October London: Things To Do, Activities And Events Guide

Spook yourself silly with our selection of frightfully fun Halloween events and activities in London, from eerie ghost tours to chilling horror flicks on the silver screen.

Raise your steins and embrace the Oktoberfest spirit at these epic London events sprinkled across the city. Get your oompah on at these hotspots for bubbly brews, live brass music, massive bratwursts, and tonnes of traditional Bavarian attire. Prost.

We've got the inside scoop on the hottest London shows in the West End and beyond. From top-notch plays to toe-tapping musicals, we've rounded up the freshest entertainment to book for in theatres.

Sky Garden might already be an iconic location in the City ready and waiting for you to take in sweeping views across London, but did you know that their events are top class too? Whether you choose their music night tickets, music nights with a VIP upgrade, rooftop yoga sessions, breakfasts or sunrise entry, you're sure to have a great time while soaking up the panoramas at this 20 Fenchurch Street venue.

The Sofar Fringe Festival: Shoreditch Takeover gives you over 50 artists across ten epic venues in a single day. Each space serves up its own character, community and culture.

A celebration of grassroots art and diversity, it combines music, comedy, dance, spoken word, thought leadership and plenty more. Grab your wristband to join the fun for just £27.50.

Nude Noir's Midnight Feast returns to London this month, reimagining the world of Bram Stoker's Dracula with a dark, seductive twist. This is a three-hour, immersive cinematic experience, where their enticing performers will tantalise you with beautiful but unsettling acts and rituals.

The show explores the themes of blood, desire, temptation and eternal hunger, and the dress code is dark and decadent to match. There are a limited number of tickets to keep things intimate, and the VIP couples' tickets include exclusive sofa seating for something extra special - perfect for a unique date night.

Inject some much-needed colour into your dreary days with a visit to Ballie Ballerson. The vibrant adult ball pit is sure to put a smile on your face with fruity cocktails, gooey pizzas and gigantic playpens to float around in.

Take a trip to Shoreditch where Alcotraz is waiting to immerse you in a criminal underworld of liquor smuggling in a prison setting. Pop on your overalls and attempt to sneak in alcohol past the guards where inmate bartenders will shake up something wicked.

Upgrade your October plans with The Murdér Express, an immersive dining experience that's won awards. What's in store? Expect a mouthwatering three-course menu, all while you uncover clues and solve the mystery. Sign us up.

Spend your autumn partying through the weekends with Hip Hop Brunch's boozy day fests. Expect delicious food, heady drinks and a soundtrack of classics throughout. Make good use of the bottomless cocktail power hour before shaking your stuff on the dancefloor and rocking the mic when it's karaoke time.

Celebrate Oktoberfest in style at Between The Bridges – South Bank's liveliest venue with a party atmosphere across its mega indoor-outdoor space. All the action will be taking place inside their makeshift German beer hall that will have you feeling like you're in Munich. 

The host and live brass band will be bringing the entertainment, mainly in the first of pop, rock and indie banners that will compel everyone present to sign at the top of their lungs. When you need a break from sipping steins and butchering the lyrics to pop anthems, you can grab some Bavarian street food to keep you going. 

Tickets start from £16.50, with some including a free stein on arrival. 

Farringdon venue 'Smiths' of Smithfield has announced an exclusive chef dinner on Friday 2nd October, featuring Chef Dave Wall of Suffolk's renowned venue The Unruly Pig. Organised in collaboration with the Estrella Damm Pantry Club, the event showcases the culinary approach of the venue recently named the UK's Number One Gastropub for an unprecedented third time.

Running from 7pm to 11pm, the evening centers around a six-course tasting menu priced at £75 per person with an optional £45 wine pairing, preceded by a complimentary welcome beverage. 

Mixing great cocktails and stunning theatrics, Moonshine Saloon is immersing you in the amazing world of the Wild West. Take a trip to Liverpool Street where you'll be at the heart of the action as you play smuggler and sheriff-dodger.

Pull on your pedal pushers, dust off your double denim and get on down to the 90's VS 00's Bottomless Brunch. This three hour throwback is packed with singalongs, lip sync battles and epic dance offs.

Behind the decks, DJs will provide the soundtrack, spinning the very best hits, remixes and cult faves from the last two decades. To fire up your dancing feet, dive into 90 minutes of bottomless prosecco, beer and cocktails.

One of the best comedy nights to check out this month, Backyard is the Bethnal Green-based venue bringing together some of the freshest talent in the biz - from the industry's rising stars doing their thing, or a TV name trying out some new stuff.

