Canalway Cavalcade returns to Little Venice

Spring is here at last! The days are getting longer and the temperatures are warmer up. London’s festival season really kicks off with tons of alfresco events taking place all over the capital. This year, Easter is a bit later than usual so there will be plenty of harassed parents looking for ways to entertain the kids during the school holidays.

• Now until 1 April : Cocktails In The City

A three-day extravaganza will see some of London’s and Europe’s best cocktails bars coming together under one roof. A host of pop-up bars and food venues will be spread across four levels. 6-11pm. Ticket: £15 includes 1 cocktail, multiple complimentary experiences and cocktail booklet. One Marylebone, 1 Marylebone Road, Marylebone, NW1 4AQ. Nearest station: Great Portland Street or Regents Park. For booking, visit the Cocktails In The City website. For more information, read Metro Girl’s post on the event.

• Now until 1 April : Whisky Live

Whisky festival comes to 18th century surroundings, featuring masterclasses, food pairings, the VIP Lounge and exclusive private VIP pourings. Open Fri 31st 4-10pm, Sat 1 Apr 11am-5pm. Tickets: £45-£65. Honourable Artillery Company, City Road, EC1Y 2BQ. Nearest station: Old Street or Moorgate. For booking, visit Eventbrite.

• Now until 1 April : West Norwood Free Film Festival

Free film festival comes to West Norwood for the first time featuring screenings of Back To The Future, The Goonies, Memento, Babette’s Feast, Paterson and Northern Soul. At various venues in SE27 including St Luke’s Church, Knowles Of Norwood, The Clockworks and more. Nearest station: West Norwood. For more information, visit the Free Film Festival website.

• 1 – 17 April : Urban Festival

The Southbank Centre hosts a two week celebration of urban culture, featuring breakdancing battles, dance residencies, workshops, free family events, parties and more. Events range from free to ticketed. Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, South Bank, SE1 8XX. Nearest station: Waterloo. For more information, visit the Southbank Centre website.

• 2 April : Oxbridge Boat Race

Watch the historic annual boat race between the Cambridge and Oxford University crews. Thousands will line the banks between Putney Bridge and Mortlake to watch the action. Women’s boat race @ 4.35pm and Men’s boat race @ 5.35pm. Free. Nearest stations: Putney Bridge, Hammersmith, Ravenscourt Park, Stamford Brook, East Putney, Barnes Bridge or Chiswick. For more information, visit the Boat Race website.

• 2 – 10 April : Camberwell Free Film Festival

Ten day free film festival comes to SE5 featuring screenings, talks, and Q&As. Film screenings include Moana, Rear Window, Son of Saul, I Daniel Blake and more. At various venues including William Booth College, Whirled Cinema, The Phoenix, Coldharbour Studios, The Crooked Well, Grand Union Camberwell, The Flying Dutchman and The Sun. For more information, visit the Camberwell Free Film Festival website.

• Now until 2 April :  The Other Art Fair

Chance to see and buy art from 130 unrepresented artists, regardless of how experienced you are in purchasing artwork. Also features book signings, panel discussions, kids’ workshops, Carolina Mizrahi’s immersive ‘Ruby’ room with hidden underground bar, The Modern Pantry pop-up restaurant and much more. Tickets: £8 in advance. Victoria House, Southampton Row, Bloomsbury, WC1B 4DA. Nearest station: Russell Square or Holborn. For more information, visit the Other Art Fair website.

• 3 – 28 April : I Am London exhibition

Photography showcase of iconic, pioneering, creative and fascinating Londoners and its places. Free. City Hall, The Queen’s Walk, SE1 2AA. Nearest station: London Bridge or Tower Hill. For more information, visit the London.gov.uk website.

• Now until 7 May : The Iris @ Now Gallery

A new art installation from artist Rebecca Louise Law, featuring 10,000 fresh irises suspended from the ceiling. Open Mon-Fri 10am-7pm, Sat-Sun 11am-4pm. Free entry. NOW Gallery, The Gateway Pavilions, Peninsula Square, Greenwich Peninsula, Greenwich, SE10 0SQ. Nearest station: North Greenwich. For more information, visit the NOW Gallery website.

