London This Weekend (Nov 8–10, 2025): Parades, Music, Family Fun & Fireworks
Short version: this weekend is one of those deliciously London-y collisions of pageantry and pop culture. The historic Lady Mayor’s Show (the first time the role is styled “Lady Mayor”) is on Saturday, there are headline gigs and fringe theatre across the city, family-friendly activities at Tower Bridge, and multiple fireworks/bonfire-style events running across the capital. Read on for the seven best, plus a few extra low-key options and travel hacks so you actually enjoy the weekend.
1) Lady Mayor’s Show a once-in-lifetime civic parade (Sat, Nov 8)
Why go: This year the Lord Mayor’s Show becomes the Lady Mayor’s Show a historic first in its 800+ year story marking Dame Susan Langley’s installation. Expect a 3-mile procession of floats, military bands, ceremonial coaches (including the golden State Coach), costumed livery companies and thousands of marchers. It’s free, theatrical and one of those proper London moments you’ll remember. The procession runs roughly 11:00–14:30 and threads the City (Mansion House → Royal Courts of Justice).
How to get there: The City is best reached by Tube Bank, St Paul’s, Mansion House or Chancery Lane depending on your planned viewing point. Expect road closures; arrive early if you want a frontline spot. Pro tip: Bank Junction and Cheapside are prime viewing stretches but fill fast.
2) Pitchfork London & Dalston Takeover indie & experimental live (Nov 4–8; big shows Sat Nov 8)
Why go: If you want festival-level music without leaving London, Pitchfork’s London run finishes this weekend with headline and club shows across venues (Roundhouse, Village Underground, KOKO and other east-London spots). Nov 8 at the Roundhouse and Roundhouse Studio features big names and late-night energy perfect if you want a headline gig + a neighbourhood night out. Check the Pitchfork listings for venue times and one-day passes (some shows are single-ticket).
How to get there: Roundhouse Camden Town (Northern Line). Dalston and Village Underground Dalston Kingsland or Highbury & Islington via Overground. Tip: buy tickets from official promoters (Dice/venue sites) and allow time between sets if you’re hopping venues.
3) Voila! Theatre Festival multilingual fringe theatre (Nov 3–23)
Why go: Voila! is a panlingual theatre festival showcasing experimental, multilingual and community-led performances across smaller venues. With 100+ shows running through the month, there are many bite-sized pieces this weekend (Sat–Sun), ideal if you prefer intimate theatre where you can actually chat with artists afterwards. Tickets are wallet-friendly (many £10–20) and the festival favours small, lively spaces like The Cockpit and Barons Court Theatre.
How to get there: Venues are scattered plan one neighbourhood cluster for the evening (e.g., a West London cluster or a City/Islington cluster) to minimise travel. Most venues are best reached by Tube.
4) Tower Bridge Family Activities hands-on history for kids (Sat Nov 8)
Why go: Tower Bridge runs drop-in family activities (10:00–16:00) that are included with entry and perfect for families on a day out. Recent autumn programming lists craft activities making simple Victorian toys or parachutes and other themed crafts that kids love. It’s a calm, educational alternative to noisy fairs.
How to get there: Tower Bridge, Tower Bridge Rd SE1 2UP. Nearest stations: Tower Hill (Circle/District) or London Bridge (Northern/Jubilee + short walk). Tip: combine with Greenwich-bound river buses for a scenic day.
5) Fireworks & Bonfire Events displays spread across the weekend (Nov 7–9)
Why go: Although Bonfire Night is officially Nov 5, many London displays spread across the following weekend(s) so you can still catch a big fireworks display on Nov 8–9. There’s a long list of local bonfires and organised firework festivals around London across these dates (family-friendly options and larger festival-style displays). Check a weekend round-up (e.g., Londonist’s list) to pick the closest display many are charity-run with fairgrounds, food stalls and stewarded viewing.
How to get there: Options range from central community displays to bigger park shows. For larger displays expect to travel by Overground or local rail (Alexandra Palace, Battersea, Blackheath and other parks are typical locations), and always check each event’s official page for gates/times and ticketing.
6) Urban family & kid-friendly extras pop-ups & trails
Why go: Weekends in November are full of small pop-ups museum family trails, local markets and themed workshops (Day of the Dead events in Camden earlier in the month; craft markets and seasonal trails continue). If you want something low-key, look for museum family programmes and daytime craft sessions that run on Saturday or Sunday. Keep an eye on museum listings and local borough pages for last-minute additions.
How to get there: Museums are typically central and Tube-friendly (British Museum: Holborn; Science Museum/V&A: South Kensington).
7) A calm Sunday plan markets, walks & the poppy display
Why go: If Saturday’s bustle is too much, Sunday is perfect for a slower London: borough or Maltby Street Market browsing, a walk along the Thames, or a visit to the Tower of London’s poppy display (running through early November) for a poignant, quieter experience. It’s a lovely contrast after a busy parade or concert.
How to get there: Borough Market London Bridge; Maltby Street London Bridge/Ropewalk; Tower of London Tower Hill.
Weekend practicals travel, tickets & what to pack
Tickets: buy from official festival and venue pages (Lord Mayor’s Show is free; concerts and big displays require tickets). Use the festival/venue pages cited for official links.
Transport: the Tube and Overground are best. Expect crowding near City stations on Saturday; consider walking between close stations rather than squeezing onto packed platforms. Check TfL live updates the morning you travel.
For families: bring ear protection for kids for any fireworks/festivals and a small thermos for keeping little hands warm.
Safety: stick to stewarded viewing zones for fireworks; avoid bringing fireworks or sparklers to organised displays. Many events raise funds for charity consider buying a ticket to support them.
A final local tip
If you’re juggling more than one event (a Lady Mayor’s Show morning + a Pitchfork gig at night), pick neighbourhood clusters rather than racing across town Camden + Dalston or City + Southbank are realistic pairings. And if you want last-minute tips (where the quiet viewing spots are, which festival queues are short), follow @london.yaar I’ll post live weekend nudges and the best streets to walk for hot food and fewer lines.