What’s on this weekend in Islington & nearby (20–22 Feb 2026)
Areas covered: Islington, Barnsbury, Caledonian Road, Pentonville Road, Canonbury, Highbury, Finsbury Park, Stroud Green, Archway, Holloway, Tufnell Park, Dalston, Stoke Newington, Clerkenwell + King’s Cross.
Quick picks (if you only do 5 things):
- Big Chill Sessions (FREE) at Big Chill King’s Cross, Fri 20 Feb, 9:30pm.
- Jeff Tweedy at Islington Assembly Hall, Fri 20 Feb, 7:00pm.
- BLINK at King’s Head Theatre (Angel/Barnsbury), Fri–Sun with multiple showtimes.
- Amber Run at Union Chapel (Highbury/Canonbury), Sat 21 Feb, 7:00pm.
- Riposte – Queer Rave (5 rooms) at Elektrowerkz (Clerkenwell), Fri 20 Feb, 9:00pm–6:00am.
Note: schedules can shift. Always double-check tickets and last entry on the venue pages before you go.
What’s on in Islington This week
Friday 20 February 2026 (Islington, King’s Cross, Clerkenwell, Dalston)
Theatre & Performing Arts 🎭
American Psycho — The Musical
- Venue/Area: Almeida Theatre, Islington
- Time: 7:30pm
- Price: Ticketed
- What to expect: A dark, stylish musical adaptation in one of Islington’s top theatres.
- Notes: Book ahead. Accessibility varies by seat.
BLINK
- Venue/Area: King’s Head Theatre, Angel/Barnsbury
- Time: 3:00pm + 6:30pm
- Price: From ~£21.65
- What to expect: A tense, compact thriller with strong performances.
- Notes: Ticketed. Arrive early for best seating.
Midnight (Todrick Hall) — opening weekend run
- Venue/Area: Sadler’s Wells, Islington
- Time: Showtimes vary by date
- Price: Ticketed
- What to expect: A bold, high-energy theatre/dance spectacle.
- Notes: Check your date’s start time on the booking page.
Live Music & Gigs 🎶
Jeff Tweedy
- Venue/Area: Islington Assembly Hall, Islington
- Time: 7:00pm
- Price: Ticketed
- What to expect: Intimate, song-first set from the Wilco frontman.
- Notes: Seated/standing depends on configuration.
Ye Nuns
- Venue/Area: The Lexington, Islington
- Time: 7:00pm
- Price: Ticketed
- What to expect: Loud, fun alt/rock energy in a classic Islington gig room.
- Notes: Great pre-gig pubs nearby.
The Blue Stones
- Venue/Area: The Garage, Highbury/Islington
- Time: 7:00pm
- Price: Ticketed
- What to expect: Big riffs and a punchy live show.
- Notes: Check stage times if you’re coming after work.
The Cavemen
- Venue/Area: O2 Academy Islington, Holloway Road
- Time: 6:00pm
- Price: Ticketed
- What to expect: High-octane rock’n’roll set.
- Notes: Strict ID checks.
Nightlife & Clubs 🪩
Big Chill Sessions with DJ Pedro Suave (FREE)
- Venue/Area: Big Chill King’s Cross (Pentonville Road)
- Time: 9:30pm (18+)
- Price: Free entry
- What to expect: Open-format Friday energy, rooftop-to-basement vibes.
- Notes: No ID = no entry. Arrive early.
SAIYA’s SYCKMAN SOIRÉE (FREE)
- Venue/Area: Big Chill King’s Cross
- Time: 9:30pm–3:00am
- Price: Free entry
- What to expect: Hip-hop/R&B/Afrobeats/
Caribbean, big party feel. - Notes: 18+. Expect queues after 11.
All About House
- Venue/Area: Egg London (King’s Cross)
- Time: 10:00pm–6:00am
- Price: £5 before 11pm (plus drink promos)
- What to expect: House-focused night, late finish, serious sounds.
- Notes: Last entry rules apply. 18+.
Riposte – Queer Rave (5 rooms)
- Venue/Area: Elektrowerkz, Clerkenwell/Islington border
- Time: 9:00pm–6:00am
- Price: Ticketed
- Line-up: Evissimax, LCN + many more
- What to expect: Techno, performances, workshops, market stalls.
- Notes: 18+. Theme: “Justice Is Served”.