Miss Ginger Phlappage, the queen of camp is hosting an incredible series of drag show spectaculars this month. Ready yourself for a night of flawless vocals, mega lip sync battles and whole lotta sass as the gang takeover Queen of Hoxton.

Take a trip back in time this October at London's iconic Rivoli Ballroom. One of the last buildings of its kind in the city, it's hosting Rouges 70's & 80's Disco and Funk nights across the month.

Behind the decks, DJ Kobayashi will spin all the classics from this golden era to keep you dancing into the early hours. Grab your tickets to this night of nostalgia from just £17.60.

Backyard Comedy Club in Bethnal Green is the place to be this October. Most nights of the week, they'll be host to some of the top names in comedy. Past acts include Micky Flanagan, James Acaster and many more. In between laughs, tuck into delicious grub and guzzle down tasty drinks.

With a name like The Chocolate Cocktail Club, you know you're in for a treat. Over at this indulgent haven in Farringdon, you can sip on lip-smacking mixes such as the chocotini, the caramel king and strawberry dreams, among many others.

What better way to kick off a month of spooks than with a trip to a wizarding prison? Hexmoor is a unique, immersive experience created by the team behind Alcotraz, Avora and Moonshine Saloon, where you'll work with magical inmates to free yourselves from your cells.

Don your custom jumpsuit and get stuck into this interactive story, complete with film-like set design, special effects and theatrical performances. Even better? Everyone will receive three bespoke, potion-inspired cocktails along the way, prepared by the inmates.

From Edinburgh Fringe to East Asia, 0596club gathers some of the most adventurous voices working in stand-up today. American political satirist Coor Cohen brings her biting, cross-continental critique of 21st-century culture, while eight-year comedy veteran Fran delivers her signature brand of taboo-smashing, unapologetic filth.

With Kurun's delightfully bizarre, clown-trained absurdism - plus intriguing sets from Yovan and Ezeh - and you get an evening of high-wire comedy that refuses to play it safe.

Old School R&B Brunch is back for an unforgettable series of boozy brunch events this October. Head on over and you'll get to enjoy bottomless punch, two courses of soul food and soundtrack of banging beats, with plenty of surprises along the way.

If you're a real taco lover, then check out this entire festival dedicated to them. The Tacover Taco and Tequila Festival is coming to Signature Brew in Walthamstow on Halloween weekend, following a run of eight sold-out events over the last four years. Here, you'll find a range of street food vendors selling their goods, with tacos capped at £4 per portion.

You can also find special items like tostadas or chicharron, alongside a range of tequila and mezcal-based drinks. That's not all though, as the stage will be hosting live entertainment like the Tortilla Slap Challenge, Hot Taco Challenge and more.

Found yourself in Islington this October? Then head down to The Rosemary Branch for a raucous night of theatre, comedy, cabaret, burlesque, quizzes and more. Get lost in the razzle dazzle of live performance and have a great night out with friends.

be sure to check out The Dirty Thirty - a unique event where 30 plays take place in 60 minutes.

For an evening of mystery and nightmares brought to life, head to The Double R Club. This Lynchian cabaret show is inspired by the cult classic TV show Twin Peaks, promising mesmerising burlesque routines that reach the darkest corners of your imagination.

They're holding their usual monthly performance at Walthamstow Trades Hall, alongside a Reel Horrorshow at Fontaines in Stoke Newington. This is designed for fans of horror films, hosted by the one and only Benjamin Louche.

For an evening of pure glittering entertainment, snap up tickets to Ginger's Big Drag Bottomless Brunch. Taking place at Balls Brothers, it'll see you enjoying a delish two-course meal and free-flowing prosecco, not to mention cracking drag performances and live DJs.

Fiddle Paradiddle, purveyors of wicked nights out, are taking their pop-up ceilidh over to lively pub The Bedford for an evening of rollicking fun. Grab yourself a dram of whisky from the bar, then head onto the floor to dance to live nu-folk music.

Get ready for London's Original Boat Party that'll cruise you along the River Thames for one helluva experience. Not only will you enjoy views of the capital's iconic landmarks, but also fun-loving DJs, buffet bites, cracking drinks and free guestlist to an afterparty.

Boasting teapot cocktails, exposed brickwork and quirky decor, Little Nan's in Deptford is a great place for a weekend with your friends. Get stuck into a bottomless brunch, complete with fish finger sarnies and endless booze or enjoy an afternoon tea with homemade cakes.

