Things to do in London this weekend is sponsored on behalf of StubHub.
All weekend
KEW-TIFUL: There's more than exotic plants and rare blooms to admire this weekend at Kew Gardens. 150 makers from all over the world bring their gorgeous textiles, jewellery, ceramics, glass, furniture, and more for you to browse and buy. Your ticket to Handmade at Kew includes entry to the gardens. Royal Botanic Gardens (Kew), £17, book ahead, 4-7 October
THE OTHER ART FAIR: From the psychedelic doodle-bombed entrance, to the interactive performances and kids activities, it's pretty clear that this is not your usual art fair. Presented by Saatchi Art, The Other Art Fair features 140 handpicked exhibiting artists across two venues, so you can buy directly from the art world's brightest rising stars. Victoria House (Bloomsbury), £8-£10, book ahead, 4-7 October
MADE IN CHINA: Discover the best of contemporary Chinese culture. Highlights of the China Changing Festival include a multimedia performance of a 13th century play and a spectacular experimental fashion show helmed by Oscar-winning costume designer Tim Yip. Southbank Centre, various prices, book ahead, 4-7 October
LITTLE VENICE MUSIC FESTIVAL: With the theme of Music on the Mind, this chamber music festival explores the relationship between human thought and musical experiences. Expect candlelit recitals, new arrangements, and premieres of brand new works. St Saviour's Church (Little Venice), £10, book ahead, 4-7 October
TEQUILA AND MEZCAL FEST: Salt shakers and lemon slices at the ready, because an epic agave extravaganza is coming. With over 50 of Mexico's finest agave spirits for you to sample, you're going to need plenty of carbs — so it's lucky that three of London's best Mexican eateries will be on hand to fulfil all your taco needs. Bargehouse at OXO Tower, £20, book ahead, 5-7 October
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Two rugby giants battle it out at Twickenham in aid of a great cause
Nothing says the weekend like watching an epic sports showdown with your crew over a beer or two. This Saturday, the Northampton Saints lock horns with the Leicester Tigers at Twickenham, the home of English rugby. And with tickets starting at just £25 including fees available from its official partner, StubHub, that’s plenty of bang for your buck.
Not only does the match mark the first time the two rivals have met at the stadium since the 2013 Premiership Finals, it’s also in aid of a fantastic cause. All proceeds from the match will go towards the ongoing rehabilitation and financial security of Saints’ player, Rob Horne, who tragically sustained a career-ending injury and was forced to retire from the sport last season.
So, if you fancy paying tribute to a star sportsman while having a great day out, head down to the brand new East Stand development at 3pm on Saturday 6 October. You can buy and sell your tickets here.
Saturday 6 October
LGBT FUN PALACE: Find your inner queer hero with dramatherapist Ryan C Valadas at Pleasance Theatre's Fun Palace, a celebration of culture with an LGBT+ twist. There's also a burlesque workshop for the grown ups, story time for kids, and drag queen puppet-making for absolutely everyone. Pleasance Theatre (Islington), free, just turn up, 10am-3pm
YORUBA MUSIC WORKSHOP: Dance to the beat of a different drum at this percussion workshop with a focus on traditional Yoruba culture. Candomblé expert Ricardo Axé introduces musicians of all skill levels and ages to chants that celebrate the orixas, or spirits. Shoreditch Town Hall, free, book ahead, 11am-4pm
CRAFTY FOX MARKET: Crafty Fox Market gathers a fresh new batch of indie designers to show off their wares at Mercato Metropolitano. Don't miss the drop-in Great British Sketch Off, and pop in to neighbouring secondhand fashion market Wear it Again's on your way home. Mercato Metropolitano (Elephant & Castle), free entry, just turn up, 11am-5pm
COMEDY MARATHON: Kick cancer where it hurts whilst laughing your socks off at this nine-hour comedy marathon for Macmillan. With over 50 comedians taking part throughout the day, you’re sure to drop in on something that tickles your funny bone. The King and Queen (Fitzrovia), free (donations encouraged), just turn up, 1pm-10pm
SLO-MO CITY: London life can get pretty darn hectic, so why not seize the opportunity to experience the city at a much more leisurely pace? On this relaxed ramble through the West End, stick two fingers up at the rat race and unlock your inner sloth instead. Meet at Cleopatra's Needle (Victoria Embankment), £15, book ahead, 2pm-4pm
