All week
LIVE SCIENCE: Take part in live science experiments (the fun, not the dangerous variety) to find out more about how your body works and help out the brain boxes from London and Middlesex unis. Science Museum, free, just turn up, every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday until 18 November
MAKERS MOVEMENT: Get hands-on with geometric puzzles, spinning Zoetropes and kinetic sculptures at this exhibition, where the creative process is on display. Forest Works, free, just turn up, until 18 November
NEWHAM WORD FESTIVAL: Make a pop-up flag book at Plaistow Library or join an anthology launch at Stratford Library on Wednesday, hear poets muse on the meaning of home on Thursday and a calligraphy session on Saturday as part of Newham Word Festival. Various venues, Newham, free, book ahead, until 19 November
EPPING FOREST: See art inspired by 'The People's Forest', which took Chong Kwan two years of research into the history, politics and people of the area. The Barbican, free, just turn up, until 18 March
Monday 13 November
RECORDS CAFE LAUNCH: A week-long launch party at this at this new trendy Shoreditch coffee spot kicks off with world-renowned DJ Gilles Peterson on the decks. Old St. Records Cafe, free, just turn up, 4pm-6pm
POINTS OF VIEW: With skyscrapers going up left, right and centre, it doesn't always feel like we have protected view legislation. But we do, and to mark 80 years of its existence, Bompas & Parr has created this installation to highlight its importance. The Horniman Museum and Gardens, free, 8am-sunrise, until Sunday 26 November
DIGITAL SKILLS WORKSHOPS: Want to get tech-savvy but don't want to splash out on a fancy course? Join these free taster sessions to top up your digital skills from Red Academy London. Aldwych House, free, book ahead, 6.30pm-8pm, until 22 November
Tuesday 14 November
WANDSWORTH CHRISTMAS FAIR: Enjoy nibbles and wine while you browse jewellery, toys, gadgets, Christmas cards and decorations, fashion items, beauty products, books gifts and much much more at this festive fair. St Luke’s Church, Battersea, £5 on the door, until 15 November
COVENT GARDEN LIGHTS: Another week, another Christmas light switch on. This time it's the turn of the pretty lights at Covent Garden, led by the cast of the West End musical 42nd Street and special guest Pudsey. Covent Garden Market, free, just turn up, 5.30pm-6pm
THINKING STAGE: Join author and executive editor of the Economist Daniel Franklin for an evening predicting what fresh horrors and exciting innovations 2050 might bring. We Work Old St, free, RSVP, 6.30pm-7.30pm
Wednesday 15 November
MARYLEBONE XMAS LIGHTS: Dame Barbara Windsor is doing the honours at Marylebone High Street, plus you can pop into Santa's grotto, jump on a fairground ride, listen to live music or do the rounds of the craft and food stalls. North end of Marylebone High Street, Paddington Street and Devonshire Street, Marylebone Village, free, just turn up, 3pm-7pm
PHYSICIAN TALK: He was a 17th-century polymath, proud owner of a live ostrich and — judging by his portrait — could grow an excellent goatee. Find out more about Sir Thomas Browne and take a peek at his cabinet of rarities at this talk with a drinks reception. Royal College of Physicians, free, book ahead, 6.30pm-8.30pm
Thursday 16 November
DIGITAL ART: Artists have caught on to the fact that it's 2017, which means you can hang out in a virtual reality fantasy land, sing to a projection of a clock and play a digital arcade game. Catch this tech-centred show before it teleports to Beijing. Winns Gallery, free, just turn up, 16-21 November
SEVEN DIALS SWITCH ON: This Christmas light switch on is accompanied by festive songs from 600 strong piece alternative choir, Some Voices and discounts in surrounding shops. Seven Dials, free, just turn up, 5pm-9pm
PEOPLE'S FILM FESTIVAL: See films tackling the realities of climate change, animal cruelty and Islamic Extremism as part of We The People's Film Festival. Tonight Sonic Sea explores the impact man-made ocean noise is having on the world's oceans. Grim but necessary viewing. Ace Hotel, £5, book ahead, 6pm-9.30pm
MOB TOWN: Get to know the motley crew of villains, anti-heroes and criminals who made the East End their home at this talk from author John Bennett. The Bell, £5, book ahead, 8pm-9.30pm
COMEDY: Two Edinburgh Comedy Award winners join old friends John Kearns and Pat Cahill to make you laugh over a few of The Bill Murray’s finest draft beers. The Bill Murray, £5, book ahead, 9pm-11pm
Friday 17 November
BRILLIANT VAUXHALL: Things heat up in the fire laboratory, while the rest of the installations in this two-day celebration of light take an interactive turn. Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, free, just turn up, 5.30pm-10pm, repeated tomorrow
WRITEIDEA FESTIVAL: On the lookout for some new reading material? Head to Whitechapel to hear exciting authors Stella Duffy, Alan Dein, The Gentle Author and Irenosen Okojie among others chat books, creativity and London life. The Idea Store (Whitechapel), free, book ahead, 17-19 November
TRANSUBSTANTATION: See British sculptor Gavin Turk's latest piece for Skip Gallery, which pokes fun at consumerism and what we choose to throw away. Skip Gallery, free, just turn up, until 26 November
Saturday 18 November
FESTIVE FANTASIA: Don't forget to look up if you find yourself wandering around Croydon's town centre between now and Christmas as three sites will be lit up with six dazzling dance films showcasing the work of local performers. North End (Croydon), free, just turn up, until 23 December
BOOK SALE: From second-hand paperbacks to review copies of recently published novels, you're bound to find something for your bookshelves at the popular Amnesty International book sale. Church of the Ascension (Blackheath), free, just turn up, 10am-4pm
VEGAN THANKSGIVING FAIR: Munch on Tofurky and cranberry burritos and other vegan goodies at this animal-free foodie fair. Whole Foods Market (Camden), free, just turn up, 10.30am-8pm
Sunday 19 November
DEER WALK: Get some fresh air and make some new four-legged friends at Theydon Bois deer sanctuary. Lodge Road car park, £5, book ahead, 9.30am-1.30pm
UPCYCLING SHOW: Roll up your sleeves and get stuck into upcycling workshops to save furniture, homeware, textiles and electricals from being thrown away. Walthamstow Assembly Hall, free, just turn up, 11am-3pm
ECOUTER: This new female music collective aims to collaborate with female networks, local venues and record labels, to blast away gender barriers, and provide you with a perfect Sunday soundtrack. T-Bird Bar, free, just turn up, 3pm-7pm
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