What we're reading:
- 'Hiding in plain sight': How London street signs reveal more than just names.
- The most Instagrammable art galleries in London.
- Plans for huge roof bar on Royal Festival Hall condemned as shocking.
- Memorial unveiled for 7/7 bus explosion victims.
- 360 video: tour London's Coca-Cola factory.
Things to do:
WORLD WIDE WANDER: As part of Street Wisdom's global festival of wandering and wondering, explore Southwark's urban environment with street guide Nick Hammond. He helps you fine tune your senses before you're off on a street quest for hidden messages, chance meetings, and unexpected discoveries. Meet at Borough Market, free, book ahead, 9.45am-1pm
THE HANDMADE FAIR: Queen of crafting Kirstie Allsopp kicks off three days of hands-on workshops on everything from willow weaving to calligraphy today, as The Handmade Fair returns. There's plenty of artisan food available, too. Hampton Court Palace (Richmond), from £16, book ahead, until 16 September
HUMAN CONNECTION: From humanoid sculptures made from bicycle chains, to portraits of women on old floppy disks, this joint exhibition from Nick Gentry and Seo Young-Deok showcases figurative works created using found objects. Opera Gallery (Bond Street), free, just turn up, 10am-7pm, until 28 September
MORNING MINDFULNESS: Here's a meditation session with a difference. Sink into the Chubby Cloud — the world's largest beanbag — gaze up at Rubens' masterful painted ceiling and let Happy Not Perfect app founder Poppy Jamie give you a serene start to your weekend. Banqueting House, Whitehall (Westminster), £15, book ahead, 10.30am-11.30am
Londonist Beer is here
... And you're invited to our launch party this Sunday. It's no secret that we're massive fans of craft beer here at Londonist. That's why we've teamed up with one of our favourite local breweries, Fourpure, to create our own deliciously hoppy tribute to London — and we want you to be one of the first to sample it. So head down to Fourpure Brewery on Sunday 16 September for our launch party. There will be live music, prizes to be won, and the chance to get to know some of the faces behind the bylines. Intrigued? Find out more here, or book your tickets.
PLAYGROUND: Let your inner child explode with joy, at this epic playground installation as part of Peckham Festival. Put together by the talented folks at Brainchild, this is the launch for the ambitious artwork, and there are performances by poets, musicians and dancers. Copeland Park (Peckham), free, just turn up, from 6pm tonight, then in place until 7 October
MAKE A SPLASH: Here’s a cool way to spend your Friday evening: get back to nature in this private lake swimming experience, before cosying up with hot rum toddies, warming food and a toasty campfire. West Reservoir Centre (Manor House), £20, book ahead, 6.30pm-10pm (partner)
JOHN ROBBINS: See why 2017 Edinburgh Comedy Award winner John Robbins was such a hit at the Fringe at Bush Hall's comedy night. He'll be sharing the stage with Phil Wang and Andrew Maxwell. Bush Hall (Shepherd's Bush), £17.50, book ahead, 7pm
A DANCE OF DECADENCE: Let The Little Orchestra transport you to 1814 Vienna with an epic performance of Beethoven’s bacchanalian 7th Symphony. You'll also be treated to snippets of the virtuoso's only opera, Fidelio. Stoke Newington Town Hall (Stoke Newington), from £20, book ahead, 7pm-12am, until 15 September
LOST HORIZONS: Expect a dreamy evening with Cocteau Twins bassist Simon Raymonde and Dif Juz drummer Richie Thomas. For the first time ever, they will be playing their acclaimed debut album Ojalá live in full... with the help of some very special guests. Queen Elizabeth Hall (Southbank Centre), £20, book ahead, 7.30pm
JURASSIC PARTY: 90s music, dino-themed cocktails and a giant T-Rex — Welcome to Jurassic Park at the Clapham Grand. Back by popular demand, this Spielbergian shindig will take you all the way back to the 90s. Clapham Grand (Claphan Junction), £8, book ahead, 10pm-4am
Good cause of the day
Words That Carry On, a fund dedicated to investing in mental health research, hosts a night of poetry and music in Granary Square's Skip Garden. As well as live performances, you can expect poetry writing, wood-fired pizza, and origami lessons.
