It’s hard to take, but summer is over now. Fear not, though – we’re into the season of crisp leaves and warmer jackets and with that comes the chance to flaunt that freshly purchased fit out among the seasonal background as you head out into the city to enjoy all it has to offer. October is usually the moment before it truly gets freezing in the capital, so you’ll kick yourself for missing out on all that’s going on. Take our advice and try out some of our recommendations on the best things to do in London throughout October…
1. Support Black-Owned Business
October is Black History Month in the UK, and you can show your support through a number of ways in London. Head over to any of London’s black-owned businesses to buy yourself a treat, purchase a gift for someone, or devour a delicious meal, and then if you’ve found your new favourite spot, continue to visit all year round!
🤤 Chuku’s – A Nigerian tapas restaurant that runs a unique brunch experience (they’re also crowdfunding to open a second restaurant!).
🍴Delina – picturesque café in Shepherd’s Bush Market where the plates of Ethiopian food match the beauty of the stunning interiors.
🍸Hacha – for lovers of Margaritas, you’ll need no introduction to these experts.
🍫 Dark Sugars – just truly delightful tasting for any lovers of indulgent hot chocolate and chocolate truffles.
🍻 Prince Of Peckham – one of the best pubs for a drink in South London and a lively Friday night dance. Their grub from White Men Can’t Jerk is also essential for lovers of Caribbean food.
📚 New Beacon Books – making books from ‘Africa, the Caribbean, Asia, African America, Europe, South America and Black Britain’ available to anyone in the UK for the last 50+ years. Find their store in Stroud Green and pick up a new read.
Read a more comprehensive guide at the Black Owned London website.
2. Gaze at the flashing lights of the Ally Pally Fireworks Festival
This one truly lives up to the meaning of a fireworks festival. Yes, there’s the incredible view of some of the most ‘ooooh… ahhhh’-inducing firework displays and a returning drone show, but there’s also… more. Ally Pally Fireworks Festival’s first night takes place on Halloween this year, so they’ve spooked up proceedings with some terrifying additions, including a scary bonfire, a ghost tour, and a best All Hallows Eve costume competition. Once you’ve had enough of the outdoors, you can go and watch DJ Luck & MC Neat spin some UK Garage classics before skipping into the Oktoberfest-style Bierkeller in the Great Hall, with a Taylor Swift tribute act on hand to have you shouting along to the music all evening. Read more about it here.
3. Catch an event at the Self Esteem-curated London Literature Festival
October is a great month to read. Sure – summer is about sitting by a pool with a sun lounger and tucking into reads such as The Portable Nietzsche (if you’re in The White Lotus, that is), but there’s something to be said for the soothing calm of with a paperback in hand as the rain beats down on your windows. And in this period of literary setting, we’ll also encourage you to take the moments when the sky is clear and leave your house for more book fun at the London Literature Festival.
Back for its 18th year, its curator this year is Self Esteem, who will both perform herself on a night of music and spoken word as well as sitting down in conversation with Dolly Alderton to discuss her debut book A Complicated Woman. Elsewhere on the bill, there are talks from Zadie Smith, Malala Yousafzai, Reece Witherspoon, Harlen Coben, and many more
Read more about the London Literature Festival here.
4. Pick out the perfect pumpkin for your Halloween festivities
Okay, okay. You can be upset that summer is done and dusted OR you can turn your attention to spooky season, which is right around the corner. You’ll obviously need a pumpkin so be sure to make a day of it at one of these pumpkin patches in and around London. Getting one last minute down the shops on the 31st isn’t very Halloween-y of you, so get down to a patch for an Instagram-worthy snap among the pumpkins, street food, and other festivities – many of which go right into the night…
Read our guide to the pumpkin patches around London.
5. Enjoy A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics
This Halloween, London’s Metropolitan United Church will be aglow as Candlelight Concerts presents A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics.
