perks!London events in October
October in London means that autumn is here, but don't hibernate indoors. Get outdoors and see the capital's trees change colour on a city walk that ends with Sunday lunch at one of London's best pubs with a fire. If you're up for a fright, there's Halloween to look forward to, which means Halloween parties and fancy dress galore. Or, scare yourself silly with our guide to spooky London. October in London is also the time of the London Film Festival, London Restaurant Festival, London Cocktail Week, Museums at Night, Frieze London, Africa on the Square and the city's Diwali celebrations. While for sports fanatics the month holds the Six Day London and NFL London Games. October is packed with new openings, so get a load of our guide best events, things to do and cultural happenings throughout October 2018.
RECOMMENDED: The definitive London events calendar
Our October event highlights
London Film Festival
What is it? Undoubtedly the capital's – and the UK's – biggest celebration of international cinema.
Why go? To see an astute mix of the best movies from Cannes and the other major festivals, and prestige awards contenders from the major US studios.
Six Day London
London is the birthplace of the Six Day Series, so it’s a pretty big deal when it comes back each year. Over the six days cyclists from all over the world come to compete on a track in various races, the most quintessential being the ‘Madison’. During this cyclists ride in teams of two, relay style, to see who can rack up the most laps and take the title. The first six-day race took place in 1878 in Islington in a hall that once stood where the current Business Design Centre is. Nowadays it’s held in the purpose-built Lee Valley VeloPark in the Olympic Park and there are DJs and light shows to help create a lively, party atmosphere.
NFL London
What is it? The American juggernaut that is NFL (National Football League) has crash-landed in London again with three games of exciting matchups in October.
Why go? See Seattle Seahawks vs Oakland Raiders (Oct 14), Tennessee Titans vs Los Angeles Chargers (Oct 21) and Philadelphia Eagles vs Jacksonville Jaguars (Oct 28).
London Restaurant Festival
What is it? A line-up of mini menus, food events, tasting evenings and more involving hundreds of the capital's best venues.
Why go? If you're a foodie, this is a must.
London Cocktail Week
What is it? London is getting all shook up at this annual celebration of London’s best tipples.
Why go? A £10 pass entitles discerning drinkers to £6 cocktails in many of the capital’s best bars throughout the seven-day celebration.
Frieze London 2018
What is it? The biggest and most famous of all the art fairs returns for another year in Regent's Park.
Why go? Over 160 galleries from across the globe are represented, placing the creme de la creme of London's contemporary art galleries alongside their international counterparts.
Museums at Night
What is it? ‘Museums at Night’ is a series of seriously special after-hours events at some of London’s best galleries, museums and attractions.
Why go? If the mention of a museum visit makes you think of stuffy exhibitions and school trips, think again.
Yayoi Kusama
What is it? The Queen of the polka dots is back in London filling up Victoria Miro gallery with pumkins, flowers and endless dots. Why go? To see the REALLY BIG DEAL: a brand new infinity mirror room involving paper lanterns.
Autumn half-term
Whether you fancy a kid-friendly event at one of London's many museums or attractions, or would rather explore some autumnal activities in the great outdoors, we've got all your family-fun covered.
Frieze Masters 2018
What is it? While Frieze London sells work made mostly after 2000, this sister fair, features over 130 international galleries from around the globe, selling seriously high-end art from the ancient era to the end of the twentieth century.
Why go? From Rembrandt to Picasso – this huge, glorified tent in the north end of Regent’s Park is going to have it all.
‘Night and Day: 1930s Fashion and Photographs’
What is it? Foxtrot your way down to this show to be reminded just how lovely the era between the roaring ‘20s and wartime austerity was. For the fashion, obvs. Less so for politics.
Why go? To celebrate a time of beautiful and innovative design.
Frieze London 2018
What is it? The biggest and most famous of all the art fairs returns for another year in Regent's Park.
Why go? Over 160 galleries from across the globe are represented, placing the creme de la creme of London's contemporary art galleries alongside their international counterparts.
‘Good Grief, Charlie Brown!’
What is it? The fantastic talents of Charles M. Schulz are celebrated in this exhibition showing not just the cartoonist's own creations, but those of many artists inspired by his kooky drawings.
Why go? Who wouldn't want to spend the day with Snoopy, Charlie Brown and Peppermint Patty?
‘Time Out 50: 50 Years, 50 Covers’
What is it? Time Out is 50 this year and to celebrate our big birthday, we’ve put together an exhibition of our best ever magazine covers.
Why go? See the original print issues on display date right back to that very first magazine in 1968, through the radical ’70s and glitzy ’80s and ’90s and through to the present day.
