Things To Do / Bristol
31 things to in Bristol this week, October 27-November 2 2025
Monday: Calm morning at the museum, Bristol Museum
A sensory-friendly morning at the museum with hands-on animal inspired crafts and object handling.
A “calm morning” is talking place at the museum during the October half term – photo: Betty Woolerton
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Monday-Thursday: The Mastermind, Watershed
Celebrated filmmaker Kelly Reichardt (First Cow, Showing Up) directs an unforgettable Josh O’Connor in The Mastermind, her latest Cannes triumph.
The Mastermind – photo: Watershed
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Monday-Thursday: All That Heaven Allows, Watershed
Douglas Sirk’s heartbreakingly beautiful film about class and conformity in 1950s small-town America follows the blossoming love between a well-off widow and her handsome and earthy younger gardener. Until at least Thu 30 Oct.
All That Heaven Allows – photo: Watershed
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Monday-Sunday: 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
Monday-November 6: Secret Postcard Auction, RWA
This annual event invites more than 350 artists to create a postcard sized artwork to be auctioned. The twist is that buyers do not know the identity of the artist; with the funds raised helping to support the charitable works of the RWA.
The annual event is also a key fundraising opportunity for the charity that is not regularly in receipt of public funds – photo: RWA
Monday-November 3: Tapestry of Black Britons, Beacon
A new exhibition and living artwork that rewrites British history to reflect the stories that have always been part of it.
The project brings together artists, schools, and communities across the UK to honour the historic and ongoing contributions of people of African descent – from Roman Britain to the present day – photo: Beacon
Tuesday: Riddim Roots Reggae and Dub Jam, The Canteen
This is monthly reggae and dub session, will see Hotsteppas drummer Alex Dawson perform alongside a range of eclectic singers, MCs and musicians.
Tuesday-Saturday: The Paper Dolls, Bristol Old Vic
The book by Julia Donaldson & Rebecca Cobb following a girl’s adventure as she travels through time with a string of paper dolls is being brought to life via a puppetry show.
Wednesday-Saturday: Carpe Jugulum, Station
A stage play adaptation of Terry Pratchett’s novel presented by the Clifton Amateur Dramatic Society, the show features characters from Pratchett’s Discworld series from “smart, suave bloodsuckers” to an assortment of witches.
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Wednesday: Asere, Bristol Beacon
Step into the vibrant rhythm of Cuba as this powerhouse seven-piece fuses traditional son, Afro-Cuban roots of salsa with contemporary energy in a joyous live show. A rich musical journey that celebrates heritage and heat at the heart of the dancefloor.
Asere – photo: Bristol Beacon
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Wednesday: The Littlest Yak, Redgrave Theatre
This musical adaptation of the award-winning children’s book will delight audiences young and old with beautiful puppets, catchy tunes and an uplifting tale of self-acceptance for all the family. A gorgeous story celebrating YOU being perfect…just the way you are!
The Littlest Yak – photo: Redgrave Theatre
Wednesday: The Schmoozenbergs, Canteen
The Schmoozenbergs are coming to Canteen for a free gig. Their sound draws inspiration from the 1930s Parisian jazz scene, fused with influences from Eastern European folk, klezmer, Celtic and Balkan music.
The Schmoozenbergs are a Bristol-based gypsy jazz band – photo: The Schmoozenbergs
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Wednesday: Made in Bristol Gift Fair, Bristol Beacon
Discover a vibrant department store 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
Wednesday-Friday: FEARless, Avon Valley
Also returning for 2025 is FEARless – a specially adapted event designed for Hallotweens (11 – 15 year olds). With toned-down versions of 4 selected mazes, no direct scares and a more playful, spooky tone, FEARless offers a chance for younger scare fans to experience the world of FEAR in a fun, age-appropriate way during half term. Think roaming performers, street food, music and just the right amount of mischief.
Fearless – photo: Avon Valley
Thursday: Beneath the skin – an intimate look at our bodies, Hen & Chicken
Altered State returns with a new talk, taking a look at how bodies are seen in medicine.
