The days are getting colder and the nights are drawing in but with so much happening in south London this October, you won’t want to stay in. From fun-themed pop ups to late night exhibitions, here’s our list of the month’s top 10 events.
1 Performance Live: Kate Tempest
Spoken-word artist Tempest is a force of nature: she blends poetry, rap and theatre to paint a picture of London life in the modern age. In ‘Let Them Eat Chaos’ she follows seven young people who all live on the same south-London street, who all find themselves awake at 4:18am. The show will be broadcast live on BBC2 so nab your seat in the audience now and be part of something special.
1st Oct, bac.org.uk
2 Fun Palaces
This month is all about having a good time. In the first weekend of October, Fun Palaces is hosting a series of pop up events aimed at bringing communities together and encouraging creativity. Now in its fourth year, events are taking place across south London – check out Brockwell Lido, Stretham Library and Clapham’s Omnibus for some of the best.
1st and 2nd Oct, funpalaces.co.uk
3 Christie’s Lates
The second ‘lates’ event to make our October hot list is hosted by world-famous auction house Christie’s. Visitors are invited to kick back at the bar, listen to talks by expert speakers and take a peek behind the hallowed scenes. On 4th October, the world of contemporary art is up for discussion.
4th Oct, christies.com
4 Jeff Koons: Now
Take heed of the title of Jeff Koons’ latest show: it closes on the 16th October so if you want to go – and you should – you have a mere fortnight left to make it. Widely considered one of the most significant artists of the post-war ear, Koons’ sculptures reference pop art, consumerism and mass culture and range from the giant to the cartoonish. ‘Now’ features over thirty paintings, works on paper and sculptures that span the artist’s 35 year career.
Until 16th Oct, newportstreetgallery.com
5 The World’s Greatest Planet on Earth
Studio Voltaire might just be Clapham’s best kept secret: an art gallery tucked away just off the high street. This October it presents a major new commission from American artist Jamian Juliani-Villani, whose surrealist paintings are a miss-mash of appropriated imagery, reproduced in vivid colour and dreamlike settings. ‘The World’s Greatest Planet on Earth’ features new large–scale paintings alongside sculptural installation that has never been exhibited before. Well worth a look.
1st Oct – 11th Dec, studiovoltaire.org
6 The Telegraph Ski & Snowboard Show
If you’re planning to hit the piste, don’t book your ticket without a trip to The Telegraph Ski & Snowboard Show where you can swot up on the best places to go, the coolest chalets to stay in and the latest kit for the slopes, and experts are on hand for sage travel advice. There’s plenty of entertainment, too: pro-riders will be taking to the indoor slopes for competitions and displays and you can refuel with some Alpine street food (Shcnitzel, chesse, schnitzel topped with cheese).
27-30th Oct, london.skiandsnowboard.co.uk
7 Museums at Night
The UK’s most prominent museums are keeping their doors open after dark for visitors who like their exhibitions with a side of spooky. Somerset House is holding what is best described as a ‘Druids hipster evening’ (bear with me): there’ll be Iron Age open mic, pagan cocktails and lots of Druid entertainment. The Natural History Museum welcomes curious visitors for a closer look at its treasure trove of artefacts, whilst Benjamin Franklin house’s is uncovering the dark side of the 18th century’s pursuit for knowledge.
27-29 Oct, museumsatnight.org.uk
8 October at 02 Brixton Acedemy
Us lucky Le Bu members have the world-class Brixton Academy practically on our doorstep – and this month we are spoilt for choice with brilliant acts a’plenty: Jamie T, Daughter and the mighty PJ Harvey will all be taking to the stage. If you are of a certain age, however, there is only one band you need to see, and that’s All Saints. Back after the last time they came back, Nicole, Nat, Mel and Shaznay will be churning out the hits as part of their Red Flag Tour,
Throughout Oct, academymusicgroup.com/o2academybrixton
9 Boma
Boma already has restaurants in Wandsworth and Parson’s Green; now it is bringing its unique take on the ‘neighbourhood brasserie’ to Putney. The food takes inspirations from around the world – the menu features roasted bone marrow, stuffed spinach wraps with miso broth and there’s beignets with salted caramel for dessert. Fill up then stay on for the late-night cocktail bar.
bomas.co.uk
10 London Restaurant Festival
Hungry? The London Restaurant Festival aims to promote the best restaurants in the capital with menus to suit every taste and budget. There is everything from tasting menus to expert talks on offer with a number of participating restaurants serving up special menus. Champagne + Fromage in Brixton have two courses plus a glass of champers for £255pp, or spend £30 and get three courses plus prosecco at PAD in Battersea Bridge. Tasty stuff.
1-31st Oct, londonrestaurantfestival.com