Performed by a live string quartet amidst hundreds of flickering candles, this immersive 60-minute experience transforms timeless horror and fantasy soundtracks into spine-tingling symphonies from Thriller and The Exorcist’s iconic ‘Tubular Bells’ to Ghostbusters, Beetlejuice, and The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Perfect for fans of both classical music and spooky cinema, the concert offers an atmospheric escape into the soundtracks that defined generations of chills and thrills. With limited-time discounts and seats selling fast, it’s the ultimate way to mark Halloween this year. Book here!
6. Attend a spook-tacular Halloween party at the Natural History Museum
Another knees-up for Halloween is landing at the Natural History Museum, following a packed-out night. Get those skeleton costumes ready to rival those on display in the South Kensington space and be sure to prepare for a frightfully exuberant affair. Boogie along to their iconic silent disco event before heading along the immersive trail and getting even spookier at the vampire ball that you’ll want to get your fangs into, but definitely won’t suck. Find out more about it here.
7. Then pick out a Halloween fit at this gory East London shop
It’s the most spooooooky timeeee, of the year. Hoxton Street Monster Supplies have been going since 1818, and they’re once again a solid option for your spooky Halloween gifts this year. Fancy a jar of thickest human snot or the olde fashioned brain jam? They’ve got a mean selection. Plus, you’ll find a spooky set of stationery and clothing that’ll just get you right up for the terrifyingly jubilant month of spook that we’re entering. Read more about Hoxton Street Monster Supplies here.
8. Head to an immersive museum dedicated entirely to maths
If you’ve got a way with the numbers or want to try and give maths a chance after it wasn’t your strong suit at school, you can soon visit an immersive museum dedicated entirely to the subject. Over on the South Bank, just in time for the October half-term break, MathsWorld will be running each day to give visitors more interactive experience with the numbers in the ways they come up in everyday life. Delve into everything from code-breaking to shapes, and it’s open to all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. Find out more about MathsWorld here.
9. Look around a 900-year-old hospital wing that was previously closed to the public
Care to look around a previously-closed hospital wing that is 900 years old and has weathered the likes of the black death, the Great Fire of London, and the Blitz? You’ll be able to from October 6, when the Barts North Wing opens to the public, featuring the Great Hall and the Hogarth stairs. Find out more and plan your visit here.
10. Celebrate the festival of lights at Diwali On The Square
Diwali falls on October 20 this year, with plenty of celebrations taking place across the city. A little earlier, one of the most central daytime celebrations of the festival of light can be found at Trafalgar Square, with the appropriately-named Diwali On The Square taking place on October 12. See dancers on the main stage, watch live comedy, stretch out in a yoga class, and eat some delicious food at the free event running all day in the centre of the city. Find out more about it here.
11. Enjoy a risqué evening of glitz and glamour at Sabrage
Sabrage promises as much energy as it does impressive wardrobes. A dazzling evening awaits in King’s Cross in the form of cocktails & nibbles, and settle in to a lively, outrageous performance that joins acrobatics with comedy and will take care of the laughs for the evening. Find out more and grab your ticket here.
12. Jump around at a London gig
Festival season was great, but now it’s time for those end-of-year tours to really kick in and remind us that live music indoors is as much of a blast as in the parks. Learning of the day? Music = good. Don’t go forgetting that.
👯 Lady Gaga (October 2 & 4): The O2 – if the world was ending, I’d wanna be next to you at these concerts.
©️ CMAT (October 2): Brixton Academy – Brixton Academy in October, Ally Pally in March. There’s no stopping CMAT right now.
⚡ Refused (October 3): Brixton Academy – final show from those who gave us the gift of The Shape Of Punk To Come. CAN I SCREAMMM.
🏄 Parkway Drive (October 4): Wembley Arena – Aussie metallers bring their riffs to a giant London show.
💃 Peggy Gou (October 4): Drumsheds – (it goes like) having a dance to Peggy Gou tunes at this giant venue.
