Words: Charlotte Cox
So you’re not at Glastonbury? Neither are we. But don’t despair – we’re full of cool weekend ideas that are high on fun, low on mud
ART: Station To Station: A 30-Day Happening
Ah, we love a ‘happening’. Especially this ‘living exhibition’ by over 100 international artists, musicians, dancers, designers and videographers. Taking over The Barbican for – you guessed it – 30 days, this will mean residencies, one-off performances, interactive displays, a rainbow smoke installation and, um, a special cactus omelette. Because you can’t have a happening without a special cactus omelette.
June 27-July 26; free
Barbican Centre, Silk St, London EC2Y 8DS
POP-UP: Dirty Laundry
It's not often that our idea of fun involves the word 'laundry', but then it's not often washing machines make Campari cocktails, liquitabs are made from vodka jelly and you can feast on pizza and Italian aperitivo during your spin cycle. This Fitzrovia laundromat-themed pop-up does it all – amid kitsch-cool Americana to boot. Plus, hostess Signorina Bubbles will be airing your dirty confessions by printing them on T-shirts, leaving your conscience whiter than white. Which you just don't get from your average Daz Challenge.
Until 27 June; from £5
14 Percy Street, London, W1T 1DR
designmynight.com
FOOD: Merci Marie’s Summer on the Roof
Mes amies, écoutez! Sundays are about to get deliciéux. Because Marie Gonfond of renowned supperclub Merci Marie is taking to Dalston Roof Park to serve up Le Brunch Du Dimanche (that’s Sunday brunch, for anyone who skipped GCSE French). Marie promises that we’re in for ‘something different’ during the 10.30-2pm time slot – telling us ‘don’t expect the full English’. Intrigued? Well, we suggest you set your alarm clocks, then.
Sundays, 10.30-2pm
Fitzroy House, Abbot Street, London E8 3DP
EVENT: Krankbrother Street Party
So, we’re not going to Glastonbury and we’re guessing that, as you’re reading a weekend guide, neither are you. But that doesn’t mean we can’t throw shapes outdoors with strangers to super-cool tunes, dammit. In fact, DJ outfit Krankbrother are making darned sure that we can, by throwing a day-long street party right in the centre of Shoreditch. The line-up offers the finest in dance music, the food offers all manner of street eats, and cocktails and prosecco come courtesy of Soulshakers. Plus, we all get to go home to our nice comfy mattresses. Take that, Glasto.
27 June; from £15
Christopher Street, London EC2A
MUSIC: Friends of Ours First Anniversary Party
With Friends like these, who needs boring weekends? Because Peckham party purveyors Our Mutual Friend have been hosting achingly cool electro shindigs at Canavan’s Pool Club for a whole year now, which means they know how to celebrate in achingly cool style. Namely, by bringing over Amsterdam-based DJ duo Juju and Jordash to play a rare London set. Expect cutting-edge, jazz-influenced beats and a second-to-none sound system in a Phoenix Nights-style setting. The stuff of true Friendship indeed.
27 June, 10pm-4am; from £5
Rye Lane, Peckham, SE15 4NF
THEATRE: Alice’s Adventures Underground
Have you been to Wonderland yet? No? Then consider us your own personal white rabbit and follow us under the ground beneath Waterloo for a fantastical immersive experience. After choosing Eat Me or Drink Me (guess which we did), you’ll be led deep on your own personal quest through Wonderland, meeting acrobatic Tweedledum and Tweedledee, head-juggling with the Cheshire Cat and having a demented tea (read: gin cocktail) party with the Mad Hatter. Better yet, the journey ends at the Wonderland Bar – complete with live music, a maze and flamingo croquet. And, of course, plenty of prosecco – because they know how to have a good time in Wonderland.
Until August 30; from £36
The Vaults, Launcelot Street, London
A First-Timers Guide To Visiting Jamaica
The Best Romantic Staycations To Visit
How Manchester Became A Global Hotspot For Fashion
Five Of The Best Hotels In Milan