All weekend
FIREWORKS NIGHT: Bonfire Night (or Fireworks Night or Guy Fawkes Night if you will) falls on 5 November, which is this Wednesday. There are a couple of midweek displays, but several bonfire events continue into the weekend. Read our guide to London's 2025 firework displays to find your nearest whizzbangs.
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: Smoking hot on the heels of Bonfire Night come London's Christmas light displays. By this weekend, illuminations will be glowing beautifully in Oxford Street, Regent Street and Carnaby — and realistically, this is the least busy central London is going to be between now and Christmas, making it the ideal time to get out and see them.
THEATRE FESTIVAL: Voila! Theatre Festival describes itself as an "annual theatre rendezvous in London" spanning multidisciplinary, multilingual and multicultural performance. This year, that translates into an impressive 100+ different productions across several genres, including Invisible Border, about a woman finding her place between three diverse cultures; and Le Grand Soir, described as a "Sino-Russian version of Les Misérables meets Never Have I Ever". The programme is extensive, so you're bound to find several events to pique your interest. 3-23 November
DISPOSABLE: Theatre show Disposable holds its premiere run at Union Theatre in Southwark, centred around five friends living together during their second year at university, whose world begins to crumble when one of them is accused of rape. The play is presented in a fundraising partnership with Women's Aid, and highlights the truths and complications of modern dating alongside the filter of how we present our lives on social media. 4-9 November
ANNA ANCHER: A significant figure in Danish art, Anna Ancher gets her first major UK exhibition at Dulwich Picture Gallery, showcasing 40+ paintings from her prolific career, including pieces loaned from Art Museums of Skagen. 4 November-8 March
LUXURY TRAVEL FAIR: If you're lucky enough to be planning a getaway in the next few months, you might find the inspiration you're looking for at the Luxury Travel Fair at London Olympia. Hear from celebrity travellers and expert speakers including Brian and Melvyn from Race Across The World. You can also chat to reps from travel and expedition companies. 6-9 November
WUNDRFUL WORLD OF CHRISTMAS: Some people might say that 8 November is too early to be getting the kids wound up for Christmas. If that's not you, take them along to new attraction Wundrful World of Christmas, where they can meet Santa and his elves via a mixed reality experience, including riding a special lift to the North Pole and visiting the North Pole Post Office. 8 November-24 December
PICTOGRAMS: The iconic Japanese design of Pictograms is explored at Japan House, in a free exhibition closing on Sunday. From street signs and text messages to toilet doors and maps, they are used in communication worldwide, and this is a chance to find out about the role Japan played in developing the symbols. FREE, until 9 November
FRANKENSTEIN EXHIBITION: Last chance to see Frankenstein: Crafting A Tale Eternal, a free exhibition at Selfridges. Opened to coincide with the release of Netflix's adaptation of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, director Guillermo del Toro offers a behind-the-scenes on the creation of the film as well as props, artwork, costumes and Tiffany & Co. jewellery which all feature in it. Also on display is a collection of books curated by the rare books specialist company Peter Harrington, to honour Mary Shelley's legacy. FREE, until 9 November
THE TOWER REMEMBERS: As Remembrance Sunday approaches, time's running out to see The Tower Remembers, a display of tens of thousands of the ceramic poppies which originally flooded the moat in 2014. This time they're arranged to resemble a 'wound' at the heart of the Tower, from which the poppies form a crater, with ripples flowing outwards. It's on display within the Tower walls, so you'll need an entry ticket to view it. Until 11 November
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Food, fun and friendly competition at TOCA Social
Uninspired by your usual weekend activities, and keen to try something new in London? Enter TOCA Social, a duo of lively venues where you can pair exciting games with delicious food and drink.
Each TOCA Social venue offers a wealth of football-based games, so whether it's your first or 15th visit, there's something new and thrilling to entertain you. Games are designed for all skill levels, so no experience is required — though a friendly rivalry or competitive spirit always helps!
Get together with friends in a private gaming box, or book in a date night, and go head-to-head in a competition. Food and drink is sorted: shareable dishes like chicken wings, sliders and nachos — plus indulgent mains (think burgers and Philly cheese steaks) — are available, along with creative and themed cocktails to elevate the experience far above your average bar option.
For social fun, delicious food and friendly competition under one roof (and safely tucked away from whatever London's winter weather is doing!) book your slot at TOCA Social now.
