Wondering what to get up to this week? You're looking in the right place. As usual, we've curated a selection of the hottest upcoming arts and culture events in London. Whether you're after a poetry night, a film festival, panel discussions, art performances or a rave, we know where to send you. This week, we're also asking you to pause your cultural plans for a moment and show up for an important cause.
FILM FESTIVAL
LONDON SHORT FILM FESTIVAL
VARIOUS LOCATIONS
17 January to 26 January
The London Short Film Festival (LSFF) is the UK's leading short film festival. Each January, LSFF hosts ten days of short films, live events, Q&As and multidisciplinary curation. LSFF exists to spotlight a multiplicity of filmmakers, visual artists and creatives, across intersections and with a commitment to peripheral voices. They pride themselves on a 20-year ethos of giving screen-space and visibility to unconventional and thoroughly independent filmmaking, and their programming seeks to situate the contemporary in dialogue with its history and the world at large.
Find the full programme and get tickets here.
NIGHTLIFE
EXPERT DEATH
ORMSIDE PROJECTS
South Bermondsey I 17 January 22:00-05:00
Expert Death is an event series that has spent seven years spotlighting cutting-edge, club-focused artistry. Amidst a challenging economic climate for the nightlife scene, this might be their final party—giving you one more reason not to miss it. The night will feature Príncipe Discos, DJ Marfox, Tom Boogizm, Basic Chanel, and Sarjan.
Only a few tickets here.

DEMONSTRATION
NATIONAL DEMONSTRATION FOR PALESTINE
WHITEHALL
Westminster I 18 January 12:00-16:30
Join the Palestine Solidarity Campaign for the first national demonstration for Palestine in 2025. We will march through London once again to demand: end Israel’s genocide in Palestine, stop arming Israel, don’t attack Iran.
It’s vital we continue to take to the streets in huge numbers to demand an end to British complicity in Israel’s genocide and apartheid, including through an end to all arms trade with Israel.
We encourage you to take a break from your cultural plans to contribute to something crucial this weekend.
All information here.

POETRY NIGHT
ADULT ENTERTAINMENT (SPECIAL EDITION)
GINNY ON FREDERICK
Barbican I 19 January 16:00-18:00
Adult Entertainment is a poetry night run by James Massiah, a poet and musician from South London whose work explores ideas about sexuality, mortality and hedonism through performance, writing and visual media. The event features poets and guests from various creative disciplines reciting their work. This special edition is curated by Tayah Leigh Barrs and takes place in the art gallery Ginny On Frederick.
More information here.

LISTENING IN THE DARK
PITCHBACK PLAYBACK: KENDRICK LAMAR 'GNX'
RIVERSIDE STUDIOS
Hammersmith I 21 January 20:00
Immerse yourself in Kendrick's new sneak attack album at Pitchblack Playback's listening session in the dark. Hear this hotly-anticipated new record in all its power and detail, played loud in uncompressed audio on a powerful, bass-heavy cinema sound system. No distractions; just you and the music.
More information and tickets here.
PANEL DISCUSSION
SPACES OF RESISTANCE: ART AND SOCIAL JUSTICE IN 1980s BRIXTON
AUTOGRAPH
Shoreditch High Street I 23 January 14:30-18:30
As part of The Studio – Staging Desire, an exhibition of work by prominent Black British photographer Rotimi Fani-Kayode, Spaces of Resistance will open with a panel discussion exploring the socio-political climate of 1980s Brixton. Panel one will delve into local social activism involving anti-racism movements, LGBTQ+ rights campaigns and grassroots community organising that sought to challenge institutional inequalities. Panel two will examine the ongoing impact of these movements and explore how they continue to inspire activism and creative practices around identity, community, and representation.
You’ll also have an opportunity to see photographs Fani-Kayode took at his Brixton studio from 1983 until his death in 1989 in the exhibition before and after the talks.
Find all information and tickets here.

NIGHTLIFE
WRAITH CLUB: UNEARTH EUSEXUA THE COMPLETE OFFERING
THE CAUSE
Royal Victoria | 24 January 22:00-06:00
Created and curated by Parma Ham, the dark rave-cum-performance event is back with a hot, hot lineup—including FKA Twigs, Fecal Matter, and Parma Ham, to name a few. Only a few tickets are left!
Find more information and get your tickets here.

NIGHTLIFE
BOUDICA
FOLD
Canning Town | 24 January 23:00-06:00
Boudica is a London-based queer platform celebrating fast-paced techno and showcasing women, trans, and non-binary talent. On 24 January they are back with their first party of the year and the aftershow of Boudica Music Conference. The lineup features Boo, Juliana Huxtable, Lolsnake, Samantha Togni, and Teecra.
Find more information and get your tickets here.

PERFORMANCE
BODYSONGS: FILM SCREENING AND Q&A
VFDALSTON
Dalston Kingsland I 25 January 18:00
An evening of short films introduced by visual artist and curator Charlie Jimenez followed by a Q&A with filmmakers, exploring the emotional landscapes of the body and questioning how we understand, reshape, and express ourselves in the flesh.
Get your tickets and more information here.
theatreuppetry, animation, object theatre, mime, live art, and physical theatre.