The 12 best things to do in London this weekend (24-25 March)

It’s coming up to payday again, but this time it comes with a catch.

Sure, you’ll have some money coming into your account, but there’s also a long Easter weekend around the corner.

That’s why, this week, we’ve got plenty of free events for you among the usual range of entertainment from all corners of the capital.

1. The Boat Race

The annual Oxford v Cambridge Boat Race is back upon us this Saturday, and while the races themselves don’t begin until 4.30pm, you’ll want to get down earlier and make a day of it if you want to guarantee yourself a good spot. There are viewing points all over South-West London, but the fan parks in Fulham and Hammersmith come equipped with food, drink and big screens to help you make the most of the experience.

http://www.theboatrace.org – Free, Saturday 12pm, Various locations

2. Deptford Craft Beer Feast

More than 20 breweries, including a number of South London’s finest, will be offering a selection of their produce in Deptford Market Yard. Entry is free, but you’ll need some cash on you, both for the beer and for the selection of great local street food (think jerk chicken, pizza and more).

https://www.deptfordcraftbeerfeast.com/ - Free, Saturday 12pm-9pm, Deptford Market Yard SE8

3. London Landmarks Half Marathon

It’s not every week you get to see runners struggling their way through a clear central London, and if you’re not at the ‘signing up for a half marathon at a couple of days’ notice’ stage then heading along as a spectator seems far more sensible. Beginning at Pall Mall and ending in Downing Street, it takes in attractions such as St Paul’s Cathedral and the London Eye.

https://www.llhm.co.uk/ - Free for spectators, Sunday 9.30, Pall Mall SW1 and various other locations

4. Tottenham Green Market – Second Birthday Party

Tottenham is full of hidden gems for food and drink, and local traders have been down at Tottenham Green Market on a regular basis for the last couple of years. Locals will be out in force for this birthday bash, with grab-and-go hot food as well as fruit, veg, honey, meat and other stuff that’ll last you a while longer.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1600937773330505/ - Free, Sunday 11pm-4pm. Town Hall Approach N15

5. Urban Food Fest

After the Beast from the East saw the reopening of this street-food-market-in-a-car-park pushed back from its planned reopening time, it’s back for good this weekend. It’s free entry all day, which means it ought to be easy to swing by for a burger or a cocktail in between other commitments.

http://www.urbanfoodfest.com/ - Free, Saturday 12pm, Shoreditch High Street E1

6. BFI Flare Film Festival

This LGBTQ+ film festival will hold screenings of current and classic films over the course of a week and a half. It runs until Easter Sunday, but this weekend’s screenings include films from Canada, Germany, Kenya and the UK.

https://whatson.bfi.org.uk/flare/Online/default.asp - Various prices, All weekend, Belvedere Road SE1

7. Dog-friendly Isle of Dogs Preview

It’s not just humans who want to watch Wes Anderson’s new stop-motion film Isle of Dogs. Probably. Picturehouse Cinemas are putting on previews for man and man’s best friend, so your pup can see a film full of folks who look like him. At the time of writing, many screenings have sold out but some cinemas – including Greenwich Picturehouse – still have spaces.

https://www.picturehouses.com/ - £14.10, Sunday 10am or 11am, Various Locations

8. Leyton Orient v Woking

With no Premier League or Championship football during the international break, it’s worth looking a little further down the pyramid. Leyton Orient are making it worth your while with £5 tickets for their National League game against Woking. It’s likely to be among the best-attended football matches in the capital this weekend, and doesn’t clash with either of England’s games - and be sure to check out the ales and craft beers in the award-winning Supporters’ Club before and after.

https://www.leytonorient.com - £5, Saturday 3pm, Brisbane Road E10

9. Picasso 1932 – Love, Fame, Tragedy

This new Tate Modern exhibit is the first ever solo Pablo Picasso exhibition at the gallery, and takes a month-by-month look at a year which saw the Spanish artist produce three of his most famous works within the space of five days. You can even combine your visit with a Spanish-inspired lunch or brunch at the gallery if you’re feeling peckish.

http://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-modern/exhibition/ey-exhibition-picasso-1932-love-fame-tragedy - £22 (£29 with brunch, £39.50 with lunch), Bankside SE1

10. Ride the Roundhouse

If you feel like cycling 100 miles for charity but don’t fancy braving the London weather, you’re in luck. Ride the Roundhouse, at the Camden music venue, is supporting the Roundhouse Trust’s work with young people. You can ride 100 miles on your own, or split the effort across a relay team (or just watch), with live music in the background, and it’s all for a good cause.

http://www.roundhouse.org.uk/about-us/support-our-work/fundraising-events/charity-challenges/ride-the-roundhouse-2/ - £5-10 for observers, £25 plus a £1,000 fundraising commitment to take part, Sunday 12pm, Chalk Farm Road NW1

11. UK Asian Film Festival Closing Gala

The final few screenings in this festival will air over the weekend in London and a handful of other UK cities, with British-Indian coming-of-age film Boogie Man closing things off with a gala screening at the Courthouse Hotel Shoreditch. Hosted by not-for-profit organisation Tongues on Fire, the festival has also included talks and documentaries from artists and filmmakers with ties to South Asia.

http://tonguesonfire.com/boogie-man/ - £20, Saturday 7.30pm, Old Street EC1V

12. Whisky Live London

Whisky producers from Europe, North America, Asia and Australia will all be under one roof for an extensive whisky tasting at the Honourable Artillery Company, and anyone who heads along will get a wide selection of drinks and cheese pairings throughout the afternoon. If you’re feeling particularly flashy, you can fork out for VIP entry with some special extra pours.

http://www.whiskylive.com/events/england/london - £49, Saturday 12pm-5pm, City Road EC1Y

(Images: Fox/Pixabay/Getty)