The 2026 Autumn hot list is here, with 26 amazing things to do in London with (and without) kids over the next few months. West End musicals, street parties, immersive Wallace & Gromit, masterful exhibitions, family raving, pioneering dance theatre, and a curry festival! Tuck in.
26 Amazing Things to Do in London this Autumn
1. Thelma and Louise at the Young Vic, 66 The Cut, SE1 8LZ (Waterloo tube/rail)
The iconic movie hits the stage more than 30 years since it scooped an Oscar and a Golden Globe. When Louise (Rachel Tucker) and bestie Thelma (Amy Lennox) head off for the weekend, a chance encounter with a stranger transforms their road trip into a last-chance adventure. Written by Callie Khouri, directed by Trip Cullman, with music and lyrics by Grammy-nominated artist Neko Case. Ages 12+ (parental guidance advised). 7.30pm (Mon-Sat) & 2.30pm (Wed & Sat); from £22 (Sep 3-Oct 24)
2. Black on the Square, Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN (Charing Cross Road tube/rail)
London, get ready! The Mayor of London’s event, Black on the Square is back for 2026 with this year’s theme being ‘This Is Our London’. An important show of solidarity and affirmation of belonging, as well as a celebration of culture. Come for live performances, street food and stalls, support Black-owned businesses and soak up the vibes. All ages. 12pm-6pm; FREE (Sep 5)
3. Emerge East at Barking Riverside Station Square and Project Rd, Barking IG11 0DS (Barking Riverside overground)
DJ AG headlines the Block Party, back for another year at Emerge East festival. Catch the popular street DJ at the end of a day filled with local artists, food, riverside sauna, DJ showcases, live stage, and a thrilling journey through the sounds of East London, curated by the One Room collective. All ages welcome. 11am-9pm; FREE but registration recommended (Sep 12)
4. Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre: New Works and Legacy at Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Rosebery Avenue, EC1R 4TN (Angel tube)
Experience breathtaking dance theatre from the pioneering African American company. You can see two different programmes: New Works, showcasing some of today’s top choreographers; and Legacy, a throwback to classic Alvin Ailey mixing jazz, modern and West African dance. Both programmes conclude with Revelations, the iconic anthem to joy and resilience. Ages 5+ (younger ones not admitted). New Works at 7.30pm Tue, Thu & Sat (Sep 15, 17 & 19); from £45. Legacy at 7.30pm Wed & Fri, 2.30pm Thu & Sat (Sep 16, 17, 18, 19); from £15 (Sep 15-19)
5. Big Dreams: Early Years festival at Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB (South Wimbledon tube)
Back for 2026, this family festival is a celebration of Early Years Theatre and creative expression. Rap and read with MC Grammar, hear the Tale of the Loneliest Whale, draw along with Nick Sharratt, rave with the Tiny Dancers, enjoy an After-Party for ages 0-2, and take part in a host of free activities. Ages 0-8 and grownups. From 10am; from £13 – save up to 15% when booking 2 or more events (Sep 19-20)
6. Brick Lane Curry Festival, Brick Lane, E1 (Shoreditch High St overground)
Bigger, better and spicier than ever, the legendary East End foodie fest is back this autumn. Following a successful comeback last year after a 9-year break, this is an even larger celebration of dishes, culture, music and community. Eat your way around Brick Lane and Banglatown and enjoy live music, dance, giant puppets, family fun and free entertainment. All ages. 12pm-7pm; FREE entry – register for 20% discount at participating restaurants (Sep 20)
7. BFLF Fabric Pirate Rave, 77A Charterhouse Street, EC1M 6HJ (Farringdon tube/rail)
Back on our Autumn hot list, the legendary rave crew are tearing it up again at iconic nightclub Fabric. Dance music titans Terry Farley and Aphrodite are on the decks, and shiver me timbers, it’s a pirate theme (fancy dress encouraged). These wildly popular family raves typically sell out! Ages 0-8 and grownups. 2-4.30pm; adult £15.02/child £11.86/pre-walking infant FREE (Sep 27)
8. Renoir and Love at National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN (Charing Cross tube/rail)
Stroll through Montmartre, see couples waltzing in the summer breeze, sit beside families in sun-dappled gardens, twirl in the dance halls of Paris. This joyful exhibition features 40 paintings to help you fall in love all over again with Renoir’s impressionist art. All ages. 10am-6pm (9pm Fri) daily; £20 off peak (Sun-Thu), £25 peak (Fri-Sat)/child under 18 FREE (Oct 3-Jan 31)
9. Black British Book Festival at Barbican Centre, Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS (Barbican tube)
Europe’s largest festival of books by Black authors returns for its 5th outing. See Corinne Bailey Rae and Emma Dabiri, Candice Carty-Williams, Wretch 32, Malika Booker and many more. Kelechi Okafor and Dr Kehinde Andrews discuss the plight of the late Professor Jason Arday. Alongside author talks, there are workshops on writing and publishing, a family zone with children’s storytelling, a Black books marketplace, and an interactive murder mystery. All ages welcome (PG for some sessions). 10am-9pm; festival pass £24/VIP (all events + goodie bag) £49/many activities are FREE (Oct 4)
