Things To Do In London This Week: 13-19 October 2025

Looking for something fun to do today? Something eye-opening to watch tonight? Something delicious to eat tomorrow? Our guide to things to do this week in London is personally curated, ensuring there's always a diverse range of events for you to choose from. Get stuck in!

All week

DIWALI EVENTS: Diwali this year falls next Monday (20 October) but there are plenty of events going on this week to celebrate the Festival of Light. Many restaurants serve special Diwali menus or hold supperclubs, and there's a huge free festival in Greenwich this weekend. Full details of Diwali events in London here.

JESSICA FOSTEKEW: Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Jessica Fostekew is at Soho Theatre Dean Street with her brand new show Iconic Breath. Expect hilarious, rage-filled anecdotes about raising her son, and how to stay sane (and vaguely nice) in a world that’s on fire. 13-18 October

COMEDY FESTIVAL: There are laughs every night in West Norwood as the Choose SE27 Comedy Festival brings some big names to town. Gary Delaney showcases his work in progress, Michael Akadiri performs his current show Don't Call Me Uncle!, and Laura Lexx hosts a live podcast recording, among other events throughout the week. Until 18 October

STARLIGHT EXPRESS: Immerse yourself in a world of speed, song and storytelling as a 40-strong cast whizzes past you at Andrew Lloyd Webber's Starlight Express, in a specially-designed auditorium at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre. The electrifying show brings to life the story of Rusty the steam train, who takes inspiration from the legendary Starlight Express in a bid to become the fastest engine in the world. It's suitable for all ages - and would make a fantastic half term treat for all the family. Currently booking until April 2026 (sponsor)

LEE: Last chance to see Lee at Park Theatre, which tells the story of artist Lee Krasner, widow of Jackson Pollock, who is forced to question everything she knew about her late husband’s genius when an art student brings her a piece of work to be authenticated. Until 18 October

STREATHAM FESTIVAL: Have a go at lino printing, hear theatre dresser Chrissy Bright discussing her West End career, take a guided walk along the High Road, or enjoy music by candlelight — just some of the options on the Streatham Festival programme this week. Until 19 October

RACHEL JONES: Gated Canyons is a solo exhibition by contemporary artist Rachel Jones at Dulwich Picture Gallery, featuring large-scale and intimate paintings created with Jones' signature tools of oil stick and oil pastels. This is the final week of the exhibition. Until 19 October

ANCIENT INDIA: The origins of Hindu, Jain and Buddhist sacred art is the focus of exhibition Ancient India: living traditions, at the British Museum. Find out about the inspiration behind now-familiar depictions of the deities and enlightened teachers of these world religions such as Buddha, and how they spread across the Asian continent. Until 19 October

LAMBETH FRINGE: There are scores of shows to pick from on the Lambeth Fringe programme over the next couple of weeks, spanning theatre and comedy. Our picks this week include 'musical-comedy-solo-queer cabaret' Narcissistic Reflections on a Queer Childhood, horror comedy game show The Vampire Run, and brand new play The House on Chapel Street — though there's plenty more to choose from too. Until 25 October

CROYDONITES: Mini fringe festival Croydonites is firing on all cylinders, with a slew of shows taking place in the Cronx this week, including a madcap musical from Sh!t Theatre; and James Rowland Dies at the End of the Show, which asks what you'd do with your final hour on Earth. Until 1 November

GHOST HUNT: Take the kids along to Osterley Park and House for We're Going On A Ghost Hunt, a spooky trail themed on the children's book of the same name. Play Halloween hoopla, race your broomstick, and watch out for the warty toads as you hunt out the ghosts hidden around the property. Until 2 November. Find other Halloween-themed things to see and do in London this year.

PUB OF THE WEEK: Not long opened in 'reimagined' form, the Salusbury in Queen's Park is a decidedly upmarket take on the traditional boozer, its linen-clothed restaurant bearing dishes like Dorset crab cacio e pepe. You can, however, just pop into the pub section, where pints of Guinness and a communal record player await.

