Not sure what’s on in London this weekend? Whatever the weather, we’ve got you covered. From cocktails, to brunches, markets to gigs, there’s something for everyone on our list of things to do in London this weekend!
1. Explore emo culture at the Barbican Library
Calling fellow teenagers of the 00s! Step back to circa 2005 with a visit to the I’m Not Okay (An Emo Retrospective) exhibition at the Barbican Library. This free exhibit is a love letter to emo culture, featuring photos, band merch, and memorabilia from iconic bands like Fall Out Boy and My Chemical Romance. The exhibition captures how emo was more than music; it was a lifestyle that shaped fashion and culture. It’s the ultimate nostalgic journey.
2. Have a clucking good time at a German-style chicken wing festival
Oktoberfest = good. Chicken wings = good. Put ’em together, and what do you get? Wingtoberfest! This weekend (October 11–12), Big Penny Social will host two days of revelry, with unlimited wings; free-flowing steins of house beer, wine, and soft drinks; bratwursts; and fries. Guests are encouraged to get into the full Oktoberfest spirit, and come dressed in their lederhosen. Alongside the ample food and drink, there’ll be on-stage entertainment, music, and competitions.
3. Take some time out at a festival that promotes mental health
Billed as the UK’s first mental health festival, Go Mental returns for a second year this Saturday (October 12). The annual event, founded by nutritionist and author Rosie Millen, will take place near Holborn, and feature inspirational talks, Q&A panels, interactive workshops, and fitness and meditation classes. Keynote speakers include self-love writer Vex King, fitness expert James Stirling, and neuroscientist and author Dr Faye Begeti MB PhD.
4. Treat yourself to a tipple or two at a new rum bar
The Rhum Tavern is a new opening near Oxford Circus, which boasts one of the capital’s largest and most diverse rum collections. The experiential bar pays homage to the 17th-century age of piracy, drawing inspo from literature and films. Rum aficionados will be pleased to see the likes of Mount Gay Black Barrel and Planteray Pineapple (formally Plantation Pineapple) making an appearance in cocktails. The bar’s founder, Gabriel de-Vere, is well-versed in the cocktail field, with numerous accolades at the likes of Sketch, Lounge Lover, The Little Yellow Door, and Mr Fogg’s.
5. Check out a photography exhibition honouring Muhammed Ali
Honour the boxer of a generation, the iconic Muhammed Ali, at a limited-time-only photography exhibition in Mayfair. Head to Alon Zakaim Fine Art this weekend (or anytime before November 8) to browse the exclusive collection of photographs of the legendary boxer, shot by renowned sports photographer Chris Smith.
6. Try your hand at fishing – yes, in London
Embrace the great outdoors with a two-hour fishing trip this weekend (October 12 or 13) at Puddledock Farm Fishery. Located in the London borough of Havering, this fishery will provide you with all the equipment you need, plus coaching from an expert, so you can cast your line and learn this new skill. Visitors are encouraged to bring a group of up to four people to the scenic lake.
7. Browse and buy iconic memorabilia from your fave Netflix shows
Netflix fans in London have a unique opportunity this weekend to explore a pop-up shop featuring costumes and props from beloved shows like Bridgerton, One Day, Top Boy, and Sex Education. This one-day event on Saturday, October 12, allows visitors to purchase items from these shows, with proceeds supporting the mental health charity Mind. Head to the As Seen On Netflix shop in Bethnal Green to discover rare memorabilia from your favourite series, and even participate in an online auction for exclusive pieces.
8. Try a Krabby Patty from Spongebob Squarepants
Spongebob Squarepants has teamed up with Wingmans Soho to bring the legendary Krabby Patty to life. From October 8–27, you can savour this unique burger experience, complete with aged beef, bone marrow braised onions, and a secret sauce. Head to Old Compton Street to check it out.
9. Admire a brilliantly bizarre Tim Burton exhibition
Step into the fantastical universe of Tim Burton at the Design Museum’s exclusive exhibition. This showcase features a decade-long world tour’s final stop, offering a rare glimpse into Burton’s personal archives. Discover his perfectly peculiar imagination through iconic films like Beetlejuice and Edward Scissorhands, as well as his lesser-known works in illustration and photography.
10. Hop aboard a ghost bus tour, ahead of Halloween
Fancy a fright before the end of the month? We’ve got just the ticket! Hop aboard a gothically retrofitted double-decker bus for a guided ghost tour of London’s spookiest landmarks. The experience combines horror, comedy, and history, and will take you to sights, such as the Houses of Parliament, London Bridge, and St. Paul’s Cathedral. You’ll hear all the torrid tales from your guide as you ride along London’s streets.
11. Honour Black History Month by checking out some of the city’s dedicated events
While Black history forms an important part of our country’s history year-round, October is Black History Month. It’s a time of year that really gives us the chance to acknowledge, celebrate, and learn about the impact Black people and culture have had on London and England as a whole.
From art exhibitions to city walks, there are many ways for Londoners to mark Black History Month 2024 – we’ve compiled a list. This year’s theme is ‘Reclaiming Narratives’, which marks a significant shift towards recognising and correcting the narratives that have been mistold.
