All week
TWELFTH NIGHT: Shakespeare’s tragicomedy Twelfth Night, or What You Will closes at the Globe Theatre this weekend. It tells the story of twins separated in a shipwreck, along with a lovesick duke, a mourning heiress and a besotted steward. Until 25 October
LAMBETH FRINGE: Performing arts festival Lambeth Fringe comes to a conclusion on Saturday, but there are still plenty of shows to see in the final week including terrifying one-woman show Bog Body, a special edition of Collywobblers Comedy, comedy play Let's Try Gay, and pottery painting workshops under the guidance of an expert. Browse the full programme. Until 25 October
DA VINCI'S LAUNDRY: Crime comedy theatre play Da Vinci's Laundry is set in the high-end art world and tells the story of two art sales people and one (possible) Da Vinci masterpiece. Catch it in its final week at Hammersmith's Riverside Studios. Until 25 October
WIMBLEDON BOOKFEST: Continuing apace in SW London, Wimbledon Bookfest boasts a number of famous faces on the programme this week, including Trainspotting author Irvine Welsh, Horrible Histories creator Terry Deary, high street expert Mary Portas, author David Nicholls and Susie Dent from Countdown's Dictionary Corner. Until 26 October
BLESSINGS: In a small English town in the 1960s, formidable matriarch Dorie Deacon is determined to keep her Catholic family respectable, in emotional play Blessings at Riverside Studios. It's another one coming to a close this week. Until 26 October
TURNER'S KINGDOM: Rarely seen bird studies are the centrepiece of an exhibition devoted to animals and birds painted by J.M.W. Turner, at Turner's House in Twickenham. Turner's Kingdom: Beauty, Birds and Beasts displays fifteen artworks on loan from British public collections, showcasing the landscape artist's lesser-known work with fur, feathers and fins. Until 26 October
HALLOWEEN: Though it officially falls on 31 October, London's Halloween events get underway this week. Our guide contains our pick of spooky season events for both adults and children, including film screenings, trails and parties. Better dig that costume out!
PUMPKIN PICKING: Hand-in-hand with Halloween come pumpkins. London itself isn't exactly replete with places to grow the golden gourds, but head outside of the capital to one of these pumpkin patches and farms for an autumn day out in the fresh air. Don't forget your wellies!
EXHIBITION OF THE WEEK: A small but perfectly-formed showcase of Wayne Thiebaud's toothsome paintings of ice creams, pies, gum-ball machines and hot dogs is on show at the Courtauld. American Still Life captures the Stateside dream in all its mouth-watering glory, but lonesomeness and unease lurks behind each tempting treat. ★★★★★ Until 18 January 2026
BOOK OF THE WEEK: You may already know author Andrew Martin for his Reading on Trains newsletter, and his book Seats of London. Now he's spun his passion for railways/moquette into a 1930s detective novel, The Moquette Mystery, in which department store employee May Mitton sets out to find a murderer — her only clue being a strange scrap of moquette. Andrew's also written a piece about it.
Today's events: Monday 20 October
DIWALI: Today is Diwali, a festival of light celebrated by people from several different countries and religions, including Sikhs, Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. Many of London's biggest celebrations have taken place over the past couple of weeks, but there are some special supper clubs and menus being served at the capital's restaurants today, and Harrods is lighting up its Knightsbridge facade (every hour 6pm-10pm) to celebrate. Our Diwali events guide has the full details.
