All weekend
HALF TERM: As half term week draws to a close, there are plenty of family-friendly events, activities, exhibitions and theatre shows in London — take a look at our guide to half term in the capital and make the most of the last couple of days. 21-29 October
HALLOWEEN EVENTS: Spooky season is well and truly upon us, and although Halloween proper itself isn't until next week, there are plenty of parties and events — for both adults and kids — taking place this weekend. Our guide to Halloween in London has all you need to know.
MONTH OF THE DEAD: Halloween events not quite chilling enough for you? Check out the Month of the Dead schedule — the annual festival takes a deep-dive into the topic of death with talks, walks and other events. Highlights this weekend include a guided tour of Abney Park Cemetery, and a Halloween ball inspired by Edgar Allan Poe. Until 1 November
LONDON LITERATURE FESTIVAL: Coming to a close at Southbank Centre the weekend is London Literature Festival, incorporating the The Black British Book Festival, celebrating Black British authors across all genres. Guests this weekend include Oti Mabuse, Fats Timbo and Jada Pinkett Smith. Until 29 October
BRICK DINOS: Last chance to see dinosaurs created from Lego bricks at Horniman Museum. Brick Dinos features replicas of creatures from the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods, alongside specimens from the Horniman's stores. Bound to be busy over half term, so worth booking ahead. Until 29 October
PRINT FAIR: Over 500 artists and galleries are represented at the Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair at the Fireworks Factory, including an exclusive original print debut from David Shrigley. Wonderful cartographer Adam Dant is also confirmed to be exhibiting, and the latest egg works from Gavin Turk will be unveiled at the event too. 26-29 October
THE CULT OF BEAUTY: Find out how notions of beauty have varied across time and through different cultures, at the first weekend of free Wellcome Collection exhibition, The Cult of Beauty. Historical objects, artworks, films and new commissions are among the 200 objects on show. FREE, 26 October-28 April
MCM COMIC CON: Halloween isn't the only reason to dig out your fancy dress costume over the next few days. MCM Comic Con returns to ExCeL for three days of celebrity guests, panel discussions, cosplay, tabletop and video games, and more. 27-29 October
DOC 'N' ROLL: It's the first weekend of this year's Doc 'n' Roll Film Festival, focusing on documentaries with a musical slant. The packed programme takes place at venues all over London and beyond, with films about Nick Cave, Jackson C. Frank, Redd Kross and Sharks this weekend — but be quick: tickets are going fast, with many screenings sold out already. Until 12 November
FANTASY: REALMS OF IMAGINATION: Imagined lands, languages and creatures are the subject of the British Library's new exhibition, Fantasy: Realms of Imagination, which looks at how fantasy creators bring their worlds to life, from fairy tales and folklore to the fantastical worlds of Studio Ghibli. 27 October-February 2024
HAMNET: Lolita Chakrabati's absorbing adaptation of hit historical novel Hamnet has transferred to the West End. While little is known about Shakespeare's interpersonal relationships, this tender imagining of his family life feels, for the most part, convincing — a testament to both the chemistry of the cast and the play's fluid set design, which endows its depiction of Elizabethan domesticity with a sense of dynamism. At times saccharine, the play is redeemed by a more grounded second half, with its sincere depiction of life after profound loss. ★★★ Until 17 February 2024
Saturday 28 October
HOUSE OF DREAMS: Ever heard of the House of Dreams? Tucked away in a normal residential London street, this unusual above is covered in mosaics, mannequins and other paraphernalia, both inside and out. It has to be seen to be believed, and you can do just that on an open day today. Definitely one of the quirkiest places you can visit in London. 9.15am-5.15pm
VAN GOGH: In the 1870s, Vincent Van Gogh lived in Stockwell, worked in Covent Garden, and walked between the two. Footprints of London guide Stephen Benton offers a walking tour following the route the artist is likely to have taken, along the Thames and across Westminster Bridge, focusing on what the area would have looked like in Van Gogh's day. 11am-2.15pm
