Featured Events in London in October, 2025 (May Updated)

See a new special commemorative display of ceramic poppies installed at the heart of the Tower of London to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. The display will see nearly 30,000 of the original poppies, made for the 2014 installation, ‘Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red’, return to the Tower, marking the sacrifices made by so many during the Second World War. The specially commissioned installation will resemble a ‘wound’ at the heart of the Tower, which was itself bombed during the Blitz. Poppies will pour across the lawn overlooked by the ancient White Tower, where the blood-red flowers will form a crater, with ripples flowing outwards.

A major exhibition featuring more than 350 objects, including precious jewels, historic gemstones, iconic watches and clocks, that chart the evolution of Cartier's legacy of art, design and craftsmanship since the turn of the 20th century.

The sower, the woodcutter, a shepherd girl. These are the subjects that made French artist Jean-Francois Millet famous. Marking the 150th anniversary of his death, this is an opportunity to see some of Millet’s best-loved paintings and drawings. Born into a farming family in Normandy, Millet moved to the village of Barbizon in 1849 where he put the people who spent their life working on the land, often the poorest of the poor in 19th-century France, at the heart of his work. He knew these people and his realistic, unsentimental approach to painting them was completely new. See his iconic 'L’Angelus' (1857‒9) from the Musée d’Orsay, Paris, a painting typical of the dignified way he captured the working people of his age. A husband and wife stand with their heads bowed. Lit by an almost ethereal, filtered light, they’ve stopped working in the fields to say the Angelus prayer. Admired and copied by Vincent van Gogh, he inspired Impressionists and Post-Impressionist artists including Edgas Degas and Camille Pissarro. His combination of subject and effects of light and tone saw his popularity soar at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century. Experience the beauty and quiet power of Millet’s work – an artist who created some of the most realist yet timeless paintings of the 19th century.

Explore the opulence and glamour of the Edwardian age through the lives and tastes of two of Britain’s most fashionable royal couples – King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, and King George V and Queen Mary – from their family lives and personal collecting to their glittering social circles and spectacular royal events. More than 300 objects from the Royal Collection will be on display – almost half for the first time – including works by the most renowned contemporary artists of the period, including Carl Fabergé, Frederic Leighton, Edward Burne-Jones, Laurits Tuxen, John Singer Sargent and William Morris. The exhibition covers the period from Edward and Alexandra's wedding in 1863 up to the start of the First World War.

Agony and ecstasy go hand-in-hand in Pablo Picasso’s exuberant masterpiece The Three Dancers. A milestone in modern art from 1925, this painting now forms the centrepiece of an exhibition celebrating the work’s centenary. For Picasso, The Three Dancers marked a radical break away from his serene, classical phase and the beginning of a new period of emotional violence and expressionist distortion. It sits at a crossroads between madness, philosophy and the avant-garde: a place where identity is disrupted and the body itself is at stake. Tate Modern’s exhibition tells the story of this landmark painting through a selection of key works from across Picasso’s career, exploring themes of sex, death, and the politics of dance. A vibrant programme of live performances accompanies the exhibition, taking inspiration from one of the most influential artists of the 20th century and bringing The Three Dancers to life 100 years after its creation.

