What to do in London this weekend? October has begun, and the season of cosy outfits, darker nights and all things pumpkin spice has finally arrived.
This weekend, there's the London Literature Festival, and Oktoberfest is in full swing. If you're looking for family-friendly things to do, then pumpkin patches in and around the city are for you.
Check back here each week for updates, as we narrow the best things to do in London this weekend down to a handy top 30: from free things to do in London this weekend to the most luxurious, unusual, quirky, or wholesome. Whatever the occasion—dates, with mates, or on your own—find our hand-chosen recommendations below.
Curated by Lauren Cole, Lead Editor. Find out more about how we create our guides in our Editorial Policy.
What Are The Best Things Happening In London This Weekend?
1. Head To An Oktoberfest Party
- When: all weekend
- Location: across
London
- Price: varies
- We recommend for: Bavarian-inspired parties
The ultimate autumnal celebration, Oktoberfest is taking over London this weekend. This Bavarian festival is known for steins of beer, live music and German food, which can all be found at events across our city.
Some of our favourites this weekend include a beer-fuelled party with DJs at The Bermondsey Bierkeller and a totally free event at Albert's Schloss.
Discover More Oktoberfest Events To Book Here.
Celebrate in true Munich style at the city's best Oktoberfest events.
2. Dance At A Silent Disco In The Shard
- When: 24th October 2026
- Location: Floor 72, Joiner Street, London Bridge, SE1 9QU
- Price: £41.25 per person
- We recommend for: great views and dancing
Fancy partying high above the city this weekend? Then check out Silent Disco London, taking place at The View From The Shard. Enjoy 360-degree views of the capital after dark from this elevated venue, all while boogieing with your best mates.
Don your glowing LED headphones and choose between three different DJs playing varied genres, meaning that everyone is catered for here. Plus, you'll be able to snap some Instagram-worthy photos throughout.
Book Your Tickets To Silent Disco London At The Shard Here.
Enjoy views and non-stop tunes at this elevated silent disco.
3. See High School Musical On Stage
- When: 12th October 2026 - 3rd January 2027
- Location: Troubadour Wembley Park
Theatre
- Price: from £49 per person
- We recommend for: fans of the films
Celebrating 20 years since Disney's High School Musical came to our screens, the iconic story is taking to the stage in Wembley for a limited time only. This fantastic new production tells the tale we all know and love, of Troy, Gabriella and their friends navigating first love, friendships and self-discovery - alongside basketball and musicals, of course.
It features McFly's Harry Judd as Coach Bolton and KayCee Stroh (who originally played Martha in the films) as Ms Darbus. Co-directed by Hope Mill Theatre founders Joseph Houston and William Whelton, and choreographed by Aaron Renfree, it's set to be spectacular.
Book High School Musical Tickets Here.
This stage show reimagines the iconic Disney films.
4. Explore Wildlife Photographer Of The Year
- When: 16th October 2026 - 11th July 2027
- Location: Natural History Museum
- Price: from £17 per person
- We recommend for: photography fans
An internationally acclaimed exhibition, Wildlife Photographer of the Year can be found at the Natural History Museum. This display celebrates the best of nature photography, from polar landscapes to tropical rainforests and oceans.
These photos offer an insight into our changing environment, highlighting the people, places and species that need our attention.
Get Tickets For The Exhibition Here.
Explore wildlife photography at this exhibition.
5. Attend London Literature Festival
- When: 20th October - 1st November 2026
- Location: Southbank Centre
- Price: varies
- We recommend for: literature lovers
London Literature Festival is coming to the Southbank Centre for 2026, with a lineup of events curated by the one and only Dua Lipa. The Grammy and Brit Award-winning popstar and founder of the Service95 Book Club has created sessions with some of her favourite established and emerging writers.
Highlights this weekend include talks by Dua Lipa with Zadie Smith, talking about White Teeth, Dua Lipa with Mustafa on Nour, Dua Lipa with Pattie Smith discussing Bread of Angels, and V.E. Schwab on the conclusion to her Villains series.
