Things To Do This Weekend In London: 22-23 September

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All weekend

A festival of philosophy and music comes to Hampstead Heath

LONDON DESIGN FAIR: Start planning your new dream home at an showcase that brings together over 550 indie designers and established brands. You'll discover the very latest in furniture, lighting, textiles, materials and conceptual installations from all around the world. Old Truman Brewery (Shoreditch), £12.50, book ahead,  20-23 September

HOW THE LIGHT GETS IN: The world's largest philosophy and music festival comes to Hampstead Heath to nourish your mind, body, and soul. Cognitive Psychologist Steven Pinker, Labour MP Angela Eagle and post-colonial theorist Homi Bhabha lead talks, while the likes of Rae Morris, Ewan Pearson, and Afriquoi provide the soundtrack to your weekend of wonder. Kenwood House Gardens (Hampstead), from £48, book ahead, 22-23 September

OPEN HOUSE LONDON: Over 800 of the city's buildings will be throwing open their doors for a weekend of free walks, talks and tours. Explore the Palladian glamour of Chiswick House and Gardens, an ancient Roman bathhouse, London's most architecturally exciting new builds, and much, much more. See our top picks. Various venues (London), free, book ahead for some events, 22-23 September

CITY OF WOMEN: This new site-specific composition from historian Victoria Horwell and composer Iain Chambers celebrates the groundbreaking achievements of London's women throughout history. An all-female cast of soloists and a choir — along with live musicians and a creative recorded soundscape — bring these voices of the past back to life, including those of Emmeline Pankhurst and cross-dressing pickpocket Mol Cutpurse. Leadenhall Market (City of London), free, just turn up, 11am-2.30pm, 22-23 September

UNITY ARTS FESTIVAL: Discover the creative landscape of one of London's most exciting new neighbourhoods at a weekend of workshops, music, and art exhibitions. We particularly like the sound of the panoramic sketch crawl from north Greenwich to London City Island. Various venues on London City Island, free entry, book ahead for some events, 10am-6pm, 22-23 September

Saturday 22 September

A politically-charged cabaret from Brazilian Wax. Photo: Alex Brenner

CAR FREE DAY: If you've got kids and live in the city, you'll know that it can be a challenge to find outside spaces in your neighbourhood where they can play freely and safely. For one day only, streets from Hackney to Ealing will go vehicle free, allowing families to get some proper fresh air in their local community. Various London Streets, click here for details, just turn up, all day

GUNG-HO 5K: Do you have what it takes to complete what is possibly the world's silliest 5k? Or are you as full of hot air as the inflatable obstacles that you tackle en route (that's enough to inflate 75 million footballs, FYI). Head to Crystal Palace to indulge in some It's A Knockout-esque frivolity. Crystal Palace Park, from £45, book ahead, 9am-3pm

END OF SUMMER STREET FESTIVAL: Wave goodbye to those baking hot days and long balmy evenings in Islington's Camden Passage. The pretty shopping street is decked out in bunting, with music and entertainment aplenty. Bring your bike for a free tuneup and keep a beady eye out for giveaways. Camden Passage (Islington), free, just turn up 10am-6pm

NEW MOON: We know that the days are getting shorter, but that doesn't explain why the moon is making an appearance at 10am today in Hounslow. The giant orb is a new large-scale installation by Luke Jerram and, thanks to the use of some detailed NASA imagery, it's an exact replica of the lunar surface. Sit back on the grass of Bell Square and admire this extraordinary work while hearing music and stories inspired by the moon. Bell Square (Hounslow), free, just turn up, 10am-9pm

WORK MARATHON: An event entitled 'work marathon' may not exactly fill you with enthusiasm on a Saturday, but fear not — it won't be you doing the hard graft. Instead, a whole bunch of clever people (including artists, sociologists, scientists, and philosophers) address cultural, political, physical and environmental questions of labour, leisure, and automation. Royal Geography Society (Kensington), £15, book ahead, 10am-10pm

