Welcome, listeners, to "Things to do in London" with your globe-trotting, sports-mad buddy, Oly Bennet! It’s Friday, October 31, 2025, and London’s feeling absolutely electric. There’s a spicy autumn snap in the air—perfect for spooky shenanigans, unbelievable art, and, if you’re like me, the odd cheeky mince pie to keep your spirits high.

Today the city pulses with Halloween energy as pumpkin lanterns flicker from Southbank to Dalston, costumed commuters prowl the Underground, and the cafes are battling over who’s got the punchiest pumpkin spice latte. Plus, we’re on the eve of Bonfire Night and Day of the Dead, so expect every street corner to dazzle with color, costumes, and some serious noise.

If you’re up for fireworks, Alexandra Palace is your launchpad—picture a sky painted with floating witches, vampires, and drones swooping over North London. It’s a Halloween-Bonfire mash-up with firework spectacles, a German-style beer hall, DJs, and even a ghost tour through the majestic, and perhaps haunted, Victorian theatre, as highlighted by Citizen Femme. For an extra dose of wow, Blackheath and Battersea will also be setting the skies ablaze with more classic displays.

Craving spine-tingling tunes? Halloween’s got live music covered. Gwenno’s hypnotic folk-electronic performance lights up the EartH Theatre. For rock fans, Those Damn Crows will be thrashing the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, while indie devotees can join The Royston Club at O2 Forum Kentish Town. If you want something on the edge, Jehnny Beth brings her raw, theatrical sound to Camden Assembly. And for those who like to dance with the undead, Juju’s Bar in Brick Lane is spinning 80s anthems at their epic Nightmare on Brick Lane party, complete with costumes and cocktails.

For families and art lovers in search of daytime thrills, the Tate Modern’s free “late” event today dives into Nigerian modern art with workshops, DJ sets, and inspiring talks. Over at the V&A, discover a queer rococo night inspired by the one and only Marie Antoinette, hosted by Riposte, filled with flamboyant fashion and revelry.

If you’re looking for autumnal adventure, London’s signature outdoor ice rinks are prepping to open, and according to Minicabride, Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland is poised to glow with rides, festive markets, and enough sugar to bounce you straight into the new year. Culture vultures, don’t miss the West End hit "My Neighbour Totoro," sure to charm crowds in the heart of Theatreland.

Announced just this morning, aspiring millionaires can hustle over to the Money Maker Summit at the Leonardo Royal Hotel near Tower Bridge for insider tips and business networking all weekend. And hey, for those planning ahead, tickets to climb Big Ben’s Elizabeth Tower go on sale today—don’t miss your chance to have London literally at your feet!

Getting around? The Tube is running smoother than a well-oiled cricket bat, but expect spooky crowds at major stations tonight. Might be the one night of the year where dressing as a lost ghost gets you a seat on the Northern Line.

My golden local tip, straight from a London cabbie: the best street food this week is in Borough Market, where the queues for Day of the Dead tacos are only rivaled by the queues for apple cider doughnuts. Go hungry—with your dancing shoes on.

Don’t forget, tomorrow’s got the grand Bonfire Night build-up with more fireworks igniting across the city, a dazzling array of art pop-ups, and word on the sporting grapevine is that Regent’s Park will host a one-off Quidditch match—yes, Harry Potter fans, it’s happening! Tune in for the inside scoop and even more wild adventures.

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