October in London 2012

The Big Draw takes place nationwide throughout the month of October and museums, galleries, heritage sites, libraries, schools and parks all play host to a variety of events encouraging people of all ages to discover how drawing can connect them with their surroundings and communities. Put together by the Campaign for Drawing, The Big Draw is one of the world's largest drawing festivals and more than 1000 venues will take part. Schools often invite the wider community to share the pleasures of learning through drawing - last year 22 countries joined the UK in organising events. In the past, places like the Wellcome Collection, the British Library and Discover children's centre have all hosted events so there's a good chance something will be going on in your area.

National Children's Book Week takes place every year in the first full week of October. Designed to highlight the fun of reading and to gently encourage children to get excited about literature, the event has been running for almost 80 years. Themes in the past include Words and Pictures, which sparked a full programme of games, readings and book related events nationwide and in schools and libraries in London throughout the week. Also new in recent years was StarLit, a week-long festival of children's literature, organised by the Shoreditch Trust, when more than 70 authors, illustrators and poets will meet at Hoxton Square to celebrate the very best of writing for 5-15 year olds.

The London Symphony Orchestra teams up with celebrated Latvian mezzo-soprano Elina Garanca for a selection of French and Italian Arias. Alongside her conductor husband Karel Mark Chicon, Garanca will treat audiences at the Barbican Hall to her delightful voice - a voice that has been described in critical circles as 'creamy', 'silky' and even 'lustrous'. Don't miss this fabulous opportunity to enjoy an artist who sings with a maturity and a self-assurance that adds much atmosphere to her performance.

The Art London fair takes place at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, showcasing galleries from across the globe. Carefully curated exhibitions of blue-chip historical and contemporary art works will be on display for the public to see with the price to purchase ranging from £500 to £500,000. Highlights on sale will include pieces from Andy Warhol, Mark Evans, Banksy and John Monks. Art London is renowned for its success in attracting new and young buyers as well as established collectors and there is sure to be no shortage of variety for art enthusiasts to enjoy.

Scandinavia compiles some of the most beautiful and stylish destinations in the world; and this October a slice of the Nordic essence is coming to London with The Scandinavia Show. Earls Court will be brimming with Finnish music, Danish food, Swedish dancing and much more. Scandinavia is home to many intriguing natural beauties, including Iceland's geothermal landscape, Norway's fjords and of course the Northern Lights; visitors can expect to be treated to expert tips on when and where to visit to have a good chance of witnessing this magnificent phenomenon. Last year's show also welcomed seven Siberian husky puppies and two Vikings who stopped by to impress all child visitors with their Nordic tales, demonstrations and impressive Viking weapon's. Known for their sleek and on trend European style, there will also be exhibitors showcasing top-end furniture, carpets, interior design items and designer clothes and footwear. Exhibitors last year included, Bang & Olufsen, ECCO and Day Birger et Mikkelsen. Keep an eye on the website for further details for 2012's show.

The Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon takes in four of central London's best loved parks, an iconic stretch of the Thames and some of the capital's most famous landmarks. What's more, at 13.1 miles, it's a manageable run for those still daunted by the colossal feat of a full marathon. Starting and finishing in Hyde Park, runners pass Buckingham Palace, St James's Park and the Houses of Parliament before following the river to Blackfriars Bridge and back. The next leg takes them under both Admiralty and Wellington Arch, through Green Park, all around Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens (through avenues of beautiful autumnal trees) before passing the Royal Albert Hall and across the finish line. Three years ago, believe it or not, the event was won by a man dressed as a rabbit - later to be revealed as Kenyan middle distance ace John Muriithi. There's plenty to keep spectators busy - including The Brakes Food & Fitness Festival running from 8am-4pm in Hyde Park on race day. There's also the Pulse 3K run for 11-16 year olds and for those who don't fancy breaking into a sweat, there's always the Hearts and Heritage Walk.

