Howdy, adventurers – we’re out of town this weekend as we’re making our way to Amsterdam to run hard (and play harder), but we leave you with a brilliant weekend that looks a little something like this: hip-hop dance by the good man Jonzi D, a fashion exhibition dedicated to sneakers, a new eatery in West that we’ll be having brunch at fairly soon, and two creative festivals that’ll remind you why Autumn’s going to be the best season of the year. Enjoy!

FRIDAY

ARTS & CULTURE: Sneaking Into Fashion: Tracking The Trainers Journey Through Popular Culture exhibition, Covent Garden Piazza

How much: FREE

They say: “The exhibition explores how trainers have become part of the fabric of our culture and will showcase rare pairs including the Nike ‘Studio 54′ Discos, Kill Bill Onitsuka Tigers, 1960s custom-made Vans, Vivienne Westwood ‘Tracey’ heeled sneakers and much more” Javari

Info: www.javari.co.uk

ARTS & CULTURE: Jonzi D’s Lyrikal Fearta: Redux, Sadler’s Wells, Lilian Baylis studio, Rosebery Avenue, EC1R 4TN

How much: £15

We say: If you thought hip-hop dance could only come in the form of a guilty pleasure (see the entire Step Up critically-dubious dance movie franchise) then think again. There’s skill in them there steps, and UK hip-hop dance legend Jonzi D is back with a Sadler’s Wells show to prove it.

Info: www.sadlerswells.com

SATURDAY

EAT & DRINK: Apero, Ampersand Hotel, 2 Harrington Road, South Kensington, SW7 3ER

How much: Various

We say: “There’s a new Mediterranean hot spot in town, providing West Londoners and museum visitors fresh, authentic food that doesn’t pull too much at the purse strings. Try ‘em for brunch.

Info: www.ampersandhotel.com

ALTERNATIVE: Battle of Ideas festival, Barbican, Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS

How much: From £10-£60 day pass

We say: Always wanted to know more about the philosophy behind atheism? Feel like you don’t know enough about the political concept of freedom? Well, some of the UK’s finest minds will be talking on those themes as the Barbican holds the annual Battle of Ideas festival, a weekend of public debates and talks.

Info: www.battleofideas.org.uk

SUNDAY

ARTS & CULTURE: Bloomsbury Festival

How much: FREE

They say: “There’s already masses of exciting preparatory activity taking place all over the area – from architectural structures on Store Street, to dance rehearsals at The Place and round squishy balls being made at Central St. Martins (you’ll have to come to the festival to find out why!). This year’s programme is jam packed with fabulous events – there’s a fantastic line-up on the SOAS world music stage (New York rap meets West-African kora anyone…? Joe Driscoll and Seckou Kouyate are headlining on Saturday night). The weekend will take you from candlelit folk music to sci-arts cabaret, via mathematical walking tours and poetry slams” Bloomsbury Festival

Info: www.bloomsburyfestival.org.uk

ARTS & CULTURE: October Plenty 2012,  Shakespeare’s Globe, 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, London, SE1 9DT

How much: FREE

They say: This annual harvest festival celebrates the autumn season with theatre, food and activities (apple bobbing anyone?), starting from Shakespeare’s Globe and stretching to Borough Market to join their Apple Day of fun and frolics” Lion’s Part

Info: www.thelionspart.co.uk/octoberplenty

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

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