DAYS OUT

Summer Garden Fete

Come outside and enjoy the sunshine at Stephens House and Gardens. Get stuck in to a packed day of games, food and craft stalls at the Summer Garden Fete this summer. Take part in teddy bear parachuting, explore a vintage Routemaster bus or throw wet sponges at unfortunate volunteers - including local MP Mike Freer. There's even a brass band concert to top it all off.

Stephens House and Gardens, East End Road, Finchley, Sunday, July 19, 12pm to 5pm. Details: 020 8346 7812, stephenshouseandgardens.com

The Beach at JW3

Enjoy a seaside day out... in Hampstead when JW3’s piazza is transformed into a city beach, with sand, seasonal treats, cocktails, deckchairs, music and an in-built paddling pool.

JW3, Finchley Road, Hampstead, until August 31, a variety of times. Details: 020 7433 8988, jw3.org.uk

MUSIC

Bach Players

It's well and truly summer time, so what better time to enjoy an evening of delightful music inspired by the seasons. On the programme are pieces by Vivaldi, Chédeville, Guido, and other composers.

St John's Church, Downshire Hill, Hampstead, Saturday, July 18, 7.30pm. Details: 020 8815 0197, thebachplayers.org.uk

Swing High

Put on your dancing shoes and boogie the night away with a ten-piece team playing pure swing.

Chandos Arms, Colindale Avenue, Colindale, Thursday, July 18, 8.30pm. Details: 020 8361 0265, chandosarmsjazz.co.uk

Swingin' In Slippers

Take a trip down memory lane with a nostalgic evening of music at The Ark Theatre. This new show includes timeless classics from the likes of Doris Day, Perry Como and Andy Williams. So put on your dancing shoes and relive the Golden Age of music with hits including Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, Papa Loves Mambo and Moon River.

The Ark Theatre, The Ark Theatre, Hertswood Upper Site, Thrift Farm Lane, Borehamwood, Sunday, July 19, 7.30pm. Details: 020 8238 7288, thearktheatre.co.uk

Judessa Jazz

A talented quintet with roots in the USA, Ghana, Nigeria, Italy and the UK. Their repertoire includes Sephardic melodies, Klezmer, Hasidic themes, American songbook tunes, classical and other Jewish music.

Chandos Arms, Colindale Avenue, Colindale, Sunday, July 19, 6pm. Details: 020 8361 0265, chandosarmsjazz.co.uk

THEATRE

The Wizard of Oz

Kansas-born Dorothy Gale has often dreamed about what lies over the rainbow. One night, a twister hits her home and she is swept away to another world. Join Dorothy, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, the Scarecrow - oh, and Toto of course, as they travel through the magical kingdom of Oz.

Wyllyotts Theatre, Darkes Lane, Potters Bar, July 16 to 18, 7.30pm, Saturday matinee, 2.30pm. Details: 01707 645005, wyllyottstheatre.co.uk

The Three Little Pigs

Blue's Simon Webbe features alongside a host of West End stars in this exciting retelling of the classic children's tale. Watch the three little porkers become world-renowned celebrity superstars when forced to leave the warmth of their mother's overcrowded sty. Will they be able to stand on their own four trotters and outwit the Big Bad Wolf? Full of catchy songs and jokes, catch this endearing show before it hits the West End.

artsdepot, Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, July 24 to 26, 11am and 2pm, except Sunday 11am only. Details: 020 8369 5454, artsdepot.co.uk

36 Phone Calls

As Martin’s carefully constructed lives as husband, father, son, lover, client, employee and patient spiral out of control, he must decide what is important and how he can atone for his mistakes. BAFTA-winner Jeremy Brock returns to Hampstead with a gripping glimpse into Martin’s unravelling world.

Hampstead Downstairs Theatre, Eton Avenue, Swiss Cottage, until July 18, Monday to Saturday, 7.45pm, Wednesday matinees, July 8 and 15, 2.45pm, Saturday matinees, 3.15pm. Details: 020 7722 9301, hampsteadtheatre.com

EXHIBITIONS

Decade

Abstract artist Lisa Traxler celebrates ten years of painting inspired by her life on the Isle of Wight. She creates acrylic paintings, and 3D enamel and steel painting sculptures. Her work provides a visual diary inviting the viewer to engage with this journey, exploring how Traxler's analytical approach to her art practice has evolved through the decade and around the Island.

artsdepot, Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, until July 20, from 10am. Details: 020 8369 5454, artsdepot.co.uk

This Is Music

A series of portraits by local illustrator Michael Haynes, exploring his passion for music. Showcasing an array of techniques, both traditional and digital, visitors will find an eclectic collection of faces from music’s past, present and future.

artsdepot, Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, July 18 to August 13, various times. Details: 020 8369 5454, artsdepot.co.uk

Electricity - A Form of Energy

Middlesex University graduate Elsa Sandy will show a brilliant new collection of lovingly hand-crafted items for the home and garden. Elsa works with a range of materials including wood, ceramic and plastic.

Hasler Gallery, Grand Arcade, off High Road, North Finchley, until August 9. Details: mynorthfinchley.co.uk

Avenue House at War

To mark 70 years since the end of World War Two, Stephens House and Gardens is transforming its basement back into wartime Avenue House, as it was then known. A selection of fascinating artefacts, memorabilia and photographs will be on display.

Stephens House, East End Road, Finchley, until September 30, Tuesday to Thursday, 2pm to 4.30pm, Saturday and Sunday, noon to 4.30pm. Details: 020 8346 7812, stephenshouseandgardens.com

DANCE

London Dance Factory: Rewind

Paying tribute to 'old skool' garage, hip hop and R&B, Dance Factory have put together a fantastic night of performance art.

artsdepot, Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, Sunday, July 19, 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Details: 020 8369 5454, artsdepot.co.uk

FILM

André Rieu

Beamed to cinemas live from Holland, this screening showcases the enigmatic talent of André Rieu performing his 2015 Maastricht Concert. Hailed as the King of Waltz, André will present an unforgettable evening full of humour, music and emotion for every age.

Wyllyotts Theatre, Darkes Lane, Potters Bar, July 19 and July 23, 1pm, 7.30pm. Details: 01707 645005, wyllyottstheatre.co.uk

The Impressionists

Monet, Cezanne, Degas, Renoir: their works fetch tens of millions of dollars around the globe. But who were they really? This unique film explores the lives of the Impressionists through unparalleled access to a major new exhibition, which also considers 19th Century Parisian art collector Paul Durand-Ruel.

Wyllyotts Theatre, Darkes Lane, Potters Bar, Monday, July 20, 1pm and 7.30pm. Details: 01707 645005, wyllyottstheatre.co.uk

The Merchant of Venice

In the melting pot of Venice, trade is God. With its ships plying the globe, the city opens its arms to all, as long as they come prepared to do business and there is profit to be made. With the gold flowing all is well, but when a contract between Bassanio and Shylock is broken, simmering racial tensions boil over. Screened live from The Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

Wyllyotts Theatre, Darkes Lane, Potters Bar, Wednesday, July 22, 7pm. Details: 01707 645005, wyllyottstheatre.co.uk