The artwork is displayed on powder-coated steel gates, designed by Whittle and made at Glasgow Sculpture Studios. It was unveiled on 5 October 2023 at the Queen’s House in Greenwich. Feeling Blue has been developed in response to RMG’s large and varied collections, as well as the history and cultural significance of Greenwich. The 160 x 155 cm tapestry is filled with richly evocative textures, symbolic shapes, and tropical colours. It was woven by hand over a period of six months by Naomi Robertson and Elaine Wilson at Dovecot Studios. They used a variety of techniques, yarns, and over 150 colour mixes to add variety and depth to the surface of the tapestry. Dominating the tapestry is the phrase ‘feeling blue’ which stands out from a background of blues and greens, the combination of different shades resembling water in motion. Blue is immediately associated with oceans and seas but there are also more emotive connotations which Whittle chose to explore. The colour blue, and in particular the term ‘feeling blue’, is used to describe sadness or depression. While the exact origin of the term is uncertain it has been suggested that it comes from the tradition of ships flying blue flags and officers bearing a painted blue band when a captain or officer died. For others, blue symbolises tranquillity. In the Queen’s House the colour blue is used throughout for decoration, notably the balustrade of the Tulip Stairs. Drawing on her research of the British naval uniform, Whittle also reflects on the legacies of British colonialism. From the mid-eighteenth-century, the Royal Navy introduced a uniform for officers made from a deep blue fabric. The colour was achieved using a dye from the indigo plant that was native to India. Until the end of the eighteenth century the indigo plant was grown, harvested and processed by enslaved people on North American plantations. Indentured labourers in India and modern-day Bangladesh also produced indigo for the East India Company. Today, Navy blue endures as a colour of authority from police to military officers, though the history of the colour and connection to colonialism is little known. Whittle continues her exploration of maritime worlds by the inclusion of coloured ropes – reminiscent of those used on ships. For Whittle, rope is a symbol of both hope and oppression. Ropes are associated with bondage, imprisonment and even execution but are equally symbolic of lifelines for people in distress. Whittle’s ongoing engagement with the climate crisis is found in the decorative coral that frames the tapestry. The delicate pastel pinks and vibrant yellows evoke the beauty of tropical oceans and are a reminder of the importance of reefs. Decorative cultured freshwater pearl beads have also been stitched onto the tapestry. As well as representing an oceanic realm, Whittle connects Feeling Blue with two sixteenth-century paintings the Armada Portrait and Sir Francis Drake which will be displayed alongside the tapestry. In both portraits, pearls are used as a symbol of wealth, some of which was derived from colonial trade and exploitation. The tapestry is hung on a set of blue ‘gates’, which are an important component of Whittle’s work. Whittle sees the ‘gates’ as reminiscent of fencing, suggesting containment and control. Placed within the gallery space the gates no longer act as a barrier. Instead, Whittle uses the gates to expand rather than restrict as visitors are free to walk around them and view the tapestry from both sides. The decorative fretwork on the panels evokes the architecture of the Queen’s House, in particular the Tulip Stairs. Alberta Whittle, said: “The commission has been a wonderful opportunity to think deeply about maritime histories and consider the powers in place that decide how these histories are portrayed. This new tapestry is a chance to explore these ideas of power alongside the rhythms of the ocean and its vulnerability under climate colonialism. The commission has also provided me with the opportunity to continue to work with Naomi Robertson and Elaine Wilson at Dovecot Studios and the rest of the fantastic weaving team.” Celia Joicey, Director of Dovecot Studios, said: "This commission represents the contemporary significance of tapestry as a collective medium. Started in the midst of the 2021 lockdown, it is testimony to a group of people responding creatively and collaboratively to the Museum collections. Feeling Blue embodies the passion, focus and skill of Dovecot’s weavers, Alberta Whittle’s endlessly interesting ideas and the care and enterprise of the commissioning team." Katherine Gazzard, Curator of Art, Royal Museums Greenwich, said: “At Royal Museums Greenwich, we are committed to working with contemporary artists whose practice engages with our historic sites and collections, as well as with the present challenges facing our communities and our planet. The opportunity to commission a contemporary tapestry from Alberta Whittle and Dovecot Studios spoke powerfully to this ethos. The finished tapestry will go on public display in the Queen’s House, our flagship art gallery. When the Queen’s House was built in the early 17th century, it was at the cutting edge of art and design. Commissions like Feeling Blue help us to honour that legacy, ensuring that, four centuries after the building’s completion, the Queen’s House continues to showcase artistic innovations and new perspectives.” ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Feeling Blue Alberta Whittle Tapestry by Dovecot Studios 2023, cotton, linen, synthetic yarn, cultured freshwater pearl beads Tapestry woven for Dovecot by Naomi Robertson, Master Weaver, and Elaine Wilson Displayed on powder coated steel gates made by Glasgow Sculpture Studios Purchased with assistance from the Contemporary Art Society

Touch a piece of Mars, wrap your hands around a fragment of the Moon and snap a selfie with the Allende meteorite, which – at 4.567 billion years old – is even older than Earth! Today, there’s more evidence than ever before to suggest that life could exist beyond Earth. Our newest exhibition explores the big question – are we alone in the universe? Travel from Earth’s extreme environments out into space, stopping off at asteroids, Mars, the icy moons of Jupiter and Saturn and planets beyond our solar system in the search for life. Smell planets, touch parts of our solar system, design your own space mission and see what scientists believe could be out there in our out-of-this-world exhibition.

