What’s on in London – October 2023

Hello, London enthusiasts! October is here, and with it comes a spellbinding line-up of events that will make your time in the city completely worthwhile. Step into the world of magic and imagination at Disney100, a special exhibition celebrating a century of Disney’s enchanting creations. Sports fans can gear up for the NFL London Games, where American football takes over the UK Capital in a thrilling showcase of athleticism. And, of course, as the leaves change colour and the nights grow longer, prepare to get spooked out with Halloween-themed gigs that promise thrills, chills, and a touch of the supernatural. London this October is a bewitching blend of fun and fantasy – don’t miss it!

Get ready for gridiron greatness as the NFL London Games 2023 touches down this month! The excitement will echo from Wembley to the iconic Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the first-ever purpose-built NFL arena outside the US. Fans and followers of American football are in for a special treat with a star-studded line-up featuring powerhouse teams like the Atlanta Falcons, Jacksonville Jaguars, Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Ravens, and Tennessee Titans.

Feel the adrenaline surge as the giants of the gridiron clash on English soil. It’s more than just a game; it’s a fusion of athleticism and a celebration of American football’s global appeal. Don’t miss the roar of the crowd and the thunderous tackles as the NFL London Games 2023 promises thrills like never before!

Get your running shoes ready and prepare for a journey through the heart of London at the Royal Parks Half Marathon on Sunday, 8th October! This 13 mile adventure will take you on a scenic tour of the city’s most iconic landmarks, from the regal grandeur of Buckingham Palace to the mesmerizing London Eye.

As you pound the pavement, you’ll traverse not just streets but also four of London’s exquisite Royal Parks – Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park, St James’s Park, and Green Park. It’s a race that combines fitness goals with a noble cause, allowing runners to contribute to multiple charities while soaking in the beauty of the city.

Get swept away by cinematic masterpieces as the BFI London Film Festival returns! Set against the stunning backdrop of the South Bank and the lively West End, this reel-life cinematic experience is one you wouldn’t want to miss.

The festival will feature public premieres of the most highly anticipated films, series and immersive storytelling experiences. The special galas promise to be a star-studded affair, spanning genres from the heartwarming drama of “One Life” starring Anthony Hopkins, to Oscar-winning Emerald Fennell’s Saltburn, and the mind-bending sci-fi thrills of “The Kitchen”.

Step into a magical world at the Disney100 Exhibition, opening its doors on October 13th at Excel London. It’s the centenary celebration of Disney, where you can immerse yourself in ten enchanting galleries, each a vibrant tapestry woven from the classics that have captured hearts for generations. It will also feature the latest wonders from the Walt Disney family: Pixar, Star Wars, Marvel, and National Geographic.

This 20,000-square-foot venue is a treasure trove of interactive games for kids and parents alike. But that’s not all! Get up close with rare, original artefacts, props, and costumes from timeless Disney classics like Snow White and Peter Pan. It’s a journey into the heart of Disney magic that you won’t want to miss!

Find your inner Zen at the Om Yoga Show across the second week of October at Alexandra Palace. Dive into the world of yoga with free open classes and workshops, available on a first-come, first-served basis.

As Europe’s largest yoga gathering, the event will not only feature the best yogic gurus but will also offer a vast array of yoga clothing and accessories with over 200 exhibitors at the venue. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a curious beginner, this show promises to elevate your journey to serenity and discover the essence of well-being!

Raise your glasses to London Cocktail Week, the ultimate libation celebration! For 11 days the city transforms into a cocktail paradise, with over 300 top bars, including iconic venues like Mr Fogg’s, 69 Colebrooke Row, Satan’s Whiskers, Happiness Forgets, Nightjar and many more crafting signature cocktails.

Sip and savour your way through curated cocktail tours that redefine mixology. But that’s just the tip of the ice-cube! LCW’s 14th edition serves up masterclasses, electrifying takeovers, and nights filled with karaoke fun. Best of all, it’s a steal at just £15 for the entire festival, making it sweeter than most of the cocktails on the menu.

Prepare to be impressed by words at the London Literature Festival, where the magic of storytelling takes centre stage at the Southbank Centre. As the capital’s longest-running celebration of the written and spoken word, this festival is a literary treasure trove.

This year’s edition is set to dazzle with a constellation of prestigious literary luminaries. From the acclaimed Yu Miri to the legendary Sir Patrick Stewart along with Jada Pinkett Smith, Jacqueline Wilson and Kerry Washington, these literary giants will share their stories and insights. But that’s just the beginning – rising stars of literature will also illuminate the festival, making it a celebration of the world of words.

Prepare for an adrenaline-charged Halloween like never before at the SAW: Escape Experience London – After Dark! On October 21st, 28th and 31st, the Halloween-themed nights will unfold with a sinister twist comprising moral dilemmas, spine-tingling challenges, and courage-testing escapades. Will you dare to face Jigsaw’s trials?

Enter the official SAW escape room, where Jigsaw’s twisted games will test your wit and nerve to the max. Solve the puzzles and escape, if you can. But the thrill doesn’t end there. After conquering the escape, revel in the Traproom with celebratory drinks and dance the night away.

Get ready for a luminous spectacle as Diwali on the Square (DOTS) 2023 transforms Trafalgar Square into a radiant oasis! This is London’s grandest Diwali celebration, uniting over 35,000 participants from the vibrant Hindu, Sikh, and Jain communities each year.

The 22nd edition promises an enchanting evening, alive with the rhythmic beats of a live garba band, mesmerising community performances and the dazzling burst of fireworks lighting up the night sky. Dive into the rich culture with diya lamps and rangoli competitions as you indulge your taste buds in a potpourri of delectable Indian sweets and savouries.