Things To Do / Bristol
26 things to do in Bristol this week, September 8-14 2025
Monday: Olga Koch, Hen & Chicken
Enjoy an evening of sharp wit and clever storytelling with Olga Koch, a rising star in the comedy scene. Trained at UCB Theatre, Soho and the Free Association, her award-winning shows blend charisma, humour and intelligence, making for a hilarious and unforgettable live experience.
Olga Koch – photo: Rachel Sherlock
Monday: ICHI, Wardrobe Theatre
From Nagoya in Japan, somehow there’s an ancient, ritualistic feel to ICHI performances – he’s like the misplaced leader of a tribe. To see ICHI live is to witness something so playful and unusual you know that you’re experiencing something entirely new. It’s fun, it’s danceable, it’s exciting.
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Monday-Thursday: Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk, Watershed
A haunting testament to the resilience of daily life under siege in Gaza. Captured through a filmmaker’s video calls with Palestinian photojournalist Fatma Hassona, these calls act as a powerful digital lifeline to the realities of war, resistance and survival.
Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk – photo: Watershed
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Monday-Thursday: Highest 2 Lowest, Watershed
Brothers Denzel Washington and Spike Lee reunite for the 5th film in their long working relationship for a reinterpretation of the great filmmaker Akira Kurosawa’s crime thriller High and Low, now played out on the mean streets of modern day New York City.
Highest 2 Lowest – photo: Watershed
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Monday-Saturday: Ohio at Bristol Old Vic
Fresh from a sold-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe, indie-folk musical experience Ohio lands in Bristol. A ★★★★★ “rapturously good” (The Times) true story about losing faith and finding hope in the darkest of places. From Obie Award-winning duo The Bengsons, and the producers of Fleabag and Baby Reindeer.
Ohio – photo: Bristol Old Vic
Tuesday: Inspiring Women Talk: Ruth Badru
Hear from trailblazing economist Dr. Ruth Badru at this Inspiring Women Talk by Bristol Women’s Voice. From starting university at 14 to working at Goldman Sachs and serving in the military, Ruth shares her powerful journey through global finance, academia, and public policy.
Dr Ruth Badru – photo: X
Tuesday-Saturday: Distant Shores Solo Exhibition by Namdi Eneli The Island Gallery
Distant Shores is a solo exhibition by multidisciplinary artist Namdi Eneli, blending painting, sculpture and installation. The show reflects on migration, identity and ecological memory, inviting visitors into an immersive and thought-provoking experience that connects personal stories with wider cultural and environmental themes.
Artwork by Namdi Eneli
Wednesday: Hal Cruttenden, Redgrave Theatre
Hal Cruttenden returns with a brand-new, hard-hitting “take-no-prisoners” stand-up show that skewers middle-aged dating, social media madness, modern politics, and father-daughter dynamics in his trademark sharp and witty style
Hal Cruttenden photo by Redgrave Theatre
Wednesday-October 11: Starter For Ten, Bristol Old Vic
Adapted from the novel by David Nicholls, this coming-of-age comedy musical has an “irresistible” soundtrack and all-star cast. Watch Mel Giedroyc reprise her musical roles and immerse yourself in 1980s nostalgia.
Starter for Ten, Class of 2025 – photo: Bristol Old Vic
Thursday: Sip and Paint Oh, Wine… I Love You! at Blame Gloria
Sip, paint and embrace the bold lines of Pop Art with a playful Lichtenstein-inspired masterpiece. This immersive session comes with all materials, upbeat tunes and a guiding artist to help you craft your own canvas.
Oh Wine I Love You – photo: PopUp Painting
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Thursday: Wicked Sing-Along, Redgrave Theatre
Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Emmy, Grammy and Tony winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, a young woman misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power. Fancy dress is warmly encouraged!
Wicked – photo: Redgrave Theatre
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Thursday: Sound Waves: Changing the Soundtrack of the Ocean, Hen & Chicken
Join Professor Steve Simpson, one of the UK’s leading experts on underwater acoustics, for a fascinating evening exploring how sound shapes life beneath the waves. Discover how we can use sound to help restore ocean ecosystems in the face of climate change, overfishing and pollution. Presented in collaboration with Altered State and the University of Bristol.
Sound Waves – photo FUTURES
Thursday: Altered State, Hen & Chicken
Altered State offers a refreshing mix of live talks and podcast-style conversations designed for grown-ups—tackling politics, pop culture, contemporary lifestyles, and ideas for a green future. It’s a space crafted for curious, open-minded minds to engage with forward-thinking discussion and build a welcoming, hopeful community
We need to talk – photo: Altered State
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Thursday: Comedy For A Fiver, The Gaffe Comedy Club
Stand-up comedy for £5 – every Thursday night at The Gaffe Comedy Club! A different line up every week, featuring some of the best comedians on the UK circuit and rising stars from the South West. Start the weekend early with big laughs at Bristol’s home of comedy!
Sikisa – photo: The Gaffe Comedy Club
Friday: Sounds of the Universe: Zimmer, Richter, Einaudi, St George’s
Experience a powerful evening of music with reimagined works by Hans Zimmer, Ludovico Einaudi and Max Richter. Expect film themes, gentle piano melodies and modern soundscapes that stir the emotions creating a moving performance that blends cinematic drama with moments of quiet beauty.