Get Your Tickets To London Literature Festival Here.
Dua Lipa is bringing her love of books to London Literature Festival.
6. Drink And Dine At One Of These Amazing Bottomless Brunches
- When: usually held on Saturdays and Sundays
- Location: locations across London
- Price: prices vary depending on the brunch
- We recommend for: tasty cocktails and delicious dishes
Name something you'd rather do on the weekend than a bottomless brunch...we'll wait. Unlimited drinks are now a weekend staple, and mean you can keep track of your pennies without overspending.
There's a whole host of bottomless brunches available across the city, with everything from ABBA-themed affairs in Covent Garden to multi-award-winning brunches entirely centred around Eastenders star, Pat Butcher. Whatever you're looking for, there's something for everyone.
Book A Bottomless Brunch Here.
London has everything from Taylor Swift bottomless brunches to ABBA.
7. Experience A Spellbinding Trip To Hexmoor: Wizarding Prison
- When: all weekend
-
Location: 127
Hackney Road, Unit 11, Hackney, E2
8GY
- Price: tickets from
£49.50
- We recommend for: immersive experiences and quirky cocktails
The world's first wizarding prison bar is opening its doors this weekend. From the creators of Alcotraz, Moonshine Saloon and Avora, this brand-new immersive experience will see you conversing with dark arts wizards and prison guards from the wizarding world.
Hexmoor is an immersive theatrical experience combining film-like set designs, three amazing cocktails and magical special effects that are set to blow you away. And you even get your own prison jumpsuit to fully get into character.
Book Tickets To Hexmoor: Wizarding Prison Here.
Step inside the magical world of Hexmoor prison for the ultimate immersive cocktail experience.
8. Whisk Up A Storm At Big Bakes
- When: various dates
-
Location: 38 Tooting High
Street, SW17 0RG and Lee Street,
E84ED
- Price: from £32.40 per person
- We recommend for: double dates, group activities, and baking fans
Channel your inner pastry chef at The Big London Bake, South and East London's award-winning answer to the ultimate baking challenge. Perfect for those with a competitive streak and a love for sweets, this 90-minute extravaganza pairs you with a baking bench buddy to whip up, decorate, and present a masterpiece based on a monthly rotating theme.
With all pre-measured ingredients, professional instructions, and a Head Baker on hand to guide your station, the experience is designed to be entirely stress-free - right down to the fact that they even handle the washing up.
Book Big Bakes In London Here.
Get your bake on in South and East London.
9. Discover FRAMELESS Lates
- When: Fridays and Saturdays
- Location: 6 Marble Arch, London, W1H 7AP
- Price: from £20 per person
- We recommend for: a unique art experience
FRAMELESS is the iconic, immersive art gallery that brings classic pieces to life, and they offer adults-only sessions after dark. There are four different multi-sensory galleries to explore, where you'll be surrounded by artwork on every surface.
In these late-night visits, drinks are allowed inside the gallery, and there'll be a soundtrack from Soho Radio. Perfect for a unique night out, you'll see art in a whole new way here.
Dive into immersive art at this unique gallery.
10. Throw Shapes At A Bottomless Hoedown
Brunch
- When: Saturdays
- Location: Tequila Mockingbird Covent Garden, 42 William IV Street, WC2N 4DD
- Price: from £52.92 per
person
- We recommend for: a fun time dancing, brunch enthusiasts, a weekend with friends
Dust off your cowboy boots and get ready for a Saturday like no other, as Tequila Mockingbird transforms your weekend into a high-octane Bottomless Hoedown Brunch. You can look forward to a two-hour celebration of boot-scootin’ burlesque and dazzling drag performances, complete with country classic sing-alongs and a competitive round of Hoedown Bingo.
Indulge in 90 minutes of bottomless service, featuring everything from margaritas and pornstar martinis to ice-cold beers and bubbly, while teetotalers are well-catered for with signature mocktails like the Spring Fling and Prom Queen. There'll be plenty of pizza, too.
