All week
HALF TERM: Kids off school this week? Struggling for ways to keep them entertained? Our guide to half term events in London has plenty of ideas, featuring pirates, witches, elephants, dinosaurs and more, across exhibitions, theatre shows and other events. 22-30 October
HALLOWEEN: Though it doesn't fall until 31 October, there are plenty of Halloween events taking place in London this week, especially towards the weekend. Our things to do in London for Halloween guide has you covered, whether you're after pumpkin picking, adults-only parties, or family-friendly trails and storytelling sessions.
LONDON LITERATURE FESTIVAL: A highlight of the literary calendar, the annual London Literature Festival at Southbank Centre never fails to bring in big names from adult and children's literature. Minnie Driver, Malorie Blackman, Nick Cave, Liz Pichon and Greta Thunberg all feature on this week's programme, along with creative workshops and games, and kids' events. Until 30 October
THE ROYAL SIGNALS: Last chance to see the National Army Museum's free exhibition, The Royal Signals, about the section of the Army which deals with communications and IT networks, to ensure they remain functioning and secure even in challenging conditions. FREE, until 31 October
MEXICO: Time's also running out to see Kew Gardens' Mexico festival, a celebration of the Central American country featuring art and horticultural installations in the Temperate House. Until 31 October
ICE RINK:With more than two months to go until Christmas, the first of London's seasonal ice rinks is now open for business. Ice Rink Canary Wharf is located at the foot of east London's skyscrapers, below hundreds of fairy lights. Oh, and it has a roof, meaning rain won't stop play — ideal for half term entertainment. 22 October-February 2023
HYDE AND SEEK: Guildhall School actors perform in specially-commissioned play, Hyde and Seek. It's a radical re-imagining of the Robert Louis Stevenson classic Jekyll and Hyde, set on a London housing estate. 24-29 October
WITCH TRIAL: Chelsea Physic Garden is transformed into a 17th century hamlet, by the Halloween Wild Immersive Theatre Company. You'll have to unravel the mysteries of dark magic and delve deep into the corrupt underworld of the Witchfinder General, in order to come up with your verdict. 24-31 October
MAGNIFICENT MAPS: Good news if you haven't managed to catch London Metropolitan Archives' Magnificent Maps of London exhibition yet — it's now been extended until March 2023. As well as the oldest surviving map of the capital, it's a chance to see 19th century maps, charting the spread of then-fatal diseases like typhoid, cholera and smallpox. FREE, extended until March 2023
ELMER: One for families with younger children, Horniman Museum has unveiled an exhibition celebrating the works of children's author David McKee, with Elmer the Elephant taking centre stage. There's plenty for older generations too, with Mr Benn and King Rollo featuring. Until April 2023. While you're at the Horniman, it's also the final week of the Cats and Dogs exhibition (until 30 October).
TOP EXHIBITIONS: Several of our top recommended exhibitions for this month kick off this week. Make time to see Strange Clay at Hayward Gallery, Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize at Cromwell Place, Koestler Arts: Freedom at Southbank Centre, or The New Black Vanguard at Saatchi Gallery.
BOND STREET: A reminder that the Elizabeth line platforms at Bond Street station finally open on Monday 24 October, meaning trains on that line will be able to call there.
Monday 24 October
DIWALI IN LONDON: 24 October is Diwali, and there's loads going on across London. See our guide to where to celebrate Diwali for details of special meals and menus available today.
