Things To Do / Bristol
27 things to do in Bristol this week, October 13-19 2025
Monday: Korean Cuisine Cooking Class, Cooking It
Get a hands-on experience in Korean cooking at this masterclass hosted at Cooking It!, where participants will have the chance to make authentic kimchi and bibimabap. The class promises to equip you with “sharper” knife skills by the end of the session.
Cooking It is community-run and family-led cooking school in
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Monday – November 2: Impulse: Playing With Reality, Watershed
Impulse opens a window into four distinct experiences of living with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) — combining gameplay with first-hand lived experience. The result is an immersive encounter with minds that can be exhausting and exhilarating, chaotic, and creative, capturing both the struggles and the inventiveness that come with ADHD.
Impulse – photo: Watershed
Tuesday: Mass of the Fermenting Dregs, The Fleece
The Japanese post-hardcore/shoegaze trio return to Bristol for an electrifying night of guitar-driven sound and “intensely energetic” live performances.
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Tuesday: The Best of The Fringe! The Gaffe Comedy Club
Comedians bring the best bits from their Edinburgh Fringe shows to Bristol! Ft. Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Show winner Sam Nicoresti (“a sky-high joke count” ★★★★ – The Guardian), the delightful James Trickey (“a seamless, polished delight” ★★★★ – The List), and another exciting act to be announced!
Best of The Fringe – photo: The Gaffe Comedy Club
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Tuesday: Glenn Hughes, O2 Academy
Legendary former bassist and singer of Deep Purple and known to millions as the ‘Voice of Rock’, Glenn Hughes heads out on The Chosen Years tour. A dynamic, two-hour live extravaganza homage to his illustrious solo career, which spans five decades and features hits penned with some of rock’s most influential bands and musicians.
Glenn Hughes – photo: O2 Academy
Tuesday: Unheard Voices – A theatre night of new writing, The Greenbank
Winners from a previous writing competition will showcase their work at this event organised by the Scratch Theatre. From monologues to new perspectives and bold voices, the evening will celebrate unheard voices and champion new writing talent.
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Tuesday: Paint Ya Bestie!, Local
An event for those who think “they can’t paint for shit”—calling painting novices to pick up a brush to create masterpieces of their favourite human, while they’re sitting a few feet away, painting a portrait of you.
Visitors will have the chance to draw a portrait of each other at this painting event at the Local on North Street – photo: The Local
Wednesday: TWASI – The World As We See It, The Mount Without
A redefinition of dance of the African Diaspora, the performance highlights two contrasting visions of today’s world, depicted through the movement and music.
The World As We See It will be a showcase of two contrasting perspectives of the world – photo: TWASI
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Wednesday: Idlewild, O2 Academy
Cult Scottish Alternative rock band Idlewild return for their first UK tour in six years. Idlewild’s punk rock sound evolved naturally over several albums into a unique, richly melodic alternative rock. Later albums introduced elements of both art rock and folk rock, underpinned by poetic lyrics and a consummate gift for melody.
Idlewild – photo: Cameron Brisbane | O2 Academy
Wednesday: Mali Hâf, The Louisiana
Hailing from Cardiff, Mali is a force to be reckoned with. A proud Welsh Wiccan, Mali brings a unique mysticism to her artistry. On stage, she is utterly spellbinding, radiating sensuality and presence. In the studio, she channels a kind of sonic witchcraft—creating ethereal, haunting melodies that showcase her powerful vocal range, from delicate, goosebump-inducing whispers to bold, commanding belts.
Wednesday & Thursday: Bristol Film Festival, various venues
Watch a series of gothic, horror and Halloween-themed films at this annual festival with the line up for 2025 including Corpse Bride, Beetlejuice, Hocus Pocus and more.
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Wednesday: Black History Month: Token Gesture, or Essential Telling, Watershed
Join us for a FREE discussion on the origins of Black History Month and its shifting meaning over time. We are delighted to welcome our two speakers, Euella Jackson and Edson Burton, who will share their different perspectives on the value of the month – in homes, in schools, in cultural organisations and in society more widely. The event will be hosted by Emmanuella Blake-Morsi.
Black History Month – photo: Watershed
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Wednesday-Saturday: Margaret Thatcher Queen of Soho, Bristol Old Vic
Following five sell-out runs at the Edinburgh Fringe, don’t miss the smash-hit drag extravaganza where Maggie gets lost in Soho and accidentally becomes a cabaret superstar. A big gay odyssey about LGBT rights, the 80s and disco. “Glorious camp with a political punch” ⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Times.
