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The best things to do in London this weekend (17-18 October 2026)

Discover the best things to do in London this weekend, including exhibitions, standout events and unmissable West End shows.
Carole Rocton
Written by Carole Rocton Edited by Kirstine Spicer 12 October 2026
A close-up of some London Transport Museum posters dedicated to Tube stations dating back to the Art Deco era.
Visit the London Transport Museum's new Art Deco gallery, featuring a series of striking posters in the movement's distinctive style. Image courtesy of the London Transport Museum.

What's on in London this weekend (17-18 October 2026)

Weekends in London are packed with possibilities, and we’ve rounded up the very best things to do in London this weekend. From thrilling Halloween nights at Thorpe Park to a 90s exhibit at Tate Britian and an immersive Lavazza pop-up, this guide highlights what’s happening right now, whether you’re planning ahead or making last-minute plans.

How we chose the best things to do this weekend

Each week, the Visit London editorial team reviews events, exhibitions and activities taking place across the capital. Our recommendations are based on first-hand experience, local expertise and value for money, focusing on what’s especially unique to London right now.

Best things to do in London this weekend at a glance

🎟️ Best free event – Flowers-in-the-Fields at St Martin-in-the-Fields 
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for families – Paradox Museum London
🖼️ Best exhibition – The 90s at Tate Britain
🐉 Best for culture – Amish Kapoor at Hayward Gallery
🥘 Best for foodies – Cutter & Squidge
🎨 Best pop-up – BREW//LDN Oktoberfest
💷 Best for under £20 – Pumpkin patches in and around London

1. Enter the dark side of the wizarding world

A dark, eerie forest scene with large tree trunks and mist on the ground. A headless statue in a flowing robe stands to the left, illuminated by blue light. Ghostly blue skulls float on the right. In the foreground, there is a metal railing and an information plaque, creating a mysterious and haunting atmosphere.

Things are getting wonderfully spooky at the Warner Bros Studio Tour, as the popular Dark Arts takeover returns this weekend.

Wander through iconic sets transformed with floating pumpkins, eerie lighting and Death Eater encounters, before venturing into the Forbidden Forest where Dementors lurk in the shadows.

New for 2026, discover the secrets behind the films' darker sound effects and learn how Voldemort's snake, Nagini, was brought to life on screen.

2. Discover contemporary African art at Somerset House

This weekend, explore one of the world's leading contemporary African art fairs as 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair 2026 returns to Somerset House.

Browse thought-provoking works from galleries and artists spanning Africa and its diaspora, discover special exhibitions and experience large-scale installations set against the spectacular backdrop of the historic venue.

Book tickets online for 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair 2026.

3. Get your scares at Thorpe Park Fright Nights®

Riders seated on the Hyperia roller coaster at Thorpe Park as the train descends a steep drop against a blue sky.

Looking for Halloween thrills? Venture into the darkness at Fright Nights® at Thorpe Park, where terrifying scare mazes, spine-chilling live entertainment and eerie scare zones take over the park after dark.

Brave the horrors if you dare, then crank up the adrenaline on some of the UK's most thrilling rollercoasters under the night sky. Our favourite ride at Thorpe Park has to be the newest ride Hyperia – guaranteed adrenaline-fuelled fun!

4. Join Hey Duggee on an autumn adventure at Kew Gardens

Little ones can step into the world of Hey Duggee at Kew Gardens this weekend.

Follow a family-friendly outdoor trail packed with interactive challenges, collect badge stamps along the way and discover the wonders of autumn through play, exploration and nature.

Don't forget to stop for a photo with Duggee himself before heading off to explore the rest of the Gardens. Saturday 17 October – Sunday 1 November.

6. Step into a spooky world of illusions at Paradox Museum

Halloween display featuring a giant skeleton, pumpkins, cobwebs and a gravestone reading

Things aren't quite what they seem at Paradox Museum London this Halloween!

Explore more than 50 mind-bending exhibits, follow a spellbinding clue trail, enjoy interactive storytelling and discover colourful experiments at the Potion Lab.

From Saturday 17 October, drop into Dragon’ Nest for an interactive Halloween tale every 15 minutes (included with standard ticket).

7. Raise a stein at BREW//LDN Oktoberfest

Visitors gather beneath a wooden pavilion decorated with greenery at BREW//LDN Oktoberfest, with communal tables and drinks throughout the venue.

Swap Munich for east London this weekend and celebrate at BREW//LDN Oktoberfest.

Head to Riverside East in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park for two days of ice-cold beer, live oompah bands, DJs and Bavarian-inspired food. With more than 35 beers on tap and a lively festival atmosphere, it's the perfect way to toast the weekend.

Book tickets for BREW//London Oktoberfest.