FAMILY RAVE: Nineties and noughties bangers form the soundtrack to this kid friendly daytime rave, where all ages can dance their troubles away at baby safe volumes. Think bubbles, glow sticks and face painting, as well as a bar with a buggy park. The ACT (Kingston-upon-Thames), £8, book ahead, 2pm-4pm
BRIXTON OKTOBERFEST: Raise a Stein to the most brilliantly beer-y month of the year at Brixton Oktoberfest. There's craft beer, oompah DJs, an uber-cool Berlin-club room, and lederhosen for days. Prost! Brixton Jamm, from £5, book ahead, 3pm-6pm/6.15pm-9.15pm
BINGO ACADEMY: From bowls to embroidery — you name a traditional pensioner pastime, and it's only a matter of time before someone gives it an ultra hip makeover. This Saturday, it's time for some jazzed-up bingo. Head to The Kitty Hawk, fuel up on some awesome food, and dab to your heart's content. The Kitty Hawk (Moorgate), from £12, book ahead, 7pm
CAMELOT IN CONCERT: Snap up tickets to see this orchestral masterwork performed in London for the first time in 30 years and for one night only. The London Musical Theatre Orchestra accompany an all-star cast in an unforgettable revival of Lerner and Loewe’s majestic Camelot. The London Palladium (Oxford Circus), £18-£84, book ahead, 7.30pm
Sunday 7 October
URBAN FOREST EXPLORATION: One of the best bits about autumn is seeing the leaves in all their gold and russet glory — but you don't need to escape to the countryside to fully appreciate the changing of the seasons. Instead, join Paul Wood and discover the most diverse selection of street trees in London on a morning plod through Hackney. Hackney Central Overground, £18, book ahead, 10.30am-12.30pm
CONWAY HALL FUN PALACE: Whether it's building a giant polystyrene flu virus, or learning how to pot a plant, there's plenty to feed curious minds, young and old alike, at this Holborn fun palace. It's also a good chance to explore the HQ of the world's oldest surviving freethought organisation. Conway Hall (Holborn), free, just turn up, 10.30am-4pm
FROCK ME FASHION FAIR: From genuine 1920s flapper dresses, to Biba's iconic 60s mini skirts, Frock Me is a vintage fashion lover's paradise. Browse beautiful pieces, play dress up, and take home your own piece of sartorial history. Chelsea Old Town Hall, £4 entry, 11am-5.30pm
DRAG EXHIBITION: Believe it or not, there was drag before Ru Paul hit the small screen. See it in all its incarnations in this multimedia exhibition that challenges notions of gender, race, sexuality and class — with plenty of sparkle thrown in. Hayward Gallery (Lambeth), free, just turn up, 11am-7pm
THE PLAYGROUND: Last chance to let out your inner child at The Playground, an adventure playground come art installation that is suitable for adults and children alike. It requires social interaction to set it fully in motion so bring your crew to see this colourful piece shape-shift. Copeland Park (Peckham), free, just turn up, 11am-10pm
JAZZBOMB: Get ready for an explosive afternoon with Sam Chaplin's all-star jazz group Jazzbomb. Their repertoire includes classics by James Taylor, Nat King Cole, and Ray Charles, as well as some original numbers. Hideaway Jazz Club (Streatham), £15, book ahead, 12pm-4.30pm
MIDWEST MUSIC: Celebrate the musical heritage and baseball culture of Detroit and Chicago without crossing the pond at the second edition of The 108 Sessions. There's music, food, a pop up record store, and DJs laying down beats until long after sundown. Mick's Garage (Hackney Wick), free, book ahead, 2pm-11pm
ABSOLUTELY CONKERS: It's time to revisit those halcyon childhood days, because Hampstead Heath is going absolutely bonkers for conkers this weekend. With contests for tiny tots, teens, and grown-ups, the whole family can get a shot at glory at the delightfully nutty Hampstead Heath Conker Championships 2018. Parliament Hill Bandstand, free, book ahead, 2.30pm-6.30pm
THE STORY OF GRIME: Journalist and writer Dan Hancock chats to Dr Richard Bramwell about his hit book Inner City Pressure: The Story of Grime. Learn all about the fascinating evolution of this innovative grassroots urban music genre and its ties to pirate radio, protest, and police harassment. Arcola Theatre Bar (Dalston), free, just turn up, 7pm-11pm
REGGAE JAM: Make Sunday night the new Saturday by dancing your way into the fresh new week at Grow. This live music event combines the latest jams and well-known rhythms from roots to ska and dub across an evening of DJs and bands. Grow (Hackney Wick), free, just turn up, 7pm-12am
