All weekend
HALLOWEEN: There are plenty of Halloween events taking place in London this weekend. Our guide to things to do in London for Halloween has you covered, whether you’re keen for pumpkin picking, adults-only parties or family trails and storytelling sessions.
HORROR SHOW: 200 works of art and important cultural objects are displayed in The Horror Show! A twisted tale of modern Britain – a major new exhibition at Somerset House, open from Thursday. It explores the British cultural psyche in three acts, Monsters, Ghosts and Witches, looking at the horror genre over the past 50 years and how it has responded to its most troubling times. October 27-February 2023
MCM COMIC CON: Dust off your cape and check your superhero outfit still fits – MCM Comic Con is back at ExCeL London. Immerse yourself in three days of all things pop culture, including a chance to meet TV and film stars, hear from industry insiders in panel discussions, participate in games and showcase your suit of suits. October 28-30
CHINESE FOOD FESTIVAL: Head to Bedford Square Gardens to try all kinds of dishes at the Chinese Food Festival. Brands representing different regions and cuisines of the country can be found in the Food Carnival area. There are also lantern making and woodblock printing workshops, a craft market and live performances. October 28-30
WEIRD COMEDY: The Weirdos Comedy Band is doing a particularly spooky show – The Envelopes, in which audience members receive a package containing various art and whimsical items with instructions only they know about. Together, you and the comedians will solve a thrilling mystery. October 28-30
HALF TERM: Are the kids out of school this week? Struggling for ways to entertain them? Our guide to half-term events in London has plenty of ideas, with pirates, witches, elephants, dinosaurs and more, through exhibitions, theater performances and other fun events. Until October 30
LITERATURE FESTIVAL IN LONDON: The annual London Literature Festival at the Southbank Center never fails to bring in big names; Greta Thunberg. Josh Widdicombe and Rob Beckett appear in this weekend’s programme. Until October 30
MEXICO: Time is also running out to see Kew Gardens’ Festival of Mexico, a celebration of the Central American country featuring art and gardening installations at Temperate House. There are also live music and dance performances this weekend. Until October 31
MAIN EXHIBITS: Some of our top recommended exhibitions for this month open in time for this weekend. Make time to see Strange Clay at the Hayward Gallery, the Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize at Cromwell Place, Koestler Arts: Freedom at the Southbank Centre, or The New Black Vanguard at the Saatchi Gallery.
SELF-GUIDED MYSTERY: Here’s a unique way to celebrate the spooky season: sniff out evidence of crime on a self-guided adventure around historic parts of London. Streethunt offers games that are part treasure hunt, part escape room, part murder mystery. You’ll get directions and clues sent straight to your phone for you and your friends to solve as you enter, exploring a new side of the city. Slots are available from 9am to 7pm, seven days a week and our readers get 20% off with code LondonistH20. (sponsor)
CHANGE OF HOURS: A reminder that the clocks go back one hour 2 am on Sunday morning. Hurry up for an extra hour in bed, but welcome the evenings to get darker. Here are 9 things to do in London to brighten up the dark nights.