A Virtual Reality Art Exhibition that you can view in any location and on any device. Please see the above picture instructions for how you can view it on a tablet/mobile. You can view the exhibition with or without a virtual reality headset. Copy this link to view the Virtual Reality Art Exhibition on a computer/laptop: https://edu.cospaces.io/PMB-KAV The Virtual Private View of the Exhibition was held on Thursday 14th of May 2020 at 8:15pm on Zoom (Virtual drinks provided.)

Three groundbreaking exhibitions position historic sculptures by Alberto Giacometti with new works by contemporary artists, in an intimate new space. One of the most significant European sculptors of the 20th century, Giacometti is known for his distinctive, elongated sculptures which experiment with the human form. Responding to the pain and devastation caused by the Second World War, his works proposed a new perspective on humanity and the collective psyche.

The Herbert Smith Freehills Portrait Award returns for 2025. The prestigious painting competition celebrates the very best in contemporary portraiture and will include captivating works from around the world, by both self-taught and more established painters.

Lady Gaga London is set to be an electrifying event, taking place at the renowned O2 Arena in London, United Kingdom. Scheduled for October 4, 2025, at 18:30, this concert promises to be a spectacular showcase of Lady Gaga's unparalleled talent and artistry. With ticket prices at 242 USD, attendees can expect a night filled with mesmerizing performances, captivating visuals, and unforgettable moments. The O2 Arena, known for hosting world-class events, provides the perfect backdrop for this highly anticipated concert. Fans from all over the globe will gather to witness Lady Gaga's dynamic stage presence and hear her chart-topping hits live. This event is not to be missed, as it will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of the year in London's vibrant entertainment scene.

Frieze London is an iconic contemporary art fair held in the British capital, London, held in a custom-made tent in Regent’s Park every October. The fair focuses on displaying contemporary artworks of the 21st century, attracting top galleries and artists from around the world. Masters is its sister fair, held in another custom-made tent in Regent’s Park. Focusing on displaying artworks before 2000, including ancient art, classical art and modern art, it provides viewers with an opportunity to explore art history.

Mother's Cake, a renowned rock band known for its electrifying performances and unique sound, is set to take the stage at O2 Academy2 Islington in London. This highly anticipated event will occur on October 22, 2025, at 7:00 PM, promising an unforgettable night of music and energy. Fans can expect a dynamic mix of psychedelic rock, funk, and progressive elements, showcasing the band's exceptional talent and creativity. With a reputation for delivering high-octane shows, Mother's Cake is sure to captivate the audience, making it a must-attend event for rock enthusiasts. The O2 Academy2 Islington, located in the heart of London, provides the perfect backdrop for this exhilarating concert, offering top-notch acoustics and an intimate setting. Don't miss the chance to experience Mother's Cake live, where every note and beat will resonate deeply, leaving a lasting impression on all attendees.

Priscilla The Party! is an immersive reimagining of the iconic and award-winning musical Priscilla Queen of the Desert. Delivered in three acts with breaks between for fine dining in the Mezzanine or bar snacks on the Dance Floor. Featuring the dance-floor classics like I Will Survive, It's Raining Men and Finally, doors open one hour before show time where two cocktails cost just £15 and a pre-show entertains you before the main event. The performance ends with a dazzling finale show-casing the award-winning costumes and head-dresses which the show is famous for. The evening ends with a disco from our resident DJ. The audience can expect an extravagant display of eye-popping costumes, an exhilarating soundtrack that encourages everyone to sing along and a show which unfolds all around them. There will be immersive dance floor tickets as happens at Guys and Dolls at the Bridge Theatre, with DJ and pre-show entertainment similar to Here Lies Love at the National Theatre, a party sing-a-long atmosphere like ABBA Voyage at the ABBA Arena, cabaret tables with dining options similar to Cabaret at the Playhouse Theatre and dining options and post-show party as happens at Mamma Mia! The Party – in other words, something for everyone! From its dazzling debut in Sydney in 2006, the musical created by Allan Scott and Stephan Elliott has taken the world by storm. It initially graced the London stage in 2009, before conquering Broadway in 2011. The enduring message of acceptance and inclusivity that Priscilla carries remains as significant today as it was when the curtains first rose.

