Temperatures have finally caught up with the season, the skies are grey and Halloween is just around the corner.
Though it’s tempting to hide indoors, there is lots to do in Kingston this October that does not involve your sofa. From art and antiques to Halloween fun, all of these activities will be worth leaving the house for.
Kingston antiques and vintage market
Are you a lover of curiosities, treasures, and artifacts? Then you should not miss the Antiques and Vintage Market at the Ancient Market Place in Kingston on Saturday October 21.
Traders will offer a variety of antique and vintage items, such as textiles, silverware, jewellery, vinyl records and even furniture. The market is not just an opportunity for collectors to snatch up valuables but could make a fun alternative to high street shopping where you might even find some early Christmas gifts.
Black History Month makers market
Another event that could help you cross Christmas shopping off your list early this year is the Black History Month makers market.
The community-led gallery and event space Not My Beautiful House hosts makers markets at the end of each month to celebrate local businesses and creatives. This October, in celebration of Black History Month, the market will platform Black-owned businesses.
If you want to attend the market as a trader, you can still book your stall until October 25. If you want to shop and support Black creatives, come to Not My Beautiful House in the Ancient Market in Kingston on Saturday October 28 between 10am and 4pm.
Gay Horse Halloween drag show
Same day, different vibe. Ram Jam Records is hosting a fun and frightening spectacle this October, The Gay Horse Halloween drag show.
This queer extravaganza will feature some of London’s top drag acts, music, dance, lip-syncing and a Halloween costume contest. What’s not to love? The show will take place at Ram Jam Records in Kingston on October 28, with doors opening at 2pm. Get your tickets early as the event usually sells out.
Halloween at Hampton Court Place
Something spooky is happening at Hampton Court Palace this October.
The Historic Royal Palace just across the river, and only a short bus ride from Kingston town centre, is offering a family-friendly Halloween adventure, including a ghost hunt through the haunted palace and spooky tales in the King’s Guard Chamber. Halloween activities are included in regular palace admission between October 21 and October 29.
Tickets start from £26.30 for adults and £13.10 for children.
Host & Parasites exhibition
The Stanley Picker Gallery and the Dorich House Museum are displaying pieces by Flo Kasearu and Elīna Vītola in the dual-site exhibition Host & Parasites.
You can explore Kasearu’s first UK solo show Host, featuring soap replicas of the artist’s family home, Tuesday to Saturday from 11am to 5pm at the Stanley Picker Gallery.
Kasearu’s and Vītola‘s joint exhibition Parasites, showcasing a variety of tiny objects, can be viewed at the Dorich House Museum, which is open for visitors every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11am to 5pm. Admission is free and both parts of the exhibition are on until December 22 2023.
Reporter for the Kingston Courier
