Discover the capital’s best festivals and events this month. including the London Marathon, BFI London Film Festival, London Cocktail Week, Diwali, Frieze London, and much more.

Kew Gardens looks spectacular in autumn

October is one of London’s best months for events and festivals, including several art fairs, the return of London Cocktail Week, Frieze London, the BFI London Film Festival and various celebrations for Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. Usually in the spring, the postponed London Marathon will be taking place at the beginning of the month.

Of course, towards the end of the month is half-term so expect London’s attractions to be full of families, with many special events catering to little Londoners. Finally, October comes to a close with Halloween, so there will be plenty of spooky events and parties taking place all across town.

Look out for the  for family-friendly activities.

• 30 September – 2 October 2022 : Whisky Show

Whisky Show returns to London for a physical event following last year’s online offering. Featuring masterclasses, tastings, whisky experts, food pairings, demonstrations and more. Tickets start from £80. Old Billingsgate, 1 Old Billingsgate Walk, City of London, EC3R 6DX. Nearest station: Monument. For more information, visit The Whisky Show website.

• 30 September – 2 October 2022 : Homebuilding & Renovating Show

Homeowners looking to improve, extend, renovate or build their abodes can find inspiration. Featuring seminars, masterclasses, expert advice and exhibition hall. Open Fri-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-4.30pm. Tickets from £12. ExCel London (East entrance), Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, Docklands, E16 1XL. Nearest station: Prince Regent or Custom House (DLR). For more information, visit the show’s website.

• 1 October 2022 : Diwali 2022 @ Wembley Park

Celebrate Diwali at Wembley with dance and musical performances, light parade, food stalls and Diwali disco. 1pm-11pm. Free. Wembley Park, HA9. Nearest stations: Wembley Park or Wembley Stadium. For more information, visit the Wembley Park website. 

• 1 – 2 October 2022 : HowTheLightGetsIn London 2022

The world’s largest music and philosophy festival has been moved from 17-18 September following the Queen’s death. Featuring music, cabaret, discussions, comedy and more. Including appearances from Mercury prize nominee Gwenno, Django Django (DJ), Girls of the Internet, Rosie Frater-Taylor, Rosie Alena, Amber Burgoyne, i.am.afiya, Vanity Fairy, Mumble Tide, David Hare, Esther Freud, Donald Hoffman, Thangam Debbonaire, Ahir Shah, Tatty Macleod and Alexandra Haddow. Tickets: Adults £28-£78, Under 12s free. Kenwood House, Hampstead Heath, NW3 7JR. Nearest stations: Highgate or Hampstead. For more information, visit the festival website.

• Now until 2 October 2022 : STRETCH @ Eccleston Yards

A month-long wellness and fitness festival comes to Eccleston Yards, featuring workshops, classes, experiences, talks and more, such as outdoor painting, floral therapy, nutrition advice, marathon tips, yoga and more. Times vary. Eccleston Yards, Belgravia, 21 Eccleston Place, Belgravia, SW1W 9NF. Nearest station: Victoria. For more information, visit the Belgravia London website.

• 2 October 2022 : London Marathon 2022

Usually in the spring, the postponed London Marathon will see 100,000 runners challenging themselves while raising money for charity. The 26 mile marathon starts in Greenwich/Blackheath and ends on The Mall. Free for spectators. For more information and spectator maps, visit the London Marathon website. 

• 5 – 16 October 2022 : BFI London Film Festival 2022

International film festival returns to the capital, featuring premieres, screenings, Q&As, special presentations, shorts, talks and more. Ticket prices vary between £10-£40, festival passes £21-£60. At various cinemas in London. For more information, visit the BFI website.

• 5 – 26 October 2022 : Wellness Wednesdays @ London

To mark World Mental Health Day, the London Wetlands Centre will be offering half-price entry every Wednesday in October so Londoners can take time out and get close to nature. Open daily 9.30am-5pm. WWT London, Queen Elizabeth Walk, Barnes, SW13 9WT. Nearest station: Barnes Bridge. For more information, visit the WWT website.

