Welcome, listeners, to Things to Do in London—your energetic, wild, and wonderfully weird guide to the capital’s quirkiest happenings! Today is Friday, November 21, and I’m Oly Bennet, your globe-trotting, boundary-busting companion stalking London’s streets in search of the marvelous, the musical, and the magnificently odd.

London’s got that classic autumn vibe, folks: golden leaves fluttering, a proper crisp in the air, and the city humming with anticipation as Christmas magic starts sneaking up in shop windows and street lights. According to weather whizzes, it’s classic November—think brisk but not bone-chilling, so layer up stylishly and let’s get your Friday fired up.

Alright, quick-fire event round-up for today—grab your mates, kids, grandma, the office ferret, whatever, because there is seriously something for everyone.

First up: get your jazz hands ready! The EFG London Jazz Festival is in full wail, with city venues from the Barbican to funky pop-up bars like The Jazz Social at Citypoint bursting with boundary-pushing international jazz and local talent. Catch everything from lunchtime gigs to late-night jam sessions, and yes, happy hour’s on[The City of London].

If you fancy an evening with a side of light and art, head to Mansion House for Beyond the Frame—a one-night-only immersive show by projection artists Luxmuralis. Expect mind-bending visuals lighting up historic walls while you support Treloar’s, a pioneering community for young people with disabilities. Real-life epic, no magic beans required[The City of London].

The family crew is sorted with the Monster Art Club at Barbican Library. It’s free, it’s crafty, and it’s absolutely perfect for letting kids’ imaginations run riot. If racing is more your thing, try the F1 Arcade at One New Change, where adults and kids over seven can burn rubber in world-class simulators—two words, listeners: virtual pit stop[The City of London].

Theatre lovers, this one’s for you—A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story at Alexandra Palace gives Dickens’ classic a haunting, hilarious twist. Mark Gatiss leads the spooky charge, so expect some proper chills, Victorian-era wackiness, and plenty of ghostly giggles[London Theatreland].

If concerts are calling your name, check out Sombr at KOKO tonight. It’s a top pick for fans of fresh sounds—with a 14+ audience, bring your teens for some cutting-edge live music action[Nightout].

And for all you culture vultures, the Museum of the Home has burst into its Winter Programme with artist-led installations, a massive festive tree, crafty workshops, and historical fun that explores the wild, wonderful traditions of winter at home. It’s like time travel with tinsel[Sheerluxe].

London’s not just about the events. According to Transport for London, today’s Elizabeth Line and Tube service is running smoothly. A new speakeasy-style cocktail den just opened under Liverpool Street—word on Twitter is their gingerbread espresso martini is already the talk of the town. Christmas lights are being switched on in pockets across the city, so if you’re wandering through Leadenhall Market, expect twinkly treats and festive carols tonight[The City of London].

If you’re after must-dos, pop into Hypha Galleries at No. 1 Poultry for some futuristic art in a stunning postmodern setting. Or flex those calves and take the Thames Illuminated River evening walk—each bridge is a glowing piece of public art, and it’s so magical, your selfie game won’t know what hit it[The City of London].

Local tip from yours truly: Want the ultimate photo op without the crowds? Duck into Postman’s Park near St Paul’s—it’s tiny, beautiful, and home to the quirky Memorial to Heroic Self-Sacrifice, a patchwork of stories about unsung London legends. Pure history, pure feels, and you’ll practically have it to yourself.

Tomorrow’s shaping up even bigger—think vintage market hunting at Leadenhall, more jazz madness, and the Museum of the Home’s wintry workshops continuing in style. Follow along for secret gigs, riverside revelry, and an inside scoop on London you simply won’t get anywhere else. Subscribe, stay curious, and keep it weird, listeners!

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