Margaret Thatcher – photo: Bristol Old Vic
Thursday: At the Table with Frankie’s, MAZI Project
Feast on tasty fried chicken and waffles from Frankie’s as part of this monthly dinner series hosted by food charity and community kitchen MAZI Project. All proceeds from the evening will go towards the charity’s work in helping tackle food poverty.
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Thursday: Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra with Vasily Petrenko, Bristol Beacon
Witness the power of orchestral storytelling as Vasily Petrenko leads the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic in a sweeping programme featuring Liadov’s Baba Yaga and Shostakovich’s monumental Symphony No. 7. A commanding night of music that resonates far beyond the hall.
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra – photo: Bristol Beacon
Friday: Back to the 80s, The Lanes
Join the “ultimate 80s extravaganza” with soundtracks from some of the era’s most popular artists, including Day Off, Dirty Dancing, Top Gun, Purple Rain, Madonna, Guns N’ Roses, Queen and more. Anyone who celebrates their birthday between February 22 and March 8 also gets free entry!
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Friday: Sting & The Police starring The Rozzers, Redgrave Theatre
Fronted by Sting look and sound-a-like Owen James and his band ‘The Rozzers’, ‘A Tribute to Sting & The Police’ is the most authentic Sting tribute in Europe. The band have performed all over the world for several years and now embark on their biggest ever UK tour.
Sting & The Police – photo: Redgrave Theatre
Friday: Secret Set, Chez Marcel
A live music series at this French restaurant, promising a “cosy, laid back” evening with two surprise artists also scheduled to perform.
Chez Marcel – photo: Martin Booth
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Friday-November 14: Autumn Litter Blitz, Bristol Waste
Are you spooked by litter on your street? Bristol Waste’s Autumn Litter Blitz is back for 2025! Get your Halloween outfit, borrow a free litter picking kit, and help make Bristol scarily clean!
Saturday: Ushti Baba, The Jam Jar
The Bristol-based seven-piece band are launching their second album, bringing a blend of hypnotic folk melodies and modern dance rhythms.
Ushti Baba – photo: Hannah Ford
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Saturday: Saturday Night Headliners at The Gaffe
Live stand up comedy in Bristol this Saturday with Andy Field (BBC New Comedy Award Finalist, “a joyous insight into a truly bizarre mind” – The Telegraph), Sally-Anne Hayward (“effusive likeability; a primetime act’ – Chortle) and Burt Williamson (“the funniest, most unlikely, rudest yet sweetest” – EntertainmentNow).
Saturday headliners – photo: The Gaffe Comedy Club
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Saturday: The Birds and the Bees, St George’s
Soar through 300 years of music inspired by birds and bees! Recorder soloist Piers Adams shines in Howard Moody’s dazzling Eagle Concerto (Bristol premiere), with violinist Emil Huckle-Kleve in Vaughan Williams’ Lark Ascending and oboist Imogen Triner in McGarr’s world premiere. Plus Vivaldi’s Goldfinch, Dinicu’s Skylark and Casals’ Birdsong. Conducted by Roger Huckle.
The Birds and the Bees – photo: Bristol Ensemble
Saturday: St Werburgh’s City Farm autumn fair
A day of food, live music and activities, celebrating the autumnal beauty at St Werburgh’s City Farm. Performing artists include House of Bousse, Andrew Millar, A.D. Scruffs and Humdrum.
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Saturday: Oktoberfest, The Prospect Building
Germany’s biggest beer festival comes to The Prospect Building! Enjoy steins of beer, authentic German food, live Oompah music, and a Bavarian DJ keeping the energy high. Dress in Lederhosen, sing, dance on benches, and celebrate true Oktoberfest spirit. Bring your Bavarian spirit and get ready for a real German party!
Blackscarletclubs – photo: The Prospect Building
Sunday: Hidden Gems exhibition, Centrespace
An exhibition celebrating 30 years of the Gordano Textile Artists Collective with a showcase of 2D and 3D artworks across print, stitch, mixed media and more. Exhibiting artists include Debby Bird, Sue Dunkerley, Fumi Foster, Jenn Hutchins, Kirsten Hill-Nixon, Viv Young, and Janis Fletcher.
Open studios – photo: Centrespace Gallery
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Sunday: EMF & Jesus Jones, The Prospect Building
Jesus Jones and EMF are going head to head once again! Two of the 90s’ most enduring alternative-rock acts reunite for an electrifying new tour. Returning by popular demand after their first shared bill, they’ll hit The Prospect Building on Sunday 19th October – joined by special guests bis.
