First weekend of October
It’s the first weekend of October and there are plenty of events happening across the city this weekend, whether you’re a cocktail lover, looking to immerse yourself in a celebration of culture or an Andy Warhol fan, there’s something for everyone! And that’s not all, check out what we recommend should be on your radar for the next four days!
Japan Matsuri (Sunday 6th October) The UK’s much-loved and biggest annual festival of Japanese culture and food, will return to Trafalgar Square this Sunday, from 10am to 8pm. Admission is free. Showcasing Japanese culture in the UK, Japan Matsuri has attracted a loyal audience of Londoners, the Japanese community and other visitors, families and friends each year since 2009 (at Spitalfields in 2009 & 2010, at County Hall in 2011, and at Trafalgar Square since 2012) and has established itself as a symbol of the long-standing bonds between Japan and the UK. More information here!
ABSOLUT WARHOL: THE OTHER HALF (Friday 4th to Sunday 6th October) Head to the iconic Saatchi Gallery for an unmissable art experience this weekend, as Absolut Vodka and The Warhol Foundation come together for a special exhibition. This free-to-attend exhibition features the works of five diverse artists from various creative disciplines, who have been given the opportunity to showcase their work in the prestigious Saatchi Gallery. Inspired by a newly discovered Andy Warhol painting featured on the 2024 Limited Edition Bottle: ABSOLUT WARHOL, each of the artists will present their interpretation of the bottom half of Warhol’s Absolut ‘blue’ painting. By doing so, the artists bring fresh perspectives and creativity to the forefront, seamlessly blending the past with the present, RSVP your spot here.
BBC Planet Earth III Live in Concert London (Saturday 5th October) Step into the world of Planet Earth III Live in Concert! The combination of nature and music aims to captivate the audiences this Saturday at London’s OVO Arena Wembley. Witness breathtaking footage on the latest 4K ultra-high-definition LED screen, transporting you across every corner of the planet, from deserts and grasslands, through forests, along coastlines, and into the depths of the ocean. Accompanied by a live orchestral performance and visual segments, the ground-breaking concert is set to you speechless, a truly unforgettable experience. Get tickets here!
London Cocktail Week (Thursday 3rd October to 13th October) London Cocktail Week is the world’s original Cocktail Week and takes place in the cocktail capital of the world – if you love cocktails, this is one of the most exciting and memorable ways to discover the London bar scene and the people that make it so special. Along with lots of opportunities to drink cocktails, you’ll also get the chance to make your own! Brushing up on your kitchen cocktail skills? Want to level up your knowledge on a particular spirit? Or fancy some food pairing with your favourite cocktail? Throughout the week there will be a combination of masterclasses, cocktail dinners and even some brunches! Don’t miss out, book your tickets here!
Mildred’s Off The Books: Dalston Supper Club (Thursday 3rd October) One of London’s leading vegan restaurant brands, Mildreds hosts its Off the Books supper club at its Dalston venue every two weeks. Monthly menus are crafted by the development team, with each month focusing on a different cultural destination. The team researches different recipes and techniques from around the world to give guests the chance to try authentic flavours and traditional global favourites with a vegan twist. For this month expect heat and colour! Also known as sino chinese cuisine, hakka indian cuisine originates in Kolkata. Its signature fusion of Indian and Chinese flavours and cooking styles are popular all over the country. Book now!
Pottery Making Class (Friday 4th and Sunday 6th October) Looking for chilled-out London activities to help you escape the hustle and bustle of the city? Sit back, relax and get creative with clay at this pottery making workshop in Stoke Newington! During this beginner-friendly class, you’ll learn all the tips and tricks needed to transform handmade clay into bespoke pottery pieces. Your expert guide will demonstrate hand-building techniques using coils and slabs before covering wheel throwing as you prepare to get hands-on with your clay! Whether you’re a complete beginner or a more experienced clay crafter, this workshop is a great chance to unwind in a London pottery studio as you let your creative side take over. Book here!
Serial Killer: The Exhibition (Until January 2025) This 2000 square-metre exhibition reveals the intricate world of criminal investigation and profiles of some of history’s most infamous serial killers. Explore notorious serial killers of the past and present, and learn about various typologies, murder methods, and the sinister goals that drive these individuals. Accompanied by engaging graphics and narrated audio stories, journey through the myths, curiosities, and investigations of serial killers. With over 1000 original artefacts, such as Jeffrey Dahmer’s glasses and Armin Meiwes’ refrigerator, and reconstructions of famous crime scenes like those of Ted Bundy and the Zodiac Killer, this exhibition offers a comprehensive exploration into this criminal phenomenon—all while honouring the names and faces of the victims. Get your tickets now!