As the country's leading contemporary art fair, the Frieze Art Fair is far from conventional and there's always the possibility of stumbling across something extraordinary. And with Frieze the world's most influential art buyers arrive in Regent's Park. Specially commissioned art works are exhibited alongside curated exhibitions as well as the pieces for sale presented by 173 of the most highly respected contemporary art galleries in the world. Among the paintings and installations in Regent's Park there's an amazing jumble of the comical, the beautiful and the shocking. You can expect site-specific projects, short films, a prestigious talks programme and an artist-led education schedule all presented in a captivatingly chaotic atmosphere. It's packed into a vast temporary structure in the park with work by around 1,000 contemporary artists crammed in. There's an incredible wealth of art on display - and the incredibly wealthy come to buy it. For people-watching alone, Frieze is a must for any Londoner with an acute interest in the art world. Returning once again will be Hix Oyster Bar & Restaurant, alongside numerous cafes, Gail's artisan bakery and Japanese sushi restaurant Moshi Moshi - so you'll be able to take a much-needed pit stop as you trail around the collection. For more information go to the official website.

Three years after his death, the music and lyrics of Michael Jackson are brought back to life in a powerful and inspirational musical. The Immortal World Tour will travel all across America and Europe, including a five day stint at London's O2 Arena, and is aimed at both lifelong fans and those experiencing the King of Pop for the first time. A thrilling blend of music, dance and visual artistry, the show aims to underscore the messages that Jackson sought to communicate - love, peace and unity. The show is written and directed by multiple Emmy Award winning Jamie King.

The William Klein/Daido Moriyama exhibition at Tate Modern will explore the relationship between the work of William Klein (b1928) and Daido Moriyama (b1938). With Klein being one of the 20th century's most important photographers and film-makers and Moriyama emerging from the 1960's Provoke movement in Japan, this exhibition will observe the use of film and photography in urban experience and political protest. The display will cover New York and Japan as it traces the influence of Klein's 1956 photo-book, Life is Good and Good in New York and Moriyama's Another Country in New York. Vintage photographs from New York, Tokyo and Paris will also be displayed.

Following his sell out tour of the UK & Ireland in 2010, Irish funnyman Dara O Briain hits the road again with Craic Dealer, a brand new show for 2012. For four days this October the bevoweled Irish comedian will perform at the Hammersmith Apollo as part of his UK tour. The lofty Irishman is huge right now - both in stature (he measures 6'4" and has the girth to match) and in celebrity (is there anything he's not on at the moment? The Apprentice - You're Fired, Stargazing Live and the Three Men in a Boat franchise) - but this tour strips O Briain of all his baggage and lets him loose at doing what he's best at: making people laugh. The best thing is for you to forget the tired panel show (Mock The Week), the book (Tickling the English), the DVD (Dara O Briain Talks Funny), the newspaper sports column (The Guardian on Saturday) and the documentaries - forget all that chaff and go in with an open mind. "His set is a masterclass in intelligent stand-up," says The Guardian. "O Briain has a laser eye for the absurd and the spurious amid the too-much-stuff with which we shore up our hapless lives." And if anyone knows about too much stuff, it's O Briain with his multi-pie-dipping fingers and accompanying verbal diarrhoea.

Iconic outfits from the silver screen are gathered together at the V&A in 2012 to celebrate some of Hollywood's best-loved characters and their costumes from over a century of film making. Dorothy's glittering red shoes and gingham pinafore dress will be displayed alongside Audrey's little black dress from Breakfast at Tiffany's and Johnny Depp's slightly less chic Jack Sparrow ensemble. This is the first time these costumes will all be seen together and it offers a rare chance to soak up some Hollywood glamour. The exhibition will also include film clips, projections and never before seen interviews with Hollywood designers, directors and stars including Robert de Niro and Meryl Streep.

The two things that put most people off running a marathon are i) the length of the race, and ii) the habitual banning of iPods and other musical devices. Well, bypass both issues in one fell swoop with October's Run to the Beat, London's official music half marathon. Starting at The O2 Arena and taking place around Greenwich and Woolwich, the race is a mere 13 miles and not only are iPods encouraged, there is also 12 different musical stages dotted around the course where bands play live music throughout the race in a bid to gee on the participants. So, pay your entrance fee, raise some money for charity, get yourself down to Greenwich and run to the rhythm, run to the beat, keep your feet moving and pound that street. Or just head along to watch the runners or catch the live music. There's something on for everyone. Exact details for 2012 are yet to be released, but for more info check the official website.

