20 fantastic things to do in London in October 2023

Welcome to October in London, as summer gracefully transitions into autumn. The city comes alive with Halloween festivities, offering a taste of spooky adventures for all. Art takes the spotlight with Frieze and the 1-54 Contemporary Art Fair showcasing pioneering works. Rejoice in the return of cultural festivals like the BFI London Film Festival and The London Literature Festival. October also pays homage to Black History Month and Diwali with special events. Additionally, there are opportunities to enjoy superb stage productions and drink events for all with the return of Oktoberfest and London Cocktail Week. Below, you'll find our selection of 20 unmissable events happening in London this October.

Don Quixote

Image: Royal Opera House. September 2023. © MTotoe

#FLODown: Carlos Acosta's lively production of Don Quixote will be at the Royal Opera House throughout October. The production blends comedy, wit, and dazzling choreography. The approximately 2-hour and 50-minute performance, suitable for all audiences, follows Don Quixote's chivalrous quest and the love story of Kitri and Basilio. With Spanish flair and philanthropic support, the show offers accessible cinematic broadcasts and streaming options for a broader audience.

Date: until 17 November 2023. Location: Royal Opera House, Bow St, London WC2E 9DD. Price: £5 -£150. Book now.

 Southbank Centre's London Literature Festival

Image: Southbank Centre. Photograph by Morley von Sternberg.

#FLODown: The London Literature Festival is back, curated by George the Poet. This literary event focuses on spoken word at the Royal Festival Hall. Programming includes memoirs from figures like Sir Patrick Stewart and Kerry Washington, alongside literary works by esteemed authors like Yu Miri and Teju Cole. The festival also partners with the Black British Book Festival, highlighting Black British writing. Family-friendly events and free activities are available during the October half term. Additionally, the National Poetry Library celebrates its 70th birthday with events and an exhibition titled A Birthday Garland.

Date: 18-29 October 2023. Location: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX. Click here to discover events for The London Literature Festival.

1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair

Image: Trevor Stuurman, Tongoro beauty 5, 2022, Ilford Crystal Gloss Giclee, 84.1 x 56.1 cm. Courtesy of THK Gallery.

#FLODown: The 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair marks its 11th edition this month at Somerset House, presenting its largest showcase yet. Over 60 international exhibitors will feature, displaying the work of 170+ artists from 31 countries, underlining the importance of African representation. A standout is the commissioned piece Illuminate the Light by acclaimed artist Amine El Gotaibi, symbolising African diversity through geometric sculptures and light play. The fair's global influence is underscored by strategic partnerships with Christie's and Infiniment Coty Paris. For those unable to attend in person, the fair's art can be explored online via Artsy.

Date: 13-15 October 2023. Location: Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA. Price: from £25. Book now.

 Roundhouse Rising Festival 2023

Image: Roundhouse Rising Festival. Little Simz. Photo by Nici Eberl.

#FLODown:The highly anticipated Roundhouse Rising Festival 2023, in collaboration with BBC Introducing Live, is set to return this October, dedicated to celebrating emerging talent. The festival kicks off on 12 October showcasing a lineup of promising artists. On October 14, the focus shifts to empowering panel discussions during the day and performances in the evening, providing aspiring artists with valuable insights and a stage to shine. Established in 2011, the festival boasts a rich history of discovering talent, with notable artists like Little Simz and Jacob Banks having been part of its legacy. As a vital platform for artists to experiment, evolve, and gain recognition, Roundhouse Rising Festival continues to spotlight future creative stars.

Date: 12 - 14 October 2023. Location: Chalk Farm Road, London, NW1 8EH. Price: (12 & 13 Oct): from £5. (14 Oct): from £12.50. Book now.

Frieze London and Frieze Masters

Image: Sin Wai Kin, The Story Cycle, (film still), 2022, Single-channel video, 17’07”. Commissioned by Somerset House, supported by the DCMS and Arts Council through the Culture Recovery Fund. Image courtesy of artist and Blindspot Gallery.

#FLODown: Frieze London and Frieze Masters are set to host their 20th and 11th editions, respectively, from 11-15 October 2023 in London's The Regent’s Park. The fairs will feature over 160 leading galleries from 46 countries. In Frieze London, highlights include solo installations by artists such as Marguerite Humeau, Sophie Von Hellerman, and Barbara Chase-Riboud, among others. The Frieze Masters section offers a diverse range of historic artworks from the Palaeolithic era to the 20th century. Coinciding with the fair, there will be a programme including talks, music performances, a film program. The celebration will showcase a diverse range of artworks, bridging historical and contemporary contexts.

Date: 11-15 October 2023. Location: The Regent's Park, London. Price: from £46. Book now.