The weekly Hip Hop Orchestra Brunch has got all the Bs covered. That's booze, BBQ and big beats. With epic DJ sets and live performances from the Re:Imagined Orchestra, you'll groove to all the afrobeats, RnB and hip hop hits you know and love.

There's plenty here to keep the energy high. Order small plates, brekkie baps and burgers from the brunch menu and kick things up a notch with 90 minutes of bottomless drinks.

This October, Bavarian-themed bar Albert's Schloss is going all out with brilliant events. This lively West End venue is hosting all their usual free live music events and cabaret performances this month, but you can also check out their Oktoberfest parties. Don your lederhosen and get ready to dance to live brass bands, at a bustling event which promises keg tapping, wiener eating competitions and much more.

Looking for a theatre night with a twist? Step into the enchanting world of The Magic Hour. With mesmerizing shows at the iconic Sheraton Grand Park Lane and Andaz London, you'll be taken on a thrilling journey where nothing is as it seems.

From £49 per person, get ready to be dazzled, mystified, and totally blown away - this isn't your average night out.

Autumn in London doesn't get better than this. Circe's Rooftop transforms into a warm and whimsical escape as the air gets crisp and the nights grow longer. 

October is all about Circe's Cloud 9 Pods. Perfect for groups of up to nine, these cosy rooftop hideaways offer blankets, heaters, private Bluetooth speakers, and exclusive menus. Whether you're planning a birthday, mini celebration, or just craving a luxe night out, Circe's has your October plans covered.

Gather the gang and head to Forbidden Nights Male Strip Show - a sexy show packed with spectacular performances and the odd ab or two. If you loved them on Britain's Got Talent, then now's your chance to see the guys in action this October. 

Snap up tickets from £25 per person and bag your spot at the after-party, as the event teams up with Infernos London to host the ultimate extravaganza. There'll be hot and hilarious laughs, photo opportunities and so much more, so bag your spot now and turn up the heat.

Honour Vice-Admiral Lord Nelson's famous victory at this exclusive, tradition-packed dining event directly overlooking Trafalgar Square. Set across atmospheric communal tables, the 221st Anniversary Trafalgar Night Dinner brings back historic naval customs, including the ceremonial reading of dispatches and the famous parading of the beef.

With a luxurious five-course menu, live musical performances, and formal dress encouraged, it offers an incredible mix of historic pageantry, fundraising, and celebratory feasting.

Make your way over to Cottons, found in Camden, Shoreditch, Notting Hill and Vauxhall, for their brilliant Tropical Bottomless Brunches. While you listen to vibey reggae beats, get stuck into a banging three-course meal paired with free-flowing tipples.

Coyote Ugly is a world-famous brand that was born in New York City in 1993, with the aim of bringing the American party spirit all across the globe. They've done all that, and to get a taste in London you can head to their Camden or Piccadilly saloons. Check them out for line dancing lessons from the Coyotes themselves and bottomless Nashville brunches.

The Slow Jams Bottomless Brunch serves up an afternoon of non-stop RnB gems. Expect the biggest hits and deepest cuts from the likes of Aaliyah, Nelly, Ashanti, Usher and Destiny's Child.

With 90 minutes of free-flowing prosecco, mimosas and rum punch on offer, you'll have plenty of fuel for the dancefloor. Need something to soak up the sauce? There's NYC-style pizza to see to that.

October in Shoreditch just got rowdier thanks to Cowboys & Cocktails at The Star. Running every Saturday, this seasonal special is slinging 90 minutes of bottomless drinks, juicy burgers with fries, and a heap of Wild West-themed fun.

Expect everything from line dancing to musical bingo, plus karaoke sessions to let your inner country star shine. Tickets start at just £30 for early birds (between the 4th of October and 8th of November), so round up your gang and make this autumn one to remember.

For some of the fiercest, most fabulous goings-on in the whole city this month, check out Bougie Drag Events. They're hosting both bottomless brunches and dinners at locations in Vauxhall and Embankment, complete with 90 minutes of unlimited drinks.

You can also expect four whole hours of raucous drag performances from a cast of talented queens, featuring lip-syncing, dance-offs, catwalk contests and so much more. There are competitions for you to get involved in too, with he chance to win up to £200 worth of prizes.

Spend your Saturday at 40FT Brewery in Walthamstow, where they're hosting an Oktoberfest party to remember. They've brewed their very own special line of beer for the occasion, which you can enjoy alongside Bavarian street food and live music from an oompah band and DJs.

