London is bursting at the seams with incredible experiences and things to see and do, from galleries and museums to street food markets and pop-up events. Whether you're looking for the next big foodie event or want to hit up an art exhibition, there's bound to be something happening in the city to suit what you're looking for. Here are the top things to do in London this weekend, and don't forget to check back every week for a fresh batch of weekend highlights!
The best things to do this weekend in London
- The hottest spot of the week
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Things to do in London this weekend
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1Jazz it up at a top UK festival EFG London Jazz Festival is back
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2Pick up your Mount Street passport Celebrate community and connection
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3Catch a border-busting theatre show Voila! Theatre Festival is in town
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4Hunt for bargains at a flea market Second-hand treasures await
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5Tour London's festive displays The Xmas light switch has been flipped
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6The UK Jewish Film Festival returns All around the city
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7Celebrating 100 years of women in advertising Pioneering women in the industry
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8Attend an immersive remembrance show At an iconic historic sight after-hours
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9Dive into the mind of an iconic filmmaker The workings of a fascinating imagination
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10The overlooked beauty of motorway bridges An exhibition by Jen Orpin
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11Get to know the next generation of sculptors Up-and-coming talent on display
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12Discover the future of our planet A VR adventure
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13Relive one of the most loved sitcoms of all time The Friends Experience launches this week
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14Discover the story of the Crystal Palace A Sundays-only trip to the museum
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15Wander the outdoor sculpture trail in The City Sculpture in the City returns for the 13th time
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16Step into Barbie's world An exhibition in Blockbuster Pink
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17Dive into the career of a fashion icon A new blockbuster exhibition comes to the V&A
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18Do you dare venture into Viola's Room? You can still catch Punchdrunk's new hit show
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19Watch a prequel episode of Stranger Things A blockbuster adventure in the Upside Down
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20Boogie at Mamma Mia! The Party An ABBA-filled night
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21Discover more great London events
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Jump to
The hottest spot of the week
This week's must-visit
A highly anticipated fusion hot spot
AngloThai, the first permanent venture by a couple built up anticipation via a successful stint on the pop-up circuit, finally launches this week. Located in Marylebone, the restaurant showcases the chef-founder's take on Thai-British fusion, inspired by his dual heritage. The ever-changing menu is paired with biodynamic wines and served in a contemporary space influenced by Thailand's contemporary design aesthetics.
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22-24 Seymour Pl, Marylebone
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Website
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AngloThai
020-330 788 00 - Read more on Thatsup
Things to do in London this weekend
Here's what's on in London this weekend.
EFG London Jazz Festival is back
The EFG London Jazz Festival, held annually each November since 1992, is the UK's leading jazz event, showcasing global stars and emerging talent across various London venues. The 2024 festival features a diverse programme with acts like Anohni and the Kenny Barron Trio, presented under themes such as "Icons," "Voices," and "Beyond Borders." This year also includes The Jazz Social, a pop-up hub near the Barbican, enhancing the festival experience with intimate performances, special events, and family-friendly activities.
- Price: Varies
- Date: 15 November–24 November
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Silk St, Barbican, The City/City of London 47 Frith St, Soho York WayBarbican Centre
Silk St, Barbican, The City/City of LondonRonnie Scott's Jazz Club
47 Frith St, SohoKings Place
York Way -
Barbican Centre
barbican.org.ukRonnie Scott's Jazz Club
ronniescotts.co.ukKings Place
kingsplace.co.ukBarbican Centre
020-763 841 41Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club
020-743 907 47 -
Barbican Centre Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club Kings Place Jazz it up at one of the UK's top jazz festivals
Celebrate community and connection
The Mount Street Neighbourhood Holiday Festival kicks off on 14 November, bringing a variety of festive events to Mayfair. Highlights include the Mount Street Neighbourhood Passport for unique shopping rewards, a family-friendly carol concert, and a screening of “Love Actually” at one of its actual filming locations. The festival also features the serene Ever After Garden, with illuminated roses supporting charity.
