Things To Do / Bristol
28 things to do in Bristol this week, November 17-23 2025
Monday: shame, Electric
South London-based band shame is heading to Electric Bristol. Known for their high-energy, intense performances and raw approach to songwriting, the band is making waves in the post-punk scene.
shame are making waves in the post-punk scene – photo: shame
Monday: Jayde Adams and friends, The Gaffe Comedy Club
Bristol’s own Jayde Adams is hosting a night of stand-up at The Gaffe, along with some up-and-coming talent from the Bristol comedy world.
Jayde Adams will be joined by multiple Bristol-based comedians – photo: Bristol Old Vic
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Monday-Thursday: Come See Me In The Good Light, Watershed
A joyful, poignant, and unexpectedly funny love story which follows acclaimed poet Andrea Gibson and their partner Megan Falley as they navigate life, love, and mortality in the face of Andrea’s terminal cancer diagnosis.
Come See Me In The Good Light – photo: Watershed
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Monday-November 25: Vote Watershed to win BIFA Cinema of the Year!
We’re super excited that Watershed has been selected as one of five nominees for the British Independent Film Award’s (BIFA) very first Cinema of the Year award, supported by Kia and voted for by cinemagoers. We now need your help to be in with a chance of winning. Vote on BIFA’s website before Tue 25 Nov 23:00:
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Monday-December 25: St.Nick’s Christmas Market
St Nick’s is proud to be part of the Christmas shopping experience in Bristol, offering something a little different and more personal than you might find on the high street. Whether you want to potter through their outdoor market offer, which now hosts wooden Christmas chalets, or dive through their maze-like warren of homeware, clothing, jewellery and food in the indoor markets – St Nick’s is the place to soak up the festive atmosphere while ticking off your Christmas list. This year the market also hosts a Santas Grotto!
Tuesday-Friday: Festival of Economics, various venues
Economists and experts from around the world will be gathering in Bristol for this year’s Festival of Economics, debating key issues including polarisation, government policy and geopolitics.
The Festival of Economics returns, bringing debates, talks and seminars – photo: Festival of Economics
Tuesday-Thursday: The Gemini Killer by Phoenix Theatre, Acta Community Theatre
Phoenix Theatre, a community acting group ranging from 18 to 30-year-olds, brings The Gemini Killer to Acta. A murder mystery taking place on a train, it promises to be a “laugh-out-loud, thrilling” performance.
Phoenix Theatre is a community group for young adults – photo: Acta Community Theatre
Wednesday: PechaKucha, Strange Brew
PKN is the kick up the ass design forums really need, offering a unique mangling of TED talks with… speed dating? Hitting you with rapid-fire inspiration fuel from speakers across the creative industries, all riffing on the theme of ‘puzzle’.”
PechaKucha – photo: Headfirst
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Wednesday: 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
Wednesday: ‘Contact Hours’ film screening and Q&A, The Winston Theatre
‘Contact Hours’, a critically-acclaimed short film about student suicide, is being screened at Bristol University’s Students’ Union to promote healthy conversations about mental health. The event is partnered with Mind, Hope Against Suicide, Talk Club, Changes and Nightline, who will be discussing the importance of mental health awareness at the Q&A session.
‘Contact Hours’ aims to raise awareness for mental health difficulties – photo: Headrush Films and Blend Films
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Wednesday: Tony Carroll: Think I’m Ars*d’, The Gaffe Comedy Club
Tony Carroll brings his tour show to The Gaffe Comedy Club. A standout in the comedy scene since 2010, he’s earned a reputation as a crowd and comedian favourite with performances that are both likeable and unpredictably brilliant.
Tony Caroll – photo: The Gaffe Comedy Club
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Wednesday: Nourished by Time, Bristol Beacon
Emerging from Baltimore, the visionary multi-genre project Nourished by Time delivers a live show that defies convention. Expect raw post-punk energy, soulful R&B vocals and warped electro-funk grooves, all driven by a restless spirit. With bold ambition and magnetic presence, this is music on the brink and fully alive.
Nourished By Time – photo: Bristol Beacon
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Thursday-December 19: Planetarium Nights, We The Curious
Fancy a Thursday night trip to space? Wander into the giant silver ball to enjoy an evening hour-long planetarium show. Delve into the science of dark matter in new show ‘The Space Between’ or catch the seasonal stargazing show ‘The Story of Stars’ and witness the majestic life cycle of star.
