Autumn Cool List: 25 Awe-Inspiring London Family Events

London is awesome in autumn with fireworks for Guy Fawkes Night and Diwali, brand new exhibitions and shows, Halloween events and don’t forget Black History Month. My Autumn Cool List is packed with family theatre, foodie delights, pop-up festivals, protests, and raving with your babes. Get involved.

Autumn Cool List: 25 Awe-Inspiring London Family Events

David Bowie Centre at V&A East Storehouse, 2 Parkes St, E20 3AX (Stratford tube/DLR/overground/rail)
Explore the new permanent home for V&A’s David Bowie archive featuring 80,000 items, from props and costumes to instruments, notebooks, lyrics, photos and more. A treasure trove for any Bowie fan. All ages. NB: Visitors aged 2+ require tickets. Advanced booking highly recommended. V&A East Storehouse is open 10am-6pm (until 10pm Thu & Sat); FREE with £5 suggested donation for David Bowie Centre (opens Sep, general release tickets from Sep 4)

Black on the Square, Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN (Charing Cross tube/rail)
Music, food, live performances, workshops, family fun and more are on the bill at this year’s Black on the Square. Come and celebrate the best of UK Black culture in the heart of the capital. Everybody’s welcome. All ages. 12pm-6pm; FREE (Sep 6)

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt at Little Angel Theatre, 14 Dagmar Passage, N1 2DN (Angel tube/Highbury & Islington tube/rail/overground)
Squelch, splash and swish with the characters on a bear hunt performed by the famous puppet theatre. This ever popular tale is based on the bestselling picture book by Michael Rosen and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury. Ages 3-8. Various shows from 10.30am (Thu-Sun); adult £15/child 1-17 £13/all tickets Thu 4.45pm £8.50, Fri 4.45pm £10 (Sep 6-Nov 8)

Culture Workers Against Genocide rally, starting at Royal Opera House, WC2E (Covent Garden tube)
There are many ongoing actions to support if you oppose Israel’s genocide and want to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people. Join the Culture Workers March for Palestine in defiance of the silencing of protests and the UK’s complicity in Israel’s atrocities. This is a family friendly march from Royal Opera House to Downing Street. All ages. From 12pm, FREE (Sep 14)  

Also see: Lift the Ban protest with Defend our Juries (Sep 6); National March: Stop Starving Gaza (Sep 6); Trump Not Welcome national protest (Sep 17)

50 First Dates at The Other Palace, 12 Palace Street, SW1E 5JA (Victoria tube/rail, St James’ Park tube)
Director Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon) helms this musical comedy based on the hit Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore movie. It’s a charming tale about a marine biologist who falls head over heels for a woman who can’t remember what happened the day before. Best for ages 12+. 7.30pm (Tue-Sat), 2.30pm (Thu & Sat) & 3pm (Sun); from £35-£79.50 (Sep 14-Nov 16)

The Producers at Garrick Theatre, Charing Cross Rd, WC2H 0HH (Leicester Square tube, Charing Cross tube/rail)
After a sold out run at Menier Chocolate Factory, Mel Brooks’ riotous musical comedy lights up Garrick Theatre. Scream with laughter as Broadway producer Max Bialystock and accountant Leo Bloom put on a show to defy all odds. Ages 10+. 7.30pm (Mon-Sat) & 2.30pm (Thu & Sat); from £25 (previews Aug 30, opens Sep 15-Feb 21)

Brick Lane Curry Festival, Brick Lane, E1 (Shoreditch High St overground)
Returning for the first time in nearly a decade, this delicious festival is not just about food. It’s a family friendly affair with magicians, floats and dancers, stilt walkers, DJs, Bangla-style and Henna painting workshops, pop-up cooking demos, and street stalls serving up the tastiest food in the East End. All ages. 12pm-9pm; FREE (Sep 19-21)

Emma at Rose Theatre Kingston, 24-26 High Street, Kingston KT1 1HL (Kingston/Surbiton rail)
It’s the year of Jane Austen (marking her 250th birthday) and here comes another fresh and fun adaptation of one of her classic rom-coms. Oxford grad Emma is back home for summer and determined to sort out the lives of her nearest and dearest — but does Emma really know best? Ages 12+. Various times from 7.30pm (Mon-Sat), select matinees 2.30pm; from £16.50 (Sep 17-Oct 11)

Material World at Kew Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AE (Kew Gardens tube/Kew Bridge rail, overground)
Enter the glorious gardens and discover a festival of fashion, art and horticulture and how they interconnect. See Nnenna Okore’s pieces transforming organic matter into captivating art works, dive into the history of cotton with Michael McMillan, or learn the living origins of textiles with Lottie Delamain. Stick around for After Hours evenings too. All ages. 10am-5pm (Sep 20-Oct 25), 10am-3pm (Oct 26-Nov 2); included with Kew admission: adult £22-£24.50 (£11-£12.50 after 4pm)/child £5-£6/youth 16-29 £10-£11/family from £29-£48/under 4s FREE (Sep 20-Nov 2)