Saturday, October 29
LIVE SURGERY: Steel your stomach to hear all the details of the horrors of surgery in the days before anesthesia and antiseptics. The Old Operating Theater opens its doors for a special tour focusing on Victorian-era medical procedures in the oldest surviving operating theater in Europe. 10 o’clock in the morning
DIWALI CELEBRATION: Diwali celebrations continue at the British Museum, with a family-friendly day of dance performances, traditional arts and crafts, storytelling and other activities. Intended for ages 5+. FREE, 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m
CARIBBEAN LITERATURE: Originating in Trinidad and Tobago, Bocas UK is a one-day festival of readings and talks celebrating writing from the Caribbean diaspora, at the British Library. Guests include Celeste Mohammed, Canisia Lubrin and Shivanee Ramlochan. 11:30-20:30
LONDON GAY MEN’S CHOIR: Head to Alexandra Palace for the London Gay Male Chorus Halloween Ball. Described as a ‘homage to the wicked’ and a ‘camp cauldron’, it’s a sweeping and danceable performance from Europe’s biggest gay choir, with haunting melodies and a Halloween theme. 14:30 / 19:30
ICE HOCKEY: Also at Alexandra Palace today, watch the Haringey Huskies ice hockey team take on the Bristol Pitbulls, in their fourth game of the season. New to the game? We woke up with our guide to ice hockey in London. Doors 5pm
HERNE HILL FIREWORKS: London’s Bonfire Night celebrations kick off today, with a fireworks display at Herne Hill Velodrome. It’s a Halloween themed show, raising money for the upkeep of the cycle track, with a bonfire, fireworks and food and drink stalls. 17:00-21:00
DAY OF THE DEAD: Lambeth’s Chino Latino restaurant celebrates Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, with a special four-course menu. Dine on sushi, ceviche, beef tacos, Peruvian corn and more, along with live music. From 18.00
CATHEDRAL CONCERT: Emerging images from videographer Heather Britton set the backdrop to a climate change-themed concert at Southwark Cathedral tonight. Choral ensemble The Sixteen are joined by improvisational violinist Lizzie Ball for All Edges of the World, which explores our relationship with the Earth. 19:00
HERITAGE AND HOPE CONCERT: As part of Black History Month, the Pegasus Opera Company — which champions performers of African and Asian heritage — performs a Legacy and Hope concert. Head to Clapham Library to hear classical singers and a community choir perform songs by composers of African, Caribbean and Asian heritage and songs inspired by the black diaspora. 19:00-21:00
SUPER HIGH resolution: Head to the Soho Theater for Super High Definition, a fast-paced and darkly funny show about being a doctor in the modern NHS and the limits of anyone’s ability to care for other people. 19:30 (and various dates until December)
THUMPING TOMMYS: Get into the Saturday spirit with a heady mix of Irish and American folk (with an English twist) from The Thumping Tommys, who are bringing Camden’s Green Note to amazing life tonight. 20:30
Scary skates: Open to all ages, Fromage on Ice is an ice skating disco in Ally Pally — and this month it’s a Halloween special. Skate and dance to Halloween and pop songs, with dances, a costume contest and glow sticks. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult on the ice. 20.30-23.00
Sunday, October 30
HOWLOWEEN DOG WALK: Take your pooch for a Halloween dog walk on Hampstead Heath, organized by – and raising money for – dog charity All Dogs Matter. Walk with other dogs and their owners and don’t forget your costume. There are prizes for best dressed adults, children and dogs. 10.30-13.00
JOURNEY FOR SERVICE IN TEMES: Community archaeologist Mike Webber leads a guided walk along the banks of the Thames, talking about artefacts found on the banks of the river and explaining how the Thames shaped London into the city we know today. 10.30-13.30
CATFORD FOOD MARKET: Catford Food Market launches today in its new location — you’ll now find it by the river on Adenmore Road, next to Catford Bridge station. Expect to find a range of south London-based food traders, including Portuguese bakery Almada, vegan Lebanese food Bei Root and Filipino street food Harlem 2 Manila. 10:00-16:00
FAMILY COMEDY: See half the season with Comedy Club 4 Kids at Artsdepot in North Finchley. It’s a regular run of comedy shows – only with jokes suitable for a younger audience (ages 6+) and their families. 12 noon / 2:30 p.m
HALLOWEEN Crafts: Head to Leytonstone’s Stone Mini Market for a craft workshop where you’ll make your own 3D pumpkin and moon wreath — perfect for decorating your home this Halloween. 14:00-16:00
BOOK BLIND DATE: Here’s a blind date with a difference – the ‘date’ in this case is a book with its cover hidden by the wrapping paper. A few written details describe what you can expect from the book – will you choose a dangerous, classic or romantic date? While you’re at the SoLo Craft Fair Shop in Elephant and Castle, why not grab a wine or coffee from Little Louie’s Cafe. 14:00-16:00
The Terrible HAMPSTEAD: Join London guide Marilyn Greene with Footprints for a Halloween-themed tour around Hampstead, detailing the area’s hangings, highwaymen, murders and fatal accidents. Did you know that the last two women to be hanged in Britain committed murder in Hampstead? Expect to hear many more historical tidbits like those on this walk. 2.30 in the afternoon