Celebrate caffeine at the Coffee Festival

• 7 – 9 April : London Coffee Festival

A celebration of coffee for the capital’s caffeine lovers at the Old Truman Brewery, featuring food, music and – of course – coffee. Visitors will even have the chance to make perfect coffee at home from some top baristas. Tickets start from £16.50 (advance), £22.50 (on the door). The Old Truman Brewery, 91 Brick Lane, Shoreditch, E1 6QL. Nearest station: Shoreditch High Street or Aldgate East. For more information, visit the London Coffee Festival website.

• 8 April : Rebel Bingo

Rebel Bingo turn the traditional numbers game on its head with competitions, loud music and lots of attitude. Not for the faint-hearted and strictly over 18s only. 8-11.30pm. Tickets from £13.50. Mecca Bingo, 180 Arlington Road, Camden, NW1 7HL. Nearest station: Camden Town. For more information, visit RebelBingo.com.

• 8 – 9 April : VeggieWorld London

Europe’s biggest and oldest vegan festivals is coming to London, featuring food and fashion stalls, international food court, cookery demos, animal yoga, children’s activities and more. Open Sat 8 10am-7pm, Sun 9 10am-5pm. Tickets: £8 (advance), £10 (on the door). Kensington Town Hall, Hornton Street, Kensington, W8. Nearest station: High Street Kensington. For more information, visit the VeggieWorld website.

• Now until 9 April : Telegraph Hill Festival

Arts and entertainment festival in South East London, including music, open studios, art shows, interactive exhibits, classes, workshops, talks, literary events, wellbeing, plays, performance art and music events. Lots of events are free, but some will cost. At various venues across New Cross, Nunhead, Hatcham, Brockley and Honor Oak. For more information, visit the Telegraph Hill festival website.

• Now until 9 April : Ideal Home Show

A place of inspiration for homeowners including interiors, fittings and gardens. Includes plenty of opportunities to buy things both big and small for the house and food. Celebrity guests include George Clarke, Jonnie Irwin, Fred Sirieix, Martin Lewis, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, Katie Piper, Theo Randall, Lisa Faulkner, Ken Hom, Gregg Wallace, Phil Vickery, Rosemary Shrager and many more. Open daily 10am-6pm (Thurs lates until 9pm). Tickets: Adults £13 (weekday) or £15 (weekend). Olympia, Hammersmith Road, Kensington, W14 8UX. Nearest station: Kensington Olympia. For tickets, visit the Ideal Home Show website.

• Now until 9 April : Eat & Drink Festival

Next door to the Ideal Home Show is a new live experience, featuring modern cuisine, mixology and street food. Learn from the best at the Foodie Lab, Chef’s Table and Cook’s Academy. Tickets: Weekday – £13, Weekend – £15 (also includes free access to Ideal Home Show). Kensington Olympia, Hammersmith Road, Kensington, W14 8UX. Nearest station: Kensington Olympia. For more information, visit the Eat & Drink Festival website.

• Now until 9 April : London Games Festival

An event to promote gaming and interactive entertainment, including EGX Rezzed at Tobacco Dock, the British Academy Games Awards, Now Play This at Somerset House (7 – 9 April) and the Games Character Parade (8 April). For more information, visit the Games London website.

• 11 April : Whisky Blind Tasting

R&B Distillers are challenging whisky-lovers to a free blind tasting of their limited edition second batch of their single malt Raasay While We Wait with its younger brother. There will also be a special whisky cocktail for one night only to buy at the bar. From 6.30pm (arrive early to avoid disappointment). Cocktail Trading Co, 68 Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch, E1 6GQ. Nearest station: Shoreditch High Street. For more information, visit the R&B Distillers website.

• 13 – 16 April :  Le Beat Bespoke Festival

Indoor music festival returns celebrating 21st Century Modernist and Sixties inspired underground music culture. Featuring live bands, DJs, record fair, market, guest clubs, all-nighters and Go Go dancers. Tickets: Individual gig tickets vary, or 3 day pass £42, 4 day pass £48. 229 The Venue, 229 Great Portland Street, W1W 5PN. Nearest station: Great Portland Street or Oxford Circus. For more information and tickets, visit Le Beat Bespoke website.