- Price: Varies
- Date: 14 November–24 December
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Mount Street, Mayfair
- Website
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Mount Street Mount Street launches its first holiday festival
Voila! Theatre Festival is in town
The Voila! Theatre Festival showcases a wide array of performances across multiple venues, highlighting diverse cultures and themes of challenge and change. This year's programme features innovative works, including "I was in the house and I was waiting for the rain to come," and the Spanglish comedy "Chop-chop!" The festival aims to connect international theatre with audiences, promoting a dynamic cultural exchange.
- Price: Varies
- Date: 4 November–24 November
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1 North Rd, Highgate Gateforth Street, Marylebone 28a Comeragh Road, Hammersmith and FulhamThe Gatehouse
1 North Rd, HighgateThe Cockpit
Gateforth Street, MaryleboneBarons Court Theatre
28a Comeragh Road, Hammersmith and Fulham -
The Gatehouse
thegatehousen6.comThe Cockpit
thecockpit.org.ukBarons Court Theatre
baronscourttheatre.comThe Gatehouse
020-834 080 54The Cockpit
020-725 829 25Barons Court Theatre
078-339 137 60 -
The Gatehouse The Cockpit Barons Court Theatre A border-busting theatre festival is running in London throughout November
Second-hand treasures await
Hackney Flea Market hosts some of the largest pop-up flea markets in London, attracting hundreds of bargain hunters. Their markets take place across various venues citywide, including Saturday's Hackney Flea Market at Abney Hall and the Giant London Flea a day later. These markets feature diverse vintage traders offering everything from unique curios and collectibles to statement furniture and homeware, creating a lively and fun atmosphere.
- Price: Free
- Date: 16–17 November
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73A Stoke Newington Church St, Stoke Newington Queen Elizabeth Olympic ParkAbney Public Hall
73A Stoke Newington Church St, Stoke NewingtonQueen Elizabeth Olympic Park
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park -
Abney Public Hall
abneypublichall.comQueen Elizabeth Olympic Park
queenelizabetholympicpark.co.ukAbney Public Hall
020-792 393 32 -
Abney Public Hall Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Second-hand treasures await at the Hackney Flea Market
The Xmas light switch has been flipped
By mid-November, most neighbourhoods around London have put up their Christmas ornaments and switched on the lights, suffusing the city in a twinkling glow. Get in on the action early and tour the various festive displays with the help of our guide to where to see Christmas lights in London, avoiding the peak crowds of the holiday season and taking advantage of the milder weather.
- Price: Free
- Date: mid-November–early January
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Oxford Street, Soho/Mayfair/Marylebone Regent Street, Soho/Mayfair Carnaby Street, SohoOxford Street
Oxford Street, Soho/Mayfair/MaryleboneRegent Street
Regent Street, Soho/MayfairCarnaby Street
Carnaby Street, Soho -
Oxford Street
oxfordstreet.co.ukRegent Street
regentstreetonline.comCarnaby Street
carnaby.co.uk -
Oxford Street Regent Street Carnaby Street Where to see the best Christmas lights in London
All around the city
The UK Jewish Film Festival returns from 7 to 17 November, featuring a diverse line-up of dramas, comedies, and documentaries. Screenings across various London venues will include UK premieres like “All About The Levkoviches” and “The Milky Way”, as well as special gala presentations of “A Real Pain” and “Once Upon a Time in Algeria”, offering insights into Jewish culture and heritage.
- Price: varies
- Date: 7 November–17 November
Pioneering women in the industry
The “AdWomen” exhibition at the Museum of Brands, in collaboration with the History of Advertising Trust, explores a century of women's roles in advertising. Drawing from the Robert Opie collection and brand archives, it highlights how ads have influenced and mirrored societal shifts. It's inspired by Channel 4's “Mad Women” and features iconic ads from the 1920s to today, celebrating pioneering women in the industry.