5️⃣ Ethel Cain (October 6, 7, 8, 10 & 11): Hammersmith Apollo – just the five nights at Hammersmith Apollo there, Ethel Cain…
🎙️ Billy Woods (October 9): Scala – Billy Woods releases a lot of music with a prolific run of albums coming out every year, and you can hear a selection of these tracks at what’s sure to be a lively show.
🤩 SELF ESTEEM (October 9, 10, & 11): Brixton Academy – enjoy the powerful focus of the SELF ESTEEM live show…
🧑🍳 The Kooks (October 11): The O2 – you’d be naive to think this one won’t be packed out…
🐎 Patti Smith (October 12 & 13): London Palladium – performing the iconic ‘Horses’ in full on two nights in London.
🤘 Architects (October 12): The O2 – their biggest London show to date. Check out our chat with Sam Carter and Dan Searle from the band ahead of the gig.
💞 Lola Young (October 15 & 16): Brixton Academy – it’s time to get Messy.
🎤 Little Simz (October 17): The O2 – the biggest headline show to date in this city from the star that is Little Simz.
🎸 Killswitch Engage (October 17): Wembley Arena – more metalcore at Wembley this month? Go on then…
😇 JADE (October 19): Roundhouse – ANGEL OF MY DREAMMMSSS at the Roundhouse will be biblical.
🥳 Michael Aldag (October 21): Paper Dress Vintage – head over to this Hackney favourite for a Tuesday evening filled with synth pop bangers.
🕺HAIM (October 28): The O2 – I QUIT (the idea of missing a HAIM show as big as this).
🎵 Jessica Winter (October 28): The Lower Third – hear tracks from My First Album, which was, as the name suggests, Winter’s debut album that dropped earlier this year.
😎 Queens of the Stone Age (October 29): Royal Albert Hall – one of history’s coolest bands take to one of history’s most iconic London venues for a treat of a live show.
⌚ Busted & McFly (October 30 & 31): The O2 – it’s not the year 3000 yet, but you can got there at this show if you’ve got five colours in your hair…
🪩Låpsley (October 30): Islington Academy – one of the first chances to hear songs from Låpsley’s latest album ‘I’M A HURRICANE I AM A WOMAN IN LOVE’.
5️⃣0️⃣ The Stranglers (October 31): Roundhouse – legendary band celebrating their 50th anniversary, along with support from fellow icons Buzzcocks.
🎻 Black Country, New Road (October 31): Brixton Academy – esoteric six-piece return for their biggest London show yet.
13. Head out on the ‘Race Across The World’ trail in London
It’s time to embark on an expedition across the city on a trail that takes inspiration from the award-winning Race Across The World series, where you can spend a few hours roaming London and unlocking secrets on a quest to reach the hallowed finish line. You can join a team for strategising on how best placed you’ll be to wade through the suspense-filled day that’s full of adventure. Find out more and book your spot here.
14. See one of the top Edinburgh Fringe shows live on tour in London
Daisy Doris May is heading out on tour this month, with three huge London shows planned for Soho’s Underbelly Boulevard that combine her three iconic characters (Steve Porters, The Divine Karen Moonstone and Häns Off) to make BIG NIGHT OUT. The show was launched to acclaim at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in the summer, and now you can see Daisy Doris May join the trio of characters together to delightful effect here in the capital. Find out more and get ticket details here.
15. Take part in a highly competitive conker championship
It’s been a while since England hosted the World Cup, but there’s no need to worry because Peckham still plays host to the fiercest of competitions every year. The Conkers Championships are back with no love lost between each opponent as they compete for the 22-carat gold ‘golden nut’ trophy. Who needs a Premier League title when you’ve got the bragging rights of the conks? Shatter those conkers and take part in either the 4-15 or the 16+ age bracket on your quest for glory on a fine Sunday afternoon in October. Read more about the Peckham Conker Championships and sign up here.