READ OF THE WEEK: Four restaurants in Elephant and Castle are staring imminent closure in the face, after receiving mammoth energy bills. Vittles digs into what sounds like an altogether ludicrous scenario for Kaieteur Kitchen, Daddy O's Suya Spot, El Guambra and the Original Caribbean Spice.

EXHIBITION OF THE WEEK: Tate Modern is fizzing with over 250 works of Nigerian Modernism — in a show that explores how Nigerian artists grappled with colonialist influences, while clinging onto their vibrant and spiritual roots. Among the many outstanding artworks are London-centric pieces including Ben Enwonwu's angelic, newspaper-wielding Seven Wooden Sculptures, which once stood in the Daily Mirror's Holborn courtyard, and Uzo Egonu's distorted Piccadilly Circus painting. ★★★★ Until 10 May 2026

Today's events: Monday 13 October

VIJAYANAGARA: Ever heard of Vijayanagara? It's a spectacular 14th-16th-century city, also known as Hampi, located alongside a sacred river in southern India. The British Library holds an illustrated talk about the ruins, and a 1980s mission to catalogue the details. FREE, 6pm

HUMAN BODY PARTS: Medical doctor and historian Dr Suzie Edge is at the Old Operating Theatre to talk about and sign copies of her book, Vital Organs: A History Of The World's Most Famous Body Parts. Hear about Van Gogh’s ear, Queen Victoria’s armpit, Napoleon’s penis, and other historically famous body parts, with time to explore the museum after the talk. 6pm-8.30pm

CHAMPAGNE DINNER: Wine grower and producer Benoît Déhu hosts a champagne dinner at The Orangery at Ham Yard Hotel. Enjoy a five-course meal with champagne pairings, with the winemaker himself guiding you through each cuvée and sharing the stories behind the bottles. 6.30pm-9.30pm

NUCLEAR WASTE: Nuclear chemist Tim Gregory explains the latest technology finding uses for discarded nuclear materials at the Royal Institution. Not many people realise that nuclear waste can be recycled into useful materials, including nuclear medicines, used to cure and diagnose illnesses on the smallest scale possible, and long-lasting power sources for spacecraft, enabling the exploration of the solar system. 7pm-8.30pm

ABEL SELACOE: Genre-flitting South African cellist Abel Selaocoe graces the stage at the magnificent KOKO in Mornington Crescent, in this rare solo show which broadens the horizons of classical music. Doors 7pm

Today's events: Tuesday 14 October

MONARCHS ANONYMOUS: What would happen if you put multiple monarchs in the same group therapy session? That's the premise of comedy theatre show Monarchs Anonymous, featuring historical figures including Henry VIII, Marie Antoinette, and Tutankhamun (who presumably has mummy issues...). See it at The Other Palace. 14-15 October

BILLIE TRIX: Opening tonight at Wiltons Music Hall, one-woman show MUSIK stars Frances Barber as rock star Billie Trix, telling her story from post-war Berlin to the rock arenas of the world, via the Vietnam war and Andy Warhol’s Factory. Music by the Pet Shop Boys features in the show. 14-25 October

BOOGIE ON THE BONES: New musical Boogie on the Bones is set in 1956 Moscow, in the grey world of the USSR where a doctor smuggles western music by carving grooves into X-ray films. The show tells the story of an officer who transforms from loyal party member to a passionate jazz musician. See it at Omnibus Theatre in Clapham. 14-25 October

WAR'S TOXIC LEGACY: Visiting Professor of Environmental Health, Dr Ian Mudway gives today's Gresham College lecture, about the toxic legacy of war. Contamination from heavy metals, chemical residues, unexploded devices and asbestos are some of the dangers faced by civilians after a war, often made worse by the fact that local infrastructure to deal with the issues has been damaged by the conflict. Watch in person at Barnard's Inn Hall (Holborn), or online. FREE, 6pm

AUDITORY TEA ROOM: Head to the Elgar Room at the Royal Albert Hall to witness the aesthetics of the Chashitsu (Japanese tea room) transformed into sonic architecture. Violinist Midori Komachi celebrates the launch of her new album Chashitsu: Auditory Tea Room in a performance with producer Nick Luscombe and second violinist Maho Harada. 8pm

Today's events: Wednesday 15 October

SUMO WRESTLING: As we reported last year, an official sumo tournament is taking place at the Royal Albert Hall, only the second time in the sport's 1,500-year history that such an event has happened outside of Japan. See elite wrestlers from Japan's top divisions competing in around 20 bouts each evening, preceded by a sacred dohyō-iri (ring entrance ceremony) and shikiri (pre-bout showdown to symbolise readiness and banish evil spirits). 15-19 October. Japan House also has a programme of Sumo-themed events this week.

