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!
Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers at The National Gallery
14th September 2024 – 19th January 2025
This Autumn, The National Gallery invites you to immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Vincent van Gogh in a once-in-a-lifetime exhibition. Witness the artist’s most iconic works alongside rarely seen masterpieces from around the globe.
From the swirling stars of ‘Starry Night over the Rhône’ to the vibrant ‘Sunflowers’, this exhibition is a unique chance to experience Van Gogh’s artistic genius up close. Discover the inspiration behind his vibrant palette and poetic landscapes, as you journey through Arles and Saint-Rémy, the places that shaped his revolutionary style. Don’t miss this chance to celebrate the 200th anniversary of The National Gallery London with a truly unforgettable exhibition!
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NFL
6th, 13th and 20th 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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Batman Unmasked
October – December 2024
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Batman at the all-new exhibition Batman Unmasked, celebrating the iconic superhero’s 85th anniversary. As you step into this thrilling experience, you’ll be transported through Batman’s legendary film history, exploring an extensive collection of original props, vehicles and costumes.
Marvel at the Batmobile from The Batman and the Batpod from The Dark Knight Trilogy and venture into the Batcave itself. Navigate through themed rooms inspired by iconic Batman films and create lasting memories with professional photo opportunities. Don’t miss this chance to explore the universe of the Caped Crusader and take home a piece of his legacy!
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The Horror Upload at Hijingo
25th October – 3rd 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. 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 17th and 19th as well as the 25th and 26th October 2024. 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, from the 27th September to the 12th October 2024, offers a picturesque setting along the River Thames, complete with delicious food and a relaxed atmosphere.
If you’re looking for a more lively atmosphere, The Official Camden Oktoberfest, from the 28th September to the 26th October 2024, is the place to be, with its bustling market, live bands, and plenty of beer. Finally, for a unique twist on Oktoberfest in the north of London, Big Penny Social combines the celebration with a social gathering on the 20th and 21st September 2024, with a variety of games, activities and, of course, plenty of beer.
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Grab last-minute tickets!
Oedipus – Opens 4th October (book tickets)
Ice Discos at Alexandra Palace – 5th, 19th & 26th October (book tickets)
Dr. Strangelove – Opens 8th October (book tickets)
Absolute Bowie + Don’t Stop Queen Now at O2 Shepherds Bush Empire – 26th October (book tickets)
ABBA Voyage – multiple dates from £77pp (book tickets)
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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The Formula 1® Exhibition
August – December 2024
Gear up, F1 fans! The Formula 1 Exhibition is roaring into ExCel London this summer and it’s looking like the checkered flag on an epic day out. Get up close to legendary cars, dive into the sport’s history and maybe even experience the thrill of the race in a real simulator.
Whether you’re a die-hard supporter or just curious about the world’s fastest sport, this exhibition is sure to get your pulse racing. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the action – grab your tickets and get ready to be wowed!
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BFI London Film Festival
19th – 20th 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
15th – 31st October
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
10th – 12th 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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Bloomsbury Festival
18th – 27th 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
18th October – 3rd 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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Barbie®: The Exhibition
5th July – 23rd February 2025
Did you hear? Barbie’s taking over the Design Museum in London! This isn’t just a trip down memory lane with childhood toys, though. It’s a deep dive into the design world through Barbie’s 65-year evolution. From the very first doll to groundbreaking fashion collabs, you’ll see how Barbie has reflected (and even influenced) culture. It’s a fun and surprising exhibit, perfect for a summer day out.
So grab your friends and get ready to be amazed by the world of Barbie – in a whole new light!
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London Cocktail Week
3rd – 13th 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 3rd to 13th, 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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