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
JORDAN BROOKES: The "Elvis of comedy" (that might be his words) Jordan Brookes returns to Soho Theatre Dean Street with a new hour of stand-up inspired by a shocking incident on a train. He performs throughout this week. 5-10 October 2026
AFTER THE FIRE: The Insurance Museum opens a new display at the Bank of England Museum, recreating London around 1700, including a large-scale street scene and the interior of Edward Lloyd's Coffee House. The immersive display explores the rise of early fire insurance, merchants, underwriters and investors. FREE, 5 October-27 November 2026
MUSIC, MIGRATION AND MOBILITY: Touring exhibition Music, Migration and Mobility traces the journeys of a group of musicians spanning several genres as they fled Nazi Europe and arrived in Britain during the Second World War. See it at St John's Waterloo. FREE, until 9 October 2026
BLOODSPORT: Downton Abbey's Michelle Dockery stars in Bloodsport, a play about Helen of Troy's return after a war fought in her name, at Stratford East Theatre. Until 10 October 2026
STING: Legendary musician Sting performs in his musical, The Last Ship, at Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Watch the moving story of a community of shipbuilders faced with the closure of their shipyard, rooted in Sting's own childhood, and soundtracked with his music. Until 12 October 2026
BLOOMSBURY FESTIVAL: Local culture celebration Bloomsbury Festival really gets going this week, offering a huge range of theatre, music, exhibitions, literature and science events across several venues. Take a look at our picks, or browse the full programme. Until 31 October 2026
WINNIE THE POOH: Follow Pooh and Eeyore on a new storybook trail around London Zoo, inspired by A Little Boy and His Bear — a new book to mark the centenary of AA Milne's characters. The route links the tale to the Zoo's animals and its real-life connection to Winnipeg the Bear. Until 1 November 2026
EAT OF THE WEEK: Cloth Cornhill — which occupies the site of the much-missed Simpson's Tavern — is now open for business, and happily, it continues in the vein of its forebear, serving the traditional likes of pork chop with Sauce Robert, and grilled lemon sole with potted shrimp.
Today's events: Monday 5 October
THE UNQUIET CITY: More than 800 years of unrest in the City come under scrutiny in this live virtual tour from Footprints of London. David Charnick explores figures including Wat Tyler, Jack Cade and William Fitz Osbert, with slides, a talk and opportunities for questions during and afterwards. Tune in online. 1pm-2pm
WALT DISCO: Scottish glam-pop band Walt Disco kickstart their new musical era, performing live and signing copies of their self-titled album at Rough Trade on Denmark Street. Tickets include a physical copy of the album, available in CD or LP bundle formats, to be collected at the event. 4.15pm
HUMZA YOUSAF: Former First Minister of Scotland Humza Yousaf discusses evacuating his wife's parents from Gaza and the political fallout from the conflict in a live conversation at The Conduit in Covent Garden. He also reflects on becoming the first Muslim leader of a Western European country, rising far-right populism and leadership under pressure. 6.30pm-7.45pm
ADALYN GRACE: Author Adalyn Grace discusses her adult fantasy debut, The Wretched Divine, at Kiln Theatre in Kilburn. The event explores Grace's creative process, the building of her new fantasy world and the characters who surprised her most. 7pm
GARDENING TALK: Hear from Charlie, designer of Chase Gardens' award-winning debut at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, in a Camberwell Talks event at St Giles Church. He offers insight into how a Chelsea show garden is planned and delivered. 7pm
HAPPY MONDAYS COMEDY: Luke Kempner headlines a Happy Mondays Comedy night at the Amersham Arms in New Cross, with Celine Kuklowsky, Runi Talwar, Isabelle Farah and Sean Little on the bill, plus MC Sion James and a secret guest. 8pm
Today's events: Tuesday 6 October
CECILIA VICUÑA: Artist, poet and feminist activist Cecilia Vicuña discusses her relationship with London and the themes shaping her work, at Whitechapel Gallery. The conversation with curators Leila Hasham and Carolina Jozami is followed by an exclusive preview of Cecilia Vicuña: Living Threads, her first major UK exhibition. 5pm-7pm
LATE-NIGHT BOOK SHOPPING: London Review Bookshop in Bloomsbury stays open late for a shopping evening offering 10% off all books, with booksellers on hand for recommendations. St. JOHN is also open for food and drinks, while booking enters you into a draw for a free London Review Bookshop tote bag. 6pm-8pm
