October is here and it’s bringing some autumnal excitement with it. Choose from the best creative, literary, boozy and geeky celebratory events across the city.
Japan Matsuri Festival | Trafalgar Square
Back for the first time since 2019 and bringing a slice of Tokyo to the centre of London, this festival delivers music, martial arts demonstrations and of course plenty of delicious food. Details are yet to be revealed but previous highlights have included Taiko (Japanese drum) sessions, karaoke competitions and large scale interactive public art exhibitions. An arts trail in the south east of London,this event features over 100 artists and over 50 venues to explore. The event supports local artists and you’ll have the opportunity to participate as well as admire with activities, classes, ceramic workshops, group events and more — though not all are free. The October edition of the UK’s biggest pop culture event is back in town at ExCel London. From comics and video games to anime and cosplay, the event caters to every kind of geek interest. Okay, it’s actually eleven days and not a week, but who’s complaining? With over 300 bars across the capital taking place, you’ll never be far from a well-made drink – or a class on how to craft them yourself. Wristbands are available online for £15.00 and get you unlimited £8.00 signature cocktails at some of London’s finest cocktail bars, as well as access to pop-ups and entry to the Cocktail Villages. An event put together by Saatchi Art, this fair is aimed at collectors, although you can snap up some new works from around £100.00. So if you’re looking to make your first foray into the art world or you’re a seasoned collector, it can be a cool way to spend an afternoon. Celebrating the rich culture of the area, this year’s festival focuses on the theme ‘Grow’ with 100 events taking place over ten days. Many of the programmed activities are free, but booking is recommended for the more popular events so do check in advance. This book-lovers festival is back with a huge checklist of must-see events. This year’s line up of talks, readings, workshops and poetry includes Teju Cole, George the Poet, Yu Miri, Sir Patrick Stewart, Kerry Washington, Jacqueline Wilson and Jada Pinkett Smith. Tickets for events sell out fast so be quick! Whether you’re a home brewing newbie, an old hand or just here for the beer, Brew Con is the place to be this month. This year’s event is at the Hackney Brewery & Wildcard Brewery. With everything from free open sessions for beginners to advanced workshops for the experienced yogi as well as a huge range of yoga-related accessories, this is the largest yoga gathering in Europe. Grab your mat and give it a go. There is a huge range of events in this year’s festival, many of them free: galas, special presentations, screen talks, short film screenings and DJ nights. Check their website, you’re bound to find something special. There’s a cool new festival-style market happening on Sundays in Hackney Wick this month; all the vintage vibes plus DJs and even an after party. Trafalgar Square will be transformed into a riot of colour, music and dance as Diwali on the Square hits town. Food stalls, a yoga zone, kids’ activities and even a comedy zone; it’s a fun and uplifting way to spend a Sunday. Foraging is a peak Cheapo activity: bang on trend, budget-friendly and a decidedly urban version of cool survival skills. Didn’t get a ticket but still want to catch the London New Year’s Eve fireworks?
Let us help you save money for what's really important: a nice cup of cocoa or mulled wine. Add some festive cheer to your winter calendar You can’t squeeze in every festive display in one evening, so we bring you ‘The Twelve Stars of Christmas’.
Catford Arts Trail | Catford
MCM Comic Con London | Custom House
London Cocktail Week | Various
Advance sales: £15.00 The Other Art Fair | Shoreditch
Bloomsbury Festival | Bloomsbury
London Literature Festival | South Bank
Brew Con 2023 | Hackney
The Om Yoga Show | Ally Pally
Advance sales: £16.00 At the door: £20.00 BFI London Film Festival 2023 | Various
No90 Hideout Market | Hackney Wick
Diwali on the Square | Trafalgar Square
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