- Price: Free
- Date: 8 November–28 April 2025
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111-117 Lancaster Rd, Notting Hill
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Website
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Museum of Brands
020-724 396 11 -
Museum of Brands This exhibition celebrates 100 years of women's influence in advertising
At an iconic historic sight after-hours
Experience the Tower of London like never before this November with “Poppy Fields”, an immersive sound and light show honouring the First and Second World Wars. The event, in collaboration with Luxmuralis, features projections of photographs, documents, and artwork that reflect the impact of the World Wars.
- Price: Free
- Date: 8 November–16 November
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Tower of London, Tower Hamlets/City of London
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Website
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Tower of London
020-316 660 00 -
Tower of London Watch an immersive remembrance show at The Tower of London after-hours
The workings of a fascinating imagination
“The World of Tim Burton” offers fans of director Tim Burton a chance to explore his unique gothic fantasy worlds through items from his personal archives, including sketchbooks, storyboards, photography, and paintings. Showcasing both iconic works and lesser-known projects, the exhibit celebrates the distinctive style that made Burton a beloved filmmaker worldwide.
- Price: From £22
- Date: 25 October–20 April 2025
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224 Kensington High St, Kensington
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Website
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Design Museum
020-386 259 00 -
Design Museum The World of Tim Burton is finally coming to London
An exhibition by Jen Orpin
After her father's stroke in 2015, Manchester artist Jen Orpin found deep emotional resonance in the motorways she travelled to visit him, later capturing these journeys in a powerful series of paintings. Her latest solo exhibition, 'We Left Nothing Behind', showcases nearly 800 paintings of bridges across Britain and beyond, including a new series with pieces inspired by Los Angeles bridges.
- Price: Free
- Date: 2 November–7 December
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durham yard, 94 Teesdale St, Tower Hamlets
- Website
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Union Gallery Celebrating the overlooked beauty of motorway bridges: a new exhibition
Up-and-coming talent on display
The Bowman Sculpture gallery has announced its first Graduate Exhibition, showcasing works by 12 promising young sculptors from London's top art institutions. This exhibition, curated to bridge emerging and established art circles, highlights innovative talent and diverse styles within the sculpture world. Gallery director Mica Bowman describes the exhibition as ”a celebration of innovative spirit and boundless creativity.”
- Price: From £22
- Date: 1 November–22 November
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6 Duke Street St James's, Westminster
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Website
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Bowman Sculpture
020-793 002 77 -
Bowman Sculpture Get to know the next generation of sculptors at this exhibition in November
A VR adventure
Step into the future of wildlife at the Natural History Museum's new mixed-reality exhibition, "Visions of Nature". They use cutting-edge tech to take visitors to explore eight ecosystems and discover how animals and habitats might evolve over the next century, showing the impact of human intervention and scientific innovation.
- Price: Free
- Date: 23 October–21 February 2025
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Cromwell Road, Kensington
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Website
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Natural History Museum
020-794 250 00 -
Natural History Museum Discover the future of our planet at the Natural History Museum's latest exhibition
The Friends Experience launches this week
An immersive exhibition dedicated to the beloved US sitcom "Friends" is coming to London this summer as part of the new Immerse LDN entertainment district. Fans can explore recreated sets, including the iconic Central Perk couch and Joey and Chandler's foosball table, reliving memorable moments from the show. Photo opportunities abound throughout.
- Price: From £20
- Date: 12 August–1 February 2025
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Excel London, Newham
- Website
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Immerse LDN The Friends Experience: The One in London launches in August
A Sundays-only trip to the museum
Open on Sundays only, the Crystal Palace Museum explores the history of the architectural masterpiece that gave its name to the entire area. Three times the size of St Paul's Cathedral, the Crystal Palace was originally built to house the Great Exhibition, later relocated, and finally destroyed in a fire in 1936. You can see original bits and pieces at the museum, as well as photographs, scaled models, and other exhibits exploring the building's fascinating past.
