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What's on in East London

East London packs a remarkable amount of culture into a short walk. From landmark venues to smaller galleries, theatres and music spaces, this part of the city rewards anyone willing to explore beyond the obvious — and much of what's on is easy to combine into a single outing.

This page tracks the exhibitions, theatre, concerts and cinema on at venues across East London this week. We show each event's venue, dates and how to book, so you can build a plan around where you already are or fancy heading. Whether you want a gallery afternoon, an evening show or a family day out, start here.

Follow any listing through for full details, times and booking. For a wider view, browse what's on today or this weekend across the whole city.

East · this week

Inside Aardman: Wallace & Gromit and Friends

12/02/2026 - 15/11/2026

Daily: 10.00–17.45

Young V&A

Zifzafa — Lawrence Abu Hamdan: Repercussions - FREE

23/09/2026 - 26/09/2026

23–26 September 2026, free video installation

Barbican Centre (Art Gallery)

for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf

02/09/2026 - 03/10/2026

19:00

Yard Theatre

Fire Fire

09/09/2026 - 03/10/2026

Check website

Arcola Theatre (Studio 2)

The Turn of the Screw

11/09/2026 - 10/10/2026

Check website

Arcola Theatre (Studio 1)

Bloodsport

03/09/2026 - 10/10/2026

19:30 (+ 14:30, Sat 12th )

Stratford East

Heritage Gallery Exhibition: America and London

02/05/2026 - 29/10/2026

Daily 10:00-17:00

Guildhall Art Gallery

Phil Wang: UH OH

24/09/2026 - 18/11/2026

20:00

Soho Theatre Walthamstow

Bank of England Museum – What's On (parent listing) - FREE

21/06/2026 - 31/03/2027

Open Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm (last entry 4.30pm). Open for Museum Lates every third Thursday of the month, until 8pm (last entry 7.30pm, booking recommended). Closed Bank Holidays and weekends.

Bank of England Museum

SHE PAST AWAY + ACTORS

27/09/2026

19:00-23:00

EartH (Evolutionary Arts Hackney)

Enter THE CASTLE with Jon Ronson: Mystery, Crime & Unmoored Men

27/09/2026

14:30

Soho Theatre Walthamstow

The Crack and the Boom: Listening Session — Lawrence Abu Hamdan

26/09/2026

26 September 2026

Barbican Centre (Art Gallery)

Frequently asked questions

What's on in East London this week?

The list above shows cultural events at venues across East London — exhibitions, theatre, concerts and film — updated day by day, with our picks first.

Are there free things to do in East London?

Often, yes. Many London venues offer free entry to their collections and free events. See our free things to do page for everything on this week with no ticket.

How do I get to East London?

East London is well served by the Underground, buses and, in central areas, walking between venues. Check each venue's page for its address and nearest station.

How current are these listings?

They're refreshed continuously, so the events shown reflect what's actually on in this part of London this week.