Comedy 😂
Magic Dyke (comedy night)
- Venue/Area: Pleasance Theatre, Islington
- Time: 9:00pm
- Price: Ticketed
- What to expect: Sharp stand-up with a playful, alternative edge.
- Notes: Great late-night option after dinner.
Late-night cocktails (after everything) 🍸
Supermax (late-night disco bar)
- Area: King’s Cross (Coal Drops Yard area)
- Hours: 5:00pm–1:00am (Fri/Sat)
- What to expect: Cocktails, DJs, dancing, hidden basement energy.
Saturday 21 February 2026 (Finsbury Park, Highbury, Dalston, King’s Cross, Islington)
Theatre & Performing Arts 🎭
BLINK
- Venue/Area: King’s Head Theatre, Angel/Barnsbury
- Time: 3:00pm + 6:30pm
- Price: From ~£21.65
- What to expect: Fast, gripping thriller.
- Notes: Ticketed.
My White Best Friend
- Venue/Area: Park Theatre, Finsbury Park/Stroud Green
- Time: 3:00pm + 7:30pm
- Price: Ticketed
- What to expect: A modern, thoughtful play with bite.
- Notes: Easy walk from Finsbury Park station.
Rabbit Hole
- Venue/Area: Arcola Theatre, Dalston
- Time: 3:00pm + 7:30pm
- Price: Ticketed
- What to expect: Bold contemporary theatre in a local favourite venue.
- Notes: Good for a Dalston dinner-and-show plan.
Live Music & Gigs 🎶
Amber Run
- Venue/Area: Union Chapel, Highbury/Canonbury
- Time: 7:00pm
- Price: Ticketed
- What to expect: Emotional indie in one of London’s best-sounding rooms.
- Notes: Arrive early for good views.
Philip Selway
- Venue/Area: The Garage, Highbury/Islington
- Time: 7:00pm
- Price: Ticketed
- What to expect: Atmospheric, songwriter-led set.
- Notes: Great with a pre-gig drink on Upper Street.
Nightlife & Clubs 🪩
SAMAGGI FEST
- Venue/Area: Scala, King’s Cross / Pentonville Road
- Time: 6:00pm–3:30am
- Price: Listed from ~£75.19 (concert ticket)
- What to expect: Big-scale party production across the night.
- Notes: 18+. Lots of stairs, no lift.
Nights 006 (Afterparty)
- Venue/Area: Scala, King’s Cross
- Time: 11:00pm–3:30am
- Price: Listed ~£30.66
- What to expect: Late-night continuation for the night crowd.
- Notes: Last entry 12am (per listing).
HUNTER: Saturday Stud Alley
- Venue/Area: Elektrowerkz, Clerkenwell
- Time: 8:00pm–3:00am
- Price: Ticketed
- Music: House / industrial
- What to expect: Fetish-focused club night with strict dress code.
- Notes: Read rules carefully before you go.
SLIMELIGHT
- Venue/Area: Elektrowerkz, Clerkenwell
- Time: 10:00pm–6:00am
- Price: Ticketed
- What to expect: Legendary alternative/LGBTQ+ friendly late-night.
- Notes: 18+. Expect queues.
The Cross (FYI)
- Venue/Area: The Cross, King’s Cross
- Time: 6:00pm
- Status: Closed for a private event
- Tip: Swap to Scala or Egg nearby instead.
Markets & Community 🌿
Islington Farmers’ Market (Chapel Market)
- Area: Angel / Islington
- Time: 10:00am–2:00pm (Sat)
- What to expect: Proper produce, baked goods, and street-food energy.
Canopy Market (King’s Cross)
- Area: Granary Square / King’s Cross
- Time: 11:00am–6:00pm (Sat & Sun)
- What to expect: Street food, small makers, easy weekend browsing.
Urban Food Fest (Islington Square)
- Area: Islington Square
- Time: 11:00am–10:00pm (Sat)
- What to expect: Food stalls plus a lively weekend crowd.
Angel Central Sustainable Market
- Area: Angel Central, Islington
- Time: 11:00am–6:00pm (Sat & Sun)
- What to expect: Local makers and a greener shopping vibe.
Family-friendly (Half-term week) 👨👩👧👦
Little Angel Theatre: The Everywhere Bear (from Fri 20 Feb)
- Area: Angel / Islington
- Time: Performance times vary
- What to expect: A warm, kids-first theatre trip.