Kerry James Marshall: The Histories at Royal Academy, Burlington House, W1J 0BD (Piccadilly Circus tube)
Internationally acclaimed artist Kerry James Marshall is famed for putting Black lives front and centre . Experience stunning large-scale paintings brimming with history, sci-fi, civil rights and more, the largest exhibition of his works outside the US. 10am-6pm (Tue-Sun), 10am-9pm (Fri); adult £23.50-£25.50/under 16s FREE (Sep 20-Jan 18)

Poon’s at Somerset House, the Strand, WC2R 1LA (Charing Cross tube)
Many foodies and fans of Chinese cuisine fondly remember the London institution Poon’s, founded by restaurateur Bill Poon. Some of you might have followed the pop-ups run by his daughter, Amy Poon. This autumn, Amy’s opening Poon’s at Somerset House, bringing the joy of Chinese home cooking and beloved staples e.g. claypot rice and Magic Soup. Oh yummy. Bookings and opening dates tbc (opening Sep)

Dirty Looks: Desire and Decay in Fashion at Barbican Centre Art Gallery, Silk Street EC2Y 8DS (Barbican tube)
Mud-splashed dresses, ripped jeans, upcycled outfits… the ‘dirty look’ is an in your face to beauty standards and it’s having a resurgence with young designers. This exhibition explores sustainability and rebellion with icons like Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen and Hussein Chalayan. 10am-5pm (Wed-Sun), 10am-7pm (Thu & Fri); adult £20/Young Barbican £6/members and under 14s FREE (Sep 25-Jan 25)

Big Fish Little Fish Ultimate Family Rave at Fabric, 77A Charterhouse Street, EC1M 6HJ (Farringdon tube/rail)
Missed their January rave? Catch the legendary Big Fish Little Fish at another family party filled with banging, nostalgic tunes, fancy dress and fun for ages 8-98. Australia’s Anthony Pappa headlines with Mark XTC also on the lineup. BFLF raves include baby chill out, arts and crafts, face painting (separate charge), buggy parking, baby changing, confetti cannons, bubbles, foam, giant balloons and parachute dance finale. 2pm-4.30pm; adult £15.02/child £11.86/pre-walkers FREE (Sep 28)

Nigerian Modernism at Tate Modern, Bankside, SE1 9TG (Southwark tube, Blackfriars tube/rail)
Hot off my 2025 London list, I’m including this in the Autumn calendar as I’m too excited about it. This sweeping retrospective of Nigerian artists features more than 50 globally renowned figures, including works by my late uncle, the esteemed painter Ben Enwonwu MBE. All ages. From 10am-6pm daily; from £18/concs available (Oct 8-May 11, 2026)

Jennie Baptiste: Rhythm & Roots at Somerset House (Terrace Rooms), the Strand, WC2R 1LA (Charing Cross tube)
Visit the first major solo who by Black British photo pioneer Jennie Baptiste, spanning 3 decades and featuring defining portraits of the likes of Ms Dynamite, Roots Manuva, Estelle and NAS. Jennie’s street photography, her series on Black identity, and her captures of London’s hip hop DJ scene are presented with DJ-curated mixes, talks and creative responses from the community. 10am-6pm (Sun-Wed), 12pm-8pm (Thu & Fri), 10am-8pm (Sat); Pay What You Can (Oct 17-Jan 4)

Campfire Adventures at Discover Children’s Story Centre, 383-387 High Street Stratford, E15 4QZ (Stratford tube/rail/overground/DLR)
The big kids are taking over at Discover with this special event that packs the fun of a sleepover into one evening. Enjoy Discover after hours with scavenger hunts, arts and crafts, Monster Funfair and hot chocolate around a story time campfire. It all wraps up in time for bed (in your own home). Ages 5-11 and their grownups. 5.30pm-8.30pm; £31pp (Oct 18 & Nov 22)

Wendy and Peter Pan at Barbican Theatre, Barbican Centre, Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS (Barbican tube)
Soar to Neverland with the Royal Shakespeare Company in this breathtaking reimagining of JM Barrie’s Peter Pan. Wendy joins Peter Pan, Tink and Tiger Lily in a magical journey full of sword fights, flying and fairy dust. Ages 7+. 7pm (Mon-Sat) & 1.30pm (Thu & Sat); from £25 (Oct 21-Nov 22)

Tom Gates EPIC Stage Show at Arts Depot,  5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley N12 0GA (Finchley Central tube)
My boy was obsessed with Tom Gates and would have loved this lively, illustration-filled musical that brings the best of Liz Pichon’s top-selling books into a fabulous live show. Ages 7+. 11am & 2pm; from £15 (Oct 29)

