The 6 best free things to do in London this weekend [October 24-26]

Here we are again – the working week is coming to an end and we’re faced with two more glorious days off to fill. And the October half-term is on the horizon, so if you’re a parent, you’re staring down the barrel of nine school-free days over which to keep your kids entertained.

But if your weekend diary is empty right now, Time Out is here to help you fix that. The brilliant thing about this city (in spite of its reputation) is that you don’t have to spend endless money to stay busy and feel cultured. There’s an abundance of genuinely great free things happening here all the time, not to mention all the parks, city farms, comedy shows, live gigs, museums and galleries that you can enjoy free of charge year-round. 

So, from creative workshops to wacky markets to seasonal celebrations, here are all of our favourite free things going on in London this weekend. 

RECOMMENDED: All the best things to do in London this weekend. 

The best free things on in London this weekend

1. Ponder life’s biggest questions at the Science Gallery’s Friday Late 

The Science Gallery’s exhibition Quantum Untangled uses art, science and interdisciplinary research to ask big questions about how quantum physics affects our world; like ‘How do we understand reality?’ ‘How do the smallest particles in the universe ripple across space and time?’ Now you can experience it after hours with live DJ sets, quantum computing arcade games and a studio playing an infinite remix of electronic artist ILĀ’s tracks in real time to produce an ever-evolving soundscape. There’ll also be chance to take picture in a quantum blur photobooth and chat to quantum researchers and technologists. 

Science Gallery London, SE1 9GU. Fri Oct 24 6.30pm-9.30pm.  

2. Get your creative juices flowing at the London Literature Festival

Co-curated by singer songwriter Rebecca Lucy Taylor (aka Self Esteem), this year’s London Literature Festival has plenty of free things going on. The National Poetry Library will be taking over the Queen Elizabeth Hall foyer on Saturday to host Poetry Day, with live poetry readings, writing workshops and the opportunity to browse through rare gems and new acquisitions from the largest public collection of modern poetry in the world. Around the corner, you can see ‘A Complicated Woman - Installation’, a series of artworks that animate Self Esteem’s notes, words and lyrics, free to see on the Royal Festival Hall Wall from dusk until 11pm. And for families, there are free workshops from Alphabet Soup, helping children create colourful poems and stories to celebrate food. 

Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX. Until Nov 2. Various times.

3. Browse gynae-inspired crafts at the Pearly Makers Market Halloween Special 

The Vagina Museum’s monthly local makers’ market specialises in crafts by emerging queer creatives. This Halloween-themed edition will see spooky paraphernalia on sale as well as the usual fare. Crafts on show will include risograph posters from Bengali artist Tarrine, handwoven chainmail necklaces from trans owned business Marginalia Chains and ceramics from Moss Pots. Grab a drink, browse the stalls and fill your boots. 

Vagina Museum, E2 9HD. Sat Oct 25 12pm-5pm. 

4. Celebrate harvest season at the Leyton Community Feast

With autumn comes a glorious feast of homegrown pumpkin, squashes, apples, cabbages, blackberries and more. Leyton is celebrating harvest time with a day-long celebration full of food, crafts, music and dancing. Head along for live music and a bountiful ‘pay what you can’ banquet of dishes cooked by the community and local business like Ochi, Khao Suppers and Wins. There’ll be community activities going on throughout the day and the dancing will last into the evening. 

Tilbury Road, E10. Sat Oct 25 1pm-5pm. 

5. Take part in the Diwali festivites at the National Maritime Museum

Head to Greenwich to enjoy a whole bunch family-friendly events to mark the Hindu festival of lights. Kids will get the chance to dress up in colourful Hindu wear while the Maritime Museum’s Ocean Court will house all-female Bhangra performances by dance team Eternal Taal, a Bharatanatyam performance by Hashna Siva, with workshops to let you try it for yourself. There'll be a hands on Rangoli workshop where you can try your hand at creating your own patterns with coloured sand or flour, plus a chance to make a Diwali lantern to carry in a lantern parade at the end of the day, to the beat of Dhol drummers. 

National Maritime Museum, SE10 9NF. Sat Oct 25 11am-5pm. 

6. Do some spooky shopping at the Halloween Alt Market

Walthamstow’s Signature Brew taproom will be filled with a selection of gothic stalls for this Halloween-themed market. Pick up macabre fashion, art, jewellery, home decor and more from over 30 alternative small businesses. There’ll also be a soundtrack of non-stop pop punk and emo, ghoulish treats, a tooth gem stand and beers on tap to get you in the mood for All Hallow’s Eve.

Signature Brew, E17 5QJ. Sun Oct 26 1pm-6pm.