If you were still on a downer following the close of the 2012 Olympics, you needed to watch the Paralympics Opening Ceremony – a dazzling, inspiring (and tear-jerking) extravaganza from beginning to end, setting the tone for what should be an exciting fortnight. That’s why watching the games in Trafalgar Square and getting into the spirit of it all is one of our top picks this weekend, as well as checking out incredible film-inspired screen prints in Dalston, getting your head around the concept of hot dogs and bubbly and saying goodbye to summer with a charity fayre at one of our favourite haunts, Queen of Hoxton. Game on!

Friday

ARTS & CULTURE: Blisters: The Director’s Cut, MC Motors Warehouse. 28 Millers Avenue Dalston, E8 2DS

How much: FREE

We say: When 40 established artists and emerging illustrators were tasked with producing prints inspired by some of the most notable movies on the planet, they not only paid homage to the early approach of creating artistic interpretations of film scenes and themes for posters, but collectively produced an attractive show worth checking out when it drops into Dalston this weekend. Launch, August 31st. Open day, September 1st.

Info: www.theculturalexpose.co.uk

CINEMA

Bowiefest at ICA, The Mall, London SW1Y 5AH (on until September 2nd)

How much: £10 per screening (or £8 for three or more selected screenings)

They say: “Legendary rock star David Bowie has been involved in films as long as he has been making music. We celebrate the best of his celluloid appearances with Bowiefest: 3 days of screenings, talks and Q+As.  Renowned for consistently remaking his image and assuming alter-egos in his music, over the last 40 years Bowie has also played a fantastically wide range of characters in his films” ICA

Info: www.ica.org.uk

Saturday

ALTERNATIVE: Paralympics screenings at BT London Live: Trafalgar Square

How much: FREE (entry subject to capacity)

They say: BT London Live relocates to the iconic London landmark for the Paralympic Games, featuring Channel 4 coverage of the Games on a 60m² giant screen daily between 11am to 10pm. Live Music continues to be a part of the BT London Live experience during the Paralympic Games (and) disabled and non disabled visitors alike will be able to experience and try out a range of Paralympic sports including Sitting Volleyball, Wheelchair Basketball andWheelchair Tennis on the Have-a-Go Sports Court” BT London Live

Info: www.btlondonlive.com

EAT & DRINK: Kings Cross Ice Cream Festival, Granary Square (off Goods Way), N1 4AA

How much: FREE admission

They say: “The free, family friendly, two-day festival showcases the best ice creams available in London and the South East and celebrates the history and production of ice cream in the region. Families and ice cream enthusiasts can learn how ice cream is made, starting with the cow (or goat!) right through to the cone” Kings Cross Events

Info: www.kingscrossevents.co.uk

Sunday

EAT & DRINK: Bubbledogs, 70 Charlotte St W1T 4QG

How much: Various

They say: “Welcome to Bubbledogs – a champagne bar that does not serve caviar. Instead, sink your teeth into some gourmet hot dogs and quench your thirst with some of the world’s greatest grower champagnes” Bubbledogs

Info: www.bubbledogs.co.uk

ALTERNATIVE: The End of Summer Rooftop Fayre at Queen of Hoxton, 1-5 Curtain Road, City of London, EC2A 3JX

How much: FREE

They say: “Queen of Hoxton is ‘the ultimate youth club for the adults of the East Side’ and Meet Mutsa is taking over the roof garden and the ground floor with their first rooftop fayre! Featuring traditional fair games, face painting, musical bingo, a silent auction, stalls from a range of London’s independent sellers and a live DJ, we’re inviting you to come down on Sunday 2nd September to bid farewell to the British summer and raise money for charity!” Meet Mutsa

Info: www.meetmutsa.tumblr.com

For more things to do in London, visit www.theculturalexpose.co.uk

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