Don’t-Miss London Festivals & Events: October Edition

October has arrived in London and it’s heralding in a whole new batch of festivals and events to enjoy – as if you’ve run out of fun things to do. It may be one of the cooler months of autumn, but that’s no reason to hunker down at home under a blanket. Not when you could be rubbing elbows with famous authors, chomping on a beer brat, or sipping on concoctions created by talented mixologists. Here’s what’s up this month…

This celebration of all things written includes a 50th Anniversary of Poetry International, featuring both blasts from the past and new works. Other highlights of the London Literature Festival will be presentations by actor Tom Hanks, photographer Annie Leibovitz, and a reading of Nelson Mandela’s memoirs. The theme of the event this year is exploring how literature reminds us of our shared humanity in a challenging world.

Watch Canary Wharf transform into a German-style beer garden at a celebration that makes it OK to glug beer during the day. Oktoberfest 2017 marks the seventh time London will be treated to two weeks of live bands, Bavarian décor, and lederhosen-decked staff serving up ice-cold beer brewed specially for the fest. Fill your belly on bratwurst and schnitzel as you sing along to the German favorite, Zikke Zakke, Zikke Zakke, hoy, hoy, hoy…

The London Restaurant Festival’s kid brother Cocktail Week, during which you can score some major discounts on imaginative adult beverages specially created for the occasion. Watch mixologists at more than 200 of London’s top bars and restaurants shake, stir, and otherwise work their magic. There are also events scheduled throughout the week, including tastings, food and beverage pairings, and workshops.

Be sure to check back for our November Edition, when we’ll be opening up with the best-of for Bonfire Night and welcoming the Impressionists to London.