Happy October and hello Black History Month. Today’s Weekend Scoop is a little later than usual as I’ve just come back from visiting the in-laws in Nice. I’m glad to return to some sunshine and a whole mix of family fun for all ages in London this weekend. From Korean opera at Barbican to a knees up in Hornchurch, literary events, apple picking, and a celebration of girl power… this city is never boring, that’s for sure. Take a look!
Family Fun for All ages in London this Weekend
Fri-Sun: National Changgeuk Company of Korea: Lear at Barbican Theatre, Barbican Centre, Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS (Barbican tube)
See Shakespeare’s masterwork transformed into a spellbinding production. The tale of the mad King and his daughters is brought to life in the form of Changgeuk, the Korean theatrical form that blends dance, operatic music, drama and immersive storytelling. Includes music by Jung Jae-il (Parasite, Squid Game). Ages 12+. Content warnings: flashing lights, swearing, some violence and fake blood. 7pm (Fri & Sat), 2pm (Sun); adult from £16/child 50% discount – subject to availability (Oct 3-6)
Fri-Sun: Imran Perretta: A Riot in Three Acts at Somerset House, New Wing via Lancaster Place, off Waterloo Bridge, WC2R 1LA (Charing Cross/Waterloo tube/rail)
Evolving from the artist’s experience as youth during the London Riots in 2011, this large-scale installation examines riots and civil uprisings in response to systemic injustice. Taking the form of a film set with cinematic score, it asks viewers to reconsider UK urban spaces in the light of the social and racial inequality and violence that shape them. All ages but best for older kids, all under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. Content warning: sensitive and potentially triggering topics including references to racism and police brutality (support staff and decompression room on site). 10am-6pm (Sun-Wed), 12pm-9pm (Thu-Fri) – last entry 1 hour before closing; FREE/Pay What You Can (until Nov 10)
Fri-Sun: Dark Arts at The Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour, Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, Aerodrome Way, Leavesden, Hertfordshire, WD25 7GS (Watford Junction rail)
Halloween comes early at the Harry Potter studio experience. Join in wand combat training or a live duel against Death Eaters in the Studio Tour backlot. You can see gory costumes on display and the Great Hall filled with floating pumpkins. New for 2024, Dementors float free in Forbidden Forest and see the clown Boggart showcased next to the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom. All ages welcome. Open daily: first bus 9.20am, first tour 9.30am/last tour begins 4pm, last bus/studio closes 8pm; adult from £56/child from £45/family £180/under 4s or carers FREE but require tickets. Pre-booking essential. (until Nov 10)
Sat: Meet Author Ella Phillips at Upper Norwood Library, 39 Westow Hill, SE19 1TQ (Crystal Palace overground/rail)
This Black History Month, go on a multi-sensory journey with author Ella Phillips in this storytelling event featuring her picture book Grandma’s Magic Recipes. You’ll meet Zee and his family who are creating a plant-powered feast for autumn. 10.30-11.30am; FREE (Oct 5)
Sat: Deaf Rave Festival 2024 at Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA (Shoreditch High St overground)
Throw your hands in the air at this exciting event hosted by the Deaf Rave Collective. After hours, there’s music and dance for ages 18+ but by day, it’s a family friendly affair. Come for interactive workshops, live performance, a gaming zone and more children’s activities. Deaf Rave is an inclusive celebration of Deaf Culture and all activities are accessible to both deaf and hearing attendees, with sign language interpreters and visual aids throughout the event. All ages 11am-5pm; adult £10/child £5/under 3s FREE (Oct 5)
Sat: Fun Palaces Free Family Day at Half Moon Young People’s Theatre, 43 White Horse Road, E1 0ND (Limehouse rail/DLR)
Every year, arts organisations around the country host Fun Palaces to get communities engaged with arts, culture and science. This weekend, head to Half Moon for another free day of family fun. There will be music and movement workshops, arts and crafts, pop-up storytelling and more throughout the building and garden. Plus tea, cake and some surprises. All ages welcome. Drop in between 10am-4pm; FREE (Oct 5)
Sat: Family Knees Up at Queens Theatre, Hornchurch, Billet Lane, Hornchurch. RM11 1QT (Hornchurch tube, Romford/Upminster rail)
