18th– 24th May 2026
Dear Hampsteadians,
A good week for small rooms and local curiosities: a classic western in a Tufnell Park pub, poetry at Keats House, an intimate Fagin character study in Hampstead, a continuing Highgate exhibition, and a few strong museum, theatre and music options to round things out.
Readings from Keats’s First Volume of Poems — Keats House, NW3. A very Hampstead evening: readings from Poems, Keats’s first published volume, issued in 1817 when the young poet was still impatient to make his name. Thu 21 May (18:30–19:45). LINK
Community Walks — Holly Lodge Community Centre, N6. A new local walking programme from Holly Lodge Community Centre, created to help older residents get out, enjoy gentle routes around the area, and meet others in a friendly, supportive setting. A useful community-minded addition to the week, especially for anyone who would benefit from a bit more fresh air and company. Thu 21 May. LINK
Marilyn: The Woman Behind The Icon — Upstairs at the Gatehouse, N6. This new play imagines Marilyn Monroe at 100, looking back on Norma Jeane, Hollywood, fame, mental illness and the cost of becoming an icon. An intimate Highgate theatre option running through the week. Mon 18 May – Sun 24 May (19:30). LINK
Stephen Hose Free Lunchtime Concert — Lauderdale House, N6. A gentle Highgate lunchtime option, with pianist Stephen Hose performing upstairs in the Long Gallery overlooking Waterlow Park. A civilised midweek pause rather than a big evening outing. Tue 19 May (13:15). LINK
Circle & Star Presents: Fagin — Hero or Villain? — Circle & Star Theatre, NW3. Steve Furst brings a new immersive character study to Hampstead’s 55-seat theatre, tracing Fagin from Dickens to Oliver! through songs, sketches and a more complicated look at one of literature’s most famous villains. Wed 20 May – Fri 22 May (19:30–21:30). LINK
Melissa Harrison — Owl Bookshop, NW5. The Owl hosts Melissa Harrison for The Given World, her new novel set in the ancient Welm Valley, where spring’s familiar rhythms carry a stranger undercurrent. A strong Kentish Town literary pick for the week. Thu 21 May (18:30). LINK
The Tony Bennett/Bill Evans Album by Dylan Ross and Will Inscoe — Hampstead Jazz Club, NW3. A refined Saturday night jazz option in the cellar at The Duke of Hamilton, revisiting the classic Tony Bennett and Bill Evans collaboration in one of NW3’s best small music rooms. Sat 23 May (20:00–21:30). LINK
Patrick Hourihan: Dark Carnival — Highgate Gallery at HLSI, N6. Patrick Hourihan’s exhibition continues at Highgate Gallery, bringing together works that sit somewhere between playfulness and unease. A quieter, offbeat local art stop for the weekend. Wed 20 May – Sun 24 May (Wed–Fri 10:00–16:00; Sun 10:00–16:00). LINK
Brazil Sunday — Live Brazilian Music — The Woodman, N6. A relaxed pub option to finish the week, with live Brazilian music at The Woodman on Archway Road. Informal, local and a useful counterweight to the more formal arts listings. Sun 24 May (18:00–21:00). LINK
The week’s forecast
Weekly staples:
Bootyfull Car Boot Click to open side panel for more information
Location: William Ellis School, Highgate Rd, NW5 1RN
Day/Time: Sundays, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Parliament Hill Farmers Market Click to open side panel for more information
Location: William Ellis School, off Highgate Rd, NW5 1RN
Day/Time: Saturdays, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Free benefits advice - Holly Lodge community centre
Location: Holly lodge community centre, 30 makepeace avenue N6 6HL
Day/Time: Thursdays, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (book in advance via website)
King William Ⅳ Pub - Piano sing-along
Location: 77 Hampstead High St, NW3 1RE
Event: Piano Sing-Along (Thursday nights)
Hampstead Community Centre Click to open side panel for more information (Indoor Market)
Location: 78 Hampstead High St, NW3 1RE
Day/Time: Saturdays (Crafts/Antiques), 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Highgate Hill farmers market Click to open side panel for more information
Location: St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, N19 5NE
Day/Time: Sundays, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
MAP Studio Cafe Open mic
Location: 46 Grafton Rd, NW5 3DU
Event: Open Mic Night (Typically Sunday evenings; check website for specific sign-up times)