Things to do this week is sponsored by Unbelievable.
All week
HALLOWEEN: Tuesday is Halloween, so expect to see plenty of witches, ghosts, ghouls, skeletons and the like this week. If you're keen to get involved in the fun yourself, have a look at our guide to Halloween parties and events in London — we've covered both family-friendly events, and those which are just for adults.
FIREWORKS: Don't know about you, but around our way, seems like fireworks have been going off for weeks already. However, Bonfire Night officially takes place this weekend, with plenty of organised fireworks displays taking place around London throughout this week and beyond. Thinking of doing your own whizzbangs? Read our guide to when, where and how you're allowed to do so in London before you go out and buy dozens of catherine wheels.
DARK NIGHTS: Following the clocks changing, the evenings in London are suddenly and noticeable darker (boo!). But it's not all bad news, as there are plenty of fun things that can only be done in London at this time of year — take a look at our guide to things to do in London to brighten up the dark nights.
PUMPKIN PICKING: While many pumpkin patches have closed their doors for the season, a couple still have gourds on the go for one final week. See our guide to pumpkin patches and farms near London if you're in need of a last-minute jack o'lantern (or autumn soup ingredient...).
MAYBE A GHOST STORY: Originally written and performed over two nights at the Globe Theatre last Halloween, Maybe A Ghost Story is revived for a run at Wilton's Music Hall. Funny and a little bit frightening, Daniel Kitson's show tells the story of a man who tried to scare his father one Halloween 40 years ago, and the guilt he's felt ever since. 30 October-4 November
WATERCOLOUR EXHIBITION: Time's running out to see the Highgate Watercolour Group's current (free!) exhibition at Lauderdale House. See works of OmVed Gardens in Highgate, views of Hampstead and the Heath, as well as other north London hotspots by local artists. FREE, until 6 November
DRINK OF THE WEEK: London's got plenty of wine bars, gin bars, whisky bars... but what about brandy? Enter Burnt Faith, who've just opened up the capital's first dedicated brandy bar, in Walthamstow — huzzah! It's open Friday and Saturdays from 4pm-11pm.
GAME OF THE WEEK: Played Metro Memory yet? The idea is simple enough: just type in the names of as many tube/Overground/Elizabeth line stations as you can. You'll love it for the first day, and be tearing your hair out by the fifth... Why not take the week off and give it a go.
Monday 30 October
BLOOMSBURY GHOST STORIES: Footprints of London guide Rob Smith offers a guided walk around Bloomsbury, kickstarting spooky week with visits to some sights where ghosts have allegedly been seen. The Field of Forty Footprints and the ghost of Jeremy Bentham feature. 4pm-5.30pm
PUMPKIN WORKSHOP: Take the kids to Poplar Union for a pumpkin carving session, ahead of Halloween tomorrow. All gourds and tools are provided, and experienced pumpkin carvers are on hand to offer tips, tricks and advice. Of course, you can take your pumpkin home with you at the end of the night. 6pm-9pm
OSKA BRIGHT ANIMATIONS: The Oska Bright Film Festival focuses on films made by or featuring people with learning disabilities or autism. Tonight, it comes to Barbican Cinema with a relaxed screening of animated films, including a killer mattress, unexplained sinkholes and a dog looking for love. The relaxed element means that the volume is lower and lights are brighter than a regular screening, with the audience free to make noise, move around or exit and return as necessary. 6.30pm
SOUL II SOUL: Double Grammy Award-winning and five-time Brit Award-nominated band Soul II Soul have a one-off show at the Royal Albert Hall, giving fans a chance to hear their greatest hits including Keep On Movin and Back To Life performed live. 7.30pm
RICHARD HERRING: Comedian Richard Herring hosts another live recording of his podcast, Richard Herring's Leicester Square Theatre Podcast, in which he interviews comedians and other special guests in front of an audience. Davina McCall and Tim Key are scheduled to appear this week. Takes place at Leicester Square Theatre, obviously. 7.30pm
MONDAYS IN LONDON: Looking for something else to do, today or any other week? Take a look at our guide to things to do in London on a Monday — we've gathered together live music venues, comedy and cabaret clubs which keep going on what is usually the quietest day of the week, along with guided walks and tours scheduled on a Monday, and a few special offers too.