SAD GHOST CLUB: The Cartoon Museum opens its exhibition The Sad Ghost Club: Lize Meddings, themed around the graphic novel series, with a special late-night Not-Private View. Meddings signs books from The Sad Ghost Club universe, including the final Volume 5, with copies available to buy on the night. 6pm-8.30pm
SILENT FILM: Wilton's Music Hall screens the landmark German Expressionist silent film The Cabinet of Dr Caligari with a brand new live piano score by Tom Marlow of the Lucky Dog Picturehouse. Expect twisted fairground shadows, jagged streets and the ominous duo of Dr Caligari and sleepwalker Cesare. 7pm
SYRIAN REFUGEE CRISIS: Journalist Jeanne Carstensen and filmmakers Itab Azzam and Jack MacInnes discuss the ethics and intimacy of long-term reporting at the Frontline Club in Paddington. The panel considers trust, trauma, exile and what sustained documentary work can reveal beyond the daily news cycle, with Iona Craig also on the line-up. 7pm-8.30pm
CHRIS PACKHAM: Naturalist, broadcaster and author Chris Packham discusses his life, work and commitment to conservation with Jim Al-Khalili at the Royal Institution. This live recording of BBC Radio 4's The Life Scientific considers the kestrel that changed Packham's life, his autism diagnosis and the urgency of protecting wildlife, with time for audience questions. 7pm-8.30pm
SIR MICHAEL PALIN: Legendary actor and travel writer Sir Michael Palin appears at the Royal Geographical Society to interview Sue Flood OBE and Ian Dawson about their polar photography book, Midnight Sun. 7pm-9pm
Today's events: Wednesday 7 October
AN OAK TREE: Tim Crouch's experimental play An Oak Tree returns to the Other Palace, with Crouch joined by a different guest co‑star at each performance (guests include Rosalie Craig, Clare Perkins, Tom Mothersdale, Gemma Whelan, Bessie Carter, Sacha Dhawan, Hammed Animashaun and George Fouracres). The piece examines loss, suggestion and blame following a fatal accident involving a stage hypnotist. 7 October-15 November 2026
CROCHET WORKSHOP: Beginners and those looking to refresh their craft skills can head to Poplar Union for a creative workshop. The session covers the fundamentals of crochet, including how to master foundational stitches, read complex patterns and select the appropriate materials for future projects. It's adults-only, and no prior experience is required. FREE, 6pm-8pm
BRIAN BILSTON: Poet and author Brian Bilston brings his latest book, How to Lay an Egg with a Horse Inside, to Fairfield Halls in Croydon. Expect an evening of comedy and poetry exploring the hows, whys and whats of reading, writing and enjoying poetry. 7.30pm
BAYEUX TAPESTRY: The Bayeux Tapestry's the big story at the British Museum at the moment, and today the National Archives offers a free online talk about the story behind the lengthy embroidered cloth. Professor of Medieval History Tom Licence offers insight into the main protagonists and the bit-players of the Norman Conquest, and the political angles presented within the woven artwork. FREE, 7.30pm
PIRATE QUEEN: Storytelling collective Crick Crack Club brings Debs Newbold to Hoxton Hall, telling the life of Grace O’Malley — 16th‑century Irish clan chief, seafarer and reputed pirate — in a 90‑minute solo storytelling performance. The show mixes humour and high drama as Newbold moves from O'Malley’s youth to her encounters with the court of Elizabeth I. 7.30pm
IAN RANKIN: Crime novelist Ian Rankin discusses his first standalone thriller in two decades, set in an exclusive London high-rise where a night concierge is found murdered. He joins former Times literary editor Erica Wagner at the Royal Geographical Society for a conversation about power, wealth, influence and the darker side of storytelling. 7.30pm-8.45pm
Today's events: Thursday 8 October
KNITTING AND STITCHING SHOW: The Knitting & Stitching Show is at Ally Pally from today, with hundreds of exhibitors selling supplies including yarn, fabric, buttons, fat quarters, sewing machines and more. Get inspired in the galleries, which display works by textile artists and groups. 8-11 October 2026
THE 90S: Former British Vogue editor-in-chief Edward Enninful OBE guest curates Tate Britain's exhibition The 90s spanning photography, fashion, art and design in a decade of optimism, freedom, and rebellion. 8 October 2026-14 February 2027