GALA CONCERT: The Royal Marsden Hospital Charity celebrates its 90th anniversary with a special gala concert at Cadogan Hall. The evening features performances by The Piano Brothers, Georgi Mottram, Dominic Ferris, choristers Joseph & Benjamin from Libera, and The Chelsea Pensioners. Readings come from special guests including Jeffery Archer, Charlotte Ritchie and Dr Sian Williams, among others. 7pm
FORENSICS: Join Baljit Thatti at the Royal Institution for a talk on how the techniques of chemistry help solve crimes through forensics. 7pm
NEW MOON MUSIC: Every Monday evening, New Moon takes place at the Half Moon in Putney, giving up-and-coming musicians a chance in the spotlight. This week's performers include indie band Moonrise, folk-pop singer-songwriter Liv Dawn, and local singer Rhianna Jackson. 7.30pm
CLASSIC FM LIVE: Classical music station Classic FM goes live at the Royal Albert Hall, with performers including the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and 100-strong Bournemouth Symphony Chorus performing works by Handel and Puccini. Bass-baritone Sir Bryn Terfel makes a special appearance, and composer Sir John Rutter conducts his own choral music, with further performances by violinist Esther Abrami, tenor Pene Pati, Classic FM’s composer in residence Debbie Wiseman OBE, and Diana Newell, winner of The Piano, all followed by a lights-and-fireworks finale. 7.30pm
CRAY CRAY CABARET: An insanely good line-up of comedians strut their stuff at the Comedy Store, for Cray Cray Cabaret. They include Phil Nichol and Sam Nicoresti — both have scooped the big Edinburgh prize — and plenty more besides. 7.30pm
Today's events: Tuesday 21 October
LONDON LITERATURE FESTIVAL: Malala Yousafzai, Kamala Harris, Michael Rosen, Reese Witherspoon, Harlan Coben, Sebastian Faulks, Simon Armitage and Zadie Smith are among the faces on the programme at this year's London Literature Festival at Southbank Centre, which begins today and celebrates the written and spoken word in all its forms. It includes a day of events curated by Rebecca Lucy Taylor a.k.a Self Esteem. 21 October-2 November
THE MONKEY'S PAW: Set in Edwardian London, theatre show The Monkey's Paw tells the story of a married couple whose lives don't turn out the way they hoped, until one day a mysterious, ancient object comes into their possession, a ghoulish talisman that seems to grant wishes. Based on the Edwardian ghost story by W. W. Jacobs, see it at the Hope Theatre in Islington. 21 October-8 November
THE RSC’S WENDY & PETER PAN: Prepare to experience Neverland like never before, as a darkly witty retelling of JM Barrie’s Peter Pan flies into London’s Barbican. Ella Hickson’s Wendy & Peter Pan has all the sword-fighting, flying and fairy dust you’d expect, but with a twist – Wendy takes centre stage, and her awfully big adventure includes a quest to find the key to her parents’ forgotten happiness. 21 October-22 November (sponsor)
BOOK PRIZE SHORTLIST: As the shortlist for the British Academy's Book Prize 2025 is announced, it hosts a special event (both in-person and online) with the shortlisted authors. Women's health, Ancient India and western ignorance around African economies are among the topics covered in this year's six shortlisted books. Award-winning journalist Rosie Goldsmith chairs a discussion with five of the six authors (William Dalrymple cannot attend live and has pre-recorded content) ahead of the winner being announced on Wednesday. FREE, 6pm-8pm
WAR AND LAW: What are the modern rules of war, how far are they enforced, and can we build our laws to prevent future wars? Some meaty and topical themes for tonight's Gresham lecture by Professor Sir Geoffrey Nice. FREE, 6pm
SIMPLE MINDS: Jim Kerr and Charlie Burchill of rock band Simple Minds are at the British Library for a special evening in conversation with broadcaster, journalist and campaigner Mariella Frostrup, celebrating their new joint memoir, Our Secrets Are The Same. In-person tickets have sold out, but the livestream is still available. 7pm
FAIRPORT CONVENTION: British folk-rock band Fairport Convention bring their autumn tour to the Exchange Theatre in Twickenham, performing some of their best-known hits as well as some newer songs from more recent albums. Several stops on the tour have sold out completely, so expect this one to be very popular. 7.30pm
Today's events: Wednesday 22 October
STAMPEX INTERNATIONAL: The Philatelic Traders Society brings together stamp collectors and traders from all over the world for Stampex International at the Business Design Centre in Islington. Join businesses, societies, exhibitors, influencers and hobbyists to trade collectibles. FREE, 22-25 October
LONDON BREEZE FILM FESTIVAL: 150 independent shorts and feature films across all genres and forms, with 84 screenings across London and a further 66 screening online: That's about the size of this year's London Breeze Film Festival, with themes of resistance, resilience, remember, reimagine and community. It begins today with feature documentary, Shoot the People (Nigeria/UK 2025), about celebrated photographer and Oscar nominated filmmaker Misan Harriman, shown at Riverside Studios in Hammersmith, followed by a Q&A with Harriman and director Andy Mundy-Castle. 22-27 October