We The Curious – photo: Alastair Brookes
Thursday: Sub Focus Live and Signing, Rough Trade
DJ, musician and record producer Sub Focus is celebrating his new album Contact with two intimate performances at Rough Trade Bristol. Most known for his pioneering work in dance and drum and bass music, he will be meeting fans after each show in the shop.
Sub Focus is a giant in the worlds of dance and drum and bass music – photo: Sub Focus
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Thursday: Liam Withnail: Big Strong Boy, The Gaffe Comedy Club
Liam Withnail brings his brilliant tour show to Bristol. A story about leaving home, coming to terms with who your parents are and what to do when a personal trainer slides into your DM’s. “Gorgeously funny, richly resonant coming-of-age story” ★★★★ The Times
Liam Withnail – photo: The Gaffe Comedy Club
Thursday: Ring Making Workshop, PRIOR
PRIOR is hosting a three-hour wax carving workshop, teaching you the steps to make a unique ring or pendant from scratch. Your final carving will then be cast by the team, creating a one-of-a-kind jewellery piece.
Learn how to carve your own jewellery at this workshop – photo: PRIOR
Friday: Christmas light up night, Shirehampton
Shirehampton is marking its annual Christmas lights switch on with an evening of Christmas music, food, drinks, sweets and holiday novelties.
Shirehampton is welcoming the festive season with their annual Christmas lights switch-on – photo: Shire Christmas Illuminations
Friday: The Saints ‘73-’78, Trinity
A modern update of the Australian punk band, The Saints ‘73-’78 is reviving the band’s classic tracks. Featuring original band members Ed Kuepper and Ivor Hay, alongside Bad Seeds’ Mick Harvey, Sunnyboys’ Peter Oxley and Mudhoney’s Mark Arm, the band is making their UK debut.
The classic punk band is making a return with a revival tour – photo: The Saints ’73-’78
Saturday: BillyChip and James Hype – SYNC, Bristol Beacon
BillyChip Live at Bristol Beacon is one of just two UK performances from DJ James Hype this year. Bringing Ibiza’s DJ scene to Bristol Beacon, and raising money for local charity Help Bristol’s Homeless in the process, it promises to be a monumental event.
The world-famous DJ is coming to Bristol to raise money for Bristol’s homeless – photo: BillyChip
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Saturday: Road To Nashville Country Festival, The Prospect Building
Following a series of sell-out shows, The Road to Nashville hits Bristol on Saturday 22nd November 2025 at The Prospect Building! Experience the ultimate indoor country fest with top tributes to Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, Shania Twain, Post Malone, Chris Stapleton, Garth Brooks and Dolly Parton, plus Wild West fun, food and line dancing!
Road to Nashville – photo: The Prospect Building
Saturday: Make your own fermented hot sauce, Mickey Zoggs
BURP. Fermentation is teaching the fundamentals of fermenting at their hot sauce making workshops, hosted at Mickey Zoggs on Cheltenham Road. Combining science with tasty food, it’s a great one to get stuck into.
BURP. are teaching how to create your own fermented hot sauces – photo: Yuup
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Saturday: The D.A.M. Trilogy, Bristol Beacon
Celebrate David Bowie’s Berlin era with The D.A.M. Trilogy. Original band members Carlos Alomar and George Murray revisit their iconic collaborations live, performing timeless tracks with precision and passion. A rare, immersive experience that honours Bowie’s most innovative period — a must-see for fans of his groundbreaking sound.
The D.A.M Trilogy – photo: Bristol Beacon
Saturday: Obongjayar, Electric
Merging spoken word, Afrobeat, electronic and funk, Nigerian-born Obongjayar can do it all. From working on tracks with Fred Again to producing feel-good dancing tracks, his live shows are a force to be reckoned with.
Obongjayar is a force to be reckoned with – photo: September Recordings
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Saturday-December 14: Made in Bristol Gift Fair, Bristol Beacon
Discover a vibrant cornucopia of local talent at Bristol Beacon this winter. Meet 200+ artists and find unique, handmade gifts from jewellery to homeware. A perfect, joyful day out for thoughtful Christmas shopping.
Made in Bristol Gift Fair – photo: Jo Hounsome
Saturday: Poetry Prom III Forgotten Voices Of War versus Peace, St George’s
Poetry Prom is a new series at St George’s curated and presented by the cream of Bristol’s spoken word scene, High Art & Mischief. Poetry Prom connects you to great poetry, past and present, read – and sometimes written – by Melanie Branton, Edson ‘Doc’ Burton, Patrick Chandler, Jeremy Toombs and Isabel White. Spend a thoughtful hour exploring wordsmiths and words that changed the world.