AFFORDABLE ART FAIR: Prices start at £100 at the autumn edition of the Affordable Art Fair, popping up in Battersea Park for five days of galleries, exhibitions, arty late openings and embroidery workshops. 114 galleries from all over the world showcase and sell works by the artists they represent, spanning a range of mediums and styles. 15-19 October

DISABILITY RIGHTS: Campaigners and authors Rachel Charlton-Dailey and Stephen Unwin take a look at disability rights in history and today, in an Ethical Matters talk at Conway Hall. Find out about the ongoing push for civil rights for those with disabilities, in areas including education and public transport, and hear about changing attitude towards people with learning disabilities, including what society has got wrong and how we can do better. 6.30pm-8pm

THE STOLEN CROWN: Treachery and deceit take centre stage at the National Archives in Kew as historian and broadcaster Tracy Borman offers an insight into the Tudor succession. Find out how history was literally re-written on the orders of the new Stuart dynasty, following the death of Queen Elizabeth I, the last Tudor monarch. 7pm

LAUGH TILL IT HURTS: Rich Wilson, Russell Howard, Ed Byrne, Marcus Brigstocke, Laura Smyth, Joe Pasquale and Michelle Shaughnessy are all on the programme at Laugh Till It Hurts, a charity comedy show at Bloomsbury Theatre raising money for food charity The Felix Project. 7.30pm

NERD NITE: Three speakers give 18-21-minute (that's very precise) talks at Nerd Nite, which is putting on something of a Halloween special this evening. Tonight's triptych of talks covers the psychology of alien abductions; demon mongooses; and the story of two weird green children found in a field in Suffolk. It's on at St Matthias Halls in Hackney. 7pm-10.30pm

Today's events: Thursday 16 October

NEW COMEDY VENUE: A new venue focussed on the art of improv comedy opens in Southwark today. The Free Association (FA) — which has been involved in launching the careers of Ambika Mod, Phil Wang and Liz Kingsman, among others — sets up at the Old Union Yard Arches, with a special opening night tonight. From 16 October

DAISY DORIS MAY: Drag king and comedian Daisy Doris May brings three of her best-loved characters — Steve Porters, The Divine Karen Moonstone and Häns Off — to life on stage at the Underbelly Boulevard Soho. 16-18 October

WIMBLEDON BOOKFEST: Anthony Horowitz, Lucy Foley, Adam Buxton and Lemn Sissay are among the speakers at this year's Wimbledon BookFest, which takes place at venues around central Wimbledon. 16-26 October

DESTROY THE MYTH: PhD researcher Madeline Routon — whose work focuses on the 'creativity, precarity, and feminist activism during London's 'second wave' of squatting' — is at Islington Archives for Destroy the Myth!, a talk about the local area's vibrant history of squatting and DIY publishing. FREE, 6.30pm-7.30pm

HELEN FRY: Find out about the First World War Belgian underground spy network, known as La Dame Blanche ('The White Lady'), at the Imperial War Museum. Historian and author Helen Fry discusses her new book The White Lady along with the IWM's First World War expert Sarah Paterson, followed by a Q&A, book signing, and a chance to explore the museum's galleries. 6.30pm-8.30pm

LOBBY LATES: Head to One Hundred Shoreditch for Lobby Lates, a Brick Lane Jazz Festival special of the regular party night, featuring live DJ sets and takeovers in the Lobby Booth. Full line-up TBC at time of writing. FREE, 7pm

