NORTH & EAST LONDON WEEKLY EVENTS GUIDE

Islington events this week 1st-7th Dec 2025

Your Complete Guide to Islington, Highbury, Finsbury Park, Dalston, Hackney, Stoke Newington, Shoreditch, Clerkenwell, Farringdon, Kings Cross, Holloway, Archway & Hoxton
 MONDAY, DECEMBER 1ST

 Theatre & Performing Arts

Matthew Bourne’s The Red Shoes

Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Islington
7:30 PM |  From £19

Matthew Bourne’s Olivier Award-winning adaptation tells a fairytale about obsession, artistry, and the price of passion through dance and production . Running through January 2026, this spectacular show features the red shoes as a transformative gift that begins an unstoppable dance.
Family-Friendly: Ages 8+
Accessible: Wheelchair access in Stalls

Sadlers wells

Christmas Day (World Premiere)

Almeida Theatre, Islington
7:30 PM |  Tickets available

Sam Grabiner’s viciously funny new play about a Jewish family gathering on Christmas Day features Nigel Lindsay, Bel Powley, and Samuel Blenkin . This is a world premiere production running through January.
Age 15+ (contains mature themes, nudity, drug references)

Almeida theatre

Quartet for the End of Time

Fabric, Farringdon
7:00 PM |  Tickets available
An extraordinary evening of classical music in a legendary nightclub setting. Ensemble Mi performs Messiaen’s masterpiece, followed by live improvisations from electronic pioneers Jon Hopkins, Leo Abrahams, and Maddie Ashman.
Special: Rare classical music in iconic club venue

https://www.fabriclondon.com

The Fit Prince

King’s Head Theatre, Islington
7:00 PM |  From £13
Running from December 2nd to January 3rd  , this festive production brings holiday magic to the newly renovated King’s Head Theatre in Islington Square.
LGBTQ+ Friendly: Theatre champions queer work

Live Music

Lexington Pop Quiz with Paul Guided Missile

The Lexington, Islington
8:00 PM |  Entry varies
Weekly Monday night quiz hosted by Paul Guided Missile . Combine your love of music trivia with craft beers and bourbon in this intimate music venue.

 Pubs & Social

Weekly Pub Quizzes Across the Area
Multiple venues across Islington, Hackney, and Shoreditch host Monday quiz nights. Check out The Narrowboat (Islington), The Duke of Wellington (Dalston), and various Angel Comedy venues for free quiz entertainment.
Many dog-friendly options available

 

 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2ND

 Theatre & Performing Arts

Matthew Bourne’s The Red Shoes

Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Islington
7:30 PM |  From £19
Second night of this breathtaking dance production. When she puts on the red shoes, the dancing begins and cannot stop.
Family-Friendly: Perfect for ballet lovers ages 8+

Christmas Day

Almeida Theatre, Islington
7:30 PM |  Tickets available
Continue the darkly comic journey of this Jewish family’s Christmas gathering above the Northern Line.
The Fit Prince
King’s Head Theatre, Islington
7:00 PM |  From £13
Festive theatre continues at this historic LGBTQ+ venue.
LGBTQ+ Friendly

Live Music

Mên An Tol

The Lexington, Islington
7:30 PM |  Tickets available
Live gig featuring Mên An Tol  at this intimate North London music venue known for supporting emerging artists.

October Drift

The Garage, Highbury
7:00 PM |  Tickets available
October Drift performs at The Garage , an iconic indie and rock venue that’s been a rite of passage for bands since 1993.
Music Venue Capacity: 600

Comedy

Comedy Incorporated

Islington Radio Cafe, Islington
8:00 PM |  Check venue
Weekly comedy night every Wednesday at the Islington Radio Cafe . Mix of established and up-and-coming comedians.

 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3RD

 Theatre & Performing Arts

Matthew Bourne’s The Red Shoes

Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Islington
7:30 PM |  From £19
Midweek performance of this Olivier Award-winning production.

Christmas Day

Almeida Theatre, Islington
7:30 PM |  Tickets available
The family dysfunction continues in Sam Grabiner’s sharp new play.

The Fit Prince

King’s Head Theatre, Islington
7:00 PM |  From £13
Festive fun continues in Islington Square’s newest theatre.

Live Music

Teen Suicide

The Garage, Highbury
7:00 PM |  Tickets available
Teen Suicide performs at The Garage  in this intimate 600-capacity venue.

Comedy

Hackney Comedy Club – New Material Night

Hackney Comedy Club, Hackney
8:00 PM |  Affordable tickets
New material night every Wednesday featuring some of the finest comedians trying out new jokes . See future stars test fresh material.

