London On The Cheap: 29 October - 4 November

Lindsey
By Lindsey Last edited 173 months ago
London On The Cheap: 29 October - 4 November

hydeparkdeckchairs.jpg
Glorious day for sitting out in the park but how long can it last? Hyde Park Deck Chairs by AndyKirby79

Given the extraordinary queues outside Angels fancy dress store last night, many of you are gearing up for several days of pumpkins, fake blood, unusual outfits and spookery. If you've only shrapnel left over from payday already then here are a few frugal ideas to keep you occupied as November rolls in this weekend.

Tonight: Spectres of the Feast will get you in the mood for Halloween with storytelling, songs and folklore upstairs at Dirty Dicks, Bishopsgate, 7.30-10pm. The stories are brought to you gratis courtesy of One Eye Grey but you can buy your own feast from the bar.

Friday: Show solidarity at the vigil against all hate crime tonight between 8-10pm, Trafalgar Square. There will be a 2 minute silence, special guests and the Gay Men's Chorus. Check out the facebook page for more and expect a big crowd. No banners please but you are welcome to take a non-drip candle.

Saturday: If you're avoiding the trick or treaters, apple bobbing and extravagant ghoulish dressing up tonight, take in a film at the Native Spirit Film Festival. Screenings £5/4 per session at the Amnesty International Human Rights Centre.

Or if you want a culture fix culture but can't quite bear not to get in the spirit of things, there's a free talk at the National Portrait Gallery at 3pm promising a "spooky and magical journey through" the many faces on the walls.

Sunday: VIsit Handmade & Bound: The affordable London book-art & zine fair at St. Aloysius Social Club, 20 Phoenix Road, NW1 between 12-6pm, free entry.

Or take a crisp autumnal walk around the Lea Valley marshes with the Lammas Lands Defence Committee. "Stout footwear essential" for this annual Samhain Walk. Meet 2.15pm at Lee Valley Ice Centre car park on Lea Bridge Road in Clapton. Email nlldcmail@googlemail.com with any queries.

Monday: Polaroid Diaries opens today at Cargo Arch1. Part of Photomonth, this exhibition looks at the beauty of everyday life in Polaroid shots. Open till 11pm, free entry.

Or take the opportunity to visit the Royal Society building on Carlton House Terrace for their annual prize lecture this year given by Professor Sunetra Gupta, most topically on Surviving Pandemics. 6.30pm, first come, first served.

Tuesday: It's Uke Jam time again at Bar Kick, 8-10.30pm, free entry whether uke bearing or spectating.

Wednesday: Crap. We've run out of ideas. Can you help?

Did we miss something? Leave a comment if you know of something else cheap and cheerful going on this week or send us a tip off @londonist or email londonist at gmail dot com. Thanks!

Last Updated 29 October 2009