MARIGOLD FESTIVAL: Marigolds are traditionally used to decorate homes and temples during Diwali celebrations, so Osterley Park and House opens its Marigold Festival to coincide with the Festival of Light. See colourful marigold installations throughout the National Trust property, some illuminated with specially commissioned light projections. A traditional rangoli is installed in the entrance hall, inspired by the floor's original design. 22 October-4 January
MULTICULTURAL MALTA: An author and lecturer specialising in the history of dress and textiles, Dr Elizabeth Currie is at the Museum of the Order of St John tonight, discussing how the vibrant and diverse island of Malta influenced the life and work of Italian artist Mattia Preti. Artworks from the museum's collection, not usually on display, will also be available to peruse. 7pm
K-MUSIC FESTIVAL: Acclaimed composer and multi-instrumentalist Park Jiha takes part in the K-Music Festival, with a performance from her latest album All Living Things at Rich Mix in Shoreditch tonight. She showcases her mastery of traditional Korean instruments: the piri (a double-reed bamboo oboe), saenghwang (a free-reed mouth organ), and yanggeum (a hammered dulcimer). 7pm
Today's events: Thursday 23 October
TOM ROSENTHAL: Comedian and Friday Night Dinner star Tom Rosenthal brings his current show, Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I Am to Soho Theatre Dean Street, following a sold-out run at Edinburgh Fringe. 23 October-8 November
WYLD WOMAN: Following a smash-hit run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2024, one woman-show Wyld Woman: The Legend Of Shy Girl comes to Southwark Playhouse Borough, following Shy Girl’s ambitious attempt to open up and extend her social life beyond her imaginary friends. 23 October-15 November
OTHELLO: David Harewood, Toby Jones and Caitlin Fitzgerald star in a new production of Shakespeare's Othello, at Theatre Royal Haymarket. Tony Award-winner Tom Morris (War Horse) directs, with music by PJ Harvey. 23 October-17 January
IMPERIAL LATES: 'Light, Colour, Action' is the Diwali-orientated theme of this month's Imperial Lates session at Imperial College London. Take part in Bollywood dance, experience a playful showdown between scientists as they show off the most beautiful images in science, and giggle at comedy from Roma Agrawal and Subhadra Das. It's free, but book your space. FREE, 6pm-9pm
REBELLIOUS WINE CLUB: Hosted by female leaders in the UK wine industry, Rebellious Wine Club aims to take the stuffiness out of wine tastings and debunk some of the myths and 'rules'. Tonight at Bourne & Hollingsworth Buildings, Archie Patel of Wine Away The Day delves into why rosé isn't just for summer. 6.15pm/8.15pm
STEVE GUNN: New York-based guitarist and songwriter Steve Gunn (once intriguingly described as "a little like playing with a Rubik's Cube") performs at St Matthias Church in Dalston. Support comes from James Elkington. 7.30pm
Today's events: Friday 24 October
MCM COMIC CON: Halloween isn't the only reason to dig out your fancy dress costume at the end of October. MCM Comic Con returns to Excel for three days of celebrity guests, panel discussions, cosplay, tabletop and video games and more. 24-26 October
SECRET MAPS: We're rather looking forward to navigating over to the British Library for its latest exhibition Secret Maps, which traces the power, coercion and secrecy that lie behind maps from the 14th century to the present day. In short: see the maps you were never meant to see. 24 October-18 January
MUSIC QUIZ: Indie bangers, old skool R&B, chart classics, mash-ups, power ballads, guilty pleasures and over 100 tunes from the 60s to the current day all feature in the Sounds Familiar Music Quiz, which pitches up at Big Penny Social in Walthamstow. Think part-playlist, part-party. 6.30pm-11pm
MULTI STORY ORCHESTRA: Stuck is the latest production from the Multi Story Orchestra, a collective which aims to bring orchestral music to the masses. Head to Fairfield Halls in Croydon tonight to catch the show, which tells a deeply personal and politically charged story about community, nostalgia and the fight to hold onto the places – and people – that shape us. 7pm
BRINGING UP BOYS: Songwriter, author and campaigner Billy Bragg hosts a conversation about how today’s political figures are shaping ideas of masculinity and the impact of social media and AI on boys and young men. Radio broadcaster and journalist DJ Nihal Athanayake and Everday Sexism author Laura Bates also take part at the Exchange Theatre in Twickenham. 7.30pm
KATE-LOIS ELLIOTT: Comedian and storyteller Kate-Lois Elliott tests out brand new ideas for her next show at Riverside Studios in Hammersmith. Hear her thoughts on what it means to be married in 2025, and the pressures of modern life to have it all and do it all. 9.30pm
Today's events: Saturday 25 October
HALF TERM: With most London schools closed for October half term from today, we've rounded up the best family-friendly events and activities in the capital for all ages. Halloween events, a robot zoo, climbing the rig of a famous ship, or seeing an exhibition about pirates are just some of the options.