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Unbelievable is now running at the Criterion Theatre. It’s recommended for anyone aged eight or over, and the show’s interactivity makes it a great shout for family outings, as well as for friends after an evening out with a twist! Tickets start at £20 plus booking fee.
Tuesday 31 October
LACHLAN WERNER: Comedian and ventriloquist Lachlan Werner brings his solo show Voices of Evil back to Soho Theatre for a special Halloween run. Expect a ceremony of paranormal tricks and treats by Werner and Brew, a small, squishy witch who has decided to sacrifice him. "A healthy dose of the unhinged" is how The Guardian described the show. 31 October-4 November
WEMBLEY PARK WALKABOUT: Take a free guided tour around Wembley Park, led by Julian Tollast. He's Head of Masterplanning and Design for property developer Quintain, and has been working on Wembley Park since 2005, so is able to share some lesser-known facts and details about the regeneration of the area. FREE, 3pm-4pm
GHOST OF LONDON PAST: Take a ghostly guide tour around the Charles Dickens Museum in Bloomsbury. The Ghost of London Past is led by an 'unearthly' guide and shows you the dark side of Victorian London, including baby farms and hangings, monstrous murders and deadly disease. 5pm/6pm/7pm
SHAKESPEARE'S FIRST FOLIO: Sir John Soane's Museum celebrates the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's First Folio — a copy of which was owned by Soane himself — with a special talk. Emma Smith, Professor of Shakespeare Studies at Hertford College, Oxford, discusses how this book was produced, and what is special about the Soane copy in particular. 7pm
CLIMBING TO EXTINCTION: Head to the Royal Geographical Society in Kensington to hear from Brian Hall, sharing stories of climbing in the 1970s-80s with 11 of his friends. They progressed from rock climbing at Leeds University to expeditions to Everest and K2, at a time when the fast and light alpine style of climbing was becoming popular. It was considered safer back then, but statistics now show otherwise... 7pm-9pm
Wednesday 1 November
NOVEMBER EVENTS: Pinch, punch, first of the month — and what a month November is shaping up to be, as autumn gives way to winter and *whisper it* Christmas. Take a look at our guide to 45+ of the best events in London in November, from new exhibitions and theatre shows to cultural events and Christmas happenings.
GUILTY FEMINIST: Across four evenings, Soho Theatre hosts live versions of The Guilty Feminist podcast hosted by Deborah Frances-White, with different guests each night — Alison Spittle tonight, Sikisa tomorrow, Jessica Fostekew on Friday, and Shaparak Khorsandi on Saturday. 1-4 November
INNOVATION LATE: The Royal Academy of Engineering hosts an Innovation Late at 26 Leake Street in Waterloo. It showcases some of the inventions that we can expect to see in use in the future, including robot rescue dogs, edible "plastic" pockets and artificial reefs. Age 18+. FREE, 6pm-10pm
DEATH DRAWING ROOM: The wonderful London Month of the Dead comes to a close with a Death Drawing Room — a Day of the Dead themed life drawing event with a cabaret twist. No previous drawing experience is necessary, with boldness, imagination and whimsy encouraged as you sketch models from the worlds of burlesque and cabaret. Takes place at The Century Club on Shaftesbury Avenue. 7pm
WOMEN IN INTELLIGENCE: Historian Helen Fry gives a talk about the varied intelligence and espionage work women undertook both as civilians and in uniform during the 20th century. Find out about how women ran spy networks and escape lines, parachuted behind enemy lines and interrogated prisoners. It's an online talk, hosted by the National Archives. 7.30pm
Thursday 2 November
LONDON OKTOBERFEST: Last chance to let loose, Bavarian-style, in the heart of the Square Mile! It's the final three days of London Oktoberfest this week. Head to Finsbury Square for live oompah music and sehr authentische German food and drink (including schnitznel, bratwurst, Underling and — natch — beer). There'll also be costumes available to purchase, in case you've misplaced your dirndl or lederhosen. Book ahead, Until 4 November (sponsor)