Grab Tickets To Tequila Mockingbird's Bottomless Hoedown Brunch Here.
Saddle up for this brunch.
11. Go Pumpkin Picking
- When: throughout October
- Location: various
locations
- Price: from free, but varies by location
- We recommend for: an autumnal day out for all ages, but especially families
Halloween is fast approaching, so naturally we need to get our pumpkins ready. And that's why we've rounded up the very best places to go pumpkin picking in and around London, so you can select your own pumpkins and grab some Instagrammable photos at the same time.
Some of our top picks include Hobbledown Heath in Hounslow, Tulleys Farm in Crawley and the London Pumpkin Patch in Parsons Green, among many more.
Discover Our Favourite Patches Here.
Get into the autumnal spirit at these pumpkin patches.
12. Visit An Unusual Museum
- When: various dates and times, depending on the museum
- Location: museums across the capital
- Price: from free, but depends on the museum
- We recommend for: quirky art displays and history
It's no secret that London is home to some of the best museums in the world, but if you're bored of all the usual suspects (though we know you really can't go wrong with the Natural History)? We've got just the thing.
These seven weird and wonderful museums are a great way to spend your Saturday or Sunday (especially if you're looking for free events in London this weekend). Whether you fancy checking out the Freud Museum in Hampstead or heading to Bethnal Green to discover a collection of curiosities throughout history, this list will sort you out. - Kiera Chapman
Explore More Unusual Museums Here.
Experience the wacky and wild collections that London has to offer.
13. Do Aqua Aerobics or Yoga With Skyline Views
- When: various dates
- Where: 1 Electric Blvd, Nine Elms, SW11 8BJ
- Price: from £27.50 per person
- Perfect for: unique exercise ideas and stunning vistas
Designed by the visionary Jaime Hayon, art'otel London Battersea Power Station offers a cultural escape. This March, the hotel’s rooftop becomes a hub for wellness and leisure, kicking off with aqua aerobics sessions, followed by skyline yoga and breakfast for those looking to find zen above the city.
For a more melodic weekend treat, the hotel hosts afternoon tea with live music, providing the perfect blend of sophisticated dining and artistic atmosphere. Whether you're diving into the rooftop pool or enjoying the curated events, art'otel stands as one of the city’s hippest vantage points for food, fitness, and the arts.
Book art'otel London Battersea Power Station Wellbeing Events Here.
Head up to the roof for some yoga.
14. Head To A Freddie Mercury Exhibition
- When: from 24th October 2026
- Location: V&A, South Kensington
- Price: free
- We recommend for: fans of music and fashion
Celebrating the iconic musician's 80th anniversary year, Freddie Mercury | Splendid Things is a brand new display at the V&A. You'll get to see eight looks from his career, including from music videos and legendary performances.
This is totally free to attend, so head down and learn more about this famed singer.
Book Tickets To The Exhibition Here.
Discover more about Freddie Mercury through his fashion.
15. See Jesus
Christ Superstar
- When: 19th October 2026 - 9th January
2027
- Location: Theatre Royal Drury
Lane
- Price: from £25 per person
- We recommend for: fans of the musical
Coming to Theatre Royal Drury Lane this autumn and winter, Jesus Christ Superstar is an iconic musical by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber. This is the award-winning Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production, following a record-breaking summer at The London Palladium.
It's directed by Tim Sheader, choreography is
by Olivier Award-winner Drew McOnie and the design is by Tony
and Olivier Award-winner Tom Scutt - it's set to be something truly
special.
Get Tickets For Jesus Christ Superstar Here.
Catch the musical at Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
16. See RENT The Musical
- When: 26th September 2026 - 27th March 2027
- Location: The Tom Stoppard Theatre, St Martin's Lane, WC2N 4BG
- Price: from £25 per person
- We recommend for: seeing an iconic musical
30 years after Jonathan Larson's groundbreaking musical was first on stage, RENT is returning to the West End with an exciting new cast. This is directed by Luke Sheppard (& Juliet, Paddington The Musical).