• 7 – 9 October 2022 : New Scientist Live 2022

Festival of ideas and discovery from New Scientist magazine returns with dozens of speakers and interactive experiences. Open Fri 9.30am-3pm (schools only), Sat-Sun 10am-5pm. Tickets: Adults £42-£45, Children £17-£18. ExCel, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, Docklands, E16 1XL. Nearest stations: Prince Regent or Custom House. For tickets, visit the New Scientist Live website.

• 7 – 16 October 2022 : Streatham Festival

Explore the culture of this vibrant south London neighbourhood. Including talks, dance and music classes for kids, comedy shows, music and dance performances, art exhibitions, drag shows and much more. Various venues in SW16 and SW2. Nearest stations: Streatham Hill, Streatham Common and Streatham. For more information, visit the Streatham Festival website. 

• 7 – 16 October 2022 : Herne Hill Music Festival

Music festival in Herne Hill, south London at various venues across SE24 and neighbouring areas including The Half Moon, Off The Cuff, St Faith’s Church, Brockwell Hall, Herne Hill United Church, Community Greenhouses and The Prince Regent. Tickets range from free to £15. Nearest station: Herne Hill. For more information, visit the Herne Hill Music Festival website.

• 7 October 2022 – 31 January 2023 : Frameless

Explore a new way to engage with art in an immersive, multi-sensory experience. Visitors can travel through four galleries, coming up close to masterpieces from the likes of Cezanne, Kandinsky, Monet, Dalí, Van Gogh, Canaletto, Rembrandt and Klimt, among others. Opening hours vary. Tickets from £15, Kids under 5 yrs free. 6 Marble Arch Place, Marylebone, W1H 7AP. Nearest station: Marble Arch. For tickets, visit the Frameless website.

• 8 – 9 October 2022 : Classic Car Boot Sale

Vintage lovers can shop pre-loved and upcycled goods, including fashion, homewares, fashion and more as this retro festival returns. 10am-6pm. Tickets: £5, free entry for under 12s. Granary Square, Lewis Cubitt Square and Coal Drops Yard, King’s Cross, N1C. Nearest station: King’s Cross St Pancras. For more information, visit the Classic Car Boot Sale website.

• 9 October 2022 : Diwali on Trafalgar Square

Celebrate the festival of lights with an evening event in the heart of the capital. Expect lots of light effects, food and drink. 4pm-10pm. Free. Trafalgar Square, Westminster, WC2N 5DX. Nearest stations: Charing Cross, Leicester Square or Piccadilly Circus. For more information, visit the Diwali on Trafalgar Square website. 

• 12 – 16 October 2022 : Frieze London

London contemporary art fair returns to Regents’ Park, focusing on living artists. Expect over 160 galleries, performance-based work, talks and more. Tickets start from £49.95 (depending on day and entry time). Regents’ Park (south side), off Park Square West, NW1 4LL. Nearest station: Regent’s Park, Baker Street and Great Portland Street. For more information and tickets, visit the Frieze website.

• 13 – 16 October 2022 : The Other Art Fair

Dozens of emerging artists will be displaying their art at this independent fair, along with immersive installations, performances and DJs. Open Thu 3pm-10pm, Fri 1pm-9pm, Sat 11am-7pm, Sun 11am-5pm. Tickets: Adults £10 (advance), under 12s free. Old Truman Brewery, 91 Brick Lane, Spitalfields, E1 6QR. Nearest stations: Aldgate, Liverpool Street or Shoreditch High Street. For tickets, visit the Other Art Fair website.

Cocktails galore at London Cocktail Week

• 13 – 23 October 2022 : London Cocktail Week

This year’s festival is extended to 11 days offering Londoners the chance to drink great value cocktails at many of the capital’s best bars and pubs. Hundreds of bars across the capital will be taking part, offering £7 special LCW cocktail week concoctions for those with a wristband. There will also be self-guided bar crawls, masterclasses, bar takeovers, pop-ups and cocktail dinners. Wristbands: £15 (valid for entire festival). For more information, visit the London Cocktail Week website. Check out Metro Girl’s blog post on The Little Cocktail Village.

