Non-Games events in London during the Olympics

Tête à Tête Opera festival

The Tête à Tête opera festival aims to push the boundaries of the genre with productions such as Mike The Headless Chicken, based on the story of a US chicken who lived for 18 months after his head was chopped off. If you take the plunge and decide you still aren’t an opera fan, at least you’ll be in a pleasant riverside location with a bar. Dress as a princess or frog to get in free.

Aug 2-19. Times vary, £6
Riverside Studios, W6 9RL
Tube | Hammersmith
tete-a-tete.org.uk

The Trojan Horse, Armageddon, Orestes

Greek tragedies The Trojan Horse, Agamemnon and Orestes have been turned into three one-hour plays as part of The Scoop’s ‘10 years of free theatre’ celebrations. If you think Greek tragedy is over your head, be heartened that these performances include musical numbers, dancing and lots of bad puns.

July 5-Aug 5. From 6.30pm, free
More London, SE1 2DB
Tube | London Bridge, Tower Hill
morelondon.com

Notting Hill Carnival

Europe’s biggest street festival is a hectic, noisy celebration of Caribbean culture and is something every Londoner should experience. The streets will be transformed as steel-drum bands, befeathered dancers and colourful floats wind their way from Great Western Road to Ladbroke Grove. In addition, there are more than 40 static sound systems and food and drink stands galore.

Aug 26-27. 9am-7pm
Through Notting Hill, Westbourne Grove and Ladbroke Grove
thenottinghillcarnival.com

Rollerskiing

What better way to avoid the Games than by taking up a non-Olympic sport? Rollerskiing is like cross-country skiing, except you don’t need snow, and your skis have wheels. Be warned, though, it’s hard work – be prepared to sweat.

Thurs 6.15pm, Sat 11.30am, £24
Hyde Park, Battersea Park
Tube | Richmond Park
rollerski.co.uk

Indian Summer Pop-Up Garden

Escape the dismal weather in this exotic indoor garden in the middle of Soho. Sip cocktails and try Indian snacks amid flowers, floating candles and jewel-toned drapes.

Until Aug 31, free
carom, soho, W1F ODN
 Tottenham Court Road
 meza-soho.co.uk

Rooftop Crazy Golf

If the sun shines, head to Selfridge’s roof for an eccentric British tea party, complete with a cake-based nine-hole golf course designed by Bompas and Parr. Each jelly, icing and fondant-clad hole represents a London landmark.

Until Sept 2. 12pm-7pm, £6
Selfridges, W1A 1AB
Tube | Bond St
style.selfridges.com

Not all fun and games: there's plenty more to do in London outside the Olympics