This Week in E20: 14–20 September

With Black to the Future done, the Park is back to normal service. It is a quieter week than the last, but Tuesday night brings a cup tie at the London Stadium and Saturday is genuinely stacked, with tennis at the Copper Box, runners on the paths, and a film screening off-Park in the evening.

Tuesday 15 September

West Ham v Fulham, Carabao Cup third round

A London derby in the cup, four days after the Wrexham game. A 7.45pm kick off means the Park fills up through the early evening and empties late, so if you are heading out or getting home around then, allow extra time and expect the Stratford end to be busy.

Sketch and Sip at Barge East - final session

The last of the botanical sketching evenings on the barge after a run that started in June. Materials provided, drink in hand, no experience needed. Book ahead, as this is the final one.

Thursday 17 September

upperground

The Thursday DJ residency continues, with a guest DJ taking an extended set across genres and generations in the museum space. Free, no ticket, walk in from 6.30pm. Two sessions left after this one, with the run closing on 24 September.

Saturday 19 September

Davis Cup: Great Britain v Ecuador

The World Cup of men's tennis comes to the Copper Box for a two-day qualifier, with GB hosting Ecuador. Tickets start at £17, which makes it one of the better value pieces of elite sport on the doorstep this year. Check your session time before you set off, as the schedule runs across both days.

RunThrough 5k and 10k

Chip-timed laps of the Park on Saturday morning, with both distances going off from 9.30am. Worth knowing even if you are not running: the paths through South Park get busy with runners and marshals until about 11am, so the dog walk or the school run across the Park will be slower than usual.

Skate Gals & Pals

The weekly inclusive session for BPOC and LGBTQ+ skaters. Boards, pads and helmets provided, capped at 15, and it does book up. Only two sessions left after this one, with the run ending on 26 September.

Hakeem: film screening with Hak Baker Q&A

Doc'n Roll screens Hakeem, an unconventional documentary shot over five years following the east London singer and rapper Hak Baker as he deals with sudden stardom, class, and male mental health. Directed by DEADHORSES, and followed by a Q&A and live acoustic set from Baker himself. It is billed as part of The Music is Black Festival, but this one is at Rio Cinema in Dalston rather than on the Park, so factor in the journey.

Sunday 20 September

Davis Cup, day two

The concluding day of the qualifier at the Copper Box. Expect the Park to be busier than a normal Sunday around the arena, though nothing like a stadium day.

Also running this week

The Music Is Black: A British Story

The flagship free exhibition at V&A East, a multi-sensory run through 125 years of Black British music. No ticket, no rush: it is on until January.

Music is Black: Industry Insights

The Good Growth Hub's free sessions connecting young east Londoners to the creative music industry, in their final fortnight. Panels, peer networking and career guidance for anyone trying to get a foot in the door.

Pop-Up Padel Tennis

The summer pop-up court has just under two weeks left. Rackets available, beginners welcome, and book a slot rather than turning up hopeful.

The Dance Floor at Sadler's Wells East

Free dance classes, workshops and drop-in events at Sadler's Wells East, running to the end of the month. Sessions change week to week, so check the listing before heading over.

Swan pedalos and Black Eats Festival

Both still going for a few more weeks yet, and both better done in September light than October drizzle.