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Top London events: experience the Swinging City

Top London events: experience the Swinging City

Collection by Eventbrite

There are surprises around nearly every corner in London, whether you’re learning about history on a walking tour of Soho or shopping at a night market in Hackney. Hop on the tube and explore some of the city’s best concerts, workshops, and pop-up markets — plus more of today’s brilliant events selected by Eventbrite’s expert curators.

Top London events: experience the Swinging City
Top London events: experience the Swinging City
Top London events: experience the Swinging City

Top London events: experience the Swinging City

Collection by Eventbrite

There are surprises around nearly every corner in London, whether you’re learning about history on a walking tour of Soho or shopping at a night market in Hackney. Hop on the tube and explore some of the city’s best concerts, workshops, and pop-up markets — plus more of today’s brilliant events selected by Eventbrite’s expert curators.

Learn to bake ridiculously moreish croissants and pain au chocolat from the baking geniuses at The Dusty Knuckle in a day-long workshop. You’ll leave knowing how to make perfect puff pastry and you even get lunch and beers from neighbouring 40FT Brewery.

Sneaker heads can get their kicks, literally, at this celebration of all things trainer-related. Sellers will offer a vast range of rare and on-point footwear, and there’ll be giveaways and competitions, DJs spinning suitably cool tunes, and street food to power you through.

Celebrate the broken bits in life (ok, in ceramics) by repairing them with gold at a class teaching the Japanese art of kintsugi. You’ll break up pottery items and learn how to fix and strengthen them using this ancient technique, which makes imperfections look inviting.

The team behind Four Tet's dazzling light show takes over a 26,000-square-foot gallery in Shoreditch, presenting a series of immersive installations that blend glimmering bulbs and sound design.

Head to Flipper's in West London for an afternoon of dancing to all of Tay-Tay's eras. This family-friendly dance party brings five hours of T-Swift bangers, perfect for Swifties ages 12 and up.

Dig out those fashion faux pas and turn them into something wonderful, guided by fashion designer Tina Aileen, a specialist in sustainable reworking. The skills you’ll learn can be used to create a whole new potential wardrobe.

Dive into a multi-sensory exhibit that combines stunning visuals, captivating light effects, and an accompanying soundtrack to elevate the experience. It's all designed by the duo behind one of the most memorable sets in "John Wick: Chapter 4."

Sundays don’t need to be boring. And they won’t be if you head to this weekly club night that’s positively pulsing with soul, reggae, disco, rare groove, and lovers’ rock. The party atmosphere is further lifted by a rum punch happy hour from 8-9pm, accompanied by Caribbean food.

Start learning the art of steel sculpture at a two-day workshop that uses three-dimensional drawing as inspiration for your masterpiece-to-be. All levels are welcome, including beginners, and you’ll explore a range of techniques, including grinding, rolling, and shaping steel.

Learn how to imprint a botanical motif onto a tile using actual leaves and flowers. Leave them to dry for a few days, then head back to the workshop so you can start painting your tile to make it even snazzier.

Top-up your horror fix post-Halloween as macabre master Viktor Wynd regales you with real-life fairytales, minus the happy ending. Flesh-eating pigs, leeches, bedbugs, and cannibals make an appearance, so ready yourself with the aid of a complimentary glass of absinthe.

Set yourself up for whatever Tuesday chucks at you with some levelling, pre-work yoga. Breathwork and stretches ensure you start the day relaxed, focused, and limbered up, and as mats and equipment are provided, you don’t have to transport your own to the office afterward.

Find out what exactly is going on with the economy without wanting to fall asleep or scream, as numbers guy Tim Harford (AKA the Undercover Economist from the “Financial Times”) breaks down the economic situation in a mercifully entertaining and accessible way.

Celebrate the excellent work of cult Chilean author Roberto Bolaño at this discussion by the classics team at Vintage Books, coinciding with the publishing house’s covetable new designs for Bolaño’s novels in their catalogue. Expect creative, enlightening literary chat.

It’s not just the subjects that are naked at this inclusive life drawing class — it’s the entertainers, too. Every session features models taking different short poses to test your sketching prowess, before a guest musician accompanies the action with a live, clothes-free set.

Everybody wants to be a DJ and now’s your chance to fulfil that particular dream by heading to this three-hour masterclass. You’ll work on phrase mixing, matching sound levels, understanding EQ, looping, and tons more. Prepare to start soundtracking the party.

Snap your way to better photography at this regular meetup for photographers of all levels, including beginners. You can learn or nurture techniques, work on joint photography projects in a group, get feedback on existing portfolios, or even work towards exhibiting your pictures.

Enjoy a pint in a former friary and sip a G&T in an ex-gin palace on this tour of some of London’s most ancient watering holes. In a small group, you’ll tour four fantastic boozers across the storied City of London.

Singers, dancers, and circus acts take the stage during this dazzling holiday cabaret, accompanied by dinner and seasonal beverages.

Watch creative inspiration in action as artists compete by transforming a blank canvas into something awesome, all in just 20 minutes and wholly on the fly. The audience gets to vote on the best work at the end, and the winner will be crowned London’s regional champ.

