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.
MCM Comic Con London
The October edition of the UK’s biggest pop culture event is back in town. From Comics and video games to anime and cosplay, the event caters to every kind of geek out there.
The full line up is on the website but headliners include Ray Chase, Robbie Daymond and Max Mittelman from L.A.V.A. and anime satire One Punch Man, Marc Ellerby from Rick & Morty comics, Dan Martin from Deathbulge and Troy Baker of Bioshock Infinite. Be sure to check out our complete guide for event details, tips and tricks.
MCM Comic Con London (October)
London Cocktail Week
Cocktails are everyone’s best friend, and what better way to celebrate them than with a festival week that is ten days long? Taking place in over 300 bars across the capital 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 £7.00 signature cocktails at some of London’s best cocktail bars, as well as access to pop-ups and entry to the Cocktail villages.
London Cocktail Week 2023
| Advance sales: £15.00 | ||
Catford Arts Trail
An arts trail in the south east of London, this event features over 100 artists and over 40 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—although not all are free so check in advance.
The event takes place over two weekends: Oct 8-9 and Oct 15-16. You can download a map of venues from the website to plan your route.
Catford Arts Trail 2023
The London Marathon
Starting in Greenwich Park, and finishing at The Mall, SW1, there is always a huge crowd and an exciting atmosphere; this year it has been postponed to the autumn again due to the pandemic, but it should hopefully be back to its usual April date next year. The biggest crowds are usually gathered on Tower Bridge and Embankment, and at the finish line.
See the official website for full route details, and spectator info. You can download a map of the route and there is also an official app if you want to track friends or family taking part.
London Marathon 2023
Fairgame Opens in Canary Wharf
Time to let loose your inner child with this state-of-the-art, adults-only indoor fairground, opening its doors on October 4th in the heart of Canary Wharf.
Fairgame brings your fairground favourites back – from whac-a-mole and roll-a-ball derby to duck shoot and water gun clown. Every game is hooked up to RFID wristband tech so that players can log scores, track leader boards, and battle it out for Fairgame’s giant pink teddies.
Fairgame Opens in Canary Wharf
Bloomsbury Festival
Celebrating the rich culture of the area, this year’s festival focuses on the theme ‘Breathe’ 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.
Bloomsbury Festival 2023
London Literature Festival
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 the first public event with the newly-crowned 2022 Booker Prize winner plus writers including Malorie Blackman, Graham Norton, Karl Ove Knausgård and Nick Cave. The 2022 Edward W Said London lecture will be delivered by the winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature, Abdulrazak Gurnah.
Tickets for events sell out fast so be quick!