What To Do This Weekend 24.07.25

Back for another summer edition, Rhythm & Taste lands at Greenwich Peninsula this Saturday for a full day of live jazz, vinyl DJ sets and top-tier street food. Running from 12pm to 7pm, this free, open-air festival features performances from cult collective Steamdown, rising stars Shunaji and Knats, and a queer jazz showcase led by Gigi Wilde and Queen Kaltoum. Over on the decks, LOOSE.fm will curate vinyl sessions from the likes of Tina Edwards, Tim Garcia and Kay Suzuki. Between sets, hit up Bureau Restaurant in Design District, which is serving a one-off New Orleans-inspired menu – highlights include sticky BBQ pork ribs, crawfish rolls, beignets and summer berry desserts. Small plates are £8 each or three for £22, with summer cocktails like the Creole Cooler and Bourbon Street Punch at £10.

Greenwich Peninsula, SE10; 26th July

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The National Ballet of Japan makes its UK debut with Giselle – a stunning production reimagined by artistic director Miyako Yoshida. Featuring evocative sets by Dick Bird and choreography by Alastair Marriott, this East-meets-West interpretation of a classic tells the story of a peasant girl who dies of heartbreak and joins a supernatural sisterhood of betrayed women, only to save her lover from a ghostly fate. Tickets cost between £7-£150.

Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, WC2E 9DD; 24th-27th July

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London’s coolest pop-up pool is back. Summer Splash transforms Royal Victoria Dock into a free lido, complete with lifeguards, sandpits deckchairs and a wood-fired sauna. Open from Friday 25th July to Sunday 17th August, it’s part of the ‘At the Docks’ summer programme, which also includes a range of DJ nights and family workshops. 

Royal Victoria Dock, E16 1AG

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Following the spring launch of its restaurant, Hello JoJo has opened its bakery on Camberwell Church Street – and the spot is already a favourite among south Londoners. Head Baker Jo Garner (ex-Toad, e5 Bakehouse) is behind the shelves, serving inventive pastries like the honey buns, PBJ buns with strawberries, and beer-infused béchamel swirls. Expect huge Danishes, nostalgic cookies and a selection of savoury bakes – all made with local ingredients and served alongside coffees. 

17 Camberwell Church Street, Camberwell SE5; open daily from 8am

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South London’s ultimate family-friendly music festival returns with Uptown Festival – a one-day celebration of legendary acts, street food and all-ages entertainment. Headliners include Boy George & Culture Club, Heather Small, Stereo MCs and Gok Wan (who’ll be spinning a fun DJ set) with soulful vibes on the Reggae Stage and high-energy fun on the Family Stage hosted by Big Fish Little Fish. Expect funfair rides, bubble magicians, cabaret and a VIP adults-only area. Tickets start from £5. 

Blackheath Common, SE3 0UA; Sunday 27th July, from 2pm

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Simple will open a free multi-sensory pop-up this weekend to celebrate its new UV Fluid SPF 50. Taking place at Outernet, the ‘Whatever the Weather Experience’ invites guests to explore immersive, weather-reactive environments – from surprise showers to bursts of sunshine – all designed to showcase the power of its Gluta-Amino™ technology. Expect interactive games and skin-loving science that protects your glow.

Outernet London, Tottenham Court Road, WC2H 8LH; 25th July (1pm-8pm) & 26th July (10am-6pm)

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BAO’s tenth birthday celebrations culminate in the Battle of the BAO finale – a showdown where three chefs, including BAO alumni, compete for a £10,000 prize and a permanent spot on the Soho menu. After weeks of fierce judging by the likes of chefs Ravneet Gill and Margot Henderson, it’s now up to the public to decide the winner. Head to BAO Soho on Saturday 26th July to taste the final creations and cast your vote.

BAO Soho, 53 Lexington Street, W1F 9AS; walk-ins available

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Unlimited ice cream, live music and feel-good vibes – Sundaes In The Park is back at Chiswick House & Gardens for another day of family fun. Expect performances from Fleur East, Afriquoi, Girls of the Internet and more, plus cabaret, talks and workshops in support of refugee charities. You can look forward to street food stalls, chill-out zones and more. Tickets start from £18.

Chiswick House & Gardens, Chiswick, W4 2RP; Saturday 26th July

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Somerset House’s summer exhibition Virtual Beauty explores how digital culture is reshaping our ideas of beauty, identity and self-image. Featuring over 20 international artists, expect AI-generated portraits, interactive installations and provocative works that challenge traditional aesthetics. From social media filters to virtual avatars, this timely show invites visitors to reflect on beauty in the post-internet age. Ticket holders are invited to ‘pay what they can’ for entry. 

Somerset House, Strand, WC2R 1LA; until 28th September

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Until the end of the month, Skye Gyngell’s Spring is joining forces with The Felix Project – London’s leading food redistribution charity – as part of the Restaurants Feed campaign. Diners can book in for the Scratch Menu, a thoughtful offering made with organic ingredients that might otherwise go to waste. Expect elegant, seasonal dishes that champion low-impact cooking – and do some good while you eat.

Spring, Lancaster Place, Aldwych, WC2R 1LA; until the end of July, Tues-Fri, 5.30pm-6.15pm 

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