Five artists combine to make works about the shifting terrain of memory, dreams and imagination in the exhibition Oneiric, which will be housed in the Miller's House on Three Mills Island (3-13 October, free). Trevor Burgess displays his paintings that capture everyday London life at Town House in Spitalfields (4-14 October, free).

What does it means to be human in contemporary society? That's the question the four artists are asking in Gallery M Platform's exhibition Oh Dear Human at J/M Gallery (8-14 October, free). The artists will also be in conversation with the author of this article on 10 October, 6.30pm-8.30pm. Maria Kreyn's dramatic stormy seascapes are a great contrast to the blinging interiors of Fitzrovia Chapel (12-19 October, free). If you prefer some modern art, head to 67 York Street where there will be abstract works by big names including David Hockney (21-27 October, free).

Want some prize-worthy art? The shortlisted artists and winners of the Visual Art Open are on show at the Minster Building (10-12 October, free), and those for the Cass Art Prize are on at Copeland Gallery (24 October-1 November, free). Some great artists have been selected for both prizes.

London becomes over-run with art fairs in October, the grandaddy of them being Frieze London in Regent's Park (15-19 October, £48+) for the latest in contemporary art, with over 160 galleries from more than 40 countries. At the other end of the park and almost as large is Frieze Masters (15-19 October, £48+, combined ticket £92+) which ranges from antiques to post-war artists, spanning 6,000 years of art history.

More bite-sized specialist fairs include 1:54's Contemporary African Art Fair at Somerset House (16-19 October, £32), specialising in African artists and those of the diaspora. Focus Art Fair at Saatchi Gallery specialises in Middle Eastern and Asian artists, returning for its fourth year (16-19 October, £20+).  PAD London in Berkeley Square brings together art and design (14-19 October, £30). If you want an art fair, that doesn't particularly feel like one, make for Minor Attractions at the Mandrake Hotel (14-18 October, free) where galleries show their works in hotel rooms.

The Other Art Fair at Truman Brewery (9-12 October, £10+) invites you to deal directly with artists, and there are bargains to be found. Likewise at the Affordable Art Fair Battersea (15-19 October, £14+) where all works are priced below £8,000 (some are way under this); it's great for those looking to spruce up their home, plus there's a showcase of the best graduate works, curated by Jo McLaughlin.