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 highlights include Black History Walks across the Sugar and Slavery exhibition at the Museum of London Docklands and the Windrush generation's stories at the British Library.
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 1 and 2 November; Battersea Park Fireworks on 2 and 3 November; Dulwich Firework Display on 2 November; Morden Park Fireworks on 2 November; and Wimbledon Park Fireworks on 5 November.
GO: Visit www.alexandrapalace.com or www.batterseaparkfireworks.com for more information.
EFG London Jazz Festival
The EFG London Jazz Festival is music to our ears. Running from 15 to 24 November, it boasts 300 shows across 70 venues. Founded in 1992, the event welcomes local and international artists. The artists include Airelle Besson and Gabi Hartmann, Dawn Richard and Spencer Zahn, Marisa Monte, Pat Metheny, and Robert Glasper.
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 runs from 13 September to 10 November. Halloween at Kew runs from 18 October to 3 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, www.kew.org or https://thelondonbridgeexperience.com 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 across the city, and visitors have the chance to experience museums and galleries in a different light. London Transport Museum After Dark takes place on 11 October and 15 November. The event includes activities, talks, workshops and a bar. The National History Museum hosts Dino Snores for Grown-Ups on 6 September and 2 November. The event includes an animal workshop, pub quiz and movie marathon.
GO: Visit https://www.ltmuseum.co.uk and www.nhm.ac.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. Running from 17 to 19 October, 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 17 to 19 October, and in Ealing from 25 to 26 October.
GO: Visit www.germangymnasium.com and 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 2024 is here to help. Running from 14 to 22 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. BRIX in London Bridge offers roast turkey and chicken on 23 November. Sunday in Brooklyn in Notting Hill hosts a dinner on 23 and 24 November. The George in Fitzrovia offers a traditional roast dinner on 23 November. Happy Thanksgiving.
GO: Visit www.sundayinbk.co.uk and https://thegeorge.london for more information.
The Lord Mayor's Show
The Lord Mayor's Show has been running for more than 800 years and brings pomp and pageantry into the heart of London. The fun-filled, family-friendly event starts at Mansion House at 11am on 9 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 filled with world-class theatre, from musicals to Shakespeare. During the autumn, the stage is filled with superstars. Adrian Brody stars in The Fear of 13 from 4 October to 30 November. David Oyelowo makes his debut at the National Theatre with Coriolanus from 11 September to 9 November. John Lithgow stars in The Giant from 20 September to 16 November. Mark Rylance stars in Juno and the Paycock from 21 September to 23 November.
GO: Visit https://officiallondontheatre.com for more information.
