Arts festivals, live music, family parties, immersive experiences, dance theatre, blockbuster movies, eye-popping exhibitions, puppet shows and a book launch. Here are my favourite things to look forward to in London in autumn 2022. Take a look!
22 Awesome Things to Look Forward to in London in Autumn 2022
(listed in chronological order)
- Secret Cinema X Marvel Studio: Guardians of the Galaxy
For older kids and grownups only. Become part of the Guardians of the Galaxy world at this sci-fi experience dropping you into the heart of the Marvel cinematic universe. Dress up, turn up and tune in. At Secret Location, Wembley Park, London. Ages 18+ with selected matinees for ages 12+. From £35 (Aug 31-Oct 23)
2. Stranger Things: The Experience
Unless you’ve been living under a rock (or without Netflix), you’re probably one of millions obsessed with Stranger Things. Now you can be part of the phenomenon at this immersive adventure with fancy dress, ‘80s consoles, special characters and surprises. All together now: ‘Running up that hill…’ Best for ages 13+ (under 5s not admitted). At Troubadour Brent Cross Studios, Tilling Rd, NW2 1LW (Brent Cross tube). Time slots 4pm-9pm (Wed-Fri) & 11am-9pm (Sat-Sun); from £41/discounts for ages 5-17 (from Aug-Dec)
3. Totally Thames
Europe’s longest river takes centre stage with the annual arts festival livening up its banks and beyond. Look out for pop-up performances, exhibitions, family workshops and boat rides. At multiple locations along the Thames. See the full line-up. (Sep 1-30)
4. Classic Boats Fest at St Katharine Docks
A feast for the eyes and a thrill for little ones (and boating fans of any age). See 40 vintage vessels at a three-day extravaganza that includes talks, kids activities and boatbuilding workshops. At 50 St Katharine’s Way, E1W 1LA (Tower Hill tube). 3pm-5.30pm (Fri), 11am-6pm (Sat), 11am-5pm (Sun); FREE entry (Sep 9-11)
5. Yinka Ilori at Design Museum
The king of colourful London pop-ups gets his laurels at this Design Museum showcase and retrospective. Be dazzled by his Afro-inspired vision and come away with something snazzy from the gift shop. At Design Museum, 224-238 Kensington High Street, W8 6AG (High St Kensington/South Kensington tube). 10am-6pm (Sun-Thu), 10am-9pm (Fri-Sat); FREE (Sep 15-Jun 25)
6. A World for Me and You: Paperback Launch + Ink@84 StoryTime Event
I am sooooo excited for the paperback launch of my picture book A World for Me and You this month! I’ll be reading and signing copies at a special storytime event at popular Highbury bookshop Ink@84 at 11am on Saturday September 17. All ages welcome. At 84 Highbury Park, London N5 2XE (Highbury & Islington tube). Order your book + tickets HERE (Sep 17)
7. King of Nothing at Little Angel Theatre
The puppet theatre’s autumn line-up is as strong as ever. We like the sound of the King of Nothing, a puppet musical described as ‘an anarchic retelling of the Emperor’s New Clothes’. For ages 5-11. At Little Angel Theatre, 14 Dagmar Passage, N1 2DN (Angel/Highbury & Islington tube). Various shows from 10.30am-4.45pm; from adult £13.50/child £11.50/all tickets £8 previews & Fris 4.45pm (Sep 24-Nov 20)
8. FUN DMC Birthday Party
The daytime party for all ages celebrates its 7th birthday with another hip hopping, block-rocking jam. Bring your whole crew (babies to grandparents) for dancing, graffiti wall, hip hop colouring and more good times. All ages welcome. At Colours, 2-4 Hoxton Square, N1 6NU (Old St tube). 12pm-3pm; £6.50-£27 + booking fees, 20% discount with promo code (see website). (Sep 25)
9. O Barco/The Boat at Somerset House
Opening just ahead of Black History Month, this looks like a powerful exhibition. The installation by artist Grada Kilomba features a 32-metre-long ‘boat’ representing a European slave ship. Through poetry, live music and dance, audiences are invited to consider forgotten stories of the past. At Somerset House Courtyard. 11am-6pm (Sat-Tue), 12pm-8pm (Wed-Fri); FREE entry (Sep 29-Oct 20)
10. Klimt: The Immersive Experience
You might have wandered amidst Van Gogh’s sunflowers. Spent time in the weird and wonderful minds of Frida and Diego. Now you can enter the imagination of Gustav Klimt with the latest immersive, 360 exhibition opening in London. Be inspired by the golden era of modernism. All ages welcome. At The Boiler House, 152 Brick Lane, E1 6RU (Shoreditch High St overground/Aldgate East/Liverpool Rd tube/rail). 10am-8pm weekdays, 9am-9pm weekends; from adult £19.90/child £11.50 (until Sep 30)
11. Baby Show at Unicorn Theatre
