October in London is a symphony of cultural refinement and seasonal allure, where the city’s elegant charm reaches new heights. The golden hues of autumn drape the streets and parks in a soft, romantic light—Hyde Park and Kew Gardens are especially irresistible for a contemplative stroll. This is also the perfect moment to savor London’s architectural grandeur, from the regal halls of Buckingham Palace to the storied Tower of London. With fewer crowds, you can explore the British Museum or take in the latest cutting-edge art exhibitions with a sense of exclusivity that summer rarely affords.
As the social calendar fills, October brings a wealth of unmissable events for those in the know. The BFI London Film Festival attracts an international crowd of cinephiles, celebrities, and industry insiders, while Halloween-inspired soirées and immersive experiences such as the London Dungeon offer just the right touch of theatrical indulgence. Culinary aficionados will delight in the seasonal flavors showcased in London's top restaurants, where autumnal menus pair beautifully with the city’s impeccable service and ambiance. For the discerning traveler, this is London at its most sophisticated.
Culture
Frieze London 2024 - 9th-13th of October
Regarded as one of the most important contemporary art fairs globally, Frieze London unites some of the world's best galleries in Regent's Park. Expect bold statements, cutting-edge installations, and must-see artworks from leading and emerging artists.
Celebrate Black culture and history during Black History Month with a series of free events, exhibitions, and live performances across the city. From music and art to educational talks, this month highlights the contributions of Black Britons and provides an inspiring celebration of heritage and history. Our recommendations include City of London: Slave Trade Money Trail Tour; Culture Mile BID Black History Walking Tour; or attend the Royal African Society’s annual film festival on the 25th of October.
Take part in the Royal Parks Half Marathon: Run for great causes in the leafy surrounds of London's beautiful parks. 13 Oct
Attend the Southbank Centre's London Literature Festival: See prestigious authors, rising literary stars and inspiring speakers. 22 Oct-3 Nov
Immerse yourself in the cultural diversity of London at Diwali, the festival of lights: Experience exciting performances and activities in Trafalgar Square. 27 Oct
Making a rukus! Black Queer Histories through Love and Resistance is heading to from 11 October, find our full coverage here.
Halloween
Clink Prison Museum and the Jack the Ripper Museum.
Head up to Sky Garden to take part in their annual Halloween x Day Of The Dead shubz with a view.
See a chilling performance of Henry James’ The Turn Of The Screw at the Coliseum theatre (October 11-31) – the story of which Netflix’s The Haunting of Bly Manor was based on!
Catch a horror film at Rooftop Film Club in Peckham, which is showing Maxxxine, Scream, Joker: Foile à Deux and more throughout the month!
Alcotraz immersive prison cocktail experience.
The London Dungeon: Discover the terrifying history behind London at this must-see experience.
Indulge at an unusual afternoon tea: Cast spells to retrieve your treats at Wands and Wizard Emporium or feast on a Sci-Fi Afternoon Tea at The Ampersand Hotel.
Embrace family fun on the Belgravia Pumpkin Trail: Seek out the vibrant displays, take selfies and have a frightening amount of fun.
Head to Halloween at Kew for a spooktacular celebration: See grinning pumpkins, flickering flames and a number of light installations at the famed gardens.
Musicals and theatre shows
See Elton John’s music adaptation of hit noughties comedy ‘The Devil Wears Prada’
Watch ‘Planet Earth III’ scored by a live orchestra
Be dazzled by the show-stopping songs and technical wizardry of Wicked the musical at the Apollo Victoria: Witness the untold story of the witches in the Wizard of Oz.
See the magical powers of Matilda at the Cambridge Theatre: Laugh out loud as the little girl from Roald Dahl's beloved book teaches the grownups a lesson.
Belt your heart out to ABBA's greatest hits in Mamma Mia! at the Novello Theatre: See one of the longest-standing West End hits and sing at the top of your lungs!
Catch the record-breaking Hamilton at the Victoria Palace Theatre: See the show following its extensive run on America's Broadway.
If glitz and glamour is your thing, witness the breathtaking Moulin Rouge! at the Piccadilly Theatre: Be transported to the legendary Parisian club in this dynamic spectacle.
Take a trip back to where the saga started in Stranger Things: The First Shadow: See the untold story of Hawkins in 1959 in this smash-hit performance.
Experience the longest running West End comedy in The Play That Goes Wrong: Prepare for plenty of belly laughs as this chaotic hit takes to the stage.
