From Diwali to the London Marathon: Five things to do in London this weekend, Sept 30 to Oct 2

From Diwali to the London Marathon, here are our top picks for this weekend, September 30 to October 2.
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We’re officially in October, which means spooky season is upon us and cosy Autumnal evenings.

This weekend is a busy one with the London Marathon and Diwali celebrations taking place in the capital.

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Here are our top five picks for this weekend, September 30 to October 2.

Let us know what you get up to.

Competitors run past Big Ben in Westminster as they near the end of the London MarathonCompetitors run past Big Ben in Westminster as they near the end of the London Marathon
Competitors run past Big Ben in Westminster as they near the end of the London Marathon

London Marathon 2022

Sunday October 2

Thousands of people across the UK will take part in the 2022 London Marathon this weekend.

This will be the last London marathon to take place in the autumn, with the 2023 London marathon reverting back to its usual spring slot, after the disruption of the Covid pandemic.

Runners will take off from Greenwich, and make their way around central London passing some of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

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These will include Big Ben, Tower Bridge and The Tower of London before heading to the finish line at Buckingham Palace.

Famous faces taking part in this year’s race include former Iran detainee Anoosheh Ashoori, actor Stephen Mangan and radio DJ and presenter Chris Evans.

Diwali at Wembley Park Diwali at Wembley Park
Diwali at Wembley Park

Diwali at Wembley

Wembley Park, HA9 9AA Saturday October 1 1pm Free

Diwali is coming early to Wembley Park this year, as Londoners are welcomed to celebrate the victory of light over darkness this weekend.

The free-to-attend family event, will include a wide range of dance and musical performances from the Brent community, delicious food options and a parade of lanterns designed and made by local school children.

Expect Bollywood dancing and Indian drumming.

Camden Oktoberfest kicks off this weekend. Credit: InstagramCamden Oktoberfest kicks off this weekend. Credit: Instagram
Camden Oktoberfest kicks off this weekend. Credit: Instagram

Camden Oktoberfest

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Electric Ballroom, 184 Camden High St, NW1 8QP Saturday October 1 2pm Tickets: £20

Camden Oktoberfest returns for its seventh year to the Electric Ballroom and will run every Saturday this month.

This year will be another perfect pairing of the merry traditions of Oktoberfest with a modern twist featuring cutting edge live brass bands and DJs at Electric Ballroom, one of Camden’s leading music venues.

Enjoy delicious German Bratwurst plus giant German beers in a fully decked out Bavarian beer hall.

Fancy dress is encouraged.

The London Restaurant Festival will run for the month of OctoberThe London Restaurant Festival will run for the month of October
The London Restaurant Festival will run for the month of October

London Restaurant Festival

Various venues citywide October 1 to 31

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Calling all foodies - the London Restaurant Festival is returning for its 14th year this weekend showcasing some of the most exciting talent behind our capital’s dynamic food scene.

The festival, which will take place throughout the month of October, will feature over 50 culinary events.

Serving up everything from gastronomic tours across the capital’s best restaurants to evenings with Britain’s most esteemed critics.

Chefs involved include Jeremy Lee at Quo Vadis, Francesco Mazzei at Sartoria, Chet Sharma at Bibi, James Cochran at 12:51, Dom Fernando at Paradise Soho, Yuma Hashemi at The Drunken Butler, and Jonas Karlsson at Aquavit.

Mexico at Kew GardensMexico at Kew Gardens
Mexico at Kew Gardens

Mexico at Kew Gardens

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Temperate House, Kew Gardens, Richmond, TW9 3AF October 1 to 31 Tickets £15 (adults)

Kew Gardens is hosting a month-long celebration of Mexico and all things Mexican within its Temperate House.

Art and plant installations are dotted throughout the glass house, showcasing different aspects of Mexican culture.

Other events include weekend performances from an all female mariachi band and a special Mexican menu will be available throughout the month at the Pavillion Bar and Grill.