TOCA Social can be found at The O2 in North Greenwich and Westfield White City. Both venues are easily accessible via public transport.
Saturday 8 November
PATCHWORK WORKSHOP: Learn how to use up scrap fabric or upcycle textiles in a patchwork workshop where you'll learn the technique of English paper piecing. All materials are provided as you learn how to cut, fold and stitch fabric shapes by hand at Poplar Union, and take home your own quilted block. 10am-1pm
MUSEUM BIRTHDAY: Brentford's magnificent Museum of Water & Steam celebrates its 50th anniversary — no mean feat considering it was crowdfunding to save some of its most precious objects just last year — with a huge party. 1970s fancy dress is encouraged, in a nod to the year the museum was founded, and we're promised special tours, trains rides, crafting activities and cake. Plus it holds its first ever late, staying open until 9pm and rounding things off with a firework display. 10am-9pm
LADY MAYOR'S SHOW: If you're a sucker for pomp and pageantry, don't miss the Lord Mayor's Show... or, as it's called this year, the Lady Mayor's Show. For the first time ever, the title of Lady Mayor of London has been given to the incumbent, Dame Susan Langley DBE (she's the third woman in 800+ years to hold the position, but the first for whom the title has been changed). The event marks the outgoing Mayor being replaced by the new one, and takes the form of a procession through the City of London. FREE, from 11am. As always, St Paul's Cathedral gives free entry to the Cathedral Floor and Crypt on the day of the show.
RNB DAY PARTY: Love clubbing, but can't handle the late nights any more? The Clapham Grand holds an RnB Day Party, so you can dance to the likes of Usher, Beyonce, Ciara, Mariah Carey, Ne-yo and Destiny's Child, and still be home at a reasonable hour. DJ Milktray headlines. 18+. 12pm-5pm
ENGINEERS CREATE: Models, sketches, drawings, prototypes, and samples from engineers and designers are on display in the free Engineers Create exhibition, in the Crypt Gallery at St Pancras New Church. It's a chance for the public to get an idea of the artistry and problem-solving which goes into engineering on all scales. FREE, 12pm-6pm today (until 15 November)
REMEMBRANCE CHOIR: Head to the atrium at the Imperial War Museum to hear a free remembrance performance by members of a number of local London choirs. They cover songs from the First World War to the present day, uniting people to remember those who lost their lives in both World Wars and other conflicts over the last 100+ years. FREE, 3pm
WHO DID WHAT NOW?: Historian and podcast host Katie Charlwood brings a live recording of her show, Who Did What Now? to the Other Palace Theatre (Victoria). Expect a fresh, witty — and occasionally smutty — take on history, unlike any history class you took at school. 8pm
CHARITY COMEDY: Patrick Monahan, President Obonjo, Cheekykita, Barnaby Slater and Currer Ball are all on the line-up at a charity comedy fundraiser at the Willoughby Arms in Kingston-Upon-Thames. Money raised goes to the Kingston Round Table SOS Save our Santa appeal, ensuring the local Santa's sleigh can be fixed to allow him to visit local children again this year. 8pm-11pm
GHOST STORIES: Halloween continues with the final performances of Ghost Stories at Peacock Theatre, a terrifying theatrical experience about a professor setting out to debunk the paranormal. It's co-created by Andy Nyman, who worked on Derren Brown's television and stage shows. 5.30pm/8.30pm
HORROR BY CANDLELIGHT: Another one for anyone wanting eke out Halloween: head to the Great Hall at St Bartholomew's for a candlelit concert of music from horror films. A live orchestra performs tracks from the likes of The Exorcist, The Shining and Nightmare on Elm Street. 7pm/9pm
THE DINNER PARTY: Chic Victoria restaurant the Palm House launches a new weekly event, the Dinner Party, combining food, drink and live entertainment. Enjoy a glass of fizz on arrival, before being guided through a three-course menu consisting of dishes including baked cod, or grilled chicken gyros. Dessert is served in the opulent Rum Room, followed up with a post-dinner daiquiri and a live saxophonist, who keeps the party going late into the night. From 7pm
Y2K PARTY: Rewind 25 years and party like it's the turn of the millennium at Bethnal Green Working Men's Club's Y2K party. Dress to impress (think Paris Hilton couture, spiky hair and studded belts, cargo pants and heels, and patchwork denim) for a night of tunes by the likes of Britney, McFly, Busted and Avril Lavigne. 9pm-2am
