Looking for something fun to do today? Something eye-opening to watch tonight? Something delicious to eat tomorrow? Our guide on things to do this week in London is personally curated, ensuring there's always a diverse range of events for you to choose from. Get stuck in!
All week
OCTOBER HALF TERM: The school break falls around the end of October, meaning there will be plenty of family-friendly events taking place around London. Browse our half term events guide for theatre shows, exhibitions and other events and activities for all ages.
HALLOWEEN: Spooky season is most definitely here, and although Halloween itself isn't until next week, there are plenty of Halloween events already happening here in London. Swing by a terrifying pop-up bar for a themed cocktail, hear a talk about the spookiest cases in English legal history, or swing by a Halloween market this week.
PUMPKIN PICKING: Hand-in-hand with Halloween comes an abundance of orange gourds. Embrace all things autumnal with a trip to one of these farms or pumpkin patches near London where you can pick your own.
JANE EYRE: This UK premiere run of the Tony‑nominated musical adaptation of Charlotte Brontë's novel Jane Eyre plays at Southwark Playhouse Elephant until this weekend, offering a story of ambition and independence, gothic mystery and passionate love. Until 24 October 2026
THE STORY: Newsroom thriller play The Story at the National Theatre tells the tale of four journalists who race to get the headline when a white teacher is killed in a Black neighbourhood, forcing them to weigh up how far they'll go to tell their version of the truth. Until 24 October 2026
WIMBLEDON BOOKFEST: Louise Doughty, Marina Hyde, Alexandra Potter, Poorna Bell, Bryony Gordon, Ian Botham and Simon Sebag Montefiore are among the speakers on the programme for the second and final week of this year's Wimbledon BookFest, which takes place at venues around central Wimbledon. Until 25 October 2026
STREETHUNT GAMES: Feeling adventurous? Solve clues while roaming through historical parts of London on a treasure hunt/escape room/murder mystery mash up. Choose between two self-guided games and play at your own pace; each one is satisfyingly challenging, with optional built-in hints keeping them accessible to a range of skill levels – ideal for half term family days out, and first-time puzzlers looking for something unique to do in the build up to Halloween. (sponsor)
THE LAMBETH FRINGE: Now in its 11th year, the Lambeth Fringe comes to a close this week. There's still time to catch shows including modern Shakespeare adaptation Ramesh & Julie, spooky theatre show Gaslight, and movement-based performance this morning i woke up dead. Browse the full programme and get booking. Until 25 October 2026
BLOOMSBURY FESTIVAL: Local history is in the spotlight at Bloomsbury Festival, which runs until the end of this month at several venues around the area. Highlights on the programme this week include an evening of stargazing, a guided walk themed on local public art, and a performance of music by Huguenot composers — and that's just a tiny taster of the extensive programme. Until 31 October 2026
PUB OF THE WEEK: A new pub abutting Liverpool Street station has flung open its doors; the Last Exchange has a modern aesthetic (complete with what looks to be an indoor fire pit), and is stocked with warming pub grub like wild boar sausage rolls and a minced beef toastie. Perhaps most importantly, pints of its house beer are just £5 a pop.
BOOK OF THE WEEK: Discover London's art deco picture palaces, cult film libraries, movie memorabilia shops and more with cinema fanatic Nigel Smith's new book, An Opinionated Guide to Film London. It's a must for any Londoner who loves the silver screen.
