Spring is in the air!

Spring is nearly here… allegedly! The temperatures will soon start creeping up, and the days are brighter and longer. Those who love to hibernate over the winter are finally waking up and ready to explore. This month you can expect to see a lot of art and beer events on around the capital. Not forgetting, Easter Weekend kicks off at the end of the month on Friday 30 March so there is yet more school holidays for parents to deal with.

For a guide to what’s on in London over Easter, click here.

• 1 – 4 March : The Spring Knitting & Stitching Show

Haberdashery festival featuring workshops, knitworking, dressmaking studio, textile galleries, Mr X Stitch Guide to Cross Stitch and the Creative Living Theatre. Open 10am-7pm, Fri-Sat: 10am-5.30pm, Sun: 10am-5pm. Tickets: Adults £13.50, Children £6. Olympia, Hammersmith Road, Kensington, W14 8UX. Nearest station: Kensington Olympia. For more information, visit the Knitting & Stitching Show website.

• 1 – 4 March : Number 90’s 4th Birthday

Popular canalside destination are hosting a mini festival of sorts over four days to celebrate their fourth birthday. Including DJs, live painting sessions, vintage clothes stalls, film screenings, dance show, magician, live music, food and drink. DJs and artists include Norman Jay MBE, Haggis Horns, Toytown Hustle, Dila V & The Oddbeats and the Pop-Up Choir. Open Thu and Sun 12pm-11pm, Fri-Sat 12pm-1am. Free entry. Number 90 Bar and Kitchen, 90 Wallis Road, Hackney Wick, E9 5LN. Nearest station: Hackney Wick. For more information, visit Number 90’s website. Read Metro Girl’s blog post on the festival.

• 1 – 8 March : International Women’s Day @ Seven Dials

A week of events, offers and promotions celebrating women at the stores and businesses of Seven Dials. Highlights include a panel discussion hosted by Gemma Cairney on IWD on 8 March. At venues and stores around Seven Dials, Covent Garden, WC2H. Nearest station: Leicester Square or Covent Garden. For more information, visit the Seven Dials website. Read Metro Girl’s blog post on the event.

• 1 – 20 March : Richmond Upon Thames Music and Drama Festival

Three weeks of music, dance and drama performances by local artists, arts organisations and schools. The Music and Drama Festival Showcase will take place at The Exchange in Twickenham on 4 March at 3pm (Tickets: £5-£10). The rest of the festival takes place in various venues across the borough. For more information, visit the Richmond.gov.uk website.

• 1 – 21 March : Pauline Bewick Art Exhibition

One of Ireland’s most acclaimed artists Pauline Bewick displays some of her huge collection as part of the St Patrick’s Festival. Open 9am-5pm. Free entry. City Hall, The Queen’s Walk, Borough, SE1 2AA. Nearest station: London Bridge. For more information, visit the London.gov.uk website.

• 1 March – 6 May : Somnai

Experience a live, multi-sensory experience with immersive technologies. Somnai is said to be the biggest theatrical event since Punch Drunk and offers a ‘lucid dreaming’ experience. Over 18s only. 90 minutes long. Times vary. Tickets: £50. 2 Pear Tree Street, Clerkenwell, EC1V 3SB. Nearest stations: Old Street, Barbican or Farringdon. For booking and more information, visit the Somnai website.

• 2 – 3 March : Movie Nights at the Museum

Watch a film under Hope the whale in the Hintze Hall. Movies include Star Trek, Star Trek: Into Darkness, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and Star Wars: A Force Awakens. Screenings at 7.15pm and 10.15pm. Tickets: £28. Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, South Kensington, SW7 2RL. Nearest station: South Kensington. For booking, visit the NHM website.

• 3 March : Magic of India Holi Festival

Family friendly festival to celebrate the Hindu festival of Holi. Featuring dry colour powder play, DJs, drummers, giveaways, hot Indian food and more. 11am-3pm. Tickets: £12. Exact location to be revealed nearer the time. Nearest station: Swiss Cottage. For tickets, visit the Funzing website.

• 3 March : RA Lates – Night at the Palace

Late night party at the Royal Academy of Arts inspired by their upcoming Charles I exhibition. The RA will be transformed into the King’s Whitehall Palace for dancing, feasts, art, music, immersive experiences and creative activities. Dress code: Courtly decadence. 7pm-11.45pm. Tickets: £25-£40. Royal Academy of Arts, Burlington House, Piccadilly, W1J 0BD. Nearest station: Green Park or Piccadilly Circus. For more information, visit the RA website.