• 14 – 16 October 2022 : Om Yoga Show

The biggest yoga gathering in Europe returns to London, featuring a host of acclaimed and big-name yogis hosting workshops, open classes, lectures, meditation and kids’ classes. Tickets from £16. Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7AY. Nearest stations: Alexandra Palace or Wood Green. For more information and tickets, visit the Om Yoga Show website.

• 14 – 16 October 2022 : The Mayfair Maison

Step into a historical Georgian townhouse as its transformed into a designer fashion pop-up boutique. Visitors can enjoy up to 80% discount off limited edition luxury pieces and ex-catwalk collections from designers such as Jenny Packham, HUISHAN ZHANG, ROKSANDA, J&M Davidson, and Pringle of Scotland. There will also be an in-house cocktail bar. Register online for a free ticket. 38 Grosvenor Square, Mayfair, W1K 2HW. Nearest station: Bond Street or Marble Arch. For more information, visit the Mayfair LDN website.

• 14 – 23 October 2022 : Battersea Power Station Opening Celebration

To celebrate the opening of the restored Battersea Power Station, the complex are hosting a series of events. Featuring food trucks, interactive heritage trail, roaming live entertainment and evening light show. Open 10am-11.59pm. Battersea Power Station, Circus Road West, Battersea, SW8 5BN. Nearest stations: Battersea Power Station, Battersea Park or Queenstown Road Battersea. For more information, visit the Battersea Power Station website.

• 14 – 23 October 2022 : Bloomsbury Festival

Popular central London neighbourhood festival returns, with this year’s theme being ‘Breathe’. Check out exhibitions, children’s activities, talks, performances, and more. At various locations in and around Bloomsbury. Nearest stations: Russell Square, Euston or Tottenham Court Road. For more information, visit the Bloomsbury Festival website. 

• 15 October 2022 : The Golden Key

An immersive event will take over the City of London, featuring hundreds of performers, three street festivals, a mass treasure hunt, street theatre and more. From 12pm-sunset. Free. Taking place at 15 locations across the City of London. Nearest stations: Barbican, Moorgate, Bank, Monument, St Paul’s, Mansion House or Cannon Street. For more information, visit the Golden Key website.

• 15 – 16 October 2022 : The National Wedding Show

Brides and grooms to be can find inspiration at this huge show, featuring everything you could need to plan your big day. Open 10am-5.30pm. Tickets: Adults from £18.50 (advance), £22 (on the door), Children (10-15yrs) from £9.50. ExCel (west entrance), Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, Docklands, E16 1XL. Nearest stations: Prince Regent or Custom House. For more information, visit the National Wedding Show website.

• 15 – 16 October 2022 : Discover Dogs 2022

Dog lovers can meet up to 200 breeds, watch dog displays and competitions, as well as a range of activities. Open 10am-5pm. Tickets (advance): £18, concessions £15. ExCel (western entrance), Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, Docklands, E16 1XL. Nearest stations: Prince Regent or Custom House. For more information, visit the Discover Dogs website.

• 15 – 16 October 2022 : Rumfest

Festival for rum lovers, featuring over 400 rums on offer. Enjoy tastings, makers, seminars, cocktail masterclasses, food and live Caribbean music and dancing. Over 18s only. Open Sat 12pm–5pm, Sunday 12pm–4pm. Tickets: £35-£45, Weekend pass £65. ILEC Conference Centre, 47 Lillie Road, West Brompton, SW6 1UD. Nearest station: West Brompton. For more information, visit the Rumfest website.

The Serpentine Pavilion ends this month

• Now until 16 October 2022 : Serpentine Pavilion

Visit the temporary structure in the grounds of the Serpentine Gallery in Kensington Gardens. This year’s Pavilion is designed by Chicago-based artist Theaster Gates with the architectural support of Adjaye Associates. Free to visit, but also contains a pop-up café inside. Kensington Gardens, W2 3XA. Nearest stations: Lancaster Gate, Knightsbridge or South Kensington. For more information, visit the Serpentine Gallery website. Check out Metro Girl’s gallery of the pavilion.

• 20 – 23 October 2022 : Affordable Art Fair (Battersea Autumn)

A chance for people to buy a unique piece of art or photography for their homes at an affordable price. There are over 100 galleries, with pieces for sale ranging from £50 to £7,500. Tickets: £11.88-£14.84. Battersea Evolution, Battersea Park, SW11 4NJ. Nearest station: Battersea Park or Battersea Power Station. For more information, visit the Affordable Art Fair website.