10. The Nature of Forgetting at Hackney Empire, 291 Mare St, E8 1EJ (Hackney Central overground)
This moving show has played to packed houses across the US, China and beyond. Meet Tom, living with young onset dementia, as he prepares for a 55th birthday party and his memories come flooding back. Developed with Neuroscience Professor Kate Jeffery and the Alzheimer’s Society, it’s life-affirming non-verbal theatre with music and striking visual performance. Ages 8+. 7.30pm; from £15-£32 (Oct 8)
11. The 90s at Tate Britain, Millbank, SW1P 4RG (Pimlico tube, Vauxhall tube/rail)
Extend your ‘90s summer into a whole event at this nostalgic exhibition, curated by former Vogue editor Edward Enninful OBE. Explore the decade of Cool Britannia through its fashion, photography, art and design featuring the likes of Steve McQueen, Damien Hirst, Sarah Lucas, Yinka Shonibare, Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen, and John Galliano. All ages. 10am-6pm daily, Relaxed Hours every 3rd Wed 10am-11am; adult from £22/child 12-18 £5/under 12s and members FREE (Oct 8-Feb 14)
12. Derren Brown: Only Human at Apollo Theatre, 31 Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 7EZ (Piccadilly Circus tube)
The award-winning showman returns in a brand new production that blends psychology, illusion, storytelling, mind-reading and what can only be described as magic. Derren Brown: Only Human promises to blow your mind. Ages 12+ (not suitable for younger ones). 7.30pm (Tue-Sat), 2.30pm (Sat), 3pm (Sun); from £25 (Oct 10-Jan 30)
13. The Mystery of Arts Depot at Studio Theatre, Arts Depot, 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, N12 0GA (Finchley Central tube)
This sounds like a blast. From the creators of I Believe in Unicorns comes a brain-teasing interactive murder mystery. You’ll join up with super sleuth Danyah Miller to examine evidence, inspect footage, interrogate suspects and piece together the clues. Ages 7+. 12pm & 2.30pm; from £13.75 (Oct 11)
14. Larger than Life: Aardman at Lightroom, 12 Lewis Cubitt Square, N1C 4DY (King’s Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
Discover what makes the Aardman studio tick in the rare, behind-the-scenes glimpse into the magic that made Wallace & Gromit, Shaun the Sheep and other favourites. Learn their origin story and watch how their ideas come to life. 50 minutes. All ages. Entry slots 10am (9am Sat)-4.30pm (Mon-Sun); adult from £25/child from £15/under 3s FREE/family discounts available (Oct 14-Jan 4)
15. Dirty Dancing: The Classic Story on Stage at Capital Theatre, Westfield London (Ground Floor), Ariel Way, W12 7GF (Shepherd’s Bush tube/rail/overground, White City tube)
Prepare to have the time of your life as the ‘90s musical comes back to the London stage. The worldwide smash hit production brings teenager Baby and dance instructor Johnny Cash to life with sizzling choreography and toe-tapping songs from the popular movie. Relive the magic with your own kids. Hurry, it’s selling out fast! 7.30pm (Mon, Wed, Thu & Sat), 5pm & 9pm (Fri), 3pm (Sat & Sun); from £66 (Oct 16-Mar 14, 2027)
16. Eshu at the Crossroads at The Albany (Deptford), Brixton House (Brixton) & The Place (Bloomsbury)
Standing at a crossroads, a traveller tries to figure out which way to turn. A powerful rooster watches while Eshu, the trickster spirit, waits. Afro-Cuban choreographer and puppet company Theatre-Rites create a delightful family adventure inspired by Yoruba myth, culture and storytelling. Ages 5+. Part of Dance Umbrella festival. Playing at The Albany at 10.30am & 1pm (Oct 24); Casa at Brixton House 2pm & 5pm (Oct 25); The Place at 11am & 2pm (Oct 27); ticket range £10-£12pp (Oct 24-27)
17. The Dark by Peut-Être Theatre at Battersea Arts Centre, Lavender Hill, SW11 5TN (Clapham Junction rail/overground)
Adapted from Lemony Snicket’s picture book, The Dark is an empowering family adventure about facing your fears. Follow Lazslo as he befriends the dark in a show blending vibrant physicality with live music. Accessible for blind and visually impaired children through integrated audio-description and touch tours. Ages 4+. 11am & 2.30pm; Pay What You Can – suggested £15 + £2 booking fee (Oct 27-31)
18. Burlesque the Musical at Woking Theatres & Cinema, The Peacocks Centre, Woking, GU21 6GQ (Woking rail)
Sparkling sequins, dazzling sets and seductive choreography take centre stage in this acclaimed musical featuring songs by Christina Aguilera, Sia and Diane Warren, plus Todrick Hall and Jess Folley. Ali searches for a her mum in New York City and discovers an underground dance and music scene that will shape her destiny. Ages 12+ (parental guidance advised). 7.30pm (Tue-Sat) & 2.30pm (Wed & Sat); from £16.64 (Nov 3-7)
Also playing at New Wimbledon Theatre (May 11-15, 2027)
