What's On In London: October

Feel that crisp autumn air? Autumn is here – which means cosy nights, spiced treats, and plenty of seasonal festivities to enjoy. Spooky season brings everything from vampire balls to magical illuminated gardens, plus tours through London’s darkest corners.

Our Spookiest Picks

Halloween at the Museum (31st October)

Spend Halloween night in the grand halls of the Natural History Museum. Dance at the Vampire Ball, lose yourself in a silent disco, and explore the museum’s many galleries after dark – all under the gaze of a giant blue whale skeleton.

London Month of the Dead (Throughout October)

London’s eccentric Month of the Dead is still alive and kicking. The festival celebrates the capital’s long, strange relationship with death. Expect anything from bat skeleton workshops to historic cemetery tours and themed tea parties. Perfect if you’re into history, the arts, or all-things-macabre.

Spooky Movies in Spectacular Venues (Throughout October)

Nothing says autumn like a spooky film night. Rivoli Ballroom offers a blood-red, velvet-draped setting for screenings of cult horror classics – complete with themed cocktails and snacks. Meanwhile, Rooftop Film Club is the best option for open-air Halloween classics, from contemporary horror to nostalgic favourites. Plus, their new fireside tickets even come with your own wood-burning heater and hot chocolate, for extra cosiness.

Halloween at Kew Gardens (17th Oct – 2nd Nov)

Kew Gardens is transforming into a Halloween wonderland this autumn, with an illuminated trail surrounded by enchanted woods, haunted fairgrounds, and wicked secrets. After following the trail, stop for a cosy hot toddy and toasted monster marshmallows.

London Dungeons Halloween Specials (Throughout October)

Calling themselves the ‘home of Halloween’, London Dungeons are getting even more gruesome this month with new immersive tales. Their standard entry ticket now includes a chilling journey back to 1886 to meet none other than Dracula himself. For thrill seekers, there’s also a special blackout event where you’ll have to survive a vampire hunt in pitch darkness.

Cultural Spotlight: Black History Month

This October also marks Black History Month, a vital celebration of Black culture, heritage, and history in the UK since 1987. London is hosting an impressive programme of exhibitions, talks, and performances. Here are some ways you can get involved:

London Museum Docklands

Throughout the month, join free introductory talks at the Sugar & Slavery gallery, examining London’s role in the slave trade and its legacy.

Black Cultural Archives

Head to Brixton to explore the UK’s only national heritage centre dedicated to collecting, preserving, and celebrating people of African and Caribbean descent in Britain.

The National Gallery

Attend one of the National Gallery’s free Race and Representation tours and explore how people of colour have been portrayed in art across centuries.

Old Royal Naval College

Located in Greenwich, near our English Centre, a new film installation will explore the untold stories of Black British Caribbean lives during the Second World War. Watch on the 11th for £3 or included in a Painted Hall ticket.

Black-Owned Businesses

Supporting black-owned businesses is one of the best ways to honour Black History Month. Sip on the best hot chocolate in London at Dark Sugars, browse black authors at New Beacon Books, or feast on Nigerian tapas at Chuku’s.

Things to Do This October 

BFI London Film Festival (8th – 19th Oct)

See films before anyone else at the UK’s largest film festival, featuring world premieres, free talks, DJ nights, and workshops. If you’re 16–25, tickets start from just £6. Bargain.

Grand Sumo (8th – 12th Oct)

For only the second time outside Japan, sumo takes over London at the Royal Albert Hall. Over 40 of Japan’s top wrestlers will compete in a five-day spectacle of strength, ritual, and tradition. Sumo enthusiasts or anyone interested in Japanese culture can find tickets here.

London Oktoberfest (Throughout October)

Raise a glass at London’s very own Oktoberfest, complete with authentic German beer, live music, and Lederhosen.

Peckham Conker Championships (4th Oct)

A classic British playground game turned serious competition. Contestants battle it out for the Golden Nut: a solid 22-carat conker. You can cheer from the sidelines or join in the action yourself.

Bloomsbury Festival (11th – 20th Oct)

Celebrating one of London’s most literary locations, the Bloomsbury Festival features art, talks, performances, and walks inspired by Bloomsbury’s heritage – from Virginia Woolf to E.M. Forster.

Diwali (13th Oct)

Head to Trafalgar Square for the Festival of Lights. Expect dance workshops, music, yoga sessions, puppet shows, and amazing food.

K-Music Festival (1st Oct – 20th Nov)

There’s so much more to Korean music than K-pop. K-Music Festival brings some of the best in experimental, post-rock, jazz, and classical Korean music to venues around London.

Race Across the World Trail (Throughout October)

Inspired by the TV series, this trail takes you on a wild adventure across London. The only rules? No maps, no public transport, and a strict budget. On your way, you must solve clues, puzzles, and overcome unique challenges – all while discovering the city’s best sights.

Winedrops Live (10 – 12th Oct)

Part music festival, part wine tasting, Winedrops Live serves the perfect pairing of culture and indulgence. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just fancy a glass of red with your favourite playlist, it’s an event for everyone.

Special Exhibitions & Museum Events

Nigerian Modernism – Tate Modern

An exhibition showcasing the 20th-century Nigerian artists who shaped modernism before and after British colonial rule.

Blitz: London at War – Museum of London Docklands

Step back into the 1940s and experience what life was like during the Blitz. With immersive displays and first-hand accounts, it’s a fascinating insight into WW2 Britain.

Legend of Titanic – National Maritime Museum

Explore the myths and realities of the Titanic. From artefacts and passenger stories to cultural legends, this is a deep dive into one of history’s most enduring tragedies.

October (Tr)eats

Humble Crumble

Language learning is tricky enough, so we’re bringing you a well-earned treat this month. Nothing says the start of Autumn quite like a classic British fruit crumble – tangy cooked fruit, a buttery golden topping, and a generous glug of hot custard.

Humble Crumble has taken the dessert of fussy British grandmothers and turned it into a viral trend. Think marshmallow fluff toppings, seasonal twists, and flavours you never knew belonged in a crumble. Crème brûlée crumble? Absolutely.

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