As the summer sun makes way for the chilly autumnal air and crisp orange leaves, London also springs to life with various autumnal events taking place across the city. From highly anticipated movies at the London Film Festival to Bavarian bands and giant steins of beer at Oktoberfest, here’s our guide to the best events in the city this October.
(WA = Wheelchair Accessible)
Celebrate Diwali across the city
On 26th October, people all over the world will come together in celebration of Diwali. This religious festival is the ultimate festival of light and a time to unite to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness and the joys of life. There are many ways to celebrate this festival in London, one being at Diwali on the Square in Trafalgar Square on 9th October, a celebration including a line-up of live music, workshops, food, drink, arts and crafts and dancing.
Diwali on the Square | WA | Trafalgar Square | 9th of October 2022
Get to know the city on another level at Destination City
Next up on our list of the top things to do in London in October is Destination City, a free cultural event of performances and games that will take over the skyscraper-lined streets of London’s Square Mile. More than 100 performers will take to the streets of London, including a mass treasure hunt, innovative street theatre and carnival-style fairgrounds, all working to tell the story of the City through immersive theatre.
Destination City | 5th of October 2022
Image courtesy of The London Marathon
Spectate and support at The London Marathon
This year (2022), The London Marathon is taking place in October, where thousands of runners will embark on the race of a lifetime from Greenwich to The Mall spanning 26.2 miles. If you’re not one of the brave ones taking part, there are plenty of places where you can spectate and cheer on those who are. The city transforms into a 26.2-mile-long street party, with three different starting points around Blackheath. Some of the most popular spots to spectate include Greenwich town centre, the areas around Cutty Sark and Tower Bridge. It’s worth noting that it does get mega busy, so if you’re not keen on crowds, it might be better to sit this one out.
London Marathon | 2nd of October 2022
Image courtesy of London Cocktail Week
Drink, drink and drink some more at London Cocktail Week
The biggest cocktail festival is back with a bang this year, taking place from 13-23rd October in venues all across London and is, without a doubt, one of the top things to do in London in October. Get to know London’s drinking scene up close at the hundreds of events and experiences across the week, from immersive pop-ups to specially curated menus. Nab yourself a wristband for the special occasion and start planning your cocktail-fuelled route.
London Cocktail Week | 13th – 23rd of October 2022
Image courtesy of Black Culture Market
Celebrate black-owned businesses at Black Culture Market for Black History Month
Celebrate African Caribbean culture and Black History at the Black Culture Market in iconic venues across the city and beyond. Specially selected black businesses come together to showcase exclusive events and champion producers of the African and Caribbean communities. Pick up original items, accessories, gifts, unique prints and much more whilst supporting black-owned businesses.
Black Culture Market | Brixton | 1st – 2nd of October 2022
Image courtesy of Oktoberfest
Raise your steins at Oktoberfest
Every year, Oktoberfest remains one of the things to do in London in October and is the biggest celebration of its kind in the UK, seeing more than 50,000 guests come together annually. You can expect a live Baravian band, authentic German food and beer and Oktoberfest decorations; you’ll feel like you’re in a traditional Oktoberfest tent in the middle of Germany. Don your best lederhosen and strap in for the best beer-fuelled German celebrations in the city.
Oktoberfest | October
Stroll through London parks to see new Autumn leaves
As we say goodbye to the long nights and summer sun, a new space arises for new orange leaves and a fresh, crisp autumnal air. There are many places you can embrace the transition of summer into Autumn. Still, a few of our favourites are Richmond Park, particularly in the morning, Hyde Park, Greenwich Park, Victoria Park and Kyoto Garden in Holland Park.
WA
Image courtesy of BFI London Film Festival
Watch highly anticipated films at BFI London Film Festival
Finally, on our list of the top things to do in London in October is The BFI London Film Festival, one of the world’s leading film festivals featuring a programme of films by established and emerging filmmakers worldwide. Sink your teeth into the best new movies and series worldwide at London’s South Bank and West End venues and cinemas all around the UK between 5-16th October. Moreover, 41% of this year’s programme is from female and non-binary directors and creators.
London Film Festival | 5th – 16th of October 2022
How are you celebrating this October? Make sure you tag us in all of your Autumnal activities @loveandlondon; we love to see you enjoying the change of seasons in the city.
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