• 13 – 16 April : Tall Ships Regatta

Greenwich is hosting the Rendez-vous Tall Ships Regatta 2017, which this year marks the 150th anniversary of the Canadian Confederation. Around 40 large Class A and B Tall Ships will be anchored at two sites before they set sail from to Quebec, Canada, via Portugal, Bermuda and Boston. Visitors can board the ships, enjoy a cruise and watch and listen to live entertainment and music. Sites at Maritime Greenwich UNESCO World Heritage Site in Greenwich town centre, SE10 (nearest stations: Greenwich or Cutty Sark (DLR), and the Royal Arsenal Riverside in Woolwich, SE18 (nearest station: Woolwich Arsenal (DLR). For more information, check out the Visit Greenwich website.

• 13 – 16 April : London International Ska Festival

Four day festival of ska music at venues across the capital, including the Islington Assembly Hall, Jazz Café, Prince Charles Cinema and the O2 Forum Kentish Town and more. Wristbands for the whole festival £140, individual gigs range in price. For more information and tickets, visit the London International Ska Festival website.

• 14 April : The Passion of Jesus

The Wintershall Players put on a production of The Passion Of Jesus on Good Friday in Trafalgar Square. There will be two 90 minute performances at 12pm and 3.15pm. Free. Trafalgar Square, Westminster, WC2N 5DN. Nearest stations: Charing Cross, Leicester Square or Piccadilly Circus. For more information, visit the London.gov.uk website.

• 14 April : THATMuse treasure hunt @ British Museum

Enjoy a fun and games-themed treasure hunt around the capital’s iconic British Museum. Participants will seek, photograph themselves with and answer questions about treasures amongst the museum. 5.30pm-7.30pm. Tickets: Adults £15, Students £12, Children 5-13 years £10. British Museum, Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury, WC1B 3DG. Nearest station: Tottenham Court Road or Goodge Street. For more information and booking, visit THATMuse website.

• 14 April : The Sailors’ Ball @ Cutty Sark

Dance underneath the Cutty Sark’s hull at an informal Sailors’ Ball, featuring swing dance lessons with Swing Patrol, Down for the Count Swing Orchestra performing ’40s and ’50s classics, before ending the night with DJs playing electric swing. Dress code: Vintage sailor chic. 7.15pm-11.30pm. Tickets: £25-£39. Cutty Sark, King William Walk, Greenwich, SE10 9HT. Nearest station: Cutty Sark (DLR) or Greenwich. For booking, visit the Royal Museums Greenwich website.

• 15 April – 23 September : Alice’s Adventures Underground

Award-winning immersive theatre experience returns to The Vaults. Choose between Adventures In Wonderland for 5-10 years old and Alice’s Adventures Underground for 11 plus and adults. Adventures In Wonderland tickets: Adults £26.50, Children £15.50. Alice’s Adventures Underground tickets: Adults £39-£54. The Vaults, Launcelot Street (off Lower Marsh), Waterloo, SE1 7AD. Nearest station: Waterloo or Lambeth North. For more information and booking, visit the Alice’s Adventures Underground website. For Metro Girl’s review of Alice’s Adventures Underground, click here.

• 20 – 22 April : The Stitching, Sewing and Hobbycrafts Show

An event for stitchers, sewers and hobbycrafters, featuring workshops, demonstrations and talks. Open Thu 20 and Fri 21: 10am-4.30pm, Sat 22: 10am-5pm. Tickets: Adults £10, Seniors £9. ExCel, Royal Victoria Dock, E16 1XL. Nearest station: Prince Regent (DLR). For more information, visit the show’s official website.