Kick back in the Italian Alps by way of Whitechapel, as this wine tasting transports you to verdant Valle d’Aosta. You’ll sample eight handpicked reds from this mountainous region and discover how its high-altitude vineyards nurture some truly cracking grapes.

Put a stylish swirl into your home coffee routine by learning latte art from the pros at powerhouse Antipodean coffee shop Kaffeine. You'll learn to steam, texture, and pour your milk or milk substitute into hearts, tulips, swans, and the classic rosetta flowers.

This series salutes classic action flicks by accompanying screenings with live-action performances that respond to the film’s events. Tonight’s performers will have their work cut out for them, as they go up against peak-Arnie’s T-800 in James Cameron’s iconic sequel.

Delve into the ancient Japanese art of origami and learn to fold a few sheets of humble paper into genuinely impressive shapes, even with no experience. Origami artist Toshiko Kurata themes each class, so you could be crafting anything from animals to flowers to decorations.

The name doesn’t lie. Head to the London Art Bar, grab a brush, and start painting something inspired by artist Wyland Tondelier’s Picasso-influenced works. You’ll learn Picasso-adjacent techniques, but paint as freely as you like — and yes, a glass of prosecco is included.

Let a cast of ace comics ease you into the weekend with an evening of premium laughs. This long-running night has hosted acts who’ve gone on to grace "Mock the Week," "8 Out of 10 Cats," "Never Mind the Buzzcocks," and Comedy Central, so you’ll be in safe (and funny) hands.

Combine fitness and finesse by learning key moves from various dance styles, including swing, Argentinian tango, samba, and rumba at these small classes. Begin with an hour lesson on rhythm and technique before testing out your moves. No experience or partner is necessary.

Roll up, roll up, for a tantalising night that blends mind-bending — and body-bending — circus skills, dazzling magic tricks, classy burlesque acts, live music, and good ol’ fashioned comedy into one seriously entertaining package. They don’t make ’em like this anymore.

Zoom in on the amazing world of pinhole photography, gathering snaps of the peaceful and photogenic Abney Park Cemetery on a guided photo walk. Afterward, decamp to a studio darkroom and learn how to develop your pictures, completing a brilliantly creative day out.

Knit for good as this popular event returns to provide blankets for people experiencing homelessness. Whether a crochet ace or a knitting newbie, your skills will be invaluable in creating tons of warm blankets for those in need, accompanied by festive music to raise spirits.

Work up a serious sweat surrounded by the Alexandra & Ainsworth Estate's beautifully urban brutalist architecture. A mix of circuits, HIIT, athletic drills, and body weight exercises will get blood pumping, giving you a workout combining cardio with strength training.

UK garage scene legends get behind the decks for eight hours during this cracking daytime rave that's sure to add a bit of warmth to even the coldest London day.

Channel some early winter spirit at a performance of Will Shakespeare’s delirious and dark tale. It’s performed by the Shakespeare in the Squares crew, who’ve taken their alfresco shows indoors for the colder season — this one is in the soaring St Matthew’s church in Bayswater.

Hear some choice verses from acclaimed US spoken word poet Rudy Francisco, who’s appeared on “The Tonight Show” and shared a stage with Gladys Knight. Rudy’s engaging flow and insightful take on the everyday human condition is a joy to listen to.

A unique opportunity to cruise the Thames while grooving to undeniable dance floor anthems — all without disturbing a soul, thanks to the whole "silent disco" element. You’ll pass some of London’s most iconic sights and you get to pick your soundtrack from three DJ channels.

You’ve seen improv comedy, so take things to the next level by watching a whole darn film get improvised before your eyes. The talented cast takes suggestions from the audience as inspiration, before making up and performing an entire movie on the spot.

Who hasn’t occasionally wanted to be a samurai? Now’s your chance: kengido blends martial arts and performing arts, resulting in a visually arresting practice that fulfills your warrior dreams, while using wooden swords to swerve the risks faced by actual samurai.

Get a high-fashion fix at the most stylish event happening in London tonight, as two giants of fashion publishing host a shindig. Network like your outfit depends on it as influencers, designers, journalists, and stylists join together for a premium party.

Drift into the Ghibli universe through the dreamy sonics of Joe Hisaishi, the composer behind many of the studio anime soundtracks. His ethereal compositions (including works from “My Neighbour Totoro”) will be performed by an ensemble in the beautiful Royal Academy of Music.

Get in a festive mood nice and early with a seriously Christmassy candlelight service themed around Charles Dickens. Nine favourite carols will be sung, with Dickens-themed readings, mince pies, and mulled wine in-between.

Give your tattered garments a new lease of life by learning how to sturdily repair them at this darning workshop. After a quick history lesson on the art of clothing repair, you’ll get to use a fun-sounding salvaged speed loom and start shaping up your weary threads for reuse.

Take life drawing to a whole new level — a dazzlingly bright and colourful one — at this wildly popular event. The models are adorned with ultraviolet body paint and wild accessories, giving the whole evening a psychedelic tinge and allowing your artistic tendencies to run free.

Capture revealing shots of London in all its moody, urban glory by learning about composition, framing, and textures from an experienced photographer. Small group sizes (six people max) mean that you’ll get one-on-one time with the pro snapper as you explore city streets.

