October in London is a vibrant and eventful month, with numerous festivals, exhibitions, sports events, and cultural celebrations taking place.
Here’s a calendar of events that take place every year in London in October. Brace yourself: this is a very full month of exciting and unique events!
Enjoy Autumn in London!
London Film Festival: One of the world’s most prestigious film festivals, the London Film Festival showcases the very best of international and British cinema.
It features a diverse choice of films, including premieres, classics, documentaries, and short films. Screenings take in various venues across throughout the city, attracting filmmakers, actors, and movie enthusiasts from around the globe.
London Restaurant Festival: The London Restaurant Festival celebrates the city’s vibrant culinary scene. It offers special menus, food-related events, chef collaborations, and exclusive dining experiences in some of the finest restaurants throughout London. Food enthusiasts can explore diverse cuisines and unique dining opportunities.
Frieze London: Frieze London is among the world’s leading contemporary art events, bringing together galleries, artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts.
The fair features a variety of contemporary artworks, installations, and performances. It’s an exciting opportunity to discover cutting-edge art and trends.
Diwali Festival Celebration: Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, is celebrated with terrific enthusiasm in London’s Trafalgar Square. The event includes cultural performances, live music, dance, and a stunning display of lights and decorations. Visitors can enjoy delicious Indian cuisine and learn about the significance of Diwali.
London Cocktail Week
Cocktail lovers gather during London Cocktail Week to enjoy exclusive deals and events across different bars and restaurants.
The festival includes masterclasses, tastings, and cocktail-making competitions. It’s a chance to savour unique concoctions and learn from talented mixologists.
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre Season: Located in the picturesque Regent’s Park, the Open Air Theatre hosts performances ranging from Shakespearean plays to contemporary dramas. Catch the final shows of the season in October, and experience theatre in a gorgeous outdoor setting.
London Literature Festival: Held at the Southbank Centre, the London Literature Festival celebrates the written word with book launches, author talks, readings, and literary discussions. It features renowned authors, poets, and storytellers from all over the world.
NFL London Games: As part of the NFL International Series, American football teams from the NFL play regular-season games in London. The games are held at Wembley Stadium or Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and attract fans of the sport from both the UK and the United States.
The Chocolate Show London; Chocolate lovers unite at The Chocolate Show, where visitors can indulge in different cocoa delights. This event includes tastings, workshops, demonstrations by chocolatiers, and opportunities to purchase artisanal chocolates and cocoa-based products.
London Oktoberfest: Modelled after the traditional German Oktoberfest, this event brings a taste of Bavaria to London. Held in different locations, London Oktoberfest offers German beer, food, live music, and Bavarian-themed entertainment.
Halloween Events: Halloween has become increasingly popular in London. Numerous spooky events take place across the city, including themed parties, haunted house experiences, and ghost tours. Wander London neighbourhoods like Kensington and Bloomsbury to enjoy the sight of decorated homes, and some trick-or-treating for the little ones.
Open House London: An architectural event where various buildings and spaces across London which ordinarily do not offer public access. open their doors to the public, offering tours and insights into their design and history. The public can enjoy free access to 800+ buildings.
Royal Parks Half Marathon: An annual charity run that takes participants through several of London’s iconic parks.
Museums at Night: Several museums extend their opening hours, offering unique after-dark experiences and events for visitors.
The Big Draw Festival: An annual drawing festival with various events and workshops celebrating creativity and art.
Rugby Autumn Internationals: International rugby matches take place at venues such as Twickenham Stadium during October.
MCM London Comic Con: A pop culture convention that gathers fans of comics, gaming, anime, and entertainment for panels, exhibitions, and cosplay.
The Cake & Bake Show: An event for baking enthusiasts, featuring demonstrations, workshops, and opportunities to taste and purchase baked goods and supplies.
BBC Good Food Show: A foodie paradise featuring celebrity chefs, cooking demonstrations, tastings, and the opportunity to buy artisanal food products.
Wimbledon BookFest: A literary festival offering a diverse program of talks, workshops, and performances by authors and speakers.
London Jazz Festival: A celebration of jazz music featuring performances by renowned musicians at various venues across the city.
London Design Festival: Celebrating design across various disciplines, showcasing innovative installations, exhibitions, and talks at different design hotspots in the city.
These events draw large crowds and offer some very unique experiences, catering to diverse interests, from cuisine, culture, and fashion to literature and design.
Please note that event schedules, details and specific dates for some events may differ from year to year, and it’s always a good idea to check the official websites of events for the most up-to-date information .