LUXURY TRAVEL FAIR: If you're lucky enough to be planning a getaway in the next few months, you might find the inspiration you're looking for at the Luxury Travel Fair at London Olympia. Hear from celebrity travellers and expert speakers including journalist Clive Myrie and CN Traveller editor Sarah Allard. You can also chat to reps from travel and expedition companies. 2-5 November
WINTER MARKET: Head down to South Bank any time between now and the end of December and you'll find the Winter Market, with craft traders and food and drink stalls selling their wares from picturesque wooden cabins. It tends to get VERY busy, particularly on weekends and closer to Christmas, so it's worth visiting sooner rather than later if you want to avoid the crowds. FREE ENTRY, 2 November-26 December
BURMA TO MYANMAR: The country of Myanmar, also known as Burma, is the subject of the British Museum's new exhibition. It looks back at 1,500 years of the isolated country's history, from civil war to military dictatorship, and the extraordinary artistic output which came about as a result. 2 November-11 February
CARNABY CHRISTMAS PARTY: Today's the day that London's Christmas lights start to be switched on. There's no big shindig for the lighting of the Oxford Street star lights tonight, but nearby Carnaby throws its annual Christmas shopping party, with live music and entertainment, and discounts in many local businesses, as well as a chance to get a first glimpse at this year's Carnaby Universe installation. FREE, 4pm-8pm
A NORMAL FAMILY: This year's London Korean Film Festival kicks off tonight with a screening of A Normal Family at BFI Southbank. The newly-released film tells the story of two brothers and their different ethical stances, and is followed by a Q&A with director Hur Jin-ho. The festival continues with films in a range of genres, until 16 November. 6pm
LATE NIGHT JAZZ: Stay out past your bedtime, with a Late Night Jazz concert at the Royal Albert Hall. This time, the Harper Trio perform, headed up by Greek-born, Egyptian-influenced, electric jazz harpist and composer Maria-Christina Harper. Head to the bar for a drink, before the show in the Elgar Room. 9.30pm
Friday 3 November
VINTAGE POSTER MARKET: Fill your walls with joy at Project MKT, a sustainable and affordable art fair coming to the Copeland Gallery in Peckham. Browse and shop thousands of original vintage posters, prints and ephemera from independent dealers. 3-5 November
COLLAGE WORKSHOP: Artist Ella Kate Harrison offers a workshop introducing you to the art of collage, at Green & Stone in Chelsea. Learn the techniques of colour mixing, staining papers and mark making — no experience is necessary and all materials are provided. 10am-12.30pm
COLLETTE COOPER: Soul and jazz singer Collette Cooper performs her show Collette Cooper Sings The Blues at Crazy Coqs at Brasserie Zedel. Expect an evening of live music and storytelling from The Groucho Club's current artist-in-residence. 7pm
JAZZ ORCHESTRA: Guildhall Jazz Orchestra and Morley College Jazz Orchestra team up for a concert of the music of American composer, arranger and trombonist Bill Russo, who founded the London Jazz Orchestra in the 1960s. Takes place at Barbican. 7.30pm
LIBRARY LATE: The British Library stays open late for an evening of electronic music, art and fantasy inspired by the American music duo Drexciya, whose futuristic sound was entwined with an alternate Black history and mythology. The evening culminates with a live performance by music act Dopplereffekt — one of the members is Gerald Donald, who was previously part of Drexciya. 7.30pm-10.30pm
Saturday 4 November
WRITE IDEA FESTIVAL: The WriteIdea reading festival is a weekend of 25+ free events covering topics including mudlarking, the rental housing system, combustible cladding, London history, the British Empire and much more. Special guests include poet Amy Key, journalist and campaigner Vicky Spratt, comedian Robin Ince, actor Obioma Ugoala, and chef Olia Hercules. Takes place at Bethnal Green Library. FREE, 4-5 November
STORIES OF LONDON: Southwark Cathderal hosts a day of talks about London, featuring experts including transport commentator Christian Wolmar, writer Tom Chivers, and London taxi driver Dave Cannell. Topics range from the tube, to rivers to St Paul's and beyond. 10am-4.30pm
