Things to Do in London: Autumn Festivals, Frieze Art, and Quirky Competitions

Welcome, sporty, curious, and let’s be honest—slightly peculiar travelers to Things to Do in London, with your host, Ollie Bennett, reporting live on this crisp, breezy Friday, October 17, 2025. The city’s mood? Think golden leaves swirling through historic squares, the occasional drizzle that somehow makes London even more atmospheric, and an undercurrent of electric energy as the capital dives headfirst into a weekend bursting with festivals, art, and, dare I say, a few quirky competitions. Let’s get a quick pulse check. According to the latest buzz from London Minute, it’s a classic autumnal day—cool but comfortable, perfect for exploring by foot or hopping on a double-decker to see where the day takes you. Now, let’s dive into the London Olympics of the odd and outstanding—what’s happening right now! First up, the Bloomsbury Festival is in full swing, turning one of London’s most intellectual neighborhoods into a living, breathing carnival of music, performance, walks, talks, exhibitions, and, yes, plenty of free events for everyone. This year’s theme, The Paths We Tread, celebrates the city’s history through creative exploration—so expect the unexpected, from street art to family-friendly workshops. Bloomsbury Festival’s website has the full rundown—just pick your path and see where London’s characters of the past and present collide. Art lovers, brace yourselves—Frieze has taken over Regent’s Park, with Frieze London and Frieze Masters showing everything from boundary-pushing contemporary art to masterpieces reimagined for the modern eye. There’s even a sprawling, free-to-view outdoor sculpture park. And, for those who like their art with a side of history, don’t miss your last chance to catch the ancient India exhibition at the British Museum, where millennia of sacred sculpture and painting tell stories older than London itself. Staying with culture, the BFI London Film Festival is wrapping up, but there are still a few seats left for today’s screenings—including Paolo Sorrentino’s latest, La Grazia, and the star-studded closing gala tonight at the Southbank Centre. Film buffs, this is your red-carpet moment. Families, listen up! Half term kicks off with a bang at Kew Gardens, where the Halloween after-dark adventure includes Frankenstein’s lab, a forgotten fairground, and an army of creepy characters lurking among the trees. Or, if you’re after something a little less spooky, the Science Museum’s always a crowd favorite, with themed trails and activities for all ages—plus, it’s free, just book your slot. As the sun sets, London’s nightlife gears up. The city is still buzzing from London Cocktail Week, with over 200 bars shaking and stirring up inventive drinks until Sunday. Cocktail aficionados, make a beeline for Little Blue at The Peninsula or Bar Kinky in Fitzrovia. And for the truly adventurous, Shoreditch is hosting immersive experiences like Alcotraz, where you can play prisoner and learn the fine art of liquor smuggling, and This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.