On the first Saturday of each month Abbas Zahedi hosts a support group for the collective processing of ecological grief. In collaboration with thinkers, artists and musicians, participants are invited to consider ‘How can we make sense of a world increasingly shaped by loss and disconnection?’. The discussions take place in a new commission entitled Begin Again. As part of the installation, instruments and playback devices have been plugged into Tate Modern’s utility pipes and deeper architecture. The sound composition shifts between moments of harmony and disintegration. Each sonic collapse prompts the piece to rebuild, emphasising the power of renewal and beginning again. The commission creates a space for collective listening where participants can reflect on how to protect and restore ecological connectivity.

Step into the world of regal elegance with Royal Style in the Making, a captivating new exhibition at Hillsborough Castle. Unveiling the intimate bond between royal clients and fashion designers, discover how the British fashion industry has crafted the iconic style of the British royal women. The exhibition showcases three stunning outfits on display, including the extraordinary toile used in the design of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s coronation gown, worn in 1937. Original design drawings feature some of Britain’s finest designers including Madame Handley Seymour, Norman Hartnell, Hardy Amies and Oliver Messel. Don’t miss sketches from David Sassoon, for Diana, Princess of Wales, including her handwritten comments. A thrill for fashion fans, don’t miss this unique journey into regal elegance and history, only until 04 January 2026.

Where does the image of the beloved and playful Hindu god Ganesha, with his elephant head and rounded belly, originate? What inspired depictions of the serene Buddha and Jain enlightened teachers? Reaching back more than 2,000 years, this new exhibition explores the origins of Hindu, Jain and Buddhist sacred art in the ancient and powerful nature spirits of India, and the spread of this art beyond the subcontinent. One of the first major exhibitions in the world to look at the early devotional art of India from a multi-faith, contemporary and global perspective, it will highlight the inspiration behind now-familiar depictions of the deities and enlightened teachers of these world religions – and how they were shared across the Indian Ocean to Southeast Asia and along the Silk Roads to East Asia. Colourful, multi-sensory and atmospheric, this exhibition was developed in collaboration with an advisory community panel of practising Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. These living religious traditions and their sacred art are now integral to the daily lives of almost two billion people around the world including in the UK. Key loans from our community partners help to tell this contemporary story. The exhibition will showcase more than 180 objects – including sculptures, paintings, drawings and manuscripts – from the South Asian collection at the British Museum as well as generous loans from national and international partners. It will highlight provenance, examining the stories, from creation to acquisition by museums, of every object in the show. From the symbolic footprints which preceded portrayals of the Buddha in human form to the cosmic serpents incorporated into Hindu art and the nature spirits who attend Jain enlightened teachers, this compelling exhibition tells the ancient stories behind these living traditions.

Two exhibitions, two influential British artists, one ticket Edward Burra runs in parallel with an exhibition of works by Ithell Colquhoun, offering visitors the chance to see two influential British artists with one ticket.

When critics first saw Georges Seurat’s new style of painting, they thought it might bring about the death of painting itself. But what was it about artists like Paul Signac, Anna Boch, Jan Toorop and Henri-Edmond Cross, that ruffled so many feathers? Neo-Impressionists painted in small dots of pure colour. Viewed from a distance, the colours blend to create nuanced tones and an illusion of light. Now known as pointillism, this technique simplified form and played with colour in an entirely new way, verging on the edge of abstraction. Alongside this exciting approach to colour, their style went hand-in-hand with radical political ideas. They captured late 19th-century European society through luminous landscapes, portraits and interior scenes, while also depicting the struggles faced by the working class, in reaction against the industrial age. Most of the paintings we’re exhibiting were collected by Helene Kröller-Müller, one of the first great women art patrons of the 20th century. She assembled the most comprehensive ensemble of Neo-Impressionist paintings in the world. Collected with the aim of being publicly accessible, these works now form part of the Kröller-Müller Museum in the Netherlands, which Helene Kröller-Muller founded. See these radical visions of pure colour for yourself in Radical Harmony: Helene Kröller-Müller’s Neo-Impressionists. This exhibition is a collaboration between the National Gallery and the Kröller-Müller Museum, Otterlo

Marie Antoinette, the famous queen who was regarded as a symbol of vanity by later generations and was guillotined during the French Revolution, was the godmother of fashion that led the trends in France and even Europe in the 18th century and was known as the "Rococo Queen". The V&A Museum in London will explore the story between this luxurious queen and Britain. It is said that Marie regularly sent courtiers to Britain to obtain fashion information, which triggered a craze for tracking British clothing, books and gardening at the time. In addition, this special exhibition will also analyze the profound influence of Marie on today's fashion and popular culture.