The celebration kicks off with tapping the first keg of 40FT's Oktoberfest beer, before the hosts bring you games, singalongs and even a stein-holding contest. Plus, there are prizes for the best dressed on the day.

The F*cking Fabulous Brunch is London's wildest weekend ritual, and now it's bigger, brasher, and more chaotic than ever.

Taking over two iconic venues across the city, each brunch promises two courses of delicious food, bottomless drinks, and a theatrical spectacle of DJs, musicians, and live shows that turn your Saturday into an unforgettable celebration. Sexy, high-energy, and utterly unpredictable, it's brunch with a seriously fabulous twist.

This Thursday, Belgravia's Provençal gem, Amélie, invites you to an intimate culinary experience as part of its new Uncorked Evenings series. Two titans of European winemaking - Rare Champagne and Biondi-Santi, the legendary creator of Brunello di Montalcino - will be showcased alongside a meticulously curated menu.

Highlights include truffle croque monsieur paired with Rare Champagne 2012, slow-cooked beef short ribs with Brunello di Montalcino 2013 and 2019, and a rhubarb and raspberry pavlova finished with Rare Rosé 2014. For £95 per person, this is an unmissable evening for wine lovers and food connoisseurs alike.

This October, two Michelin-starred Kitchen Table is unveiling Stages of Nature, an intimate new weekly cocktail and canapé series hosted in the restaurant's lounge by Bar Manager Amin Azil. Launching on the 7th of October and priced at £95 per person, the 90-minute experience will guide just ten guests through the evolution of mixology, pairing four reimagined classics - punch, highball, martini, and old fashioned - with four seasonal canapés from chef-founder James Knappett.

Each serve is crafted with British produce and a sustainable, zero-waste ethos, using every part of the ingredient. October's debut menu features highlights such as a Grape Punch with grape brandy, Pinot Gris and grape caramel; a Foraged Gin and Tonic with gooseberry; a Foraged Dry Martini; and an Old Fashioned with English Rye, Bramley apple, roasted oats and custard. Canapés will include delicate Jerusalem artichoke chips with rosemary mascarpone and indulgent chocolate fudge with fennel seed.

One Ninety Four London Mayfair is coming alive with the magic of Motown this October. At Soul Supper Fridays, you'll groove to the tunes that have shaped the American music scene for decades.

Think Marvin Gaye, Temptations, Four Tops and Supremes. To give you energy for the dancefloor, there's a two-course feast and glass of fizz when you walk through the door.

Consider your weekend plans officially sorted: the ultimate 90s and 00s R&B Lovers Brunch is taking over Boxhall, right by Liverpool Street Station.

Starting at just £27.50 per person, your ticket unlocks five full hours of non-stop throwback anthems, 90 minutes of bottomless drinks, and your choice of eats from 13 epic street vendors. You can even upgrade your pass to include a second dish, making it the absolute main-character spot for birthday celebrations, hen or stag dos, or just an excuse to gather the group for a wild weekend catch-up.

Going beyond the average cinema experience, Charlotte Street Hotel is hosting an almighty Film Club & Brunch event that celebrates movie culture and delicious food. 

The hotel's European brasserie, Oscar, will be welcoming you with a dining experience inside its modern technicolour restaurant. Settle in for an epic brunch that puts a spin on the classic early-afternoon dishes. A hot drink, plus a cocktail or smoothie, also comes included in your £55 ticket. 

Next up, you'll receive complimentary popcorn and be shown to your seat inside the plush cinema room for a screening of Sunny Dancer – a new coming-of-age film that's garnering rave reviews. The director and co-producer will then take over for a tell-all Q&A where they'll address your burning questions about the making of the movie. 

Get ready to squash your autumn goals with our ultimate guide to snagging the perfect plump jack-o'-lanterns - all conveniently located near the heart of the city.

Whisks at the ready for The Big Bakes' competitive cooking event, taking place in both Tooting and Haggerston. If you're up for a challenge, the unforgettable experience will see you battling it out to create a masterpiece in 90 minutes.

October at Fortnum's is packed with hands-on workshops and seasonal fun, perfect for food lovers looking to learn something new. On Monday 5th October, they're hosting a special instalment of their Cellar Sessions – this time with award-winning wine expert, author and internet sensation Tom Gilbey. Sharing his expertise intertwined with a guided tasting of five varieties and charcuterie nibbles, this really isn't one to miss. 

