Ten Things To Do in Hackney in Autumn

The days are getting colder, the nights are getting darker and people keep telling you how many days there are ‘till Christmas. Yes, that’s right, we’re officially in ‘Autumn’. Here at Hackney Post we’ve compiled a lovely list of things to keep you and your family busy during the season; so dust off the cobwebs, don your hats and scarves and get exploring Hackney! 

  1. Broadway Market. Broadway Market is a Hackney institution, so if you haven’t visited yet now’s your chance. Browse the stalls selling quality fruit and veg, fresh fish, bread, cakes and cheese – and maybe try some samples too. Autumn means harvest-time, so the fare is sure to be extra delicious. The Broadway Market takes place from 9am – 5pm every Saturday, and runs from London Fields park to the Regent’s Canal. 

Flickr/Matthew Black

  2. Gone Girl at Hackney Picturehouse. This domestic thriller based on Gillian Flynn’s bestselling novel is bound to keep you entertained on a nippy Autumn evening. Hackney Picturehouse - a relatively small, local cinema - is the perfect setting for such an intimate film. Visit Picturehouse Cinemas’ website for dates and times. 

  3. Hackney fireworks display. On Saturday 8 November you can enjoy a ‘spectacular show of fireworks set to music’ at Clissold Park, Stoke Newington. There will be illuminated stilt-walkers, an aerialist and stalls selling traditional bonfire-night fare. This is the first fireworks display in Hackney in over 10 years; here’s hoping it goes off with a bang. Gates open at 5pm and the display starts at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £7.50 for adults and £2.50 for children and must be bought in advance from the Hackney Empire box office. 

  4. Walkabout in Hackney. The weather’s getting grimmer, but that doesn’t mean fitness should go on the back-burner. This free walking tour will meet at noon every Thursday from 8 October – 18 December at St Joseph’s Café. The walkabout is a great opportunity to explore the local area, meet new people and burn a few calories. The tour is open for those aged 18-80. For more information email Charlotte Griffin.

  5. A Gothic and Ghostly Gathering - a night at The Geffrye Museum. Get geared up for Halloween with an evening of spine-tingling live music, readings, anecdotes and ballads from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries at The Geffrye Museum. The event takes at 7pm on 6 November. Tickets cost £16 and £13 for concessions and the price includes a glass of wine. 

  6. Hackney Flashers Exposed - photography exhibition. On their 40th anniversary this feminist photo-collective will discuss their work and the importance of groups like themselves. In the 1970s their exhibitions ‘Women and Work’ and ‘Who’s Holding the Baby?’ broke the mold, and art-lovers will get a chance to see them again on the day. The free talk takes place on the 12 October at 2pm at Chats Palace Arts Centre, Homerton.

  7. Luminous Lanterns workshop Looking for something to keep the kids occupied over half-term? Try the Luminous Lanterns workshop at The Geffrye Museum. Kids aged 11 and over will get the chance to create their own atmospheric lantern inspired by patterns in the museum’s collection. The workshop takes place from 2 – 4pm on 29 October. To book contact The Geffrye Museum.

  8. Verden cheese and wine bar. Enjoy some fine wine, fresh cheese and cured meat at this newly-opened bar/restaurant. Food and drink is affordable, but the decor oozes sophistication. Verden is a perfect venue for a relaxed evening with friends or a partner. You can find it on Clarence Road, Clapton. 

  9. Ghost-sign walking tour. On 2 November ‘Mr Ghostsigns’ Sam Roberts will lead a tour around Stoke Newington exploring the relics of advertisements past. This is one for the history-lover...or the advertising exec! Tickets cost £12.50 and must be booked in advance. 

Flickr/David Holt London

  10. Hot Yoga Warm yourself up this Autumn with some hot yoga. Classes are held in a room heated to 40 degrees, so you’re guaranteed to get extra sweaty as you stretch. Hotpod Yoga runs morning and evening classes at its all-new ‘Roofpod’ in London Fields. Single class passes start at £12.