Today's events: Monday 19 October
SECRET WRITING: George Smiley and James Bond feature in this literary walking tour exploring spies, moles and agents provocateurs in fiction. Expect site-specific readings as the route runs from the Palace Theatre at Cambridge Circus to St James’s Park Underground Station. 11am-1pm
WE WERE HERE: Fred Kudjo Kuwornu's documentary We Were Here screens at Kensington Central Library, exploring the overlooked presence of Black Africans in Renaissance Europe through artworks, archival research and scholarly conversations. A Q&A with the director and art historian Michael Ohajuru follows. 6.30pm
AMERICA AFTER TRUMP: Former US Ambassador to Finland Derek Shearer examines the damage done to America’s foreign relations by the Trump administration in this free UCL talk at Bentham House in Bloomsbury. He also considers how the country might repair its standing in the world and rethink its international strategy. FREE, 6.30pm
ONETRACKMINDS: Five guests share the story of one song that changed their life at OneTrackMinds, an evening at Wilton's Music Hall that sits somewhere between Desert Island Discs, TED Talks and The Moth. Guests include Katherine May, Ishan Ganjoor, Simon Mayo, Ben Pope and Donna Bonner, with each story followed by the song itself. 7pm
THE SHAMROCKS: Emmy Award-winning five-piece The Shamrocks bring Irish harmony and multi-instrumental performances to the Cambridge Theatre for one night only, revisiting classics such as Danny Boy, Wild Rover and Whiskey In The Jar, alongside original songs. 7.30pm
SWEENEY TODD: Jonathan Goodwin plays the infamous Demon Barber of Fleet Street in Confessions of Sweeney Todd, an original one-man performance at Greenwich Theatre. Gary Archer directs this penny dreadful tale, which is performed with gusto and swagger — and is not a musical. 7.30pm
Today's events: Tuesday 20 October
SURINDERELLA: Stratford East Theatre offers a Bollywood take on traditional panto in the form of Surinderella. The family-friendly show features Surinder, a sweet young woman stuck in a never-ending chore list thanks to her two selfie-obsessed, Insta-vlogging stepsisters, Lovely and Bubbly. 20-31 October 2026
HOKUSAI: Experience Mount Fuji as Japanese printmaker Katsushika Hokusai saw it 200 years ago. Dulwich Picture Gallery brings together the complete set of Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji, Hokusai's depictions of the mountain in different lights and seasons. 20 October 2026-17 January 2027
THE NUREMBERG WOMEN: Natalie Livingstone discusses her new history of the Nuremberg trials at Daunt Books Hampstead, examining the experiences and testimonies of eight women connected to the proceedings. She is joined in conversation by social historian and author Hallie Rubenhold. 6.30pm
BLACK BRITISH PUB QUIZ: Test your knowledge of Black British culture and history in a pub-style quiz at Soul Mama in Islington. Expect quiz rounds, games and team challenges, with questions ranging from Beverly Knight and Big Shaq to the town where the HMT Empire Windrush docked. 6.30pm-11pm
CALLY BEATON: Comedian Cally Beaton brings her new show Namaste Motherf*ckers — based on her book of the same name — to Wilton's Music Hall, combining comedy and storytelling with extracts from her stereotype-busting book about midlife and radical reinvention. The show is followed by a book signing. 7pm
MUNDANE SURVEILLANCE: Investigative journalist Jake Hurfurt explores how supermarkets, mobile networks and digital billboards track everyday activity at this Pints of Knowledge talk at the Blues Kitchen Brixton. The discussion covers loyalty cards, phone masts, hidden beacons and the ad-tech companies profiling what you buy, where you go and who you are, followed by a Q&A. 7pm-8.30pm
ANGELS ON THE UNDERGROUND: A panel discussion at the London Transport Museum explores how performance, museums and the arts can build connection, foster belonging and strengthen communities. The evening begins with a 30-minute screening of Angels on the Underground, a modern opera about a young homeless man in crisis, followed by discussion. The event is repeated on Thursday. 7pm-8.30pm
NORTHERN LINE: Explore the history of London's complex Underground line in this live virtual tour from Footprints of London. Stephen Benton traces the route from the oldest section of deep-level Tube, dating to 1890, to the Battersea extension which opened in 2021, with slides, a talk and opportunities for questions. 7pm