Zimmer, Richter, Einaudi – photo: Sounds of the Universe
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Friday: Soul Kinda Wonderful, Redgrave Theatre
SOUL KINDA WONDERFUL are the UK’s No. 1 tribute to the legendary DRIFTERS, award winners at the National Tribute Awards 2013, 2016, and 2017. Their show combines THE DRIFTERS’ greatest hits along with other classic Motown and Soul favourites from artists such as The Four Tops and The Temptations. This is Soul and Motown at its very best.
Soul Kinda Wonderful – photo: Redgrave Theatre
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Friday: Clear Spot, HOURS
After being separated by Covid, Ian Pillidge and Megan Thimm reunited to organise their first joint exhibition. This collection of watercolour paintings explores the balance between movement and stillness, energy and calm. Megan investigates the intricacies of landscapes and natural formations, while Ian explores the physical behaviour of paint, balancing structure with fluidity.
Clear Spot – photo: Ian Pillidge
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Friday: Surprise Chef, Bristol Beacon
Melbourne’s Surprise Chef bring their immersive sound to Bristol for an evening guaranteed to get your mind racing and your body moving. Blending 70s film scores, jazz-funk and hip-hop, since their 2017 debut, the band have cultivated a global following that has taken their homegrown sound far beyond Australia.
Suprise Chef – photo: Bristol Beacon
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Friday: Friday Night Comedy Club, The Gaffe Comedy Club
Kick off the weekend with Friday Comedy Club at The Gaffe, hosted each week by award-winning improviser Harry Allmark, local-legend Burt Williamson or Live At The Apollo star Harriet Dyer. Join them every Friday for stand-up comedy from some of the sharpest, funniest comedians on the circuit.
Emanuel – photo: Leo/The Gaffe Comedy Club
Saturday: Vegan fest, LHG
Free to enter and buzzing with summer energy, this festival features Bristol’s finest vegan street-food vendors, delectable desserts, and artisanal packaged treats to take home. Taproom pours are entirely vegan, and the bar stays open late.
Vegan fest – photo: Left Handed Giant
Saturday: Open Air: DJ HEARTSTRING, Dr Dubplate + More, The Prospect Building
DJ Heartstring land at The Prospect Building on Saturday 13th September for an open-air courtyard party. Euphoric trance, turbo tunes and raw energy with Dr Dubplate, Kyle Starkey, Paige Tomlinson, BBY GOOSE & Rowana. September open-air rave vibes – this is the one.
DJ Heartstring – photo: Hubble
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Saturday: Misty in Roots, Bristol Beacon
Reggae legends Misty in Roots celebrate the reissue of their acclaimed debut ‘Live at the Counter Eurovision’ with a special show at Lantern Hall. Formed in 1975, the band went on to become global ambassadors for roots reggae, were key figures in the ‘Rock Against Racism’ movement and have shared stages with everyone from The Specials to Steel Pulse.
Misty in Roots – photo: Bristol Beacon
Saturday & Sunday: BS3 Jammin
Head down to BS3 for a harvest weekend where locals contribute surplus home-grown produce for collective cooking, pressing, and preserving. Prepare for fresh food, apple-pressing, Pick-Your-Own map, art & crafts and a cook-off—all focused on reducing waste and nourishing community spirit.
BS3 Jammin – photo: Bristol Good Food
Saturday & Sunday: Women’s Rugby World Cup quarter-finals, Ashton Gate Stadium
Ashton Gate are hosting two quarter-finals this weekend and both semi-finals next weekend, with England’s draw meaning they could play their last-eight and last-four matches in BS3.
Sunday: Your Living Downs – family day, road closure, Ladies Mile
Come and join in the fun with other families in your community on the Downs. There will be family cycling activities on the Ladies Mile, bike registration, food & drink available, traditional games, family nature activities & discovery with Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife, goat walks to the Gully and a street art competition!
Ladies Mile Family Day – photo: Visit Bristol
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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.
Summer Fun – photo: Wookey Hole
And coming soon…
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September 26: Sleeper, Electric Bristol
Britpop legends Sleeper are coming to Bristol at the end of this month, in celebration of the 30th anniversary of their debut album. Final remaining tickets on sale now.
Sleeper – photo: Crosstown Concerts
SPONSORED
September 27: Discovery Day, We The Curious
Step into a world of discovery with hands-on activities, games, challenges and mini-talks led by researchers from the Universities of Bristol and Bath. From climate change and AI to law, theatre and engineering, meet the people tackling some of today’s most pressing questions. A free, family-friendly day out packed with science, creativity and fun.
Discovery Day – photo: FUTURES
SPONSORED
September 29: The Duke Spirit, Strange Brew
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Cuts Across The Land, the debut
album by The Duke Spirit, the band head out on tour. Coming to Bristol this month at Strange Brew on Monday 29th Septemeber. Tickets on sale now!
The Duke Spirit – Steve Gullick/ Crosstown Concerts
October 4: EYOE x The Prospect Building: Daphni, Ben UFO, Salute, Oppidan + More
Eat Your Own Ears and The Prospect Building unite in Bristol this October, presenting Daphni, Ben UFO, Salute and more in the main room on Saturday 4th. Expect genre-hopping chaos, deep cuts, euphoric highs and relentless energy shaping a night of unforgettable sounds and moments.
EYOE – photo: The Prospect Building
Main photo: Ichi
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