BLUE PLANET: Physicist Helen Czerski is at Southwark Cathedral to talk about the beauty and scientific complexity of the oceans. It's part of a series events coinciding with Luke Jerram's Gaia artwork — a replica of our planet, covered in NASA photography — being on display in the cathedral. Your ticket to this event also includes admission to see Gaia. 6.30pm
SHADOWMAN: Johnny Daukes' combined book/album project Shadowman is the story of a young man corrupted by sexual abuse, and his subsequent career in music, comedy and film that unconsciously processes the early trauma. Daukes is in conversation with Mat Osman at The Social tonight, and plays live songs from the album. 7pm-11pm
100 YEARS OF DISNEY: Celebrated Chinese pianist Lang Lang makes an appearance at the Royal Albert Hall for an evening of live music celebrating 100 years of Disney. Along with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra and special guests including Alfie Boe, he performs familiar tunes from the likes of Snow White and The Jungle Book, to Beauty and the Beast and Encanto. 7.30pm
WILL MARS: Comedian Will Mars is at the Pleasance Theatre in Islington with his show My Life In One Liners — the first time the Edinburgh Fringe hit has been performed in London. In his inimitable style Will details all the problems in his life, from daddy issues, mummy issues and sibling rivalries to money worries and women problems. 7.40pm
Tuesday 25 October
ANATOMICAL ART: As part of Mediculture Festival, take part in a free anatomical art drawing class. Begin with a tour of the Gordon Museum of Pathology near London Bridge, before the art class focuses on the details, layers, and varieties of tint, texture, and tissue of the human body. FREE, 2pm-4pm
JAMAICA 60: As part of Black History Month, Brixton Library hosts a carnival headdress workshop, to celebrate 60 years of Jamaican independence. Take the kids along to get creative and learn some Jamaican history along the way. FREE, 2pm-6pm
TWILIGHT BAT WALK: Take a guided walk around Lambeth's Archbishop's Park, looking and listening out for evidence of bats as you go, and learning what can be done to protect them. The event is organised by the Garden Museum next door, and is inspired by Lucian Freud’s painting of a bat in an upcoming exhibition. 6pm-7pm
CITY OF THE BEAST: London Month of the Dead festival continues until the end of October, and today there's a chance to hear about notorious occultist Aleister Crowley. Writer Phil Baker talks about the counter-cultural icon, who features in the Peter Blake collage on the cover of the Beatles’ Sergeant Pepper album, and reveals how London shaped him. 7pm
KAPUTT: Glaswegian post-punkers Kaputt headline the Shacklewell Arms tonight, playing songs from their debut album Carnage Hall. Expect twitchy charisma, catchy riffs add timely sax stonks. Support is from Snake Chain and Charlène Darling. 7.30pm
Wednesday 26 October
IN SEARCH OF CANONBURY: London Metropolitan Archives offers a guided walk through the Canonbury area of north London. Hear about the area's history across five centuries, including a 17th century feat of engineering, and a 19th century chapel-turned music venue. 11am-1pm
NOVEL ADULTERY: Professor John Mullans gives a free Gresham College lecture about adultery in novels. He looks at how portrayals of adultery have changed over time, from Anna Karenina and Madame Bovary in the 19th century through to the modern novels by Sally Rooney and Zadie Smith, and whether male and female authors portray adultery differently. FREE, 6pm
QUEER NIGERIAN SHORTS: Head to Barbican Cinema to watch a selection of shorts films focusing on LGBTQ+ people in Nigeria, including the story of a growing romance between two women across the span of three days. The screening is followed by a discussion between director Olive Nwosu and producer Pamela Adie (live from Nigeria), hosted by curator and writer Tara Brown (in person). 6.20pm
BLACK BRITISH LIVES: It's thought that over 15,000 Black people lived in Britain by the end of the 18th century. Find out about their experiences in tonight's panel discussion at the Foundling Museum, featuring a range of experts revealing the details of their lives and achievements, and how they helped shape Britain into what it is today. 7pm
CYBORGS: Are we already part-human, part-machine? That's the topic at Science Museum's panel discussion tonight, which looks at how close to the truth are depictions of cyborgs in science fiction. The event ties in with the museum's current science fiction exhibition. 7.30pm-8.45pm
Thursday 27 October
THE HORROR SHOW: 200 artworks and culturally significant objects feature in The Horror Show! A Twisted Tale of Modern Britain — a major new exhibition at Somerset House, opening today. It explores the British cultural psyche in three acts, Monster, Ghost and Witch, looking back at the horror genre over the last 50 years and how it has reacted to the most troubling times. 27 October-February 2023
FREE MUSEUM ENTRY: For one day only, to celebrate its 60th anniversary as a museum, you can visit the Old Operating Theatre for free (usually £7.50 for an adult). The theatre dates back to 1822, when operations (including amputation) were carried out on patients without anaesthesia or antiseptic. Free entry is first come, first served, so get there early. FREE, 10.30am-5pm