Comedy Rumblings

The Crown,
8:00 PM |  Entry varies
Comedy Rumblings runs on Wednesdays at The Crown . Mixed bill of established and new talent.

Community Events

Clerkenwell Festive Event

Clerkenwell Green, EC1
4:00-7:00 PM |  FREE
Wreath making, face painting, carols and live music. Stalls from local businesses with Santa handing out mince pies and toys . Perfect evening for families to kick off the festive season.
Family-Friendly
Festive Activities

 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4TH

 Theatre & Performing Arts

Matthew Bourne’s The Red Shoes

Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Islington
7:30 PM |  From £19
Continue following this mesmerizing dance journey.

Christmas Day

Almeida Theatre, Islington
7:30 PM |  Tickets available
Grab tickets while you can for this critically acclaimed world premiere.

The Fit Prince

King’s Head Theatre, Islington
7:00 PM |  From £13
Festive theatre in the heart of Islington.

Live Music

End Of The Road Xmas with M(h)aol, Gans, Maddie Ashman

The Lexington, Islington
7:00 PM |  Tickets available
Special Christmas edition featuring M(h)aol, Gans, and Maddie Ashman . Festive indie vibes at one of North London’s best small venues.

 Nightlife & Clubs

Lexmas Lates

The Lexington, Islington
11:00 PM |  Entry fee
Late night Christmas party at The Lexington . Dance until the early hours with festive DJs.

Comedy

Comedy Odyssey

The Salisbury, Various
8:00 PM |  Check venue
Twice monthly comedy on the first and third Thursdays at The Salisbury . Mixed bill featuring circuit regulars.
Pub Quizzes
Various venues across Islington and Hackney host Thursday quiz nights, including The Baring (Shoreditch) which also welcomes dogs.

 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5TH

Theatre & Performing Arts

Matthew Bourne’s The Red Shoes

Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Islington
7:30 PM |  From £19
Friday night at the ballet – a perfect date night option.
Date Night Recommended

Christmas Day

Almeida Theatre, Islington
7:30 PM |  Tickets available
Start your weekend with this provocative new play.

The Fit Prince

King’s Head Theatre, Islington
7:00 PM |  From £13
Festive Friday performance.

Live Music

The Christmas Party 2025

The Lexington, Islington
7:30 PM |  Tickets available
Special Christmas party night with live music . Get into the holiday spirit with local bands.

The Wurzels

The Garage, Highbury
7:00 PM |  Tickets available
The legendary Wurzels bring their unique brand of entertainment to The Garage . Expect Scrumpy & Western fun!

 Nightlife & Clubs

White Heat Club

The Lexington, Islington
11:00 PM |  Entry fee
Late night club session following the live music . Dance to indie and alternative hits.

Fabric Friday

Fabric, Farringdon
11:00 PM-6:00 AM |  £15-25
One of London’s most legendary club nights. Three rooms of cutting-edge electronic music featuring world-class DJs.
Music: Techno, House, Electronic
Age 19+

LGBTQ+ Events

Queer Night at Dalston Superstore

Dalston Superstore, Dalston
10:00 PM onwards |  Entry varies
Dalston Superstore is a queer café/bar by day hosting drag queen brunches, turning into a club at night with pop upstairs and techno downstairs  . A special favorite of the LGBTQ+ community.
LGBTQ+ Venue

 SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6TH

Theatre & Performing Arts

Matthew Bourne’s The Red Shoes (Matinee & Evening)

Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Islington
2:30 PM & 7:30 PM |  From £19
Two chances to catch this spectacular show on Saturday.
Family-Friendly: Matinee perfect for families

Christmas Day

Almeida Theatre, Islington
7:30 PM |  Tickets available
Weekend performance of this critically acclaimed production.

The Fit Prince

King’s Head Theatre, Islington
Multiple times |  From £13
Weekend performances available – check venue for times.

Live Music

Wasted Youth, The DeRellas

The Lexington, Islington
7:00 PM |  Tickets available
Live gig featuring Wasted Youth and The DeRellas . Punk and indie vibes in this intimate venue.