Disney's musical animation Fantasia brought surrealist visions to the masses when it was released back in 1940, now fans of the original will get a chance to experience the magic live with high definition screens and the London Philharmonic Orchestra at the Royal Albert Hall. Featuring the young and aspiring sorcerer, Mickey Mouse, and accompanied by a classic score consisting of Tchaikovsky, Gershwin Bach and Beethoven. The sequences flit from one dreamlike scene to another with everything from fluorescent unicorns and flying horses, to dancing red mushrooms and ballerina hippos. Childish charm and humour are juxtaposed with darker themes of death and evolution and the images are sure to leave an impact on even the sanest of minds. Over 70 years after its release this timeless cinematic adventure is still entertaining audiences of all ages. 

Known for her outrageous jokes and brazen humour, Joan Rivers is taking the stage at the Royal Albert Hall this October with her Now or Never Tour. Rivers has successfully put her hand to a number of industries, including television presenting, directing and lecturing, as well as being a best-selling author, Tony-nominated actress and playwright; the multi-talented star even won an award for her jewellery collection on QVC. However despite this, stand up is where she really comes to her own. Her last UK tour was in 2005, where she gained critical acclaim and enjoyed sold out gigs; so even though this may be a Royal Albert Hall appearance prepare to blush at the comedian with no boundaries.

Fresh from playing to over 400,000 fans on his last tour and producing the fastest selling stand-up DVD of all time, John Bishop returns to London as part of a nationwide tour this autumn. The comedian has been all over British television in recent years with appearances on Sky One's A League of Their Own and his own BBC One show John Bishop's Britain and has been described by the Daily Telegraph as a 'comedy superstar'. Due to overwhelming popular demand, a second date has been added, meaning Bishop will be leaving crowds at The O2 in stitches on two successive nights. He has also turned his hand to acting with roles in Skins and Ken Loach's Route Irish but it is his side-splitting stand-up routine that will be on display in October.

There's nothing that rivals a good old-fashioned rock, paper, scissors contest for tension. And fans of such contests are in for a treat as the UK Rock Paper Scissors Championships return to the Knight's Templar pub on Chancery Lane for the 6th time in the event's history. The grand prize is a cool £100 - not to mention a bucket load of respect for having the nerve to win that many showdowns in a row - and over 250 competitors will battle it out for the ultimate win. There's also a team competition in which you can alter your tactics - do you play your best player first or last? A surreal 'sporting' event this may be but no-one can deny the appeal.

There is a bewildering variety of yoga disciplines covered at The Yoga Show, from gentle meditation techniques to tie-yourself-in-knots gymnastic contortions. As well as yoga sessions there are Ayurvedic therapies, dietary advice and stalls selling everything from chemical-free yoga mats to three-week meditation holidays. The workshops really are worthwhile; some are free, for others you need to book and pay and there's something for all levels of ability. Remember to wear comfortable clothes and stay clear of heavy foods for an hour or so before the show if you want to join in. From first-timers looking to find a discipline that will suit them to experienced yoga professionals trying to achieve the next level of spiritual enlightenment, there is something here for everyone. A welcome and calming break from the bustling city.

Planning to hit the slopes next winter? Before you take off for snowier climes you'd be wise to put in some pre-ski prep work at The Ski & Snowboard Show which turns Earls Court into a giant snow dome. This snow show is almost as much fun as the real thing and makes for a great day out for friends and families. As well as the chance to buy all the latest gear and clothes, there are bargain ski trips and, centre stage, is the main slope - where expert skiers perform and compete. It's a great spectator sport. Take the kids along - anyone under 16 goes free and there is also a creche, ice rink and husky dogs to keep your mini winter sports enthusiasts occupied. Whether it's skiing or boarding that takes your fancy the on-hand qualified pros are there to take you through the basics. There's even practical advice on how to juggle your passion for skiing without giving up the day job. With a show on this scale, it's like having a ski resort in the capital. Truly the best way to kick-start the winter season. For further information, visit the official website.

Every October the BFI Southbank and selected cinemas across London host the BFI London Film Festival. Now in its 56th year, the festival attracts Hollywood players and Indie film-makers from around the globe. As well as a few blockbuster premieres, gala films and celebrity-studded ceremonies, there is a commendable amount of programme time given over to small independent films, foreign language cinema, documentary work, animation and BFI National Archive classics. Over 16 days festival screens just short of 200 features and roughly 100 shorts from many different countries, including world, international and European premieres. 2012 sees special screenings of The Artist, the multi-award winning homage to silent Hollywood film, and We Need to Talk about Kevin, a haunting and provocative tale from British filmmaker Lynne Ramsay. There are also screenings of new British films such as Dreams of a Life, the story of a young woman discovered in her flat more than three years after her death, as well as the best of World cinema. An excellent film programme is enhanced by a number of correlating events, such as informal post-screening Q&As, guest appearances, workshops and masterclasses.

