Things to do this weekend is sponsored by Enterprise Nation.
All weekend
RECYCLE YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE: Don't leave it languishing on the pavement, if you purchased it from Neal’s Nurseries, Alexandra Palace or Woods of Berkhamsted Garden Centres, then you can return it to be recycled into wood chippings (bring your proof of purchase). Free, just turn up, 9am-6pm, until 14 January
HACKNEY FLEA MARKET: Got a penchant for antique luggage, Danish decor and reclaimed industrial fixtures? Spend your weekend rummaging through salvaged treasures from more than 30 vintage traders. Abney Public Hall, free entry, just turn up, 11am-6pm, 13-14 January
TASTE NOT WASTE: Learn how to make your leftovers go further from talented chefs and food waste warriors Aaron and Remi from Smoke & Salt plus chef Mark Breen who works with Hubbub. Pop Brixton, free, just turn up, noon-4pm, 13-14 January
LONDON CHEESE TOWN: Indulge in your cheesiest dreams at this fromage feast, featuring only the best artisan stuff and one hell of a cheesy soundtrack. Brixton Rooftop, £10, book ahead, 5pm, 11-14 January
FOR PUNK SAKE: Party for a good cause at this punk two-dayer, which is raising funds for Rock 'n' Roll rescue, a charity shop selling secondhand instruments and band memorabilia, owned by Knox from 70s punk rock band The Vibrators. The Gunners Pub (Highbury), free entry, just turn up, 5pm-11pm, 13-14 January
LONDON SHORT FILM FESTIVAL: See a selection of the best UK and international short films, including a screening delving into the intricacies of character on Saturday and short documentaries exploring the British Isles on Sunday. The ICA, various prices, book ahead, 13-20 January
CONDO 2018: A chance to ogle artwork from 46 international artists who have set up shop in 17 London galleries. Various venues, free, just turn up, 13 January-10 February
JOEY'S CIRCUS: A family-friendly show in the intimate space of the Puppet Theatre Barge, featuring well-loved characters Pretty Polly, Burglar Bill and Mr Punch, all on strings. Puppet Theatre Barge, Little Venice, £12, book ahead, until 18 March
Saturday 13 January
START UP 2018: Avoid becoming a start-up failure by taking in tips from successful speakers at this StartUp fair. Plus there will be stalls offering advice on everything from managing funds and social media to taking care of your mental health. Queen Mary University (Mile End), £10, book ahead, 10am-4pm
TREE IDENTIFICATION TOUR: Can't tell your London plane from your black poplar? Then you'll benefit from this tour led by Hyde Park's resident arboriculturist, which will have you barking up the right tree in no time. Hyde Park, £10, book ahead, 10.30am-noon
MONEY SMART KIDS' WORKSHOP: Got a pre-teen whose pocket money spending is out of control? Teach them how to manage their finances and pick up some tricks yourself at this handy workshop for adults led by thrifty LSE professors. The V&A Museum of Childhood, free, book ahead, 11am-noon
CHURCHILL GUIDED TOUR: Join a 90-minute guided tour focusing on Churchill's parliamentary career, as part of Churchill Season. Highlights include the Commons Chamber and Lords Chamber where Churchill debated many matters of national and international interest. Book here. Houses of Parliament, £25.50/£21, book ahead, 11.20am and 2am, every Saturday until 27 January
FAMILY DAY: Take part in a drop-in cyanotype workshop, experiment with pinhole techniques and visit a pop-up dark room at this family-friendly day of photography activities led by two artists. Whitechapel Gallery, free, book ahead, noon-4pm
EMPOWERMENT POETRY WORKSHOP: Sometimes confidence comes from unexpected places. You might just leave this poetry workshop, led by TEDx speaker Yasmin Autwal, feeling empowered and inspired. Arch 5, 5 Bohemia Place (Hackney), £22, book ahead, 1pm-3.30pm
ANCIENT EGYPT: The most irritating thing about museum visits is peering through fingerprint covered perspex but today the Petrie Museum is inviting you to get hands-on with its artefacts. Age 7+ welcome. The Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology, free (first come first served), just turn up, 2pm-4pm
SATURDAY TALKS: Tours are a great way to demystify London's art scene. This tour, led by public programmes curator Lucia Pietroiusti takes you around the Rose Wylie exhibition. Serpentine Galleries, free, just turn up, 3pm
PAINT LONDON: Everyone's favourite boozy painting class is teaming up with the London Art Antiques and Interiors Fair for a pop-up painting session. Excel London, £15(includes entrance to the fair), book ahead, 4pm-4.30pm
Sponsor message
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If you’re itching to get your business going, then you can’t afford to miss an opportunity like this. The event takes place at Queen Mary University London on 13 January 2018, and you can check out the full line up and book your tickets by clicking here.
Sunday 14 January
REDBRIDGE UMBRELLA PROJECT: Are you a Redbridge resident who'd love to be a part of the UK's biggest light festival? Then make sure you've got a spot on The Umbrella Project. They'll be practising a simple dance routine this morning to be performed on the 19 January at Lumiere 2018. Redbridge Drama Centre, free, book ahead, 10am-1pm
BOOKBINDING: Got a thing for striking stationery? Try your hand at creating your own hand-stitched pad in this two-hour workshop. Drink, Shop & Do, £30, book ahead, 10.30am-1pm
SUFFRAGETTE BROOCHES: Drop into this family-friendly session, where patriarchy-smashing toddlers can make their own suffragette campaign badges. Suitable for 5+. Headstone Manor & Museum (Harrow), free, just turn up, 11am-3pm
SUNDAY RECOVERY: Suffering the after-effects of a not-so-dry-January? Let all-female reggae group Sisters of Reggae sooth your hangover with their three-hour set of vintage vinyl, while White Men Can't Jerk provide the comfort food. Prince of Peckham, free entry, just turn up, noon-6pm
RIVER THAMES BLESSING: Did you know every year people gather on London Bridge to bless the Thames? Join the ceremony today to see a blessing of the River Thames and those who live on, work or use it. London Bridge, free, just turn up, 12.30pm
EPPING FOREST WALK: Wander through this ancient and expansive woodland, which hasn't changed much in its 500-year old history. Wear comfy shoes you won't mind getting muddy. Chingford Station, free, just turn up, 1pm
AFTERNOON POEMS: Spend an hour listing to the work of Keats and Milton. This reading runs alongside the Keats House exhibition, where you can see Keats's heavily-annotated copy of Paradise Lost. Keats House, free, book ahead, 2pm-3pm
MUSHROOM GROWING WORKSHOP: No not THAT kind. Ditch the supermarket packaged variety and learn how to mix, sterilise and grow your own Oyster mushrooms from Darren Springer from OrganicLea. The Hornbeam Learning Lodge (Chingford), free (donations welcome), just turn up, 2pm-4pm
BOLLYWOOD NIGHT: Thai restaurant Mango Tree is transforming into a Bollywood set tonight. Enjoy a mango lassi on arrival before filling up on a three-course Thai-Indian dinner followed by live Bollywood dancing and a DJ spinning tunes until late. Mango Tree, £58.05, book ahead, 6.30pm-11.30pm
FACT UP!: Fact up! The weekly improvised character comedy podcast is celebrating its 100th episode with a live recording tonight, featuring special guest comedians and improvisors. Check out the lineup here. The Comedy Room (Camden), £5, book ahead, 8pm-9pm
