12 Things To Do This Weekend, From New Exhibits To Cultural Festivals

Check out Design Museum’s new major exhibition

For the exhibition lovers out there, you’ll already know about this big arrival. For those who don’t, head over this weekend to experience the major exhibition celebrating the contemporary sari. 

Curated by Priya Khanchandani, the retrospective takes a look at the sari and its complex, layered meaning in India today. The collection brings together saris from designers, wearers and craftspeople in India. 

Throughout the exhibition, there’ll be a series of talks and workshops taking place, including sari draping to discussions surrounding sari identity in today’s modern world.  

When: 19.05.2023 – 17.09.2023
Where: Design Museum, 224-238 Kensington High Street, W8 6AG 
Website: www.designmuseum.org

Find one-off-pieces at this charity car boot

Following the success of last year’s charity event, London’s chicest car boot is set to take over Selfridges Car Park this Saturday.

Bringing an exciting line-up of your favourite brands, designers, celebrities and fashion and beauty icons, it’s set to be the biggest year yet. Hosted by Alex Eagle, the Women for Women International #SheInspiresMe Car Boot Sale is powered by Reselfridges and will see all money raised including ticket sales go directly to the charity, helping them to continue the life-changing work it does for women living in countries affected by war and conflict. 

Advance tickets are now sold out but a limited number of tickets will be released at 10am on Saturday.

When: 20.05.2023 
Where: Selfridges Car Park, 400 Oxford Street, W1A 1AB 
Website: www.womenforwomen.org.uk

Shop curated pieces at this pop-up

Popping up for two weeks in Embassy Gardens will be cult fashion favourite Daily Dress Edit. Founded by Isabel Spearman, this is set to be the creator’s biggest edit yet, featuring over 50 small independent British brands and their beautiful spring dresses.

Fashion brands include Well Worn, Faune, Smock London and If Only If, as well as previous favourites Johanna Sands, Justine Tabak, Coco Conran and Opioneers, all creating exclusive dresses with Isabel available only at the pop-up.

Over the course of the pop-up, there’ll be opportunities for 1-2-1 personal styling and shopping appointments, as well as a special ‘Evening with Isabel’ talk.

WHEN: 16.05.2023 – 26.05.2023
WHERE: OXEYE, 14 NEW UNION SQUARE, NINE ELMS, SW11 7AX
WEBSITE: WWW.DAILYDRESSEDIT.COM

Try out a new wine bar

Working in this industry, we’re always on the lookout for new rising names in the hospitality scene, and our favourite find of the month is henny’s, a new destination bar located in South West London. 

Having started life in Tooting Market in 2017, earlier this year saw this little gem open up shop in Balham. Home to chic interiors and an airy atmosphere, the bar focuses on ethically and sustainably sourced biodynamic wines. 

Whether you know about wine or you’re just starting out, this spot offers up a relaxed space for the wine novice. There’s a weekly changing menu, with an emphasis on wine by the glass or carafe, allowing you to pick and choose from a select few of the team’s current favourites.

Where: 195C Balham High Road, SW12 9BE 
Website: www.hennyswine.com

Catch the theatre adaptation of your favourite Bill Murray film

Head back to the nineties with this theatre adaptation of the Bill Murray starring Groundhog Day. 

Landing at The Old Vic this weekend, the production sees Andy Karl reprise the role that earned him an Olivier Award as Phil Connors, the cynical TV weatherman who finds himself stuck in a loop after covering the annual Groundhog Day event.

When: 20.05.2023 – 12.08.2023 
Where: The Old Vic, 103 The Cut, SE1 8NB 
Website: www.oldvictheatre.com

Travel to Portugal at one of these restaurants

Dreaming of that summer getaway? While your August vacation may feel like forever away, it doesn’t mean you can’t start getting into the spirit now. For an authentic taste of summer, we’ve rounded up the best Portuguese restaurants in and around London, from Michelin-starred curated menus to traditional pastel de natas. 

8 Portuguese restaurants that will make you feel like you’re on holiday 

Enjoy five hours of £5 drinks at Bounce

The title says it all… This week sees ping pong maestros Bounce Old Street launch a new initiative that’s set to be popular. Head down between 2-7pm every Friday afternoon to take advance of their five hours of £5 drinks. 

The new offer kicks off this Friday with Leena Punks on the desks all evening, pumping out the tunes. Look forward to deals on house beer, cocktails, 175ml wine, 125ml Prosecco and house spirit and mixers.

When: Every friday 
Where: Bounce, 214 Old Street, EC1V 9EY 
Website: www.bouncepingpong.com

Get your culture fix at this community festival

Whether you’re after comedy and music or family-friendly activities, Dulwich Festival offers it all this weekend. Running until Sunday, the festival is a celebration of the culture, arts, history and community of Dulwich. 

There’s something for everyone, from artists’ open houses and family-friendly theatre productions of Romeo and Juliet to sustainability activations and short film collections to watch. 

On Saturday, Kingswood Arts’ parade will take place. Expect workshops, beautiful costumes and opportunities to learn a new skill or two.

When: Until 21.05.2023 
Where: Across Dulwich 
Website: www.dulwichfestival.co.uk

Catch the annual Lord Mayor’s Hot Air Balloon Regatta

While it’s not open to the public, you can still catch the sky lighting up with hot air balloons this Saturday morning thanks to the return of Lord Mayor’s Hot Air Balloon Regatta. 

A favourite amongst those in the know, head close to the Battersea Park area to experience the mesmerising moment close-up. 

Keep up to date on the Balloon Regatta website for updates on weather conditions and any time changes.

When: 5:20am on 21.05.2023 
Where: Battersea Park
Website: www.balloonregatta.com