October in London is when the city truly comes alive. The summer crowds have thinned, the leaves are turning gold, and the cultural calendar is bursting with film festivals, art fairs, food celebrations, and seasonal shows. Whether you’re into art, theatre, sport, or cocktails, there’s something happening in every corner of the capital this month.
Here’s your guide to what’s on in London in October 2025.
🎬 BFI London Film Festival (8–19 October)
One of the UK’s biggest cinematic celebrations returns this year, screening world premieres, short films, and documentaries across the city’s most iconic cinemas. Expect red-carpet glitz, Q&A sessions with directors, and screenings of this year’s biggest hits — including Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery and 100 Nights of Hero.
🎨 Frieze London & Frieze Masters (15–19 October)
Art lovers, this is your week. Regent’s Park transforms into a global art hub as Frieze London and Frieze Masters bring together contemporary and 20th-century masterpieces. Collectors, curators, and the curious flock here to discover new talent, attend live talks, and sip champagne among the creative elite.
✊🏾 Black History Month
October is Black History Month across the UK, and London leads the way with a city-wide programme of exhibitions, concerts, and talks celebrating Black excellence. Expect special programming at the Southbank Centre, Museum of London Docklands, and the British Library — plus walking tours and local community events that spotlight Black history across the capital.
🍸 London Cocktail Week (9–19 October)
Ten days, hundreds of bars, and thousands of cocktails. With a £15 wristband (or digital pass), you can access exclusive £8 signature cocktails at some of London’s top mixology spots in Soho, Shoreditch, and Covent Garden. Masterclasses, pop-ups, and rooftop parties make this one of the liveliest events of the year.
🍴 London Restaurant Festival (1–31 October)
For the foodies, the London Restaurant Festival runs all month long. Dive into tasting menus, chef-led lunches, and “restaurant-hopping” tours across the city. From Michelin-starred dining to hidden neighbourhood gems, it’s a culinary celebration that showcases why London remains one of the world’s great food capitals.
🎭 Theatre & Performance Highlights
London’s theatre scene shines in autumn, with a mix of brand-new shows and returning favourites lighting up the West End.
- Othello starring David Harewood opens late October.
- The Woman in Black and Ghost Stories return for spine-tingling Halloween runs.
- Wendy & Peter Pan at the Barbican offers a family-friendly twist on the classic.
- The Hunger Games: On Stage makes its world premiere at Troubadour Canary Wharf.
- The Royal Opera House features Like Water for Chocolate, while long-running hits like Hamilton, Wicked, and The Book of Mormon continue to pack houses.
🖼️ Exhibitions & Culture
October is prime gallery season. A few unmissable stops include:
- Paul McCartney: The Beatles Exhibition (until 4 October) – a nostalgic deep dive into the Fab Four’s legacy.
- Peter Doig: House of Music at the Serpentine – exploring the interplay between painting and sound.
- Dozens of satellite shows open across Mayfair, Fitzrovia, and Shoreditch during Frieze Week, making London’s art scene unmissable this month.
🏅 Sports, Festivals & Special Events
- NFL London Games bring American football back to Wembley and Tottenham (5–19 October).
- Royal Parks Half Marathon (12 October) winds through Hyde Park, Green Park, and St. James’s Park.
- Grand Sumo Tournament (15–19 October) at the Royal Albert Hall — the sport’s first London appearance in decades.
- Diwali on Trafalgar Square (12 October) fills central London with lights, music, and incredible food.
- Parallax Art Fair in Kensington and foraging walks in Hampstead Heath offer calmer cultural escapes.
👻 Halloween & Autumn Vibes
October wouldn’t be complete without a touch of spooky fun. From haunted pub tours and ghost walks to immersive theatre experiences, London loves Halloween. The Tower of London, London Dungeon, and Old Operating Theatre all host eerie after-dark events perfect for thrill-seekers.
Meanwhile, the city’s parks are glowing in shades of red and gold. Take a crisp walk through Hyde Park, Richmond Park, or Greenwich to soak up the autumn colours before grabbing a hot chocolate or pint in a cosy pub.
🌦️ Travel Tips for October
- Weather: Expect 10–15°C, occasional showers, and shorter days — perfect for layering up.
- Book Ahead: Events like Frieze and the BFI Festival sell out quickly.
- Getting Around: Tube and bus services are reliable, but expect crowds during major events and football games.
- Local Favourites: Many Londoners spend weekends in markets — try Borough, Columbia Road, or Camden for a more relaxed vibe between big events.
🕰️ In Short
October 2025 is the perfect month to experience London’s creative heartbeat — art, music, theatre, and food collide in one dazzling autumn celebration. Whether you’re sipping cocktails in Soho, catching a film at the BFI Festival, or exploring the latest art at Frieze, London in October offers something magical for everyone.