Nightlife & Clubs

Poppin’ Off: A 90s Night

The Lexington, Islington
11:00 PM |  Entry fee
90s themed club night . Dance to the best of Britpop, hip-hop, and 90s anthems.
Music: 90s Classics

Fabric Saturday

Fabric, Farringdon
11:00 PM-8:00 AM |  £15-25
The biggest night of the week at Fabric. Three rooms featuring the world’s top DJs spinning house, techno, and bass music.
Legendary Soundsystem

Community & Markets

Islington Square Saturday Market

Islington Square, Upper Street
11:00 AM-5:00 PM |  FREE
Urban Food Fest market featuring street food, desserts, artisanal products and arts and crafts with child-friendly workshops and colouring stations  . Relax in the vintage furniture area while enjoying local makers’ stalls.
Family-Friendly: Kids’ workshops available
Food: Street food from around the world
Dog-Friendly

TOAST Festive Market

Kachette, Shoreditch
11:00 AM-6:00 PM |  FREE
Independent makers celebrated at TOAST Festive Market in its new Shoreditch home during the first week of December . Perfect for unique Christmas shopping.
Shopping: Independent makers

LGBTQ+ Events

Dalston Superstore Saturday

Dalston Superstore, Dalston
10:00 PM onwards |  Entry varies
Prime night at this beloved queer venue. Mixed music across two floors.
LGBTQ+ Venue

 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7TH

Theatre & Performing Arts

Matthew Bourne’s The Red Shoes (Matinee & Evening)

Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Islington
2:00 PM & 7:00 PM |  From £19
Final performances of the week for this award-winning production.
Family-Friendly

Christmas Day

Almeida Theatre, Islington
3:00 PM |  Tickets available
Sunday matinee performance.

The Fit Prince

King’s Head Theatre, Islington
Multiple times |  From £13
Sundays at the theatre – check for matinee and evening showtimes.

Live Music

Ziynet Sali Concert

Islington Assembly Hall, Islington
7:00 PM |  Tickets available
Special concert event at the stunning Grade II listed Islington Assembly Hall  with its beautiful art deco interior.
Capacity: 800 (600 standing, 200 seated balcony)
Age 16+

Islington Assembly Hall

Community & Markets

Islington Square Sunday Market

Islington Square, Upper Street
11:00 AM-5:00 PM |  FREE
Final market day of the week featuring street food and artisan goods. Perfect for a lazy Sunday browse.
Family-Friendly
Dog-Friendly

 Sunday Roasts & Pubs

 

Traditional Sunday Roasts Across the Area

Many pubs serve exceptional Sunday roasts – here are the best dog-friendly options:

The Albion

10 Thornhill Road, Islington
Georgian pub with wisteria-covered entrance, plush armchairs, walled garden and acclaimed roast menu with generous sides . Dogs receive treats and attention from staff.
Dog-Friendly: Water bowls, treats provided
Roast: Generous portions with all the trimmings

The Narrowboat

119 St Peter’s Street, Islington
Located right on Regent’s Canal with terrace seating, offering doggie water bowls, biscuits and blankets on cold days . Perfect after a canal walk.
Dog-Friendly: Very welcoming
Location: Regent’s Canal

The Drapers Arms

44 Barnsbury Street, Islington
Traditional British pub with huge dog-friendly garden that’s a sun trap in summer, serving Sunday roasts for all dietary requirements .
Dog-Friendly: Large garden
Menu: Dietary options available

The Duke of Cambridge

30 St Peters Street, Islington
Britain’s first certified organic pub with carefully curated seasonal menu from local organic farmers, near Islington Boat Club .
Dog-Friendly
Organic & Local

The Pig and Butcher

Islington
Laid back country-style pub opened in 2012, showcasing the best farms in the UK with craft beers and family-owned vineyard wines .
Dog-Friendly
Excellent Wine Selection

 WEEKLY RECURRING EVENTS

 Comedy Venues

Angel Comedy at The Bill Murray Bar

Essex Road, Islington
Nightly shows, 7 days a week
Affordable tickets
Islington’s go-to spot for nightly laughs and quality cocktails with ever-changing lineup, beer garden and late license . One of London’s premier comedy destinations.
Full Bar

Poster Comedy Club

Poster Hauss, 182 Stoke Newington Road, Hackney
Shows 4 nights a week
FREE (1 drink minimum)
Hackney’s premier stand-up spot featuring London’s rising stars and big names from Live at the Apollo in basement venue with authentic vibes .
Happy Hour: 5-8pm – 2 cocktails £14, 20% off pizza

City Comedy Club

Shoreditch
Regular shows
Best value tickets in London
Celebrity mystery guests from Live at the Apollo, Mock the Week, Joe Rogan Podcast and Comedy Central . Top-notch stand-up in the heart of Shoreditch.