Click here to explore our curated selection of 7 must-see sculptures at this year's Frieze Sculptures.

Can This Place be a Temple?

Image: Akshay Sharma, Can This Place Be A Temple? (2023)

#FLODown: Can This Place be a Temple? is a multidisciplinary solo performance by Akshay Sharma, delving into the notions of refuge, safety, race, gender, migration, and nature. Through a blend of dance, text, and music, Sharma draws from personal experiences and myth, raising inquiries about how history and location influence our deepest fears and desires. Hailing from India and currently based in London, Sharma's artistic expression is deeply rooted in Indian music, intricately woven into the fabric of the performance, encompassing voice, dramaturgy, musical structures, rhythms, and textures. His artistry explores our connection to the world and our position within it, challenging the physical and metaphorical structures that shape our lives.

Date: 3 October 2023. Time: 7.30pm. Location: The Palace, 17 Duke's Road, London, WC1H 9PY. Price: £18. Concessions available. Book now.

Free views of London

Image: View of London from Horizon 22. September 2023. © MTotoe

#FLODown: As summer fades and the sun sets earlier, seize the chance to witness a beautiful sunset at London's newest viewing platforms. The Lookout at 8 Bishopsgate, perched on the 50th floor, offers an impressive city view. Alternatively, experience Horizon 22 at 22 Bishopsgate, the UK's highest viewing platform, with a panoramic view of the city surpassing The Shard by 10m. And the best part? It's all free!

Marina Abramović Takeover

Image: Marina Abramović, The Hero, 2001. Single Channel Video (black and white, sound); 14 minutes, 19 seconds. Courtesy of the Marina Abramović Archives. © Marina Abramović.

#FLODown: This autumn, London will witness a double feature of Marina Abramović's groundbreaking art at the Royal Academy of Arts and the Southbank Centre. The Royal Academy will host her first major solo exhibition in the UK, spanning five decades of pioneering performance art. Concurrently, the Southbank Centre will offer a glimpse into Abramović's life and art through a conversation with author Katya Tylevich. Additionally, the Queen Elizabeth Hall will transform into a space for durational performances curated by Abramović and the Marina Abramović Institute, providing an immersive experience into enduring performances. Click here to discover Marina Abramović events in London this October.

Queer Nature

Image: Queer Nature, Kew Gardens. Installation House of Spirits by Jeffery Gibson. September 2023. ©. MTotoe.

#FLODown: Kew Gardens is hosting the Queer Nature festival throughout October, celebrating the interplay of identity, plants, and fungi. The festival challenges perspectives, showcasing installations and performances that highlight diversity and the profound connections between queer individuals and the natural world. Jeffrey Gibson's House of Spirits installation and Reverberations by Artists LiLi K. Bright and Ama Josephine Budge Johnstone, and an interdisciplinary project Queer Voices by Adam Nathaniel Furman. The festival also spotlights The Pansy Project, symbolising resistance against LGBTQ+ abuse through pansy plantings at relevant locations, reaching a broader audience through various platforms.

Date: 30 September- 29 October 2023. Location: Temperate House, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Richmond TW9 3AE UK.Price: included with entry to the Gardens, from £19. concessions available. Book now.

Wonders of the Wharf

#FLODown: Get ready for the London Restaurant Festival's Autumn Edition celebrating its 15th anniversary. Throughout October, food enthusiasts can savour London's culinary delights with events, offers, and discounts. The festival features the exciting ‘Wonders of the Wharf’ concept, showcasing Canary Wharf's restaurants through masterclasses, tastings, and more. Explore diverse culinary delights and discounts, courtesy of the LRF in partnership with American Express. Various events include a Tasting Menu at Six by Nico, an adult-only immersive fairground at Fairgame, dinner at Hawksmoor, and a Gourmet Odyssey offering a journey of culinary excellence across top restaurants.

Date: until 31 October 2023. Click here to discover special deals on offer for Wonders of the Wharf.

Halloween in Belgravia

Image: Halloween in Belgravia. September 2022. © MTotoe.

#FLODown: Get ready for a delightfully spooky experience as Belgravia transforms into the ultimate Halloween destination this October. Embark on the famous Belgravia Pumpkin Trail, encountering ghostly tours, trick-or-treat hotspots, and thrilling offers. Wander amidst eerie window displays and enchanting floral installations curated by renowned London florists. Engage in ghost tours that unravel mysterious tales and venture into haunted pubs. Indulge in exclusive Halloween-themed treats and immersive experiences at local shops and cafes.

Date: 23 - 31 October 2023. Website: belgravialdn.com. 

Message In A Bottle

Image: Message In A Bottle. Photo by Lynn Theisen.

