Free things to do in London this weekend

No fire-breathers here. In fact, water is the name of the game at the annual London Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival where teams of rowers go head-to-head on the Thames – and allow you to have a go yourself. The whole thing is a celebration of Chinese culture, so there’ll be t’ai chi, Chinese lion dancing and street food aplenty (from China and beyond).  

Mayfair and art go together like Monet and gardening, which is why Mayfair Art Weekend is a treat for those with a penchant for paintings. The area, along with St James’s, is home to more than 145 galleries and auction houses, many of which will take part in three days of public events, exhibitions and experiences. That means there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a modern art lover or just adore Old Masters.

The Tate Modern opens up its doors after hours on the last Friday of the month for a special late. This month's shindig is inspired by avant-garde artist Natalia Goncharova. Join Royal Ballet-led dance classes, make paper costumes with Art Macabre, or cover yourself in body art.

This annual knees-up sees the garden of Soho’s St Anne’s Church bursting with live music and entertainment. Catch the Soho Waiter’s Race which kicks off at 3pm outside the French House, hourly snail races sponsored by L’Escargot with chocolate snails for all winners, a spaghetti-eating competition and women-led Morris dancing. 

Bust a move to a live-coding DJ set. The Museum of Brands hosts this rave where unpredictable algorithms are brought to life as electro beats and psychedelic visuals. The Algorave movement is here and thriving!

Hackney's Kingsland Market is back. Originally opened in 1880 as a ‘waste’ market for people to trade their unwanted goods, it was once the place to go for spare parts, second hand goods and odds and ends, but in 2015 trading had dwindled down to just one stall. The new market will be open weekly on Saturdays between 9am-5pm. In keeping with 138 years of tradition, there'll be stalls selling second hand bargains, vintage goods and collectables, antiques, and will also have the occaisional ‘waste’ trader. Long live Kingsland Market. 

Formerly Flea at Flat Iron Square, this weekly vintage and makers market has moved to Vinegar Yard SE1, bringing its heaps of antiques, clothing, homeware, books, bikes and cameras with it. It's hunting ground for treasures and pre-loved artefacts. Can't make it this weekend? Visit its range of pop-up shops, open every weekday. 

Ever wondered how a science lab manages to breed, feed and store a million fruit flies for experiments? Well, prepared to be amazed. The Crick Institute is offering up a behind-the-scenes look at the methods and people driving the latest scientific advances. And it's not just flies either, with the lid lifted on laser guides, cell growers and tech fixers too.