The Force is strong in Croydon this December, as this fan-tastic event celebrates all things 'Star Wars'. Meet characters from the franchise, including Tim Rose (a.k.a. Admiral Ackbar) and Nick Gillard — the 'Star Wars' stunt coordinator and lightsaber fighter, no less.

Meeting the love of your life on a Regent’s Park run would be a great story, and it’s entirely possible at this 5k. Set off on 1.5-km laps of the park, finding a new run partner to chat to on each lap. A number-swapping system afterwards ensures you can connect post-run.

Give your brain a break from stressful tasks at this workshop, which promotes calm and wellbeing through painting. The latest event is themed around nature, so flora and fauna from gardens of all kind will be brought to life on the canvas, after introductory breathing exercises.

Shake your stuff and get a workout in the process at this class, which provides an intro to Brazilian-style samba dance steps and transitions. It’s a fun, welcoming, and body-positive session for all, and by the end you’ll put your new moves into a choreographed routine.

With spring arriving, take the chance to lose yourself for a few hours in a beautiful hidden garden, tucked-away behind a grand Georgian manor house in leafy Dulwich. The two acres house a rose garden, woodland walk, and beds growing all manner of fruits, vegetables and herbs.

We use it every day, in some form, so it pays to spend time learning how to make your own soap at these expert-led workshops. You’ll use natural materials, including shea butter, and can experiment with colours and shapes to create your bespoke soapy masterpiece.

Wake up to bold and beautiful coffee flavours by learning how to brew aromatic Turkish coffee, as well as discovering the drink’s rich history. You’ll be using an authentic cezve pot to do your brewing and each coffee is accompanied by a Turkish delight tasting.

What does a gym brand know about parties? Quite a bit when it’s fitness mavericks Gymbox, hosting an après-ski-themed night at iconic club Ministry of Sound. Don some tacky, fluorescent ski wear and prepare for high-energy DJ sets and similarly energetic vibes all night.

Fancy a change from the usual festive wreath? Learn to sew your own embroidered hoop adorned with seasonal motifs, giving your Xmas decs a personalised feel. This workshop is suitable for all levels (including beginners) and takes place in a cosy pub, meaning you can sew and sip.

Warm your cockles as the temperature drops by sampling fortified and dessert wines picked by the team at Jeroboams wine merchant. The selected tipples pair perfectly with festive sweet treats, such as panettone and mince pies, making them ideal to serve with Christmas dinner.

Escape London and go spot winged wonders for a day on this trip to the beautiful Welney Wetland Centre in Norfolk. You’ll be driven from Victoria Station to the birding hotspot, which houses cranes, egrets, skylarks, and marsh harriers, amongst a host of other wildlife.

Treat your eyes and nose to a handmade festive decoration by learning to craft a scented soy wax candle. The founder of posh candle company Gia Como will demonstrate how to use oils to create your own Christmas-themed aroma, resulting in a gorgeous, 45-hour-burning candle.

Get all creative at the latest Cut Out Club class, focusing on fantastical new worlds. After warm-up activities for inspiration, open your (gifted) envelope stuffed with cuttings and utilise tons of other materials, chatting with others as you craft your fantasy-themed zine.

Craft an exotic mini-garden at this class, which teaches the joys and techniques behind terrariums — the art of creating a tiny ecosystem in a glass jar. Tutors explain how to choose, layer, and landscape your plants, plus nurturing and maintenance for when you get home.

It may be called a "bus" but you’ll be doing the hard work: paddle your way between two scenic spots on the Thames in a kayak (with a partner), passing landmark sights such as the Houses of Parliament and St Paul’s Cathedral. No paddling experience is necessary.

Raise a glass to East London’s thriving craft beer scene on this tour around some of Bethnal Green’s best breweries, taprooms, and old-fashioned boozers. The starting venue is the excellent Five Points Brewery and your guide will be a certified beer sommelier.

Propel your photography into interstellar overdrive with a special workshop that reveals how to capture stunning shots of the full moon. Taking place at night, the session covers planning, setup, composition, and editing, alongside the outdoor astrophotography shoot.

Whether you’ve already got your embroidery credentials sorted or are an absolute beginner to the craft, this welcoming workshop is a chance to get creative and learn stitching techniques with exhibiting artists, perhaps even going on to collaborate on a joint piece.

Back in the 1940s, now-leafy west London suburb Acton boasted five cinemas, becoming a hotspot for movie fans at a time when the film industry was thriving. Hear the colourful history of these cinemas — which ranged from grandiose to ghastly — on a guided tour of the sites.

Soothe yourself after a busy week with an hour of exquisite piano recitals of world-famous classical works, taking place in a beautiful, candlelit church. Mozart, Chopin, and Gershwin are on the agenda, plus Beethoven’s unmistakable piano sonata nicknamed “Moonlight Sonata.”

Hear George Gershwin’s timeless composition from 1924 in the beautiful and atmospheric surrounds of Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church, lit by candles for the occasion. The talented musical ensemble bringing things to life will also perform Beethoven’s "Moonlight Sonata".