• Now until 4 March : Vault Festival

Six week arts festival in the tunnels beneath Waterloo across three venues. Entertainment includes live music, theatre, film, dance, comedy and late-night parties. Open Wed-Sun. Ticket prices vary. The Vaults, 10 Leake Street, Waterloo, SE1 7NN. Nearest station: Waterloo and Lambeth North. For booking, visit the Vault Festival website. To find out about this year’s highlights, click here, or for a review of Neverland, an immersive theatre show, click here.

• Now until 4 March : Snow Kingdom – Backyard Cinema

Backyard Cinema have created a wintry immersive cinematic experience in the foodie surrounds of Mercato Metropolitano. Travel through an ice cave and across a frozen lake to watch new and classic films in the atmospheric Snow Kingdom. Tickets from £17. Backyard Cinema, 42 Newington Causeway, Elephant & Castle, SE1 6DR. Nearest station: Elephant & Castle. For booking, visit the Backyard Cinema website. For Metro Girl’s review, click here.

• Now until 4 March : Ovo by Cirque du Soleil

The newest touring production from the Cirque, a spectacular exploration of the ecosystem, with insects working, playing, fighting and looking for love. Tickets range from £25-£231. Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, SW7 2AP. Nearest stations: South Kensington, Knightsbridge or High Street Kensington. For more information and booking, visit the Cirque Du Soleil website. 

• 4 – 9 March : London Design Week

Week-long interior design festival featuring over 100 events, including talks, demonstrations, showrooms, installations, food and drink. 4-6 March trade preview, 7-9 March all welcome. Open 10am-6pm. Free entry, but register in advance. Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour, SW10 0XE. Nearest station: Imperial Wharf. For more information, visit the London Design Week website.

• 7 – 11 March : Women Of The World Festival

A festival of talks, debates, music, film and comedy celebrating women. Kathy Lette, Sandi Toksvig, Lucy Jane Parkinson, Patrisse Khan-Cullors, Li Maizi, Jude Kelly, among the featured names. Events range from free to £25, while or many included with day pass £30, two-day pass £55, three-day pass £80. Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, South Bank, SE1 8XX. Nearest station: Waterloo. For more information and booking, visit the Southbank Centre website.

• 8 March : Lena Hoschek pop-up

Womenswear designer Lena Hoschek is hosting a pop-up in Soho, featuring fashion, breakfast and goodies. Guests will have the opportunity to check out the new SS18 Kiss me Piroschka collection and preview the AW18 Wintergarden collection. Open 9.30am-6pm. 6th@Soho, 33 Broadwick Street, Soho, W1F 9EP. Nearest station: Oxford Circus or Piccadilly Circus. For more information about Hoschek’s collection, visit her website.

The Affordable Art Fair returns to Battersea

• 8 – 11 March : Affordable Art Fair @ Battersea Park

A chance for people to buy a unique piece of art or photography for their homes at an affordable price. There are over 100 galleries, with pieces for sale ranging for £40 to £4,000. Tickets: £10-£12 in advance, more on the door. Battersea Evolution, Battersea Park, SW11 4NJ. Nearest station: Battersea Park or short bus ride from Sloane Square tube. For more information, visit the Affordable Art Fair website.

• 8 – 21 March : My Generation exhibition

New exhibition of photography, prints and previously unseen footage from the Swinging Sixties to mark the release of Sir Michael Caine’s new film My Generation. Also includes Q&A sessions with director David Batty (12 March) and photographer Terry O’Neill (9 March). Open Mon-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 12pm-6pm. Free entry. 3 Carnaby Street, Soho, W1F 9FB. Nearest station: Oxford Circus. For more information, visit the Carnaby London website. Read Metro Girl’s blog post to find out more.

• 9 March : Friday Late – Bright Young Thing

Late night opening of the London Transport Museum, focusing on the golden age of the 1920s and 1930s. Including lectures, workshops, tours, live music, bars, food and more. 6.45ppm-10pm. Tickets: £15. London Transport Museum, Covent Garden Piazza, WC2E 7BB. Nearest station: Covent Garden or Charing Cross. For booking, visit the London Transport Museum website.