12. Explore the shadowy world of Gotham at the Batman Unmasked exhibition
Celebrate the 85th anniversary of the caped crusader at Batman Unmasked. The epic exhibition invites fans of the DC hero to journey through themed rooms filled with a collection of never-before-seen props, Batsuits worn by the likes of Michael Keaton and Christian Bale and iconic Batman vehicles, including the Batpod from ‘The Dark Knight’ and Robert Pattinson’s Batmobile from ‘The Batman’.
Plus, you can feast your eyes on the deviously flamboyant fits of notorious supervillains such as The Riddler, Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn and the maniacal Joker.
13. Immerse yourself in all things F1® at London’s Formula 1® exhibition
This is a must-visit for fans of F1®. The Formula 1® Exhibition at London’s ExCel Centre brings together memorabilia, artefacts, and rare film and photography; here, you’ll celebrate the past, present, and future of motorsport in all its glory. The exhibition comprises contributions of legendary drivers, teams and experts. You’ll get the chance to get close to some of the most impactful cars in F1®’s history, relive some of F1®’s greatest moments, and look to the future of the sport.
14. Admire contemporary art at London’s new Moco Museum
The internationally renowned Moco Museum opened its doors in London’s Marble Arch in August 2024, treating us to a stunning collection of contemporary art. You can feast your eyes on pieces by iconic artists such as Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst, Yayoi Kusama and Keith Haring, as well as exciting new collaborations and artworks created exclusively for the new London location. Whether it’s striking sculptures, digital art or paintings, you can be sure you’re in for a treat.
15. Be transported to another world by a London cocktail bar
Avora is an out-of-this-world cocktail experience in Hoxton, with impressive set design, cool cocktails, and a fun (and important) storyline. It’s made by the team behind London’s famous Alcatraz cocktail experience. During the immersive adventure, you’ll be able to mix your drinks after ‘foraging’ for ingredients, and come face to face with the other-worldly Avorians as you try to protect their planet.
16. Enter a rootin’ tootin’ Wild West saloon
Another London cocktail experience to enjoy is Moonshine Saloon – consequently from the same team behind Avora and Alcatraz. Moonshine Saloon will transport you from Aldgate to the Wild West for a storyline of illicit booze smuggling (it’s BYOB), sheriffs, and gambling. It’ll all come to a dramatic conclusion towards the end of your visit – will the sheriff get you?
17. Live through a Martain invasion in the capital
Ever wondered what it would be like to survive a merciless Martian invasion in Victorian England? Haven’t we all? Luckily, Jeff Wayne’s The War of The Worlds: The Immersive Experience is here to help. A multisensory adventure with holograms, virtual reality, special effects, time-warping sets and live theatrics, the eerie experience brings Jeff Wayne’s multi-platinum album to life.
18. Immerse yourself in a historical live experience
The Gunpowder Plot Experience in Tower Hill Vaults brings the pivotal events of 1605 to life; immersing you in the story of Guy Fawkes and the conspiracy that sparked our annual Bonfire Night. Using a combination of virtual reality, live actors, and themed cocktails, you’ll truly feel you’ve stepped back in time for a couple of hours.
19. Embark on one of the most efficient sightseeing tours of London
Fancy being a tourist in our beloved capital this weekend but short on time? Redditor ‘magulagie’ has created the ultimate London sightseeing map for those in a hurry. Spanning just over five miles long, his route will take you past a ton of London’s most iconic landmarks, and will take you around two hours (if you avoid going inside any of the places you pass, that is).
20. Grab a pint at one of the oldest pubs in London
Bored of your local? Drink in some of the capital’s history alongside your beer this weekend at one of London’s oldest pubs. Better yet, if you’re up to it, you can even make a historic bar crawl out of our handy list (though traipsing from Holborn to Hampsted does seem a little far-fetched…)
21. Scoff scones and sip champers at an awesome afternoon tea
A “weekend afternoon tea” encompasses everything from a flamboyantly fancy day out to a simple natter over scones and sweet treats. Grab a pal, and a glass of bubbles, and indulge in one of London’s wonderful afternoon teas this weekend.
22. Save some money and still get outside with some of London’s free things to do
Pinching the pennies this weekend? Considering it feels like 50 quid evaporates from our bank account the minute we step outside, we don’t blame you. We’ve compiled a handy list of 200(!!) of the best free things to do in London, and they’re not all ‘go for a walk in the park’ – promise.
23. Enjoy a feast for the eyes and stomach at one of the capital’s prettiest restaurants
Treat yourself to a meal out in one of London’s prettiest restaurants this weekend – you’ve worked hard all week, you deserve it! From muted pastel tones or wildly OTT décor, we’ve compiled a handy list of the prettiest restaurants in London to save you the research time.
24. Browse one of London’s many other thought-provoking art exhibitions
From its major galleries to its museums, London is bursting at the seams with art exhibitions. Take a leisurely stroll around the likes of the Tate Britain, the V&A or the National Gallery this weekend. We’ve compiled a list that encompasses everything from classic works to cutting-edge modern pieces and even free exhibits.
25. Grab the little ones and enjoy some family-friendly activities
In a city of nine million people, you can guarantee that you’ll find something for everyone to enjoy, no matter how old you are. If you need to entertain the kids this weekend, check out some of the best family-friendly activities in London this weekend.