As the crisp autumn breeze begins to rustle through the city’s streets, London comes alive with a wealth of exciting experiences waiting to be discovered.
From spooky Halloween thrills to unmissable pop-up events, October in the British capital offers something for everyone. Join us on a journey through the top things to do in London in October, and let’s make this autumn one to remember!
NFL
5th, 10th & 19th October
The NFL is coming to London this autumn and there’s no doubt it’s going to be an absolute blast! Picture yourself in the midst of the action, surrounded by fellow fans who are just as pumped as you are. Whether you’re a lifelong American football fanatic or just curious about the sport, the atmosphere at venues like Wembley Stadium and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is electric.
London’s fantastic vibes and diverse crowd make it an incredible experience. So, grab your friends or family, put on your team colours and get ready for an unforgettable day of touchdowns, cheers and making memories that’ll last a lifetime. See you at the game!
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The Horror Upload at Hijingo
24th October – 2nd November
Enter a neon paradise this Halloween with Hijingo’s immersive, multi-sensory bingo parties. As one of Shoreditch’s favourite entertainment bars, Hijingo is back with its Horror Upload diving deep into every player’s fears with spine-chilling cocktails, spooky tunes and unforgettable bingo surprises.
Six dynamic rounds lined up means six chances to win Hijingo’s top prizes… Bingo has never been so nerve-racking!
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Oktoberfest
The capital always embraces the spirit of Oktoberfest with as much enthusiasm as Munich does. From traditional Bavarian fare to lively music and dancing, there’s something in London for everyone to enjoy.
One of the highlights of Oktoberfest in the capital is the London Oktoberfest taking place from the 9th – 11th, as well as the 16th – 18th and 23rd – 25th of October 2025. This iconic event features a large beer hall, live music and plenty of authentic German food. For a more unique experience, Oktoberfest at Between the Bridges, at weekends from the 27th September to the 12th October 2025, offers a picturesque setting along the River Thames, complete with delicious food and a relaxed atmosphere.
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Grab last-minute tickets!
The O2 Arena
John Bishop 25 Years of Stand Up – Friday 3rd October (book tickets)
Darius Rucker – Sunday 5th October (book tickets)
Simply Red 40th Anniversary – Thursday 9th October (book tickets)
The Kooks – Saturday 11th October (book tickets)
Little Simz – Friday 17th October (book tickets)
HAIM – Tuesday 28th October (book tickets)
Tom Odell – Wednesday 29th October (book tickets)
OVO Arena Wembley
Kane Brown – Friday 10th October (book tickets)
Flo Rida – Tuesday 14th October (book tickets)
Hot Wheels Stunt Show – Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th October (book tickets)
David Bowie Centre at V&A Museum
If you’re a David Bowie fan, or just curious about one of the most creative minds of the 20th century, you’ll want to head to the V&A East Storehouse in Hackney Wick this month. Opening on 13 September, the brand-new David Bowie Centre will showcase more than 90,000 items from his archive, from iconic Ziggy Stardust costumes to handwritten lyrics and personal notes.
The best part? Entry is free with a timed ticket. If you’re in London, this is the perfect chance to get closer than ever to Bowie’s genius – don’t miss it!
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London Restaurant Festival
1st – 30th October
Fellow food enthusiasts, this one’s for you! If you’re anything like us, the London Restaurant Festival is an absolute must. This incredible event has been tantalising taste buds and celebrating London’s dining scene for a whopping 15 years, and it’s become a highlight of the year for restaurants in the Big Smoke. This culinary adventure stretches across October, designed to help you explore as many restaurants as your heart desires.
It’s all about embracing the vibrant London restaurant scene with exclusive experiences that’ll have you craving more. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just looking for an excuse to try something new, this festival is your golden ticket to savouring the very best of London’s culinary treasures. So, get ready to embark on a delectable journey through the city – your taste buds will thank you!
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MCM Comic Con
24th – 26th October
A three-day celebration of all things pop culture, MCM London brings together the worlds of anime, TV and film under one roof. Artists, writers and actors will be at signing tables at every turn, as well as hosting panels, talks, screenings and performances. Cosplay is an integral part of the event, where children and adults alike dress up to pay homage to their favourite characters.
Get your hands on consoles, retro machines, board games and RPGs – all available and free to play! Plus, an exhibition area will be bursting with unique shopping stalls.
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BFI London Film Festival
8th – 19th October
If you’ve got a passion for movies, the BFI London Film Festival is an absolute must. Picture this: a cinematic feast featuring everything from indie gems to blockbuster sensations. It’s like a front-row seat to the future of filmmaking, where you get to be among the first to catch those unforgettable moments on the big screen.
And guess what? You won’t be alone. You’ll be rubbing shoulders with filmmakers, actors and fellow film enthusiasts, creating an atmosphere buzzing with movie magic. The BFI London Film Festival is your ticket to a world of captivating stories, shared moments and unforgettable cinema.
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The London Dungeon
18th October – 3rd November
Experience a legendary event this October at The London Dungeon, the home of Halloween! Come face-to-face with The London Dungeon’s perilous exorcism show, which is truly the stuff of nightmares. Watch and experience for yourself as ancient and sinister forces come to life this Halloween season.
Bringing together an incredible cast of theatrical actors, special effects and stage designs, The London Dungeon is a blood-curdling experience for thrill-seekers looking for a memorable London night out.
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Mental Wealth Festival
9th – 11th October, City Lit London
The Mental Wealth Festival 2025 at City Lit London is not your average event, it’s a chance to give your mental well-being the attention it deserves. Picture this: a gathering of passionate individuals, experts and fellow seekers of mental wellness, all coming together to learn, share and grow.
The festival is like a treasure trove of knowledge, with workshops, talks and discussions that can truly transform your approach to mental health. Whether you’re on a personal journey of self-improvement or eager to be part of a supportive community, this festival has your back.
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Bloomsbury Festival
17th – 19th October
If you fancy exploring London’s rich local culture and creativity, then the Bloomsbury Festival will be right up your street! Every October, this London neighbourhood transforms into a buzzing hub of arts, music and everything in between.
From mind-boggling performances to thought-provoking talks, explore every hidden corner of Bloomsbury, discovering secret gardens and stumbling upon live music or art installations. It’s like a treasure hunt for culture!
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Halloween at Kew
17th October – 2nd November
If you’re looking for a hauntingly beautiful way to celebrate Halloween in London, look no further than Kew Gardens. This year, Kew is transforming into a magical, after-dark wonderland with their new Halloween Light Trail. As dusk falls, the gardens come alive with eerie illuminations and ghoulish installations. It’s the perfect place to get into the Halloween spirit!
For families with little ones, there’s also a daytime ‘Room on the Broom’ trail from the 19th October to the 3rd November 2024. Based on the popular children’s book, this trail is filled with fun activities and surprises for young adventurers.
So whether you’re seeking thrills or chills, Halloween at Kew is sure to be a memorable experience for everyone.
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London Cocktail Week
9th – 19th October
London is bursting with stunning cocktail bars! From rooftop razzle-dazzle to secret speakeasies, it can be a real adventure finding the best ones. That’s where London Cocktail Week comes in!
Get ready for a cocktail lover’s dream! From October 9th to 19th, the capital comes alive with incredible pop-up bars, unique dining experiences and the most delicious cocktails you can imagine. And what’s more, this 11-day ‘celebration of cocktail culture’ does the hard work for you, rounding up the best cocktail bars in the city. Plus, the classic £8 Signature Cocktails are back for wristband holders – so don’t forget to grab yours!
Eager to learn more? Check out our ultimate guide to London Cocktail Week here.
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