WASTE FREE LUNCH: The Wise Up to Waste campaign comes to Waltham Forest for the last in their ever-popular Waste Less, Lunch Free series of events. Find out how you could save up to £810 per year simply by being a bit more sensible with your weekly food shop as you graze on snacks made entirely from leftovers. St John's Church (Leytonstone), free, just turn up, 11am-3pm

LDN BLOCK PARTY: The Vaccines headline Goose Island's third annual block party — featuring an enticing mix top tunes, rad vibes and a bevy of craft bevvies. Tickets are released in batches, so keep an eye on the event Facebook page to make sure you don't miss out. The Oval (Hackney), from £12.50, book ahead, 3pm-11pm

BLUE PLANET III: Before you get too excited, there's little chance of David Attenborough turning up at this absolute riot of a family show dedicated to the wonders of the deep blue sea. Nonetheless, expect to cry tears of laughter as you follow two clowns (and Fringe faves) on their mission to save the oceans. Theatre Deli (Broadgate), free, book ahead, 3.30pm-4.30pm

BRAZILIAN WAX CABARET: Queer party purveyors Brazilian Wax presents a sensationally political cabaret that gets you hot under the collar while also making you think. For one night only, some of the country's finest pole dancers, drag kings, singers, and comedians will come to Shoreditch to celebrate the sex work community. Rich Mix (Shoreditch), £10, book ahead, 9.30pm

Sunday 23 September

Puppetry and mischief for the little ones.

LONDON DESIGN FESTIVAL RUN: Today's the last day of London Design Festival, but don't panic if it's thus far managed to pass you by; there's still time to see all of the best bits, and get some serious exercise along the way. How, you ask? Look no further than this self-guided 14km. Begins at Finsbury Avenue Square (Liverpool Street), free, just turn up, all day

SEVENDROOG AUTUMN FAYRE: Explore Greenwich's secret castle for free at its annual autumn fair. There's street food and tons of free entertainment, including stuff to keep the kids occupied. Sevendroog Castle (Greenwich), free, entry, just turn up, 10am-4pm

FEMALE SPACE ON FILM: Space, identity, and domesticity is explored through a feminist lens at this day of short film screenings. Head to a Grade II* modernist housing estate and gain new insight into the relationships between architecture and individual identity. Pullman Court (Streatham Hill), free, just turn up, 10am-5pm

STALKING EAST END MULBERRIES: Discover the surprising history of the east end's Mulberry trees on a walkshop from Stepney to Victoria Park. Don't forget your camera. Meet at Stepney Green station, £15, book ahead, 11am-1pm

APOLLO VICTORIA THEATRE TOUR: Explore one of theatreland's crowning jewels — the Grade II listed glamour of the Apollo Victoria Theatre. A guide will tell you all about its near-90 year history while you admire its art deco flourishes. Apollo Victoria Theatre (Victoria), free, book ahead, 11am/12.30pm/3pm/4.30pm

VINTAGE FAIR: So Last Century, your go-to retro event experts, are on their maiden voyage north of the river with an amazing treasure trove of vintage goodies in tow. They've teamed up with our media partner, Wembley Park, to bring you unique and affordable vintage wares, including clothing, homeware, and accessories. Wembley Library and Market Square, free, just turn up, 11am-5pm

SLEEPYHEAD: A sprinkle of magic, a pinch of circus, and a large dollop of silliness makes for a big adventure for little ones. Hijinks ensue at this family show when Baby stays up past his bedtime and gets his hands on a magic top hat. Jacksons Lane (Highgate), £10, book ahead, 12pm/3pm

SCRIPTED BODIES: It's your last chance to see Cradeaux Alexander's mid-career retrospective, Scripted Bodies. Through a dozen video works and performance recordings, the acclaimed American artist explores self-representation, pornography, and the intersection between theatre and art. Bow Arts Trust (Bow), free, just turn up, 12pm-4pm

MOBB DEEP: Be transported to NYC's 1990s hip hop scene with one half of iconic musical duo Mobb Deep. Havoc will be performing his greatest hits with the help of long time collaborator Big Noyd, as well as a handful of solo works. Cargo (Shoreditch), £17.50, book ahead, 7pm-10pm

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