What's On In Islington

See a round-up of some of the activities and events and partner updates for this month organised by other organisations. Any queries, please contact the activity provider or organisation directly.

Let us know about any activities you'd like to include: communications@ageukislington.org.uk.

PARTNER EVENTS

Health and Nature Walks

Friday 2nd October, 10–11am

Islington Ecology Centre, Gillespie Park, 191 Drayton Park, N5 1PH

A gentle stroll around the reserve, noticing plants, birds and nature as we go. Free tea and coffee afterwards. All are welcome, dementia friendly. No need to book, just turn up! For info: 020 7527 4374 / ecologycentre@islington.gov.uk

Wednesday 28th October 2-3pm - Tree Walk

Islington Ecology Centre, 191 Drayton Park, N5 1PH

Join one of Islington's Tree Officers on this guided walk around Gillespie Park

Love U Bro Live

Sunday 4th October 9:30am-12:30pm

Emirates Stadium

A live global movement focused on connection, wellbeing and positive community impact. Designed for men, this event offers a safe, supportive space to explore what it means to heal, support one another and show up as allies in our communities. Bring a brother, a mate, a son... let’s change the conversation together. Free event for men and boys aged 16+

If you'd like to attend, you can reserve a space here Tickets

London LGBTQ+ Carers Peer-to-Peer Group

Sunday 4th October 2-4pm

London Friend, 86 Caledonian Road, N1 9DN

A supportive space for LGBTQ+ unpaid carers to connect, share experiences and support one another. For more information, contact lgbtqlondoncarers@outlook.com

Green Futures Careers Event

Monday 5th October 3-6pm

105 Victoria Street, SW1E 6QT

A large green employability fair, with the chance to meet with 40+ organisations, and hear about their jobs, apprenticeships, courses and work experience. Get hands-on experience of sustainable jobs at the included workshops. To register your attendance, visit Eventbrite link

Introduction to British Sign Language (BSL) Course

Mondays 6-8pm for eight weeks starting 5th October

Arachne Women’s Support, 13-15 Hercules Street, N7 6AT

Arachne Women’s Support is offering a free Introduction to British Sign Language course. This introductory course is perfect for anyone who wishes to learn the basics of British Sign Language, improve communication skills with the deaf community, or simply explore a new language. No prior experience is needed. 
To register or for more information, email info@arachne.org.uk or call 020 7263 6261

Composting Workshops

Tuesdays 12–2pm starting 6th October for 3 weeks or

Saturdays 1–3pm starting 10th October for 3 weeks

Octopus Community Plant Nursery, Tufnell Park Road, N7 0PH (Behind McCall House)

Come along to learn more about composting. For more information, contact helena@octopuscommunities.org.uk or see the attached poster Composting Workshop

Nature Walks

All walks led by trained nature leaders.

Gentle Walks: Monday 7th Oct 11-1pm - Regent's Canal, Monday 21st Oct 11-1pm - Mudchute City Farm

Moderate Walk: Monday 14 Oct 12-4pm - Regent’s Park Frieze Sculpture

Booking is essential. Please email info@slt.org.uk or call 020 7713 9304

Dealing with Difficult Emotions

Thursday 8th October 7-9:30pm & Saturday 18th October 10:30am-1pm

330 Caledonian Road, N1 1BB

These free workshops offer practical strategies for responding to stress, anxiety, anger, and other difficult emotions, drawing on Buddhist teachings in an accessible and contemporary way. No previous experience of meditation or Buddhism is required.

Annual Community Party

Friday 9th October, 6:30–9:30pm

Elizabeth House Community Centre, 2 Hurlock Street, London N5 1ED

Expect dance performances, food, drinks, music, magic, poetry, face painting, art and JOY! We’ll have performances from members of our community; Jeremy Corbyn will say a few words, plus a spectacular Bhangra performance from Bhangra Dance London. As always, bring a dish to share, come with your friends and family, grab a drink, meet your neighbours and get dancing!

Volunteer in the Parks

Spa Fields: 9th October 11am-1pm - Meet on the picnic benches outside the park office.
New River Walk: 9th & 23rd October 11am-1pm - Meet at the pumphouse by the Lundy Walk entrance.
Whittington Park: 2nd October 11am-1pm - Meet at the park keeper's building
Caledonian Park: 9th October 11am-1pm - Meet at the Clock Tower
Help out with gardening tasks led by a Park Ranger. No experience is needed and all tools are provided. Please wear suitable clothes.

Stuart Low Trust Events

Friday Evenings - Jean Stokes Community Centre, Caledonian Road, N1 0DX

9th October - Spooky Quiz Night with Bill
Join our Halloween-themed quiz night with prizes up for grabs.

23rd October - Glenn Bassett
Enjoy foot-tapping singalong songs from every era and maybe some original songs too.

