London is set to offer a dynamic and diverse weekend of activities from October 4-5, 2025, inviting residents and visitors alike to explore its vibrant cultural offerings. This weekend’s news highlights a compelling mix of artistic exhibitions, lively festivals, and unique community events, ensuring there is something to enjoy for everyone across the capital.
Cultural Immersion and Artistic Discovery
Art enthusiasts have a compelling selection of exhibitions to discover. The Design Museum’s thought-provoking “More than Human” exhibition, which examines design’s role in supporting our planet and its inhabitants, concludes its run this Sunday, offering a final opportunity to experience its impactful displays. For those interested in speculative futures, Bloomsbury’s Cartoon Museum opens its new exhibition, “The Future Was Then,” on Saturday. This showcase features original comic art that visualizes humanity’s trajectory from 1990 to the distant year of 4000 AD, drawing from iconic works like Judge Dredd and Black Mirror. History buffs and cinema lovers can explore the Old Royal Naval College, which premieres the new film installation “Cornwallis Cloth.” Commissioned by the Imperial War Museum, this poignant work uses oral testimony to uncover untold stories of British Caribbean lives during the Second World War, with the 20-minute film set in Barbados in 1942. Several other significant art exhibitions also continue this weekend, including Alicja Biala’s “Raw Earth, Rare Earth” at Berntson Bhattacharjee and Conrad Shawcross’s monumental kinetic sculpture “Umbilical” at Here East.
Festivals and Celebrations Abound
London fully embraces the spirit of autumn with a plethora of festivals. Oktoberfest celebrations are in full swing across the city, with various venues hosting traditional Bavarian experiences. From Finsbury Park and Hammersmith hosting London Oktoberfest events to celebrations at Munich Cricket Club, Market Halls Oxford Street, and Albert’s Schloss, attendees can enjoy oompah bands, German food, and plenty of beer. Simultaneously, the “Month of the Dead” macabre festival continues its series of events, offering a unique and cerebral exploration of mortality and the arts. This weekend, adventurous attendees can join workshops like “Taming the Beast: An Animal Phobia Workshop”. For local creative expression, the Lambeth Fringe presents a diverse program featuring bubble shows, performance art, and live comedy.
Entertainment, Music, and Outdoor Escapes
Theatre-goers can enjoy enduring West End productions or catch the new musical “Paddington The Musical” at the Savoy Theatre, a wholesome experience perfect for families. Live music fans have a chance to enjoy major concerts, with global superstar Lady Gaga performing at The O2 on Saturday. Sunday sees performances from JoJo Siwa and The 69 Eyes, while the immersive “ABBA Voyage” continues its run. For those seeking to connect with nature, the crisp autumn air is ideal for leisurely walks through London’s Royal Parks and green spaces. Families looking for free, engaging activities can explore “Fun Palaces,” pop-up events in local libraries, parks, and community hubs happening select dates this weekend. Sunday also marks Fulham Palace’s popular Apple Day, celebrating the harvest with pressing demonstrations, orchard tours, and family-friendly crafts and games. The Croydon Harvest featuring the Walnut Fair also offers autumnal spectacle on both Saturday and Sunday.
Unique Experiences and Practical News
For a truly unconventional weekend activity, the Peckham Conker Championships take place on Saturday, promising a quirky competition and a unique local experience. It is important for all Londoners and visitors to be aware of planned demonstrations in central London this weekend. A “Defend Our Juries Protest” is scheduled for Trafalgar Square on Saturday, and an “October 7th Commemorative Event” organized by the Jewish Leadership Council is planned for Trafalgar Square on Sunday afternoon. These events may lead to road closures and impact public transport, so checking local transport updates is advised.
This weekend in London is a testament to the city’s enduring dynamism, offering a rich tapestry of events that invite exploration and enjoyment. Whether you’re drawn to cutting-edge art, traditional festivals, or unique local happenings, London has an abundance of experiences waiting to be discovered.
