All weekend
OPERA WEEKENDER: Join Streetwise Opera in a dress up and singalong workshop, follow The Music Maestro as he uses the museum as his stage and on Sunday join a masquerade mask-making class, as part of a weekend of events celebrating the exhibition Opera: Passion, Power and Politics. Victoria and Albert Museum, free, just turn up, 10-12 November
DARBAR FESTIVAL: Discover the best of current classical Indian music and dance as Darbar Festival shimmies on over to Sadler's Wells for the first time. Sadler's Wells, £12-£50, book ahead, 9-12 November
DOC 'N ROLL FESTIVAL: The film festival celebrating rock 'n roll in documentary form hits London's cinemas this month. On Saturday, see Rumble: The Indians who Rocked the World (4pm) and on Sunday there's a tribute to Ella Fitzgerald (5pm). Various venues and prices, book ahead, until 19 November
SKYLIGHT: This petite new ice rink comes with views of the city skyline, ice hockey, plus plenty of mulled wine, cheese fondue and on-site blankets to keep you toasty. Tobacco Dock, free entry, (£10 for 45 minutes skating), just turn up, until 7 January
WINTER FESTIVAL: This year Southbank Centre's winter market has been given the Nordic treatment and there's even a Finnish sauna up on the Queen Elizabeth Roof Terrace for you to warm up in. Royal Festival Hall, free entry (£15-£25 for sauna), 10 November-4 January
CARIBBEAN BRUNCH: Arubian jerk chicken tacos with fried plantain, ackee & salt-fish with dumplings, and Montego Bay fruit salad add a touch of sunshine to Cottons' new Caribbean brunch. Launching this weekend in Vauxhall (with reggae music thrown in), the menu also comes with the option of Rum Marys... it'd be rude not to try one. £20, book ahead, 11am-5pm, Fridays-Sundays
Saturday 11 November
LORD MAYOR'S SHOW: Every year London throws a massive three-mile procession through the Square Mile (11am), plus a river pageant (9am) and spectacular evening fireworks display (5.15pm), in celebration of the new Lord Mayor. The Mansion House; Cheapside; and St Paul’s, free, just turn up, from 9am
FUNGI COURSE: Get to know your friendly fungi from your potentially deadly 'shrooms at this 30 minute talk, followed by a two-hour jaunt around the park. Richmond Park, £10, book ahead, 10am-noon
TREASURE HUNT: Embark on a civilised race around the Wallace Collection, before hearing the winners announced during brunch in the courtyard restaurant. Money raised from ticket sales supports the conservation of a frame which protects a Jean-Marc Nattier painting. The Wallace Collection, £35, book ahead, 10.30am-1.30pm
STOKEY VEGAN MARKET: The second edition of this vegan market, which last year managed to raise more than a £1000 to cover vet's bills for Stokey's sick cats and dogs. Abney Hall, £3 (suggested donation), just turn up, 10.30am-4.30pm
PUPPET THEATRE: From the low-lit, wood-covered barge, to the expertly handled, oddly expressive puppets, everything about this theatre is pretty magical. Treat yourself and your kids to this cute production of The Hare & the Tortoise & other stories. Puppet Theatre (Little Venice), £12/£8.50, book ahead, 11am and 3pm
BIG THRILL DAY: With every horror story the news brings, it's no surprise the thriller is being billed as the defining genre of our times. Hear top screenwriters interviewed, take part in a spooky immersive experience and stick around for the mystery thriller film. BFI South Bank, £10/£8, book ahead, noon-11.30pm
VANS TAKEOVER: Skateboards at the ready! Vans Asia is filling Waterloo tunnels with art, music, a DIY paper shoes workshop and lots of cool skater kids. Sign up for sessions here. House of Vans, free, book ahead, noon-6pm
RAVE-A-ROO: Ministry of Sound is throwing the ultimate kids' party, with Shaun the Sheep on the decks, a Play Glow Room with neon crafts a tattoo station, a soft play room and a dancefloor for little ravers. Ministry of Sound, £14, book ahead, 12.45pm-6.15pm
HYPERANALOGUE PARTY: The ultimate Geekender weekend starts here. Sip cocktails in the darkroom bar, while listening to mechanical techno or make music with the help of LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER in this very 21st century embrace of 19th century technology. The Photographers' Gallery, £4/£2.50, book ahead, 6pm-9pm
SOULFUL SUPPERCLUB: Chow down on delicious South Indian thali dishes from Soulful Si at this supperclub. Just reading the menu is enough to make your mouth water. Hornbeam Community Cafe, £10, book ahead, 7.30pm and 9.30pm
Sunday 12 November
THE WARD: See touching photos of men with Aids, surrounded by their families and caregivers, and remember that not so long ago these photos would have been provocative viewing for some. Fitzrovia Chapel, free, just turn up, various dates, until 3 December
PEANUT PINHOLE WORKSHOP: Using just a peanut shell and the help of artist group BBKP, it's possible to take a portrait photo. Don't believe us? Give it a go at the Photographers' Gallery. £30/£20, book ahead, 10am-noon
JEWELLERY MAKING: Try your hand at making a silver brooch, inspired by the current May Morris: Art & Life exhibition, with the help of the metalwork masters Made by Ore. William Morris Gallery, £45, book ahead, 10.30am-1pm
VINTAGE FAIR: With mulled wine season upon us, you're going to need multiple outfits for all those Christmas drinks. Browse inexpensive vintage garb here to avoid a panicky wardrobe rummaging on the night. York Hall (Bethnal Green), £3/£2, just turn up, 10.30am-4.30pm
THE LONDON EAR: It's not just traffic you'll hear on this two-mile guided city walk, where you'll find out how London's soundscape is changing. St Paul's Station, £18, book ahead, 11am-1.15pm
CYCLIST ACTIVISM: Find out how cycling can be a vehicle for marginalised voices, join a workshop on cycling, graffiti and queering space, plus, pick up bike gear from independent designers. DIY Space for London, free, book ahead, 1pm-5pm
JAZZ BEFORE JAZZ: Before jazz, there were slave songs, street cries and marching bands. This period of creativity predating jazz is explored through talks, workshops and performances from Kansas Smitty's House Band. Two Temple Place, £15, book ahead, 4pm-11pm
LONDON DRAWING GROUP: The LDG is throwing a massive arty party to celebrate its first birthday. Expect drinks, a group exhibition and a £5 bargain life drawing class. Buster Mantis (Deptford), free, just turn up, 7pm-11pm
FANTASY MUSIC CONCERT: Watching Game of Thrones, Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit without the dramatic background music would be a strange experience. But this one-off concert puts the music from all three centre stage, to stunning effect. London Palladium, various prices, book ahead, 7.30pm
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