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The last autumn leaves are falling. The final Halloween pumpkins have been devoured by opportunistic foxes. It’s finally time to get out your big coat. And that means that we’re within spitting distance of Christmas, that inescapable annual drain on the UK’s collective wallets. There are just six weeks to go until December 25. Does that mean you should start decorating? Almost certainly not. But it does mean you should probably start saving your pennies.
Christmas shopping is expensive, whether or not you’re planning to splash out on M&S’s now-notorious £195 beef Wellington. So let us help you save a bit of cash this weekend by doing something that’s both loads of fun and completely free. On this week’s line-up is a secret subway, a teeming jazz fest, and a big runners meet-up that looks pretty fun, even if you don’t know your pace from your pronation. Read on for inspiration to put some wonder into your weekend, for free.
đź“Ť Things to do in London this weekend.
The best free things to do in London this weekend
1. Go to seriously stylish runners’ meet-up Open Lanes
If you’re a runner who enjoys the social vibes of Park Runs or half-marathons, then this one-day-only meet-up is for you. Swiss performance brand On (Running) and Cape Town run crew Community Track Club are coming to east London’s Lee Valley Athletics Centre for a social celebration of running culture. There’ll be plenty of races to put you through your paces, including a rapid 2k, an 800m dash, and a mile for both men and women (sign up in advance to secure your spot). There’s even a Kenyan-style training session led by elite athlete Laura Luengo. Or keep things chill with live music, food and drink, and free tattoos as you mingling with a diverse bunch of runners.
Lee Valley Athletics Centre, N9 0AS. Sat Nov 15. Free.
2. Enjoy free sounds at EFG London Jazz Festival
Jazz musicians are legendarily cool, so of course they’d treat us to loads of sweet sounds for free. EFG London Jazz Festival is teeming with events that you don’t have to pay for, including Jazz FM’s Danielle Perry broadcasting live from The Jazz Social, with live performances and special guests Max Dickins and Conor Jatter from Giant Steps (Friday November 14), as well as a family-friendly Blues Party at the Southbank Centre (Saturday November 15).
Various venues. Until Sun Nov 23. Free for select events.
3. Window shop for fluffy critters at Maison Ghibli
Okay, this one is only free if you’ve got some serious self-control. A pop-up shop is opening up in Knightsbridge from Saturday until mid-January, and it’s teeming with cuddly friends and licensed memorabilia inspired by the anime universe of Japan’s Studio Ghibli. You’ll find extremely squeezable plushies of classic Hayao Miyazaki characters like Totoro, No-Face from Spirited Away and Jiji from Kiki’s Delivery Service. There are also models and minif-igures, plus lots of other covetable merch, including puzzles, stationery and homewares. If you’ve managed to resist buying dozens of melting-eyed pals, then reward yourself by getting a snap at the Totoro photo opportunity in the window.
Brompton Road, SW3. Until Jan 11. Free entry.
4. Explore Crystal Palace’s secret subway
Crystal Palace is full of leftfield historical delights, hangovers from its time as the home of the Great Exhibition in its late Victorian heyday, and its Grade II-listed Victorian subway is one of south London’s best kept secrets. Originally built to connect the neo-gothic railway station to the once illustrious Crystal Palace back in 1865, it’s a seriously beautiful space, boasting diamond patterned bricks and graceful columns, and after a 14-year-long restoration project, it now hosts free open days roughly once a month. Reserve a spot to discover it.
Crystal Palace Parade, SE19 1LG. Sat Nov 15. Free (booking required).
5. Catch a free film screening at Tulse Hill Festival
The inaugural Tulse Hill Festival takes place this weekend with a series of free community events, including film screenings and guided walks. Films being screened include the cult Mod classic soundtracked by The Who, Quadrophenia; Irish jazz band flick The Commitments, followed by DJs and dancing; and Damien Chazelle’s spectacular drumming movie, Whiplash. Elsewhere, a food walking tour will take participants around Tulse Hill’s local cafés and restaurants, and a circular walk on Saturday 15 will showcase the music and performance connections of Tulse Hill – from Brixton-born Bowie, to cinema and picture shows, the music hall, Irish links and LGBTQ+ history. All events are free but require booking in advance.
Tulse Hill, SE27. Nov 12-16. Free (booking required).
6. Get caffeinated at the House of Cinnamon Roll
Vegans, dairy-haters and viral food trend followers are all getting pretty excited about soy milk maker Alpro’s new cinnamon roll flavour. Want to see what the fuss is about? Venture to 149 Shoreditch High Street and you’ll find a three-day-only pop-up that’s all about the spicy, sweet scents and flavours of Alpro’s autumnal creation. Stop by to get a free coffee, free cinnamon roll, or free cocktail (if you visit in cocktail hour). There’ll also be lots of cinnamon-inspired photo opportunities within for delectable social media posting.
149 Shoreditch High Street, E1 6JQ. Nov 12-14. Free.
Start planning a great end to the year with our roundups of the best things to do in November and December.
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