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
1st, 8th and 15th 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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London Restaurant Festival
30th September – 31st 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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Lord Mayors Hot Air Balloon Regatta
1st or 22nd October
The Lord Mayor’s Hot Air Balloon Regatta is gearing up for an epic comeback in 2023 and you won’t want to miss it. This annual spectacle isn’t just about hot air balloons filling the London skies, it’s a heartwarming event that shines a spotlight on the Lord Mayor’s Appeal and celebrates all things London. Over the past four years, it’s even raised a whopping £250,000 for some fantastic causes. While the pandemic and some fickle weather conditions threw a curveball in recent years, the Lord Mayor’s Hot Air Balloon Regatta is set to return in October with a bang. So, get ready to mark your calendar, because this is one event that promises not just a visual feast but also the feeling of supporting a great cause while enjoying London’s iconic skyline. See you in the clouds!
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BFI London Film Festival
4th – 15th 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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Mental Wealth Festival
9th – 14th October, City Lit London
The Mental Wealth Festival 2023 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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Halloween Haunted Rooftop Riot
28th October, Bussey Building
Get ready to haunt The Bussey Buildings’ eerie graveyard of terror this Halloween season! It’s going to be a night of spine-tingling fun that you won’t want to miss. Dress to impress because every eye, living or otherwise, will be fixed on you (judging your costume choice). With a live DJ spinning wicked tunes, spooky cocktails and a rooftop view that’s to die for, The Bussey is undeniably the place to celebrate Halloween ’23. They’ll be cosy blankets on hand to keep you toasty during the spookiest hours of the night. Arrive before 7 PM, and you’ll even receive a freakishly FREE welcome drink to kick off the festivities. Don’t be a scaredy-cat – experience a night of thrills and chills that will leave you howling for more!
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Georgian Illuminations Exhibition
4th October – 7th January, Sir John Soane’s Museum
October is about to get a whole lot more captivating at the Soane. They’re rolling out the red carpet for Georgian Illuminations, an exhibition that’ll transport you back in time to the dazzling world of the Georgian period. Picture this: grand illuminations, jaw-dropping light shows and temporary architectural marvels that’ll make your jaw drop – all masterminded by the likes of Sir John Soane and other visionaries. This exhibition has it all, including a stunning revelation of newly discovered linen that once adorned windows. Plus, they’re not just looking back – they’re embracing the present with a contemporary light installation by the talented Nayan Kulkarni. It’s all about celebrating the enduring role of light in design. So, gear up for an enlightening journey through history and artistry this October at the Soane. Trust us, you won’t want to miss this one!
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Rugby World Cup final
28th October
Get ready to witness every heart-pounding moment of the Rugby World Cup final in the ultimate viewing spot: Skylight Tobacco Dock London. Head up to the indoor bar on level 9, where they’re set to bring you all the action live and in high definition on five massive screens. There’s no need to worry about finding a good seat as there are plenty for you and your crew. Given Skylight’s track record of throwing epic sports viewing parties, we’re certain they’ll be a full house, so make sure to secure your spot and be a part of rugby history. Plus, enjoy select pints all day long for just £4.99, or grab a £7 ticket that comes with a beer on arrival!
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RuPaul’s Drag Race Werq the World® Tour
8th October, The O2 Arena
Calling all drag enthusiasts and fans of fierce entertainment! RuPaul’s Drag Race: Werq The World is hitting the stage in a dazzling spectacle that’s bound to leave you speechless. Prepare to be starstruck as fan-favourite drag queens from the US, including Season 10 winner Aquaria, the fabulous Vanessa Vanjie, and the unforgettable Ginger Minj sashay into The O2 Arena. And that’s not all – Drag Race royalty Bimini will be joining the glittering lineup. The show’s theme, set in a dystopian future, promises a mind-bending journey where queens must choose between the real world and the artificial one they’ve come to know. This 2023 production is unlike any other, featuring a stunning Sci-Fi spectacle designed for large venues and arenas. Get ready to be wowed at the world’s largest drag production, and secure your tickets for a night of glamour, glitter and unmissable entertainment!
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