Planning a trip to London this November, well you’re in for a treat as the city is alive with a whole host of fun things to do and see. From art exhibitions, outdoor skating, live DJ sets, fireworks, music and more. We’ve compiled a list of the very best of what’s happening in London this November, as reccomended by our community of local insiders.
Moving to Mars
Source: Design Museum
Human colonisation of Mars has been a hot topic of discussion and research. Whether it’s the rocket technology SpaceX is working on or the Mars Rover, advancements in technology are pushing us in the direction of making this fantasy a reality. The immersive Moving to Mars exhibition is your chance to get a taste of what life could be like on the red planet. Step inside a space home, walk the undisturbed landscape and see some of the cutting edge tech created by innovators from the world of space exploration. The showcase will feature the works of NASA, SpaceX and the European Space Agency.
Dates: Open Until 23rd February 2020 | Location: Design Museum
Alexandra Palace Fireworks Festival
Photo: APFF
The sky’s over London in November are transformed into a sea of crackles and colours for Bonfire night. Celebrated to commemorate Guy Fawkes’s failed gunpowder plot of 1605, this event is much loved by people across the United Kingdom. There are many places across London which will be holding a firework display, however, our top pick you should check out is the Alexander Palace Fireworks Festival. Over two days there will be spectacular firework displays, good music, traditional food and snacks like toffee apples, drinks and much more.
Dates: Friday 1st – Saturday 2nd November | Location: Alexandra Palace
London Month of the Dead
Photo – Brompton Cemetry
If you’re visiting London, then the cemetery is the last place you’d want to be. However, if you’re seeking something different to the norm, then be sure to catch the final event for the London Month Of The Dead. Taking place in Brompton Cemetry, this event includes a Frankenstein inspired lantern show, which you can enjoy to the backdrop of spooky sounds from the “Kosmische Glass”. A strange musical instrument created and performed by Timothy Didymus and Jules Arthur. The best thing is that 20% of the ticket price will go towards cemetery restoration projects.
Dates: Friday 1st November | Location: Brompton Cemetry
Diwali on the Square
Photo: Diwali On Trafalgar Square
Diwali is one of the most important days on the religious calendar for the hundereds and thousands of Hindus, Sikhs and Jainists who call London home. Known as the festival of light, it’s traditionally celebrated by decorating the surroundings with Diya’s (Small Lanterns), fireworks, food and more. You can join in the fun and celebrate Diwali in London, as the iconic Trafalgar Square will be transformed for the festivals. There will be live music, food and a whole host of other activities imported from the Indian subcontinent to London.
Dates: Monday 3rd November | Location: Trafalgar Square
The Egyptian Cultural Festival
Photo: The Egyptian Cultural Festival
Egypt is renowned for its rich history and more recently for producing arguably the best football player on the planet in Mo Salah. However, it doesn’t stop there, modern Egypt has its own unique identity and culture. The Egyptian Cultural Festival, which will bring together people from Egyptian and wider communities under one roof to experience the best of this unique culture. From tasty food, drink, music, live performances and even a fashion show. So get a taster of the best of Egypt in the heart of Chelsea.
Dates: Saturday 9th – Sunday 10th November | Location: Chelsea Sorting Office
Lord Mayor’s Show
Photo: Lord Mayor’s Show
Want to see something really unique and traditional to London? Look no further than the Lord’s Mayor Show which will be taking over the iconic Square Mile. Dating back to the 13th Century, this event celebrates the swearing-in of London’s new Lord Mayor. There will be a huge procession, with around 150+ live performances, from marching bands to giant wicker men and of course the new Lord Mayor in his ornate coach. Quite the spectacle and definitely worth checking out, but get down early as it will be super crowded with around 500,000 people estimated to attend.
Dates: Saturday 9th November | Location: Various Locations
Skate at Somerset House
Photo: Somerset House
The festive season is fast approaching, and nothing quite signifies this for Londoners like ice rinks popping up across the city. One of the most iconic outdoor ice skating rinks has to be at Somerset house, which has seen millions of people ride, or fall over, on its ice. Head down and see which one you’ll be.
Dates: Wednesday 13th November – January 2020 | Location: Somerset House
Vevolution Festival 2019
Photo: Vevolution Festival
The vegan revolution has swept across the world, with so many people and businesses looking for an alternative, and sustainable plant-based food alternative. This month, for one day only, BFI Southbank will be the centre of this movement as it welcomes Vevolution 2019. This action-packed festival will welcome people from the plant-powered world for a day of thought-provoking talks, discussions, workshops and more. To top it all off there will also be a great selection of exhibitors serving up the best plant-based food and snacks for you to try.
Dates: Saturday 16th November | Location: BFI South Bank
London Korean Film Festival
Photo: London Korean Film Festival
Back for its 13th year, the London Korean Film Festival brings the most renowned and upcoming names in the regions film industry for a month of amazing events and activities. There will be movie premieres, screenings, talks, workshops and discussions with the producers, creatives and stars of Korean cinema and a whole host of other fun activities. So if you’re seeking a cinematic experience beyond the norm, join one of the many events taking place for the LKFF this November.
Dates: Multiple Dates in November | Location: Various Locations
RA Lates: Deep Earth
Photo: RA
For one night only, the iconic Royal Academy of Arts will be open after hours for the Deep Earth exhibition. Inspired by Antony Gormley, Eco-Visionaries and Lucian Freud, this event will take you on an immersive journey to explore the relationship of the physical form with nature and the cosmos. There will curate multi-sensory light shows, art displays, music and more. Oh and whilst you take your senses on a journey, there will be street food and cocktails to keep you fed and watered on this journey.
Dates: Saturday 23rd November | Location: Royal Academy of Arts
Boiler Room: London
Photo: FAUZIA
If you read our guide to What’s Happening in London in October, you would have seen we featured the Boiler Room Festival. Well, this month the musical collective is back, taking over the iconic Electric Brixton for a party that promises to be nothing short of spectacular. Taking over the decks for the night will be the talented ladies of the 6 Figures Gang, DJ Storm and Sicaria Sound. So ger ready to skank as the DJ’s scratch the decks to the sounds of drum N bass and dub.
Dates: Friday 22nd November | Location: Electric Brixton
If you think that November is the end of fun in London, stay tuned for our guide to What’s happening in London in December. In the meanwhile, you can start exploring London off the beaten path with the Like Locals App. Download now for free, available on both iOS and Android devices.