Paddington the Musical at Savoy Theatre, Strand, WC2R 0ET (Charing Cross tube/rail, Covent Garden tube)
The marmalade-loving bear from Peru gets his very own stage musical! Join Paddington, his adopted family the Browns and a colourful cast in a show-stopping extravaganza, inspired by Michael Bond’s books and the hit 2014 movie. Best for ages 6+ (ages 4-104 welcome, babe-in-arms not admitted). 7pm (Mon-Sat) & 2pm (Thu & Sat); from £30 (previews from Nov 1)

Slava’s Snow Show at Richmond Theatre, The Green, TW9 1QJ (Richmond tube/overground)
A seasonal classic, this masterful clowning show has wowed audiences around the globe and this is your only chance to catch it in London this year. Playful, poetic, beautiful and often hilarious. Ages 8+ (under 3s not admitted). 7.30pm (Wed-Sat), 2.30pm (Thu-Sat), 2pm & 6pm (Sun); from £15 (Nov 5-9)

Ballet Shoes at National Theatre, Olivier Theatre, South Bank, SE1 9PX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
Back by popular demand, this graceful spot on Noel Streatfield’s beloved children’s book follows 3 adopted sisters dreaming of a bigger life. Can they dance to a brighter future in a world not built for girls? Ages 7+. 7pm (Mon-Sat) & 1.30pm (Wed & Sat); £25-£99 (Nov 17-Feb 21)

Carlos Acosta’s Nutcracker in Havana at Richmond Theatre, The Green, TW9 1QJ (Richmond tube/overground)
Meet Clara in Havana with ballet legend Carlos Acosta’s mesmerising adaptation of the classic ballet, set to Tchaikovsky’s score in an arrangement by Cuban composer Pepe Gavilondo. Ages 8+. 7.30pm (Tue-Sat), 2.30pm (Wed & Sat); from £24 (Nov 18-22)

Wicked: For Good, in UK cinemas
The smash hit musical movie returns in its second instalment with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande reprising their roles. An angry mob comes up against the Wicked Witch who will have to join forces with Glinda once again to change herself, and Oz, forever. Rated PG. (out Nov 21)

Wes Anderson at Design Museum, 224–238 Kensington High Street, W8 6AG (High St Kensington tube)
Another feature from my 25 Things in 2025 list, Wes Anderson: The Archive lets you wander through the imagination of the filmmaker (Fantastic Mr Fox, Moonrise Kingdom, The Royal Tenenbaums) known for his meticulous craft, unique styling and idiosyncratic colour palette. All ages. 10am-5pm (6pm Fri/Sat); adult from £19.69-£26/child from £9.84-£13/under 6s FREE (Nov 21-May 4, 2026)

Scrunch at Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley St, SE1 2HZ (London Bridge tube/rail)
It’s a Christmas show but I’m putting you on alert here, as this WILL sell out. From the popular creators of Baby Show, Snuggle invites the teeniest audiences (and their grownups) into a rumpling, crumpling, multi-sensory adventure with wrapping paper. Ages 6-18 months + adult. 10am, 11.30am & 1pm (Tue-Sun); 1 adult + 1 child £18.50-£21.50/2 adults + 1 child £25.50-£28.50 (Nov 30-Jan 4)

We also like

• Totally Thames Festival (Sep 1-30)
• Fight the Power: A Spike Lee Retrospective at Rich Mix (Sep 3-Oct 22)
• A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Southwark Playhouse (Sep 5-27)
• The Harder They Come Musical for ages 14+ at Stratford East (Sep 13-Oct 25)
• Baby, Bird & Bee at Polka Theatre (Sep 17-21)
• Theatre Picasso at Tate Modern (Sep 17-Apr 12)
• Marie Antoinette Style at V&A Museum (from Sep 20)
• How the Light Gets In Festival returns to Kenwood House (Sep 20-21)
• Counting Sheeps at The Albany (Sep 21)
• Free Family Fun Day at Half Moon Theatre (Oct 4)
• Apple Day at Fulham Palace (Oct 5)
• Fly-Kid Family Rave with MC Grammar at Outernet, WC2 (Oct 11)
• Black Lives in Music 5th Anniversary with DJ Spoony at Kings Place (Oct 18)
• Little M at The Place (Oct 24-25)
• Judith Kerr’s Mog The Forgetful Cat at Southbank Centre (Oct 29-Nov 2)
• Sisters of Soul: Celebrating Bessie Smith, Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald at Kings Place (Nov 16) Zootropolis 2 (out Nov 28)
• Fireside Tales Punchdrunk Enrichment in Brent, HA9 (Dec 6-Jan 4)

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**NB: Please note that all event timings and prices are subject to change/cancellation at short notice, so always check ahead with the venue before making a trip!**