• 20 – 23 October 2022 : Oktoberfest London 2022

Celebrate the German beer festival with plenty of Bavarian food, beer, and more. Open Thu-Fri 4pm-10.30pm, Sat 11am-10.30pm, Sun 1pm-7.30pm. Tickets: General admission £5-£10, Bavarian £26-£29 (inc 1 Mass of Bavarian FestBeer, Bahlsen snack and Bratwurst in bread). Walpole Park, Ealing, W5 5BH. Nearest stations: West Ealing or Ealing Broadway. For more information, visit the Oktoberfest London website.

• 20 – 23 October 2022 : London International Paste Up Festival

Over 300 street artists brighten up the walls of Shoreditch with paste-up collages. Enjoy a guided tour or join a workshop during the festival. In and around Shoreditch. Nearest stations: Old Street, Shoreditch High Street or Hoxton. For more information, visit Eventbrite or the festival’s Instagram page.

• 20 – 30 October 2022 : London Literature Festival

Festival of literature returns to the South Bank, with readings, talks, workshops, broadcasts, performance poetry and children’s reading events. Guests and speakers include Greta Thunberg, Graham Norton, Rob Delaney, Minnie Driver, Jon Snow, Nick Cave, Gaia Vince, George Saunders, Anne-Marie Imafidon, Philippe Sands, Josh Widdecombe and Rob Beckett, among others. Times vary. Tickets range from free to £35 depending on event. Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1. Nearest stations: Waterloo, Waterloo East or Embankment. For more information, visit the Southbank Centre website.  

• 21 – 23 October 2022 : The Cake and Bake Show

Three-days of all things baking, including demo theatre, celebrity bakers and experts, sugar craft, market stands, shopping, free-from exhibitors, cake & cocktail lounge, doughnut masterclass, pamper lounge and kids’ zone. Featuring appearances from Rosemary Shrager, Freya Cox, Cherish Finden, Paul Jagger, Lisa Marley, Chigs Parmar and Molly Robbins; pastry chef Master Pâtissier Eric Lanlard; and chocolatier Paul A Young. Open 10am-5pm. Tickets: Adults £15, Children 7-15yrs £9.50. ExCel London, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, Docklands, E16 1XL. Nearest station: Custom House or Prince Regent (DLR). For tickets, visit the Cake and Bake Show website. 

• 22 – 23 October 2022 : Musical Con 2022

The West End’s first ever musical theatre fan convention, with chances to meet the stars, Cosplay, lip-sync battles, singalongs, singings, Q&As, workshops, masterclasses, talks, discussion panels and more. Open 10am-5pm. Tickets: £45. ExCel London, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, Docklands, E16 1XL. Nearest station: Custom House or Prince Regent (DLR). For more information and tickets, visit the Musical Con London website.

• Now until 26 October 2022 : Magnificent Maps of London

London Metropolitan Archives show off their historical map collection in a new exhibition. Featuring maps from the 16th century to present day. Open Mon-Thu 10am-4pm. Free entry. London Metropolitan Archives, 40 Northampton Road, Clerkenwell, EC1R 0HB. Nearest station: Angel. For more information, visit the City of London.gov.uk website.

• 26 – 29 October 2022 : Wandsworth Common Beer Festival

With 100 British beers and ciders, street food and live music. Family and dog-friendly. Open 6pm-11pm. Tickets: £30 (early bird), £35. Le Gothique Restaurant & Bar, Royal Victoria Patriotic Building, John Archer Way, Wandsworth Common, SW18 3SX. Nearest station: Wandsworth Common or Clapham Junction. For more information, visit Le Gothique website.

• 27 – 30 October 2022 : Oktoberfest London 2022

Celebrate the German beer festival with plenty of Bavarian food, beer, and more. Open Thu-Fri 4pm-10.30pm, Sat 11am-10.30pm, Sun 1pm-7.30pm. Tickets: General admission £5-£10, Bavarian £26-£29 (inc 1 Mass of Bavarian FestBeer, Bahlsen snack and Bratwurst in bread). Lillie Road Recreation Ground, Fulham, SW6 7PD. Nearest station: Hammersmith or Barons Court. For more information, visit the Oktoberfest London website.

