What to Do in London This Weekend: Mid-October 2025 Edition
So, you’ve got your weekend free in London (October 11–13, 2025). Great choice. The city’s humming with culture, flavours, and light that feels cinematic in this autumn air. If you want plans that go beyond the usual, here’s my guide part spontaneous, part curated to help you make stories out of your Saturday and Sunday.
Why This Weekend Is Special
Every October London shifts into a new rhythm. The crowds soften. The parks turn golden. The nights stretch out with film festival flickers, cocktail tents, art openings, and pop-ups.
This weekend, two big things anchor the agenda:
The 69th BFI London Film Festival runs from 8 to 19 October 2025. You’ll catch premieres, talks, and cinema gems across Southbank and partner cinemas.
And London Cocktail Week 2025 starts on 9 October and goes through the 19th, so bars are serving signature £9 drinks, hosting takeovers, and doing events you don’t want to miss.
So yes you can start your weekend with a film, pause for an elevated drink, and still leave space for something unexpected.
Saturday: Culture, Cocktails & Cinema
Morning: Gallery stroll + brunch in Shoreditch
Start your day with art. Walk through the Sculpture in the City trail in the City of London it’s free, outdoor, and gives you a walk through architecture and public art.
Then head east, find a cosy café in Shoreditch, and soak in that creative energy (walls with murals, vintage bookstores, indie coffee).
Early afternoon: Film Fest matinee
Grab a matinee screening at the BFI London Film Festival. The advantage of daytime is fewer crowds, better seats, and more flexibility to stay or wander after the film.
Late afternoon: Cocktail hour with a twist
As evening looms, lean into London Cocktail Week. Pick a bar participating in your zone (Soho, Shoreditch, Southbank) and try a signature £9 drink. Ask bartenders about their inspirations, local ingredients sometimes behind-the-scenes stories are better than the drink itself.
Evening: Premiere or festival screening
Return to a BFI Gala or a late screening. Wrap your day in cinematic energy, perhaps under lights, perhaps alongside surprise guests or Q&A sessions.
Sunday: Markets, Music & Hidden Gems
Morning: Market crawl
Start with one of the weekend markets. Maybe Columbia Road Flower Market (if it aligns) or a creative market in Dalston or Hackney for local crafts, vintage finds, and inspiring stalls.
Midday: Lunch + relaxed museum time
Head to a museum maybe one you skipped: the Design Museum, the V&A, or an independent gallery showing new works. London’s art scene in October is alive.
Find a lunch spot nearby (ethnic food, fusion cafés, hidden gems) and take your time.
Afternoon: Literary or music side-event
Check out side events tied to the film festival or London’s literary festivals happening this month. There might be author talks, poetry readings, or small acoustic gigs.
Alternatively, catch a performance theatre, dance, or experimental shows that stray from the mainstream West End.
Evening: Rooftop chill + late cocktail or jazz
Finish the weekend with something a bit elevated rooftop bar, jazz lounge, or a late cocktail bar soaking in night views of London lit up. London feels best after dark.
A Few Unexpected Picks
Bubble Planet: An immersive bubble experience running until Jan 2026. It’s playful, dreamy, and great if you want something offbeat.
The Night Sky Show: For those inquisitive souls a visual journey through stars and stories.
Grand Sumo Tournament in South Kensington: Yes, sumo wrestling in London. A rare spectacle you don’t expect in the city.
Tips to Make the Weekend Feel Smooth
Book tickets in advance (film premiers, cocktail events) — things fill fast this time of year.
Stay near transport — your best days are ones where you can hop between zones easily.
Dress in layers — October evenings can get crisp.
Use daytime light for walking/markets, evening for indoor/cinema.
Let spontaneity win — leave gaps in your schedule for cafés, street art, random detours.
Why This Weekend Will Stick
Because you’re combining big moments (film festival, cocktail week) with small discoveries (immersive art, sumo, market finds). You’re not just checking boxes you're living a London weekend story.
You’ll remember the coin you spent on a festival short film. The surprise cocktail twist. The bubble room or the sumo match you never thought you’d see in London. Those are the moments you don’t forget.
If You Love London Like This...
You might want this kind of weekend experience every week. That’s what I do dig up the stories, the moments, the hidden events so you don’t have to wander blind.
So if you want more guides that feel local, real, vibrant follow @london.yaar I share weekend guides, festival tips, late-find events, hidden corners, and the London you’ll remember long after the weekend ends.