Things To Do / Bristol
20 things to do in Bristol this week, September 1-7 2025
Monday: Stories in Watercolour opening night, Coffee #1
Explore artist Ripley Gosling’s narrative illustrations, as she celebrates three of her most recent projects, including a silent picture book about ocean wildlife and plastic pollution through the eyes of a Columbus crab. The exhibition, opens on Monday and will run until the end of September.
At the opening event for her exhibition, Ripley Gosling will also have zines, books and prints to showcase
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Monday: Reuben Solo: Someone In This Crowd Will Betray Me, The Gaffe Comedy Club
Extra show due to demand! As booed on America’s Got Talent, ‘Offers nothing personal and almost no actual content.’ ★★★★ Chortle, Egotistical delusions.’ ★★★★ The Scotsman, ‘Indescribable.’ ★★★★ The List (UK), ‘Disorderly.’ ★★★★★ Isolated Nation.
Reuben Solo – photo: The Gaffe Comedy Club
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Monday-Thursday: Young Mothers, Watershed
Housed in a shelter for young mothers, Jessica, Perla, Julie, Naïma and Ariane, all of whom have grown up in difficult circumstances, struggle to obtain a better life for themselves and their children.
Young Mothers – photo: Christine Plenus
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Monday-Thursday: Little Trouble Girls, Watershed
16-year-old Lucia joins Catholic school choir, befriends senior Ana-Maria. During choir retreat at convent, Lucia’s attraction to a restoration worker creates tension with Ana-Maria and challenges her faith.
Little Trouble Girls – photo: Watershed
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Tuesday: Jake Xerxes Fussell, The Fleece presented by Bristol Beacon
Renowned folk singer and guitarist Jake Xerxes Fussell brings his acclaimed new album When I’m Called to The Fleece. Celebrated for reimagining traditional songs with warmth and depth, Fussell’s performance promises timeless storytelling and captivating musicianship. Don’t miss one of folk’s most compelling contemporary voices live.
Jake Xerxes – photo: Bristol Beacon
Tuesday: What kind of party should it be?, Hamilton House
A public discussion hosted by Bristol Counterfire to discuss what Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana’s future party could and should look like. Former Labour Party member and independent candidate for Camden in the General Elections 2024, Andrew Feistein, is expected to head the discussion, which will focus on the many opportunities for a left electorate alternative and how it could influence trade unions and movements against austerity, war and Palestine solidarity.
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is needed now More than ever
Wednesday: PechaKucha Night, Strange Brew
Join a team of inspirational speakers for volume ten of PechaKucha Bristol. Modelled on a Japanese presentation technique, where 20 images are presented for 20 seconds, the event will include eight rapid talks revolving around creativity and the theme ‘dream’. Speakers include Rtiiika, Amy Gettings, Kate Jacko and many others.
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Wednesday: Sukina Noor – Tribe Launch Album, Bristol Beacon
Join Sukina Noor, Bristol-based poet, for the launch of Tribe, her debut spoken word album. Blending Sufi mysticism with hip hop roots, Sukina’s devotional poetry explores love, longing, and the divine. Featuring guest poet Aliyah Arafah, singer-songwriter Chloe Rose, and DJ KMT The Freedom Teacher.
Sukina Noor – photo: Bristol Beacon
Wednesday to Sunday: Bristol Patients not Passports exhibitions, Sparks
A free-to-enter photography exhibition that highlights the many “hostile environments” within the NHS, which have adversely affected patients and healthcare workers.
Bristol Patients not Passports is a group actively involved in addressing issues that arise from “hostile environments” within the NHS – photo: Bristol Patients not Passports
Thursday – September 11: 30 years of Gig Posters, 17 Midland Road
To celebrate 30 years as a Bristol-based street artist, illustrator and inker, Sepr will display 30 posters from his collection of flyers and posters, commemorating performances of artists like Melvins, Venetian Snares, Foo Fighters, Coldcut and many more. The opening night will also mark live music at the nearby venue, Exchange.
Sepr is a Bristol-based inker, illustrator and street artist – photo: Sepr
Thursday: UWE Showcase, Spike Island
Walk through a collection of work created by UWE’s graduating students from the MA Fine Art, MA Graphic Arts and MA Multi-Disciplinary Printmaking courses.
