Things To Do / Bristol
34 things to do in Bristol this week, October 20-26 2025
Monday: Irish Music Sessions, Bristol Folk House
The Folk House is hosting its brand new Irish folk music session, bringing jigs, reels and traditional tunes led by musician Aidan Sheehan. Take your own instrument and join the session, or go along and have a listen.
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Monday-Thursday: After the Hunt, Watershed
Visionary filmmaker Luca Guadagnino’s (Call Me by Your Name, Challengers) gripping psychological drama, After the Hunt, features an all-star cast and a career-best performance from Julia Roberts, playing a college professor whose life begins to unravel.
After the hunt – photo: Yannis Drakoulidis
Monday-Wednesday: Wildscreen Industry Summit, various venues
A three-day event focusing on the evolution of natural world storytelling and content, the Wildscreen Industry Summit will comprise talks, workshops and screenings. The event will touch on the use of AI, community voices and much more.
Wildscreen Industry Summit – photo: Wildscreen
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Monday-Thursday: Princess Mononoke, Watershed
Celebrate the 40th anniversary of Studio Ghibli with the brand new 4K restoration of Oscar®-winning director Hayao Miyazaki’s epic fantasy masterpiece.
Mononoke – photo: Watershed
Tuesday: Dan Whitlam, Trinity Centre
A poet, spoken word artist and rapper, Dan Whitlam delivers emotive, deeply personal artistic works. Drawing on personal experiences and observations on world issues, he is seen as a rising voice in UK rap and hip hop.
‘Butterfly’ – photo: Dan Whitlam
Tuesday: Sip & Paint, Club Haus Harbourside
A community workshop celebrating creativity, Club Haus are hosting a ‘strawberry moon’ sip and paint workshop, guiding you step-by-step through the creative process.
‘Strawberry Moon’ – photo: Club Haus
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Tuesday: 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
Tuesday – November 8: The Book of Mormon, Bristol Hippodrome
Tony and Olivier Award-winning musical The Book of Mormon is on tour, and will be hitting the Hippodrome on Tuesday. From the creators of South Park, Avenue Q and Frozen, the foul-mouthed story follows a pair of Mormon missionaries who are sent to Uganda.
Wednesday: Esther Swift, To The Moon
Swift is a harpist, composer and singer who connects her Scottish folk roots with classical, pop and jazz elements in her songwriting and performances. Based in poetry, her works have a foundation in the writing of authors like Carol Ann Duffy and Yeates.
Esther Swift – photo: Esther Swift
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Wednesday: 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 Concert – photo: Bristol Ensemble
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Wednesday: Thriving While Leading: Global Majority voices from health and care, UWE
Join us for a discussion on leadership, identity, and lived experience in health and care. The panel explores how creativity, community, and policy intersect to shape fairer systems, using co-production and storytelling to amplify underrepresented voices and drive authentic, lasting change in leadership and inclusion.
The Bristol Distinguished Address Series -photo: UWE
Wednesday: Bringing the Past to Life: Uncovering the Faces of Anatomy, Arnos Vale
This public talk at Arnos Vale blends history, science and storytelling, revealing the individuals who make up the University of Bristol’s Anatomical Collection. It promises to teach about how we have come to understand the human body and highlight the people that made it possible.
Arnos Vale Cemetery – photo: Karen Johnson
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Wednesday: Made in Bristol ft Ed Kear, The Gaffe Comedy Club
Actor, writer-director, and stand-up comedian Ed Kear headlines this brilliant showcase of Bristolian comedy talent at The Gaffe. With a line-up that celebrates Bristol’s working-class comics, Made in Bristol is a show by Bristolians, for Bristolians – and anyone else who loves great comedy!
Ed Kear – photo: The Gaffe Comedy Club
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Wednesday-Saturday: 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
Thursday: Marla Kether (Full Live Band) & Aisha Kigs, The Jam Jar
Bassist, producer and DJ Marla Kether blends groove, Latin percussion and instrumentation inspired by her West African heritage in her music, as well as being a session player for the likes of Yazmin Lacey and Obongjayar. She will be playing at The Jam Jar with a full live band, celebrating the worlds of electronic, funk and soul.