LGBTQ+ Venues & Weekly Events

Dalston Superstore

Kingsland High Street, Dalston
Café by day, club by night
Multipurpose queer venue hosting fierce drag brunches, club nights, queer DJ sets. BodySwap on Wednesdays raises donations for trans person’s transition funds  . Cult-status drag brunch is a must-visit.
LGBTQ+ Venue
Drag Brunch: Weekends

LGBTQ+ Venue

The Queen Adelaide

Hackney
Resurrected from the ashes of popular George and Dragon, bringing the party back to Hackney .
LGBTQ+ Venue

Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club

Bethnal Green
Known for hosting some of the best LGBTQIA+ parties with cabaret, clubbing and karaoke . Mixed clientele, always a strong choice for queer nights out.
LGBTQ+ Events

Queer Comedy Club

Hoxton Cabin (Monthly – 2nd Tuesday)

Free – £7.70
Monthly stand-up show bringing together the funniest LGBTQ+ voices celebrating all things queer .

LGBTQ+ Comedy

The Common Press

Shoreditch
Daytime events
Varies by event
London’s first consciously queer and intersectional bookshop championing authors from marginalised backgrounds, hosting dance classes, workshops and parties  .
LGBTQ+ Bookshop
Events: Yoga, salsa, vogueing, writing circles

Major Club Venues

Fabric

77a Charterhouse Street, Farringdon
Friday & Saturday nights
£15-25
One of the world’s most legendary club venues with three distinct rooms and a cutting-edge sound system. Hosts international DJ talent spinning techno, house, and electronic music.
World-Class Sound System
Age 19+

XOYO

Shoreditch
Cutting-edge electronic music venue hosting club nights and DJ sets throughout the week.

Scala

Kings Cross
Multi-level venue hosting club nights, live music, and special events.

 

Egg Club London

Kings Cross
Multi-room club venue known for house and techno.

 

Elektrowerkz

Angel, Islington
Industrial space hosting alternative club nights and live music.
Alternative Scene

DOG-FRIENDLY HIGHLIGHTS

Top Dog-Friendly Pubs for Events

The Star by Hackney Downs

Hackney
Features a doggy wall of fame, free treats behind the bar and even a yearly dog show, plus mouthwatering street food .

 

Homeboy Islington

Islington
Doggo Treats and water bowls waiting, with garlic cheese fries, hefty burgers, cocktails and Guinness .
Treats Provided

 

The Betjeman Arms

Kings Cross
Grade I-listed building with leather booths, outdoor terrace, signature cocktails in Kings Cross .
Dog-Friendly

 

The Alwyne Castle

Highbury Fields, Islington
Perfect after a walk around Highbury Fields. Hearty pub classics, bottomless brunch, and Sunday roasts.
Dog-Friendly

 

The Foxglove

209-211 Liverpool Road, Islington
Calls itself “the dog friendliest pub in Islington” with craft beers from small producers, seasonal food Thursday-Sunday and famous Sunday roasts .
Most Dog-Friendly in Islington
Live Music & Quiz Nights

FAMILY-FRIENDLY HIGHLIGHTS

Weekend Activities

Islington Square Saturday Market

Perfect for families with kids’ workshops, colouring stations, street food, and vintage furniture seating areas.
Workshops for Children

Highbury Fields

Large park perfect for family walks, picnics, and outdoor play. Several family-friendly pubs nearby.

Regent’s Canal Walks

 

Beautiful canal walks from Kings Cross through Islington to Hackney. Stop at canal-side pubs like The Narrowboat.

Theatre Matinees
Both Sadler’s Wells and King’s Head Theatre offer family-friendly matinee performances on weekends.
Matinee Shows

FOOD & DRINK HIGHLIGHTS

Mare Street Market

Hackney
Emporium of food, drinks and retail with multiple vendors, perfect for Christmas parties and events .
Multiple Cuisines

Street Food at Markets

Islington Square Market every Saturday features diverse street food from cheeses and meats to desserts and cakes.

Sunday Roasts

The area is famous for exceptional Sunday roasts – see the detailed pub listings above for the best options.

BOOKING & PRACTICAL INFO

Theatre Booking

•    Sadler’s Wells: Book online or call box office
•    Almeida Theatre: Advance booking recommended
•    King’s Head Theatre: Heavily subsidised tickets for unemployed people, new residents and under 18s

Getting Around

•    Tube: Angel (Northern), Highbury & Islington (Victoria/Overground), Old Street (Northern), Kings Cross (Multiple lines)
•    Overground: Dalston Junction, Hackney Downs, Stoke Newington
•    Buses: Extensive coverage on Upper Street, Kingsland Road, Mare Street
Accessibility
•    King’s Head Theatre: First time in theatre’s history with lift access, making it as accessible and inclusive as possible
•    Sadler’s Wells: Wheelchair access in Stalls
•    Islington Assembly Hall: Contact venue for accessibility support

 STAY CONNECTED

Follow venues on social media for last-minute shows, special guests, and ticket offers:
•    @SadlersWells
•    @Almeidatheatre
•    @KingsHeadThtr
•    @TheLexingtonLDN
•    @TheGarageLondon
•    @Fabriclondon

•    @islington_local_guide

DON’T MISS THIS WEEK:

 

Hackney empire

Cinderella pantomime runs through December 31st with performances on Wednesday December 3rd at 7:00pm, Thursday December 4th at 7:00pm, Friday December 5th at 7:00pm, and Saturday December 6th at 1:30pm , featuring Kat B and George Heyworth as the Ugly Sisters.