• 10 – 11 March : Walker Stalker Con

Zombie convention featuring panel discussions, meet and greets, autograph sessions and more. Celebrities appearing include The Walking Dead’s Norman Reedus, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Danai Gurira, Greg Nicotero, Lauren Cohan, Tom Payne, Chandler Riggs, David Morrissey, Christian Serratos, Sons Of Anarchy’s Ron Perlman, Ryan Hurst, Tommy Flanagan and more. Tickets from £42. Olympia, Hammersmith Road, Kensington, W14 8UX. Nearest station: Kensington Olympia. For tickets, visit the Walker Stalker Con website.

• 10 – 25 March : Telegraph Hill Festival

Arts and entertainment festival in South East London, including music, open studios, art shows, interactive exhibits, classes, workshops, talks, literary events, 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 11 March : Orchid Festival

An orchid display is coming to the Princess of Wales Conservatory for four weeks, with this year being inspired by Thailand. General entrance tickets to Kew Gardens includes orchid exhibition: Adults £16-£19, Children (4-16yr) £4-£5. Kew Gardens, Brentford Gate, Kew, TW9 3AB. Nearest station: Kew Gardens. For more information, visit the Kew Gardens website.

• 11 March : Head Of The River Race

Four hundred crews from around the world take their boats to race 4.25 miles from Mortlake to Putney. The race starts at 2.15pm. Free. Nearest stations to spectator points: Mortlake, Barnes Bridge, Hammersmith or Putney Bridge. For more information, visit the Head Of The River Race website.

• 12 – 18 March : London Beer Week

A celebration of beers, ales, lagers and ciders with venues across the capital hosting tastings, beer tours, master classes, pop-ups and parties. To have access to the special deals of £3 speciality beers or £5 boilermakers in over 100 of the best beer bars, all you need is a £10 wristband. For more information and to purchase your wristband, visit the Drink Up London website.

• 14 – 16 March : London Drinker Beer & Cider Festival

Beer and cider festival from CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) North London. As well as over 150 beers, ciders and perries to choose from, there is also food, tombola and ‘shut the box’. Opening times vary. Tickets: £4 (CAMRA members £3), but free during Wed and Thur lunchtime openings. Camden Centre, Bidborough Street, WC1H 9AU. Nearest station: King’s Cross St Pancras. For more information visit the CAMRA North London website.

• 15 – 25 March : Camberwell Free Film Festival

The sixth Camberwell Free Film Festival returns, featuring screenings of Loving Vincent, Free Fire, The Florida Project, The Woman In Black, London Symphony and Paris Is Burning, among others. Venues include The Flying Dutchman, William Booth College and the Crooked Well. All screenings are free. For more information, visit the Free Film Festival’s website.

• 16 – 18 March : Move It

Dance festival featuring performances, classes, workshops retail, and talks by experts from all genres, including Adam Garcia, Balletboyz, English National Ballet, Flawless, Chrissy Brook, Jonny Labey, Strictly’s Neil and Katya Jones, Rambert, Royal Academy of Dance and more. Tickets: Adults from £17, Children from £13 (multiple day passes available). ExCel, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, Docklands, E16 1XL. Nearest station: Prince Regent (DLR). For more information, visit the Move It website.

• 16 – 18 March : St Patrick’s Day Festival

A series of events to celebrate St Patrick’s Day. The parade on 18 March starts at 12pm in Piccadilly, before proceeding to Trafalgar Square. The Square will play host to the free St Patrick’s Day Festival from 12-6pm, which includes music, comedy, and a farmers’ market. Nearest stations: Charing Cross, Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square or Embankment. For more information, visit the London.gov.uk website.

• 17 – 18 March : Barbican OpenFest

Weekend celebrating the best of the Barbican, including art exhibitions, music and dance, to open rehearsals, showcases and workshops. Times vary. Free, but some events need to be booked in advance. Barbican Centre, Silk Street, City of London, EC2Y 8DS. Nearest station: Moorgate or Barbican. For more information, visit the Barbican website.

Olympia are hosting several events, including Walker Stalker Con and the Ideal Home Show

• 17 March – 2 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 Rosemary Shrager, Phil Spencer, Martin Lewis, Martin Roberts, Craig Phillips, David Domoney, Ryan Simpson and Liam Trottman and many more. Open daily 10am-6pm (Thurs lates until 9pm). Tickets: Weekday £14 or Weekend £16 (also includes free access to the Eat & Drink Festival). Olympia, Hammersmith Road, Kensington, W14 8UX. Nearest station: Kensington Olympia. For more tickets, visit the Ideal Home Show website.

• 17 March – 2 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 £14, Weekend £16 (also includes free access to Ideal Home Show). Olympia, Hammersmith Road, Kensington, W14 8UX. Nearest station: Kensington Olympia. For more information, visit the Eat & Drink Festival website.

