London Kids Weekend Scoop (October 10-11) + Black History Month 2020

It’s a bit grim out there and the news isn’t all that helpful these days either. So here comes the London Kids Weekend Scoop to add a little sunshine to your mood. I’ve got some more cool picks for Black History Month as well as activities you can do (mostly) online for all ages. This week, I celebrated 15 years of marriage which still blows my mind. Over on @babesabouttown on Instagram, you can also keep up with the journey of Bringing Up Race: How to Raise a Kind Child in a Prejudiced World as I’m sharing chapter excerpts, conversation starters and more.

There are some exciting things on the horizon too so I can’t wait to share the news with you. In the meantime, here’s wishing you an enjoyable weekend.

Celebrate Black History Month in London and Online

HOT TICKET: The Kanneh-Mason Family in Concert, Barbican Centre (online)
They’ve been called ‘Britain’s most musical family’ and famously featured at the wedding of Meghan and Harry. Gifted players in their own right, the Kanneh-Masons (pictured up top) will feature in various combinations on a programme of their favourite piano and strings compositions from the past 300 years. Then they’ll come together in a Fiddler on the Roof Medley, arranged by the siblings themselves. You’ll also hear a conversation between the kids and their parents and glean insights from Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason and her new book, House of Music: Raising the Kanneh-Masons. In-person tickets are SOLD OUT but you can get tickets to watch the live broadcast from 8pm at https://www.barbican.org.uk/barbican-broadcasts, available for 48 hours; online tickets £12.50 (until Oct 22)

Sat-Sun: 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair at Somerset House, Strand, WC2R 1LA (Charing Cross tube)

Check out the work of more than 110 emerging and established artists from Africa and the diaspora at this sweeping exhibition now in its 7th year. You can see some of the works on show at Somerset House and the rest available to browse online. Also look out for artist talks, film screenings and panel discussions. 10am-8pm; adult £10-£25/under 12s FREE (until Oct 10 at Somerset House/also online until Oct 12)

Sat-Sun: Black History Month Exhibition: Honour, Remember, Inspire, Zari Gallery, 73 Newman Street, London, W1T 3EJ (Piccadilly Circus tube)
Zari Gallery presents works by British and international Black Artists in celebration of Black History Month sent in response to an open call. The Zari team has carefully curated these talented artists each with their own story. 9am-5pm; FREE entry but booking ahead required (Oct 1-30)

Sat-Sun: Windrush: Portrait of a Generation, Brixton Library, Brixton Oval, SW2 1JQ (Brixton tube)
A vibrant and poignant photo story by award-winning social documentary photographer Jim Grover, first exhibited at Oxo Gallery on the South Bank. Part of the 70th anniversary celebration of the arrival of SS Windrush. Photos taken in clubs, homes, churches, cemeteries and memorials around Clapham, Brixton and Stockwell portray the lives of the first wave of Caribbean migrants, now in their late 60s to 90s. Signed copies of the accompanying book and transcripts of interviews with twelve members of the Windrush Generation, will be available to buy at the Library. Book your viewing slot: 020 7926 1058. (Oct 1-Dec 2020)

Sat-Sun: Black History Month at Museum of London Docklands, No 1 Warehouse, West India Quay, London E14 4AL (West India Quay DLR/Canary Wharf tube)
Stories of Black Londoners are told in bitesize digital talks performed by knowledgeable Hosts. Access via QR codes positioned in the galleries throughout October. All ages. From 11.30am (opening hours 11.30am-3.30pm Mon-Fri & 10am-6pm Sat-Sun); FREE but require ticket booked in advance. (Oct 2-31)

Sat-Sun: Dub London: Bassline of a City at Museum of London, 150 London Wall, EC2Y 5HN (Barbican/St Paul’s tube)
Beats and basslines are the heart of this exhibition spanning 50 years of dub, from its roots in Jamaican reggae to how it’s shaped London communities and identities. Explore a speaker stack that’s been at Carnival since ’83, a bespoke record shop, hear stories from London locals and icons, and browse a curated audio selection (bring your own wired earphones/headphones to listen). An entertaining history lesson for you and your little listeners. 10am-5pm; FREE with general museum entry (Oct 2-Jan 31)

London Kids Weekend Scoop

Sat-Sun: How to Draw a Gruffalo with Axel Scheffler via British Library (online)
First, you’ll learn Axel Scheffler’s tips, tricks and techniques from pencil to paint as he shows how to draw your own Gruffalo. Then you can invent your own talking animal, with prompts from the workshop. Fun online class for junior artists and their grownups.

