Six Free Things to Do in London This Weekend: Halloween Bashes, a Gallery Late and More

London is offering plenty of ways to enjoy the Halloween weekend without spending a penny, according to Time Out's six-pick free guide for 30 October–1 November 2026.

On the spooky side, there is a Halloween trail along High Street Kensington that ends with a costumed party in Holland Park, free pumpkin painting at the Royal Parks, and a drag-hosted event at Between the Bridges featuring emo karaoke and Britney and Madonna tributes.

Friday night brings the tenth anniversary of Tate Modern's Tate Lates series, headlined by Shygirl, who takes over the South Tank for a club night with DJ sets from BAMBII, JD Reid and Manni Dee. The evening also includes sets from Wrap Collective, Ms. Sankofa and Naima Adams, performance poetry from Apples and Snakes, a collaborative artwork by Lakwena, and after-hours gallery tours.

At Southbank Centre, the London Literature Festival hosts a free book swap from 10am each day through Sunday, with donated titles from writers including Michael Rosen, Jacqueline Wilson, Max Porter, Malorie Blackman and Dua Lipa, who is also presiding over the wider festival.

Peckham's Copeland Gallery runs a free-entry sample sale on Saturday and Sunday, with discounts on Carhartt, Birkenstock, Barbour and others; doors open at 10am.

On Sunday, the first 50 guests at Acme Taco inside Dalston's 40ft Brewery, arriving from noon, receive a free taco — choices include pork castacan, beef suedero or vegan Symplicity chorizo.

Until Sunday, the Saatchi Gallery in Chelsea hosts a free, one-weekend-only exhibition commissioned by Coca-Cola to mark the 175th anniversary of the British high street, featuring royal-style portraits of independent business owners by artists including Jamie Coreth, Nicky Phillips, Gareth Reid and Nick Bashall.