October marks Black History Month in the UK and with that comes a variety of celebrations. From talks and exhibitions to pop-ups and screenings, there are a range of events taking up and down the country to shine a light on the contributions, history and achievements of Black people in the UK and beyond.

In London alone, there are several Black History Month events taking place this October and we’ve rounded up just a few of the ones we think you should check out.

Take a look at our list of Black History Month events in London below!

Trailblazers Black History Tour

Where: National Portrait Gallery

When: 2, 9, 10 & 11 October

This October, the National Portrait Gallery is offering you the chance to explore iconic Black figures from its collection. From Naomi Campbell and Willard White to Mary Seacole and Ignatius Sancho, the tour will shine a light on Black trailblazers. The drop-in tour is free but spaces are limited so be quick!

Click here for more information on the Trailblazers Black History Tour.

The Black Joy Experience

Where: The Ministry

When: 4 October

An evening celebrating Black joy is also taking place this month courtesy of The Sitdown UK. Through screenings, talks, music, poetry and more, The Black Joy Experience is an opportunity for attendees to pause and revel in the joy of Black culture in all its forms.

For tickets and more information on the Black Joy Experience, click here.

Black Culture Market

Where: The Department Store, Brixton

When: 4-5 October

If you’re looking to buy black this BHM then you can do just that at the Black Culture Market! Taking place across two days, the indoor-event will allow emerging Black businesses to sell their goods. Expect to see a range of products on display including skincare products, art, books, clothes, jewellery and much more.

The event is free but tickets are needed for admission. For more info on the Black Culture Market, click here.

‘Black Girl’ Screening

Where: Curzon Cinema, Soho

When: 5 October

To celebrate Black History Month, Bounce Cinemas and Curzon have teamed up to deliver a special programme titled ‘First Cuts: Black Debuts’. The programme will showcase groundbreaking debut movies from Black filmmakers in Curzon cinemas across the UK all month long – kicking off with a special screening of the powerful 1966 flick, ‘Black Girl’. Also featured in the programme are screenings of ‘Fruitvale Station’, ‘Summer of Sou’, ‘Rye Lane’ and more.

Click here to see the ‘First Cuts: Black Debuts’ programme in full.

Black Tech Fest 2025 & The BHM Party

With an expected 8,000 attendees and over 150 speakers, Black Tech Fest is the biggest festival of Black History Month. The one-day event brings together the worlds of culture and tech, with innovation being at the heart of the conference. As well as hearing from speakers such as DJ AG, Remi Burgz, Munya Chawawa and more, the event will also feature networking opportunities, workshops, CV clinics and much more. The jam-packed event is set to finish with a bang in the form of an afterparty called ‘The BHM Party’!

For tickets and more info on the 2025 Black Tech Fest, click here!

Migration Stories: Windrush & The NHS

Where: Barts North Wing, St Bartholomew’s Hospital

When: 13 October

Black History Month is centred around reflection and that is the main focus of the seminar, ‘Migration Stories: Windrush & The NHS’. This event will feature expert speakers who will discuss the Windrush generation’s huge contributions to the development of the NHS. You’ll be able to hear all about the migration narratives discovered in the Barts Health NHS Trust Archives, as well as a first-hand account of what it was like to work for the NHS after moving to the UK in that area.

To find out more about this free event, click here.

The Kickback: BHM Special

Where: Red Bull Gaming Sphere

When: 30 October

The Kickback team are hosting a special BHM games night in October, combining gaming, horror and celebration. The night begins with a screening of the hit movie, ‘Sinners’, before the space turns into a gaming arena with consoles and arcade machines. There will also be Black History Month quizzes where the winners can get their hands on some big prizes!

Want to kick back and celebrate Black History Month? Then click here for more info!

COBO: Comedy Shutdown Black History Month Special

Where: The Top Secret Comedy Club

When: 30 October

BHM offers a chance to celebrate all aspects of Black culture and the team at Comedy of Black Origin (COBO) are putting together a special tour to celebrate Black comedians this October. The London leg of the COBO Black History Month tour hits London’s Top Secret Comedy Club on 30th October and will see comics Gbemi Olapido, Michael Odewale, Ola Labib and Slim hit the stage. With jokes in abundance in an intimate comedy club, the vibes will definitely be high.

For tickets and more information on COBO’s Black History Month Special in London, click here.