OSCAR WILDE: Introduced by Gyles Brandreth at the British Library, Oscar Wilde’s only grandson, Merlin Holland talks to actor and writer Rupert Everett about his new book After Oscar: the Legacy of a Scandal. Take a deep-dive into the story of Wilde's reputation after his death in Paris in 1900, following his imprisonment and exile. 7pm

Today's events: Friday 17 October

BLOOMSBURY FESTIVAL: A truncated, three-day version of Bloomsbury Festival begins today, ahead of a month-long celebration marking 20 years of the festival in 2026. This year's theme is 'The Paths We Tread', across theatre, music, literature, art and science events, including See It. Say It. Sorted. The Musical!, a new show about one bag, five strangers and a train station full of secrets; and an exhibition of underwater photography. 17-19 October

HALLOWEEN AT KEW: We've put together a guide to London's Halloween events, but worth a specific mention is Halloween at Kew. Back for a second year, and by the same team as the magnificent annual Christmas at Kew, it's a spooky light trail through the gardens after dark, though fire gardens, glowing pumpkins and an illuminated haunted wood. Pick between daylight, twilight and moonlight sessions. 17 October-2 November

CROCODILE FEVER: Riotous dark comedy Crocodile Fever makes its London debut at the Arcola Theatre, transporting audiences to 1980s Ireland, where two very different sisters live together in a farmhouse. 17 October-22 November

JENNIE BAPTISTE: The first major solo exhibition from pioneering Black British photographer Jennie Baptiste opens in the Terrace Rooms at Somerset House. The exhibition showcases iconic and previously unseen portraits from Baptiste, reflecting her contributions to Black British culture from music, fashion, and youth identity over three decades. 17 October-4 January

EMERGENCY EXITS: Head to the Imperial War Museum to view Emergency Exits, an exhibition exploring the wave of independence movements that followed the end of the Second World War, as many of Britain’s former imperial territories gained independence. Particular focus is on three significant conflicts, fought in Malaya (now Malaysia), Kenya and Cyprus. 17 October-29 March

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY: One of our favourite annual exhibitions, Wildlife Photographer of the Year returns to the Natural History Museum for its 60th incarnation. See photos of animals and the natural world taken by photographers all over the globe, including the overall winners (announced on 8 October). 17 October- 12 July. If that's your cup of tea, also check out WildPhotos 2025, a one-day nature photography symposium at the British Library, with 14 award-winning nature photographers, sharing the stories, craft and impact behind some of the most recent iconic wildlife photography. 8.30am-5pm

SIR ALF RAMSEY: World Cup-winning football manager Sir Alf Ramsey served with the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry during the Second World War, an experience that he described in 1952 as ‘one of the greatest things which ever happened to me’. Find out how the experience shaped him in a free lunchtime talk at the National Army Museum in Chelsea. FREE, 12pm-1pm

SOMALI WEEK: Enjoy an evening of poetry, conversation and dance at the British Library, marking the launch of Somali Week Festival. Hear from British-Somali filmmaker Warda Mohamed, singer and composer Abdirahman Nasri, and other Somali creatives about how traditions are shaping future artists. 7pm

ATTENTION ALL SHIPPING: Author and broadcaster Charlie Connelly brings his one-man show Attention All Shipping to the Cutty Sark. He marks 100 years of the shipping forecast asking how the weather forecast for ships became so popular with non-seafarers, and telling his own stories of journeying through the 31 sea areas. 7pm-9pm

MOORGATE COMEDY CLUB: Abandoman, Sara Barron, Ily Hamdia and Callum Mackenzie are on the line-up at Moorgate Comedy Club this evening, taking place in the Tokenhouse. Siôn James is on MCing duties. 7pm-10.15pm

Today's events: Saturday 18 October

NEW SCIENTIST LIVE: The search for dark matter in the Milky Way, climate change, fake archaeology and gut health are just some of the topics covered at this year's New Scientist Live at Excel London. Experts from all manner of fields give talks on their topics including naturalist Chris Packham, neuroscientist Dean Burnett, planetary scientist Hannah Sargeant and oceanographer Helen Czerski. 18-19 October

