Thursday 1 October

This weekend in London, picked for you

A handpicked mix of free things, weekend events, date ideas and one wildcard.

Free

Free to do, worth knowing about.

Chelsea Physic Garden during its free Open Weekend

Chelsea Physic Garden Open Weekend

Chelsea Physic Garden opens its gates for a free weekend of garden exploring, activities and events in one of London’s oldest botanical gardens.

Chelsea · 3–4 Oct · Free

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Handmade ceramic vessels at Ceramics in the City

Ceramics in the City 2026

Independent ceramicists take over the Museum of the Home for a free weekend of handmade pots, sculpture and contemporary ceramics.

Hoxton · 3–4 Oct · Free

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This weekend

On this weekend and worth knowing about.

Official selection poster for the London Latino Film Festival

London Latino Film Festival

London’s new Latino film festival brings films from across Latin America and its diasporas to cinemas and cultural venues around the city.

Across London · 2–6 Oct · Tickets vary

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Illustrated poster for The Big Draw Festival 2026

The Big Draw Festival Launch 2026

The Big Draw kicks off its 2026 festival with drawing, workshops and creative activities at the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration.

Clerkenwell · 2–3 Oct · Free & paid events

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Date idea

For a memorable day (or night).

Renoir painting of a couple dancing, from Renoir and Love

Renoir and Love

Renoir’s paintings of love, friendship and social life arrive at the National Gallery in a major new exhibition opening this weekend.

Trafalgar Square · From 3 Oct · £20–£25

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Wildcard

A less obvious pick to try this weekend.

Croydon Harvest featuring the Walnut Fair poster

Croydon Harvest featuring the Walnut Fair

A centuries-old Croydon fair returns with live music, crafts, food, animals and autumn traditions across a free weekend celebration.

Croydon · 3–4 Oct · Free

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Pick a side

Pick your weekend mood?

Results in the next email

Last poll

What sounds most like your October?

  • Culture fix – 32%
  • Something spooky – 55%
  • ❌ None of the above – 13%

6 London Picks, Twice a Week.

Plus one Londoner Perk in every issue.

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