ART FAIR: October is art fair season in London, bringing members of the industry from all over the globe to the capital. The Other Art Fair takes over the Old Truman Brewery from today, with a focus on artworks available for all budgets, from over 100 artists. 8-11 October 2026
INFRARED: Dr Stephen Moore examines attempts to use infrared by Fighter Command during the Second World War in a free lunchtime lecture at the RAF Museum in Hendon. The hybrid event considers experiments involving infrared detection, aircraft identification and night-fighter operations, with a livestream available via Crowdcast. FREE, 12pm
RUSSELL T DAVIES: Russell T Davies discusses his new memoir, The Queerest of Folk: A Life in Television, at Soho Theatre Walthamstow. The conversation explores the stories behind TV shows Queer as Folk, Doctor Who and It's a Sin, with a special guest host and an audience Q&A. 7.30pm
PHYSICAL CIRCUS: Contemporary circus company Ockham's Razor return to Artsdepot in North Finchley with an intimate circus duet crafted and performed by artistic directors Alex and Charlotte. A suspended frame and highly physical movement explore creation, compromise and the negotiations involved in making something with someone else. 7.30pm
UNVEILING VERMEER: Art historian Andrew Graham-Dixon presents a new theory about Johannes Vermeer at Conway Hall in Holborn, drawing on newly uncovered archival evidence from Delft and Rotterdam. The talk considers Vermeer's friendships, political connections and the identity of the woman in Girl with a Pearl Earring, alongside analysis of his masterpieces. 7.30pm-9pm
STAR WARS IMPROV: Comedian Jon Hipkiss improvises an entire new Star Wars film on the spot using audience suggestions, performing all characters, trailers, music and effects himself. 8pm
Today's events: Friday 9 October
TIM WALKER'S FAIRYLAND: British photographer Tim Walker has spent five years photographing LGBTQ+ trailblazers for major National Portrait Gallery exhibition, Tim Walker's Fairyland: Love and Legends. Dozens of activists, performers, artists and writers feature in the photos, alongside a book with contributions written by Travis Alabanza, Russell T Davies, Shon Faye, Lisa Power and Joelle Taylor. 9 October 2026-31 January 2027
FUTURE OF CONTEMPORARY ART: Join Londonist's art critic Tabish Khan and three other panellists for a free discussion about the role patronage plays in supporting the future of contemporary art. The event, at the Minster Building on Mincing Lane, looks at how collectors, patrons, organisations and businesses can support artists and create a sustainable contemporary art ecosystem. FREE, 11am-12pm
RADICAL WEDDING: Five friends decide to marry each other in Live Drafts: The Radical Wedding Engine at the Yard Theatre in Hackney Wick. This work-in-progress theatre piece invites its audience into a rewired wedding ritual featuring a Chinese banquet, games and a ceremony, followed by conversation at the bar. 5pm
THAI HERITAGE: Thai legends and traditions are reimagined through contemporary theatre, music, light and shadow at Harrow Arts Centre. Thai Heritage: The Miracle of Thai Arts, Culture & Cuisine features Kinnaree of Himmapan, a Muay Thai ritual, Thai puppet theatre with Hanuman, Thai massage and contemporary manora opera. Thai snacks and traditional treats are available to buy before the show. 6pm
CECIL BEATON: Author Andrew Ginger and V&A curator Zorian Clayton explore photographer Cecil Beaton's life, loves and journey towards self-acceptance in an online talk. Drawing on previously unpublished photographs and intimate letters exchanged with Beaton's final partner, Kinmont Hoitsma, the conversation also considers his artistic vision and career. 6.30pm-7.30pm
BLACK OPERA: Five finalists compete for the Sir Willard White Award at The Voice of Black Opera Grand Gala Finals at Fairfield Halls in Croydon. The Commonwealth competition showcases emerging opera singers, with the winner of the Samuel Coleridge-Taylor Trophy receiving a specially composed song cycle. 7pm
16 ACTS: Shoreditch Town Hall presents 16 Acts — an evening in the company of 16 of the brilliant (and bizarre) artists who've performed here over the years. They include Operotica, Riss Obolensky, Pecs Drag Kings and Bourgeois & Maurice. 7.30pm
ARABS ARE NOT FUNNY: Comedy show Arabs Are Not Funny! pitches up at the Royal Albert Hall, with comedians Ahmed Ibrahim, Janine Harouni, Amin El Kassri and Omar Badawi proving that stereotype is far from true. 9.30pm
Today's events: Saturday 10 October