16. Watch a match at a new three-storey sports bar
Off the back of considerable success up north, BOX is landing in London this month to give us a new three-story venue to shout at the TV screens when our team does well/does badly/does okay. Once it’s open, there will be 7,200 square feet of fun to enjoy with room for 500 fans and more than 30 screens, plus the opportunity for games, competitions, karaoke, dancing to the live DJs, and much more. BOX is set to open in Piccadilly on October 24, and you can find out more about it here.
17. Treat your furry friend to a ‘dogtail’ at these London bars
While you may receive a frown from some places if you’re accompanied by your puppy, these bars are encouraging you to pop along with your furry friend so they can enjoy a ‘dogtail’. From October 9-19, Market Place Food Halls in Vauxhall and St Paul’s are celebrating Dog-tail Week by offering up some cocktails with a twist, from the Dogtini to the Barkarita to the Apawrol Spritz. If you order yourself a spirited drink, you won’t even need to pay for your pooch’s tipple! Find out more about it here.
18. Get your literary hat back on at Wimbledon BookFest
Another literary festival returning for its 18th edition this year is the Wimbledon BookFest, which boasts a stellar lineup of some of the most highly-regarded authors on October 16-26. Catch Reeta Chakrabarti and Garret Carr speaking about the creative process behind writing their respective debut novels; hear Irvine Welsh speak on his new novel, Men In Love, with journalist Suzi Feay; or see David Nicholls at a talk titled A Life In Writing: From Page To Screen. Or, check out events involving the likes of Elif Shafak, Rupert Everett, Adam Buxton, Lyce Doucet, John Cooper Clarke, Afua Hirsch, and many more. Find out more about Wimbledon BookFest and book your chosen events here.
19. Then head out to one of London’s many beautiful bookshops
After you’ve got into the literary spirit, you’ll be glad to live in a city that is stacked with beautiful piles of books that are waiting to be transported from the shelf in the shop to your bedside table pile.
Here are some of our favoruite bookshops in London.
20. Head to a new pub in a gorgeous Grade II-listed building
Dalston is welcoming a brand new pub in October, one that sits in a Grade II-listed building formerly occupied by one of the oldest pie & mash shops in the capital: F.Cooke’s. The Black Eel pub is taking over the space, offering up a private karaoke space, dartboards & shuffleboards, and even a huge hidden beer garden with its own pétanque court. Read more about the new space here.
21. Try out the immersive Squid Game experience
Millions of us have binged through all of Squid Game on Netflix, but now that you’ve whizzed through it, why not take on some of the games yourself (minus the, you know, death)? Bring your friends and family along and take on the challenges you saw Gi-hun and co. take on throughout the three seasons, from Red Light/Green Light to Marbles to Round & Round. Find out more and plan your visit here.
22. Go for a lovely autumn day trip
Yes – we obviously love London, and you’ll obviously see it coloured in beautiful golden leaves throughout the month. But sometimes it’s beneficial for us all to take a quick day trip out of the city for a wander around in the stunning autumnal settings that can be found a stone’s throw outside the M25. Whether it’s New Forest, Canterbury, or the Cotswolds, these spots are a true must for this time of year, and you can read our full guide to the best autumn day trips from London here.
23. Take a trip into ‘The Legend Of Titanic’ at this immersive exhibition
This exhibition has sailed into London and is making some waves. Over at The Legend Of Titanic – The Exhibition, you can voyage through 13 rooms and check out the different interactive elements, including 360-degree projections, virtual reality, and much more. Find out more and plan your visit here.
24. Check out some movies at the BFI London Film Festival
The BFI Film Festival in London is rolling back into town for its 69th year on October 8, with screen talks from the likes of Lynne Ramsay, Chloé Zhao, Daniel Day-Lewis, Jorgos Lanthimos, Tessa Thompson, Richard Linklater, and Jafar Panahi. Elsewhere across the festival, you can buy a ticket for a surprise film at the Southbank Centre, watch a featured short film from the programme, or head to the VR lounge. It takes place across 11 days in October, and you can view the full order of play at the BFI London Film Festival site.
