Giles Guide to October Events in London

Looking for thrilling ways to spend your autumn days in London? Look no further! This October, the city is brimming with must-see events and activities that will satisfy every taste. From cultural celebrations to immersive exhibitions, here's your comprehensive guide to the hottest happenings in the capital this month.

 

Celebrate Diversity with Black History Month

 

October marks Black History Month, and London is embracing the occasion with open arms. Why not support black-owned businesses while treating your taste buds? Here are some spots to check out:

Chuku's

Serving delightful Nigerian tapas this eatery in South Tottenham is one to visit.

Location: 274 High Rd, London N15 4AJ, United Kingdom

 

Delina

Savor Ethiopian delicacies at this charming café in Shepherd’s Bush

Location: 176 Shepherd's Bush Market, London W12 8DF, United Kingdom

 

Ma Petite Jamaica 

Treat yourself to authentic and delicious Jamaican food at either their Camden or Shoreditch location.

Locations:

4 Inverness St, London NW1 7HJ, United Kingdom

130-132 Curtain Rd, London EC2A 3AR, United Kingdom

 

Dark Sugars

Indulge in heavenly gourmet chocolates and other confectionary at this East London dessert shop.

Location: 141 Brick Ln, Bethnal Green, London E1 6SB, United Kingdom

 

Eat of Eden

Serving 100% plant-based options, this Caribbean menu is filled with absolute gems:

Location: Unit 4, Brixton Village, Coldharbour Ln, London SW9 8PR, United Kingdom

 

Immerse Yourself in Cultural Festivals

 

Japan Matsuri 2024

Date: October 6th

Location: Trafalgar Square

Time: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Tickets: This event is free and does not require a ticket, but for more details click here

 

Experience the vibrant world of Japanese culture at the largest celebration of its kind in the UK! This spectacular event features:

• Taiko drumming and Awa Odori dancing
• Martial arts demonstrations
• Japanese anime songs and cosplay
• Standup comedy by Yuriko Kotani
• An interview with Ryoichi Hirano, Principal of the Royal Ballet
• Around 50 stalls offering Japanese festival food, sweets, and goods

 

Diwali Celebration

Date: October 30th

Location: Devonshire Square

Time: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Tickets: Register for your free ticket here

 

Light up your October with the dazzling Diwali festivities! This free event includes:

• Spectacular dance performances by Akademi South Asian Dance UK
• Traditional Rangoli art created onsite by Miguel Rajaguru
• Complimentary Indian confectionery and Diwali canapés
• "Odyssey Rose Nectar" drink tasting
• Henna art (firstcome, first-served basis)

 

 

Dive into the World of Arts and Exhibitions

 

This October, London's art scene is buzzing with exciting exhibitions:

 

Van Gogh's Poets and Lovers

Dates: September 19th - January 2025

Location: National Gallery

Book Tickets: For more information about the exhibit and to book tickets click here

 

Celebrate the National Gallery's 200th birthday with this once-in-a-century exhibition featuring Van Gogh's most spectacular paintings from across the globe.

 

Haegue Yang: Leap Year

Dates: October 9th - January 5th

Location: Hayward Gallery

Book Tickets: For more information about the exhibit and to book tickets click here

 

Experience Yang's first major UK survey, featuring a comprehensive study of her work from the early 2000s to today, including new commissions and productions.

 

Making a rukus!: Black Queer History

Dates: October 12th - January 19th

Location: Somerset House

Book Tickets: For more information about the exhibit and to book tickets click here

 

Discover the joy, friendship, resistance, and art of Black LGBTQ+ people in Britain through archive materials, contemporary artworks, and new commissions.

 

Hew Locke: What Have We Here

Dates: October 17th - February 9th

Location: British Museum

Book Tickets: For more information about the exhibit and to book tickets click here

 

 

Explore Locke's groundbreaking exhibition challenging narratives of British imperialism through objects from the British Museum collection and newly commissioned works.

 

Tim Burton Exhibition

Dates: October 25th - December 20th

Location: Design Museum

Book Tickets: For more information about the exhibit and to book tickets click here

 

Step into the whimsical world of Tim Burton! This major exhibition showcases Burton's multi-disciplinary artistry, from illustrations and paintings to set designs and sculptural installations.

 

 

Festival Frenzy

 

October is packed with festivals for film buffs, music lovers, and literature enthusiasts. Here's a detailed look at what each festival has to offer:

 

BFI Film Festival

Dates: October 9th - 20th

Location: Various London Cinemas

Event Website: For more details about the programme click here

 

The BFI Film Festival is a cinephile's dream come true. For 12 days, London becomes the epicenter of the film world, featuring:

 

• Premieres of highly anticipated films
• Q&A sessions with renowned directors and actors
• Special screenings of restored classics
• Workshops and masterclasses for aspiring filmmakers
• A diverse selection of international cinema

 

Whether you're into indie darlings or blockbuster premieres, this festival has something for every film lover.

