The best events, happenings and things to do with family, friends and children in London this October, from Elmer the Elephant retrospective to Oktoberfest bashes...
Lead Image: Pergola Paddington
1 Science Fiction: Voyage to the Edge of Imagination at the Science Museum, Kensington
It's fitting the Science Museum will host an exhibition about science fiction, isn't it? It's an immersive experience and a journey through time and space which explores AI, aliens, new worlds, and the frontier of our own. It also looks at how scientists and science fiction creators built new worlds to better relate to Earth. Sounds pretty cool, huh?
Dates: October 6, 2022 - May 4, 2023
Tickets: £20
Address: Exhibition Road, South Kensington, SW7 2DD
Website: sciencemuseum.org.uk
2 BFI London Film Festival
One of the best film festivals there is, BFI LFF is a chance to see world-class cinema, and perhaps something unexpected, and in a cinema different to your local too. Tickets go quick, and the programme is extensive and overwhelming, but why not just select something at random - chances are, it will be good. Following the festival, films are available on BFI Player October 14-23.
Dates: October 6-16
Website: whatson.bfi.org.uk
3 Black History Month
Reflect on the often under-celebrated contributions the African and Caribbean communities have made on British society, and perhaps even learn something new. The Black Culture Market (Oct 1-2 at The Department Store, Brixton) features gifts, jewellery, clothes and more from black businesses both established and emerging. There's also a river cruise (Oct 1) from Temple to Greenwich that comes with historical commentary, a cultural programme at Islington Town Hall (Oct 4), and a free talk by historian Stella Dadzie about anti-racist teaching ( Oct 13) at the National Maritime Museum.
Website: eventbrite.co.uk; blackhistorymonth.org.uk
4 Oktober Fest
You can count on Wunderbar at Pergola Paddington to host a right old knees-up for Oktoberfest (Sep 30 - Oct 31), as will Neverland in Fulham (Sep 23-Oct 1). The Bermondsey Bierkeller in London Bridge is currently hosting an Oktober fest that sprawls across two-months (Sep 1-Oct31), which has live Oompah bands, bratwurst, pretzels and German-inspired street food, as well as darts, pool, foosball and ping-pong.
5 Halloween
From parties to pumpkin carving, there's lots to do for one of the most fun nights of the year. Adventure Cinema will put on The Lost Boys, The Shining and Hocus Pocus at Osterley Park & House (Oct 29-31) and Theatre Royal Drury Lane will run late night theatre tours as well as a spooky afternoon tea. Watch out for The Resident's Halloween guides, for friends and for families.
6 Sober October
Raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support and help people with cancer by not drinking booze. While pubs are particular cosy come the cooler months, there are plenty of things to do without a pint in hand From embracing the great outdoors and city walks, to crazy golf.
Website: gosober.org.uk
7 Diwali Celebrations
The Hindu Festival of Light takes place in October, and there's plenty of ways to celebrate the festival in London with your family and friends. To help you on your way, the Mayor of London will host Diwali on the Square once again in Trafalgar Square (Oct 9, 1pm-7pm, free), Wembley Park will also host a day of family fun ( Oct 1, 1pm-6pm) with a Diwali Disco at BOXPARK Wembley (6pm-11pm) in the evening, and Royal Museum Greenwich will also host a day of events for adults and family.
8 London Cocktail Week
London's premier celebration of the capital's best cocktail bars, mixologists and all things cocktails, London Cocktail Week is back bringing LCW wristband wearers £7 drinks. This time round, there's also 'Little Cocktail Villages' in Belgravia, Borough Yards, Covent Garden and Devonshire Square, as well as masterclasses, takeovers and food-pairing bashes.
Dates: October 13-23
Tickets: LCW wristbands are from £12.50, which get you £7 LCW cocktails at participating venues
Website: londoncocktailweek.com
9 Dine at Scott's Richmond
The celebrated Mayfair restaurant has opened up a new location in Richmond last month. Every bit as glamorous as the original, Scott's Richmond sits on the banks of the Thames and offers sweeping views. There's a crustacean bar, live music, and an indulgent menu of seafood and shellfish.
Address: 4 Whittaker Avenue, Richmond, TW9 1EH
Website: scotts-richmond.com
10 My Neighbour Totoro at the Barbican Centre
In a world premiere, My Neighbour Totoro comes to London in the form of a stage show. The Studio Ghibli classic tells the tale of sisters Satsuki and Mei who spend a summer in the countryside to be close to their mother who is recovering from an illness. The story iis brought to life through puppetry and a reworking of the original film score.
Dates: October 8, 2022 to January 21, 2022
Tickets: From £15
Address: Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS
Website: barbican.org.uk
11 Backyard Cinema, Wandsworth
Backyard Cinema returns for a short autumn run (until November 15), which sees you watch feel good films under as big top tent. There's a bar, and snacks as well, and the venue is dressed up to evoke the romance of 1920s travel, so get on board for fun. Want more than just a flick? The bar also hosts drag, comedy and live music.
Dates: Running October 1 to November 15
Address: Backyard Cinema, 2-4 Armoury Way, Wandsworth Town, SW18 1SH
Website: backyardcinema.co.uk
12 London Restaurant Festival
Celebrating London's buzzy restaurant scene, LRF pulls together some of the best restaurants in the capital, which will put on special events and tasting menus for the festival. Participating restaurants include Fallow, Kricket, Sartoria, Bibi and Aquavit.
Dates: Throughout October
Website: londonrestaurantfestival.com
13 Fairgame Funfair, Canary Wharf
Bringing back all the nostalgia of the funfairs of our youths, Fairgame takes a fairground's best bits and makes them better. Classic games such as skeeball and alley hoop are all digitally enhanced, so you can 'play' against your friends, as well as sweets for adults such as prosecco infused candy floss and boozy treats. For over 18s only.
Dates: Open October 4
Tickets: From £13
Address: 25-35 Fisherman's Walk, E14 4DH
Website: wearefairgame.com
14 David McKee Retrospective at Horniman Museum, Forest Hill
Delight in this wonderful exhibition that celebrates Elmer the Elephant author and illustration David Mckee. Created with children under the age of 6 in mind, Elmer and Friends: The Colourful World of David McKee features original artwork and illustrations and delves into Elmer's world as well as other Not Now Bernard, Mr Benn and a storyboard of King Rollo.
Dates: October 21, 2023 - April 16, 2023
Tickets: £5.50/£3 adult/child, & family tickets available
Address: 100 London Road, Forest Hill SE23 3PQ
Website: horniman.ac.uk
It's early days yet, this guide will continue to be updated.
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