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Friday: Friday Comedy Club ft Joe Sutherland, The Gaffe Comedy Club
Burt Williamson (‘equally original and hilarious’ – The Scotsman) hosts Friday comedy Club at The Gaffe this week, with Joe Sutherland (Comedy Central’s Roast Battle), Tamsyn Kelly (‘hilarious’ – The Independent, tour support for Kiri Pritchard-Mclean) and Harry Allmark (Degrees of Error).
Joe Sutherland – photo: The Gaffe Comedy Club
Friday: Bookshop Meet Cute, The Haunted Bookshop
Surrounded by books oozing occult themes, this singles night at the Haunted Bookshop has been applauded as having “house-party feels”, with attendees often admitting to developing bonds and feeling less lonely by the end of the night. Tickets include a 10 per cent discount on everything in the shop and a complimentary glass of wine or non-alcoholic beverage.
Other than events for singles, the Haunted Bookshop also hosts poetry nights, tarot reading and other events regularly
Saturday: Moon Club opening night, Moon Club
The new, stand-alone venue by Lakota opens with a quadraphonic 360° sound system, a DJ booth and immersive reactive lighting. The lineup is still under wraps and will only be revealed on the night of the event.
Moon Club – photo: Skiddle
Saturday: Bristol Coffee Festival, Bristol Beacon
Caffeine lovers will assemble for the annual coffee celebration at Bristol Beacon, which the organisers say will be their best yet. Sip on some of the best speciality coffee, from exhibitors across the South West, all under one roof.
Bristol Coffee Festival returns for its third annual event in September – photo: Ciara Hillyer
Saturday & Sunday: DogFest, Ashton Court
DogFest is the UK’s premier series of festivals for dog lovers, offering live entertainment, interactive activities, expert talks,and unique shopping. DogFest has become a must-attend celebration for dog owners and pet enthusiasts across the country, providing a fun and welcoming environment for all.
Sunday: Bristol Queer Pottery Social, Bristol Folk House
A pottery event curated for the queer community, with opportunities to chat, bond and heal while getting messy with clay. Participants will have the chance to design, decorate and hand-build their own ceramic vases at this 2.5-hour event.
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Sunday: Bristol Krazy Races, Windmill Hill
A “wild day” of racing, creativity and family fun as participants navigate through many obstacles, while being cheered on by thousands of spectators.
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Throughout September: Family fun at Wookey Hole
Summer may be over, but there’s still plenty of family fun to be found at Wookey Hole.Throughout September, tickets are 15% off for advanced online bookings and the side-splitting Comedy Cavern returns on September 12th with headliner Paul McCaffrey and the quick-witted host, Dani Johns.
Family fun– photo: Wookey Hole
And coming soon…
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September 8: Redgrave Theatre Showcase
Join us for a vibrant evening of live music and spoken word performances at the Redgrave Theatre Showcase. The event will feature 4 talented musicians and 4 spoken word artists from the local community, offering a platform for fresh voices and original creativity. The full line up can be found on the Redgrave Theatre website.
Redgrave Theatre Showcase – photo: Redgrave Theatre
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September 11: Mid Nite Life, The Louisiana
Mid Nite Life are hitting the road this September! While the duo are rooted in the indie scene, they retain core elements of bass & hip hop which deliver a unique, energetic sound, punctuated with powerful lyricism and social commentary. Their brand new single ‘Don’t You’, dropped a few weeks ago, go and listen! Tickets are on sale now!
Mid Nite Life – photo: Crosstown Concerts
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September 13: David Cepo: No cruces los bravos, Redgrave Theatre
¿Estás listo para reírte a carcajadas con la nueva estrella de la comedia española? David Cepo, cómico natural e influencer por accidente, se ha convertido en un fenómeno en las redes sociales gracias a su espontaneidad y humor con el que todos se pueden identificar.
David Cepo – photo: Redgrave Theatre
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September 18: Girls Of The Internet, Strange Brew
Girls of the Internets’s manifesto is clear; to create dance music that calls back to its roots, but with the knowledge and experience of the last 50 years of the genre.Their dynamic electronic dance music is coming to Strange Brew this September, joined by the incredible James Alexander Bright. Tickets are on sale now.
Girls Of The Internet – photo: Crosstown Concerts
Main photo: Bristol Coffee Festival – Bristol Beacon
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