19. Kpop Princess Pop Dream Tour at Greenwich Theatre, Crooms Hill, SE10 8ES (Greenwich rail)
On the heels of the smash-hit film, this neon-soaked show brings the girl power to Greenwich. See your favourite princesses and the K-Pop Demon Hunters come together in a hybrid performance of kids songs and choreography for a family concert like no other. Ages 3+. 12pm & 3.30pm; from £31.50/£29.50 concs (Nov 7)
20. Ally Pally Fireworks and Drone Festival, Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, London N22 7AY (Wood Green tube)
New for 2026, Ally Pally’s fireworks festival has an extra day dedicated to children and families. The weekend format offers a Saturday night of entertainment and spectacle with a more relaxed Sunday designed for kids. Gates open 4.30pm; from £10.50/early bird pre-sale from Wed Sep 2, with under 10s go free on Sunday offer (Nov 7-8)
21. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, Wimbledon Theatre, 93 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1QG (Wimbledon tube/rail)
Chris Boone has a gift for numbers but struggles with the unpredictability of everyday life. When a neighbour’s dog is killed, Chris becomes drawn into a complex mystery as both detective and suspect. Based on the global bestselling murder mystery. Ages 10+ (parental guidance advised). 7.30pm (Tue-Sat) & 2.30pm (Wed & Sat); from £15.60 (Nov 10-14)
22. The Jungle Book at National Theatre (Olivier Theatre), South Bank, SE1 9PX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)Deep in the mangroves, a young boy named Mowgli finds his home in the wilderness. Until a strange creature threatens his way of life and forces him to confront who he is and where he belongs. Reimagined by Anupama Chandrasekhar, this exciting adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s tale is directed by Indhu Rubasingham with innovative puppetry by Finn Caldwell and Nick Barnes. Ages 7+. 7pm (Mon-Sat) & 1.30pm (Wed & Sat) – NB: times vary, check ahead; from £25 (Nov 13-Feb 6)
23. The Afronauts at Royal Court Theatre, Sloane Square, SW1W 8AS (Sloane Square tube)
Zambia, 1964: a new contender enters the space race. Based on the true(ish) story of the Zambian Space Program, this play explores what happens as a schoolteacher helps prepare a group of misfit dreamers for their moon landing. Catch the world premiere from award-winning playwright Ryan Calais Cameron (For Black Boys, Retrograde). Ages 14+. 7.30pm (Mon-Fri) & 6.30pm (Sat), select matinees 2.30pm (Thu) & 1.30pm (Sat); £15-£74.50 (Nov 14-Dec 19)
24. One Day the Musical at Garrick Theatre, 2 Charing Cross Road, WC2H 0HH (Leicester Square tube)
Have your tissues handy for this musical adaptation of David Nicholls’ global bestseller that became a massive Netflix hit. Emma (Sharon Rose) and Dexter (Jamie Muscato) meet on graduation night, a day that changes their lives. But where will they be on this day next year? And the year after that? A romance for the ages. Ages 12+ (ages 14 and under must be accompanied). 7.30pm (Tue-Sat), 2.30pm (Thu & Sat), 3pm (Sun); from £30 (Nov 17-Mar 14)
25. Robin Hood and the Merry Mandem at Theatre Royal Stratford East, Gerry Raffles Square, E15 1BN (Stratford tube/rail/overground/DLR)
It might feel early to think about panto season, but I had to alert you about this show. Robin and the Merry Mandem are ripping through Stratford, taking from the wealthy to redistribute to those in need. They’ll have to dodge the Central Line rush and avoid anyone trying to ship them to the other end. This breakneck comedy offers rich sets, costumes and an East End spectacle to remember. All ages. Various shows 10am-7pm, including schools performances; £10-£41.50 (Nov 21-Jan 2)
26. London Museum, Smithfield, EC1 9AG (Barbican tube, Farringdon tube/rail)
The hotly anticipated reopening of the new London Museum is upon us at last. Part of a decade-long transformation of Smithfield’s General Market Building, it will feature never-before-seen objects and artefacts, along with after-hours DJs on Fridays and Saturdays. Keep an eye out for a world museum first: a live train line visible via a 6-metre viewing window! Opening hours tbc. (opens Nov 28)
We also like
Totally Thames Festival takes over London’s riversides (Sep 1-30); discover a dying art form with the Marionettes exhibition at Little Angel Theatre (Sep 4-6); Liane Moriarty discusses her latest novel Big Little Truths at Southbank Centre (Sep 22); there’s lots of buzz around Sting’s musical The Last Ship (Sep 22-Oct 3); Keira Knightley stars in the stage adaptation of The Lives of Others (from October 14); Crescendorious presents A Message for the Future at Grand Junction (Oct 17); Dua Lipa curates London Literature Festival (Oct 20-Nov 1); Tom Fletcher’s book There’s a Monster in Your Show hits the stage at Woolwich Works (Oct 24); and don’t miss the worldwide premiere of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping (Nov 20)
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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!**
The Art of Leaving Space in a London Family Day