Poetry Prom – photo: St George’s
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Sunday: Baroque Brilliance, Trinity Henleaze
A concert of Baroque treasures featuring sparkling, virtuosic concertos where elegance meets energy and musical lines dance with vitality. This programme unites masterpieces by Handel, Bach, and Vivaldi in a vivid display of ensemble brilliance and solo flair, celebrating some of the era’s most expressive and exhilarating music.
Baroque Brilliance – photo: Bristol Ensemble
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Sunday: 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
Sunday: Muslim Shaggan / Quinie / Durga Ramakrishnan, The Cube
The Cube is hosting an evening exploring improvisation and tradition, celebrating a range of artists and their ties to traditional folk as a means of experimentalism. Pakistan-born Muslim Shaggan has a deep-rooted connection to South Asian styles, while Quinie works from Scots folk songs and Ramakrishan explores ties to Carnatic-syle Indian classical music.
Muslim Shaggan experiments with styles of South Asian folk music – photo: Muslim Shaggan
And coming soon..
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November 28: Meet Santa at St. Nicholas Market, Corn Street
HO HO HOOOO – this year St Nick’s Market host their very own Christmas Grotto in the historic Exchange Building. St Nick has decided to return to the Market after a long winter making gifts with the elves… If you’re looking for somewhere to take the kids to visit Santa and receive their gift from the main man himself, where better than St Nick’s in the heart of the Old City. Visits are £7 per child including a gift – book now to avoid disappointment.
Santa at St.Nick’s – photo: Bristol City Council
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November 29: Dreadzone vs The Orb: Co-headline Tour, Electric Bristol
After the success of their co-headline shows in Spring last year, Dreadzone and The Orb will hit the road together again for dates in November this year. They will once again play an hour set each night with a special guest to be announced. Tickets on sale now for their Bristol show this month!
The Orb – photo: John Hollingsworth | Crosstown Concerts
November 29: A Celebration of life, St James’ Priory
BDP, Horizons and Bereavement Through Addiction invite you to A Celebration of Life – an event for anyone who has been affected by the loss of someone through drugs and alcohol. “A time to come together to honour and remember our loved ones.” An afternoon led by friends and family members, featuring performances by local choirs including Rising Voices, followed by mulled apple juice and mince pies from 5pm.
Celebration of life – photo: Bristol Drugs Project
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November 29: Fleetwood Bac, O2 Academy
Fleetwood Bac recreate the sound, the look, the mystical atmosphere of Fleetwood Mac. The Fleetwood Bac show focuses on the Rumours era of the band, whilst also featuring several songs from the Peter Green days along with some of Stevie’s biggest solo hits.
Fleetwood Bac – photo: O2 Academy
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November 30: Trails in Motion Film Tour, Redgrave Theatre
Big screen, big community, big fun! The World’s Trail Running Film Tour is coming to Bristol, showcasing a collection of the finest trail and ultra running films from around the globe. Join like-minded running & adventure enthusiasts to be inspired. There’ll also be a charity draw with fantastic prizes to be won.
Trails in Motion – photo: Redgrave Theatre
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November 30: Sir Derek Jacobi in Conversation with Richard Clifford, Redgrave Theatre
Sir Derek Jacobi is an icon of stage and screen, known for his work at the Royal National Theatre and as a BAFTA, Olivier, Emmy, Screen Guild and Tony Award winner. With Richard Clifford, actor and producer, in the driving seat for the evening, there will be an incredible wealth of insight, joy of Shakespeare and so much more as he is also Derek’s partner since the 1970’s.
TM Del & Rich March – photo: Redgrave Theatre
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December 4: The Wailers, O2 Academy
Embark on an extraordinary musical journey with The Wailers as they commemorate the 40th anniversary of their acclaimed compilation album, Legend. Legend remains the best-selling reggae album of all time, featuring timeless classics such as “One Love,” “No Woman, No Cry,” “Redemption Song,” and “Three Little Birds.”
The Wailers – photo: O2 Academy
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December 6: Black Grape, Electric Bristol
With Black Grape, Shaun Ryder expands the psychedelic dance-rock of his former band the Happy Mondays, buttressing their pop smarts and adding a heavier hip-hop influence thanks to the presence of rapper Kermit. These shifts in style helped make the group’s 1995 debut It’s ‘Great When You’re Straight…Yeah’ feel at home in the heady days of Brit-pop. To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the bands classic album they head out on tour. Coming to Bristol on Saturday 6th December, remaining tickets on sale now.
Black Grape – photo: Paul Husband | Crosstown Concerts
Main photo: Jayde Adams | Bristol Old Vic
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