13 unmissable things to do in London in October 2026

Epic events, Oktoberfest, Halloween and so much more!

As the crisp autumn breeze begins to rustle through the capital’s streets, London comes alive with plenty of exciting experiences waiting to be discovered.

From Halloween thrills to unmissable exclusive 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!

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1. NFL in London

• 
  4th October 2026 – 18th October 2026

The NFL is coming to London this autumn, and there’s no doubt it’s going to be an absolute blast! With three games scheduled throughout October, be prepared to be immersed in the electrifying energy of the National Football League.

🏈 Indianapolis Colts vs. Washington Commanders – Sun 4th October 2026

🏈 Philadelphia Eagles vs. Jacksonville Jaguars – Sun 11th October 2026

🏈 Houston Texans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars – Sun 18th October 2026

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 guaranteed to be incredible. Combined with London’s fantastic sporting vibes, you won’t want to miss these epic head-to-heads. So, grab your friends or family, don your team colours and get ready for an unforgettable day of touchdowns, cheers and making iconic memories.

2. Hijingo Bingo: The Final Cut

• 
  27th October 2026 – 1st November 2026

Enter the neon glow of Hijingo’s immersive, multi-sensory bingo parties this Halloween. As one of Shoreditch’s best entertainment venues, Hijingo is back with ‘The Final Cut’, diving deep into every player’s fears with spine-chilling cocktails, spooky tunes and unforgettable bingo surprises.

Six dynamic rounds mean six chances to win Hijingo’s top prizes – but keep your wits about you. Expect bone-chilling live performers, jump scares galore and throwbacks to your favourite horror movies. Bingo has never been so nerve-racking!

3. Oktoberfest celebrations in London

The Big Smoke always embraces the spirit of Oktoberfest with as much enthusiasm as Munich does! From traditional Bavarian food to lively music and dancing, London has something for everyone. So it’s time to dust off your lederhosen outfits and check out our top picks in the capital below!

🍺Oktoberfest at Between the Bridges

• 
  2nd October 2026

Discover the ultimate Bavarian bash this October in South Bank’s beloved open-air beer garden and street food spot. Across the first three Fridays and Saturdays of October, Oktoberfest returns to Between the Bridges with all the German beer, Bavarian street food and two-pint beer steins you could ask for! And, of course, there’ll be live brass music throughout, bringing that authentic Oktoberfest energy you know and love.

🍺Albert's Schloss

• 
  19th September 2026 – 25th October 2026

If you’re in central London this October, the Albert’s Schloss Oktoberfest celebrations are another epic choice in the capital. Located on the famous Shaftesbury Avenue, this month is the perfect excuse to don your finest lederhosen and get the party started. This splendid beer hall will be packed with all the Bavarian foodie classics you could ask for – juicy bratwursts, succulent schnitzels and freshly baked pretzels, to name a few. Albert’s Schloss will also be serving the best of the best beers available, including Spaten, Paulaner, Löwenbräu, Hacker-Pschorr and Hofbräu. Pair it with world-class entertainment and live music that’s sure to get you on the dance floor and Albert’s Schloss is a perfect addition to your London bucket list this October.

🍺Bermondsey Bierkeller

This permanent beer hall in London is your ultimate destination for authentic German beer this October. Serving mouth-watering bar food including chicken wings, burgers, hot dogs & schnitzel, alongside a stellar draught beer selection, Bermondsey Bierkeller is one of east London’s favourite night-out spots.

And that is not all! This beloved German-themed bar is also home to karaoke rooms, interactive darts, air hockey, shuffleboard, pool, crazy golf and London’s only underground drift kart track.

Throughout October, the schedule is packed! Bermondsey Bierkeller will host a traditional 4-piece oompah band every Thursday and Saturday. On Fridays, the Hosen Stage Band will take to the stage, bringing a high-energy, authentic atmosphere. And Saturday evenings present Youtopia Productions, iconic for their incredible stilt walkers and performers, as well as nail-biting fire acts, taking Bermondsey Bierkeller’s  Saturday nights to another level.

Looking for a daytime Oktoberfest celebration? Bermondsey Bierkeller also offers a Bavarian Brunch Party every Saturday throughout October for those looking for bottomless steins, tasty Bavarian platters and the live 4-piece Hosen Band.

🍺Oktoberfest on the Common

• 
  9th October 2026 – 24th October 2026

Described as the ‘UK’s biggest outdoor Oktoberfest’, Oktoberfest on the Common returns to South London’s iconic Clapham Common this month! With a mission to become ‘the best Oktoberfest experience outside of Munich’, this London Oktoberfest celebration is making that dream a reality with its incredible atmosphere and succulent food offerings (everything from classic Bratwurst and Bratkartoffeln to schnitzel and giant pretzels) and delicious German beer. Want to get right into the Bavarian spirit? Traditional alpine dress is always encouraged at Oktoberfest on the Common and is the perfect way to take your Oktoberfest night out to the next level.