Exhibitions
Immerse yourself in famous works of art at Frameless: See famous paintings by artists such as Van Gogh, Monet and Cezanne brought to life at this immersive art gallery.
See the past, present and future of motorsport at the Formula 1 Exhibition at ExCeL London: Discover interactive displays, curated rooms and never-before-seen memorabilia.
Embark on a voyage to the moon with The Moonwalkers – A Journey with Tom Hanks at the Lightroom: Explore the tales behind the Apollo missions with powerful projections and audio technology.
Inventing the Runway' at Lightroom
The World of Tim Burton
Don't missVan Gogh: Poets and Lovers at the National Gallery: This once-in-a-century exhibition showcases the world-famous artist's most celebrated work, from Sunflowers (1888) to Van Gogh's Chair (1889). 14 Sep-19 Jan
Visit Expressionists: Kandinsky, Münter and The Blue Rider at Tate Britain: Discover the groundbreaking work of this talented group of artists, whose friendship produced some of the world's best paintings, sculptures and photography. Until 20 Oct
Explore Discover Constable and The Hay Wain at the National Gallery: See the artist's iconic depiction of the rural British countryside that has influenced everyone from fellow artists to activists. Opens 17 Oct
Venture to the heart of London to see Michael Craig-Martin at the Royal Academy of Arts: A key figure in British conceptual art, see his largest exhibition in the UK to date with sculptures, installation, painting, drawing and print. Until 10 Dec
Discover Women Artists in Britain 1520-1920 at Tate Britain: Challenging what it meant to be a woman of the time, see the work of female creatives who dismantled stereotypes. Until 13 Oct
See a rare glimpse into the past in A Silk Road Oasis: Life in Ancient Dunhuang: Discover the personal stories of those who lived, worked and worshiped in Dunhuang over 1,000 years ago.
Wander the UNIQLO photography exhibition in collaboration with renowned Magnum Photos: Discover over 60 powerful images captured in Vietnam, Ethiopia, and Romania, that shed light on the incredible stories behind UNIQLO’s PEACE FOR ALL charity initiative. Until 31 Oct
On the art scene, there’s a wealth of new exhibitions not to be missed, from a major new Hew Locke show at the British Museum, Holly Herndon and Mat Dryhurst’s AI installation ‘The Call’ at the Serpentine and a huge group exhibition of Indian art at the Barbican all open. Plus, it’s time for the annual iconic art fair Frieze to return, uniting some of the world’s best art galleries in one place.
Concerts
Check out British favourite pop-rock sensation Scouting For Girls: Hear hits such as She's So Lovely and many more. 10 Oct
Witness piano mastermind Yiruma live in concert: Gaze in awe as the Korean sensation takes you on a journey with his emotional hits. 14 Oct
See UK folk Legend Ben Howard in the flesh: Check out hit tunes such as Only Love and Promise. 23 Oct
Catch Australian singer-songwriter Vance Joy at the OVO Arena Wembley: Catch famed hits such as Riptide and much more. 1 Oct
Hear a blend of pop, R&B and afrobeats with Maleek Berry at 02 Shepherds Bush Empire: Catch the British-Nigerian recording artist on his limited tour. 17 Oct
Enjoy dance-pop sensation Becky Hill at the OVO Arena Wembley: Check out The Voice alumni's dance-filled set. 24 Oct
Food and drinks:
Toast the return of London Cocktail Week: Sip on classic and new mixes at the world's largest cocktail festival, with events, discounts and tastings across the city. 3-13 Oct
Or raise your stein at a London Oktoberfest: Celebrate Bavarian-style with live music, authentic German food and of course, beer at a number of venues across the city.
Discover a new world at the Avora Cocktail experience
Wingfest
Try the ‘Luna’ pizzas from a brand-new Neapolitan food spot
Octoberfest
It’s time to whack out the lederhosen and start saying PROST! to random strangers in the street, because Oktoberfest season is well and truly underway. We’ve had our fun in brat summer, but Charli has told us that’s all over now so one can only assume it’s Bratwurst-tober now. There are brilliantly lively events to celebrate in London all throughout the month, so get ready for a Bavarian knees-up with live Oompah bands and plenty of beer
🍺The Official Camden Oktoberfest at the Electric Ballroom (October 5, 12, 19, & 26)
🍺German Gymnasium (live band on October 4, 11, 18, & 25)
🍺Between The Bridges (October 4, 5, 11 & 12)
🍺The Bermondsey Bierkeller (every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in October)