On Wednesday the 8th of October, award-winning pastry chef and plant-based pioneer Philip Khoury will host an intimate Plant-Based Pastry Masterclass, teaching you how to reinvent classic bakes without dairy or eggs.

Later in the month, on Saturday the 25th of October, renowned sourdough expert Dr. Vanessa Kimbell leads a half-day Sourdough Masterclass, guiding you through making sourdough flatbreads while sharing her knowledge on sustainable farming, gut health and her signature botanical flours. Tickets include a copy of her book 10 Minute Sourdough, a bag of Diversity flour and a starter to take home. Finally, on Sunday the 26th of October, Fortnum's is putting a sustainable spin on a Halloween tradition with a Pumpkin Carving Workshop, inviting you to swap standard pumpkins for lesser-known edible squash, carved on the day and enjoyed in a selection of seasonal dishes.

October might be the home of autumn leaves and spooky vibes but Mr Fogg's Victorian Murder Mystery is taking that up a gear with an interactive experience, where you help Inspector Fix solve the crime. If that's not your thing, they also host immersive treasure hunts too, solving puzzles against the clock.

You can also indulge in gin tasting sessions and cocktail masterclasses at this whimsical spot, if you're after something more relaxed. Or if it's tasty eats you're after, then why not try out their botanical brunch instead?

Looking for fun things to do in London this autumn and winter? Join the Sounds Familiar team as they bring you one of the best music quizzes in London, complete with rounds of tough trivia, singalong moments and the chance to win some epic prizes.

Remove yourself from the London hustle and reconnect with you body and spirit with a practical session centres around kundalini energy, breathwork, somatic awareness and shamanic practice. 

Engage with your inner energy and release any physical and emotional blocks throw the power of movement and mindfulness. Natalia will be guiding you through your journey, making sure you're equipped with the tools you need to achieve a heightened awareness and deep presence. 

This October, The Five Points Brewing Co in Hackney has a roster of fun-packed events to keep you entertained. Head into this cracking spot on Saturdays for a tour and tasting to learn about how the popular brews are made.

Looking to get outdoors this month? Then head over to Canary Wharf, where Skuna Boats are running floating hot tub tours of the Docklands. Maintained at a comfortable 38 degrees, it's a relaxing activity that's suitable in every season, and you can even sip a glass of fizz while you're at it.

Whisk, shake and decorate your way through The Ultimate Baking & Cocktail Challenge. Starting at £65 per ticket, this two-hour experience includes baking and decorating a showstopping three-tier cake, crafting your own cocktail or mocktail, and enjoying a themed challenge that changes each month.

Perfect for pairs, the event offers gluten-free and vegan options too. Grab a friend and get ready for an afternoon of sweet treats and spirited fun.

If you're looking for October plans in London, The Rambling Beer Co. is a top contender. Flaunting cheese and meat-fuelled beer tours, which are led by industry professionals across the city, this hotspot will not disappoint. To top it off? There's also plenty of booze to enjoy.

For some of the most entertaining events in October, look no further than Agency Unkown. The party pros are bringing a hefty dose of humour to your nights out with well-loved events such as Musical Bingo, quiz nights and Gospeloke.

The Candlelight Club are throwing open their doors for a 1920s-themed party this October, promising hours of dancing in Gatsby style. Not only can you expect live jazz and other entertainment, but also the chance to add on a meal before you hit the floor.

October in London is filled with spooky season vibes, but Dabbers Bingo adds a bit of fun and flair to your calendar. With exciting events like Comedy Bawlers Bingo and Pick N Mix Bingo, this venue in the City of London gives bingo a modern twist.

Expect live music, hilarious performances, and plenty of opportunities to win incredible prizes. Whether you're celebrating Halloween early or just need an entertaining indoor activity, Dabbers Bingo is one of the hottest events you won't want to miss.

Fancy becoming the lead singer and belting out your favourite tunes? Live Band Karaoke offers you just that this October, thanks to cheap tickets alongside the opportunity to get up on the stage with your friends and plenty of instruments to back you.

Whether you're looking for cool date night plans or just fancy treating your ears to some live music, you won't want to miss out on Hidden Jazz Club's event at Stone Nest on the 6th. While settled in the stunning venue, enjoy an artist-led performance that's spontaneous, fun and intimate.

Pillars Brewery, based in Walthamstow, is a popular spot that offers brewery tour and tasting experiences to show you behind the scenes. The 90-minute session includes an introduction to different world beer varieties, as well as a tour of the brewing process.