Gaten Matarazzo (Stranger Things) is starring as Mark, alongside Travis Ross, Alexa Lopez, Billy Nevers and more. Follow the story of a group of young artists, musicians and friends in New York's East Village, navigating life, love and ambition.
This RENT cast is full of fantastic talent.
17. Check Out The Haunting On Russell Street
- When: 1st October - 1st November
2026
- Location: 9 Russell Street,
Covent Garden, WC2B 5HZ
- Price:
varies
- We recommend for: a quirky Halloween experience
Brought to you by the team behind the iconic Christmas event Miracle on Henrietta Street, The Haunting on Russell Street is a Halloween-themed cocktail pop-up coming to Covent Garden this October. This is a two-storey venue decked out in sinister decor, from creepy characters to a spooky soundtrack.
Prepare to be unsettled, as you sip their unique cocktails served in ghoulish glassware. These include the Widow's Whisper or a Clown Pear-anoia, with snacks available too.
Read More About The Haunting On Russell Street Halloween Bar Here.
This fantastic pop-up promises Halloween fun galore.
18. Check Out Doc'n Roll Festival
- When: 22nd October to 8th November 2026
- Location: across London
- Price: varies
- We recommend for: independent film lovers
The 13th edition of Doc'n Roll Film Festival is coming to London this weekend, taking place across several of the city's best cinemas. This is a womxn-led film agency that champions marginalised voices, showcasing music and film of all genres.
This weekend, discover screenings of Fugs Film!, Wolf, The Best Summer and much more.
Find Out More About The Festival Here.
Doc'n Roll festival is coming to London cinemas.
19. Devour A Sunday Roast
-
When:
Sundays
- Location: across London
- Price:
varies
- We recommend for: a wholesome Sunday
outing
After a long, hot summer, there's finally starting to be an autumnal chill in the air. And what better way to enter the cosy season than by checking out some of the city's best Sunday roasts?
We've rounded up the very best spots to enjoy a roast dinner all over the city, tried and tested by the DesignMyNight team. From dry-aged beef rump at Hawksmoor to veggie filo rolls with all the trimmings at The Talbot, there's all sorts to check out here.
Discover Our Favourite Sunday Roasts Here.
Tuck into this quintessential British feast.
20. Check Out London's Best Parks
- When: anytime
- Location: London's most famous green spaces
- Price: free
- We recommend for: free things to do and wholesome experiences
When the weather's looking good for the weekend ahead, there's nothing better than chilling in a beautiful green space, and it's one of the many free things to do. This city has plenty of parks (and is actually made up of 40% public spaces), which is why it's only natural that we've put together a guide to the very best parks across the capital.
We've got all areas covered, from Hampstead Heath to Clapham Common or Greenwich Park - perfect for picnics, alfresco drinks and soaking up the sun among Grade II-listed buildings or picturesque Japanese gardens. - Kiera Chapman
Free-roaming deer inhabit Richmond Park.
21. Explore The Newest Restaurant Openings
- When: various opening times
-
Location: varying locations
across the city
- Price: prices of food will
vary
- We recommend for: incredible food and dining
out
Looking to spice up your weekend with something delicious? London’s restaurant scene is bursting with fresh openings, from sleek rooftop spots to cosy neighbourhood gems. Whether you're craving Korean BBQ, modern Mediterranean, or plant-based plates, there’s a new table waiting for you.
Read More About London's Newest Restaurant Openings Here.
Check out the capital's hottest new restaurant openings.
22. See The Lives of Others
- When: until 9th January 2027
- Location: Adelphi Theatre
- Price: from £25 per person
- We recommend for: theatre fans
The Lives Of Others is a moving play about writer and an actor who are placed under state surveillance in East Germany, set in 1984. It's being performed at Adelphi Theatre, starring Keira Knightley, Stephen Dillane and Luke Thompson.