8. Last chance to step into Anish Kapoor’s extraordinary world

Experience one of London's biggest art exhibitions of the year at the Hayward Gallery.

Featuring monumental sculptures, immersive installations and striking new works by Anish Kapoor, this landmark show invites visitors to explore spaces that distort perception, challenge the senses and inspire awe. Exhibition ends Sunday 18 October.

9. Discover the bold spirit of the 90s at Tate Britian this weekend

Vivienne Westwood fashion piece displayed in the fashion gallery at Tate Britain

Explore the creativity and rebellion that defined a transformative decade at The 90s: Art and Fashion at Tate Britain.

Curated by Edward Enninful OBE, the exhibition examines a period when art, fashion, design and photography collided to reshape British culture.

From iconic fashion shoots and contemporary art to film and music culture, explore the creative forces that defined the 1990s. Discover works by Steve McQueen, Damien Hirst and Yinka Shonibare, along with designs from fashion trailblazers including Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen.

10. Experience London's biggest rum celebration this weekend

Discover the world of rum at UK RumFest 2026, as the festival celebrates its 20th anniversary in London.

Sample hundreds of rums from around the globe, join expert-led tastings and masterclasses, and soak up the lively atmosphere with cocktails, Caribbean-inspired entertainment and fellow rum enthusiasts all under one roof.

Book tickets for RumFest 2026.

11. Brave the Curse of the Mummy at the London Dungeon

Performer beside a glowing crate as a wrapped mummy's arm emerges through smoke during The London Dungeon's Curse of the Mummy experience.

Dare to enter The London Dungeon this Halloween and come face to face with the terrifying legend of the Curse of the Mummy.

Journey back to Victorian London through immersive live shows, eerie storytelling and spine-tingling surprises as an ancient Egyptian curse is unleashed. It's a chilling seasonal experience for anyone looking to add a scare to their spooky season plans!

12. Pick your perfect pumpkin near London

Get into the Halloween spirit this weekend with a trip to one of the many pumpkin patches in and around London.

Wander through fields packed with colourful gourds, snap seasonal photos, take part in family-friendly activities and take home the perfect pumpkin for carving.

From countryside farms to city-centre patches, find the best pumpkin patches in London.

13. Indulge in a chocolate-filled Soho takeover at Cutter & Squidge

Chocolate layer cake topped with chocolate pieces on a silver cake stand, with Tony's Chocolonely chocolate bars in the foreground.

Calling all chocoholics: Cutter & Squidge and Tony's Chocolonely are teaming up for a delicious three-day takeover in Soho.

Tuck into an indulgent hot chocolate, try a limited-edition chocolate cake and pick up exclusive sweet treats as the bakery transforms into a chocolate lover's paradise for one weekend only.

Friday 16 October – Sunday 18 October. 20 Brewer Street, Soho, W1F 0SJ

14. Step into a spectacular floral festival at St Martin-in-the-Fields

See St Martin-in-the-Fields transformed by stunning floral displays during Flowers-in-the-Fields.

Celebrating the church's 300th anniversary, this unique festival fills the iconic Georgian building with colourful installations created by UK and international designers, alongside flower-arranging demonstrations and special events.

Entry to the festival is free, some events are an additional ticket cost. Thursday 15 October – Saturday 17 October.

15. Experience an immersive coffee pop-up in Soho this weekend

Coffee fans won't want to miss Lavazza's Tablì experience in Soho.

This free immersive pop-up lets visitors discover and sample a new way to enjoy coffee, take part in interactive activities, personalise their drinks and even win exclusive prizes. It's the perfect excuse to stop by for a caffeine fix while exploring central London!

Future Stores, 95 Oxford Street, W1D 2AD. Tuesday 13 October – Sunday 18 October.

Things to do this weekend under £20

FAQs

What are the best things to do in London this weekend?

Our experts handpick the top things to do in London this weekend, from unmissable exhibitions and theatre shows to live music, street festivals and foodie hotspots. Check our guide for activities across London, including options under £20.

Can I plan a last-minute weekend in London?

Absolutely! Our guide includes timely recommendations and ongoing events, so you can plan a weekend at short notice. Many shows and exhibitions offer online booking for same-week visits.

How do I avoid crowds in London over the weekend?

Whether it's your first time in the city or a return weekend visit, plan a good mix of top attractions and hidden gems to avoid the crowds, which tend to be found in touristy central London areas at the weekend. Visit top sights and popular markets as early in the day as possible, then take a stroll in London's scenic parks and gorgeous gardens. You could also get off the beaten track and explore London's many exciting and diverse neighbourhoods. These London areas are often less crowded and full of lesser-known attractions, independent shops and fantastic restaurants.

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