Sat-Sun: Mental Wealth Festival (online)
Today (Saturday Oct 10) is World Mental Health Day and this online festival is a great place to learn, share and explore. There are talks, debates and workshops on everything from managing anxiety to coping with the pandemic. (Oct 9-10)

Sat-Sun: BFI London Film Festival, multiple locations and online
Catch 12 days of UK film premieres in cinemas at BFI Southbank, around London and the UK, or online. I’m looking forward to Dolapo Is Fine, the 15 minute short film by author Chibundu Onuzo. The 64th BFI London Film Festival also offers feature films,panels, talks and events available online via BFI Player. You can even join in as part of the festival’s official jury. Check age ratings for family-friendly films. Various times and locations; tickets from £10-£12/prices may vary (Oct 7-18)

Sat-Sun: London Restaurant Festival: Socially Distanced for 2020, multiple locations (also delivery and online)
There’s still time to eat your way around some of London’s finest restaurants, before lockdown takes full force. If you’re already not keen on sharing space with strangers, the LRF is bringing the festival to you with chef’s experiences, virtual masterclasses and restaurant-quality food delivered to your door. (Oct 1-30)

Sat-Sun: Creative Explorers Online: Space via Arts Depot (online)
Calling space travellers! Join artsdepot and FEEL Theatre for artsdepot Creative Explorers Online in a crafty online workshop. Led by Natalya and Iona, these recorded short sessions are filled with creative, sensory and messy play for the littlest explorers. Ages 18 months to 3. Available to watch online; FREE but donations welcome (Oct 9-30)

Sat-Sun: Telling Tales Family Festival: Macbeth Workshop for Secondary Kids, Shakespeare’s Globe (online)
Don’t miss The Globe’s annual Telling Tales festival for families, held virtually this autumn. This weekend: A Midsummer Night’s Dream workshop for ages 5-8 (Oct 10); A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Oct 10). Other sessions: Macbeth workshop for ages 12+ (Oct 3-17); A Midsummer Night’s Dream puppetry workshop for ages 3+ (Oct 17); Macbeth Storytelling for ages 5-12 (Oct 17) and The Tempest Storytelling for ages 5-12 (Oct 17). All shows online from 11am (times vary, confirm with booking); price range from £20-£45 to pay what works for you (until Oct 17)

Sat-Sun: The Drive In London, Troubadour Meridian Water, Harbet Road, Edmonton, London, N18 3QQ
Movies, live events and sound broadcast straight to your car’s FM radio. Screenings include Knives Out, Tenet, Bill & Ted, Back To The Future, Grease and more. Various times, arrive 45 minutes before showtime; £35 per movie/live event prices vary (until Oct 24)

Sat-Sun: Being Human at the Wellcome Collection, 183 Euston Rd, London NW1 2BE (Euston tube/rail)
If there’s one thing 2020 has taught us, it’s to reassess our relationships with ourselves and each other. Being Human, a permanent gallery at the Wellcome Collection, offers a timely look into what it means to be human in the 21st century. Walk through 50 exhibits in sections titled Genetics, Minds and Bodies, Infection and Environmental Breakdown. Highlights include Yinka Shonibare’s Refugee Astronaut (pictured) which asks the question: who are they and why have they had to leave earth in such a hurry? 10am-5pm (Tue-Sun); FREE (ongoing)

Sat-Sun: The Royal Ballet: Back on Stage, Royal Opera House (online)
It’s been 7 months and now the Royal Ballet is back at its home stage. You can watch a live-streamed performance from the Royal Opera House featuring some classic performances and leading lights such as Marianela Nunez, Francesca Hayward and Matthew Ball. The live performance will end approximately 9.45pm. Tickets £16 (Oct 9-Nov 8)