You’ll be lucky to get tickets for this wildly popular show for babies and families, as it sells out fast. Aimed at teeny ones ages 6 to 18 months, it’s a multi-sensory experience that’s guaranteed to intrigue grown-up companions too. At Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley St, SE1 2HZ (London Bridge tube/rail). Various shows 9.30am/11.30am/1.30pm or 9.45am/11.45am/1.45pm; adult £12/under 18s £10(Oct 4-30)
12. Matilda at BFI London Film Festival
Follow the adventures of an extraordinary girl who turns her school (and her life) around. Based on Roald Dahl’s classic tale and the Tony and Olivier award-winning musical. Screening at Southbank Centre, Royal Festival Hall, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail). 6.45pm (Wed) & 11.45am (Thu); from adult £10/child £5. Rated PG (Oct 5 & 6)
13. Zoo Nation: Mixtape
Celebrate 20 years of street dance storytellers Zoo Nation: the Kate Prince Company with excerpts from classic shows like Some Like it Hip Hop and the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. At Sadler’s Wells, Rosebery Avenue, EC1R 4TN (Angel tube). 7.30pm (Wed-Sat) & 2.30pm (Sat); from £15 (Oct 5-8)
14. Cezanne at Tate Modern
A landmark retrospective of one of the 20th century’s most influential artists. Learn more about Cezanne beyond the still lifes, landscapes and bathers. Book ahead or regret it. At Tate Modern, Bankside, SE1 9TG (London Bridge tube/rail, Blackfriars rail). 10am-6pm; from £22/concessions available (Oct 5-Mar 12)
15. Science Fiction at the Science Museum
So good we’ve listed it twice (see the January 2022 hot list). Find out if there’s any science fact to the science fiction of yesterday, today and tomorrow. Best for ages 8+. At Science Museum, Exhibition Rd, SW7 2DD (South Kensington tube). 10am-6pm (Wed-Sun), 10am-10pm (Fris); £20 (Oct 6-May 4, 2023)
16. My Neighbour Totoro Live at Barbican Centre
One of Studio Ghibli’s best-loved animated films is adapted for the stage, with live orchestra and puppets. This highly anticipated production by Royal Shakespeare Company and composer Joe Hisaishi broke Barbican box office records for first day ticket sales! At Barbican Centre, Silk St, EC2Y 8DS (Barbican tube). For ages 6+. 7pm (Mon-Sat) & 2pm (Thu & Sat); £15-£125 (Oct 8-Jan 21)
17. Hieroglyphs: Unlocking Ancient Egypt at the British Museum
Discover the coded scripts of the Egyptians at this fascinating exhibition. Learn how the Rosetta Stone helped archaeologists and historians decipher the Egyptian symbols and open up a new understanding of the ancient civilisation. At British Museum, Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG (Russell Square tube). 10am-5pm (8.30pm Fris); adult from £16/child under 16 FREE (Oct 13-Feb 19)
18. Tutankhamun’s Shoes at Polka Theatre
What’s up, King Tut? Explore prehistoric Egypt with the English Touring Opera on this interactive family adventure where you might bump into mummies (the specially wrapped kind)! For ages 7-11. At Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB (South Wimbledon tube). Various shows from 11am-4.30pm; from £12 (Oct 19-23)
19. Alexander the Great at British Library
What was so great about old Alexander, anyway? Find out at this sweeping exhibition at British Library, delving into a legend 2,000 years in the making. At PACCAR 1, The British Library, 96 Euston Road, NW1 2DB (Euston tube/rail). Various times from 9.45am-5.45pm; adult £17-£19/child 12-17 £7.50-£9.50/under 12s FREE (Oct 21-Feb 19)
20. Big Fish Little Fish Halloween Raves
It might be murder on the dance floor as the nation’s baddest family ravers tear up multiple London locations for Halloween. Thrill your kids with top DJs, fierce costumes, monster tunes and wicked fun from crafting to parachute dance finale. London Halloween raves in Wood Green (Oct 23), Hackney (Oct 29) and Vauxhall (Oct 30). Book ahead, tickets from £9, £0 for pre-walking humans. (Oct 23-30)
21. Black Panther 2: Wakanda Forever (12)
Have you seen the trailer? Are you as PUMPED as I am for the sequel? Black Panther is still Jed’s favourite movie and one of my all-time fave superhero flicks. We’re missing Chadwick but we can’t wait to find out what’s coming next from Wakanda! Rated 12 (out Nov 11)
22. FIFA World Cup 2022
Ok, so technically it’s in Qatar but London will be abuzz too. After the Lionesses’ victory at the EUROs, the Lions better come out roaring. Feel the atmosphere at public screenings e.g. Boxpark (Croydon, Wembley, Shoreditch) or London’s fan park at Oval Space (Nov 20-Dec 18)
**NB: Please note that all event timings and prices are subject to change/cancellation at short notice, so always check ahead with the venue (or the latest government guidelines) before making a trip!**
The post 22 Awesome Things to Look Forward to in London in Autumn 2022 appeared first on Babes About Town.
