The last weekend of the film festival and Frieze, free sculpture in Regent’s Park, African art at Somerset House and a Halloween trail at Kew.
Things to do in London this weekend: 17 and 18 October
A big weekend to end a big fortnight: the London Film Festival and Frieze both finish on Sunday. Here is what is on.
BFI London Film Festival, final weekend
The 70th festival ends on Sunday 18 October. Big premieres are mostly sold out, but there are free events at BFI Southbank and the BFI IMAX. Our festival guide has the details.
Frieze London and Frieze Masters
The two fairs run until Sunday on the south side of Regent’s Park. Saturday opening is 11am to 7pm. Tickets have to be bought online in advance.
Frieze Sculpture, free
Large outdoor sculptures in the English Gardens at the south end of the Broad Walk, free to walk round until 1 November. More here.
1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair, Somerset House
The fair of contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora is on at Somerset House from 15 to 18 October.
Halloween at Kew
The evening Halloween trail at Kew Gardens opened on 16 October and runs until 1 November, 6pm to 10pm this weekend. Book a timed slot.
Anish Kapoor, Hayward Gallery, last chance
The Anish Kapoor show closes on Sunday 18 October, with late openings this weekend. Tickets are £22, £8 for ages 12 to 16 and free for under 12s. It has been selling out, so check before you go.
Free Magritte in Mayfair
Not new, but worth a detour: Gagosian’s free Magritte exhibition is open on Saturday from 10am to 6pm.
Coming up
Next weekend is the start of half-term. See Halloween in London for families and the big Halloween parties.
Frequently asked questions
What’s on in London this weekend, 17 and 18 October?
The last weekend of the London Film Festival and Frieze, free Frieze Sculpture in Regent’s Park, the 1-54 art fair at Somerset House and Halloween at Kew.
Is Frieze Sculpture free?
Yes. Frieze Sculpture in Regent’s Park is free and stays until 1 November.
Sources
- Time Out: things to do in London this weekend
- Visit London: this weekend
- Frieze London: FAQs
- Somerset House: 1-54 2026
- Wallpaper: 1-54 London 2026
- Southbank Centre: Anish Kapoor
- ianVisits: Hayward late openings
- Visit London: Halloween at Kew
Last checked: 16 October 2026. Dates and prices can change, so check with each venue before you go. Photo: Robert Lamb / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0.