 

Doc’n Roll Festival

Dates: October 24th - November 10th

Location: Various venues around London

Event Website: For more details about the programme click here

 

Doc’n Roll is not your average film festival. This unique event celebrates the intersection of music and cinema, offering:

 

• Screenings of cuttingedge music documentaries
• Films showcasing underground and alternative music scenes
• Q&A sessions with musicians and filmmakers
• Live performances complementing the film screenings
• A platform for womxn and marginal voices in the music industry

 

From punk to classical, hip-hop to folk, Doc n'Roll provides a melodious journey through various music subcultures.

 

London Literature Festival

Dates: October 23rd - November 3rd

Location: Southbank Centre

Event Website: For more details about the programme click here

 

The London Literature Festival is a bibliophile's paradise, bringing together readers and writers for a celebration of the written and spoken word. This year's festival includes:

 

• Talks and readings by prestigious authors and rising literary stars
• 'Debut London Literature' event, celebrating firsttime writers inspired by the capital
• 'New Poets Collective Showcase', featuring fresh poetic talents
• Appearances by big names like Russell Kane, Taffy BrodesserAkner, Rupert Everett, and Richard Dawkins
• Kidfriendly events like 'Alphabet Soup' and 'The Elmer Adventure'
• A special opening weekend cocurated by Mercury-nominated star Ghetts, including a performance and discussions on the link between literature and music

 

From poetry slams to author signings, this festival is a must-visit for anyone who loves the power of words.

 

Royal African Society's Annual Film Festival: Film Africa

Dates: October 25th - November 3rd

Location: Screenings across 7 London venues

Event Website: For more details about the programme click here

 

Celebrating its 10th edition, Film Africa is London's premier festival of African and African diaspora cinema. This year's event promises:

 

• 48 titles from 16 different African countries
• 22 UK, European, and World premieres
• A selection of 7 narrative and documentary films available on BFI Player
• Special strands including 'BEYOND NOLLYWOOD', showcasing new wave audiovisual content from Nigeria and its diaspora
• A programme by Deaf African and Diaspora filmmakers in partnership with Deaffest
• Popular Dine & View and Film Africa LIVE! strands

 

Film Africa offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich diversity of African storytelling through cinema.

 

British Urban Film Festival (BUFF)

Dates: October 17th - 25th

Various venues around London

Event Website: For more details about the programme click here

 

BUFF is the leading film festival for showcasing urban independent cinema in the UK. Established in 2005, this festival features:

 

• Screenings of cuttingedge urban films
• Works by emerging and established filmmakers
• Panel discussions on current issues in urban cinema
• Networking opportunities for industry professionals
• A platform for diverse voices often underrepresented in mainstream cinema

 

BUFF is your gateway to discovering the next big names in British urban filmmaking.

 

Bloomsbury Festival

Dates: October 18th - 27th

Location: Various venues around London

Event Website: For more details about the programme click here

 

The Bloomsbury Festival is a vibrant celebration of this unique London district's creativity and pioneering spirit. Over ten days, you can experience:

 

• Up to 130 events spread across streets, parks, museums, galleries, laboratories, and public and private buildings
• A diverse programme showcasing the area's blend of academic institutions, businesses, cultural organisations, and communities
• Collaborations between artists, academics, scientists, dancers, musicians, publishers, and school pupils
• Special projects like 'Festival in a Box', bringing art to people living with dementia
• A unique blend of performances, exhibitions, talks, and interactive experiences

 

From cutting-edge research to community art projects, the Bloomsbury Festival offers a fascinating glimpse into one of London's most dynamic neighbourhoods.

 

Bloomsbury Festival New Wave Art Prize Exhibition at St. Giles Hotel

Dates: October 19th – Mid-November, open Day and Evening for free drop-in viewing

Location: St Giles London Hotel – foyer & mezzanine level

Event Website: For more details about the event click here

 

Featuring emerging artists shortlisted as part of the Festival’s Art Prize 2024, including Fabian Heckmatt (Graduate of The Royal Drawing School, 2023), Beth McALester (Student at Slade School of Fine Art, UCL), Giovanna Laiso (Student at London Metropolitan University) and other artists.

 

Equaleyes: Illuminating Insights into Using Health Data, A.I and Inclusion – Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre/UCL

Dates: October 24th at 7 pm

Location: St. Giles London Hotel – Mezzanine

Event Website: To purchase a £5 ticket, click here

 

Theatre and Musicals

 

October brings a thrilling lineup of new productions to London's vibrant theatre scene. Here's a closer look at the exciting musicals and plays opening this month:

 

Macbeth

Dates: 1st October 2024 – 14th December 2024

Venue: Harold Pinter Theatre

Book Tickets: For more information about the show click here

 

David Tennant and Cush Jumbo reprise their acclaimed roles in this binaural production of Shakespeare's Scottish play. While officially sold out, determined theatregoers can try for £20 standing tickets or £25 front row seats on the day of performance.

