perks!Things to do in London today
The day's best events, all in one place – it's your social emergency saviour for things to do today
There are thousands of things to do in London every day, taking place in weird, wonderful and gorgeous venues across the capital. To make your choice of what to do today a little easier, we've picked our favourite things to get you started. If you're looking for things to do this weekend too, check out our guides to what's on in London this Friday, this Saturday and this Sunday. Planning even further ahead? Here's all the great things going on in London each month.
RECOMMENDED: read the full Time Out London hot list here
1
Things to do, Exhibitions
‘Scoop: A Wonderful Ice Cream World’
What is it? An exhibition dedicated to all things ice cream.
Why go? See memorabilia from the world’s largest collection of ice cream paraphernalia, try scoops of candied fruit and all-day-breakfast flavour ice cream and stand in a cloud of vanilla-flavoured fog and breathe it in.
Why go? See memorabilia from the world’s largest collection of ice cream paraphernalia, try scoops of candied fruit and all-day-breakfast flavour ice cream and stand in a cloud of vanilla-flavoured fog and breathe it in.
King's Cross
2
Film
Movies on the River
What is it? Watch a movie under the stars on the top deck of a boat, after a cruise along the Thames at Time Out's cinema on the river.
Why go? Tonight, catch an alfresco screening of ‘Mean Girls’.
Why go? Tonight, catch an alfresco screening of ‘Mean Girls’.
Aldgate
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3
Things to do, Games and hobbies
Zip Now London
What is it? The biggest and fastest city line in the world.
Why go? The Zip Wire begins 35m above the ground – the height of nine double-decker buses – and zooms you through the are at speeds of 31mph.
Why go? The Zip Wire begins 35m above the ground – the height of nine double-decker buses – and zooms you through the are at speeds of 31mph.
Lambeth
4
Things to do, pop-ups
Dock Beach
What is it? Unprecedentedly, the London borough of Newham is home to a golden coastline. The Royal Docks has a golden stretch of sand set against a backdrop of the Emirates Air Line. Why go? Cool off by the alfresco pool at the dock edge, build a sandcastle or just simply kick back in the sand, sip on cocktails and put on your resting beach face.
London
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5
Things to do, Festivals
Africa Utopia
What is it? A weekend celebration of Africa and the African diaspora, featuring music, debates, comedy, arts and crafts, dance and fashion, as well as a market and street-food stalls. Why go? Highlights include a performance from Malian husband and wife musical duo, Amadou & Mariam and the UK premiere of the short film adaption of Nnedi Okorafor’s award-winning story, ‘Hello Rain’.
South Bank
6
Things to do, Film events
Rivoli Ballroom Pop-Up Cinema
What is it? Settle down in the beautiful surrounding of the Rivoli Ballroom – one of the last remaining ballrooms round – for a pop-up film fest along with plenty of popcorn, ice cream, hot dogs and booze.
Why go? Catch ‘Goodfellas’ tonight.
Why go? Catch ‘Goodfellas’ tonight.
Brockley
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7
Things to do, Exhibitions
‘A Sort of Home’: 1970s Whitechapel
What is it? Get an eyeful of London's East End back in the 1970s at this show of snaps by London-based documentary photographer David Hoffman.
Why go? See images of St Botolph’s Crypt wet shelter and Fieldgate Mansion, a row of Victorian mansions once occupied by squatters in the mid-1970s.
Why go? See images of St Botolph’s Crypt wet shelter and Fieldgate Mansion, a row of Victorian mansions once occupied by squatters in the mid-1970s.
Whitechapel
8
Things to do, Quirky events
Lee Valley Beach
What is it? The Lee Valley White Water Centre has not one but two urban beaches to explore.
Why go? The smaller one boasts 140 tonnes of light golden sand and the second inland sand haven is for bigger kids looking to play hard. Hire it out for volleyball and beach football tournaments.
Why go? The smaller one boasts 140 tonnes of light golden sand and the second inland sand haven is for bigger kids looking to play hard. Hire it out for volleyball and beach football tournaments.
London
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9
Things to do, Exhibitions
Nelson Mandela: The Centenary Exhibition 2018
What is it? Southbank Centre's exhibition explores his life and career of one of the most iconic freedom fighters to ever live.
Why go? Follow Mandela's journey from a young man to becoming a symbol of inspiration across the world. Even though Nelson Mandela Day falls on July 18, the exhibition runs for over a month.
Why go? Follow Mandela's journey from a young man to becoming a symbol of inspiration across the world. Even though Nelson Mandela Day falls on July 18, the exhibition runs for over a month.
South Bank
10
Art
Frieze Sculpture 2018
What is it? Frieze return with their annual outdoor display of contemporary sculptures in the English Gardens of Regent's Park.
Why go? See afrofuturistic flags by Larry Achiampong, a 14-metre-high needle woman tower by Kimsooja, and a 2017 work by Tracey Emin.
Why go? See afrofuturistic flags by Larry Achiampong, a 14-metre-high needle woman tower by Kimsooja, and a 2017 work by Tracey Emin.
Regent's Park
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