EMF & Jesus Jones – photo: The Prospect Building
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Sunday: Eco Resin Workshop, The Mount Without
Join VC HANDMADE this Sunday at The Mount Without – one of the most magical venues in Bristol. You’ll get to create your own unique pieces using eco resin from the choice of hundreds of moulds. Bring a friend, or come solo and soak of the Sunday funday atmosphere!
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Throughout October: Pumpkin Patch, Avon Valley
The South West’s biggest PYO pumpkin patch and speciality squash market is now open. Visit during the day for a wholesome excursion or visit on an evening as the patch lights up and enjoy live music in the Pumpkin & Firkin. Street food, seasonal drinks and snacks. Dog friendly. Free parking.
Pumpkin patch – photo: Giulia Spadafora
And coming soon…
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October 20: Lawrence Chaney Memoirs From My Sh*gpipes, Redgrave Theatre
These pipes have a lot of stories to tell! Lawrence Chaney’s triumphant return to the stage for another stand-up comedy tour. The Scottish BAFTA winner talks Living in America during an election year, life four years after Drag Race UK, celebrity run ins, a banged-up manager and of course as the title suggests – some embarrassing sexcepades.
Lawrence – photo: Redgrave Theatre
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October 21: Titanic with Mabe Fratti, Bristol Beacon
Enter the sonic world of Titanic, a collaboration between cellist Mabe Fratti and Venezuelan guitarist I la Católica. Blending chamber-jazz, art-pop and post-minimalism, their live interplay evokes lush textures, tension and beauty. Expect deeply immersive, genre-defying soundscapes.
Titanic with Mabe Fratti – photo: Bristol Beacon
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October 22: Bridgerton In Concert By Candlelight, The Sub Rooms
The Bristol Ensemble presents an electrifying concert of music from Netflix’s smash hit series Bridgerton. Where flickering candles, timeless classics, and modern hits come together for an unforgettable musical experience! Enjoy favourites by the likes of Mozart and Handel, as well as famous pop hits delivered with that wonderful orchestral sound.
Bridgerton in Conert – photo: Bristol Ensemble
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October 22-25: Yippee Ki Yay (The Parody Celebration of Die Hard), Bristol Old Vic
This uplifting action romp (and unauthorised parody) celebrates the iconic 80s festive(?) favourite while also telling the personal story of a life-long Die Hard fan. Essential viewing for Hans Gruber connoisseurs and newcomers alike. “Playful, inventive… genius creation” ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Mail on Sunday.
Yippee Ki Yay – photo: Bristol Old Vic
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October 25: Bramble basketry, Red Fox Bushcraft
Learn the ancient art of basketry using brambles. You’ll be taught the skills and techniques to safely harvest and prepare brambles, and make a small bramble basket. The baskets are ideal for foraging, trick or treaters, or a present for a loved one. Adults and families welcome, (children aged 8+).
Bramble baskets – photo: Red Fox Bushcraft
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October 25-November 2: Greenhouse of Horrors, Bristol Aquarium
Follow the mushroom trail, take a guided tour on perilous plants and get hands on with a slime making workshop at Bristol Aquarium. Discover the fascinating and dangerous plants that lurk in their giant botanical house. Included in your admission.
Greenhouse of Horrors – photo: Bristol Aquarium
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October 26: Mushroom Season Wood Carving Day, Red Fox Bushcraft
The day consists of two workshops with a mushroom theme. The first, “Whittle a Mushroom, where you whittle a small mushroom. The second is “Carve a mushroom spoon”, where you’ll learn how to carve a spoon with a mushroom on the top. Adults and families welcome, (children aged 8+).
Mushspoon – photo: Red Fox Bushcraft
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November 9: Late night drive home, Strange Brew
Following the release of their buoyant yet ominous debut album ‘as I watch my life online’ the trio late night drive home head out on tour across the UK & EU this Autumn. Blending glitchy, chaotic instrumentation with striking indie-electroclash sonics they are a must see. Tickets on sale for this November now!
late night drive home – photo: Jaydog | Crosstown concerts
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November 13: Sleep Out 2025, Lloyd’s Amphitheatre
Sleep Out Bristol 2025 is back at the iconic Lloyd’s Amphitheatre! On Thursday 13 November, join 1625 Independent People for an unforgettable night of live music, food, and powerful talks. Take on the Sleep Out challenge, help put youth homelessness to bed, and make a real difference.
Sleep Out – photo: 1625 Independent People
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November 17: Laura Groves, The Croft
Multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, Laura Groves explores themes of inner-worlds, connection, pattern, memory, healing and environments, mixing songwriting and experimental synthesised sound, textural electronic layering. Tickets are on sale now for The Croft this November.
Laura Groves – photo: Crosstown Concerts
Main photo: Ushti Baba – Hannah Ford
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