EARTH SHOWOFF: Comedians, scientists, thinkers and 'assorted nerds' assemble at Southwark Cathedral for Earth Showoff, an environmental twist on the usual Science Showoff shows, which sees experts doing stand-up comedy routines on their topic of expertise. 7.15pm
SUPER HIGH RESOLUTION: Head to Soho Theatre for Super High Resolution, a fast-paced and darkly funny play about being a doctor in the modern NHS and the limits of anyone’s ability to care for other people. 7.30pm (and various dates until December)
TONGUE FU: Poetry and spoken word event Tongue Fu celebrates its 15th birthday at Rich Mix. Host and founder Chris Redmond is joined by the Tongue Fu band, and special guests including storyteller Jan Blake and slam champ poet Zia Ahmed.7.30pm
LETTERS LIVE: Benedict Cumberbatch headlines this year's Letters Live at the Royal Albert Hall, which has famous faces reading out letters of note, written across several centuries. The rest of the line-up is kept under wraps, but past participants have included Olivia Colman, Stephen Fry, Jude Law and Laura Mvula. 7.30pm (repeated tomorrow)
Friday 28 October
MCM COMIC CON: Dust off your cape and check your superhero outfit still fits — MCM Comic Con is back at ExCeL London. Immerse yourself in three days of all things pop culture, including a chance to meet TV and film stars, hear from industry insiders at panel discussions, take part in games, and show off your cosplay costume. 28-30 October
CHINESE FOOD FESTIVAL: Head to Bedford Square Gardens to try all manner of dishes at the Chinese Food Festival. Brands repping the different regions and cuisines of the country can be found in the Food Carnival area. There are also lantern making and woodblock printing workshops, a craft market, and live performances. 28-30 October
LORD MAYOR: We'll be getting a new Lord Mayor in the next couple of weeks, and today the current Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress take part in a ceremonial horse ride around the City of London, to raise awareness of and funds for various good causes supported by the Lord Mayor's Appeal. Head to Guildhall Yard to catch a glimpse of them as they set off or return. FREE, from 9am
RICHARD III: He's now known as the king who was buried in a Leicester car park, but there's more to Richard III than that. Hear from historian Matthew Lewis and archaeologist Professor Turi King about the monarch's final months and battlefield demise, and how he came to be posthumously charged with treason.2pm
ST GILES: How well do you know this historic part of town, now overshadowed by neighbouring Covent Garden and Soho? Join tour guide Richard Watkins for a tour that focuses on the slums that once dominated the area. Expect historic social buildings, fine churches, atmospheric old streets and posh shopping thoroughfares besides. 2.30pm
FRANCIS BARBER: Ever heard of Francis Barber? The formerly enslaved person went on to become author Samuel Johnson’s heir in 18th century London. Head to Dr Johnson's House for a Black History Month talk about his life, from being born into slavery in Jamaica to becoming a trusted member of Johnson's household in London. 7pm
PHANTOM OF THE OPERA: Forget Lloyd Webber — tonight's Phantom of the Opera at St John's in Notting Hill features the 1925 film on the big screen, live organ accompaniment and popcorn! 7.30pm-9.30pm
Saturday 29 October
LIVE SURGERY: Steel your stomach to hear all the details of the horrors of surgery in the day before anaesthesia and antiseptic. The Old Operating Theatre opens its doors for a special tour focusing on Victorian era medical procedures in the oldest surviving operating theatre in Europe. 10am
CELEBRATING DIWALI: The Diwali celebrations continue at the British Museum, with a family-friendly day of dance performances, traditional arts and crafts, storytelling and other activities. Aimed at age 5+. FREE, 11am-3.30pm
ICE HOCKEY: Head to Alexandra Palace to watch home ice hockey team the Haringey Huskies take on the Bristol Pitbulls, in their fourth game of the season. New to the game? Read our guide to ice hockey in London before you go. Doors 5pm
HERNE HILL FIREWORKS: London's Bonfire Night celebrations start today with a firework display at Herne Hill Velodrome. It's a Halloween-themed display, raising money for the upkeep of the cycling track, with a bonfire, fireworks and food and drink stalls. 5pm-9pm
DAY OF THE DEAD: Lambeth's Chino Latino restaurant celebrates Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, with a special four-course menu. Tuck into sushi, ceviche, beef tacos, Peruvian corn and more, along with live music. From 6pm
CATHEDRAL CONCERT: Evolving imagery from videographer Heather Britton sets the backdrop for a climate change-themed concert in Southwark Cathedral tonight. Choral ensemble The Sixteen are joined by improvisational violinist Lizzie Ball for All the Ends of the World, which explores our relationship with Earth. 7pm
THUMPING TOMMYS: Get into the Saturday spirit, with a heady brew of Irish and American folk music (with an English twist) from The Thumping Tommys. They're bringing Camden's Green Note to foot-stomping life tonight. 8.30pm
Sunday 30 October
CLOCKS CHANGE: A reminder that the clocks go back an hour at 2am on Sunday. Hurrah for an extra hour in bed, but boo to the evenings getting darker. Here are 9 things to do in London to brighten up the dark nights.