Altered State host Eliz Mizon will be joined by Gabriel Weston and Gene Feder – image: Altered State
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Thursday: Art in the City, Arnolfini
What is the role of Art in a 21st Century City? As cities compete for talent, as high streets fight for footfall, and citizens seek connection – does art and culture hold the winning hand? Join leading artists and researchers to discuss the critical role of Art in the City.
Art in the city – photo: Design West
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Thursday: Mark Thompson’s Spectacular Science Show, Redgrave Theatre
You think science is boring, think again; this is science like you have never seen it before. Designed for children and adults alike, Mark explores the strange and magical properties of matter with exploding elephant’s toothpaste, vortex-generating dustbins and even howling jelly babies!
Mark Thompson – photo: Redgrave Theatre
Thursday: The Ratcatcher’s Ball, Loco Klub
On Halloween Eve, the suitably eerie labyrinthine tunnels beneath Bristol Temple Meads will play host to The Ratcatcher’s Ball, a one-off spectacular at Loco Klub.
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Friday: Halloween Comedy Special, The Gaffe Comedy Club
More than a few comics have died onstage at our comedy club, but in this Halloween Comedy Special, Harry Allmark and special guests explore beyond the grave through YOUR stories and encounters with the paranormal!
Halloween Comedy – photo: The Gaffe Comedy Club
Friday: Nathan Worm, Lonely Mouth
Bid adieu to spooky season by eating some great Japanese food and having a boogie to one of Bristol’s best drum and bass DJs, Nathan Worm.
Nathan Worm is a DJ, record label founder and music promoter – photo: Nathan Worm
Friday: Bristol Bears v Bath, Ashton Gate
Just a week after playing each other in the Prem, Bristol once again take on their fierce local rivals – this time at home in the Prem Rugby Cup.
Friday: Halloween Late Night Shopping, The Haunted Bookshop
Tarot readings, Halloween punch, spooky books and gist and after-hours browsing at Bristol’s spookiest bookshop.
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Friday: Brooklyn Zoo Halloween Hip Hop & Rap Rave, The Prospect Building
Brooklyn Zoo returns with its wildest Halloween yet at The Prospect Building. Three years of sold-out raves lead to this – Halloween on a Friday. Expect full transformation: dark, charged, immersive. From Cardi to Carti, Kendrick to Drake – real music fans unite for Bristol’s defining, high-energy Halloween. Stand still? Not here.
Brooklyn Zoo – photo: Giulia Spadafora
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Friday: Nick Offerman, Bristol Beacon
Join the actor-woodworker-comedian for an evening of songs, stories and slightly unhinged wisdom—all inspired by his latest book. Expect campfire philosophy, woodworking riffs and a hearty dose of banter from this beloved voice of craft and culture.
Nick Offerman – photo: Bristol Beacon
Friday: A Brown Excellence Festival, Trinity
A cultural event celebrating South Asian music and identity with three stages of music, South Asian food stalls, live instrument performances, a silent disco and a chillout room.
The event explores the identity of its founders through music, mixing genres like Bollywood, Bhangra, Persian disco and Arab funk – image: Brown Excellence
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Friday: Dick and Dom, O2 Academy
Dick and Dom bring their huge rave to O2 Academy Bristol this Halloween, swapping their bungalow for a haunted house. Expect non-stop bangers, massive ghostly decor, laser light show and absolute insanity. Go hard with your spookiest costumes as the boys spin non-stop floor fillers, Drum & Bass, dance anthems and much more.With special guests Dubtendo.
Dick N Dom – photo: O2 Academy
Friday: Haunted House Party, Lakota
A immersive Halloween club experience with actors, circus performers and a dark and twisted theme.
The lineup for the event includes Charlie Tee, Zero, Annix, Efan and other special guests – image: Lakota
Saturday: Silent Disco Halloween Special, We The Curious & Bristol Aquarium
“Dive into the abyss with non-stop floor filling-bangers from the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s across several channels including indie anthems” at Bristol’s biggest ever silent disco.