25. Have a ball at the Blackhorse Beer Mile Harvest Festival
Blackhorse Beer Mile Harvest Festival is ready for lift off on October 4, with multiple venues having a song, a dance, and a gander around the free walking route of breweries, tap rooms, and venues. Big Penny Social, the huge beer hall in Walthamstow, is promising a true party into the night, and you can get involved in the action there by watching the Blackhorse & Standard North West Morris Dancers, a barn dance with collective ‘Cut A Shine, and DJ My Mate Kate spinning the tunes until 1am. Elsewhere along the walking route, you can enjoy tasting sessions at Borough Wines, country & bluegrass music at Exale Brewery, a Neil Young tribute band named Rust For Glory playing at Signature Brew, and a ‘Harvest Hoedown’ at Pretty Decent Beer Co. Plus more! Be sure to hit the trail on October 4. Read more about it here.
26. Go for a ride on London’s only indoor rollercoaster
Before you take on a feast at Camden Market, an indoor rollercoaster is calling your name. The splash of colour that is Babylon Park is a neon wonderland that allows you to waltz in from the busy streets to let loose on the many activities the space has to offer. From a sized-up Hungry Hippos game to bumper cars to VR headset games, there’s no danger of getting bored around these parts. Find out more and plan out your visit here.
27. Check out an art fair dedicated to contemporary Asian art
FOCUS Art Fair is returning to London for the 4th time, taking over the Saatchi Gallery on October 16-19 to show off work by more than 50 contemporary Asian artists from over 15 countries. It hopes to showcase work from established names as well as emerging talent, and it produces four days of forward-thinking, striking artworks for visitors to take in. Find out more here.
28. Give your winter wardrobe a refresh at this sustainable rail sale in Spitalfields
Pop in on a Friday evening (October 10) to give your wardrobe a quick re-up for the winter months. Old Spitalfields Market is teaming up with ‘fancy fashion car boot icons’ Fashion Re:boot to put on a rail sale that encourages anyone to shop for clothes sustainably all while enjoying the bargain prices on offer. Once you’ve picked out your fit, you can head along to one of the market stalls for a victory drink and meal. Find out more here.
29. Take on the mind-bending experience of Paradox Museum
Alter your mind at the optical illusion-packed experience of Paradox Museum, which has been running in Knightsbridge and raising the eyebrows of many a visitor with its unique quirks. With more than 50 illusions, including ones that will make your seem taller than your pal who usually towers over you, there is endless fun to get lost in. Plan your visit here.
30. Attend a cocktail-making workshop that’s also dedicated to supporting global bee conservation
Heading over to the delightful Clifton Nurseries from October 8-10 means a creative cocktail-making class while supporting bee conservation. They’ll be running 90-minute sessions where guests will craft up a Bees Knees cocktail before planting their own bee-friendly terracotta pots for the bees to flock towards when spring rolls around next year. Read more about it here and plan your visit.
31. Walk into the Wunderland during Oktoberfest in London
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 take two, but even Charli would agree 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 4, 11, 18, & 25)
🍺German Gymnasium (live band every Friday in October)
🍺Between The Bridges (October 3, 4, 10 & 11)
🍺The Bermondsey Bierkeller (every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in October)
32. Attend Flight Club’s 10th birthday party inside a disused firework station
Many of you will have enjoyed an energetic night out at Flight Club, but they’re doing something extra special to celebrate their 10th birthday. A free-to-attend pop-up in the disused Clerkenwell fire station is taking place, promising lots of drinks, street foods, and (-checks notes-) an attempt to break the world record for the longest bullseye ever thrown. You can have five goes at this for a fiver, and anyone who lands the shot will earn a sweet £1,000 bar tab! All the money raised across the two days (October 1-2) will be going towards charity, The Yellow Ball Foundation, so you’ll be throwing those world record attempts for a great cause. It’ll run between 12pm and 10pm on both days, and you can find out more here.