Tom Carradine is back after his sell-out show in 2023, leading this proper East End knees up, with Cockney tunes from his piano ‘Kimberley’. You’ll be doing the ‘Lambeth Walk’, marching inflatable bananas ‘Down the Strand’, playing with bubbles, puppets and more. Ages 0-100. 11am; adult £10/child ages 1+ £8/babies under 1 FREE (Oct 5)
Sat-Sun: Black Culture Market, The Department Store (Downstairs), 248 Ferndale Road, Brixton SW9 8FR (Brixton tube)
Welcome Black History Month with another round of the Black Culture Market. It’s a two day extravaganza of Black businesses showcasing their diverse range of talent and enterprise. Shop for homewares, gifts, distinctive prints, books and picture books, jewellery, natural hair and skincare and more. Plus food! All ages welcome. Register for a FREE ticket! 11am-5pm; FREE (Oct 5-6)
Sat-Sun: Festival of the Girl at Business Design Centre, Upper St, London N1 0QH (Highbury and Islington tube/rail, Angel tube)
Make amazing memories this International Day of the Girl. Featuring amazing speakers, workshops and more, this event aims to inspire girls and challenge stereotypes. Topics include sports, coding, body confidence, activism and friendships. Best for ages 7-11. 11.30am-1.30pm (SEND session) & 2-6pm (Sat); 9.45am-12.45pm & 1.15pm-4.15pm (Sun); £0-£67.59 (Pay what you can option available) (Oct 5-6)
Sun: The Collective Family Club Day with Vogue Williams at The Steel Yard, 13-16 Allhallows Ln, EC4R 3UL (Cannon St tube)
Come and party with celebrity mum, presenter, podcaster and DJ, Vogue Williams at this family clubbing event sponsored by kids yoghurt brand, The Collective*. Discover their new Mixers range while raving with your clan and the legendary Big Fish Little Fish. Also on the decks are DJ duo Baker & Beale. Plus all the usual BFLF extras to keep the family entertained. All ages, best for 0-8. 2-5pm; adult from £12/child from £10/family £40/under 2s FREE (Oct 6)
Sun: Fulham Palace Apple Day at Bishop’s Avenue, Fulham SW6 6EA (Putney Bridge tube/Putney rail)
Roll up for another Apple Day in the glorious surroundings of Fulham Palace. Gather the fruits of the orchard harvest, explore the market, take part in a tombola, baking contest, and other goodies. All ages. 11am-4pm; adult £3/child £1/babies under 1 FREE (Oct 6)
Sun: Neneh Cherry: A Thousand Threads at Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
Hear music icon Neneh Cherry talking about her memoir A Thousand Thrrads, in conversation with her bestie Andi Oliver. The book is described as a ‘kaleidoscopic’ celebration of love, creativity and legacy. All ages (best for older kids). 7.30pm; from £15/25% concs (Oct 6)
Image: Neneh Cherry: A Thousand Threads
We also like
Bring your furry friends along for Chelsea Dog Day, tons of tail-wagging fun at Duke of York Square (Sat); experience breathtaking footage and music at Planet Earth III: Live in Concert at Wembley OVO Arena (Sat); join in the FREE food, music and culture immersion at Japan Matsuri in Trafalgar Square (Sun); and it’s another chilled-out day of family friendly talks, walks, games and Sunday roasts with Sunday Papers Live at One Marylebone (Sun)
Booking Ahead
- Author Event: The Story of Britain’s Black Nurses at Florence Nightingale Museum, SE1 (Oct 12)
- A Tiger’s Tale at Jacksons Lane, N6 (Oct 13)
- Family Workshop for Children with SEND at Royal Academy (Oct 13)
- Supa Dupa Fly Kids Party at Pop Brixton (Oct 13)
- For Crying Out Loud Baby-Friendly Concert at Wigmore Hall, W1 (Oct 16 & Nov 22)
- Hew Locke: What Have We Here? at British Museum, WC1 (Oct 17-Feb 9)
- Storyquest Sleepover for ages 6-11 at Discover Children’s Story Centre (Oct 19)
- Windrush Adventures at Arts Depot, North Finchley (Oct 20)
- Medieval Women: In Their Own Words at British Library, NW1 (Oct 25-Mar 2)
- VOGUE: Inventing the Runway at Lightroom, King’s Cross (Oct 25-Mar 30)
- FUNHarmonics Family Concert: Stan & Mabel at Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre (Oct 26)
- Telling Tales with Chris Riddell and Ana Sampson at Shakespeare’s Globe, SE1 (Oct 27)
- Family Studio: Cut Out Worlds at Royal Academy (Oct 27)
- Ally Pally Fireworks Festival at Alexandra Palace (Nov 1-2)
- You Choose at Arts Depot, North Finchley (Nov 3)
- Picasso: Printmaker at British Museum, WC1 (Nov 7-Mar 30)
- Aurora Orchestra: The Wolf, The Duck and the Mouse at Kings Place, N1 (Nov 23)
- Versailles: Science and Splendour at Science Museum (Dec 12-Apr 21)
Want More? Check out 24 Things to Do in London this Autumn. Half Term Guide is coming soon!
**NB: Please note that all event timings and prices are subject to change/cancellation at short notice, so always check ahead with the venue (or the latest government guidelines) before making a trip!**
London Kids Weekend Scoop (September 26-29, 2024)