- Price: Free
- Date: Ongoing
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Anerley Hill, Bromley
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Website
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Crystal Palace Museum
074-349 755 82 - Read more on Thatsup
Sculpture in the City returns for the 13th time
The annual Sculpture in the City has returned for its 13th edition, transforming the urban landscape of the Square Mile into a free, accessible gallery featuring 17 artworks by 15 contemporary artists. Spread across the area between Liverpool Street, Aldgate, and Fenchurch Street, the exhibition runs until Spring 2025 and is accompanied by workshops, talks, and other events. You can download a map of the trail and learn more about the artworks on their website.
- Price: Free
- Date: 24 July–28 February 2025
An exhibition in Blockbuster Pink
You've probably noticed, but just in case your address for the past couple of years has been “1 Under a Rock Rd” – Barbie has made a major comeback on the back of Greta Gerwig's blockbuster film. The iconic doll is celebrating its 65th anniversary in 2024 and is the star of a major new exhibition at London's Design Museum, exploring her evolution from 1959 to the present. The exhibition offers the chance to see rare and unique items from the Barbie archive in California, thanks to a partnership with Mattel.
- Price: From £14.38
- Date: 5 July–22 February 2025
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224 Kensington High St, Kensington
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Website
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Design Museum
020-386 259 00 -
Design Museum It's a Barbie world and we're all just living in it
A new blockbuster exhibition comes to the V&A
Launching at the V&A on Saturday 22 June, “NAOMI: In Fashion” explores the career of Naomi Campbell, showcasing items from her wardrobe alongside designer archives and V&A exhibits. The exhibition, produced in collaboration with Campbell, covers her journey from being scouted as a teenager to her supermodel years, relationships with designers, global fame, and impact on fashion, and is slated to be one of the year's unmissable events.
- Price: £16
- Date: 22 June–5 April 2025
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Cromwell Road, Kensington
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Website
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Victoria and Albert Museum
020-794 220 00 -
Victoria and Albert Museum A major exhibition exploring the career of fashion icon Naomi Campbell is coming to the V&A
You can still catch Punchdrunk's new hit show
Celebrated immersive theatre company Punchdrunk has extended the run of its latest success, a retelling of a classic gothic mystery. Narrated by none other than Helena Bonham Carter, “Viola's Room” takes visitors on a chilling sensory adventure lasting one hour. It was originally slated to run for just one month, but has been extended thanks to demand.
- Price: From £34.50
- Date: 14 May–23 December
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The Fireworks Factory, 11 No 1 Street
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Website
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Woolwich Works
020-803 588 35 -
Woolwich Works Viola's Room: Here's what we know about Punchdrunk's new immersive experience
A blockbuster adventure in the Upside Down
“Stranger Things: The First Shadow,” a prequel to the popular Netflix series, is making waves in London's West End as a major theatrical hit. The play, unfolding the backstory of the series' villain Henry Creel, is co-directed by Stephen Daldry and Justin Martin, and has been praised for capturing the essence of “Stranger Things” as well as putting on an astounding visual feast.
- Price: From £20
- Date: 14 December 2023–15 February 2025
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Charing Cross Road
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Website
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Phoenix Theatre
033-300 966 90 -
Phoenix Theatre “Stranger Things: The First Shadow” looks to be a major West End hit
An ABBA-filled night
Head on a Greek journey to the island of Skopelos for an unforgettable evening of dining and dancing at this Mamma Mia-inspired event. As the sun sets, discover yourself at Nikos' family-run taverna, feasting on a tasty four-course Greek meal, including dishes like Greek mezze, salad, confit lamb shoulder, and slow-cooked beef with garlic-roasted potatoes. A live band will play iconic ABBA tracks throughout the night, ensuring the dance floor stays lively with their best hits.
- Price: From £99
- Date: 11 January–29 June 2025
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The O2, Peninsula Square, Greenwich
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Website
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Mamma Mia! The Party
020-399 562 88 -
Mamma Mia! The Party Dance the night away at this Mamma Mia party
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