HOWLOWEEN DOG WALK: Take your pooch for a Halloween dog walk on Hampstead Heath, organised by — and raising money for — canine charity All Dogs Matter. Stride out with other dogs and their owners, and don't forget your costume. There are prizes for best-dressed adult, kid and dog. 10.30am-1pm
CATFORD FOOD MARKET: Catford Food Market launches in its new location today — you'll now find it alongside the river on Adenmore Road, next to Catford Bridge station. Expect to find a range of south London-based food traders including Almada Portuguese bakery, Bei Root vegan Lebanese dishes, and Harlem 2 Manila Filipino street food. 10am-4pm
FAMILY COMEDY: See out half term with Comedy Club 4 Kids at ArtsDepot in North Finchley. It's a regular comedy show set-up — just with jokes suitable for a younger audience (age 6+) and their families. 12pm/2.30pm
HALLOWEEN CRAFTS: Head toLeytonstone's Stone Mini Market, for a craft workshop where you'll make your own pumpkin and moon-shaped 3D garland — perfect for decorating the house. 2pm-4pm
BOOK BLIND DATE: Here's a blind date with a difference — the 'date' in this case is a book with its cover hidden under wrapping paper. A few written details describe what you can expect from the book — will you choose a dangerous, classic or romantic date? While you're at SoLo Craft Fair Shop in Elephant and Castle, why not grab a wine or coffee from Little Louie's Cafe. 2pm-4pm
HORRIFIC HAMPSTEAD: Join Footprints of London guide Marilyn Greene for a Halloween-themed walking tour around Hampstead, detailing the hangings, highwaymen, murders and fatal accidents of the area. Did you know that the last two women to be hanged in Britain committed murders in Hampstead? Expect to hear plenty more historical trivia like that on this walk. 2.30pm
WEIRDOS COMEDY: It's Halloween Eve, and the Weirdos Comedy gang are doing a specially spooky show — The Envelopes, in which audience members receive a package containing various art and strange items with instructions which only they know about. Together, you and the comedians will solve a spooky mystery. 7pm (also on 28 and 29 Oct; starting times differ)
Urban oddity of the week
Following the news that the London Metropolitan Archives' Magnificent Maps exhibition will be extended (see "All week") we'd like to nominate the above as one of our favourite London maps. It's a model of Roman London on show in the free crypt museum of All Hallows by the Tower (whose location you can guess from the name). The model includes the city walls, the bridged River Fleet (to the left), the the fort to the north and the great square-shaped forum over to the east. An early version of London Bridge can also be seen (extreme right), spanning the Thames to a more marshy Southwark.
Those in the know about Roman London will quickly spot an omission. Where is the large amphitheatre that now lies beneath Guildhall Yard? The answer is that nobody yet knew it existed when the model was made. It dates from the 1920s, some 60 years before the amphitheatre was discovered.
Not sure why the Romans littered their city with white number boards, though.
Good cause of the week
Here's a lovely initiative from Southwark's Union Theatre. Buy a ticket to see a show and have it donated to somebody who wouldn't otherwise have a chance of affording such an opportunity.
The #playitforwardtheatreseats initiative will see that your seat is donated to a low income local, young person at risk, or a local student.
Why is the theatre doing this? Their answer is blunt: "It’s going to be a hard winter. Theatres and in particular small theatres aren’t going to get the financial help they need from a government who put a lunatic in charge. Lower income people need a break but won’t be able to afford it."
Find out more about Play it Forward from the Union's website.