• 17 March – 16 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.

• 20 March : Teenage Cancer Trust comedy show

A night of comedy to raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust. Hosted by Russell Howard, the bill features Dara O’Briain, Sara Pascoe, Desiree Burch, Greg Davies, Paul Chowdhry and Mo Gilligan. From 6.30pm. Tickets start from £27.50. Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, SW7 2AP. Nearest stations: South Kensington, Knightsbridge or High Street Kensington. For more information, visit the Teenage Cancer Trust website.

• 21 March – 1 April : BFI Flare

The British Film Institute hosts the 11 day festival of LGBT film featuring Tali Shalom-Ezer’s My Days Of Mercy and Steve McLean’s European premiere of Postcards From London. Ticket prices vary. BFI Southbank, Belvedere Road, South Bank, SE1 8XT. Nearest station: Waterloo. For more information and booking, visit the BFI website.

• 21 March until summer TBA : Backyard Cinema – Mission To Mars

Watch your favourite sci-fi film in a ‘spaceship’ for an immersive cinematic experience. Tickets: Adults from £17.50, Children (under 12) from £9.50. Date night package for two: £75 (includes snacks, bottle of Prosecco and blankets). Backyard Cinema, Mercato Metropolitano, 42 Newington Causeway, Elephant & Castle, SE1 6DR. Nearest station: Elephant & Castle or Borough. For booking and listings, visit the Backyard Cinema website. Read Metro Girl’s blog post to find out more.

• 21 March – 8 July : Secret Cinema presents Blade Runner – The Final Cut

Secret Cinema returns with an live immersive experience of Blade Runner. Over 18s only. Dress code TBA. Starts from 6-7.30pm until late. Tickets start from £45. In a secret Zone 2 London location to be revealed nearer the time. For more information and booking, visit the Secret Cinema website.

• 22 March : KIDS ’80s Party @ Tramp

Eighties themed party to raise money for KIDS charity, which helps disabled children and their family. Fancy dress encouraged, prizes for the best dressed. Over 18s only. 10pm-3am. Tickets: £50 (includes welcome cocktail and canapés) or reduced £35 tickets if you buy during the flash sale on 1-9 March (code MARCH15). Tramp, 40 Jermyn Street, St. James’s, SW1Y 6DN. Nearest station: Green Park. For tickets, visit the KIDs website. To find out more about the party, read Metro Girl’s blog post.

• 22 – 25 March : 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 the Saatchi Art Talks and Lounge, Kids’ Create activities 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.

• 22 March – 6 May : Life With The Kennedys @ Proud

Exhibition of LIFE magazine photojournalist Mark Shaw’s intimate portraits of late US President John F Kennedy and the first family. Open Mon-Sun 11am-6pm. Free entry. Proud Central, 32 John Adam Street, WC2N 6BP. Nearest station: Charing Cross or Embankment. For more information, visit the Proud Galleries website.

• 23 March : Celestial City – Friday Late @ The Painted Hall

After-hours event at the Painted Hall in Greenwich. Featuring the chance to see the stunning ceiling, Kaleidoscope making with London Craft Club, live music from Richard Navarro, magic with Paavan, and performance and DJ set by Remix. Over 18s only. 7pm to 10pm. Tickets: £12, Conc £10. Old Royal Naval College, King William Walk, Greenwich, SE10 9NN. Nearest station: Greenwich, Maze Hill or Cutty Sark(DLR). To book, visit the Old Royal Naval College website.

• 23 – 24 March : Whisky Live

Whisky festival comes to 18th century surroundings, featuring masterclasses, food pairings, the VIP Lounge and exclusive private VIP pourings. Open Fri 5-10pm, Sat 12pm-5pm. Tickets start from £49. Honourable Artillery Company, City Road, EC1Y 2BQ. Nearest station: Old Street or Moorgate. For booking, visit the Whisky Live website.

• 24 March : 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.

• 24 March : Goat Race

For an alternative to the Boat Race, check out two goat representing Oxford and Cambridge racing against each other. Proceeds from ticket sales go to the farm. 12pm-6pm. Tickets: Adults £15, Children free. Spitalfields City Farm, Buxton Street, E1 5AR. Nearest station: Whitechapel or Bethnal Green. For more information, visit the Goat Race Facebook page.

