Fun things to do this weekend in London: 20-22 October 2023
Things to do in London this weekend: 20 - 22 October 2023.
Tamara Henderson: Green in the Grooves
Green in the Grooves by artist Tamara Henderson explores earthworm ecology. Through a new film, 12 paintings, a sound installation, and sculptures, Henderson highlights the imagination's role in shaping our future. The exhibit also underscores humanity's impact on Earth's cyclical processes, emphasising the importance of the handmade and experimentation.
Date: 6 October - 31 December 2023.Location: Camden Art Centre, Arkwright Road, London NW3 6DG. Price: Free. Website: camdenartcentre.org
Image: FInal chance to see Dreamland Sirens by Charlotte Colbert. Fitzrovia Chapel. © MTotoe.
Dreamland Sirens
This weekend is your last chance to experience Dreamland Sirens, an art exhibition by Charlotte Colbert, curated by Simon De Pury and presented by UTA Artist Space at Fitzrovia Chapel. Inspired by Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland, the exhibit explores surreal dreamscapes, symbolism, and the power of will. It also touches on the concept of Magick, referencing Aleister Crowley, to manifest dreams and utopias. The exhibition features a soundtrack by composer Isobel Waller-Bridge, played through mermaid-shaped speakers.
Date: 11-21 October 2023. Location: Fitzrovia Chapel, 2 Pearson Square, London W1. Price: Free. Website: fitzroviachapel.org.
Image: Chisenhale Gallery Exhibitions current Benoît Piéron, Slumber Party (2023). Installation view, Chisenhale Gallery, London, 2023. Commissioned and produced by Chisenhale Gallery, London. Photo: Andy Keate.
Benoît Piéron: Slumber Party
In his debut UK exhibition, Slumber Party at Chisenhale Gallery, artist Benoît Piéron transforms hospital sheets into a soft, comforting canopy, blurring the lines between reality and dreamscape. Emergency lights dim gently, and time becomes a flexible medium, offering solace in waiting.
Date: 15 September - 12 November 2023. Location: Chisenhale Gallery, 64 Chisenhale Rd, Old Ford, London E3 5RG. Price: Free. Website: chisenhalea.org.uk.
London Living
Writers Sam Byers, Hashi Mohamed, Rowan Moore, and Holly Pester delved into the topic of "writing home" in London, a city marked by growing inequality. They discussed the increasing cost of living and the multifaceted toll of residing in London, both physically and financially. The panel brought their unique insights to this conversation, offering a glimpse into the challenges of making a home in a city characterised by stark economic disparities.
Date: Saturday 21 October 2023. Time: 3pm. Location: Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX. Price: £12. Book now.
Image: Laura Thornhill, backside kick turn Torrance, 1977. Skateboard exhibition at the Design Museum until 2 June 2024.
SKATEBOARD Exhibition
This week, the Design Museum opened its SKATEBOARD exhibition, showcasing seven decades of skateboard design history. The exhibit includes a bespoke mini-ramp inspired by California skate culture, allowing experienced skateboarders to skate on it, alongside around 100 rare skateboards and over 150 related objects. Curated by Jonathan Olivares and Tory Turk, the exhibition offers an in-depth look at skateboard design and its cultural significance.
Date: 20 October 2023 - 2 June 2024. Location: Design Museum, 224-238 Kensington High St, London W8 6AG.Price: From £14.38. Book now.
Bebel Gilberto at KOKO
Bebel Gilberto, renowned for her bossa nova-electronica fusion, returns to London after almost 40 years in the music scene. She's presenting a new show, paying tribute to her father and bossa nova legend, João Gilberto. Bebel gained fame with the 2000 album Tanto Tempo and has since performed worldwide, with her music featured in various films and TV shows.
Date: Sunday, 22 October 2023. Time: from 7pm. Location: KOKO, London NW1 7JE. Price: from £31.62. Book now.
Email is Dead
This weekend is your last chance to see the Email is Dead exhibition, in collaboration with Intuit Mailchimp at the Design Museum. It explores email's transformative impact on work, relationships, culture, and economies, and traces email's evolution from its 1970s inception to its potential in 2070. Despite ongoing debates, email remains a critical tool for billions and has evolved to stay relevant.
Date: 28 September - 22 October 2023. Location: Design Museum, 224-238 Kensington High St, London W8 6AG. Price: Free. Website: designmuseum.org.
