What we’re reading
- New York taps Transport for London's contactless expertise for rail revamp.
- The cat killer stalking suburbia.
- Sign the petition to keep this Whitechapel women-only hostel open.
- Freedom for Frestonia: the London commune that cut loose from the UK.
Things to do
FOODIE HELL: It wouldn't be Halloween in London without the arrival of some seriously spooky, slightly gimmicky snacks, such as these charcoal-cheese balls served with a syringe filled with sweet or spicy blood. Yum. Old Street Station, £5, book ahead, until 26 November
YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN: See Mel Brooks’ ingenious update of Young Frankenstein delivered as a spoof of both stage musicals and the horror movie genre. It’s ingenious, funny, clever and corny. Garrick Theatre, £20, book ahead, until 29 September 2018
URBAN HUNT: This Sydney import invites players to discover Shoreditch's street art and history, all the while receiving cryptic challenges via Facebook Messenger. Use promo code: LONDONIST when you book for 25% off. Liverpool Street, £25, book ahead, 10am-6pm
HALLOWEEN FOR KIDS: Let your little munchkin try their hand at pumpkin carving, creepy cookie baking and settle in for an afternoon of spooky storytelling (2pm and 4pm). Plus, prizes for pumpkin creations and Halloween costumes. Elephant Park, free, just turn up, 1pm-5pm
STEAM AND SCREAM: Who knows what creepy characters you'll meet when you hop aboard the ghost train (and we're not just talking about the other commuters). A magician, silent disco, face painters and owls from the from the Epping Forest Hawk and Owl Sanctuary greets you at the aptly renamed North Weird Station (plus a bar for the adults). North Weald Station, £15, book ahead, 5pm-8.30pm
BEYOND THE HIGGS: Find out what the future holds for the world's biggest physics experiment, the Higgs Boson, at this science talk. Royal Institution, £16, book ahead, 7pm-8.30pm
BREAKING BORDERS: Hear Latin American writers spanning five continents discuss culture, language and identity, followed by Brazilian grooves in the bar from DJ D.Vyzor. British Library, £10, book ahead, 7.15pm-9pm
HORROR FILM: The votes are in and you've chosen the Stephen King adaptation, Carrie, to be screened on All Hallows' Eve. Check out our guide for more horror film screenings happening tonight. The Great North Wood, free, first come first served, 8pm
FRIGHT NIGHT: Use 'ghost hunting equipment' to investigate what secrets lie behind the bones of a child found during renovations of this 400-year-old house. Charlton House, £55, book ahead, 8pm-1am
AFTER HOURS TOUR: Join the evening tour where you'll discover the secrets behind the National Theatre's productions. National Theatre, £12.50, book ahead, 9.30pm
Good cause of the day: Get tickets for the Refugee Bonfire Night benefit on 5 November
Light a sparkler, gather around the bonfire, toast marshmallows and sip mulled wine at this benefit night, with includes a silent auction with 50% of sales going to Refugee Connection, plus a chance to bid on workshops such as Wild Food Walks with Forage London or Chutney, Jams, Pickles & Fermentation Classes with Newton & Pott. £5-£7.50, book ahead, 6.30pm-10pm, 5 November
404
