Have you secretly spent the last stretch of summer wishing for the first glance of a browning leaf or the need for your favourite fuzzy jumper? Well, you’re finally in luck! The time has come to settle into darker evenings in cosy, candlelit pubs and venues. From poetry evenings to pub quizzes, live music, nighttime food festivals and film clubs, October promises to warm you from the inside out. 

Thursday 5th

Splendid Question Presents: Tamesis Pop

Edinburgh-based cover band Splendid Question take to the stage for an evening of pop classics with twists of funk. The venue is none other than Vauxhall’s very own floating pub, taking the form of a converted 1930s Dutch barge now permanently moored between Lambeth and Vauxhall Bridge. The six-piece will kick off the evening with live music from 8pm, and will then be followed by a two-hour set from DJ Owen Williams. 

7.00pm – 1.00am | Tamesis Dock, SE1 7TY | £5

Saturday 7th

London Local Guiding Day

Did you know that Vauxhall’s foreshore has a rich history that stretches as far back as the Bronze Age? As part of London Local Guiding Day, qualified Lambeth tour guides are offering a day of free walks inspired by Vauxhall’s Roman past. Over the course of an hour, ‘Veni, Vidi Vauxhall’ will reveal the secrets and inspiring characters that have made the area what it is today. From hot air pioneers to secret agents, and queer icons, you’ll learn about the little-known trailblazers that have left their mark in more ways than one.

From 10.00am – 4pm | Meet at Vauxhall Rail Station entrance, SW8 1SS | Free

Sunday 8th

Sunday Night at Paper Tiger Poetry

Round off the week by settling into an evening of laughs and thought-provoking poetry. Founded by author Alain English and Harry Iggulden in 2011, Paper Tiger Poetry has brought fresh new voices, fun, and wit to the Tea House Theatre for over a decade. The evening includes readings from Alain English himself, as well as a selection of other featured poets, before closing with an open mic section for any bards who fancy sharing a line or two. 

8.00pm – 10.30pm | Tea House Theatre, SE11 5HL | Free

Saturday 14th

India vs Pakistan ICC World Cup Screening

Vauxhall Food & Beer Garden opens its doors at 9am to host a screening and party as two of Asia’s top cricket teams battle it out at this year’s ICC World Cup. As well as a giant screen to comfortably watch the match, there’ll be live DJ sets and Dhol Drummers playing Bollywood, Bhangra, and sporting anthems. Street food stalls and bars will be serving your favourite snacks and drinks to keep energy levels high, and there’ll even be some free face paints lurking about so you can really get into the spirit of the day.

9.00am – 6.00pm | Vauxhall Food & Beer Garden, SW8 1SP | £14.25

Sunday 22nd

Houseplant Festival

Get everything you need to bring nature indoors at this year’s Houseplant Festival! With a whole host of stalls, workshops, talks, and more, The Garden Museum is the perfect place to get inspired, meet other growers and sellers, and learn a thing or two about houseplant care. On sale will be a huge selection of sustainably grown plants, handmade pots, terrariums, planters and hangers, artisan horticultural ephemera, tools, and more. Pop down and give your indoor space a breath of fresh air. 

10.00am – 4.00pm | The Garden Museum, SE1 7LB | £6

Tuesday 24th

Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner: Black Cinema Club Special

In celebration of Black History Month, the South Lambeth Library Classic Film Club is screening Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner (1967), a culturally radical film focusing on interracial union released at a time when a third of American states didn’t allow interracial marriage. The film will be introduced by the Black Cinema Club and will be followed by a Q&A. The screening is part of this year’s Black History Month’s theme of ‘Saluting our Sisters,’ which highlights the crucial role that Black women have played in shaping history, inspiring change, and building communities. 

6.30pm – 8.00pm | South Lambeth Library, SW8 1QP | Free

Saturday 28th

VauxhAll Night World Food Fest – Savour the World

Let the smells, sounds, and signposts at Vauxhall Station lead you to Goding Street where you’ll find nighttime delights in celebration of this year’s World Food Fest. Over 50 hot food stalls will be offering a whole host of mouthwatering world cuisines and dishes from local traders. There’ll also be artisanal arts and crafts for sale as well as live music performances and seating areas to sit back, relax, and spoil your senses this October! 

6.00pm – 11.00pm | Entrance by The Royal Vauxhall Tavern, SE11 5HY | Free

Tuesdays in October

Pub Quiz at Fentiman Arms

Every Tuesday night, the cosy and lively Fentiman Arms hosts one of the best nights of the working week. Get your thinking cap on and invite your smartest friends for a chance to win first place and enjoy the glory along with a £50 bar tab. If you have no chance of topping the leaderboard, fear not! Those who manage to come second-to-last place will be treated to three bonus drink questions and a free bottle of wine. Everyone’s a winner!

8.00pm – 10.00pm | Fentiman Arms, SW8 1LA | £2

For details on all the spooky festivities taking place across the borough this October, head over to our list of places to hit up for Halloween in Vauxhall.