The 6 best free things to do in London this weekend [Oct 30 - Nov 1 2026]

Ask your parents – or indeed grandparents – about Halloween and they’ll probably tell you their memories of merrily prancing the streets clutching a carved turnip, or wantonly cutting up a bin bag to make a dress if they were feeling especially extravagant.

I’m sure it was great, but in 2026, having a rip-roaring spooky season can be a rather more expensive affair, involving smoking cocktails, terrifyingly pricey corsetry, FOMO-inducing party tickets, and bloodshot eyeball cakes that stare you down until you give in and buy them. But fear not! We’ve found some free things to do this weekend that’ll make you shiver with delight, not cringe in horror at your fast-draining bank balance.

There are tons of Halloween celebrations, trails and jamborees to delight in. Or, if you want a break from the creepy stuff, then go to a literary event, gallery late or chomp on a free taco. Here’s our big roundup of free events this weekend that’ll ensure you have a fantastic time, without making your wallet emptier than Dracula’s coffin at midnight.

The best free things on in London this weekend, Oct 30 - Nov 1 2026 

1. Have a terrifyingly good time at a free Halloween event

Quick! Before you get scammed at your nearest pumpkin patch, look out our big list of actually-worth-it things to do for the spookiest weekend of the year. Do an eerie Halloween trail down High Street Kensington that culminates with a costumed knees up in Holland Park. Sign up for a free pumpkin painting sesh at Royal Parks. Or go to a big bash at Between the Bridges, which will have drag queens hosting delights including emo karaoke and Britney and Madonna tributes.

Various locations. Various dates. Free.

2. Dance at a Shygirl club night in a very special Tate Late

When Tate Lates launched a decade ago, partying among priceless artworks felt like a truly outlandish idea. Now, these Friday night sessions are an established part of London’s cultural landscape, bringing younger art fans through the Tate Modern’s doors each month, and exploring all the cultural meeting points between visual and sonic art forms.

In honour of the tenth anniversary of Tate Lates, it’s throwing an extra special edition with a big headliner: Shygirl, who’ll bring her legendary club night to South Tank, with DJ sets from BAMBII, JD Reid and Manni Dee against visual backdrops from the Swallow! universe. You’ll also find sets from Wrap Collective, Ms. Sankofa and Naima Adams around the building. Or check out performance poetry from Apples and Snakes, contribute to a collaborative artwork from Lakwena, or go on special after hours tours of the gallery with a focus on LGBTQIA+ artists or artists of African heritage.

Tate Modern, Bankside, SE1 9TG. Fri Oct 30. Free.

3. Join a bookswap at London Literature Festival 

Dua Lipa is presiding over an edition of London Literature Festival that’s full of free ways to get involved, alongside the big name ticketed events. This weekend, you can head down to Southbank Centre for a free book swap, from 10am Friday-Sunday, so bring your old books and exchange them for exciting new reads, including some donated by Michael Rosen, Jacqueline Wilson, Max Porter Malorie Blackman and Dua herself. You’ll also find a free family theatre performance from Cardboard Citizens, and a giant storytelling bed that kids aged five-plus can sit on and piece together their favourite tales, as well as listening to pop-up readings.

Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX. Until Sun Nov 1. Free.

4. Browse the streetwear bargains at a Copeland Gallery sample sale

Okay, so the entry to this one might be free, but the clothes certainly aren’t. Still, you could bag some bargains if you want to refresh your autumn wardrobe, or get a head start on Christmas. Head to Peckham’s Copeland Gallery this weekend and you’ll find hefty discounts on some serious fashion and homeware from names including Carhartt, Pendleton, Barbour, Universal Works, Birkenstock, and more. Doors open at 10am; turn up early or be ready to queue.

Copeland Gallery, 133 Copeland Rd, SE15 3SN. Sat Oct 31 - Nov 1. Free. 

5. Scoff a free Acme taco 

Drinkers at Dalston’s 40ft Brewery are getting a delicious new eating option to soak up all that beer, as live fire restaurant Acme Fire Cult opens a second branch of its Mexican-leaning spin-off, Acme Taco. Having launched to great acclaim at 40Ft’s Walthamstow taproom ealier this year, the taqueria will be setting up shop there from this Sunday, and to celebrate, the first 50 guests will get a free taco. Simply show up at 12 noon and choose from pork castacan, beef suedero or vegan Symplicity chorizo options. 

40ft Dalston, Bootyard, Abbot St, London E8 3DP. Sun Nov 1. Free.

6. Check out a one-weekend-only exhibition spotlighting local indie business owners 

Commissioned by Coca-Cola to mark the 175th anniversary of the British high street, this short exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery celebrates Britain’s independent business owners, with celebrated royal portraitists Jamie Coreth, Nicky Phillips, Gareth Reid and Nick Bashall depicting local heroes with the grandeur usually reserved for VIPs. Pay it a visit before Sunday to see four regal, pensive paintings on display, alongside a behind-the-scenes peek into the creative processes of their renowned creators, and the stories of the everyday legends featured.

Saatchi Gallery, King's Road, SW3 4RY. Until Sun Nov 1. Free.

Get a head start on November with our guide to the best things to do in London next month.

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