For the third time, Daniel Craig is back at what everyone loves him for most; Bond, James Bond. With the production suspended in 2010, this Bond movie as been long awaited, however fans now have a date to look forward to; the Skyfall World Premiere will be on October 26th 2012 in Leicester Square. With the title announced, the script is yet to be publicised, however there are no shortage of rumours and speculation flying around; filming has taken place in China, India and the UK but the budget has been lowered since the lacklustre Quantum of Solace. Cast members include Xavier Bardem as the lead baddie, Ralph Fiennes, Naomie Harris and Ben Whishaw as Q. Prepare for big crowds as fans gather at Leicester Square to see a glimpse of Daniel Craig, who will (to the disappointment of many) probably be sporting a suit as opposed to those notorious Speedos.

The Seduced by Art: Photography Past and Present exhibition brings together early and contemporary photography and discusses how the influences of the early pieces are reflected in the more recent images. Leading photographers Tom Hunter, Thomas Struth, Craigie Horsfield, Sam Taylor-Wood and Beate Gütschow will have work displayed - all of these photographers trace their sources back to the 19th century or maybe even older historical art traditions. The exhibition will also map the development of photography from the 19th century onwards, representing the progression in subjects such as still life, landscape, and social portraiture.

The NFL International Series returns to London for a sixth consecutive year with the 2012 Super Bowl runners up New England Patriots taking on the St Louis Rams at Wembley Stadium. The Patriots lost Super Bowl XLVI to the New York Giants in Indianapolis in February 2012 after Tom Brady came off second in the battle of the superstar quarterbacks between him and New York's Eli Manning. For the Rams, this will be the first game in the UK since it was announced they would play one of their eight homes games each season at Wembley (until 2014, at least). American Football at Wembley is seen as a showpiece event in the UK, with fans flocking to North London in order to catch a glimpse of a sport that they are rarely able to see on this side of the Atlantic.

If you've ever seen the 1988 film Cocktail and wished you had the ability to mix and pour drinks with the style and rhythm that Tom Cruise does, then you're in for a treat at London Cocktail Week. Taking place at more than 100 cocktail bars across London, Cocktail Week offers cocktail lovers tasting sessions, tours, pop-up events, parties and master-classes in the art of pouring the perfect concoction. During the week in October, cocktail tours on original red Routemaster double-decker buses will visit more than 100 cocktail bars, each offering a bespoke drink for £4. At special London Cocktail Week bus stops outside participating bars, bartenders will serve mini-cocktails to drinkers wearing a London Cocktail Week wristband while they wait for the bus. The wristband allows wearers discounted cocktails in participating bars and free transport on the dedicated buses, which will run every day from 6pm to midnight. Wristbands can be collected from the London Cocktail Week hub on the first floor bar in Selfridges, Oxford Street, which will be themed as a temporary speakeasy-style cocktail bar. Note: The exact programme for 2012 is yet to be announced, so keep checking the website for more information visit the official website.

Attending the London Restaurant Awards several years ago, Evening Standard restaurant critic Fay Maschler decided it could be done better (no offence, Giles Coren). The London Restaurant Festival is the result, an altogether more celebratory and all-encompassing food affair, showcasing a huge variety of events at venues across the capital. The annual festival takes place during October and will incorporate over 800 different restaurants from around the capital. From festival menus to a range of one-off dining events, those who are in touch with London's foodie scene will certainly not go disappointed. At the Covent Garden Piazza, a range of famous London restaurants will take part in the Supplier's Market, where they will showcase their flavours, cooking techniques and individual flair as well as selling their produce to hungry consumers. Previous years have also included the highly popular Gourmet Odyssey, which took diners across the city to three top restaurants to sample a different course at each. And for those to enjoy their food with a view, the London Eye transformed a single capsule into a ten-seat 'pop-up' restaurant, with each night hosted by one of London's most celebrated chefs. With esteemed names such as Gordon Ramsay and Richard Corrigan on previous line-ups, guests can be certain of a top class, once-in-a-lifetime dining experience. Note: The complete programme for 2012 is still to be announced, see the official website for more information.