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 a free Japanese food and culture 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 Between The Bridges' massive Bavarian bash, complete with a brass band a hilarious host, alongside a beer-fuelled party with DJs at The Bermondsey Bierkeller. Additionally, London Oktoberfest in Finsbury Park is the biggest celebration in the country, with more than 50,000 people in attendance.
Discover More Oktoberfest Events To Book Here.
Celebrate in true Munich style at the city's best Oktoberfest events.
2. Take Part In Barry's HIIT Class At Sky Garden
- When: Saturday 3rd October 2026
- Location: 1 Sky Garden Walk, City of London, EC3M 8AF
- Price: £33 per person
- We recommend for: a workout with a view
Looking for a unique way to get fit? Then head to Sky Garden this weekend, where they're hosting Barry's HIIT Class led by an expert trainer. The 50-minute session combines high-intensity fitness with incredible views, as their floor-to-ceiling windows look out over the entire city.
There'll be post-class refreshments, including a smoothie and a breakfast bite. Of course, you'll also be able to explore the stunning setting afterwards.
Book Tickets To Barry's HIIT Class Here.
It's hard to find a fitness class with a better view than this.
3. Attend A Brunch And Sunny Dancer Film Screening
- When: Saturday 3rd October 2026
- Location: 15-17 Charlotte Street, Fitzrovia,
W1T 1RJ
- Price: £55 per person
- We recommend for: film lovers
The widely celebrated film Sunny Dancer is being screened at Charlotte Street Hotel this weekend, complete with a Q and A from writer, director and co-producer George Jaques and co-producer Ken Petrie. You'll get to find out more about the making of the film and the story behind it.
What's more, the experience begins with a delicious brunch in Oscar restaurant, alongside live jazz. Choose from their Film Club set menu, which features plates like buttermilk pancakes with blueberry compote or The ‘McOscar’ with pork patties, fried duck egg, Lincolnshire Poacher and brown sauce.
Book Tickets For Sunny Dancer Screening Brunch
Here.
Enjoy delicious brunch before watching Sunny Dancer.
4. Check Out Japan Matsuri Festival
- When: Sunday 4th October 2026
- Location: Trafalgar Square
- Price: free
- We recommend for: celebrating Japanese culture
Returning to Trafalgar Square for another year, Japan Matsuri is a free-to-enter festival that showcases the very best of Japanese food, music and culture. This is the UK's biggest annual Japanese festival, which has been running since 2009.
Expect everything from live music and taiko drumming to traditional dancing, Japanese martial arts and cosplay - to name just a few aspects of the day. There'll be plenty of tasty eats too, including ramen, onigiri, matcha, mochi and much more.
Read More About Japan Matsuri Here.
Discover all things Japanese at this free festival.
5. Check Out This Brand New Thelma & Louise Musical
- When: 3rd September - 24th October 2026
- Location: Young Vic Theatre
- Price: from £28 per person
- We recommend for: seeing a new musical
One of the most iconic films of all time, Thelma & Louise has now been turned into a brand new musical. Directed by Trip Cullman, it features music and lyrics by Grammy-nominated artist Neko Case.
Follow the story of best friends Thelma and Louise as their life is forever altered on a spontaneous weekend getaway. It's wild, hilarious and full of drama.
Get Your Tickets To The Thelma & Louise Musical Here.
Catch this iconic story on stage for the first time.
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. Do Some Yoga And Brunch On A Boat
- When: Fridays
- Location: Seagarden Boat, Prince Regent Boat, 17 Sheldon Square, W2 6EP
- Price: from £55.08 per person
- We recommend for: brunch, exercise, city views
Have a go at some dynamic stretches on the water with a boat yoga and seafood brunch, an idyllic weekend-starter floating aboard the historic Prince Regent Boat.
Setting sail every Friday at 11am, the three-hour experience kicks off with a soothing one-hour Flow Yoga session as gentle canal waves roll beneath your mat, before transitioning into a feast featuring fresh, customisable seafood platters paired with 90 minutes of free-flowing Peach Rooibos Iced Tea (or an optional £15 upgrade to bottomless bubbles).
Book Tickets To The Boat Yoga & Seafood Brunch Here.
Combine yoga with a brilliant morning feast this Friday.