SUPER JUMBLE: The second edition of Super Jumble takes place at Mercato Metropolitano in Elephant & Castle today — a supercharged event featuring pre-loved clothes and objects from Traid and Charity Super.Mkt. There are also MCs, DJs, street food and pints. Entry price is between £2.50 and £7, depending when you arrive — with higher fees for earlier entry. 10am-3pm
UPRISING: Brixton House transforms into a 'late night' shubeen in honour of activist and artist Pearl Alcock, who created safe spaces for the Queer Black community in the area. UPRISING: House of Pearl – An evening celebrating Queer love features three separate events through the day: a Runway workshop, a Vogue Femme workshop and the On The Block Kiki Ball. 11am, 1pm and 7pm
COMEDY 4 KIDS: Children's comedy pioneer James Campbell returns from his decade-long hiatus to bring Comedy 4 Kids to the Museum of Comedy in Bloomsbury. Expect a regular stand-up style comedy show, but with the gags tailored to the younger audience. Age six+. 25-26 October
HALLOWEEN BALL: One of our favourite Halloween events in London each year is Candlelight Club's Halloween Ball. The legendary speakeasy holds a clandestine, 1920s-themed Halloween ball. Dress code is 1920s elegance, with an optional Halloween twist: think ghostly flapper or vampish witch. Expect live jazz, cabaret and cocktails, all overseen by host Champagne Charlie, at an historic mansion in south London. 7pm
JANG SUPPER CLUB: Jang, a restaurant in the very special setting of London's Royal Exchange, hosts a Sri Lankan-Korean supper club. Chefs Dana Choi and Tasha Marikkar join forces to create a menu featuring lobster tail with doenjang butter, and duck breast with soy jaggery sauce. From 7pm
RESISTANCE COMEDY: British Comedian of the Year finalist Darran Griffiths, the charismatic Junior Booker and the "sharp, fearless, and very funny" Tasha Cluskey are among the stand ups on the bill at Resistance Comedy at Enfield's Dugdale Arts Centre this evening. 8pm
Today's events: Sunday 26 October
CLOCKS CHANGE: A reminder that the clocks go back an hour at 2am this morning. Sadly that means winter is truly coming, but fear not, we've put together some ideas for brightening up the dark nights here in London.
VINTAGE FASHION FAIR: Browse and buy rare vintage and antique clothing, jewellery and textiles dating from the Victorian era to more recent pre-loved designer labels at Frock Me! vintage fair. 100 exhibitors take part in the fair at Kensington Town Hall. 11am-5.30pm
STORYTELLING SUNDAY: Ghosts is the theme of storytelling Sunday at Love Shack in Cambridge Heath. London Dreamtime's Vanessa Woolf heads up an afternoon of storytelling, talks and music for adults, with different takes on what it means to be a ghost or to experience something ghostly. 2pm-4pm
LOOKING FOR THE MAGIC: Singer-songwriter Danny George Wilson, Australian guitarist Paul Lush and Americana-inspired group The Ladles appear at Looking For The Magic Records' monthly(ish) showcase at the Sound Lounge in Sutton. Pay-what-you-can-afford tickets are available. 4pm-8pm
PHIL WANG: You'll know him from Taskmaster/Live at the Apollo — tonight Phil Wang appears for this instalment of the Sunday Service at Up the Creek in Greenwich. Accompanying the laughs are happy hour cocktails and candlelit tables — classy. 7.30pm