• 27 October 2022 – 19 February 2023 : The Horror Show!

New exhibition explores some of Britain’s most provocative artists from the past 50 years of creative rebellion, featuring 200 artworks and historical artefacts. Open Tues-Wed, Sat-Sun 10am-6pm, Thu-Fri 10am-9pm. Tickets: £16.50. Embankment Galleries (South Wing), Somerset House, The Strand, Aldwych, WC2R 1LA. Nearest station: Temple. For more information, visit the Somerset House website.

• 28 – 30 October 2022 : MCM Comic Con – London

The three-day celebration of pop culture returns to the capital, with panels, gaming, and a host of famous faces, including Anthony Daniels, Max Mittelman, Conor Leslie, Will Sliney, Ray Chase, among others. Open Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 9am-7pm, Sun 10am-5pm. Tickets: General entry (10 yrs and over) £20-£32.50. ExCel London, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, Docklands, E16 1XL. Nearest station: Prince Regent (DLR). For more information and tickets, visit the MCM Comic Con website.

• 28 – 30 October 2022 : Chinese Food Festival

Feast on fabulous Chinese cuisine, alongside a craft market, lantern wall, workshops and tea tasting. Opening times vary. Tickets from £20. Bedford Square Gardens, Bloomsbury, WC1B. Nearest stations: Goodge Street or Tottenham Court Road. For more information, visit the Chinese Food Festival website.

• 30 October 2022 : Frock Me! Vintage Fashion Fair

Over 100 exhibitors of vintage fashion and jewellery from the UK, France and even the US come to Kensington to sell their classic pieces. Open 11am-5.30pm. Tickets: £5. Kensington Town Hall, Hornton Street, Kensington, W8 7NX. Nearest stations: Kensington High Street or Notting Hill Gate. For more information, visit the Frock Me Vintage website.

• Now until 30 October 2022 : Peaky Blinders – The Rise

An immersive theatrical experience bringing the world of Peaky Blinders to north London. Ages 14yrs and over. Time slots vary. Tickets: £42-£72. Camden Garrison, North Yard, Camden Stables Market, 842 Chalk Farm Road, Camden, NW1 8BF. Nearest stations: Chalk Farm or Camden Town. To book, visit the Immersive Peaky Blinders website.

• Now until 30 October 2022 : Stranger Things – The Experience

An immersive experience bringing you into the world of 1980s Hawkins, Indiana. Featuring a 1 hour experience, ’80s themed mixtape medley with food and drink, photo opportunities, merchandise and more. No under 5 yrs. Open Wed-Fri 5pm-9pm, Sat-Sun 11am-9pm. Tickets from £39. Troubadour Brent Cross Studios, Tilling Road, Brent Cross, NW2 1LW. Nearest station: Brent Cross. For tickets, visit the experience website. 🐻

• Now until 30 October 2022 : Secret Cinema presents Guardians of the Galaxy – The Experience

Immersive entertainment giants Secret Cinema bring the world of Guardians of the Galaxy to life. Over 18s (over 12s at selected matinees). Times vary. Tickets from £35. At a secret location in Wembley Park, HA9. Nearest station: Wembley Park or Wembley Central. For more information, visit the Secret Cinema website. 

• 31 October – 6 November 2022 : Spirit of Christmas

For the super organised, get ready for Christmas early with this fair, where you can stock up on gifts, design and food all ready for the festive season from over 700 independent boutiques and artisan makers. There will also be a winter restaurant and a champagne bar. Open Mon-Sat: 10am-6pm, Thur: 10am-9pm, Sun: 10am-5pm. Tickets: Adults start from £23.50 (from £27.50 on the door), Children 13-16 yrs from £18, 12 and under free. Olympia London, Hammersmith Road, Kensington, W14 8UX. Nearest station: Kensington Olympia. For more information, visit the Spirit Of Christmas Fair website. 🐻

