Key activities and events in London in October 2026
- Seasonal highlights include Black History Month (1 to 31 October) and Halloween (31 October).
- Make the most of October half-term (26 to 30 October) and save on more than 100 top attractions with The London Pass.
- Enjoy an exciting lineup of cultural events such as London Cocktail Week (dates TBC), London Literature Festival (dates TBC) and London Restaurant Festival (dates TBC).
- Secure tickets to London’s hottest West End shows in October with our guide to limited-run productions, award-winning musicals and family-friendly theatre.
- Note that the clocks change in the UK on 25 October, falling back one hour at 2am to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
October sees autumn in full swing in London, with the city’s parks awash in stunning oranges and yellows. The season’s arrival brings a swathe of new openings and seasonal events across the capital including Black History Month, BFI London Film Festival and Oktoberfest.
In the West End, Wicked the Musical impresses with its spellbinding mix of magic, friendship and rebellion, while Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap ranks as London's longest-running play. Plus, we highlight the must-book Christmas shows this festive season such as The Nutcracker and The Snowman.
Read on to discover the best things to do in London in October. Don’t miss our guide to what’s on in London this weekend for fresh ideas – and be sure to download the Visit London app for exclusive offers and on-the-go inspiration.
We update this page regularly, so check back soon for new blockbuster exhibitions, unmissable theatre shows and official festival lineups.
The best things to do in London in October 2026
1. Discover the best of the city with the Total London Experience
Secure tickets for this panoramic day tour and take in London’s legendary landmarks with an expert guide. Start by visiting Sir Christopher Wren’s architectural masterpiece, St Paul’s Cathedral, before witnessing the Changing the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace. In the afternoon, step inside the Unesco-protected Tower of London and uncover the city’s rich history on a tour with the Beefeaters. The experience also includes a ride on the London Eye, offering breathtaking views across the capital. If you’re looking for a shorter tour, book tickets to a half-day tour featuring a visit to St Paul’s Cathedral and a scenic boat ride along the Thames.
2. See the hotly anticipated return of groundbreaking rock musical RENT
Thirty years after it redefined musical theatre, watch Jonathan Larson’s groundbreaking rock musical RENT return to London's West End at the Duke of York's Theatre this autumn. Book your tickets now to see this bold new production directed by Luke Sheppard, starring Stranger Things’ Gaten Matarazzo and featuring a sensational score and a powerful story that still resonates today.
3. See London from new heights at The View from The Shard
Book tickets to The View from The Shard and enjoy unparalleled views of the capital from London’s tallest building. Designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano, The Shard draws inspiration from the spires of London’s historic churches, with its sleek silhouette soaring from the Thames and fading into the clouds. On Fridays, the last entry is 10pm, perfect for seeing the city bathed in a golden sunset before landmarks like Big Ben, St Paul’s Cathedral and Buckingham Palace sparkle at night. Elevate your experience with a visit to the open-air Skydeck or opt for an all-inclusive package including a glass of champagne and souvenir photographs.
4. Check out new writing and spoken word at London Literature Festival
Last year's London Literature Festival, curated by British pop singer-songwriter Rebecca Lucy Taylor (Self Esteem), brought a bold and eclectic spirit to the Southbank Centre. The cutting-edge lineup mixed music, literature and performance with standout events including an evening with Reese Witherspoon and Harlan Coben discussing their new thriller Gone Before Goodbye, and a conversation with Dolly Alderton and Rebecca Lucy Taylor on her debut book.
Check back soon for details on the 2026 festival.
5. Scare yourself silly at London Dungeon this Halloween
Uncover the darkest chapters of London’s history this Halloween through thrilling storytelling and immersive performances on this gripping 90-minute experience. Book your tickets for the walk-through tour and brush shoulders with barber Sweeney Tood on Fleet Street before investigating the mysterious identity of Jack the Ripper. Plunge back to reality on the exhilarating Drop Dead: Drop Ride, where you’ll hurtle three storeys through the dungeon.
Continue the spooky theme on a Jack the Ripper walking tour through the capital, where you’ll follow the footsteps of east London’s infamous murderer.
6. Catch new films at BFI London Film Festival
BFI London Film Festival celebrates its landmark 70th birthday this month at the Royal Festival Hall. The 11-day event showcases premieres, restored works from the BFI archives, short films and various talks. While the full festival programme is yet to be revealed, it’s worth noting that tickets go on sale in mid-September with various screenings at key cinemas such as BFI IMAX, Curzon Soho and the Prince Charles Cinema. (dates TBC)
Film fans should also check out British Urban Film Festival (10 to 25 October) for work from lesser-known filmmakers and creatives.
Bookmark this guide for updates on BFI London Film Festival's 2026 lineup and tickets.
7. Pick up a London Pass to save on top attractions
Buy a London Pass and unlock access to over 100 attractions in the capital with this convenient digital pass. Whether you’re in London for a long weekend or planning to stay longer, the London Pass lets you choose a duration that suits your budget and schedule. Simply download the pass to your smartphone and enjoy hassle-free entry to top landmarks such as Westminster Abbey, Kew Gardens, Shakespeare’s Globe and Tower of London.