• 21 April : National Tea Day Tea Dance

Mark National Tea Day with a tea-dancing party hosted by the Ragroof Players. Featuring live vintage music from the 1920s-1950s, dance displays and World Food Market. Dance lessons @ 12-2pm and 5-7pm. St Katharine Docks, 50 St Katharine’s Way, E1W 1LA. Nearest station: Tower Hill or Tower Gateway. For more information, visit the St Kats website. Read Metro Girl’s blog post for more information.

• 21 – 23 April : London Rum Festival

A celebration of rum featuring producers from the West Indies, Cuba, South America and the US. Featuring talks, tastings and samplings, cocktail demons, Caribbean beach party, live entertainment and more. Over 18s only. Open Fri 4-11pm, Sat 12-11pm, Sun 12-5pm. Tickets: £12.50. Acklam Village Market, 4-8 Acklam Road, Notting Hill, W10 5TY. Nearest station: Ladbroke Grove. For more information, visit the London Rum Festival’s Facebook page.

• 21 – 23 April : Fitcon
  

  Celebrate St George’s Day in Trafalgar Square

Three day festival of fitness and nutrition, featuring fitness gurus, famous bodybuilders, social media rockstars and global celebrities. Open Fri-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 9am-4pm. Tickets: £27.50. Olympia, Hammersmith Road, Kensington, W14 8UX. Nearest station: Kensington Olympia. For more information, visit the Fitcon website.

• 21 – 30 April : New Cross & Deptford Film Festival

A free film festival run and staffed by volunteers offering free screenings in venues around New Cross and Deptford. Classics will be screened alongside independent films by new and local talent, including Kung Fu Panda, Wall-E, Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory, Mall Rats, Her, Reservoir Dogs and Singalong Sister Act 2. At various venues including the Deptford Lounge, Telegraph Hill Upper Park, Lil’ Nans and more. For more information, visit the Free Film Festival website.

• 21 April – 7 May :  Sony World Photography Awards Exhibition

Showcasing the winning and shortlisted photographs from this year’s awards. Open: Mon-Fri 10am-9pm, Sat-Sun 10am-8pm. Tickets: £7-£11. Somerset House, Strand, WC2R 1LA. Nearest station: Temple. For more information, visit the Somerset House website.

• 22 April : Virtual Reality Show

Experience the latest in virtual reality technology, with the chance to try new products and experience interactive features. Open 9.30am-6pm. Although the show runs for 3 days, Sat 22 is the only public day. Tickets (pre-booked or more on the door): Adult £17-£20, Child £13. Business Design Centre, 52 Upper Street, Islington, N1 0QH. Nearest station: Angel. For more information, visit the Virtual Reality Show website.

• 22 April : Feast Of St George

Celebrate the patron saint of England’s feast day with a day of fun and fare in Trafalgar Square. Includes English food, cookery demos from celebrity chefs, stalls, banqueting area, family games and live music. 12-6pm. Free. Trafalgar Square, Westminster, WC2N 5DN. Nearest station: Charing Cross, Piccadilly Circus, Embankment or Leicester Square. For more information, visit the London.gov.uk website.

• 23 April : Virgin London Marathon

Cheer on an estimated 36,00 runners raising money for charity in the world’s biggest marathon. The 26 mile marathon starts in Greenwich/Blackheath and ends in The Mall. Free for spectators. For more information and spectator maps, visit the Virgin London Marathon website. For Metro Girl’s blog on a previous London Marathon, click here.

Support the runners at the London Marathon

• Now until 23 April : Beanz Meanz Heinz Pop-Up Bar

Heinz is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the ‘Beanz Meanz Heinz’ slogan with a pop-up bar serving baked beans with a modern twist. Open Mon-Sat 9am-7pm, Sun 11.30am-6pm. Food Hall, Selfridges, 400 Oxford Street, Marylebone, W1A 1AB. Nearest station: Bond Street or Marble Arch. Check out Metro Girl’s blog post for more information.

• Now until 25 April : London Handel Festival

Six weeks of concerts, talks and walks in venues, including Frederick Handel’s own parish church St Georges in Mayfair, as well as the Britten Theatre (Royal College of Music), the Foundling Museum, Grosvenor Chapel, Duke’s Hall (Royal Academy of Music), Cadogan Hall, The Charterhouse, St Lawrence Little Stanmore and Wigmore Hall. For more information, visit the London Handel Festival website.