Sunday 9 November
VINTAGE KILO SALE: Refresh your wardrobe at the Vintage Superstore kilo sale, which comes to Fairfield Halls in Croydon. Vintage clothing and accessories are sold by weight, priced at £20 per kilo. There's no minimum weight purchase, so shop wisely and you could walk away with a whole new outfit for just a few quid. 10am
REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY: Today is Remembrance Sunday, so expect to see commemorative parades and events happening at war memorials, the main one being at the Cenotaph on Whitehall (there will be road closures around that area). Wherever you are, you're invited to take part in a two-minute silence at 11am, to remember and commemorate those who have made sacrifices in conflicts around the world. Around 11am
CHARCOAL DRAWING WORKSHOP: Take the kids along to Lambeth's Garden Museum for a free charcoal drawing workshop, and use charcoal to draw plants such as chillies, corn on the cob and onions. It's inspired by the museum's current exhibition, Rory McEwen: Nature’s Song. Sounds like it could be messy, so perhaps avoid dressing them in their best clothes! FREE, 11am-12.30pm
DR JOHNSON'S HOUSE: The former digs of Samuel Johnson opens on selected Sundays between now and December — and today is one of them. Explore the townhouse where Johnson wrote his Dictionary of the English Language, and head to the Withdrawing Room at 2pm for tea. 12pm-4pm
CHRISTMAS WREATH WORKSHOP: Looking ahead to the festive season already? Forty Hall in Enfield holds its first in a series of Christmas wreath making workshops. Suitable for all levels including complete beginners, you'll make a wreath with dried fruit and ribbon under expert guidance, with all tools and materials provided. 12.30pm-2.30pm
ANTI-SLAVERY CAMPAIGNING: Footprints of London guide Laura Agustín leads a walking tour focusing on locations where key events in British campaigns against slavery and slave-trading between the mid-1700s and mid-1800s took place. Wander from Chancery Lane to Fleet Street, Lincoln's Inn and Covent Garden, ending at Embankment Gardens, hearing about fugitive and former slaves, white lawyers, activists and orators, Black activists, authors and musicians. 1pm
STAR OF KINGS: It's shaping up to be quite the Sunday at King's Cross pub the Star of Kings. Get things going with the Sunday Drag Brunch (2pm-4pm) featuring 90 minutes of bottomless drinks, and outrageous camp cabaret hosted by Victoria Sponge. Then, from 4.30pm, Sound Refuge launch their new EP, A Kid Named Ghost Ship, with a live performance. 2pm-4pm and 4.30pm-8.30pm
JUVENILE COURT: Bertha DocHouse in Bloomsbury screens Juvenile Court, a 1973 documentary showcasing some of the issues brought to the Memphis Juvenile Court, spanning foster home placement, drug abuse, armed robbery and child abuse. It's part of the venue's Frederick Wiseman season celebrating the director's documentary portraits of public institutions. 2.30pm
SOBER COMEDY: Alcohol-free comedy club Sober Comedy returns to Bethnal Green, offering an afternoon of laughs without the booze. Ninia Benjamin, Susan Murray, El Baldiniho and Mike Gunn are on the line-up, with food available to order at the venue. 3.30pm-5.30pm
TRIO IMPROMPTU: It's the turn of Trio Impromptu to take to the stage for today's Sunday Concert at Conway Hall. Catherina Lee (violin), Alexei Watkins (horn) and Yoon Chung (piano) perform a concert of classical favourites including Brahms' Horn Trio, Mozart's Horn Quintet K407, and Mozart's Sonata K378. 6.30pm-8.30pm
MESSIAH FROM SCRATCH: A rather special audience participation even takes place at the Royal Albert Hall this evening. Messiah From Scratch brings together thousands of singers for a unique performance of Handel's Messiah, without any prior rehearsals. The event's been running for over 50 years and never fails to produce a breathtaking performance. 7pm
ACORN ANTIQUES: Written by the late, great Victoria Wood, Acorn Antiques is a musical parody show about an old-fashioned antiques shop run by sisters Miss Babs and Miss Berta, and facing the threat of redevelopment. See it for one night only at Shaftesbury Theatre. 7.30pm
BOOKER SHORTLIST: The six authors up for this year’s Booker Prize read from and discuss their shortlisted books with novelist Sara Collins at Southbank Centre, ahead of the winner being announced tomorrow. 8pm
