The Monster

The Monster dares you to let loose your inner child as the world’s biggest bouncy castle experience announces a full UK tour. At nearly 300 metres long, The Monster is one of the world's largest inflatable obstacle courses.

Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7AY, Friday, August 24, to Monday, August 27. Details: 020 8365 2121 alexandrapalace.com

East London Talent Market

This August Bank Holiday weekend, independent makers and up-and-coming brands will come together at a one-day market, which is free to attend. E20 will have stalls from emerging clothing brands like father and son swimwear brand Tom + Teddy and AMKI Wear’s fitness apparel, to art and crafts from local artist Amy Grimes and jewellery maker Roo Bannister. There is sure to be something unique for everyone to take home. For those looking to discover their own special talents, East Village’s new pop-up learning hub will be hosting a sewing workshop for beginners taught by East London resident Box and Roll. And if the day’s events leave visitors feeling peckish, there will be a number of food stalls offering a range of delicious snacks including raw food from Totally Raw, alcoholic ice cream from JW Ice Cream and confetti cupcakes from Romford’s Small Slice Bakery. Family favourite Paddington 2 will also be showing in Victory Park at 1.30pm.

East Village, Stratford, Saturday, August 25, 11am to 4pm. Details: eastvillagelondon.co.uk

Great Big Summer Weekend

See the summer out in style with four days of music, performance and dance at a weekend of free celebrations for all ages.

Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, Lambeth, SE1 8XX, Friday, August 24, to Monday, August 27. Details: 020 7960 4200 southbankcentre.co.uk

Notting Hill Carnival

A two-day celebration of Caribbean heritage on the streets of Notting Hill. Celebrations include costume-clad Caribbeans dancing to traditional reggae, meringue, calypso, rumba, and zouk music, and street vendors selling foods like seasoned jerk chicken, callaloo, and traditional goat stew.

Notting Hill, Sunday, August 26, and Monday, August 27. Details: thelondonnottinghillcarnival.com

Smithfield 150

This August Bank Holiday weekend Culture Mile will take over the markets in Smithfield as well as the surrounding streets, lanes and hidden spaces around Farringdon for a free, fun-filled festival spectacular. Smithfield 150 celebrates the 150th anniversary of Smithfield Markets and will showcase the best of London’s vibrant culture and creativity. Have a cocktail at the Roller Disco, dance at the main stage, be disgusted by London’s gory past with Horrible Histories, watch Stealing Sheep’s all-female percussion procession, invent party drinks with Company Drinks or let little ones chill out at their own mini-festival hangout as part of London’s biggest birthday party.

Smithfield Market, EC1A 9PS, Saturday, August 25, and Sunday, August 26, 11am to 8pm. Details: culturemile.london

Songlines by Tallulah Brown

A brand new piece of gig theatre with beautiful live folk music from award-winning band TRILLS, Songlines is a witty and moving coming-of-age love story in all its awkward teen glory.

Queen’s Theatre, Billet Lane, Hornchurch, RM11 1QT, Monday, August 27, 8pm. Details: 01708 443333 queens-theatre.co.uk

Viper

Local favourites Viper return to The Coppermill. Great mix of classic covers and original songs from their own musicals.

The Coppermill Pub, 205 Coppermill Lane, Walthamstow, E17 7HF, Saturday, August 25, 8.30pm. Details: 020 8520 3709 coppermillpub.co.uk

Songbirds/Rooms

Two different plays come to the Barons Court Theatre. In Songbirds by Simon Josiffe, Jane wants to be a star. She's got the voice of an angel, but the temper of a rabid wolverine. Olivia has the talent, but is only seventeen. She’s got her followers on Instagram/Twitter/YouTube but is that enough for her to make it in the cynical world of showbusiness? Sue is a natural born worrier and it's her job to promote both of the other two, plus more besides. Welcome to the world of Songbirds Ltd. In Rooms by Debs Wardle, a grounded flight results in an international singer and her PA checking into a grotty hotel with a storm raging around them. In the room next door surrounded by bits of equipment, two spies are waiting for their mark to show up at a meet point opposite. It is only a matter of time before these rooms collide.

The Barons Court Theatre, 28A Comeragh Road, W14 9HR, Saturday, August 25. Details: 020 8932 4747

Pericles

Prince Pericles has everything but understands little. When a reckless act threatens his safety, he must flee his home and take to the sea. Reliant on the whims of the fates and the kindness of strangers, Pericles is driven from shore to shore. Only by reaching the ends of the earth may he finally understand what it means to come home. A huge company of all ages from across London join together with professional artists to breathe new life into this classic tale in a musical version on the National Theatre’s Olivier stage.

National Theatre, South Bank, SE1 9PX, Sunday, August 26, to Tuesday, August 28, 7pm. Details: 020 7452 3000 nationaltheatre.org.uk

To Be The Best Too

This is a work in progress of To Be The Best Too, for ages five and up. To Be The Best Too is a story inspired by Anthony Gatto and how he became ‘the world’s greatest juggler’. Told by Arron Sparks and Owen Reynolds (certainly not the world’s greatest jugglers) through storytelling, parody, some fancy footwork and, of course, juggling.

Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7AY, Sunday, August 26, 11am. Details: 020 8365 2121 alexandrapalace.com

Caribbean Food Week Festival

An exciting mix of cookery demonstrations, live music, Caribbean street food plus an authentic Caribbean market. You’ll also be able to pick up money-off vouchers to stock-up on your favourite products.

Bernie Spain Gardens, South Bank, SE1 9PH, Friday, August 24, and Saturday, August 25, from 11am. Details: gracefoods.co.uk

Hampton Court Palace Food Festival

Come along for a summer celebration of food and drink in the iconic East Front Gardens at Hampton Court Palace. Head to the Kitchen for live cooking demonstrations from top chefs and experts including Michel Roux Jr, Nadiya Hussain and Melissa Hemsley. Discover, taste and shop your way around over 100 hand-picked artisan producers and companies. With everything from oysters to sausages, and brownies to crepes, it's guaranteed to delight even the most committed foodie. Pick up tasty picnic treats to enjoy against a backdrop of one of Britain’s most historic buildings. There are plenty of activities on offer to keep children of all ages entertained, from shire horses and face painting to the Circus School, Tudor cookery and sports activities.

Hampton Court Palace, Molesey, East Molesey, KT8 9AU, Saturday, August 25, to Monday, August 27, 10am to 6pm. Details: hrp.org.uk