What’s On in London – October

London’s art world takes centre stage this October as Frieze London and Frieze Masters return to The Regent’s Park from 14 – 18 October. Bringing together almost 300 galleries from 48 countries and regions, the two fairs offer a meeting point for contemporary art, historic works and new perspectives from across the globe.

Alongside the fairs, Frieze Week brings exhibitions, talks, films and gallery events across the capital, while Frieze Sculpture transforms The Regent’s Park’s English Gardens into a free outdoor exhibition featuring 11 international artists, running until 1 November.

The Hari Tip: Make a day of it with a wander through Frieze Sculpture before heading into the fairs, then return to Belgravia for an aperitivo at Hari Bar & Terrace.

Distance from The Hari: 2.5 miles
Photo Credit: © yoldakocayanlaar

All aboard for a Halloween night with a difference. The London Transport Museum is swapping its usual soundtrack for a spine-tingling silent disco, transforming its historic galleries into an after-hours dance floor for one night only on the 31st October.

Dance among vintage buses, historic trains and iconic London transport vehicles, with a choice of spooky-season tunes, singalong favourites and indie classics playing through your headphones. The event is 18+, making it a rather grown-up way to spend Halloween in the capital.

The Hari Tip: Make a night of it and head to Covent Garden early for dinner before the museum doors open after dark. 

Distance from The Hari: 2 miles
Photo Credit: © SolStock

Now on display in the intimate spaces of The Hari, the 2026 Hari Art Prize Shortlist Exhibition brings together 21 emerging artists selected from more than 1,500 applications. Presented in collaboration with A Space For Art, the exhibition showcases an eclectic mix of painting, sculpture and mixed-media works, with artists exploring everything from mythology and memory to nature, identity and the everyday.

With this year’s shortlist spanning artists from across the UK and beyond, the exhibition offers a glimpse into some of the exciting new talent shaping London’s contemporary art scene. The winner of the £10,000 prize and two £2,000 runners-up will be announced at The Hari on 17 November.

The Hari Tip: No ticket required. Simply pop into the hotel and take a wander through the exhibition while exploring Belgravia.

Distance from The Hari: 0 miles
Photo Credit: © The Hari

Looking to take a little bit of London home with you? Affordable Art Fair Battersea returns between 14 – 18 October, bringing together 116 contemporary galleries from the UK and around the world, with original paintings, photography, sculpture and more.

This autumn’s highlights include the annual Graduates Exhibition, showcasing emerging artists from across the UK, a new 5.5-metre installation by artist Charles Inge, and a curated selection of works priced under £500. There will also be creative workshops, live DJs and complimentary drinks during the Art After Dark evenings on Thursday and Friday.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply looking for something lovely for the wall, it’s a chance to discover your next favourite artist without the gallery white-glove treatment.

The Hari Tip: Make a day of Battersea Park while you’re there. After browsing the fair, take a stroll through the park before wandering over to Battersea Power Station for more architecture, shops and riverside views.

Distance from The Hari: 2.5 miles
Photo Credit: © _ultraforma_ 

Fancy a stein or two? Oktoberfest is back in London this October, with Bavarian beer, bratwurst, live music and plenty of lederhosen. Whether you’re after a traditional beer-tent experience or something a little more central, there are two celebrations worth raising a glass to.

1. Oktoberfest returns to Between the Bridges this October from the 2 – 17 October, transforming the South Bank into a Bavarian beer hall complete with giant two-pint steins, German-inspired street food, live brass bands and plenty of lederhosen.
2. From the 1 – 3 October, London Oktoberfest brings the Bavarian celebrations to Finsbury Park for three days of steins, bratwurst, pretzels and live oompah music. Expect long sharing tables, Bavarian beer and plenty of lederhosen, with sessions running from Thursday evening through to Saturday.

The Hari Tip: Whichever you choose, go prepared to raise a glass. Prost!

Distance from The Hari: From 1.5 miles
Photo Credit: © Nikada