20th– 26th April 2026
Dear Hampsteadians,
With spring in full swing and the weather looking great for the week ahead, I’ve put together a list of the most exciting events in our area to inspire you. There’s a great mixture of music, theatre and art… I hope you find something of interest!
All the best,
Tom
Uncut Gems — Tufnell Park Film Club at The Vine, NW5. A very good neighbourhood-film-club pick: Josh and Benny Safdie’s frantic, nervy New York thriller, shown in the back room of The Vine as part of the club’s ongoing Chain series. Exactly the sort of low-key local listing that gives a newsletter texture. Tue 21 Apr (20:00). LINK
Leonora Carrington: The Symptomatic Surreal — Freud Museum, NW3. A very good Hampstead exhibition pick: sketchbook drawings by Leonora Carrington from the outbreak of the Second World War, shown in the Freud Museum in a focused small-venue setting. Quietly one of the strongest cultural offerings in the area at the moment. Wed 22 Apr – Sun 26 Apr (10:30–17:00). LINK
Owen Spafford, Will Allen and Ben Filmer-Sankey — Heath Street Baptist Church, NW3. A strong folk pick for the week, with the trio launching their new album Sun in the Sands — rooted in English traditional music but shaped by London Irish trad and Appalachian old-time influences. This feels exactly the kind of under-the-radar local booking worth flagging. Wed 22 Apr (doors 19:30; live music 20:00). LINK
Geometric Resonances, Magical Numbers and Folds in Time — Burgh House, NW3. A calm, small-scale Hampstead option in the Peggy Jay Gallery, and a good counterweight to the louder live events elsewhere this week. Wed 22 Apr – Sun 26 Apr. LINK
Entertaining Murder — Upstairs at the Gatehouse, N6. A new Highgate theatre run beginning this week, and a good fit for readers who want a local play rather than a gig or talk. Thu 23 Apr – Sun 26 Apr. LINK
Leo Richardson Quartet feat. Alex Garnett — Hampstead Jazz Club, NW3. A strong straight-ahead jazz option in one of the area’s best small live rooms, with Leo Richardson joined by Alex Garnett. Thu 23 Apr (doors 19:30). 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)