VAGINA MUSEUM: After closing its Bethnal Green site earlier this year, the Vagina Museum reopens at a new home on nearby Poyser Street. The new venue will have three galleries exploring the female gynaecological anatomy, plus an events space, gift shop and cafe. 10am-6pm today
DADS' ZONE: Once a month, The Yellow community centre in Wembley Park hosts Daniel's Den Dad's Zone, a free parent and toddler session specifically for dads or male carers and their children. Take part in crafts, singing and other activities, and meet other dads with children of a similar age to your own. FREE, 12pm-1.30pm
CAMDEN ROCKS: Rock out to 12 hours' worth of music — from bands including Nymphic, Love Malison, DoubleA, Dynamic Calories, The Fires Below, Glitter Kick and Offend My Ego — at the Fiddler's Elbow's Camden Rocks all-dayer. (And maybe cancel any plans for an early brunch tomorrow.) 1pm-1am
BSL TOUR: Hayward Gallery at Southbank Centre offers a BSL tour of its current exhibition of photos by Hiroshi Sugomoto, offering an insight into the artist's ideas and techniques. The BSL tour is led by Rubbena Aurangzeb-Tariq, a London-based artist and facilitator whose work concerns culture and deaf identity. 6.30pm
CROUCHFEST: At time of writing, there are still a few tickets available for Crouchfest, a live performance of the award-winning, football-themed podcast hosted by Peter Crouch himself. Takes place at Wembley Arena. 7.30pm
Sunday 5 November
VETERAN CAR RUN: The Veteran Car Run sees more than 100 pre-1905 vehicles setting off from London to Brighton. You'll have to be up early to cheer them on — they begin leaving Hyde Park around 7am, heading through Lambeth towards Croydon, and onto the coast. FREE, from 7am
DALSTON BLACK HISTORY: Join Black History Walks for a guided tour around the Dalston area, marking 75 years since the SS Windrush arrived in London. Find out about Black culture in the local area since then, including soul, reggae, rave and acid music, Black activism and pioneering housing equality, Black British civil rights, and the rise of the Black church. 10am-12pm
BILLY NO MATES: The topics of male friendship and loneliness are tackled at Conway Hall, as author Max Dickins talks about his book, How I Realised Men Have A Friendship Problem. Find out why men tend to have fewer close friends than women, and what can be done about it. 3pm
LIVE LAUGH LABIA: The newly-reopened Vagina Museum (see above) holds its first live event in its new home — a comedy night headlined by South London-based Sikisa. Also on the line-up are Tasha Cluskey, Sapphire Mckintosh, Cameron Sinclair Harris, Jen Zheng, Alice Markey and Alyssa Vergji — with Nora Lempriere as MC. Age 14+. 7.30pm
WOLF EYES: Having spent 25 years playing around with DIY electronics, Wolf Eyes are still going strong — and tonight they're at the 100 Club playing tracks from their latest surreal dreamscape of an album, Dreams In Splattered Lines. Support is from Yeah You, and Rubber. 7.30pm
V FOR VENDETTA: On Guy Fawkes Night, the Prince Charles Cinema in Leicester Square offers a screening of 2005 film V For Vendetta, starring Hugo Weaving, Natalie Portman, Rupert Graves. It's set in a post-war London, a police state occupied by a fascist government, where a vigilante known only as V uses terrorist tactics to fight the oppressors. 8.35pm
Museum object of the week
Do these specs look familiar to you? Don't worry, they're not the ones you mislaid on the Jubilee line — they were worn by Arthur Lowe in his seminal role of Captain Mainwaring in the 1960s/70s sitcom Dad's Army. In fact, there's a whole museum dedicated to the classic comedy, and it's easy enough to visit as part of a day trip from London — we recently did just that. And if Dad's Army isn't your bag, don't panic! We often cover day trips and weekends away from the capital: check out our Beyond London section.
Good cause of the week
October is Black Cat Awareness Month (makes sense given their links with Halloween), and London-based charity Mayhew have a whole clowder of cats (black and otherwise), which they'd love you to adopt and spoil. Find out more on their website.