AC/DC UK + Dizzy Lizzy will electrify the O2 Academy Islington in London on October 4, 2025, at 18:00. This highly anticipated event promises a night of rock 'n' roll nostalgia, featuring two of the most renowned tribute bands. AC/DC UK, known for their faithful renditions of the legendary AC/DC's greatest hits, will deliver a powerful performance that captures the essence of the original band's energy and stage presence. Dizzy Lizzy, celebrated for their authentic tribute to Thin Lizzy, will bring the iconic sounds of the 70s and 80s to life, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all attendees. Set in the heart of London, the O2 Academy Islington provides the perfect backdrop for this dynamic concert, offering excellent acoustics and an intimate atmosphere. Fans of classic rock will not want to miss this opportunity to witness two stellar acts in one night, making AC/DC UK + Dizzy Lizzy a must-see event on the autumn music calendar.

Experience the thrill of the London Oktoberfest Run 5k, taking place at the Lodge Cafe in London on 5th October 2025. Lace up your running shoes and join fellow participants for a scenic 5k run through Hyde Park. The event promises an exciting atmosphere filled with energy and camaraderie. Secure your spot today for just £25 and get ready to enjoy a memorable day of running in the heart of London. Stay tuned for more details to be announced soon!

Ethel Cain: The Willoughby Tucker Forever Tour is set to captivate audiences at the renowned Eventim Apollo in London on October 7, 2025. This highly anticipated event promises an unforgettable night of music and emotion, showcasing Ethel Cain's unique blend of haunting melodies and evocative storytelling. Known for her powerful voice and poignant lyrics, Ethel Cain has garnered a dedicated following, and the Willoughby Tucker Forever Tour is expected to be a landmark moment in her career. Attendees at the Eventim Apollo can look forward to an immersive experience, as Ethel Cain delivers a performance that resonates deeply with themes of love, loss, and resilience. Don't miss the chance to witness this extraordinary artist in an iconic venue, where every note and lyric will leave a lasting impression.

Set against the backdrop of cultural and artistic rebellion, Nigerian Modernism celebrates the achievements of Nigerian artists working before and after the decade of national independence from British colonial rule in 1960. Nigerian Modernism tells the story of artistic networks which spanned Zaria, Ibadan, Lagos and Enugu, as well as London, Munich and Paris. Through groups like the Zaria Art Society and Mbari Artists' and Writers' Club, they fused Nigerian, African and European techniques and traditions to create vibrant, multidimensional works. Explore a diverse range of paintings, sculpture, textiles and poetry from over 50 artists including Uzo Egonu, El Anatsui, Ladi Kwali and Ben Enwonwu MBE.

Sting London, a highly anticipated event, is set to take place at the renowned Eventim Apollo in London on October 26, 2025, at 19:00. This iconic venue, known for hosting world-class performances, will provide the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable evening. With tickets priced at 60 GBP, attendees can expect an exceptional experience as Sting, the legendary musician, graces the stage. Known for his dynamic performances and timeless hits, Sting's concert promises to be a captivating blend of his classic songs and newer material. Fans and music enthusiasts alike will be treated to an evening of unparalleled artistry and entertainment. The Eventim Apollo, located in the heart of London, offers excellent acoustics and a vibrant atmosphere, ensuring that every note resonates with the audience. This event is not to be missed, as it represents a unique opportunity to witness one of the music industry's most influential artists live in concert.

The latest Fourth Plinth commission 'Mil Veces un Instante (A Thousand Times in an Instant)’ by Mexican artist Teresa Margolles was unveiled on Wednesday 18.09.2024. The monolithic sculpture was made with plaster cast molds of the faces of 726 transgender people from Mexico and the UK. The molds were made by applying plaster directly onto each individual’s face. The resulting object is both a visual record of their respective features and, imbued with hair and skin cells, a material infusion of their physicality.

With the hottest headliners and music legends both past and present, this is the ultimate festival experience that you do not want to miss!