October is here and it’s bringing some autumnal excitement with it. Choose from the best cultural, creative, boozy and geeky celebratory events across the city.
Japan Matsuri Festival | Trafalgar Square
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 traditional dance. 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. 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. 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. 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! 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. 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. See all the action from centre court without travelling to SW19 this summer. 3 spots offering free Wimbledon screenings. Make the whole city your escape room, with our guide to the best mystery scavenger hunts in London. 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. 
London Cocktail Week | Various
Advance sales: £15.00 MCM Comic Con London | Custom House
The Om Yoga Show | Ally Pally
Advance sales: £10.00 London Literature Festival | South Bank
BFI London Film Festival 2024 | Various
No90 Hideout Market | Hackney Wick
Diwali on the Square | Trafalgar Square
Catford Arts Trail | Catford
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