An indian summer in London!
by Jen (follow Jen on Twitter: @JenBarnes207)
Last month I told you that summer was ending…but the weather reports are saying it’s a true indian summer this year and that the sunshine will continue through October. I don’t believe them, but I’ve thrown in a few outdoor events in hopes they are right! As always, some of my fellow BrokeinLondoners have some more ideas for you in the Free Entertainment in London section.
#1 Astronomy Photographer of the Year | All Month
Image: The Royal Observatory
It’s hard to see the stars in London…even when you get out on Hampstead Heath or Greenwich Park so the Royal Observatory is bringing the stars to you. There are some absolutely gorgeous photos on display at the Astronomy Photographer of the Year exhibition. I promise you’ll find something inspiring.
When: All Month : 10am-5pm
Where: Royal Observatory, Blackheath Avenue, Greenwich, SE10 8XJ
#2 An Idiosyncratic A to Z of the Human Condition | Until 12th October
Image: Time Out
An Idiosyncratic A to Z of the Human Condition has been receiving great reviews and Time Out gave it an A+! There’s only 2 more weeks to catch this “weird and wonderful collection of objects” so make sure you don’t miss out. Who wouldn’t want to watch the birth of the first test-tube baby…right?
When: Until 12th October,
Where: Wellcome Collection, 183 Euston Road, London NW1 2BE, UK
#3 Launch party at MADD Hatter’s Cafe| 4th October
Image: MASSIStea Facebook
All are welcome at the launch party of the new MADD Hatter’s Café near Leicester Square. The party and the music are free, and the food/drink is 50% off! MADD and MASSIStea have teamed up for this and I think they just wanted an excuse for an all day party! What else are you going to do on a Saturday afternoon?
When: 4th October, 930am-5pm
Where: Great Newport Street, WC2H 7JB London, United Kingdom
#4 Africa on the Square | 11th October
Image: London.gov
Honestly, I’m a sucker for any event that happens at Trafalgar Square. Few other places feel as quintessentially London-y as Trafalgar square and the view walking up the stairs from the tube will never get old. All of that aside, Africa on the Square is a brand new event in London filled with African drummers, acrobats and dancers as well as food, fashion and free workshops!
When: 11th October, 12pm-6pm
Where: Trafalgar Square
#5 The Green Green Hops of Kent | 9th-12th October
Image: The Snooty Fox
October is for beer. It’s a fact. At The Snooty Fox (perhaps the most amazingly named pub ever) they have an alternative to Oktoberfest and it’s called The Green Green Hops of Kent. They boast that it will be the “biggest collection of green hop ales ever seen in London.” I won’t lie- I have no idea what that means…but I’m definitely going to find out!
When: 9th-12th October
Where: The Snooty Fox, 75 Grosvenor Avenue, London N5 2NN
#6 Diwali | 12th October
Image: Diwali on Trafalgar Square Facebook
Two Trafalgar Square events in a row this October!?…it must be Christmas. I’m only joking…it’s Diwali of course! Join the crowds at the largest Diwali festival in London for food, music and dancing! Diwali is a ‘festival of lights’ that celebrates the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, and hope over despair…which are things we should all celebrate every now and then.
When: 12th October, 1pm-8pm
Where: Trafalgar Square
#7 All Dogs Matter Devilish Dog Walk | 26th October
Image: Flickr
That’s right: it’s the All Dogs Matter Halloween Dog Walk starting at the Spaniards Inn (and then across the heath!) There will also be a doggy costume contest (cuteness overload). It’s free to watch and only a fiver if you want to enter your own pup! I would tell you that I’m going to stop including dog-themed events in this list…but I probably won’t!
When: 26th October
Where: Spaniards Inn, Hampstead, London NW3 7JJ
#8 Find Out What Happens When People Start Getting Real| Until 25th October
Image: Sadie Coles
Find Out What Happens When People Start Getting Real is Michele Abeles’ first exhibition with Sadie Cole. It’s anonymous and exotic and sure to please. As BecauseLondon says, “Michele Abeles masters the mundane”. It should definitely be on your list of must-see free exhibitions in London this month.
When: All Month, 11am-6pm, Closed Sundays
Where: Sadie Coles, 69 S Audley St, London W1K 2QZ
#9 London Fields Free Film Festival | 17th -26th October
Image: London Fields Free Film Festival
The London Fields Free Film Festival is starting their inaugural festival strong with a Ryan Gosling Triple Bill and even a short film about their favourite east London borough: Hackney! The triple bill will feature Drive and two other films to be chosen by the fans so check the facebook link for voting details!
When: 17th -26th October
Where: Around London Fields
#10 London Fun Palaces | 4th-5th October
Image: Fun Palaces
On the weekend of the 4th-5th October there will be Fun Palaces across London. With the tagline “Everyone and Artist. Everyone a Scientist” you can expect to find performances, installations and general fun. Check their website for the location closest to you!
When: 4th-5th October, All day
Where: Across London
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You may also want to check out the Free London Festivals till the end of 2014.