Thursday 15th October 10am-12:30pm - Visit The Armourer’s Hall
Enjoy a trip to Armourer’s Hall, exploring the historic surroundings and learn about its history as a grade 2 listed building around since the 1300s. Booking is essential. Please email info@slt.org.uk or call 020 7713 9304

Sunday 4th & 25th October 3:30-6pm - Philosophy ForumOld Diorama Arts Centre, Euston

Philosophy Forum

Join our Philosophy discussion group and ponder the greater questions in life. Booking for the whole term is essential. Please email info@slt.org.uk or call 020 7713 9304

Free Career Workshop

Wednesday 14 October, 1:30–3pm

Whittington Park Community Centre, Upper Hocking Hall, WPCA, N19 4RS

Get practical support with your job search at this FREE career workshop, covering CVs, interview preparation, LinkedIn, smarter job search strategies and building confidence. Led by Career Strategist and Miri Elevates founder Miriam Owusu.

For local residents aged 18+, spaces are limited.

Black History Month Networking Event

Wednesday 14 October, 4:30-7:30pm

BETTER SPACE, 127 FARRINGDON ROAD, LONDON, EC1R 3DA

Join us this Black History Month for an inspiring evening exploring the power of networking and how meaningful connections can create opportunities.

Whether you're considering a side hustle, launching a business, growing your professional network, or looking to connect with like-minded individuals, this event will provide practical insights, inspiration, and valuable networking opportunities. Hear from a panel of successful entrepreneurs as they share how networking has helped shape their journeys, opened doors to new opportunities, and supported their personal and professional growth.

Open to 18+ residents of Camden, Hackney and Islington.

Baby Item Swap

Friday 16th October 11am-1pm 

The Peel, 3 Corners Centre, Northampton Road, EC1R 0HU

If you are in need of pre-loved baby/children's clothes, toys and books, come to this swap event for ages 0-8 years! Donations accepted from 1st October at The Peel or St Luke's. ***NO LARGE ITEMS OR ELECTRICALS PLEASE***

Apple Day

Sunday 18th October 12–4pm

Islington Ecology Centre, 191 Drayton Park, N5 1PH

The annual celebration of all things apples! Come and enjoy tasting heritage apple varieties as well as live music, stalls and crafts.

Tree Pit Planting

Saturday 24th October 10:45am-2pm

Whittington Park Community Centre

Create pollinator-friendly tree pits and plant them together to contribute to the creation of 7.8km of pollinator pathways in North Islington.
For more information https://www.octopuscommunities.org.uk/tree-trails-and-pollinator-pathways

SEND Club Islington

Monthly sessions; next one is Sunday 25th October, 12–1pm

Sobell Leisure Centre, Tollington Road, N7 7NY

The monthly sessions will focus on basketball. The sessions are tailored for children aged 8 to 17 years old who may be neurodivergent (including autism and ADHD), have a learning disability or visual impairment, or be D/deaf or hard of hearing.

Cost: £5.00 per participant, pay-as-you-go. Spaces are limited to 10 participants per session.

Please confirm your attendance on Spond. If you haven't received a notification, you can join via this link: https://spond.com/invite/LCNNX

For more information, follow this link Islington SEND Sports Club

Black History Month: In conversation with Author Mel Pennant

Tuesday 27th October 6:30-7:30pm

West Library, 107 Bridgeman Road, N1 1BD

Join author Mel Pennant for a fascinating talk about her latest novel, Miss Hortense and the Last Rites, the anticipated follow-up to the award-nominated ‘A Murder for Miss Hortense’. In this gripping mystery, retired Jamaican nurse turned amateur sleuth Miss Hortense races to solve a notorious gangster’s murder before becoming the next victim. Hear Mel Pennant discuss her inspiration, writing journey and the return of one of crime fiction’s most compelling new detectives.

Black History Month: Go Africa Open Book Pop Up

Wednesday 28 October 11am-7pm

Islington Central Library, 2 Fieldway Crescent, N5 1PF

In partnership with Islington Libraries, the Go Africa Takeover will host a special Open Book day, bringing together renowned authors and the community to celebrate Black literature, storytelling and the written word.
For more information, contact Islington Central Library on 020 7527 6900 or
centrallending.lib@islington.gov.uk

Health & History Walk: Elthorne Park

Friday 30th October 11am

Meet at 20 Hazelville Road, N19 3LP (outside Islington Boxing Club)

Led by Islington Guided Walks. Gentle-paced walks through green spaces with expert local history guides. For more information, visit: https://islingtonlife.london/things-todo/free-health-
and-history-walks/

Disability Benefits and Financial Support for Older People

Friday 6th November 11am-12:30pm

Dame Geraldine Hall, North Access Islington Hub, 6–9 Manor Gardens, N7 6LA

A free information session for Turkish-speaking older people, focusing on disability benefits available after State Pension age, particularly Attendance Allowance. The session will also include general information about Pension Credit and other financial support, as well as how Derman’s welfare rights service can help.