15. See Into The Woods
- When: 22nd September 2026 - 9th January
2027
- Location: Noel Coward Theatre, 85-88 St Martin's
Lane, WC2N 4AU
- Price: from £25 per person
- We recommend for: fans of the musical
Coming to the West End after a critically acclaimed run at The Bridge Theatre, Into The Woods is the Olivier award-winning musical directed by Jordan Fein. This is a joyous mash-up of fairy tales, filled with witches, wolves, kings and more.
The set and costumes have been designed by Tom Scutt, and it features actors like Kate Fleetwood, Simbi Akande and Valda Aviks. Grab your tickets to shows throughout 2026 and the first week of 2027.
Get Tickets For Into The Woods Here.
See this award-winning musical on the West End.
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 Peaky Blinders Underworld
- When: until 3rd January 2027
- Location: Arches London Bridge, 8 Bermondsey Street, SE1 2ER
- Price: £19.95 per person
- We recommend for: fans of the TV show
Love Peaky Blinders? Then be sure to check out Peaky Blinders Underworld, the immersive experience that will transport you into the world of 1920s Birmingham. Begin in the Garrison Tavern, where you'll grab a drink before heading into the underworld below.
You'll meet the characters from the Shelby world, with puzzles and challenges to get stuck into. You can even place a bet at the family's secret betting den, and there's on-theme food to eat too.
Find Out More About Peaky Blinders Underworld Here.
Immerse yourself in the world of Peaky Blinders.
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. Book The Strictly Come Dancing Experience
- When: until the 22nd March 2027
- Location: Secret Central London location
- Price: from £30.25 per person
- We recommend for: Strictly Come Dancing fans
Channel your inner Glitterball trophy winner with the Strictly Come Dancing Experience, an exhilarating 90-minute private masterclass popping up across central London studios in Camden, Covent Garden, and Piccadilly (or right at your own venue).
Launching alongside the new series this September, it allows you and your mates to pair with a professional choreographer to learn a bespoke routine in your choice of style, from fiery Salsa and theatrical Charleston to cinematic Movie Week anthems. Complete with themed props, iconic score paddles, prosecco prizes, and an optional professional photoshoot upgrade, it’s a brilliant, sequin-drenched option for hen dos, birthdays, or team outings where presence and flair trump technical perfection.
Book Tickets To The Strictly Come Dancing Experience Here.
This event is made for fans of the hit TV show.
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. Celebrate Chelsea Dog Day
- When: Saturday 3rd October 2026
- Location: 224-226 King's Road, Chelsea, SW3 5UA
- Price: free entry
- We recommend for: dog lovers
Chelsea Dog Day is coming this weekend, and The Trafalgar on King's Road is celebrating with a day dedicated to dogs. They're giving out free dog treats and toys, including puppuccinos and biscuits from Mutha Pupps.
They've also got a dedicated dog menu on the day, featuring doggy burgers and sausage of the day. Of course, there's plenty for humans too, ranging from corn-fed chicken supreme to beer-battered North Atlantic cod or asparagus and pea risotto.
Find Out More About Chelsea Dog Day
Here.
Check out Chelsea Dog Day this weekend.
26. Visit The Wallace & Gromit And Friends
Exhibition
- When: until 15th November 2026
- Location: Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green, E2 9PA
- Price:
from £12.50 per person
- We recommend for: families
Young V&A in Bethnal Green are opening their Inside Aardman: Wallace & Gromit And Friends exhibition this weekend. This explores the world of animator Aardman, and how he created these iconic characters, with lots of behind-the-scenes insight.
From Wallace & Gromit to Shaun the Sheep and Morph, you'll get to see all your favourites come to life here. Plus, they've even got a family design challenge you can get involved in.
Book Tickets To The Exhibition Here.
See your favourite characters come to life.
27. Attend An Open Weekend At Chelsea Physic Garden
- When: 3rd and 4th October
2026
- Location: Chelsea Physic
Garden
- Price: free
- We recommend for: exploring a botanical garden
London's oldest botanical garden, founded in 1673, Chelsea Physic Garden is hosting an open weekend as part of the Chelsea History Festival. This is a great way to get involved in nature and history, with more than 4,500 species of edible, useful and medicinal plants on-site.
There'll be fun activities for all ages, including pond dipping, craft activities and storytelling sessions. You'll learn more about medicine, healing and plants throughout history.
Book Tickets To The Chelsea Physic Garden Open Weekend Here.
This botanical garden is full of fascinating plants.
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.
Discover Murder Mystery Events In London Here.
Are you ready to embark on a 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.