• 26 April : Food And Drink – Science Museum Lates

Late night opening of Science Museum focuses on food science, including Famelab UK final, The Voice of Space, BodyHacking, Tour of Voyages with the artists, Penises and Pomegranates aphrodisiac board game, talks, silent disco, live music and food and drink. Over 18s only. 6.45-10pm. Free entry. Science Museum, Exhibition Road, Kensington, SW7 2DD. Nearest station: South Kensington. For more information, visit the Science Museum website.

• 26 April – 10 May : Fear & Loathing at The Roxy exhibition

A photography exhibition charting iconic moments at the home of punk, The Roxy club, captured by photographers Derek Ridges and Jeremy Gibbs among others. On 25 April, a blue plaque is being unveiled at 41-43 Neal Street to commemorate 40 years since The Roxy opened. 11am-3pm. Free entry. 35-37 Neal Street, Seven Dials, WC2H 9PR. Nearest station: Covent Garden or Leicester Square. For more information, visit the Seven Dials website.

• 26 April – 28 June : Endless presents The Royal Variety Adornments

Street artist Endless The Artist is hosting his first solo exhibition of the year, an alternative and modern-day celebration of our British monarchy. Open daily 10am-8pm. Chelsea Waterside Artspace, Hepworth Court, Gatliff Road, Chelsea, SW1W 8QP. Nearest station: Sloane Square or Battersea Park. For more information, visit the Chelsea Waterside website.

• 27 April : Phileas Fogg Hosts Arabian Nights @ Mr Fogg’’s Residence

The magic of Morocco comes to London, featuring belly dancers, speciality cocktails and authentic Moroccan decoration. 4pm-1am. Mr Fogg’s Residence, 15 Bruton Lane, Mayfair, W1J 6JD. Nearest station: Green Park. For more information, visit the Mr Fogg’s website.

• 27 – 30 April : The New Chelsea Art Fair

Thirty leading UK and international galleries will come to Chelsea Town Hall for potential buyers. Open Thu 11am-8pm, Fri-Sat 11am-7pm, Sun 11am-5pm. Free entry if you sign up via the website in advance. Chelsea Town Hall, Kings Road, SW3 5EE. Nearest station: Sloane Square or South Kensington. For more information, visit the Chelsea Art Fair website.

• 27 April – 6 May : Sci-Fi London Film Festival

The 17th annual celebration of the sci-fi genre, featuring premieres, talks and screenings. At BFI Southbank, Stratford Picturehouse, Rich Mix, The Trampery, JuJu’s Bar & Stage, EXP, Science Museum IMAX, and the Moth Club. For more information, visit the Sci-London Film Festival website.

• 28 April : Natural History Museum Lates

This month’s theme for the lates is ‘sound in nature’, featuring talks, pop-up science stations, food and drink and the chance to explore the exhibitions in a quieter setting. 6-10pm. Free entry, but entry to some exhibitions will cost. Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, Kensington, SW7 5BD. Nearest station: South Kensington. For more information, visit the Natural History Museum website.

• 28 April : Pocket Privacy – Friday Late

An evening exploring the link between wanting to share our lives online and our battle for privacy. Take a data detox with a host of activities and entertainment, including Selfie Stick Aerobics, create-your-own signal blocking pouch, activate the globe with hashtags, censored social media photographs, DJs and more. 6.30-10pm. Free entry. Victoria & Albert Museum, Cromwell Road, South Kensington, SW7 2RL. Nearest station: South Kensington. For more information, visit the V&A website.

• 28 – 30 April : Be: Fit London

The UK’s health and fitness festival for women is back for its fourth year, featuring classes, talks, cooking demos, workshops and shopping village. Open Fri 28 10am-5pm, Sat 29 10am-5pm, Sun 30 10am-4pm. Tickets: £25-£55. Business Design Centre, 52 Upper Street, Islington, N1 0QH. Nearest station: Angel. For more information, visit the Be: Fit London website.