#FLODown: Message In A Bottle is an energetic stage production that follows three siblings navigating perilous journeys after their peaceful village, Bebko, is suddenly attacked. Inspired by Sting's Desert Rose, it explores displacement, immigration, and survival through captivating dance styles. Choreographed by Kate Prince, known for her West End hits, the show features Sting's iconic music and the exceptional talents of ZooNation. It premiered to acclaim at Sadler’s Wells The Peacock Theatre in January 2020.

Date: 4 – 14 October 2023. Location: Peacock Theatre, Portugal St, London WC2A 2HT. Price: from £18. Book now.

 Keeper of the Flame

Image: Cadogan Hall. September © MTotoe.

#FLODown: Experience an exceptional musical night, Keeper of the Flame, an extraordinary tribute to the legendary Nina Simone, featuring her daughter, Lisa Simone. In this unique event, Lisa will take you on an intimate journey through her mother's life and music, showcasing her Oscar-nominated, Emmy and Peabody award-winning talents. Joined by the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, a 20-piece band showcasing promising talent from the UK jazz scene, the night promises an awe-inspiring performance, adding depth and richness to Nina's iconic music.

Location: 9 October 2023. Time: 7.30pm. Location: Cadogan Hall, 5 Sloane Terrace, London SW1X 9DQ. Prices: from £42.50 - £69.50. Book now.

Oktoberfest Brixton

Image: Oktoberfest returns to London this month. Photo by Josh Olalde.

#FLODown: Get ready for Oktoberfest Brixton's debut in London this October at Electric Brixton! The event, hosted by Oktoberfest UK, promises an authentic Bavarian experience with a vibrant beer hall atmosphere, traditional wooden tables, lively music, and German-inspired food. Held on four Saturdays – 7, 14, 21, and 28 October – the event will accommodate 2,000 merrymakers from 1pm to 8pm. Indulge in hearty German cuisine, including wursts from Germany's Black Forest, and savoir top-notch German beers like Spaten, Löwenbräu, and Becks. The event guarantees an unforgettable Bavarian party in the heart of Brixton.

Date: 7 October 2023. Time: 1pm - 8pm. Location: Electric Brixton, Town Hall Parade, London SW2 1RJ. Price: £15- £25 + booking fee. Book now.

Brown Boys Swim

Image: Brown Boys Swim.

#FLODown: Brown Boys Swim, a highly acclaimed Edinburgh Fringe hit, is embarking on a UK tour landing in London in October. Written by Karim Khan, the play offers a poignant coming-of-age tale that examines the challenges faced by young Muslim men. The narrative follows Mohsen and Kash, brilliantly portrayed by Kashif Ghole and Ibraheem Hussain, as they navigate societal expectations and strive to attend a significant social event. The play sheds light on systemic racism, societal pressures, and the barriers that marginalised communities face, delving into deeper societal issues.

Date: 3 - 7 October 2023. Location: Soho Theatre, 21 Dean St, London W1D 3NE. Price: from £14. Book now.

Brian Eno & Baltic Sea Philharmonic

Image: Brian Eno. © Cecily Eno.

#FLODown: Ships is a live concert featuring Brian Eno, the Baltic Sea Philharmonic, and guest artists. Commissioned by La Biennale di Venezia, it highlights Eno's 2016 album "The Ship" in orchestral rendition. Eno will be joined by Peter Serafinowicz, Leo Abrahams, and Peter Chilvers. The event coincides with Eno's Golden Lion award recognition at the 2023 Venice Biennale Musica. Originally intended for premiere at the Biennale Musica, Ships blends Eno's compositions with classical pieces and new works by the Baltic Sea Philharmonic.

Date: 30 October 2023. Time: 6.30pm and 9pm Location: Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX. Price: £65 ⁠–⁠ £165. Book now.

 Black History Month

Image: From the series Lambeth and Brixton Tube 1994. Part of AUTOGRAPH, LONDON, Armet Francis: Beyond The Black Triangle exhibiiton. Until 20 Jan 2024

#FLODown: October marks Black History Month in London, a time to celebrate and honour black culture and heritage. From captivating events at iconic venues like the Royal Opera House and the Barbican to enriching experiences at the Museum of London. Click here to uncover our curated selection of events. Immerse yourself in free exhibitions, music, and various engaging activities throughout this month.

BFI London Film Festival

Image: Photo by Jeremy Yap.

#FLODown: The 67th BFI London Film Festival promises an exciting array of events and experiences for film enthusiasts. The festival offers more than 50 free events, including talks, screenings, and immersive activities, highlighting London's rich cinematic culture. Noteworthy attractions include the LFF For Free program, featuring engaging events encompassing blockbuster superheroes, secret film locations, and cult cinema. Attendees can also explore an enticing lineup of Screen Talks, featuring eminent filmmakers like Martin Scorsese and Emerald Fennell, providing unique insights into their creative journeys.