8. Embrace the arrival of autumn in London's parks
See London’s stunning parks and green spaces in all their autumn glory this October. Take a stroll through Richmond Park and watch deer grazing, or head to Greenwich Park and enjoy an autumn sunset from One Tree Hill as the sun sets behind the city’s skyline. St James’s Park is a great spot to recharge between sightseeing at nearby Buckingham Palace and Horse Guards Parade, while Kew Gardens impresses with its themed glasshouses and treetop walkway. Be sure to cheer on runners at the Royal Parks Half Marathon (date TBC), cutting through Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens and The Green Park.
9. Step inside London's creative studios at Wandsworth Artists' Open House
Artists and makers across the borough of Wandsworth are set to open their homes and studios for the prestigious Artists’ Open House (dates TBC). Featuring painters, photographers, illustrators, ceramicists and jewellery designers, the event invites visitors to explore creative spaces, learn about the inspirations behind their work, and even purchase pieces. Standouts include Battersea-based Jayson Singh’s expressive figurative paintings and Emma Thistleton’s delicate watercolour illustrations of Tooting Bec Lido, which both beautifully capture the spirit of the south London neighbourhoods.
10. Head back to East High in an immersive new production of smash hit High School Musical
Twenty years after it premiered on Disney Channel and became a global phenomenon, High School Musical is back with a new immersive stage production at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre. Join Troy, Gabriella and the whole gang as they navigate love, friendship and peer pressure, all while juggling classes, auditions and basketball games.
11. Get into the spooky spirit at Halloween at Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens transforms into a spooky playground this month (dates TBC), with a dramatic 1.5km trail featuring ghostly displays, eye-popping illuminations and live fire artists. Book your tickets for Halloween at Kew Gardens and choose between three different timeslots: daylight, twilight or moonlight sessions – each offering seasonal treats to take the edge off, like hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows. The experience also includes an eerie forgotten fairground and a spine-chilling interpretation of Frankenstein’s laboratory.
12. Uncover the capital's top bars at London Cocktail Week
More than 200 bars across the city are set to take part in the 17th edition of London Cocktail Week (dates TBC), serving up delicious, playful concoctions in celebration of the capital’s diverse drinks scene. Buy a £20 wristband for the eleven-day event to unlock access to £9 signature cocktails and £6 non-alcoholic serves. Last year's new small drinks initiative returns, where you can pick up smaller cocktails for just £6. Be sure to taste-test farm-to-glass concoctions, where drinks are crafted from organic, seasonal ingredients. You can find a full list of participating bars at the website, organised by hotel bars, design-led bars, rooftop bars and bars with fantastic food – to name but a few.
We'll refresh this guide with 2026 highlights soon.
13. Hop on board a haunted bus ride with The Ghost Bus Tours
Ride a refurbished 1960s Routemaster bus and experience London’s comedy-horror theatre on wheels while you uncover the city’s haunted secrets. Travel past Westminster Abbey, Tower Bridge and St Paul’s while an expert guide shares chilling tales of murder, torture and ghosts at the capital’s key landmarks.
Prefer a less spooky vibe? Pick up tickets for a hop-on hop-off bus tour and stop at 60 staple spots in London. You can choose from 24, 48 or 72-hour tickets to suit your schedule.
14. Dive into Black History Month in London
Celebrate Black History Month in London this October with a stellar lineup of talks, workshops, music and exhibitions across the capital. Discover TfL’s innovative Black History Tube Map – a special edition created in collaboration with The Black Cultural Archives – highlighting the contributions Black people have made to London with the Bakerloo Line reimagined as a celebration of sport with equestrian performer and first Black British circus owner Pablo Fanque replacing Embankment. Don’t miss London Museum of Docklands’ permanent exhibition London, Sugar and Slavery, which explores the impact of the trade sugar and enslaved Africans. Or support London-based black-owned businesses like Dark Sugars chocolates and New Beacon Books.
15. Take a spooky tour of Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter
Fans of the Harry Potter franchise can buy tickets and visit the film studios, where the real-life sets used in the hit movies have been transformed for Halloween. Step inside the Great Hall to see pumpkins hanging from the ceiling and watch Voldemort’s Death Eaters wander the cobbled streets of Diagon Alley. Learn how special effects were used to create unforgettable scenes such as the Chamber of Secrets door, the invisibility cloak, and the thrilling Quidditch tournaments. Be sure to check out the studio shop for replica wands, merchandise and your very own Hedwig.
16. Plan an actioned-packed October half-term in London
Treat the kids to a memorable October half-term in London (26 to 30 October) with visits to the capital’s top family-friendly attractions such as SEA LIFE London Aquarium, The Paddington Bear Experience and Shrek’s Adventure! on the South Bank. Thrill-seekers will delight in a Thames Rockets speedboat tour or a high-wire adventure at Go Ape in Battersea. Don’t miss famous shops like the flagship LEGO Store, Hamleys and M&M World, and be sure to check out the best theme parks near London for an adrenaline-fuelled adventure.