Union Chapel

• Monday, December 1st – Judy Collins performing
• Tuesday, December 2nd – Rebecca Ferguson: Celebrating Christmas
• Wednesday, December 3rd – Thomas Trotter Organ Recital with guided tour
• Friday, December 5th – Benjamin Francis Leftwich with Chris Brain and Lockeland Strings
• Saturday, December 6th – Live at The Chapel with Simon Amstell at 7:45pm, featuring Lou Sanders, Catherine Bohart, and Ania Magliano

Hen and Chickens Theatre

• Monday, December 1st – Six Degrees of Improvisation at 7:30pm where five improvisers race to connect two Google search terms in six degrees
• December 5th and 7th – The Mask Policy at 3:30pm, a darkly funny look at a London adult film company
• December 7th at 7:30pm – A show about performance

The Cross Nightclub, King’s Cross

The Cross features regular Friday and Saturday night club events. They host various DJ nights including events from brands like Cash Only and John Jones , with multiple floors including a basement club, ground floor bar, first-floor restaurant, and rooftop terrace.

Coal Drops Yard, King’s Cross

Multiple festive events throughout the week:
• Christmas under the Canopy Market runs Tuesday to Sunday from November 28th to December 22nd, featuring artisan traders, food stalls, and live music
• Lower Stable Street Christmas Market operates Thursdays and Fridays 12pm-7pm, Saturdays and Sundays 11am-6pm through December 21st
• Saturday, December 6th – Illustrators Fair, 11am-5pm – London’s largest illustration fair with over 120 artists
• December 5-7 – Christmas Charity Super.Mkt at The Crossing, 10am-5pm, featuring quality second-hand fashion and accessories from top charity retailers
• Sunday, December 7th – Crafty Fox Christmas Market at The Crossing with 100+ designers and makers
• Club Curling has returned with an immersive Club Curling Lounge featuring festive science experiments

O2 Academy Islington

• Sunday, November 30th – Talisk: 10th Anniversary Tour at 7:00pm
• Tuesday, December 2nd – Julia Wolf, Scro, and Mirrortalk (cancelled)
• Wednesday, December 3rd – Adept: Blood Covenant EU/UK Tour 2025
• Thursday, December 4th – The Icicle Works
• Friday, December 5th – The Twang and Empathy Test
• Saturday, December 6th – EMO FESTIVAL 2025

The Roundhouse, Camden

• Saturday, December 7th – Landmvrks (French metalcore band) performing

Other Notable London Events (December 1-7)

• Saturday, December 6th – South Bank Christmas celebration with live music featuring Christmas favourites and art activities for children, 12:30pm-5:30pm (free)

• Saturday-Sunday, December 6-7 – Nearly 40 local artists and makers hosting an E8 art trail with over 30 addresses to visit

• Saturday, December 7th – SoLo Craft Fair Christmas Market at Leadenhall Market offering handmade goods

• Christmas ice rinks throughout December at Somerset House, Leicester Square (new for 2025), Battersea Power Station, Hampton Court Palace, and Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

• Royal Hospital Chelsea light trail runs until December 28th with a 1.5km trail featuring large-scale installations, interactive art, and a winter market

The city is in full festive mode with Christmas lights displays, markets, ice skating, and holiday performances throughout the week!
Enjoy your week in North & East London! 

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•    Things to do in Islington this weekend
•    Best comedy clubs North London
•    Dog-friendly Sunday roast Islington
•    LGBTQ bars Dalston Shoreditch
•    Family events Hackney December
•    Live music venues Kings Cross
•    Pub quiz Islington Monday night
•    Club nights Farringdon weekend
•    Theatre shows Islington December 2025
•    What’s on Shoreditch tonight
•    Best nightlife East London
•    Indie gigs Highbury Islington
•    Christmas markets North London
•    Weekend brunch dog-friendly Hackney
•    Stand-up comedy Stoke Newington
•    Date night ideas Islington
•    Free events Clerkenwell
•    Techno clubs London Fabric
•    Dance performances Sadler’s Wells
•    Alternative nights Angel Islington

Islington events this week 1st-7th Dec 2025

Islington events this week 1st-7th Dec 2025