NEW SCIENTIST LIVE: Wildlife storytelling, dark matter and the evolution of the human species are among the topics at New Scientist Live at Excel London. Experts from all manner of fields give talks on their topics including anthropologist Alice Roberts, astronaut Helen Sharman and astrophysicist Chris Lintott. 10-12 October 2026
FREE GUIDED WALKS: Local London Guiding Day offers free guided walks from groups including Camden Guides and City of London Guides. Tours cover King's Cross, the City, Old Street/Finsbury, Hoxton, Waterloo and Pimlico, with a theme of 'Back to the Future' — looking at how yesterday's London changed into the capital of tomorrow. FREE, 10am-4pm
WELSH AUTUMN MARKET: The London Welsh Centre hosts its Autumn Market with more than 50 Welsh traders selling handmade gifts, food, drink, jewellery and artwork. The market supports the Centre's fundraising campaign to improve accessibility. 10am-5.30pm
LONDON'S SEWERS: Explore the history of London's sanitation infrastructure on Open City's walking tour, following the southern outfall sewer across the Erith Marshes to Crossness Pumping Station. The route takes in Victorian engineering, Thames Water's sewage treatment works and the future of London's "Super Sewer", with refreshments and a look at Tideway exhibition models. 11am-2pm
CLASSICALLY BLACK: Classically Black is a cultural movement redefining classical music with powerful performances and new commissions showcasing talents often overlooked in the industry. Head to Kings Place for a day of live performances and panel discussions. 11.15am-7.30pm
HARVESTFEST: 10 venues across Blackhorse Beer Mile come alive for a free, festival-style celebration of the changing seasons. Expect country-themed entertainment ranging from bucking broncos and queer country rodeo to morris dancers, live music and hook-a-duck, alongside artisan beers, ciders, wines, brandies and cocktails. At Signature Brew Blackhorse Road, Queer Cxntry takes over for the day before a ticketed evening party. From 12pm
AFTERNOON OF INDIE: O'Neill's Wardour Street in Soho hosts an afternoon for over-30s, with Feeling Gloomy and Old School Indie DJs playing classics across the decades, from 1970s punk and 1980s new wave to Britpop and early-2000s indie. 3pm-7pm
PARANORMAL INVESTIGATION: After dark at Valence House Museum in Dagenham, this guided investigation explores reports of unexplained sounds, movements and apparitions, including the May Dog and the Lady of the House. Specialist equipment and both scientific and spiritual methods are used, and the event is for over-18s only. 8pm-1am
Today's events: Sunday 11 October
ROYAL PARKS HALF: The Royal Parks Half Marathon takes runners on a route through four of the eight Royal Parks (Hyde Park, Green Park, St James's Park, Kensington Gardens), and other closed roads around central London. Get yourself a place via a charity, or turn up on the day to support the runners. Either way, be aware of road closures in central London. From 8.45am
HARLEY OWNERS GROUP: Whitewebbs Museum of Transport in Enfield welcomes back the Harley Owners Group, with a collection of bikes on display for the public to view. The museum is open today too, so leave time to explore it. 10am-4pm
SURBITON SKI SUNDAY: Watch competitors strap blocks of ice to their feet and attempt to glide down a slippery lino 'slope' at the wacky Surbiton Ski Sunday along Central Parade/St Mark's Hill. There’s a luge, colourful costumes and a community atmosphere with 30-50 competitors taking part. 11am-1pm
MUPPET TREASURE ISLAND: ActOne Cinema in Acton marks its fifth anniversary with a family sing-along screening of Muppet Treasure Island, preceded by a pirate hat-making workshop with all materials provided. Dress for the occasion; suitable for ages three+, with parents and guardians supervising throughout. 11am
STREET PHOTOGRAPHY: Learn to capture authentic moments, characters and the atmosphere of a bustling market at this beginner-friendly workshop at Forty Hall Farmers Market in Enfield. Practise composition, natural light and camera or smartphone settings through demonstrations and guided shooting exercises. Suitable for ages 16+, with no previous experience required. 12pm-2pm
AFTERNOON POEMS: Escape to Keats House in Hampstead for an hour of famous travel poems, including exotic, strange, wonderful and funny works from the venue's Poetry Ambassadors. This free afternoon marks the 300th anniversary of Gulliver's Travels. FREE, 2.15pm-3.15pm
SUNDAY CABARET: Lola Lasagne and Marsha Mallow serve up a delicious slice of cabaret at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern, promising big songs and big laughs. Simon Le Vans DJs. 4pm-10pm
