Things To Do / Bristol
22 things to do in Bristol this week, November 10-16 2025
Monday: Lonnie Holley, The Cube
A master of improvisation and deeply spiritual soundscapes, African American artist Lonnie Holley kicks off a two-night residency joined by Shahzad Ismaily and Allan Gilbert Balon. Expect soulful, experimental music rich with poetic energy.
The African-American artist, musician & art educator has been described as a “true original with a generous, uplifting & warm spirit” – photo: The Cube
Monday: Easton Cowfolk Radical Film Club, St Paul’s Learning Centre
The first screening of a new series called ‘Movement is the Movement’. Blending film, political discussion, and collective action, the series explores resistance through sport, dance, and performance with post-screening conversations aimed at building community power.
Screenings in the film club this year are centred around the theme of ‘Movement in Movement’ – photo: Easton Cowfolk Radical Film Club
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Monday-Thursday: Die My Love, Watershed
From renowned filmmaker Lynne Ramsay this is a visceral and uncompromising portrait of a woman engulfed by love and postpartum psychosis. Anchored by a ferocious, tour de force performance from Jennifer Lawrence, and co-starring Robert Pattinson.
Die My Love – photo: Watershed
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Monday-Thursday: Dragonfly, Watershed
Neglected pensioner Elsie finds an unexpected ally in her younger neighbour, bringing brighter days for both. But Elsie’s son John resents the way that Colleen has selflessly fulfilled the responsibilities that he has shirked. And simmering tensions bring shocking consequences in a gripping human story straight from the heart of broken Britain.
Dragonfly – photo: Watershed
Tuesday: Akropolis I, The Mount Without
National Dance Awards 2025 nominee Kennedy Junior Muntanga presents the first part of his trilogy show exploring the themes of fractured identity, intergenerational legacy and diasporic memory through contemporary movement.
The first part of the triology will be a solo performance by Muntanga featuring four distinct characters — the Hare, the Lion, Eva, and the Commander – photo: Kennedy Junior Muntanga
Tuesday: A Night Of New Theatre – The Scratch Theatre, The Greenbank
Join The Greenbank for an unforgettable evening of bold new theatre as we present two fresh pieces of work-in-progress, all supported by The Scratch Theatre. Expect stories that will make you laugh, maybe even cry, spark joy and escape, but also open your eyes to the challenges and experiences people face every day.
A Night of New Theatre – The Scratch Theatre
Tuesday: Sistaland, Sparks
A new two-day festival promising “a year’s worth of creative fuel”. Promising to be the first event of its kind, Sistaland is designed by and for women, and underrepresented filmmakers and creatives.
The two-day festival is taking place at Sparks in Broadmead – photo: Sistaland
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Tuesday: Foxwarren, Bristol Beacon
Foxwarren creates dreamy, cinematic folk-pop that lingers long after the last note. Layering hypnotic rhythms, intimate storytelling, and textured soundscapes, their live show transforms delicate sketches into immersive, emotive music. A quietly mesmerizing experience that pulls you in, inviting you to get lost in its lush, haunting beauty.
Foxwarren – photo: Bristol Beacon
Wednesday: L’Entourloop, Electric Bristol
The French pioneers of hip-hop-infused reggae return to Bristol after a sold-out UK tour last year. Expect bass-heavy rhythms, sharp MCs, and irresistible energy expected to get the whole room moving.
L’Entourloop – photo: Headfirst
Thursday: Ahir Shah, The Wardrobe Theatre
2023 Sky Edinburgh Comedy Award winner Ahir Shah brings his new material to Old Market, blending sharp wit with thoughtful commentary. His latest show tackles “love, money, family, fear, and… frogs”.
Ahir Shah has previously been nominated for the Edinburgh Comedy Award at the Fringe Festival – photo: Ahir Shah
Thursday: The Knights of Magic, The Red Lodge
An enchanting evening of illusion, close-up magic, mentalism and comedy. Each year, the Bristol Society of Magic brings together the best magicians in the South-West for a spellbinding showcase. Expect surprises and sold-out seats.
The Bristol Magic Assembly unites every year between Halloween and Christmas for one night of “remarkable skills and acts” – photo: The Bristol Magic Assembly
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Friday: A Burt Lash Cabaret, The Gaffe Comedy Club
Hosted by Bristol’s very own Drag Idol finalist Burt Lash, A Burt Lash Cabaret shines the spotlight on everything cabaret has to offer – from dazzling drag and side-splitting comedy to live music, burlesque, and beyond! Every show is different, every act is unforgettable. Hosted by The Gaffe Comedy Club.
A Burt Lash Cabaret – photo: The Gaffe Comedy Club
Friday-Sunday: Clifton LitFest, various venues
This volunteer-led festival has pulled out all the stops this year with a speaker lineup including Martin Parr, Caroline Lucas, Johnathan Dimbleby and Kate Humble, with more than 40 different events taking place over the weekend.
Clifton LitFest is a volunteer-run festival that celebrates stories, politics, arts and ideas – photo: Clifton LitFest
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Friday: Mozart Concertos By Candlelight, St George’s
Join the Bristol Ensemble and world-class soloists Emma Johnson on clarinet and Viv McLean on piano for a candlelit celebration of Mozart’s most beloved works, including Overture to The Marriage of Figaro, Clarinet Concerto in A K.622 and Piano Concerto in C No 21 K.467.
Mozart – photo: Bristol Ensemble
Friday: Afrika Eye, various venues
The 20th anniversary celebration weekend of Afrika Eye sees films from countries including Mali, Senegal and Swaziland, from directors “who have shone a light into every corner of the continent with keen eyes and sensitivity”.
