From family fun days to art exhibitions, see what’s on this autumn

We might be saying goodbye to summer, but there’s still plenty of wonderful cultural activities for all ages to enjoy and look forward to in Islington.

Take a look at our listings page and check back throughout the autumn to see what else is happening!

If you would like to submit an event to be considered for this listing, please email culture@islington.gov.uk

She Is Supported (SIS) Project with Highbury Roundhouse Youth and Community Centre

Highbury Roundhouse Youth and Community Centre, 71 Ronalds Road, N5 1XB
Tuesdays, 4.30–6.30pm

A supportive space for girls aged 10–19 to build confidence, connect with others, and take part in creative and empowering activities. Includes 1‑2‑1 mentoring and access to psychotherapy support (by referral). Led by female staff. Open to LGBTQIA+ young women.

Free for girls aged 10–19.

Find out more about the She is Supported Project and book a place

Open access youth club with Highbury Roundhouse Youth and Community Centre

Highbury Roundhouse Youth and Community Centre, 71 Ronalds Road, N5 1XB
Wednesdays, 4.30–7.30pm

A safe, relaxed space to unwind after school. Activities include PS4, table tennis, arts and crafts, chess, board games, and more.

Free for young people aged 10–19.

Find out more about open access youth club sessions at Highbury Roundhouse and book a place

Open access youth session with Highbury Roundhouse Youth and Community Centre

Highbury Roundhouse Youth and Community Centre, 71 Ronalds Road, N5 1XB
Fridays, 4.30–8.30pm

A safe, relaxed space to unwind after school. Activities include PS4, table tennis, arts and crafts, chess, board games, and more.

Free for young people aged 10–19.

Find out more about open access youth club sessions at Highbury Roundhouse and book a place.

Loving Through a Broken Heart: Palestine and Israel in the shadow of Gaza at Union Chapel

Sunday 7 September, 6.30–8.30pm (doors at 5.30pm)
Union Chapel, 19b Compton Terrace, N1 2UN

Using personal stories and images from people in the West Bank and Israel, this event will explore the current reality of life in the Holy Land for Palestinians and Israelis.

What does it mean to be committed to non-violent resistance, whilst still challenging the occupation and settler colonialism that continue to shape daily existence and threaten countless lives?

“Loving through a broken heart” is a direct quote from a resident of the West Bank. Through listening to that experience, we will ask: what should the response be from the UK? How can we engage with these issues in a meaningful way, offering solidarity and action that supports peace and justice?

Join Union Chapel in the Upper Hall for a heartfelt discussion led by Revd David Hardman, who is currently serving in the Methodist Liaison Office in Jerusalem. Refreshments and stall selling Palestinian crafts will also be available.

Free. Under-18s must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Find out more about the Loving Through a Broken Heart event and book your tickets

Life drawing

Estorick Collection of Modern Italian Art, 39a Canonbury Square, N1 2AN
15 September, 20 October, 17 November, 8 December 6.30–8.30pm

Join the Estorick Collection for an untutored life drawing session with a professional life model. 

Book your tickets for life drawing at the Estorick Collection

Union Chapel open day

Saturday 20 September, 12noon–3pm
Union Chapel,19b Compton Terrace, London N1 2UN

Discover Union Chapel’s Grade I and II* listed buildings, unique organ and 200-year legacy. There are loads of fun activities for all the family:

• Guided tours: discover our space, community and the stage that has hosted services and some of the biggest icons of music, comedy and more.

• Treasure hunt: a self-guided activity pack to explore our beautiful space, perfect for young curious minds.

• Organ recital: get a lunchtime treat from our organ students and their tutor, acclaimed concert organist Jeremiah Stephenson.

• Behind the scenes: watch mini docs, view some archive hidden gems, and chat with chapel staff about their work.

Free. Find out more about the Union Chapel open day and book your tickets

The Adventures of Joey the Clown: Telling Tales for Minis with The Charles Dickens Museum

Charles Dickens Museum, 48-49 Doughty Street, WC1N 2LX
Sunday 21 September, 11am, 1pm, 2.30pm

Join playful storyteller Olivia Armstrong for an interactive, sensory storytelling session, exploring the adventures of Charles Dickens’ favourite clown Joey Grimaldi. Sessions are for families with children aged five or under and last 40 minutes. All children must be accompanied.

Free, but booking is essential. Find out more and book your Telling Tales for Minis place.

Mixed Up Chorus with Together Productions: taster session

Community Centre, Christ Church, Highbury, Highbury Grove, N5 1SA
Tuesday 23 September, 7–9pm

The Mixed Up Chorus is launching an exciting new term this autumn! In this free taster session, taking place in the Community Centre at Christ Church, Highbury, musical director Jeremy Haneman will lead energising vocal warmups and beautiful new songs. You’ll get a sense of the character of the choir, what the term has in store, and then you can decide if you would like to join as a member.

The Mixed Up Chorus is passionate about the power of music to bring people together in the spirit of empathy and understanding. Performing global and original new music, they believe that singing next to each other helps us to live well next to each other.

The chorus welcomes people of all backgrounds, beliefs, genders, sexuality and ages (although if you’re 16 or under, please come with an adult) and all levels of singing ability. There are no auditions: a desire to take part and a love for music are the only qualities you need. All welcome.

Free. Find out more and book your tickets for the Mixed Up Chorus taster session

Choir taster session: Sing for Freedom with Together Productions

Community Centre, Christ Church Highbury, 159 Highbury Grove, N5 1SA
Thursday 25 September, 11.45am–1.45pm

The Sing for Freedom Choir is a community of torture survivors and friends who sing together in a spirit of joy and hope, in solidarity with all those who are oppressed. The choir sings for freedom and to give back a voice to those who have been silenced.

In this free taster session, taking place in the Community Centre at Christ Church, Highbury, musical director Ellen Muriel will lead energising vocal warmups and beautiful new songs. You’ll get a sense of the character of the choir, what the term has in store, and then you can decide if you would like to join as a member.

The choir welcomes people of all backgrounds, beliefs, genders, sexuality and ages (although if you’re 16 or under, please come with an adult) and all levels of singing ability. There are no auditions – a desire to take part and a love for music are the only qualities you need. All welcome.

Free. Find out more and book your place at the Sing For Freedom Choir taster session

Family art day

28 September, 26 October (Halloween session), 30 November, 14 December (Christmas session), 10am–12noon
Estorick Collection of Modern Italian Art, 39a Canonbury Square, N1 2AN

Join for a special out-of-hours gallery activity designed for children and families of all ages.

From art exhibitions to sensory play sessions, see what’s on this October in Islington