Introduction to Consent-Based Decision Making with Sociocracy

Thursday 19th November, 5-6pm

SPACE4, 113–115 Fonthill Road, London N4 3HH (black gate entrance, 2nd floor)

💷 £5 donation or deposit (refunded when you attend)

Register now

ONGOING PARTNER EVENTS

The Peel Parent Pop-in

First Friday of the month 11am-1pm

The Peel, 3 Corners Centre, Northampton Road, EC1R 0HU

Connect with other parents. Light refreshments, workshops, information and signposting. Creche available if needed. For more information, contact jeana@thepeel.org.uk

Park Run Every Saturday

Saturdays at 9am

Highbury Fields parkrun is a free 5k run/walk that happens every Saturday.

The Mum Hub

Mondays, 1:30pm to 2:30pm

Elizabeth House Community Centre, N5 1ED

The Mum Hub is a new weekly wellbeing and peer support group for mums led by a member of the Elizabeth House community. It provides a welcoming space to stretch and relax, connect with other mums, share experiences and focus on your wellbeing. Children aged 1-3 are welcome.

It costs £30/£35 per half-term membership. Free trial session available.

Booking is essential. Contact zoe.gardner@elizabeth-house.org.uk or call 020 7690 1300

Pet Food Bank

Tuesdays 10am–1pm

Mildmay Community Centre, Woodville Road, N16 8NA

If you are struggling financially to buy food for your pets, there is a weekly Pet Food Bank at Mildmay Community Centre. The Pet Food Bank is open to Islington residents, and you can drop in and sign up to receive pet food on a weekly basis. They also sometimes have random pet accessories, litter, straw and leads available on request.

Knee Class Online

Tuesdays 3-4pm

Join this class to learn some exercises to improve problems with your knees. The class is online, and you can join at any time.
Click this link to register for the class Join Class. Zoom links will be sent out on Monday evenings.

LGBTQIA+ Peer Support Group

Tuesdays 3-5pm

Manor Gardens, N7 6LA

The group has been running since December 2021 and is a supportive group for the LGBTQIA+ community. Contact Emil Berleen to do an assessment. Call 07783 149 042 or email lgbtqia.peer.support.group@gmail.com

Estorick Art Workshops

Alternate Tuesdays from now until 17th November, 3–5pm

Estorick Gallery, Highbury & Islington

Inspired by photographers Wanda and Marion Wulz. These workshops explore portraiture, Futurism, and identity through experimental photography that reimagines how we see the world.

To book your place email info@slt.org.uk or call 020 7713 9304.

Islington Leaseholders Meetings

Meetings every second Tuesday of the month

The Islington Leaseholders Association holds its meetings on the second Tuesday of every month.

All Islington council leaseholders are welcome.

For more information, visit www.ila.org.uk

Green Guardian Community Gardening Sessions

Tuesdays, from October 13th 10am - 12pm (Oct 20th 11am-1pm) Foxham Gardens, N19 4RR

Wednesdays 10am-12pm at Market Road Gardens, N7 9PW and Newington Green, N16 9PX

Free weekly community gardening sessions in Islington green spaces. Everyone is welcome; under-16s with a responsible adult, no experience needed, and there's no need to book. Gloves, tools, guidance, and refreshments are provided.
https://www.thegardenclassroom.org.uk/community/green-guardians/

Free English Classes for Women

Wednesdays now until 25th November, 10am–12pm online

Fridays now until13th November, 10am–1pm at Caxton House, St John’s Way, N19 3RQ

For more details contact zahra@kmewo.com or call 0772 421 2497.

See attached flyer ESOL Classes Online and ESOL Classes In-Person

Art at the HUB: Mixed Media

Every Wednesday, 21st October–16th December, 11am-12:30pm

Central Hub, 222 Upper Street, N1 1XR

Join this 10-week creative mixed media programme for people with early-stage dementia or mild cognitive impairment and their companions. In these sessions, you will learn a number of different art practices, including screen printing, lino printing, collage and even bookmaking - just to name a few. This programme is free of charge, and all materials are included.
For more information email christina@artsfordementia.org or call 020 3633 9954

Mindfulness Course

Wednesdays 6–7:30pm from now until 4th November

Online via Zoom

The Stress Project is offering a free 8-week Mindfulness Course. For a clinically proven practice to improve sleep and reduce anxiety, stress and depression, sign up and explore how to use mindfulness practices in your day-to-day!

Spaces are limited, so only sign up if you can commit to attending at least 6 out of the 8 sessions. Islington residents only!

Sign up here Stress Project Mindfulness

Grandma’s Soup

Thursdays 11am–1pm

Mildmay Community Centre, Woodville Road, N16 8NA

Grandma’s Soup brings older residents and university students together to prepare and share a homemade bowl of soup. During a session, we cook together, play games, chat, listen to music and, most importantly, enjoy each other’s company. For more information info@grandmassoup.co.uk or call Hannah on 07305 213 959

Open Heart Meditation: 9 Week Course

Thursdays 6:30-8:30pm from 22nd October

330 Caledonian Road, N1 1BB

Open your heart, transform your mind & discover how loving-kindness meditation brings greater warmth, compassion & connection into your life. For more information, click Meditation course