This has been adapted and directed by Olivier Award-winner Robert Icke, based on the 2007 film. It explores the relationship between art and politics, focusing on artistic censorship and state surveillance.
Book Tickets To The Lives Of Others Here.
This play stars Keira Knightley and Luke Thompson.
23. Check Out The Capital's Best Cocktail Bars
- When: open now
- Location: 30 Grosvenor Square, Mayfair, W1K 6AN
- Price: prices of food and drinks
vary
- We recommend for: American-Italian dining and date night
Looking for the perfect spot to sip something special this weekend? London’s cocktail scene is overflowing with stylish bars serving up expertly crafted drinks in unforgettable settings. Whether you're into smoky old fashioneds, tropical tiki creations, or something totally experimental, there’s a bar for every taste.
Head to Swift for sleek sophistication, SOMA for minimalist Japanese-inspired mixes, or Nightjar for vintage vibes and live jazz. If you’re after something quirky, try Callooh Callay for playful menus and bold flavours. It’s the ideal way to elevate your weekend plans - one cocktail at a time.
Explore More Of London's Best Cocktail Bars Here.
London is home to some of the best cocktail bars in the UK.
24. Check Out Some Of London's Top Sunday Markets
- When: varies (some take place every day)
- Location: all around London
- Price: usually free
- We recommend for: food, drink, trinkets, and wholesome things to do
Sunday in London is defined by its markets, offering the ultimate weekend excuse to browse with a coffee in hand.
Foodies can choose between the historic, bustling arches of Borough Market or the quieter, insider-favourite Maltby Street Market in Bermondsey for world-class artisan produce. Further afield, the stunning, historic settings of Greenwich Market and Camden Market provide the perfect backdrop for crafts, curios, and scenic canal or riverside strolls, while Notting Hill's Portobello Road pivots on Sundays to a gentler, vintage-focused fashion hub.
Pick up some flowers from a market on Sunday.
25. Get Down With London's
International Dance Festival
- When: 7th - 27th October 2026
- Location: Dance Umbrella, The Strand, WC2R 1LA
- Price: varies by event
- We recommend for: dance lovers
London's international dance festival features a diverse lineup of movement workshops, discussions, live performances, and digital film releases.
In-person performance highlights this weekend include Touch The Floor by Anthea Lewis and Blulili Projects and a family show inspired by a Yorubic myth.
Book Tickets To Umbrella Dance Festival Here.
The festival is taking place at Dance Umbrella London.
26. Visit Absurd City By Wake The
Tiger
- When: every day
- Location: Westfield London, Shepherd's Bush
- Price: from £22.95 per person
- We recommend for: a futuristic, immersive experience
Wake The Tiger is a unique experience that has created an imaginative attraction: Absurd City. This is one of their signature amazement parks, where you'll travel through a portal and enter a whole new world.
The premise is that this city has suffered a climate collapse, and it has been sealed under a giant dome. You'll get to explore different districts, trying to save the city and even working with a robotic dog.
Explore this unique city at Wake The Tiger's immersive experience.
27. Go Back In Time To The 90s: Art And Fashion
- When: 8th October 2026 - 14th February
2027
- Location: Tate
Britain, Millbank, SW1P
4RG
- Price: from £22 per person
- We recommend for: art lovers
Curated by fashion trailblazer Edward Enninful OBE, The 90s: Art And Fashion is a major exhibition exploring a transformative decade of British culture defined by rebellion, optimism, and cross-disciplinary creativity across art, fashion, music, and design.
The show brings together iconic fashion photography by Juergen Teller, Nick Knight, David Sims, and Corinne Day alongside works by leading YBA and contemporary artists including Damien Hirst, Gillian Wearing, and Yinka Shonibare. Highlighting the era's bold visual language, the exhibition also spotlights groundbreaking fashion creations from influential designers such as Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen, and Hussein Chalayan.
2026 is all about the 90s.
