Take your pick from pubs, plays and pageantry.
London looks amazing in the autumn. As the nights draw in and the green leaves turn gold, there are still ways to enjoy the great outdoors as well as cosy pubs with fireplaces. The events range from the cultural to cosmopolitan. Enjoy live entertainment from the EFG London Jazz Festival to stars on the West End stage. Immerse yourself in different cultures from Black History Month to Thanksgiving celebrations. Here are the best things to do in London in the autumn.
Black History Month
Running from 1 to 31 October, Black History Month celebrates black culture across the country. The festival started in 1987 and includes exhibitions, shows, and talks. The event raises awareness about black history through a range of experiences. The National Portrait Gallery is hosting a range of events, from Black art in Tudor Britain to Black History Walks. The Black British Book Festival takes place at the Barbican, and Black and British is showing at The Outernet.
GO: Visit www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk for more information.
Bonfire Night
Remember, remember, the fifth of November, gunpowder, treason and plot! If you're after something uniquely British, look no further than Bonfire Night. Taking place on and around 5 November, it's a chance to see the London sky light up with fireworks. The event is also known as Guy Fawkes Night and commemorates Guy Fawkes' Gunpowder Plot. On 5 November 1605, explosives were placed beneath the House of Lords, and there was a plot to assassinate King James I. Ticketed events include Alexandra Palace Fireworks Festival on 31 October and 1 November; Battersea Park Fireworks on 1 and 2 November; Dulwich Firework Display on 8 November; Morden Park Fireworks on 5 November; and Wimbledon Park Fireworks on 8 November.
GO: Visit www.eventbrite.co.uk for more information.
EFG London Jazz Festival
The EFG London Jazz Festival is music to our ears. Running from 14 to 23 November, it boasts 300 shows across 70 venues. Founded in 1992, the event welcomes local and international artists. The artists include Adekunle Gold, Makaya McCraven and Tanita Tukaram.
GO: Visit https://efglondonjazzfestival.org.uk for more information.
Halloween
Fright nights lie ahead, thanks to Halloween. While the day falls on 31 October, London is filled with spooky events around the date. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter hosts Dark Arts until 9 November. Halloween at Kew runs from 17 October to 2 November. The after-dark trails include cobwebs, (toy) bats and spiders, and hot chocolate with marshmallows. Plus, the London Bridge Experience and London Dungeon offer year-round spooks.
GO: Visit www.wbstudiotour.co.uk for more information.
Late events
It might be getting dark sooner, but there's still plenty of fun to be had. Late events can be found throughout the city, and visitors have the opportunity to experience museums and galleries in a new light. The Science Museum hosts Halloween Lates on 31 October. The event includes workshops, performances, and prizes for the best-dressed.
GO: Visit www.sciencemuseum.org.uk for more information.
Oktoberfest
Raise a glass (or three) at Oktoberfest. The taste of Germany makes its way to London, thanks to beers and bratwurst. The capital comes alive with the spirit of Bavaria. Celebrate the event at Munich Cricket Club in Canary Wharf, Tower of London and Victoria; German Gymnasium in King's Cross; and Neverland London Oktoberfest. Plus, London Oktoberfest pops up its tent in Hammersmith from 9 to 25 October.
GO: Visit https://london-oktoberfest.co.uk for more information.
Open House London
London is home to iconic buildings, including 10 Downing Street, BBC Broadcasting House, and the BT Tower. If you've been curious about what's behind those doors, Open House is here to help. Running from 13 to 21 September, the event unlocks the capital in a special way. Visitors can join walking tours, workshops, and drop-in sessions across the capital.
GO: Visit https://programme.openhouse.org.uk for more information.
Thanksgiving
The United Kingdom and the United States have long had a special relationship. If you want to celebrate that union through food, then put Thanksgiving in your diary. The event takes place on 28 November, but there are a range of events around the period. The Riding House in Fitzrovia offers a dinner on 28 November. Sunday in Brooklyn in Notting Hill hosts a dinner from 26 to 28 November. The George in Fitzrovia offers a Thanksgiving spread on 27 November. Happy Thanksgiving.
GO: Visit https://thegeorge.london for more information.
The Lord Mayor's Show
The Lord Mayor's Show has been running for over 800 years and brings pomp and pageantry to the heart of London. The fun-filled, family-friendly event starts at Mansion House at 11am on 8 November, and the procession makes its way through the capital. Look out for colourful floats, marching bands and live entertainment. And, here's a London hack: on the day, not only is the show free, but also visits to St Paul's Cathedral.
GO: Visit https://lordmayorsshow.london for more information.
West End shows
London is home to world-class theatre, featuring a diverse range of productions, from musicals to Shakespeare. During the autumn, the stage is filled with superstars. The world premiere of Paddington: The Musical takes place at the Savoy Theatre from 1 November. Elf the Musical has a limited run at the Aldwych Theatre from October 28 to 3 January. Wendy and Peter Pan runs from 21 October to 22 November at the Barbican Theatre.
GO: Visit https://officiallondontheatre.com for more information.