🍺London Oktoberfest at Finsbury Park

• 
  1st October 2026 – 3rd October 2026

Returning to Finsbury Park is one of London’s longest-running Oktoberfests! London Oktoberfest at Finsbury Park is a jam-packed three days of Bavarian FestBeer, tasty German delights and electric live brass bands. Grab a seat at one of their long tables and prepare to get stuck into the Bavarian culture and tradition. And with a vast array of packages to choose from, don’t wait around to snag your ticket.

4. Inside Aardman: Wallace & Gromit and Friends at Young V&A

If you’re a Wallace & Gromit fan or just fascinated by the incredible craft of the Aardman creators, you’ll want to head to the Young V&A this month. Throughout October, you can go behind the scenes of one of Britain’s most popular and beloved animations, all in celebration of Aardman’s 50th anniversary. Get up close with Wallace, Gromit, Shaun the Sheep and the one that started it all, Morph and discover Aardman’s inspiring journey from short animations to the big screen.

5. London Restaurant Festival

• 
  1st October 2026 – 31st October 2026

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 over 15 years, and it’s become an annual highlight for eateries in the Big Smoke. This culinary adventure stretches across October, designed to help you explore as many restaurants as your heart desires.

The London Restaurant Festival is all about embracing the capital’s vibrant 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 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!

6. MCM Comic Con

• 
  23rd October 2026 – 25th October 2026

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, plus there will be plenty of panels, talks, screenings and performances.

Cosplay is an integral part of MCM London, 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.

7. BFI London Film Festival

• 
  7th October 2026 – 18th October 2026

If you’ve got a passion for movies, the BFI London Film Festival is an absolute must. The BFI London Film Festival is like a front-row seat to the future of filmmaking, where you can be among the first to catch those unforgettable moments on the big screen.

The BFI London Film Festival is your ticket to a world of captivating stories, shared moments and unforgettable cinema. And guess what? You’ll spot filmmakers and actors alongside your fellow film enthusiasts – the atmosphere will be buzzing with movie magic.

8. The London Dungeon

• 
  17th October 2026 – 1st November 2026

Experience the home of Halloween this October at The London Dungeon! Come face-to-face with The London Dungeon’s perilous exorcism show, which is truly the stuff of nightmares. Watch and experience ancient, 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.

9. Mental Wealth Festival

• 
  7th October 2026 – 10th October 2026

The Mental Wealth Festival 2026 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.

10. Bloomsbury Festival

• 
  1st October 2026 – 31st October 2026

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 and discover secret gardens or stumble upon some live music or art installations. It’s like a treasure hunt for culture!

11. Halloween at Kew

• 
  16th October 2026 – 1st November 2026

If you’re looking for a hauntingly fun way to celebrate Halloween in London, look no further than Kew Gardens. This October, Kew is transforming into a magical, after-dark wonderland with their Halloween Light Trail. As dusk falls, the gardens come alive with eerie illuminations and ghoulish installations. And be sure to keep your eyes out for the Headless Horseman…

Halloween at Kew is the perfect place to get into the spooky spirit. And if you have little ones with early bedtimes, no worries! Kew’s daytime sessions are just as exciting. So whether you’re seeking thrills or chills, Halloween at Kew is sure to be a memorable experience for the whole family.

12. Guinness Afternoon Tea at Homeboy Bar

• 
  10th October 2026

Looking for a cosy, unique way to spend a crisp October afternoon in London? You need to check out the new Guinness Afternoon Tea at Homeboy Bar in Islington. Launching on the 10th October, this modern Irish pub is taking the classic British tradition and giving it a delightfully dark, malty twist. Instead of your standard finger sandwiches and Earl Grey, almost everything on the menu features the iconic Irish stout, making it the ultimate comfort food experience as the autumn weather sets in.

The atmosphere at Homeboy Bar is famously warm and charming, serving up a genuine dose of Irish hospitality that feels perfect for hunkering down on a weekend.

13. Art exhibitions in London in October

October in London brings a spectacular lineup of new art exhibitions perfect for a cultural day out. At Tate Britain, you can dive into the audacious spirit of ‘The 90s: Art and Fashion’, a blockbuster show curated by Edward Enninful that captures the defining photography, garments and artworks of a British cultural explosion.

If you prefer a more romantic vision, head to The National Gallery for ‘Renoir and Love’, the first UK retrospective of the Impressionist master in twenty years, celebrating his joyous depictions of everyday human connection and Parisian life.

Escape the autumn weather at the Royal Academy of Art with ‘Painting the French Riviera’, a radiant exploration of how the Mediterranean coast inspired a century of modern art from Cézanne to Picasso.