable songs and show-stopping choreography, this is guaranteed to put a spring in your step. Tickets start from £19.50 and there are two performances to choose from. 23 Feb

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Edible Cinema at the Aubin Cinema

Enjoy a romantic 4D cinema experience at the Aubin Cinema, where screenings of the classic film Some Like it Hot are augmented by clever servings of food and drink. The evening starts with a prohibition-style cocktail courtesy of Bombay Sapphire, followed by mystery servings of snacks and beverages that are to be enjoyed at key points throughout the film – you might, for example, find yourself savouring champagne truffles when the protagonists enjoy a boozy kiss aboard a borrowed yacht. Tickets start from £23 and full details are available from the Edible Cinema website. 17 Feb

MCN London Motorcycle Show at ExCeL

The Carole Nash MCN London Motorcycle Show is a haven for anyone whose idea of fun involves two wheels and an engine. Whether you ride a Harley Davidson or the newest sports bike the show will have something for you, and beyond the range of stalls, presentations and workshops you’ll be able to watch biking legends in the Revolution area, where they’ll go head-to-head in spectacular competition. Tickets are £16. 15-17 Feb

Imagine Festival at the Southbank Centre

As an annual extravaganza for children on the Southbank, the Imagine Festival is both a perfect solution for half-term boredom and a great source of inspiration for kids. The festival offers a large variety of both free and ticketed events, ranging from talks by acclaimed children’s authors Anthony Horrowitz, Judith Kerr and Cressida Cowell, to children’s theatre and workshops. 11-24 Feb

The Audience at the Gielgud Theatre

See Oscar-winning actress Helen Mirren play The Queen in the world premiere of Peter Morgan’s The Audience. The play looks at The Queen’s private audiences with the country’s Prime Ministers – ranging from Churchill to Cameron – and imagines the dialogue that might have taken place therein. It’s a fascinating look at The Queen’s innermost thoughts throughout her sixty year reign, and the charismatic Mirren should be a perfect choice for the role. Tickets start from £10 .Until 15 Jun

Manga Comic Workshop at the British Museum

Fans of the Japanese graphic novel form will love this two-hour informative session, which teaches students the basics and allows them to create their own story. As with many great works of fiction, participants’ stories will be based on ancient stories – and works found within the museum should provide plenty of material! Entry is free and the workshop is suitable for ages 7+. 17 Feb