London Half Term & Halloween Events: Your Weekend Guide
Half Term Magic: Entertainment for Every Age
This weekend marks the start of October half term, and London’s venues are pulling out all the stops to keep families entertained. The Barbican’s Family Film Week launches Saturday with beloved classics like Star Wars and Matilda, offering a celebration of cinema discovery for young ones and their grown-ups. Meanwhile, Hackney’s Rio Cinema presents the Hackney Children’s Film Fest, blending well-known family favourites with age-appropriate shorts and hidden gems running through the week.
For something completely different, Stratford East brings Bollywood magic to traditional pantomime with Surinderella. This inventive take on the classic tale features a young woman juggling endless chores while her selfie-obsessed stepsisters live their best Instagram lives—a modern twist that’ll resonate with today’s kids.
Theatre-goers should head to the Garrick Theatre for Cirque Berserk!, where over 30 international acrobats and aerialists deliver death-defying stunts including the famous motorcycle Globe of Death. It’s the perfect half term splurge for families seeking genuine spectacle and thrills that’ll keep conversation flowing all week.
Culture & Creativity: World-Class Exhibitions Worth Your Time
London’s museums continue their exceptional autumn programming with exhibitions that cater to curious minds of all ages. The Science Museum’s Becoming America showcases 250 years of American independence through fascinating scientific artifacts, maps, and paintings spanning the 1760s-90s. It’s entirely free, making it an accessible way to explore pivotal moments in history without breaking the bank.
Art enthusiasts should venture to Dulwich Picture Gallery to experience Hokusai’s complete Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji—a rare opportunity to see the legendary Japanese printmaker’s interpretation of the iconic mountain across different seasons and lighting conditions. This exhibition runs through January, so you have time, but weekend visits tend to be more relaxed early on.
The V&A’s new Freddie Mercury exhibition celebrating the Queen frontman’s 80th birthday is already drawing crowds. The free trail winds through six dramatic settings showcasing Mercury’s most iconic stage costumes and outfits, telling the story of his extraordinary career through fashion and design. It’s a touching tribute that resonates beyond music fans.
Seasonal Fun: Pumpkins, Comics & Literary Celebrations
Halloween season is in full swing, and there’s far more to explore than just costumes. MCM Comic Con takes over Excel this weekend through Sunday, attracting celebrity guests, cosplay enthusiasts, tabletop gamers, and video game fans for three days of pure geek culture celebration. Whether you’re into comics, anime, or gaming, there’s something for everyone—and yes, your fancy dress costume will fit right in.
If Halloween markets and themed pop-up bars appeal to you, check local listings for spooky cocktail venues and festive stalls popping up across central London and near landmarks like Soho, where Halloween energy is particularly electric. For something more quintessentially autumnal, head to pumpkin patches and farms on London’s outskirts where you can pick your own gourds—perfect for creating genuine jack-o’-lanterns.
Literary lovers shouldn’t miss the London Literature Festival at Southbank Centre, curated by Dua Lipa this year. This weekend features a celebration of 40 years of Poems on the Underground, British Somali poetry, and a conversation between Dua Lipa and author Zadie Smith. The Wimbledon BookFest enters its final weekend with speakers including Ian Botham and Elif Shafak—a wonderful escape near the peaceful green spaces South London is known for.
Source: Things To Do In London This Weekend: 24-25 October 2026
