London Events in October 2026
The Best Group Days Out
(and How to Get There)
October is one of the busiest months of the year in London. Parks turn autumn gold, half term arrives, and the city fills up with festivals, exhibitions, concerts and three NFL games in three weeks.
If you are organising a school group, sports club, corporate team, wedding party or private outing, the hard part is rarely the tickets. It is getting everyone there together, on time, comfortably, and without fighting the Tube at kick-off or closing time.
J&K Coaches operate from a dedicated depot in Old Windsor, around 15 minutes from Heathrow, and provide London coach hire, minibuses and group transfers across Greater London and the South West.
Here is what is happening in London this October, and which type of coach hire usually works best.
October 2026 at a Glance
| Dates | Event | Where | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–3 Oct | London Oktoberfest | Finsbury Park | Private groups, corporate nights out |
| 1–31 Oct | Black History Month & Bloomsbury Festival | Across London | Schools, cultural groups |
| 4, 11 & 18 Oct | NFL London Games | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium & Wembley | Sports clubs, supporters |
| 7–18 Oct | BFI London Film Festival (70th year) | Southbank & citywide | Corporate hospitality, film groups |
| 9–24 Oct | Oktoberfest on the Common | Clapham Common | Private hire, hen/stag groups |
| 11 Oct | Royal Parks Half Marathon | Hyde Park / central London | Clubs, charity teams |
| 14–18 Oct | Frieze London & Frieze Masters | The Regent’s Park | Corporate, private art groups |
| 16 Oct–1 Nov | Halloween at Kew | Kew Gardens | Families, schools |
| 17–18 Oct | National Wedding Show & Musical Con | ExCeL London | Wedding parties, theatre fans |
| 20 Oct–1 Nov | London Literature Festival | Southbank Centre | Clubs, schools, book groups |
| 23–25 Oct | MCM Comic Con | ExCeL London | Families, fan groups |
| 24 Oct–1 Nov | October half term | Citywide | School trips, family groups |
| 25 Oct | Diwali on the Square | Trafalgar Square | Community & family groups |
| 31 Oct | Halloween night | Across London | Private groups |
Always double-check dates and ticket availability before you travel — some events sell out early.
1–3 October: London Oktoberfest, Finsbury Park
London Oktoberfest returns to Finsbury Park from Thursday 1 to Saturday 3 October, with large beer halls, live music and communal tables. Clapham’s Oktoberfest on the Common then runs across later weekends from 9–24 October.
Coach hire tip: These events are loud, late and often alcohol-led. A private coach hire in London is usually safer and simpler than splitting a group across taxis. Book a pickup and a later return so nobody is hunting for transport at midnight.
4, 11 and 18 October: NFL London Games
London hosts three NFL regular-season games this month:
- Sunday 4 October — Indianapolis Colts v Washington Commanders at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
- Sunday 11 October — Philadelphia Eagles v Jacksonville Jaguars at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
- Sunday 18 October — Houston Texans v Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium
Kick-off is typically mid-afternoon, and roads around both stadiums get very busy.
Coach hire tip: This is a classic job for sports coach hire in London. A full coach keeps the group together, carries flags and kit, and avoids the scramble at the final whistle. Book early — NFL weekends fill quickly.
7–18 October: BFI London Film Festival
The 70th BFI London Film Festival runs from 7–18 October at BFI Southbank, Royal Festival Hall and cinemas across the city. Premieres, screen talks and late screenings make it a strong month for corporate hospitality and film societies.
Coach hire tip: Use a smaller executive minibus or corporate coach hire for client groups. Southbank drop-offs are easier than expecting guests to navigate the Underground in evening wear.
14–18 October: Frieze London and Frieze Masters
Frieze takes over The Regent’s Park from 14–18 October. Frieze London and Frieze Masters sit at opposite ends of the park, with the free Frieze Sculpture trail running through the month.
Coach hire tip: Art-fair days involve timed tickets, multiple venues and tired feet. A coach waiting nearby — or a shuttle between hotels, Mayfair and the park — is far more comfortable than taxis in congestion.
Mid-to-late October: ExCeL, Kew, Half Term and Halloween
Several big venues fill up at once:
- ExCeL London — New Scientist Live (around 10–12 Oct), National Wedding Show, Musical Con (17–18 Oct) and MCM Comic Con (23–25 Oct)
- Kew Gardens — Halloween at Kew, 16 October to 1 November
- October half term — most London schools break Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November
- Diwali on the Square — Sunday 25 October, Trafalgar Square
- Halloween — 31 October, plus scare attractions such as The Nightmare Realm in Avery Hill
Coach hire tip:
- Comic Con and the Wedding Show suit family and private groups.
- Halloween at Kew and half-term museum days are ideal for school coach hire in London.
- Wedding-related visits pair naturally with private coach hire in London.
If guests are flying in for any of these, we also handle airport coach hire from Heathrow, Gatwick and the other London airports.
Why Groups Book a Coach for October Events
October traffic, stadium closures, half-term crowds and late finishes make public transport unpredictable. A private coach gives you:
- One pickup and one drop-off for the whole group
- Space for bags, costumes, kit or shopping
- A driver who knows stadium and venue access
- A safer option after evening events
- A clearer cost than a stack of Ubers
J&K Coaches run 16-seater minibuses through to 61-seater coaches, including wheelchair-accessible options, from our Old Windsor depot.
How to Book Coach Hire for an October Event
- Choose the event date and venue.
- Confirm passenger numbers and any accessibility needs.
- Tell us pickup point, arrival time and whether you need a return journey.
- We match the vehicle and send a clear quote.
The earlier you book NFL, Frieze, Comic Con and half-term dates, the more choice you have on vehicle size.
Planning a London event in October?
Get a fast quote from our London team. London Depot 65a Straight Road, Old Windsor, SL4 2SA Phone: 02046 179340 Email: london@jandkcoaches.com