POEMS ON THE UNDERGROUND: Celebrate four decades of London's travelling poetry project at this evening hosted by the cornerHOUSE in Surbiton. Sara Chernaik, manager of Poems on the Underground, discusses its history, international spread and place as a public art project. Copies of the 40th-anniversary book are available to buy. 7.30pm-9.30pm
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Today's events: Wednesday 21 October
CIRQUE BERSERK: Large-scale theatre circus Cirque Berserk! barrels into the Garrick Theatre. An international troupe of more than 30 acrobats, aerialists and stunt performers mix contemporary cirque-style artistry with adrenaline-fuelled stunt action, including the motorcycle Globe of Death. It's suitable for all ages, so ideal for a half term treat! 21-31 October 2026
LONDON LITERATURE FESTIVAL: Dua Lipa curates this year's London Literature Festival at Southbank Centre, overseeing a packed programme featuring names including Zadie Smith, Malorie Blackman and Patti Smith. 21 October-1 November 2026
MUSEUM LATE: Explore London's medical past after hours at the Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret near London Bridge. Browse the historic collections and exhibitions, hear a talk, and stop by the Apothecary Bar for a drink in the museum's atmospheric setting. 5.30pm-8pm
PETTING ZOO: Descend the spiral staircase at The Last Tuesday Society in Hackney for Menagerie in The Museum, where visitors can meet, handle and possibly cuddle scaly, furry and feathered animals. Ducks, reptiles and insects are expected, alongside something furry. Age 18+. 6pm-8pm
BEHIND ENEMY LINES: Sunday Times bestselling author and journalist Damien Lewis shares remarkable true stories from his latest book, Behind Enemy Lines, at the National Army Museum in Chelsea. The talk focuses on Captain Lewis 'Archie' Gibson, who served with the Long Range Desert Group in North Africa during the Second World War, drawing on his memoir, diaries, letters and wartime reports. 6.30pm-7.30pm
LONDON PUBS: Illustrator Lydia Wood discusses Locals: An Illustrated Ode to London's Pubs at Waterstones Gower Street. Her quest is to draw all 3,500+ pubs in the capital, from historic landmarks and iconic boozers to intimate family establishments, riverside locals and hidden-away drinking spots. 6.30pm
HALLOWEEN COMEDY: Frighteningly prolific novelist (well, they're more like pamphlets really) Christopher Bliss is at Hackney's MOTH Club to host Halloween Spookfest, a night of stand-up with his comedic chums, including Rich Fulcher of Mighty Boosh fame, and Lara Ricote, star of new Channel 4 comedy-drama Break Clause. 7pm
SAX AND PIANO: "One musician. Two instruments. At the same time." The multi-talented Denis Patrickson performs Beyond Silence — a show written by himself for both piano and sax, played simultaneously — tonight at PIANO Smithfield. He performs various other tunes too, and will stay behind to chat after the show. 7pm-9.30pm
SUSAN CALMAN: Comedian and former Strictly contestant Susan Calman returns to the stage at Hackney Empire with Tall Tales, her first tour in 10 years. Expect improbable stories about cruising, driving tanks, cats and getting older, with some dancing possibly thrown in. 7.30pm
FAIRYTALES FOR GROWN-UPS: Storyteller Emily Hennessey brings The Girl Who Didn't Die to Folklore in Hoxton, retelling the boundary-shattering story of Shikandi from the Indian epic, the Mahabharata. Music by sitar player Sheema Mukherjee accompanies this mythological tale of lifetimes, divine curses and defying destiny. Age 18+. 7.30pm
Today's events: Thursday 22 October
ITALYFEST 2026: A buzzing Italian piazza opens in London, as ItalyFEST comes to Islington's Business Design Centre. Immerse yourself in the culinary heritage, street food, spirits and traditions of several Italian regions under one roof. The family-friendly foodie extravaganza offers artisanal products, cookery demos (including theatrical mozzarella-stretching!), regional tastings and live entertainment. Tickets from just £5, and under-10s go free. 22-25 October 2026 (sponsor)