• 28 April – 1 May : Wellbeing Festival

Festival of wellbeing, featuring workshops, the Mantra Lounge, a Pop up Temple, The Love Dome, a Spa, a Silent Disco. experiential art space, Inspiral Cafe, music and interactive live experiences, the Wellbeing Studio, and over 200 cutting edge exhibitors and therapists. Open Fri-Sun 10am-7pm, Mon 10am-5pm. Tickets: £11-£13. Olympia, Hammersmith Road, Kensington, W14 8UX. Nearest station: Kensington Olympia. For more information, visit the MindBodySpirit website.

• 28 April – 21 May : Paul Catherall exhibition

A three-week exhibition of printmaker and illustrator Paul Catherall featuring depictions of iconic London landmarks. Open Mon-Fri 10am-5.30pm, Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 12pm-5pm. Free entry. For Arts Sake, 45 Bond Street, Ealing, W5 5AS. Nearest station: Ealing Broadway. For more information, visit the For Arts Sake website. For more information, visit Metro Girl’s post on the exhibition.

• 28 April – 29 May : Herne Hill Free Film Festival

Four week festival featuring free screenings in the Herne Hill area at various locations, including Prince Regent Pub, effraspace, Herne Hill Velodrome, Brockwell Lido and Rosendale School. Films TBA. Nearest station: Herne Hill. For more information and screenings, visit the Herne Hill Free Festival website.

• 28 April – 30 September : Underbelly Festival

The usual Udderbelly Festival and London Wonderground have merged to form the summer-long Underbelly Festival. Featuring comedy, circus, cabaret and family shows at affordable prices in the inflatable upside down cow venue, international street food, open-air bar. Festival grounds open daily until 11pm. Ticket prices for show vary, but a majority are under £20, free entry to festival grounds. Jubilee Gardens (off Belvedere Road), South Bank, SE1 8XX. Nearest station: Waterloo. For more information and tickets, visit the Underbelly Festival website.

• 29 April : Vaisakhi

Celebrate the Sikh New Year with a one-day festival inside and outside City Hall. Activities include live performances, kirtan (spiritual music), arts, food, community groups and charities, children’s activities and turban tying. 1-6pm. Free. Trafalgar Square, Westminster, WC2N 5DN. Nearest stations: Charing Cross, Leicester Square or Piccadilly Circus. For more information, visit the London.gov website.

• 29 April : Studio 54 Cocktail Masterclass

Enjoy a cocktail masterclass inspired by the glamorous hedonism of Studio 54 nightclub in the new Dickies Bar. Learn how to make two cocktails from top mixologists, munch on canapes and have a recipe card to take home. 3pm onwards. Tickets: £55pp. Corrigan’s Mayfair, 28 Upper Grosvenor Street, Mayfair, W1K 7EH. Nearest station: Hyde Park Corner or Marble Arch. For booking, visit Corrigans Mayfair.

• 29 April – 1 May : Canalway Cavalcade

A unique waterways and community festival at Little Venice. Features stalls, bands, kids’ activities, Morris dancers, a Real Ale bar, food and pageant of boats. Open Sat-Sun 10am-6pm, Mon 10am-5pm. Procession of illuminated boats @ 9pm on Sun 30. Free. Little Venice, Maida Vale, W2. Nearest station: Warwick Avenue. For more information, visit the Inland Waterways Association. For Metro Girl’s blog post on last year’s Cavalcade, click here.

• 29 April – 1 May : Morden Hall Park Country Fair

Country show in the grounds of Morden Hall, featuring Savage Bike Skills Display Team, birds of prey flying displays, Grant Bazin the Horse Whisperer, terrier racing, children’s entertainer, Circus Skills Workshop, the goat show including bottle feeding lambs and kids, children’s petting pens, historical re-enactment and more. 10am-5pm. Tickets on the gate (or cheaper online): Adults £7.50, Children age 5-16 £3, Under 5s free. Morden Hall Road, Morden, Surrey, SM4 5JD. Nearest station: Morden or Phipps Bridge (tram). For more information, visit the Oakleigh Fairs website. For Metro Girl’s post on Morden Hall Park, click here.