Rebellious Wine Club (Thursday 7th November) An unconventional wine club hosted by some of the most exciting female talent from the UK’s wine industry. Born from a desire to debunk some of the more common wine ‘myths’ and rules, the series of evenings aim to take the stuffiness out of wine tastings; keeping things fun, informative and a little bit mischievous. Erika is the founder of Mai Sake, a boutique Japanese fine sake merchant, and co-owner of Moto, the UK’s first independent sake bar. Her mission to make sake accessible to everyone will be the focus of this session, “Sake Essentials: What You Need to Know to Start Your Sake Journey.” Whether you’re a complete novice or have a budding interest in this beverage category, Erika will provide you with all the foundational knowledge you need to fall in love with this delicious drink. Book here!
Waiting for Godot (From 13th September to 14th December) One of the greatest plays of the 20th century, Waiting for Godot explores the meaning of life and the absurdity of existence. Didi and Gogo wait by a tree for a man named Godot. They don’t know who he is, why they are meeting or what time he is coming – only that something incredible could happen when he does. In a 1998 poll of more than 800 theatre professionals conducted by the UK’s Royal National Theatre, Waiting for Godot was voted the most important English-language play of the 20th century. Ben Whishaw is the recipient of two Emmys, two BAFTAs and a Golden Globe. Lucian Msamati was the first black actor to play Iago in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s acclaimed 2015 production of Othello. He has also starred in the Olivier award-winning Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and Amadeus, and the multi-award winning Clybourne Park. Book here!
ECLIPSE (Until the 8th December) Recently opened, and presented by Lumen Studios, brings a groundbreaking spatial light and sound experience to London. Created by the acclaimed Japanese-French duo NONOTAK, this immersive exhibition showcases the pinnacle of audiovisual art. NONOTAK, known for their ethereal and immersive installations, have garnered international acclaim. Their work has been featured in prestigious publications such as Vice, Dazed, and The New York Times. The duo has also collaborated with luxury brands including HERMÈS, Adidas, and Stella McCartney, cementing their status as leaders in the world of audiovisual art. Set in London’s trendy Bermondsey district, ECLIPSE invites visitors to explore over 1,000 square metres of mesmerising installations. Book here!
NAOMI In Fashion (Until 6th April 2025) NAOMI: In Fashion explores the unequalled 40-year career of fashion model and cultural icon Naomi Campbell. After being scouted in Covent Garden aged just 15, Campbell quickly rose to prominence in the industry, and made history a few years later when, at 18, she became the first black model to feature on the cover of Paris Vogue, in 1988. The first exhibition of its kind exploring the extraordinary career of the fashion model. Through the work of leading global designers and photographers, this exhibition celebrates her creative collaborations, activism and far-reaching cultural impact. Book here.
Putt in the Park (Check website for availability) Since opening their first branch in the Summer of 2013, Putt in the Park has established itself around the parks of London to create the best miniature golf experience out there! Tee off your weekend with 15% off for all Knightox members, with three Courses across Wandsworth, Battersea, Acton Park in South London, and a course in Colchester, they have ensured each carefully designed hole equipped with tunnels, jumps and bridges will suit all ages and challenge even the most experienced golfer. Book now!
Fragile Beauty (Until January 2025) A new exhibition is arriving at the V&A this Saturday and it’s not to be missed! Dive into a diverse collection showcasing the work of renowned photographers from around the globe. Explore a wide range of subjects, from fashion and celebrity to reportage and studies of the male body. Each image offers a glimpse into modern and contemporary photography, highlighting iconic moments and diverse perspectives. Book tickets here!
Stranger Things: The First Shadow (Opens 17th November) Written by Kate Trefry and original story by the Duffer Brothers, Stranger Things: The First Shadow is a gripping West End play that takes you back to the beginning, revealing Hawkins’ story before the world turned upside down. Experience theatrical storytelling and stagecraft to a whole new dimension in this Stranger Things prequel at Phoenix Theatre, located in the heart of the West End between Soho and Covent Garden. Get your tickets!
Make the most of a city of boundless opportunities, which caters to every taste and curiosity, providing a diverse array of thrilling and immersive encounters. Whether you’re an art lover, music enthusiast, or looking for some culture there is plenty to discover.
