9 awesome things to do in London this Autumn 2024 from Hackney Carnival to The World of Tim Burton
We’ve rounded up some of the best events taking place in the capital over the Autumn months.
There’s a nip in the air this week which means summer is well and truly over in the capital and Autumn is upon us.
While the days of swimming in lidos or drinking in rooftop bars feel redundant, there is a whole new season of fun events in London to enjoy.
From the London Design Festival, to new theatre shows and museum exhibitions there’s plenty of events to look forward to.
We’ve rounded up some of the best events taking place in the capital over the Autumn months.
Espresso Martini Festival
Venues across London September 19 to 29 2024
Espresso Martini lovers should mark their calendars, as the Mr Black Espresso Martini Festival is coming to the UK, with nine London spots taking part.
A celebration of the famous coffee based cocktail in all its guises, the festival promises takeovers, indulgent pairings and exclusive one-off serves.
At Demon Wise & Partners in London, you’ll be able to try out ‘The Cool One’, which is a concoction of Mr Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur, Coole Swan Irish Liqueur, Vodka, Espresso and Sugar Syrup.
The confirmed locations for the London activities are: Archive & Myth, Balans, Bantof, Bodeans, CTC, Demon Wise And Partners, Dram, Red Hand and Surbitionan Vine.
We’ll cheers to that!
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London Design Festival 2024
Various locations September 14 to 22 2024
The 22nd edition of the London Design Festival showcases special projects and installations embodying major themes across society such as sustainability, AI and inclusivity.
Kicking off in the capital this week, the programme is divided over 11 “districts” – from Park Royal in north west London, down to the Greenwich Peninsula south of the river.
Festival highlights include “Vert”, a design which is looking to transform city life through the creation of sustainable wooden structures covered in plants designed to cool urban areas.
Head to the grounds of Chelsea College of Art to see it, and find out more here.
Visit the Batman Unmasked exhibition
45 Wellington Street, Covent Garden, WC2E 7BN From September 6
A new exhibition honouring one of DC Comics’ most iconic superheroes Batman has opened in London.
London fans will be able to celebrate the 85th anniversary of the dark knight character in the capital in the new Batman Unmasked exhibition.
Showcasing original props, vehicles, and costumes from past Batman films Robert Pattinson’s batsuit will be on display as well as Heath Ledger’s infamous Joker nurse’s uniform. Read our full guide here.
Isle of Wight Festival's "Experience 25" exhibition
London O2, Peninsula Square, SE10 0DX September 19 to November 13
An exhibition celebrating the history of the iconic Isle of Wight Festival,is coming to the O2 this Autumn.
This year marks the 25th edition of Isle of Wight Festival, including the three original events held in 1968, ‘69 and ‘70.
To celebrate this landmark in music history, Experience 25 will showcase an archive documenting the festival’s most magical moments; from Bob Dylan’s 150,000 strong crowd in 1969 (which included three of The Beatles), to Amy Winehouse’s duet with Mick Jagger in 2007.
Original images and footage of performances by The Doors, The Who, Joni Mitchell, and Hendrix shredding in front of a 500,000 strong crowd in 1970 are also on display.
Hackney Carnival
September 22 2024
Hackney Carnival is returning to the streets this month after a five year hiatus celebrating the borough’s diverse communities and creative talents.
The street parade, which is the highlight of the day, will feature eye-catching costumes, soul-stirring music and a spectacle of talents from over 30 parade groups
There will also be several venues hosting Carnival events, including the Town Hall Square, The Paddock, and more. Expect live music, delicious food, and community activities. Read our full guide here.
Watch Succession’s J Smith Cameron in Juno and the Paycock
Gielgud theatre, Shaftesbury Ave, W1D 6AR September 21 to November 23 2024
Succession star J Smith-Cameron is set to star in a new centenary production of Juno and the Paycock in London’s West End.
Smith-Cameron, who plays Gerri Kellman in the multi-award winning HBO series, will star opposite theatre legend Mark Rylance in Sean O’Casey’s 1924 play.
The 100th anniversary production will be directed by Matthew Warchus for Sonia Friedman Productions and will run at the Gielgud theatre from September 21 to November 23. Read our full guide here.
Japan Matsuri London
Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN October 6 2024
Japan Matsuri, the UK’s biggest annual festival of Japanese culture and food, will return to Trafalgar Square on Sunday October 6.
Showcasing the very best of Japanese culture, the iconic festival has attracted a huge London fanbase and is ready for another year of serving up deliciously authentic Japanese street food and traditional Japanese entertainment.
The 2024 programme hasn’t been released yet but visitors should expect taiko drum performances, Yosokai dancing and of course lots of delicious food. Keep an eye on the Japan Matsuri website for further details.
“The World of Tim Burton”
Design Museum, 224-238 Kensington High St, W8 6AG October 25, 2024 – April 21, 2025
A huge exhibition dedicated to the work of goth director Tim Burton is coming to the Design Museum in October.
The major exhibition will invite visitors into Burton’s world through an exploration of the design of his unique aesthetic.
Curated by Jenny He in collaboration with Tim Burton and adapted by Maria McLintock for the Design Museum, the collection draws from Burton’s personal archive.
Read our full guide to the exhibition here.
MARILYN – The Exhibition
Arches London Bridge (8 Bermondsey St, London SE1 2ER) From October 18 2024
An exhibition honouring the one and only Marilyn Monroe is coming to London this autumn.
The beloved blonde bombshell will be the focus of a new display in the city. MARILYN - The Exhibition will offer fans in the capital a glimpse into the life of Norma Jeane, the woman behind the timeless icon Marilyn Monroe.
Showcasing over 250 items that once belonged to the star, the display will feature personal pieces like handwritten letters and family snaps as well as scripts and props from her films and some of her most famous outfits.
Tickets will go on sale on October 18.