 Date: 4 -15 October 2023. Click here for the line-up of events.

Diwali on the Square 2023

Image: Trafalgar Square. Photo by Franz Wender.

#FLODown: Join the Diwali celebrations at Trafalgar Square this October. Enjoy music, dance, workshops, delicious food, and arts and crafts suitable for all ages. Have a fantastic day out and embrace the joy of Diwali!

Date: Sunday 29 October 2023. Time: 1pm - 7pm. Location: Trafalgar Square, Westminster, London, WC2N 5DN. Price: Free. Website: london.gov.uk.

London Cocktail Week

Image: London Cocktail Week occurs from 12-22 October 2023. Photo by Kobby Mendez.

#FLODown: London Cocktail Week, the world's largest cocktail festival, is back to celebrate London's lively cocktail culture. New features include the Connoisseur's Collection, offering reservation-only events, and the Bartender Knowledge Exchange for bartender learning. Returning favourites like Curated Cocktail Tours let you enjoy £8 Signature Cocktails at city bars. The festival continues to support the bar industry with affordable wristbands and a printed guidebook for all participants. Let's raise a glass to cocktails and London's buzzing bar scene!

Date: 12-22 October 2023. Location: throughout London. Website: londoncocktailweek.com

DRUMSHEDS Opening Party

Image: DRUMSHEDS. © Henry Woide.

#FLODown: This month, prepare for an electrifying night as DRUMSHEDS throws open its doors for an unforgettable disco extravaganza. La Discothèque, the iconic disco brand, is set to dazzle Tottenham on 7 October with a grand opening party at this monumental 15,000-capacity venue by Broadwick Live, the brilliant minds behind projects like Printworks and Field Day. With renowned artists, mesmerising dancers, and top-notch DJs gracing two vibrant rooms, the atmosphere will pulsate with glitz, glamour, and interstellar disco beats. It's an event that promises to be a highlight for both music aficionados and party enthusiasts alike.

Location: DRUMSHEDS, Meridian Water, N18 3HF. Click here to discover whats on at DRUMSHEDS throughout October.

 
RA Saturday Sketch Club

Image: A man discovering the joys of sketching. Photo by Hazy Mokhlas.

#FLODown: Join an online art class hosted by the Royal Academy of Arts and artist Bunmi Agusto. Explore the art of turning imagination into reality using just a pencil and paper during the Saturday Sketch Club. Bunmi will lead you through exercises to unlock your creativity and create your personal surrealist wonderland. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, these live-streamed sessions are designed for all levels. Simply grab a pencil, paper, and a rubber, and join the live webinar to bring your imaginative world to life. Share your creations using #RASketchClub on Twitter or Instagram and connect with fellow artists in the online Sketch Club community.

Date:14 October 2023. Time: 10.30 am – 11.45am. Location: Online. Price: £10/£8. Book now.

 Battersea Power Station Anniversary

`Image: Behind The Bricks Festival at Battersea Power Station. Photo credit John Sturrock.

#FLODown: Battersea Power Station is commemorating its first year of being open to the public with 'Behind The Bricks,' a vibrant nine-day festival. This celebration offers a deep dive into the power station's history and transformation through a range of engaging activities. Highlights include a 1950s-themed hair and beauty salon, live music featuring hits from the 1930s and 1950s, a striking 10ft Champagne bottle display by Searcys, guided tours revealing the restored Control Room A, expert panel talks, historic exhibitions, engaging children’s arts and crafts, and delightful storytelling sessions at Battersea Bookshop. It’s the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich heritage of this iconic London landmark.

Date: 21-29 October 2023. Location: Battersea Power Station, Circus Rd W, Nine Elms, London SW11 8DD. Website: batterseapowerstation.co.uk.

 Fantasies Come True

#FLODown: In October, The Other Palace hosts a special one-night celebration of new LGBTQ+ musical theatre titled fantasies come true: the queermusicals.com concert. Co-produced by the University of Wolverhampton and Chromatic Creative, the event aims to spotlight LGBTQ+ characters in musicals, emphasising the importance of queer representation across diverse identities and intersections. Dr. James Lovelock, a writer and podcast host, leads the concert with a talented cast of West End stars, exploring the visibility of queer joy in musical theatre. Proceeds from the concert will be donated to Mermaids UK, a charity supporting trans, non-binary, and gender-diverse youth.

Date:16 October 2023. Time: 7.30pm. Location: The Other Palace,12 Palace St, London SW1E 5JA. Price: £15.00. Book now. The event will also be live streamed by theatrical.solutions, available on Chromatic Creative’s YouTube channel.