ShortList is supported by you, our amazing readers. When you click through the links on our site and make a purchase we may earn a commission. Learn more

The best things to do in London this weekend

Did you know it's St Patrick's Day?

The best things to do in London this weekend
16 March 2018

Barbican Openfest events

A variety of events are taking place at the Barbican over the weekend, and plenty of them won’t cost a penny. These include the ‘Tunnel Visions: Array’ in the Beach Street Tunnel, Theatre Deli’s ‘Happiness Engineers’ immersive experience, and a variety of talks and workshops where you can just drop in on the day.

https://www.barbican.org.uk/whats-on/2018/series/barbican-openfest - All Weekend, Various locations EC2

Scandinavian spring market

You might have noticed the days getting longer and the sun being out when you come into work. That’s right, the sun – remember that guy? That makes it a perfect time for a spring market, and the Scandinavian Spring Market in Rotherhithe fits the bill. Located between the Finnish and Norwegian churches, it features stalls offering traditional Scandi food as well as jewellery and assorted knick-knacks.

http://scandimarket.co.uk/

Greenwich Sausage Walk

Sausage dogs are undeniably great, and it’s a scientific fact that you become 20% happier upon seeing one*. So, by our calculations, joining in with this sausage dog walk in Greenwich Park will give you enough happiness to last you several years. It’s a walk. In a park. With dogs. Get involved.

*neither scientific nor a fact

https://thelondog.com/london-dog-event/sausage-walk-london-2018/ - Free, Sunday 1pm, King William Walk SE10

The Big Lebowski 20th anniversary screening

The Big Lebowski is as great today as it was upon its release 20 years ago, and the anniversary is making us all feel old. Try to escape the inevitable passage of time by watching a special screening of the Coen Brothers classic at the Prince Charles Cinema, while knocking back a white Russian or five.

https://princecharlescinema.com/PrinceCharlesCinema.dll/WhatsOn?f=6018846 - £10, Saturday 8.45pm, Leicester Place WC2H

Classical Coffee Morning

If you’re after something a little more laid-back this weekend, violinist Amber Emson is performing at the Royal Albert Hall on Sunday morning. You’ll be able to enjoy a hot drink and a pastry with the live performance in the same room, all for £12,50.

https://www.royalalberthall.com/tickets/events/2018/classical-coffee-mornings-amber-emson/ - 11am, Sunday 18th March, £12.50

Rise of the Machines

This sounds really, really good. The Rise of The Machines is a club night at Village Underground that combines classical music with advancements in AI and electronic music. Featuring a 30 piece orchestra and nonclassical DJs and live ‘experimental electronics’. We don’t really know what these are but we bet you’ll have never been on a night like this.

http://www.villageunderground.co.uk/events/rise-of-the-machines/ - Sunday 18th March, 8pm, 54 Holywell Ln, London EC2A 3PQ

Tattoo Collective

Over 150 of the best tattoo artists from Britain & Northern Ireland will descend on The Old Truman Brewery this weekend for what looks set to be a wonderland for tattoo lovers. The best tattoo studios in the land will exhibit under one roof, and as well as being able to book appointments with your favourite artists you can buy limited edition prints and original artwork.

http://thetattoocollective.co.uk/

Dulwich Hamlet vs. Worthing

Last week we brought you an update on non-league football club Dulwich Hamlet’s dispute with their landlords and their unique and bizarre situation. Well, since then, they’ve found a new temporary home - sharing with fellow London club Tooting and Mitcham FC - and will play their first game there against Worthing on Sunday afternoon.

http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/dulwichhamlet/teams/56196/match-centre/1-2865295 - £10 (£5 concessions), Sunday, 3pm, Bishopsford Road SM4

Trim & Tonic grooming pop up

Pop down to The Bloomsbury Club Bar this Saturday between 10-4pm and enjoy a gin & tonic from Dingle Distillery and a proper hot towel shave from Mayfair’s oldest barber’s Truefitt & Hill to make sure you look good before you head out for whatever St Patrick’s night holds. As an added bonus, if you can show proof of an Irish passport, the whole thing is completely free. Another advantage to having one aside from Brexit. 

http://thebloomsburyclub.com/events/ - 16-22 Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3NN, 10-4pm, £0-25

St Patrick’s Day at The Sun Tavern

The Sun Tavern is celebrating it’s Irish roots and extensive whiskey collection this weekend by offering exclusive St Patrick’s Day cocktails only available on the day itself. It will also be screening the England vs. Ireland six nations game, and whether you’re celebrating or commiserating you can do so into the small hours with Drew McConnell (Babyshambles) who’ll be doing a DJ set for anyone that’s left standing. Definitely worth a visit.

Saturday 12pm-2am,  441 Bethnal Green Road, London E2 0AN  - https://www.thesuntavern.co.uk/