OPEN GARDENS: Fancy an autumnal stroll through the gardens of Hampton Court Palace? It's an open gardens weekend, which means you can visit areas which you'd normally have to pay to access, for free. The Great Fountain Garden, Privy Garden and Kitchen Garden are among the areas included, though note that admission still applies if you want to enter the palace itself, the maze, the playground and certain other areas. FREE, 18-19 October

FESTIVAL OF THE GIRL: Islington's Business Design Centre hosts the Festival of the Girl, for the International Day of the Girl (11 October). Aimed at girls and their families, the event aims to inspire, engage and to break down harmful gender stereotypes. Politics, filmmaking, skateboarding, martial arts and engineering are just some of the topics covered this year. 18-19 October

VINTAGE FAIR: 50 vintage dealers rock up at St Dunstan's College each day this weekend for the Catford Vintage Fair. Among the items for sale: mid-20th century furniture, homeware, lighting, ceramics, textiles and furnishings, original posters and framed art, books, records, vintage fashion and more. 18-19 October

CLASSICALLY BLACK: Classically Black is a cultural movement redefining classical music with powerful performances and new commissions showcasing talents often overlooked in the industry. Head to Kings Place for a day of live performances and panel discussions. 11am-7.30pm

JOSIENNE CLARK: "...Her way with a melancholy melody — one that somehow uplifts and takes flight more than it drags you down" Josienne Clark plays the stunning Bush Hall this evening, with tracks from her intimate new album Far From Nowhere. 7pm

THE WHITEHALLS: Hilary and Michael Whitehall — parents of comedian Jack — bring their podcast The Wittering Whitehalls: Barely Alive to the stage at Richmond Theatre, part of a UK tour. Hear their thoughts and rants on all manner of topics from social media to workouts to weddings. 7.30pm

LADYLIKES: After a spell out of the spotlight, Phoebe Batteson-Brown & Miztli Rose — aka Ladylikes — are back with Heavily Meditated Work in Progress, a sketch show packed with crystals, chaotic energy and questionable life choices. It's on a the Glitch in Waterloo. 8.30pm-9.30pm, also on Friday 17 Oct

Today's events: Sunday 19 October

CHEESE MARKET: 200+ different cheeses, chutneys, crackers, olives and other accoutrements take centre stage at the monthly Chiswick Cheese Market, which brings together cheese producers from all over the UK for a delicious market. 9.30am-3pm

TRANSPORTFEST: The London Bus Museum, on the London-Surrey border, hosts Transportfest, a gathering of all manner of vehicles — remember, this is the museum with a real-life Concorde outside. Buses, taxis, military and emergency vehicles dating from different periods are on display, along with live music, a collector's market and family-friendly entertainment. 10am-5pm

HORN FAIR: Charlton House and Gardens celebrates autumn with its annual Horn Fair, a free, family-friendly event which dates back to the 13th century. Expect performances from The Charlie Chaplin Show, Punch & Judy, and Piano Jam, along with history talks, crafts and a costume competition. FREE, 11am-3pm

WAX ON TAP: Rummage through crates of quality new and used records at the Wax on Tap record fair, at Grow in Hackney today. Grow's Williams Cumberbache soundtracks the afternoon on the wheels of steel, and once you've exhausted yourself discovering new sounds, you can reward yourself with a cold beer. FREE ENTRY, 1pm-7pm

TRANSPORTATION: Join tour guide Laura Agustin for an unusual guided walk, which looks at the history of transporting criminals to Australia. Her walk focuses particularly on the experiences of two youths, convicted of theft on Goswell Road exactly 200 years ago. 1pm

THE BOOK THIEF: The Book Thief: A Concert Production comes to the Prince of Wales Theatre, telling the story of 12-year old girl Liesel Meminger and the people around her as they navigate the war, narrated by Death. 5pm

BILLY JOEL: Sing and dance along to the Music of Billy Joel, a tribute show at Underbelly Boulevard Soho. West End performer Andrew Linnie stars as the singer-songwriter, joined on stage by a six-piece band as they chart his career and songbook. 7pm

JIMMY SAX: French saxophonist Jimmy Sax has enjoyed more than half a billion streams — but tonight you can hear him live at one of his energetic shows, at Electric Brixton. 7pm-11pm