28. Mundo Pixar Experience
- When: until November 2026
- Location: Wembley Park, Fulton Road, Wembley, HA9 0TF
- Price: £29 per person (£20 for children)
- We recommend for: family-friendly fun
The world’s largest immersive Pixar exhibition, the Mundo Pixar Experience, can now be found in Wembley, following successful runs in Madrid, Barcelona and Brussels. Here, you can explore all your favourite films brought to life through interactive exhibits and amazing photo opportunities.
Lose yourself in life-sized scenes like Andy's bedroom in Toy Story and Carl's floating house from UP, across 3,500 square metres of space. What's more, they've even unveiled a brand-new room, created exclusively for London.
Immerse yourself in Pixar films.
29. Have A Go At A Taxidermy Workshop
- When: Fridays and Saturdays
- Location: Embankment Studios, Flat 8, County Hall - South Block, SE1 7GB
- Price: from £64.80 per person
- We recommend for: quirky activity, eccentricity
Ever wondered how the Natural History Museum preserves its iconic specimens? Pull back the curtain on the craft with a series of hands-on Taxidermy Workshops hosted at Embankment Studios by leading artisan Suzette Field.
These masterclasses walk you through the delicate processes of skinning, prepping, preserving, and mounting your choice of ethically sourced specimens, from intricate butterfly setting (£64.80) to rats, mice, and guinea pigs, right up to full squirrel and rabbit taxidermy (£106).
Book Your Taxidermy Workshop Tickets Here.
This activity is not for the faint of heart.
30. Attend A Murder Mystery Event
- When: various dates
- Location: varies by
venue
- Price: varies by venue
- We recommend for: fans of mystery and immersive theatre
If you love your whodunits and theatrical experiences, then check out our guide to murder mystery events in London. There are heaps to exercise your detective skills on, such as Mr Fogg's Victorian Murder Mystery, where it's your job to trace back the steps of a gentleman struck down in Mayfair in 1873. You have only one hour to uncover the culprit, mind you, and themed cocktails help you on your way.
Fancy some top-tier food alongside intrigue? The Murdér Express Part Deux - Jewel Of The Empire transports you to 1937 where Dr. Errol Earhart has unearthed the world’s most valuable diamond, which goes missing. As bodies begin to pile up, it's your job to figure out what's going on, all while you tuck into a delicious three-course meal.
Find And Book Murder Mystery Events In London Here.
Mr Fogg's Victorian Murder Mystery.
FAQs
What's on in London this weekend for free?
Plenty. London's free weekend options regularly include open-air markets, park events, gallery visits, and cultural festivals. DesignMyNight's weekly guide flags free-to-attend options alongside paid events — look for the "free" tag when browsing the list.
What's on in London this weekend for families?
London is packed with family-friendly options most weekends. This weekend, the Disney Pixar experience at Wembley Park is a standout for kids and parents alike. Beyond ticketed events, London's free museums, parks, and open-air markets are reliable weekend staples for all ages.
Are there any unusual or unique things to do in London this weekend?
Yes — London's weekend calendar regularly features one-off and immersive experiences you won't find anywhere else. This weekend, boat yoga and a seafood brunch aboard the historic Prince Regent Boat is one of the more distinctive options: a one-hour Flow Yoga session on the water followed by a fresh seafood feast. You can also enjoy a silent disco on the highest floors of the Shard, balance on a float in a pool overlooking Battersea Power Station while doing pilates, and have a go at taxidermy.
What's the best way to find last-minute things to do in London this weekend?
DesignMyNight updates its London weekend guide every week with bookable events, pop-ups, and experiences across every budget. This article is refreshed every Monday (or Tuesday, if there is a bank holiday on Monday) ahead of the weekend, so checking back regularly is the easiest way to stay up to date.
Is there anything on in London this weekend that I can book on the day?
Many of London's weekend events — including pop-ups, food markets, and outdoor experiences — are walk-in or available to book at short notice. On DesignMyNight, you can discover and book all in one place, with our guide updated every week for the coming weekend — perfect for all you last-minute planners.
Need more inspiration? Check out the best things to do in London for more ideas.