Bristol’s biggest silent disco is coming to two city centre venues – image: We The Curious & Bristol Aquarium
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Saturday: Over 30’s club, O2 Academy
Over 30 Club brings its hugely popular 30+ daytime party to O2 Academy Bristol on Sat 1 Nov, with a Halloween twist. The ghosts of your clubbing past are back for one more night out… And they’re bringing all the bangers! Excpect: massive indoor Halloween Festival experience, frighteningly good anthems from the ’80s, ’90s & ’00s, glitter & gore makeup stations, haunted dancers & roaming performers, camera crew & creepy photo moments and deathly cocktails.
Over 30’s – photo: O2 Academy
Sunday: Sarathy Korwar Drum Ensemble, St George’s Bristol
Genre-breaking drummer, producer and composer Sarathy Korwar presents a live rendition of his forthcoming album – the first release on his own new label – made up of live drums, drum-triggered electronics and voices.
Sarathy Korwar is a US-born, Indian-raised, London-based drummer, percussionist and composer – photo: Elisabetta Colaleo
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Sunday: Andrew White: Rhinestone Comedian, The Gaffe Comedy Club
Treat yourself to a deliciously witty and hilarious night out as comedian Andrew White takes his star-spangled stand-up rodeo out on the road for a sophomore national tour! ★★★★ – Chortle ★★★★ – The List
Andrew White – photo: The Gaffe Comedy Club
Throughout October: Bristol Film Festival, various locations
Enjoy screenings of classic horror films in unique Bristol venues, including the Redcliffe Caves and the Mount Without.
And coming soon…
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November 3: Pendulum, The Prospect Building
Pendulum are set to ignite The Prospect Building this November. After a 15-year wait, the legends return – armed with Inertia, their most personal, electrifying record yet, dropping 22 August. Sixteen tracks. Unfiltered emotion.
Pendulum – photo: The Prospect Building
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November 6-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
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November 7: Life after single use: let us talk about packaging, UWE Bristol
Explore why single-use packaging persists and how behaviour, design and policy can drive a shift toward lasting reuse solutions. This expert panel brings together James Piper, co-host of the Talking rubbish podcast and winner of Resource Media Top 100 Communicator of the Year, alongside UWE Bristol’s own experts Dr Sarah Hills and Dr Ben Williams, and students to explore the psychology, behaviour and systemic barriers behind our dependence on disposable packaging.
Life after single use – photo: UWE Bristol
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November 7: Nature Rising: from the ground up, UWE Bristol
Join lead researcher Lynn Ooi to discover her findings on the strength and resilience in global majority grassroots activism in the Nature Rising programme. Joined by Nature Rising co-lead, Gnisha Bevan, Lynn will discuss key areas of good practice to help environmental movements become more inclusive by design.
Nature Rising – photo: UWE Bristol
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November 14: 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
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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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March 20: A.S Fanning, The Louisiana
Irish songwriter A.S. Fanning announces his fourth studio album ‘Take Me Back To Nowhere’ alongside a 2026 tour. Drawing from Irish literary tradition and folk music while incorporating elements of 60s psychedelia and rock ‘n’ roll, Fanning has carved out a unique space in the European indie landscape. Tickets are on sale now for 2026 at The Louisiana.
A.S Fanning – photo: Crosstown Concerts
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April 26: Katherine Priddy, St George’s
The “utterly brilliant” Katherine Priddy takes her new album on tour next spring. Speaking of her third album ‘These Frightening Machines’ Priddy shared “If the first album was for building a foundation, and the second album was about reinforcing what I’d already begun, the third album felt to me like a chance to be bolder, push out and try something new”. Catch her at St Georges next April, tickets on sale now.
Katherine Priddy – photo: Crosstown Concerts
Main photo: The Rat Catcher’s Ball
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