- Notes: Book ahead for weekend slots.
King’s Cross: Half-term art workshops (18–22 Feb)
- Area: Coal Drops Yard / King’s Cross
- Price: Often free (check event page)
- What to expect: Drop-in creativity for kids during half-term.
Equanimity Festival (last weekend)
- Area: King’s Cross Central
- Dates: Running until 22 Feb 2026
- What to expect: Wellness experiences, resets, and pop-up moments.
Outdoors (easy wins) 🌳
Parkland Walk (good for a long stroll)
- Areas: Finsbury Park ↔ Highgate (via Archway area)
- What to expect: Leafy, traffic-free path with big “escape the city” energy.
Sunday 22 February 2026 (Angel, Barnsbury, King’s Cross, Clerkenwell, Dalston)
Theatre & Performing Arts 🎭
BLINK
- Venue/Area: King’s Head Theatre, Angel/Barnsbury
- Time: 1:00pm
- Price: From ~£21.65
- What to expect: Perfect early-afternoon theatre, then a roast nearby.
Food & Drink Events 🍽️
Sessions Arts Club “Great Roast” Sunday (guest chef takeover)
- Area: Clerkenwell
- Time: Sunday service (check booking)
- What to expect: A special Sunday roast event in a beautiful space.
Markets & Community 🌿
Canopy Market (King’s Cross)
- Time: 11:00am–6:00pm
Angel Central Sustainable Market
- Time: 11:00am–6:00pm
Urban Food Fest (Islington Square)
- Time: 12:00pm–6:00pm (Sun)
LGBTQ+ friendly plans 🏳️🌈
Electrowerkz late-night (Saturday into Sunday)
- What to expect: One of London’s most iconic alternative/LGBTQ+ nights.
Big city “bonus” (easy Tube from King’s Cross) 🎉
Lunar New Year weekend celebrations
- What to expect: Major city-wide events and a big parade vibe.
- Notes: Expect crowds and busy transport.
Where to eat, drink, and recover (local-friendly picks)
Brunch (including “bottomless” style options)
- Megan’s at the Sorting Office (Islington) is flagged for weekend brunch, including a bottomless option in listings.
- For broader “best brunch” inspiration (including London-wide picks), Time Out updates a running list.
Sunday roast (Islington classics)
- The Pig and Butcher (Islington) serves its Sunday roast menu until 9pm.
- For more Islington roast inspiration, The Nudge highlights roasts like The Drapers Arms and others.
- Hot Dinners also rounds up London roast heavy-hitters, including Islington mentions.
Late-night cocktail bars (King’s Cross)
- Supermax: cocktails + DJs + dancing, open Fri/Sat until 1am.
- Big Chill King’s Cross: late DJs, plus big weekend energy on Pentonville Road.
Michelin Guide “book-ahead” (Clerkenwell)
- St. JOHN (Smithfield/Clerkenwell) is a Michelin One Star restaurant.
Vegan-friendly ideas (nearby)
- Tofu Vegan (Islington) is regularly listed as a local go-to.
- Mildreds (King’s Cross) is a reliable plant-based option near the stations.
Budget eats (quick + filling)
- For wallet-friendly ideas around Islington, use local “cheap eats” roundups as a jumping-off point.
Mini itineraries (so your weekend feels effortless)
Date night (Friday)
Almeida 7:30pm → Big Chill Sessions 9:30pm (FREE) → Supermax last dance.
Big night out (Friday)
Dinner in King’s Cross → Riposte at Elektrowerkz 9pm–6am → late coffee near Exmouth Market.
Family half-term (Saturday daytime)
Canopy Market lunch → Angel Central market browse → Little Angel Theatre.
Sunday reset
Parkland Walk → Great Roast in Clerkenwell → early BLINK matinee.
Helpful “near me”
What’s on near Angel station this weekend?
BLINK at King’s Head, Islington Farmers’ Market (Sat), Little Angel Theatre family shows, plus easy walks to the Almeida.
What’s on near King’s Cross station this weekend?
Scala club events, Big Chill DJ nights, Canopy Market, Supermax, plus half-term activities in Coal Drops Yard.
*Curated by Islington Local Guide your local trusted guide for events and things to do in and around islington.
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