Things to Do in London This Weekend (14–15 November): Lord Mayor’s Show, Free Jazz Gigs and Winter Markets

Updated 13 Nov 2026, 11:11 · First published 13 Nov 2026

Looking for things to do in London this weekend? Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 November bring the Lord Mayor’s Show through the City, free gigs at the EFG London Jazz Festival, winter makers’ markets, a free arts festival in Finchley and the first outdoor ice rinks of the season. Here are the best picks, with plenty that won’t cost a penny.

Lord Mayor’s Show (Saturday)

The City’s biggest street party sets off from Mansion House at 11am on Saturday, with more than 7,000 people in the procession as new Lord Mayor Bronek Masojada rides in the golden state coach to the Royal Courts of Justice on the Strand. It’s free to watch, and Saturday’s sunny forecast makes it a good one to catch. Nearest stations are Bank and St Paul’s.

Read more: Andy Serkis Live at Drury Lane: Gollum Star Brings Memoir My Pressures to the West End

Free gigs at the EFG London Jazz Festival

The London Jazz Festival runs until 22 November and there are free performances this weekend. Look out for Tarana at the Southbank Centre on Saturday, Sound Lines, a five-hour showcase of vocal and percussion traditions at the Southbank Centre on Sunday, and a free live recording of BBC Radio 3’s ‘Round Midnight in the Barbican from 3pm on Sunday.

Light+Flight Festival in Finchley (free)

A former office block at Finchley Lakeside on Squires Lane, N3, becomes a free two-day arts and music festival on Saturday and Sunday, with a participatory artwork, ceramics workshops, a showcase by Art Against Knives, DJ sets and live music. You need to register through Eventbrite.

Winter markets

Christmas shopping season is here. The Crafty Fox Market is at the British Library near King’s Cross, the All Day Mini Mart is on Upper Street in Islington, and the Canada Water Craft and Flea Makers Market has more than 100 traders. On Sunday, homes across Chiswick open their doors for the Chiswick Yard Sale, selling second-hand clothes, furniture and books.

V&A East (Saturday)

New commissions about clothing and storytelling open at V&A East in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on Saturday, with artist talks in the afternoon and an evening event with drinks and music.

Go ice skating

London’s outdoor rinks are opening. Skate at Somerset House opened this week, and the rinks at Leicester Square and Glide at Battersea Power Station are already open. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland doesn’t open until Thursday 19 November.

Watch Spain v England (Sunday)

England need to beat Spain in Madrid to have a chance of winning their Nations League group. Kick-off is at 7.45pm on Sunday, live on ITV1 and ITVX – take an umbrella if you’re heading to the pub, as rain is likely on Sunday.

Sources: City of London, EFG London Jazz Festival, Southbank Centre, Barbican, V&A, Met Office. Check times with organisers before you go. Photo: Sven Hansche / Shutterstock.