Image: Spend your weekend at one of London’s many food markets. Photo by Beth Macdonald.
London food markets
Weekends in London are best spent meandering through its diverse food markets. From the renowned Borough Market to the global flavours at South Bank Centre Food Market, these destinations offer some of the best street food in the city. Whether it's the family friendly charm of Crystal Palace Food Market or the al fresco delights of Maltby Street Market, there's something for every one. Exploring these markets is the perfect way to catch up with friends and family.
Date: 20-22 October 2023. Location: Various locations in London.
East London All Stars
The East London All Stars event, part of London Cocktail Week, is on this weekend at The Umbrella Workshop in Shoreditch. You can enjoy five expertly crafted cocktails from different bars for just £8 each with your official London Cocktail Week wristband. Participating bars include A Bar With Shapes For A Name, Three Sheets, Funkidory, and Happiness Forgets. Savour cocktails featuring top spirits like Grey Goose Vodka, Patrón Silver, Angel's Envy Whiskey, Bombay Sapphire Gin, and Dewar's 12 Whisky. Don't miss this bargin experience with a reggae soundtrack!
Date: until 22 October 2023. Time: Noon - 10pm. Location: The Umbrella Workshop, Unit 10, Cleeve Workshops , London, E2 7JD. Price: £12.50 - £15. Book now.
Image: Discover where to play tennis in London. Photo by Pixabay.
Tennis in London
Tennis is a great weekend activity in London, offering exercise and relaxation. Paddle Tennis is also gaining popularity, with new courts in places like Canary Wharf. If you're looking for the best tennis spots in London, click here to discover our round-up. Enjoy a weekend of tennis and a delicious brunch - you've earned it!
Affordable Art Fair
The Affordable Art Fair is back this week for its autumn edition in Battersea Park. Dive into the world of art collection with thousands of original artworks, all reasonably priced between £50 and £7,500.
Date: 19 - 22 October 2023. Location: Battersea Park. Price: From £14.84. Book now.
Image: Columbia Road Flower Market. June 2023. © MTotoe.
Columbia Road Flower Market
Columbia Road Flower Market in London – a timeless delight! If you're a regular, this is your weekly reminder to explore the bussling floral market. If you haven't been, it's your chance to discover something beautiful. Thank us later. Don't forget to enjoy a great coffee and treat at the nearby cafes.
Date: Sunday, 8 am – 3 pm ish. Location: Columbia Rd, London E2 7RG. Website: columbiaroad.info.
Food
L'Escargot
For a traditional and cosy dining experience in London, head to L'Escargot. Nestled within a magnificent Georgian townhouse steeped in history since 1741, this charming establishment has become a beloved Soho institution. It is widely considered one of the best French restaurants in all of London and features a menu of classic French delights, including escargot with garlic butter, the iconic Tournedos Rossini, and irresistible soufflés.If you've yet to experience the magic of this Soho institution, this weekend is the perfect opportunity to change that.
Location: L'Escargot Restaurant, 48 Greek St, London W1D 4EF. Website: lescargot.co.uk. Instagram: @lescargotsoho.
Image: L'Escargot Restaurant, Greek Street, Soho, October 2023. © MTotoe.
Weekend Travel
Paris art fair weekend
Image: The Eiffel Tower. Photo by Chait Goli.
If you're seeking adventure this weekend, now that Frieze Week has concluded in London, the art world is turning its attention to Paris, where four exciting art fairs are currently unfolding. They are all easily accessible via a short Eurostar trip or a brief 45-minute flight from the city.
Image: Paris Internationale 2023. Paris, October 2023. © MTotoe
Among these events, the 9th edition of Paris Internationale offers a dynamic platform for contemporary art, showcasing a diverse spectrum of art galleries. Additionally, the second edition of Paris+par Art Basel floods the city with a fantastic array of events. Alongside these, you can explore AKKA (Also Known As Africa), the contemporary art fair for African Art, and Asia Now. Moreover, a host of compelling exhibitions coincide with Paris+par Art Basel, such as a dedicated showcase of British sculptor Anthony Gormley's work at Musee Rodin, a new exhibition highlighting the works of Mark Rothko at Fondation Louis Vuitton, and a series of group exhibitions at the Palais de Tokyo. Whether you're seeking artistic inspiration or simply looking to explore the art scene, these fairs promise an epic weekend in the heart of Paris!