October sees autumn in full swing in London, with the city’s parks awash in stunning oranges and yellows. The season’s arrival brings a swathe of new openings and seasonal events across the capital including Black History Month, BFI London Film Festival and Oktoberfest. Among the exciting launches are a new gastropub in Mayfair from the hospitality heavyweights behind The Devonshire and Crisp Pizza, and a major exhibition charting the boundary-breaking career of photographer Lee Miller at Tate Britain.
In the West End, Les Misérables celebrates its 40th anniversary, while the National Theatre’s award-winning production of The Importance of Being Earnest has returned to the Noël Coward Theatre with a star-studded cast. Plus, we highlight the must-book Christmas shows this festive season such as ELF the Musical, The Nutcracker and The Snowman.
Read on to discover the best things to do in London in October. Don’t miss our guide to what’s on in London this weekend for fresh ideas – and be sure to download the Visit London app for exclusive offers and on-the-go inspiration.
1. Celebrate 40 years of the multi-Olivier Award-winning Les Misérables
Cameron Mackintosh’s acclaimed production – recognised as the world’s longest-running musical – celebrates its 40th anniversary on 8 October. To mark the occasion, a special eight-week run at the Sondheim Theatre brings back fan favourites including Killian Donnelly as Jean Valjean and Bradley Jaden as Javert. You can browse the best seats and book tickets directly with Visit London to experience the magical production, which follows former prisoner Valjean as he’s pursued by policeman Javert against the backdrop of the French Revolution.
2. Catch new films at BFI London Film Festival
The newest addition to American film-maker Rian Johnson’s thrilling Knives Out collection – Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, starring Daniel Craig – kicks off the 2025 edition of the BFI London Film Festival at the Royal Festival Hall on 8 October. Now in its 69th year, the 11-day event showcases premieres, restored works from the BFI archives, short films and various talks. While the full festival programme will be revealed on 3 September, it’s worth noting that tickets go on sale on 16 September with various screenings at key cinemas such as BFI IMAX, Curzon Soho and the Prince Charles Cinema. (8 to 19 October)
Film fans should also check out British Urban Film Festival (10 to 24 October) for work from lesser-known filmmakers and creatives.
3. Experience Tate Modern’s new exhibition Theatre Picasso
Tate Modern recently opened a major new exhibition charting Pablo Picasso’s fascination with performers, marking the centenary of his famous painting The Three Dancers (1925). Contemporary artist Wu Tsang and author-curator Enrique Fuenteblanca have transformed the exhibition space into a theatre, featuring 45 pieces from the Tate’s collection and European loans including paintings, sculptures, and textiles – some of which have never been seen in the UK before. Explore works depicting dancers, entertainers, and bullfighters and discover Picasso’s art from a new perspective. Until 12 April 2026
4. Embrace the arrival of autumn in London’s parks
See London’s stunning parks and green spaces in all their autumn glory this October. Take a stroll through Richmond Park and watch deer grazing, or head to Greenwich Park and enjoy an autumn sunset from One Tree Hill as the sun sets behind the city’s skyline. St James’s Park is a great spot to recharge between sightseeing at nearby Buckingham Palace and Horse Guards Parade, while Kew Gardens impresses with its themed glasshouses and treetop walkway. Be sure to cheer on runners on 12 October at the Royal Parks Half Marathon, cutting through Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens and The Green Park.
5. Discover new artworks at Frieze London 2025
Frieze London transforms Regent’s Park into a vibrant hub of art and design (15 to 19 October), with more than 280 galleries from 45 countries displaying their finest works. Art collectors will be on the outlook for pieces to acquire, with Frieze Masters also offering works made before 2000. This year, artist Sophia Al-Maria picked up the 2025 Artist Award, and she’ll present Wall Based Work (a Trompe LOL) – a stand-up comedy set – during the fair. A standout feature is the Focus section, which highlights emerging talent from around the world including galleries like Squire (London), Bombon (Barcelona) and Kayokoyuki (Tokyo), all making their debut this year. The website lists a mix of artist talks, exhibitions and workshops taking place throughout the event.
6. Dine at Kudu’s new Marylebone outpost
Kudu Collective, formerly known for its trio of much-loved restaurants in Peckham, is opening its first central London outpost on Moxton Street in Marylebone this month. Husband-and-wife duo Patrick Williams and Amy Corbin bring Kudu Collective’s three distinctive spaces – Curious Kudu, Kudu Grill, and the original Kudu restaurant – under one roof, offering signature seasonal European plates with a South African flex. On the menu, you might find crowd-pleasers like burrata with pineapple, tomato, ginger and shiso, alongside new dishes such as harissa chopped beef topped with crispy shallots and fresh coriander. As for the space, London-based designers Fabled Studio have created a soothing, minimalist setting, with natural tones complemented by textured plaster walls, upholstered fabrics, mirrored panelled walls and red travertine countertops.