As London finally heats up, the city brings us some fantastic outdoors events. From family friendly trails to river cruises; it's best to make the most of this week's sun! Whether you are running around looking for fanciful dream jars, or reflecting on the work at the Tate, this is the week to utilise the long (and hopefully warm) evenings.

Check back regularly to keep up to date with London's latest happenings and our weekly recommendations!

A Journey and a Destination: How to Make Living Streets | July 19

Image: PRP

"We demand a lot from our streets. They are where we live, a way of getting from A to B, and the place where neighbours meet and community networks are built."

This talk, hosted by The Building Centre, will be a great chance to discuss what it is that makes a 'successful' street, with speakers from Architectural and Landscape/urban planning expertise. Asking poignant questions, and opening up for discussion, the panel will tackle sustainability, transport, accessibility and logistics; looking into what transforms a street into a successful place.

This event is part of "Re/Making the Street" exhibition, more information on this can be found here.

Parallax Art Fair | July 23-24

With 16,000 visitors, 200 independent international exhibitors and often 6000 products on display, Parallax Art Fair is arguably the most popular fair of its kind in London. The fair is free to visit, there is no commission to pay, and artists are often present to sell their work and talk about their ideas. The concept of this fair was conceived by Dr C G Barlow, founded by art historians, and has been growing since the first event in 2010. By all accounts, it is an interesting and different way in which to exhibit work in a gallery setting.

This event is a great opportunity to start or expand a personal art collection, and also gives visitors a realistic insight into the current state of the art world.

Architecture on the Thames Central | July 26

© Jason Hawkes/Getty Images

Sign up this week for a different kind of London Architecture tour on Tuesday 26th July.

This water tour will travel initially upstream from Festival pier, observing bridges and buildings such as Battersea Power Station, Somerster House, and the Shard. From the perspective of the water, the buildings will be shown to participants in a completely different way. The evening’s tour guide, Benedict O'Looney, with his extensive experience in both Architecture and tour leading, will provide attendees with some great insight into some of the most prominent buildings in London.

Pimms, water, and architecture…what's not to love about this evening on the water? Book your tickets here before they sell out!

The BFG in London | Open now until August 31

© Quentin Blake

Whether you have kids to entertain in London, or if The Big Friendly Giant was part of your childhood, the Roald Dahl classic has taken over the city this summer. In conjunction with the new film adaption’s release this month, the House of Illustration has a gallery full of original drawings, some of which have not been seen by the public before. The collection will show the creative process, with initial sketches and final, published illustrations hung together.

Associated with this exhibition, is the Dream Jar Trail, which covers the centre of London. These jars, created from the dreams of big names including Steven Spielberg, HRH The Duchess of Wales, Buzz Aldrin, and Stephen Hawkins, explore the wondrous world of dreams and the BFG. It’s a great way to get out and enjoy the city in a different way; through the childhood eyes of fantasy.

Art and Alcohol | Open now until September 28

© Gilbert and George

“Since William Hogarth satirised the Georgian craze for gin, artists have explored Britain’s relationship with alcohol – as social lubricant, or as factor in social or family breakdown.”

Curated by David Blayney Brown, Art and Alcohol looks at the changing approach to alcohol and socialising through the ages, and how drinking has shaped our nation. Ranging from 19th century works, to modern depictions of a ‘boozy Britain’, the collection shows how interesting a topic ‘drinking and society’ is.

The Tate is also running 30-minute talks on this exhibition.

Also keep track of our weekly event picks for New York City and Los Angeles.

Have an event you want to submit? Send it to Bustler for review here.