DRAG ROYALTEA: Ru Paul's Drag Race UK star Kate Butch hosts a drag-themed afternoon tea at the Royal Albert Hall. Drag RoyalTea involves live vocals, lip-syncing and drag silliness as you tuck into a boozy menu including sandwiches, scones and cakes. 1pm
WEST END DRAG BRUNCH: The Otherist by Drake & Morgan hosts a Halloween special of its regular West End Drag Brunch. Expect death drops, dancing, and an all-star line-up of the fiercest performers as you tuck into a two-course brunch and drink — or book a show-only ticket. 1pm-4pm
ICE HOCKEY: It's a north London derby on the ice, as hockey team the Haringey Huskies face off against the Lee Valley Lions at Ally Pally. Not familiar with the sport, or need a refresher? Have a read of our guide to ice hockey before you go. Doors 5.30pm
SILVER SCREEN SCI-FI: The latest Silver Screen Science Fiction night at the Royal Observatory features Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse. Watch the film inside the Peter Harrison Planetarium, then listen as an astronomer gives a short talk about the science behind the fiction. 6pm-9pm
RUGBY WORLD CUP: After seven weeks of tournament, it's Rugby World Cup Final Day. Plenty of places around London are showing the action in France on the big-screen — you'll need to book in advance for these places to watch in the capital. Kick-off 7pm
FRIZZI 2 FULCI: 10 years after its debut at Union Chapel, Frizzi 2 Fulci returns to the same venue, with the world premiere of new show Zombie Composer's Cut. It's Italian composer Fabio Frizzi's tribute concert to director Lucio Fulci, with 1979 film Zombi 2 shown with a live score. 7pm
MYSTERY FILM CLUB: The regular film club takes place at Newington Green Meeting House — the catch being that licensing rules prevent organisers from announcing which film will be shown. Join the club to find out ahead of time, or turn up and be surprised — it's free, so you've nothing to lose. FREE, 7.30pm
POP NEVER DIES: Dance the night away to pop tunes at The Lexington on Pentonville Road, where Halloween costumes are encouraged, and classic pop tunes by the likes of Beyoncé, Lady Gaga and Rihanna are played alongside alt-pop anthems by Charli XCX, Rina Sawayama, MUNA and more. 11pm
Sunday 29 October
WHITEWEBBS: As it's the last Sunday of the month, Whitewebbs Museum of Transport in Enfield opens to the public. Never been before? Read about our visit for an idea of what to expect. This time there's the additional benefit of the Gathering of Geezers, a meet-up of Street Rods, soundtracked by a rock 'n' roll DJ. 10am-4pm
SMARTPHONE PHOTOGRAPHY: Master the art of getting decent snaps on your phone, with this smartphone photography class at the RAF Museum in Hendon. Learn basic skills, then put them to use taking photos of the aircraft on display. 1pm-2.30pm
ART SUNDAYS: Take the family along to Dulwich Picture Gallery for Art Sundays, free creative sessions aimed at 7-12 year olds. This time, experiment with colour and make artworks inspired by the current Rubens & Women exhibition. FREE, 1pm-3.45pm
DIWALI: Although Diwali falls on 12 November this year, London's official celebrations in Trafalgar Square take place this afternoon, with live music, dancing and more. Find other Diwali celebrations in London in the coming days. FREE, 1pm-7pm
HALLOWEEN: It's not Halloween without... Halloween. The 1978 John Carpenter slasher horror film celebrates its 45th anniversary this spooky season, and you can catch it at the Prince Charles Cinema today — if you dare. Find other scary film screenings going on around London this Halloween. 3.20pm
MINDFUL CRAFTS: Colour expert and Londonist contributor Momtaz Begum-Hossain runs a mindful crafting event for adults in Royal Docks. Unleash your inner artist and enjoy the therapeutic powers of crafting. Projects could include anything from painting and collage to mindful sewing and embroidery. All materials are provided and no previous art/craft experience is necessary. Age 16+. 4pm-6pm
SOUND UNWRAPPED: To mark the opening of City of London Sinfonia’s 2023/24 season, the orchestra teams up with musical polymath BISHI, for a concert culminating in a performance of Terry Riley’s hypnotic communal classic, In C. Part of Sound Unwrapped season at Kings Place. 6pm-7.30pm