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Saturday: Olga Koch at The Gaffe Comedy Club
Comedian Olga Koch is going to tell you a scary story over the course of an hour. The story is a work in progress. Proceed with caution. ★★★★ The Guardian, ★★★★ The Observer, ★★★★★ The Telegraph, ★★★★ Chortle, ★★★★ The Scotsman.
Olga Koch – photo: The Gaffe Comedy Club
Saturday: Thrift event and vintage kilo Sale, Lost Horizon
Stock up on wardrobe staples for autumn and winter at Bristol’s favourite vintage shopping event. With rails of handpicked treasures and pay-by-weight pricing, it’s a dream for bargain hunters and sustainable fashion fans alike.
The thrift market and vintage clothing sale is being organised by World Vintage Market photo: World Vintage Market
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Saturday: The Northern Boys, Bristol Beacon
The Northern Boys AKA Norman ‘Ballhead’ Pain, PKJ, and Kevin, bring their viral, outrageous anthems to Bristol. With unfiltered lyrics, sharp humour, and irresistible charisma, the trio behind Party Time deliver a riotous, joy-filled show that’s part comedy, part chaos, and entirely unforgettable.
The Northern Boys – photo: Bristol Beacon
Sunday: Ríoghnach Connolly & Honeyfeet, The Trinity Centre
Manchester’s wonky pop-soul collective Honeyfeet return to Bristol with their Heads, Hearts and Hooves tour. Think swampy jazz, roaring brass, fractured funk and folk-fuelled blues.
The pop-soul collective returns to Bristol as part of their latest tour
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Sunday: Brett Tippie: The Right Line, Redgrave Theatre
Brett Tippie is a professional extreme sports athlete – a pioneer of Freeride Mountain Biking, while simultaneously competing on the World Cup snowboard circuit for the Canadian National Team! From rising to become one of the world’s most prominent mountain bikers, addiction and losing it all, and finally redemption, Brett has been through it all and will tell wild and inspiring stories!
Brett Tippie – photo: Redgrave Theatre
Sunday: Katy Hessel, The Tobacco Factory
Art historian and best-selling author Katy Hessel comes to Bristol to launch her new book. With over 500k followers and a chart-topping podcast, her accessible, feminist take on art history makes this talk a must for creatives and curious minds alike.
The art historian and author showcases creative inputs from over 300 artists in her latest book – photo: How to Live an Artful Life book cover
And coming soon…
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November 17: CupcakKe, The Prospect Building
Chicago’s unapologetic rap powerhouse CupcakKe is coming to Bristol. Fearless, outspoken, and impossible to ignore, she’s built global acclaim with viral hits, razor-sharp lyrics, and empowerment anthems. From Queen Elizabitch to Discounts, she’s redefining bold artistry. This show’s going to be wild – don’t sleep on tickets.
CupcakKe – photo: The Prospect Building
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November 17: Heaven 17, O2 Academy
Sheffield legends Heaven 17 head out tour with a difference. Joining them on across the UK is by BAFTA-nominated director James Strong, who will document their touring journey and chat to some of the group’s biggest fans. Join Heaven 17 in their momentous celebration of the band, the fans and the endless classic hits they have created.
Heaven 17 – photo: Todde Vision | O2 Academy
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November 19: From Darkness to Light: Britten, Strauss and Vaughan Williams, St George’s
Internationally acclaimed soprano Elizabeth Watts joins the Bristol Ensemble in a moving journey through darkness and light. Featuring Britten’s Les Illuminations, Vaughan Williams’ beloved Fantasia on a Theme of Thomas Tallis, and Strauss’s elegiac Metamorphosen – a profound reflection on human suffering, resilience, and the transcendent power of music.
Darkness to Light – photo: Bristol Ensemble
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November 21: Starsailor, O2 Academy
Over the past two decades, Wigan-formed band Starsailor have been releasing ever-increasingly brilliant records. Featuring James Walsh (guitar, vocals), James Stelfox (bass), Barry Westhead (keyboards) and Ben Byrne (drums), Starsailor have been compared from everyone to Neil Young and Van Morrison to The Verve.
Starsailor – photo: O2 Academy
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November 23: Tortoise, The Prospect Building
Chicago post-rock pioneers Tortoise return to the UK this autumn. Among the most influential bands of the past 40 years, they defined experimental music’s sound. Fresh from releasing Oganesson and its star-studded remixes, they preview their new album with a career-spanning set. Support from Jeremiah Chiu and Marta Sofia Honer.
Tortoise – photo: The Prospect Building
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November 27: Ritual Union Presents, The Croft
Just announced. Ritual Union presents is the monthly new music showcase night. This November bringing a mix of festival alumni, familiar faces from the 2026 line up and new energy for this month’s edition! Join Most Things, Spacestation, and Jack King at The Croft Bristol. Tickets on sale Friday 7th Nov at 10am.
Jack King – photo: Crosstown Concerts
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January 25: Earthling Ed The Journey to Veganism, Redgrave Theatre
Join bestselling author and vegan activist Ed Winters for a practical talk on shifting to a vegan lifestyle, followed by Q&A. Whether inspired by a film, friend, or personal choice, going vegan can feel daunting. Ed shares his experience and guidance to help you transition smoothly and confidently to a sustainable, compassionate way of living.
Ed Winters – photo: Redgrave Theatre
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February 11: Maximo Park, O2 Academy
This year, Maxïmo Park’s beloved debut album A Certain Trigger turns 20 years old. The band will be celebrating the anniversary by performing songs from A Certain Trigger and their greatest hits across the UK 2026. The Mercury Prize-nominated record, produced by Paul Epworth and released on Warp, arrived with a trio of iconic singles which still define the indie disco experience for many to this day. Coming to Bristol next Feb, tickets on sale now
Main photo: The Scratch Theatre
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