 

Oedipus

Dates: 4th October 2024 – 4th January 2025

Venue: Wyndham's Theatre

Book Tickets: For more information about the show and to book tickets click here

 

Robert Icke's visionary take on the ancient Greek tragedy comes to London, starring Mark Strong as Oedipus and Lesley Manville as Jocasta. This modern reimagining of the classic tale promises to be a theatrical event not to be missed.

 

"Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb"

Dates: 8th October 2024 – 25th January 2025

Venue: Noel Coward Theatre

Book Tickets: For more information about the show and to book tickets click here

 

Stanley Kubrick's satirical masterpiece starring Steve Coogan gets a theatrical makeover in this innovative stage adaptation. This dark comedy explores the absurdity of Cold War politics and nuclear anxiety. Expect a blend of biting satire and thought-provoking drama as the story of a paranoid U.S. Air Force general and a potential nuclear catastrophe unfolds on stage.

 

Barcelona

Dates: 21st October 2024 - 11th January 2025

Venue: Duke of York's Theatre

Book Tickets: For more information about the show and to book tickets click here

 

Lily Collins stars alongside Álvaro Morte in this thriller about an American tourist's entanglement with a handsome stranger in Barcelona. Directed by Lynette Linton and written by Bess Wohl, this production promises to be a gripping addition to the London stage.

 

"The Devil Wears Prada"

Opening: 24th October 2024 – 31st May 2025

Venue: Dominion Theatre (located less than a 5min walk from St Giles London)

Book Tickets: For more information about the show and to book tickets click here

 

The fashion world's most iconic film gets a glamorous musical makeover. "The Devil Wears Prada" struts onto the London stage with an original score by Sir Elton John. Follow aspiring journalist Andy Sachs as she navigates the cutthroat world of high fashion under the terrifying yet fabulous Miranda Priestly. With a star-studded creative team and cast, this highly anticipated production promises to be as stylish and sharp as its source material. Prepare for a night of high drama, haute couture, and unforgettable music in this must-see adaptation of the beloved film and novel.

 

 

These exciting new productions offer something for every theatrical taste, from high-stakes drama to lighthearted comedy. Whether you're a seasoned theatregoer or looking for a special night out, London's October lineup has you covered. Don't forget to book your tickets early, as these shows are sure to be in high demand!

 

Oktoberfest in London

 

Who says you need to go to Munich for Oktoberfest? London's got you covered with numerous beer-filled celebrations throughout October. Here's a detailed look at where you can don your lederhosen and raise a stein:

 

German Gymnasium Oktoberfest

Dates: 20th September – 31st October

Location: 1 King's Blvd, London N1C 4BU, United Kingdom

Event Website: For more details and to book your table click here

 

Set in a stunning Grade II listed building, the German Gymnasium offers a more upscale Oktoberfest experience. Every Friday in October, enjoy live music from an authentic German band while savoring a special Oktoberfest menu featuring Bavarian classics like pretzels, schnitzel, and of course, plenty of German beer.

 

Between The Bridges Oktoberfest

Dates: October 4th, 5th, 11th & 12th

Location: Between the Bridges, The Queen's Walk, London SE1, United Kingdom

Website: For more details and to book tickets click here

 

This pop-up venue on the South Bank brings Oktoberfest vibes with a London twist. Enjoy panoramic views of the Thames while sipping on German and local craft beers. With street food vendors offering both traditional German fare and London favorites, it's a unique blend of cultures.

 

The Official Camden Oktoberfest

Dates: October 5th, 12th, 19th, & 26th

Location: 184 Camden High St, London NW1 8QP, United Kingdom

Event Website: For more details and to book tickets click here

 

Experience the ultimate Oktoberfest party in the heart of Camden. Each Saturday in October, the Electric Ballroom transforms into a Bavarian beer hall complete with long wooden tables, authentic German beer, and traditional Oompah bands. Don't miss the famous beer drinking competitions and the best dressed contest!

 

WINGTOBERFEST

Dates: October 11-13

Location: 1 Priestley Way, London E17 6AL, United Kingdom

Event Website: For more details and to book tickets click here

 

For those who believe beer is best paired with wings, WINGTOBERFEST is the event for you. This unique celebration combines the best of Oktoberfest with a focus on chicken wings. Expect a variety of German beers, an assortment of flavored wings, live music, and a lively atmosphere. As they say, they deal in four things: beer, wings, meat, and music!

 

The Bermondsey Bierkeller

Dates: Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in October

Location: 2, 4 Tooley St, London SE1 2SY, United Kingdom

Website: For more details click here

 

For an immersive Bavarian experience, head to the Bermondsey Bierkeller. This underground venue recreates the atmosphere of a traditional German beer cellar. With staff in traditional dress, authentic German beers served in steins, and hearty Bavarian food, you'll feel like you've been transported to Munich.

 

 

With this incredible lineup of events, your October in London is sure to be unforgettable. Whether you're into art, music, food, or history, there's something for everyone in this vibrant city. So grab your scarf, embrace the autumn chill, and dive into all the exciting experiences London has to offer this month!