London’s back on track with playgrounds buzzing, Carnival fever building and the inevitable downpours. Whether it’s rain or shine, don’t miss your chance to get your hula hoops whirling at HoolaFest in Hoxton this Sunday. It’s where the spin crowd’s at.
Fri: Imagination Playground at Coram’s Fields, 93 Guilford St, WC1 (Russell Sq tube)
Catch the final day of NYC architect David Rockwell’s pop-up playground aimed at inspiring child-directed, unstructured play, based on his award-winning playground in Manhattan. 10am-4pm, free (ends Aug 19)
Fri-Sun: Calo Festival at Alexandra Palace, N22 (Wood Green tube)
The largest ever UK showcase of Caribbean culture hits Ally Pally featuring massive names in music from Maxi Priest and Krosfyah to Capleton and Mz Bratt. Also take part in free workshops like soca aerobics, street dance, steel pan or stilt walking (moko jumby), plus Caribbean fashion, festival costumes, delicious food and drink with Rustie Lee and more. 8pm-4am (Fri), 1pm-4pm (Sat), 1pm-10pm (Sun), from £25 adult/kids half-price (Sat)/under 12s free (Sun). (Aug 19-21)
Sun: HoolaFest at Queen of Hoxton, 1 Curtain Rd, Shoreditch EC2 (Liverpool St tube)
Warm up for Carnival at the 2nd edition of this hip-spinning bash with rooftop hoola hooping, lessons from Lady Hoola, performances, live DJs, stalls, BBQ and more. 1pm-12am, free (Aug 21)
Local Pick
Sat: Arrietty at Screen on the Green, Islington Green, Upper St, N1 (Angel tube)
Watch the latest release from Studio Ghibli, written by Hayao Miyazaki (Ponyo, Spirited Away), a charming and gorgeously animated tale based on the classic novel The Borrowers. 1.30pm, adult £11-13.50/child £11 (Aug 20)
Special Event
Fri-Sun: Just So Festival, Barnswood, Nr Leek, Staffordshire SK11 0RB
Escape with the family for a magical weekend of creativity and exploration at the boutique festival of arts, music, literature and games featuring puppet theatre, secret book swap, Disco Babies with Diddi Dance, baby bumpkin yoga, pirate training, campfire songs and much more fun. 12pm-late, weekend with camping ticket adult and ages 16+ £80/ages 3-15 £35/under 3s free, Sunday day tickets adult and 16+ £20/child £10/under 3s free, Saturday day tickets sold out. All tickets must be booked in advance! (Aug 19-21)
Baby’s Day Out at London Aquarium