33. Have a rootin’ tootin’ time at a Wild West-themed cocktail experience
Step into the Wild West-themed bar that is the Moonshine Saloon experience, and get ready for a theatrical evening filled with cocktails and live actors along for the ride. You bring a bottle of booze (‘smuggling it in’ as you would some illicit moonshine), and the expert bartenders will make you four themed cocktails while being delighted by cowboys, cowgirls, ramblers and sheriffs. Find out more and plan your visit here.
34. Enjoy a day of NFL fun at Battersea Power Station as the Minnesota Vikings come to town
Whether you’re a Minnesota Vikings superfan or just fancy soaking up some NFL action in London, you can head over to the Vikings Fan Park at Battersea Power Station on October 4, which comes on the eve of their match against the Cleveland Browns at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (October 5). Cris Carter, a Vikings legend, is headlining the event with a live Q&A on his career with the floor open to fans to ask questions. You can also expect to see a giant Vikings-branded boat, interactive experiences running through the day, food trucks, a live DJ set, and more! Find out more here.
35. Check out an exhibition of never-before-seen early photographs of The Beatles
This exhibition leaves London at the start of October, so it’s your last chance to catch this display of shots taken by Paul McCartney himself of The Beatles in December 1963- February 1964, just as their story was about to take the all-conquering turn that it did. Look out for London venues including the Finsbury Park Astoria, Lewisham Odeon, and the London Palladium in the shots. The exhibition runs until October 4, and you can find out more here.
36. Board the Murder Express part deux for a mysterious and delicious experience
All aboard the Murder Express train for a 1930s luxury dining experience where all is not quite as it seems… Watch the live actors on the carriage play out a tale of murder while you take on a delightful three-course meal and sip cocktails. Discover more and plan your visit here.
37. Check out London’s haunted past
It may sometimes be difficult to remember when swanning through the all-glass skyscrapers, but London is an ooooooollllddd city. And with that comes the inevitability of spooky ghost stories to tell. For those who feel brave enough, October is the perfect time to have a peek and learn about the most haunted spots in London, which even include some spooky old London Underground stations. There’s really no shortage of eerie places to wander around in this city, and you can even jump headfirst into the horror by taking on one of London’s terrifying ghost tours. Exploring backstreets, landmarks and more, you’d best have your wits about you! The world is your oyster Ouija board.
38. Or head out on a spooky walk
Since we’re all in the mood for spooky season, there’s no time better to enjoy a walk with a spooky twist (but only if you’re so inclined). Recent research has deemed Wistman Wood as the spookiest walk in the whole UK due to the “local legends of ghostly hounds and ancient druids”, but London happens to have the 10th spookiest in the country: Highgate Cemetery. While it may not be as high in the spook factor as others, a top 10 finish means it’s well worth a visit for lovers of the eerie. Read more about the study here.
39. Experience a Martian invasion in London
Another spooky experience in a spooky month comes in the form of Jeff Wayne’s The War of the Worlds: The Immersive Experience, which plonks you in the middle of a Martian invasion. Transporting visitors to Victorian England, you’ll be greeted by live actors to take you along through the war-torn Martian land.
Read more about the experience and book your spot here.
40. Discover a new world at the Avora Cocktail experience
Enter a neon world where you can forage for your own drinks and mix them up at this truly delightful cocktail experience that draws on all your senses and takes you on a ride of theatrical experience and tasty tipples. Find out more and book your spot here.
41. Keep exploring this wonderful city
Of course, there really are endless things to do in this city, and here are a few more to leave you with as you make your plans for the month of October.
🍟 Two London Fish And Chip Shops Have Just Been Named Among The Best In The Whole Country
🌸 One Of London’s Most Beautiful Restaurants Has Just Undergone A Stunning Seasonal Transformation
More things to do and inspiration…
😁 200 fab and FREE things to do in London
📃 50 Things To Do In London You Need To Try Before You Die
🙃 All our ideas for unusual places to visit in London