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Did you miss out on tickets to the British Museum’s Bayeux Tapestry show? Us too. But even though it’s pretty devastating not to get to see history’s rudest piece of embroidery (perhaps the infamous queues are being caused by viewers trying to count all 88 penises) there are nonetheless plenty of other ways to get cheap thrills during your spare time. London is teeming with fantastic free things to do this weekend, including a museum ‘late’ that brings the world of the Bayeux Tapestry to life – and you don’t need to shell out to get in.
London Film Festival is also taking pity on the non-ticket-holding public by throwing free events we can all get involved in. Bloomsbury Festival is luring Londoners to the literary heart of the city with an intriguing array of artsy events. Blackhorse Beer Mile is hosting a Harvest knees-up where you can ring in autumn. In short, there’s absolutely no reason to stay indoors this weekend, even if you’re stony broke. These precious days are yours: here’s how to spend them.
The best free things on in London this weekend, October 9-11 2026
1. Make some outlandish headgear at a Bayeux Tapestry Late
The Bayeux Tapestry is a fantastic example of medieval craftsmanship that’s nonetheless got a lovable wonkiness to it; its bizarre creatures have a leftfield understanding of perspective, making it endearing to modern viewers. Crafts are more interesting when they’re imperfect. So get inspired to make your own fabulous, flawed, medieval-style textiles at this interactive British Museum Late, which is all about the joy of making things.
There’ll be communal stitching sessions, a chance to contribute to a giant tree-inspired embroidery, a medieval-themed quiz, and even a session where you can create elaborate historic headwear with artist Alessia Stranieri. Wear it all weekend and soak up the compliments (and/or looks of total befuddlement).
British Museum, 44 Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG. Friday Oct 9. Free.
2. Soak up some culture at Bloomsbury Festival
The eclectic line-up of Bloomsbury Festival continues this weekend, with plenty of free events to discover. Listen to music drawn from Brazil’s rich traditions at a free choral concert (Sun Oct 11), check out the handcrafted wares at the Welsh Market (Sat Oct 10), or join a walking tour down the intriguingly named Lamb’s Conduit Street (Sat Oct 10), which will lead you through the stories of the neighbourhood's most famous bohemian residents.
Various Bloomsbury locations. Until Oct 31. Prices vary, many events free.
3. Join a free dance party at London Film Festival
Watching films famously involves quite a bit of sitting down, so thank heavens that the London Film Festival crew are throwing free DJ nights so you can shake it out after watching the latest cinematic masterpieces. This weekend you can throw shapes to tunes from 1980s New York, inspired by Ira Sachs's The Man I Love (9pm-1am, Oct 9), or dance the night away at a celebration of Latin American film and music (9pm-1am, Oct 10). There’s more free entertainment (of a more sombre kind) courtesy of Cate Blanchett's Displacement Film Fund, which is screening movies inspired by stories of migration and refugee experience. Or head to BFI IMAX to try out some free alternative video games and check out interactive installation Red the Ocean Around U.
BFI Southbank and BFI IMAX. Until Oct 18. Free.
4. Cut a rug at Blackhorse Beer Mile’s Harvest-themed knees up
Escape the city with a night of good old-fashioned country-style entertainments this Saturday, including a barn dance and morris dancing. It’s all part of the Blackhorse Lane Beer Mile, a nine-venue trail highlighting the best breweries, wineries, distilleries and taprooms along Blackhorse Lane. Pretty Decent Beer Co will serve up country music, silly yard games, and the launch of The Ducks beer specials. Signature Brew will be laying on a Queer Cxntry Rodeo. And Renegade will be hosting a Guess The Wine competition, with the chance to be entered into a prize raffle if you truly know your vintages.
Various Walthamstow locations. Sat Oct 10. Free.
5. Have a browse at Black Culture Market
London’s long-running Black Culture Market is back for Black History Month, taking over Brixton’s Lambeth Town Hall for a weekend-long gathering of creatives, small business owners, and lovers of artisanal goodies. Inside you’ll find more than 40 Black-owned small businesses traders selling everything from jewellery and homeware to books, to African art, natural cosmetics, toys, books and more.
Lambeth Town Hall. Sat Oct 10-Sun Oct 11. Free.
6. Join a creative youth takeover at Somerset House
Artist Jenkin Van Zyl is barely out of his 20s, so his immersive installation feels like a fitting home for this youth takeover night at Somerset House. Part of the venue’s Upgrade Yourself strand, this gallery late is full of free ways to be creative, including a trash drag costuming session, a DIY filmmaking workshop, and a session on archiving online spaces. It's for 18-to-30 year olds only, so if that’s you, book your free slot and bring your best ideas to this evening of imaginative thinking.
Somerset House. Fri Oct 9. Free.
Plan a magical October with our guide to the best things to do in London this month.
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