• 29 April – 7 May : Grand Designs Live

Based on the Channel 4 TV series, the show features ideas and inspiration for your own grand design, including workshops, consultations, lectures and celebrity guests. Tickets: Weekday £12, Weekend £15. ExCel, Royal Victoria Dock, E16 1XL. Nearest station: Prince Regent (DLR). For more information and tickets, visit the Grand Designs Live website.

• 30 April : Days Of Poland Festival

The biggest Polish festival in the UK, featuring traditional and contemporary Polish music, arts and cuisine for adults and children. 1-6pm. Free. Potters Field Park, Queens’ Walk, SE1 2AA. Nearest station: London Bridge or Tower Hill. For more information, visit the Days Of Poland website.

• Now until 14 May : The Last Chapel – Backyard Cinema

A season of Quentin Tarantino inspired films featuring the director’s back catalogue and other gritty classics. Films include Reservoir Dogs, True Romance, Pulp Fiction, Drive, Mad Max and many more. Tickets from £16.50/£18.50. Backyard Cinema, Mercato Metropolitano, 42 Newington Causeway, Elephant & Castle, SE1 6DR. Nearest station: Elephant & Castle. For booking, visit Backyard Cinema’s website. For a review of Backyard Cinema’s Lost World in the same location, click here.

• Now until 21 May : Quentin Blake: The Roald Dahl Centenary Portraits

To mark Roald Dahl’s 100th birthday, illustrator Sir Quentin Blake has drawn portraits of some of the author’s best characters. Open Mon-Thu 9.30am-8pm, Fri 9.30am-6pm, Sat 9.30am-5pm and Sun 11am-5pm. Free entry. Second Floor Gallery, The British Library, 96 Euston Road, NW1 2DB. Nearest station: Euston, King’s Cross or St Pancras. To find out more, visit the British Library website.

• Now until 29 May : David Hockney @ Tate Britain

The most comprehensive exhibition of artist David Hockney’s work to date. Open 10am-6pm. Tickets: £17.70-£19.50. Tate Britain, Millbank, Pimlico, SW1P 4RG. Nearest station: Pimlico. For booking, visit the Tate website.

• Now until 18 June : American Dream – Pop To The Present

Look back over 60 years of the world superpower with prints from American artists including Andy Warhol, Jasper Johns, Robert Rauschenberg, Ed Ruscha, Kara Walker and Julie Mehretu. Tickets: Adults £16.50, Children under 16 free (w/ a paying adult). British Museum, Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury, WC1B 3DG. Nearest station: Holborn or Tottenham Court Road. For more information, visit the American Dream Exhibition website.

• Now until June : Sculpture In The City 2016/2017

Free public art exhibition, bringing contemporary pieces to the streets and spaces of the City of London. At various sites around the Square Mile. Nearest stations: Fenchurch Street, Monument or Liverpool Street. For more information and a map of the artworks, visit the City Of London’s official website. For Metro Girl’s blog post on the exhibition, click here.

• Now until 3 September : Star Wars Identities

Star Wars fans are in for a treat as over 200 costumes, props, models and artwork from the franchise are displayed in a special exhibition. Find your own Star Wars character in an interactive quest. Open 10am-6pm. Tickets: Adults £20-£25, Children £10-£15. The O2, Peninsula Square, Greenwich, SE10 0DX. Nearest station: North Greenwich. For more information, visit the Star Wars Identities website.

• Now until 3 September : The Art Of The Brick – DC Super Heroes

Lego artist Nathan Sawaya has created an exhibition of Lego sculptures of Super Heroes and Villains including Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, The Joker and Harley Quinn. Open Sun-Wed 10am-6pm, Thurs 10am-8pm, Fri-Sat 10am-7pm. Tickets: Adults £16.50, Child £11. The exhibition is in a temporary structure on the corner of Upper Ground and Cornwall Road, South Bank, SE1 9PP. Nearest station: Waterloo. For booking, visit the Art Of The Brick website. For a review of the previous Art Of The Brick exhibition, click here.

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