• Now until 3 November 2022 : Jurassic World – The Exhibition

Immerse yourself in scenes inspired by the classic film franchise as you get up close with dinosaurs. Open Mon-Wed 10am-6pm, Thu-Fri 10am-8pm, Sat 9am-8pm, Sun 9am-6pm. Tickets: Adults from £26, Children from £18.50. ExCeL London, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, E16 1XL. Nearest stations: Custom House or Prince Regent. For more information, visit the Jurassic World Exhibition website. 🐻

Head to Regent’s Park to see the Frieze Sculpture

• Now until 13 November 2022 : Frieze Sculpture 2022

Open-air sculpture exhibition in the English Gardens of Regents Park. Open during park hours. Free. Regent’s Park (English Gardens in south-east corner of the park), Marylebone, NW1 4LL. Nearest stations: Regent’s Park, Great Portland Street or Baker Street. For more information, visit the Frieze website. 🐻

• Now until 23 December 2022 : Inspired!

Exhibition explores how visual artists have taken inspiration from the literary arts. Opening hours TBC. Tickets: £8. Guildhall Art Gallery, Guildhall Yard, City of London, EC2V 5AE. Nearest station: St Paul’s, Bank or Moorgate. For more information, visit the City of London.gov website. Check out Metro Girl’s blog post on the exhibition.

• Now until 31 December 2022 : Jeff Wayne’s The War of the Worlds – The Immersive Experience

An immersive experience inspired by the classic story. Travel back in time to Victorian London and the Martian invasion of 1898. Experience immersive theatre, virtual reality, augmented reality, holograms and other cutting-edge technology. Over 12s only. Times vary. Tickets: £40-£130. The Old Metal Exchange, 56 Leadenhall Street, City of London, EC3A 2BJ. Nearest station: Aldgate or Fenchurch Street. For booking, visit the War of the World’s website. Check out Metro Girl’s review of the show.

• Now until 17 January 2023 : The Witches of Oz

An immersive dining and theatrical experience as you head to the Emerald City in this Wizard of Oz-inspired extravaganza. Over 18s only. Dress code: Emerald glam. Doors open 6.30pm, Show starts 7.15pm. Tickets: General £20-£35, Dining £45-£59. The Vaults, Leake Street, Waterloo, SE1 7NN. Nearest stations: Waterloo, Lambeth North or Waterloo East. For more information, visit the Vaults website.

• Now until 29 January 2023 : The Carpenters’ Line

New exhibition explores the art of woodworking from the densely forested Hida region of Gifu Prefecture in Japan. Open Mon-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 12pm-6pm. Free entry. Japan House London, 101-111 Kensington High Street, Kensington, W8 5SA. Nearest station: High Street Kensington. For more information, visit the Japan House London website.

• Now until 5 March 2023 : When Flowers Dream

An exhibition from artist Tanya Schultz (Pip & Pop) featuring installations made from sugar, candy and assorted craft materials. Opening times vary depending on season. Tickets included with gardens entrance. Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art, Kew Gardens, Brentford Gate, Kew, TW9 3AB. Nearest station: Kew Gardens. For more information, visit the Kew Gardens website. 🐻

• Now until Spring 2023 : Sculpture in the City 2022/2023

Free public art exhibition, bringing 19 contemporary pieces to the streets and spaces of the City of London. Free. At various sites around the Square Mile. Nearest stations: Fenchurch Street, Monument or Liverpool Street. For more information and a map of the artworks, visit the Sculpture in the City website. Check out Metro Girl’s blog post on the exhibition. 🐻

• Now until July 2023 : Scenes in the Square

Check out bronze sculptures of iconic film characters around Leicester Square. Eight interactive characters, such as Laurel & Hardy to Wonder Woman will be placed in the square for four months. Free. Leicester Square, Westminster, WC2H 7DE. Nearest stations: Leicester Square or Piccadilly Circus. For more information, visit the Leicester Square website. Check out Metro Girl’s gallery of the exhibition. 🐻

Find out what else is on in London

Guide to what’s on in London this Halloween 2022

Pop-up bars and creative tipples as The Little Cocktail Village launches in Belgravia for London Cocktail Week 2022

London hosts thought-provoking sculpture trails for The World Reimagined

Follow my blog with Bloglovin