DOC 'N'ROLL: Music meets the silver screen during the Doc'n Roll Film Festival, a celebration of music subcultures, countercultures, and indie film. Screenings take place at venues around London over the coming weeks, including Barbican Cinema and Rio Cinema, with subjects ranging from Punk Brighton to Heaven 17. 22 October-8 November 2026
TUDOR WOMEN: Discover the lives of six women in Tudor England at this candlelit talk at the Guild Church of St Katharine Cree (Leadenhall Street). Professor Diane Purkiss explores queens, scholars, witches, midwives and outsiders, followed by a Q&A. Livestream tickets are also available. 6.15pm
CORPSE STEALING: Join the Royal College of Surgeons for a dive into the dark world of Georgian corpse theft. Begin with a visit to the Hunterian Museum, before viewing a replica anti-body snatching coffin, then hear a talk by PhD researcher and archaeologist Robert Hartle followed by Q&A. 6.30pm
BLACK KITCHENS: Artist Anna Maria Nabirye and design historian and production designer Sarah Mursal explore how Black British kitchens of the past are represented in film and television at Whitechapel Gallery. Expect curated screen clips, food and conversation as part of Nabirye's ongoing project, The Funnest Room in the House. FREE, 6.30pm-8.30pm
SHAKESPEARE AND WINDRUSH: A roundtable in the candle-lit Sam Wanamaker Playhouse considers the connections between Shakespeare and the Windrush Generation, exploring migration, belonging, identity and who shapes British culture. Speakers include director and writer Robin Belfield, director Tinuke Craig, and educator and writer Dr Wendy Lennon. The conversation is part of the Shakespeare and Race Festival 2026. 7pm-8.30pm
THE RIVER WANDLE: Local historian John Phillips explores whether the Wandle helped power the Industrial Revolution at Honeywood Museum. The illustrated talk looks at the mills already operating along the river by 1700, producing flour, gunpowder, copper goods and leather. 7.30pm
SCUMMY MUMMIES: Comedy duo Helen and Ellie return to Artsdepot in North Finchley with Hot Mess, a comedy show covering menopause, mansplaining, teenagers and Tinder. Expect new songs, sketches, stand-up and sparkly catsuits. 7.30pm
Today's events: Friday 23 October
MCM COMIC CON: Halloween isn't the only reason to dig out your fancy dress costume at this time of year. MCM Comic Con returns to Excel for three days of celeb guests, panel discussions, cosplay, tabletop and video games and more. 23-25 October 2026
BECOMING AMERICA: The Science Museum marks 250 years of America's independence with free display Becoming America, which showcases maps, paintings, instruments and artefacts relating to scientific breakthroughs between the 1760s-90s. FREE, 23 October 2026-25 April 2028
GOD SAVE THE QUEENS: The relatively new Museum of Youth Culture has an even newer exhibition: God Save the Queens celebrates the women who shaped punk rock — not least, legendary X-Ray Spex frontwoman Poly Styrene. Expect rare archive material, unseen photos, and artworks from she-punks. FREE, 23 October-22 November 2026
FLYING EXPERIENCES: Aviation enthusiast Chris Wiseman charts six decades of encounters at Bentley Priory Museum in Stanmore. His talk covers early Air Cadet training, historic warbirds, ambulance and search-and-rescue helicopters, fast jets and the Blades Aerobatic Team. 11am-12pm
KENSINGTON GARDENS: Explore Kensington Gardens on a 90-minute walking tour, uncovering stories behind statues including Peter Pan and gaining access behind the railings of the Albert Memorial to view the Frieze of Parnassus. 11am-12.30pm
STAGING FREDDIE: Fashion and textile designer Wendy de Smet and costume designer and stylist Diana Moseley reveal the stories behind Freddie Mercury's iconic stage looks in this V&A livestream, ahead of the new display opening tomorrow (see below). Hear about De Smet's black 'spine suit' and 'White Queen' ensemble, and Moseley's crown and cloak for Queen's 1986 Magic Tour. 6.30pm-7.30pm
CONDENSED LOTR: Nerdygirl Theatre squeezes Lord of the Rings into 60 minutes at the Tea House Theatre in Vauxhall. This fantastical journey is devised partly from memory of a movie marathon, with the performers cheerfully warning that the books may differ. 8pm-9pm
Today's events: Saturday 24 October
