Friday the 13th - a bad omen? We think not, actually.  Not with such an exciting, jam-packed, transatlantic weekend lined up, the pure anticipation of it which has already forced all superstitious thoughts from our minds. Here’s the best of what’s going on – both sides of the pond.

The Big Apple turns big playground

Tonight, New Yorkers get the chance to bring out their inner child at Come Out & Play Festival, which kicks off with this evening’s ‘After Dark’ event. Featuring the best in ‘experimental new real-world games’ (how could you not be intrigued?), the annual street games festival is run by a nonprofit group dedicated to helping people rediscover playing and creating ‘city-size fun’. We’re definitely in. From 7pm tonight, After Dark will see an array of games set up around the Seaport, including #ARTBOYSIN magnetic street poetry, what sounds like a noisier version of Space Invaders, and some games that rely on your brainwave activity…

Friday 13th July, 7pm – 11pm, Seaport

Don’t forget to prepare your stomach for NYC Restaurant Week - inexpensive prix fixe menus at a bunch of great restaurants over 20 days.

16th July – 10th August, various restaurants

Because the sun won’t shine in London

Lose yourself among Hashimoto’s playful kites

With the rain showing no signs of abating, we thought we’d brighten up the weekend by visiting The Other Sun, an exhibition by New York-based artist Jacob Hashimoto at Mayfair’s Ronchini Gallery. Sticking with the childhood theme (but involving rather less physical exertion, you’ll be glad to hear), he’s built an installation from thousands of delightful multicoloured bamboo and paper kites.

29th June – 28th August, Monday to Saturday 10am – 6pm at The Ronchini Gallery