• 28 March : Frankenstein – Lates @ Science Museum

Late-night, adults only opening of the Science Museum looking into the dead. Featuring talks, make-your-own frankentoy workshop, live music, silent disco and more. 6.45pm-10pm. Free. Science Museum, Exhibition Road, Kensington, SW7 2DD. Nearest station: South Kensington. For more information, visit the Science Museum website.

• 28 March – 22 April : An Evening Of Meat

An immersive culinary experience celebrating fierce femininity. Featuring dance, performance art and a six-course feast created by Michelin-trained Head Chef Chavdar Todorov. Vegan and vegetarian options available. Doors open 6.30pm. Tickets: From £35 (inc pre-dinner lounge, six-course meal, performance and post-event dancing). The Vaults, Leake Street, Waterloo, SE1 7AD. Nearest station: Waterloo. For more information and booking, visit The Vaults website.

• 29 March – 1 April : London International Ska Festival

Four day festival of ska music at venues across the capital, including the O2 Academy Islington and The Garage. Acts include The Clarendonians, Doreen Shaffer, Otis Gayle, Alpheus, The Spitfires, DJ Little Diane, Ranking Joe, Clive Chin, Oxman & Gladdy Wax Sound System and many more. Wristbands for the whole festival £140, individual gigs range in price. For more information and tickets, visit the London International Ska Festival website.

• 30 March : Springfest

German beer festival comes to Ally Pally, featuring live music, food and, of course, plenty of beer. 5.30pm-10.30pm. Tickets start from £17. Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7AY. Nearest station: Alexandra Palace or Wood Green. For more information, visit the Springfest website.

• 30 March – 1 April : Le Beat Bespoke

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 from £7-£25, or three-day pass £59. 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.

• 30 March – 29 April : Travel Photographer Of The Year Awards

Outdoors exhibition featuring the winning images of the Travel Photographer Of The Year Awards. Open 24 hours. Free to view. Located on the Queens Walk by the Thames near City Hall and The Scoop, Southwark, SE1 2AA. Nearest station: London Bridge. For more information, visit the TPOTY website.

• Now until 31 March : Winterland

Pop-up winter experience returns to West London, featuring winter lodges, riverside igloos, curling, mini golf, karaoke booth, Prosecco pong, Jimmy Garcia’s fondue, hot toddies, wood-fired pizzas, two bars, heated pergola and more. Open Thur-Fri: 6pm-11pm, Sat: 2pm-11pm. Entry from £5. Winterland, 364 Wandsworth Bridge Road, Fulham, SW6 2TY. Nearest station: Wandsworth Town. For more information, visit the Winterland website.

• Now until 8 April : Winnie The Pooh – Exploring A Classic

AA Milne’s beloved bear is celebrated with sketches, letters, photographs, cartoons, ceramics and fashion. Open 10am-5.45pm. Tickets: Adults £8, Student 12-17, NUS £5, Children 0-11 free. Victoria & Albert Museum, Cromwell Road, South Kensington, SW7 2RL. Nearest station: South Kensington. For more information, visit the V&A website.

• Now until 22 April : Rhythm & Reaction: The Age of Jazz In Britain

Exhibition exploring the impact of jazz on Britain from 1918, featuring painting, printmaking and cartoons, moving film, instruments and, of course, jazz. Open Mon, Thur-Sat: 10am-4:30pm, Wed: 10am-9pm, Sun: 11am-4:30pm, closed Tues. Free entry. Two Temple Place, 2 Temple Place, Temple, WC2R 3BD. Nearest station: Temple. For more information, visit the Two Temple Place website.

• Now until 28 April : Paint Pigment Photography exhibition

Exhibition inspired by the Hindu festival of Holi featuring Rob and Nick Carter’s stunning images of coloured powder captured at 1/8000th of a second. Open Tues-Sat 10am-6pm. Free entry. RN at 5a, 5A Bathurst Street, Connaught Village, W2 2SD. Nearest station: Paddington or Lancaster Gate. For more information, visit the Rob and Nick Carter website.

• Now until June : Sculpture In The City 2017/2018

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. Check out Metro Girl’s gallery of this year’s exhibition.

• Now until 2 September : Painted Hall Ceiling Tours

The Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College is undergoing a huge restoration. For a limited time only, visitors will be able to ascend 60ft to see the painted ceiling up close. Times vary. Tickets: Adults £10, Children £5. Old Royal Naval College, King William Walk, Greenwich, SE10 9NN. Nearest station: Greenwich, Maze Hill or Cutty Sark (DLR). To book, visit the Old Royal Naval College website. Read Metro Girl’s review of the tour here.

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