FREDDIE MERCURY: Following Freddie Mercury's 80th birthday, the V&A South Kensington opens a new, free trail showcasing some of the Queen frontman's legendary stage costumes and outfits. Wander through the museum via six stops, each showcasing a different high of Mercury's career within a dramatic setting in the museum's galleries. FREE, 24 October 2026-17 January 2027
VINTAGE FAIR: Browse mid-century modern furniture, homewares, art, vintage fashion and jewellery at Judy's Vintage Fair at Sands End Arts & Community Centre in Fulham. Stalls are spread indoors and outside, with a café on site, dogs welcome and free entry from 3pm. 10.30am-3.30pm
THAMES ARCHITECTURE: Open City's Architecture on the Thames Boat Tour travels from Greenwich Pier towards the Dartford Crossing and back, taking in Richard Rogers' Dome, the Tate and Lyle Sugar Refinery, the Thames Barrier and Crossness Sewage Treatment Works. The three-hour tour is led by architect and architecture teacher Benedict O'Looney. 1pm-4pm
AMADOU & MARIAM: As part of the Doc'n Roll Festival (see All Week), the Barbican screens Amadou & Mariam: The Blind Couple from Mali, which tracks the duo's preparations for their final album, and a homecoming concert to remember. 6pm
SPOKEN NERD: Festival of the Spoken Nerd and friends gather at the Royal Institution for An Evening of Unnecessary Detail. The science and comedy variety night has a line-up including pyrotechnician Fran Scott, stand-up mathematician Matt Parker and science presenter Helen Arney, who combine their areas of expertise with comedy and songs. 7pm-10pm
MOTOWN MEMOIRS: Soul Mama Islington welcomes Motown Memoirs, a live celebration of Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder and The Temptations, with London vocalists and a live band. Performers include The Elements, The Seasons, The Soul Sisters and The Rhythms, each bringing a different take on Motown classics. Doors 6.30pm, show 8.30pm
Today's events: Sunday 25 October
CLOCKS CHANGE: A reminder that the clocks go back an hour at 2am on Sunday. That means winter is on the horizon, but fear not, we've put together some ideas for brightening up the dark nights here in London.
BIG STORY FESTIVAL: The Imperial War Museum in Lambeth holds its inaugural Big Story Festival, a free-to-attend, family-focused weekend of storytelling, featuring talks with bestselling children's authors Dame Jacqueline Wilson and Tom Palmer, illustration workshops with Will Hughes, free Play and Sing sessions for younger visitors, and guided tours of the museum's galleries. Some workshops and author events require paid tickets. 25-26 October 2026
HALLOWEEN CHILDREN’S DISCO: Dance to indie pop, soul and Motown at How Does It Feel To Be Loved? Children's Disco at The Phoenix on Cavendish Square. The family-friendly party welcomes children, parents and family friends, with music played at a reasonable level. 12pm-4pm
WINDMILL HALLOWEEN: Carve pumpkin lanterns and listen to spooky stories at Brixton Windmill's family-friendly Halloween afternoon. The shop and cafe are also open. 1pm-4pm
DIWALI IN LONDON: London gets the Diwali celebrations started early with the free Diwali on the Square festival in Trafalgar Square. Open to everyone, it celebrates the upcoming Festival of Light with live music and dance performances and workshops, South Asian food stalls, and children's activities. Find other ways to celebrate Diwali 2026 in London, over the coming weeks. FREE, 1pm-7pm
VAMPIRES: Climb through the bookcase at Love Shack in Cambridge Heath for Storytelling Sunday: VAMPIRES!, a live storytelling and music performance inspired by Gogol's short story The Viy. Vanessa Woolf and musician George Hoyle explore Ukrainian folklore, horror, wonder and magic, with guest stories from the floor and costume welcome. 2pm-4pm
FAUST: Murnau's 1926 expressionist film Faust is reimagined as an immersive live cinema performance at the Horniman Museum and Gardens. The Enchanted Cinema accompanies the film with trumpet, violin, electric viola, organ, guitar, vocal effects and live foley sound. 5pm-7pm
PHILOSOPHICAL COMEDY: Comedians Alex Farrow, Celya AB and Jake Patrick have their thinking hats on at the Bill Murray, for Stand-up Philosophy — two hours of comedy exploring big ideas. 4pm-6pm
ROCK ORCHESTRA: Things get lively at Wembley Arena, as the Rock Orchestra headlines Arena Of Fire. The 90-minute live concert features 14 classical musicians performing rock and metal covers alongside pyrotechnics, fire performers and circus acts. 8pm
