Five amazing things to do in London this weekend

The weather can’t decide what to deliver us this weekend, but regardless, there’s fun to be had across the capital, whether you’re cheering on the British Olympics with a pint in hand or testing the limits of how many chicken wings you can eat a festival devoted to them.

Sep 19, 2024 - 15:00

There's a new series of artwork at sketch restaurant in Mayfair

Here are five amazing things to do in London this weekend, no matter your mood

1: Gawp at Van Gogh
Here’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to take in some of Van Gogh’s most mesmerising masterpieces all in one place (many are on loan from abroad). Gathering together some of the artworks compiled in the final two years of his life while living in Provence, on display at Poets and Lovers is Starry Night, Sunflowers, and The Yellow House. nationalgallery.org.uk; until 19 January

2: See a new installation at sketch
One of London’s most fabulous Michelin-starred restaurants, sketch (with a small s) is launching a new art exhibition. Dreamscapes features the work of three creatives, an avant-garde artist, a British designer and an experimental multi-disciplinary artist. But mainly use the exhibition as an excuse to drink very nice cocktails in the very nice bar. sketch has long been associated with art; their Millennial pink dining room was one of the first instigators of that colour trend when it opened in 2014.
whitecube.com

3: Clink steins at Oktoberfest
It may not be anywhere near Oktober, but the famous German festival of beer has already rolled into town. Venues including the German Gymnasium in King’s Cross, Albert’s Schloss, Between the Bridges and Bermondsey Bierkeller are just a handful of the places raising steines, and offering live entertainment like Oompah bands this autumn.
Across London, from this weekend

4: Celebrate 20 years of Leon
The fast food pros over at Leon are celebrating two decades in the business. To earmark their 20th anniversary, chefs have rustled up a new menu, including a chicken caesar burger with provolone cheese and parmesan honey mustard and Korean kimchi fries. We’ve got our eye on the Lucky Katsu, essentially chicken nuggets in a creamy katsu sauce.
leon.co, across the capital

5: Dive into philosophy
How The Light Gets In takes place on Hampstead Heath this weekend. Listen to fascinating debates about the future of humankind and then shake off the existential ennui with a dance to some live music (music and philosophy is the combination no one knew they needed).
21 – 22 September; howthelightgetsin.org