Things to Do in London This Weekend: 7-8 November 2026
Bonfire Night Weekend: Where to Watch the Fireworks
Bonfire Night falls on Thursday 5 November, but plenty of us are stretching the celebrations into the weekend, and London’s firework calendar is packed. The city’s largest display is at Blackheath, with Battersea Park and Alexandra Palace, known to everyone round here as Ally Pally, also staging major shows. Smaller community bonfires are popping up in local parks and school fields too, which is often the friendliest way to spend an evening. The celebration has a strong connection to the capital’s landmarks. Guy Fawkes’s failed plot in 1605 targeted the Houses of Parliament, so if you’re wandering the riverside, you’ll pass close to Big Ben and feel the history under your feet. My advice is to arrive early, especially for Blackheath, where roads and trains get busy once the sky darkens. Wrap up warm, bring a torch for the walk home, and check the organisers’ websites before you go, as some events need advance tickets and gates can close once capacity is reached. Keep children close in crowds, and keep an eye on the forecast, since a damp November evening can change plans quickly.
Music, Theatre and Art Across the City
If you prefer your entertainment indoors, this weekend offers far more than you could reasonably fit in. The Pitchfork Music Festival enters its final two days, with Thaiboy Digital playing Village Underground and Hania Rani appearing at the Southbank Centre. The highlight for many locals is the day-long Dalston takeover, where a single wristband gets you into several venues across the neighbourhood, so you can hop between sets without queuing for tickets each time. Theatre lovers should head to the Voila! Theatre Festival, which is presenting close to 100 productions this year. Among them is Principessa, a one-woman rom-com tribute, and Devour, billed as Nigella Lawson meets kink. At Sadler’s Wells, Germán Cornejo’s Tango After Dark brings ten dancers and a five-piece live orchestra to the stage for a two-hour show of Astor Piazzolla’s music. It’s a good excuse for a dinner in nearby restaurants afterwards. Art fans can catch the Highgate Art Fair at Highgate Primary School, and the Charlie Mackesy exhibition at Dulwich Picture Gallery opens on Tuesday 3 November with unseen early sketches. Finally, the Teddington Beer Festival at the Landmark Arts Centre runs until Sunday, and proceeds go back to the venue.
Lights, Charity Causes and What to Plan Next
Some of this weekend’s events do more than entertain. The Ever After Garden in Chelsea’s Duke of York Square is lit by more than 30,000 glowing roses, and entry is free. The installation raises money for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, so I’d suggest dropping a donation in the collection tins or dedicating a rose to someone you care about, with a suggested minimum of £15. It runs until 21 December, so there’s time if the weekend is busy. Greenwich is another must-see after dark. Luxmuralis has transformed the Old Royal Naval College into Lost Worlds, a light and sound journey through myths and ancient civilisations that runs until 15 November. Tickets can sell out, so booking ahead is sensible. Culture lovers should also note that Through Our Eyes at Somerset House opens on 6 November, showcasing 19 Sámi artists, and the Princesses of Punjab exhibition at Kensington Palace closes this Sunday, 8 November, so it’s now or never for that one. If you’re planning ahead, the Mackesy show and the Sámi exhibition both run into 2027, making them ideal for a quieter visit once the festive crowds arrive.
Source: Things To Do In London This Weekend: 7-8 November 2026
Whether you’re planning a short getaway or a last-minute escape, these ideas make it easy to visit London weekend after weekend with something new to discover.
The British Museum is a great free option for a weekend visit, with its extensive collections spanning world history and culture.
Visitors planning a buckingham palace weekend in London should check ahead for changing-of-the-guard times and any timed-entry requirements before heading out.