17. Party at K-Music Festival 2026
The 13th edition of K-Music Festival kicks off in the capital this month (dates TBC) with a thrilling lineup spotlighting Korea’s diverse music scene at various cultural venues across London. Standout events from 2025 included a powerful collaboration between Korean post-rock band Jambinai and London Contemporary Orchestra at Barbican’s Hall, and a new work by acclaimed Seoul-based composer and sound artist Won II at Southbank Centre’s Queen Elizabeth Hall.
Keep your eyes peeled for the official lineup of K-Music Festival 2026.
18. Catch Jesus Christ Superstar at Theatre Royal Drury Lane this October
The West End production of Jesus Christ Superstar has officially been extended beyond this summer and into the winter season. It will transfer to the Theatre Royal Drury Lane from 6 October 2026 to 9 January 2027. Step into ancient Judea as Jesus Christ Superstar tells the story of Jesus’ final days through the eyes of Judas Iscariot. This legendary rock opera combines drama, emotion and an unforgettable performance. Book tickets to Jesus Christ Superstar at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
19. Raise a glass at Oktoberfest in London
Oktoberfest kicked off more than 200 years ago, when a royal wedding in Bavaria sparked an annual celebration of beer and bratwurst in Munich. Head to Between the Bridges on the South Bank, which is marking the festival with four weekends of DJ sets and steins (dates TBC). Elsewhere, Flat Iron Square near London Bridge is plating up German fare every Saturday – think pretzels, bratwurst and currywurst. For the full Oktoberfest experience in London, visit the official beer hall in Finsbury Park (dates TBC), which moves to St Paul’s Green in Hammersmith later in the month (dates TBC).
Check back soon for Oktoberfest 2026 events in London.
20. Discover new artworks at Frieze London 2026
Frieze London transforms Regent’s Park into a vibrant hub of art and design (14 to 26 October), with more than 280 galleries from 45 countries displaying their finest works. Art collectors will be on the look out for pieces to acquire, with Frieze Masters also offering works made before 2000. A standout feature is the Focus section, which highlights emerging talent from around the world including galleries like Squire (London), Bombon (Barcelona) and Kayokoyuki (Tokyo). The website lists a mix of artist talks, exhibitions and workshops taking place throughout the event.
Stay tuned for the Frieze London 2026 programme.
21. Uncover the capital's food scene at London Restaurant Festival
Feast at some of London’s hottest restaurants this October with special tasting menus and new openings at London Restaurant Festival (dates TBC). The lineup is curated by five neighbourhoods, showcasing local hotspots and Michelin-starred restaurants. Last year's highlights included a nine-course experience at Mediterranean restaurant Jeru in Mayfair, a set lunch menu at The Lanesborough Grill in Knightsbridge and spice-packed Indian dishes at Cinnamon Kitchen Battersea. You can explore new openings and browse the full festival programme at the website.
Keep your eyes peeled for details on London Restaurant Festival 2026.
22. Secure your seats for Wicked the Musical
This Halloween, secure your seat at Wicked the Musical at the Apollo Victoria theatre and witness the enchanting tale of young Elphaba and Glinda, brought to life through captivating music and lyrics by Grammy Award-winner Stephen Schwartz. This production has won more than 100 major awards – including three Tony Awards and two Olivier Awards – and ranks as of the longest running shows in the West End.
23. Get tickets for top Christmas shows in London's West End
There’s no better time to experience the magic of London’s theatre than the festive season, with holiday classics and award-winning favourites promising a memorable family experience. Plan ahead and book tickets for sell-out shows such as ELF the Musical at the Aldwych Theatre, and Dickens’ timeless classic A Christmas Carol at The Old Vic. Be sure to book ahead for The Nutcracker at the London Coliseum, where 100 ballet dancers bring Tchaikovsky’s magical tale to stage. There are plenty of shows that little ones will love including The Snowman and The Gruffalo's Child. Explore more magical Christmas experiences in London like Hogwarts in the Snow and the best New Year’s Eve tours.
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For more things to do in October in London, take a look at our events calendar and guide to what's on in London. Find fun things to do in London this weekend and discover exclusive offers on the Visit London app.
Tips for your trip to London in October
What is the weather like in October?
Visitors can expect average temperatures from 10 to 16C (50 to 60F). In early October, days are longer, with the sun rising around 7am and setting around 6.40pm. After the clock change on 25 October, the sun rises later at around 7.45am and sets at 5.30pm. For more details on seasonal temperatures and rainfall, see our London weather page.
Is October a good time to visit London?
October is the perfect month to visit London, offering pleasant temperatures and a swathe of exciting events marking the October half-term and start of autumn in the capital. Popular landmarks such as The London Eye, Tower of London and Buckingham Palace tend to be busy during the half-term (26 to 30 October), so it’s worth visiting early in the morning to swerve the crowds.
What to wear in London in October?
Pack warm, waterproof clothing along with comfortable footwear for ease of exploring the city and navigating public transport.