Marla Kether – photo: Marla Kether
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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
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Thursday: Alex McAleer Mind Reader, Redgrave Theatre
Alex McAleer possesses the uncanny ability to apparently tap into his audiences minds and read their thoughts at will. In this unforgettable show, Alex performs unbelievable demonstrations of his psychological skills, combining mind-blowing moments with sharp wit, making it interactive, engaging, and laugh out loud funny.
Alex Square – photo: Redgrave Theatre
Thursday: Stories From An Invisible Town, The Wardrobe Theatre
Shôn Dale-Jones aims to take his audience on a ‘curious journey’ in this theatre piece, combining nostalgia and magic in a space where reality blurs with fiction. Part theatre, part storytelling and part stand-up, it is set to ‘rediscover the wonder of childhood’.
Stories From an Invisible Town – photo: Shôn Dale-Jones
Friday: The Triangle of Unity, Watershed
An evening of celebrating Black Bristol culture through music, art, films, talks and more followed by an after party hosted by St Paul’s Carnival.
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Friday-Sunday: Tales from Acorn Wood, Redgrave Theatre
The stories of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler are being brought to life on stage. Promising toe-tapping songs, puppetry and numerous well-known and loved characters, it’s set to be an immersive and entertaining experience.
Friday-Sunday: Black Beauty, The Island
Local artist Jennie Cave is presenting an exhibition of collages and photo montages celebrating black beauty, culture and community, reimagining representation through surrealism.
Black Beauty – photo: Jennie Cave
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Friday: Oscar Hartland, Exchange
Oscar Hartland is best known for his role as Neil the Baby in Gavin & Stacey. He has been busy writing and recording at the world renowned Rockfield Studios in Monmouth and is now ready to hit the road!
Oscar Hartland – photo: Exchange
Friday-Saturday: Forbidden Worlds Film Festival – The Big Scream, Bristol Megascreen
The Forbidden Worlds Film Festival is heading down under for its next theme, celebrating Australian horror as part of their Halloween series. Featuring demonic possession, body horror and rampaging giant boars, it’s bound to get you in the Halloween spirit.
Saturday: Gogol Bordello, O2 Academy Bristol
A punk rock band from New York, Gogol Bordello are known for explosive live shows that combine rock, Gypsy folk and Cabaret. Their elaborate, often costumed shows are labelled as unpredictable and captivating.
Gogol Bordello – photo: Gogol Bordello
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Saturday: 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
Saturday: 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
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Saturday: Joe Sutherland: MISS WORLD, The Gaffe Comedy Club
Gay cruise ships, the perils of twink death and the quest to consensually donate sperm to any willing lesbians – comedian Joe Sutherland returns to Bristol with a brand new show! ‘Oozing star power from every pore’ (The Mirror). ‘Drooling cynicism, punchy jokes and shrewd sarcasm’ (VoiceMag)
Joe Sutherland – photo: The Gaffe Comedy Club
Saturday: Greenway Market, The Greenway Centre
This month’s Greenway Market is on Saturday, featuring food and drink, crafts, handmade products and thrift stalls. The market is organised by volunteers as part of the Southmead Development Trust.
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Saturday: Hospitality x [THE BLAST] Halloween Carnival of the Dead, The Prospect Building
This Halloween Hospitality return to Bristol in collaboration with [THE BLAST]’s annual, scarily massive sell-out party – the Halloween Carnival of the Dead. Surround yourself in a full immersive Halloween raving experience soundtracked by a STACKED two area line-up featuring Wilkinson, DJ Q, Mozey, Lens, Flava D, Fred V, Kanine and many more.
Halloween Carnival of the dead – photo: Khali Ackford
Saturday & Sunday: Autumn Trail Clean Weekend, Pedal Progression
Join Pedal Progression on their mission to recconect people with nature through the simple act of removing single-use pollution from wild places.
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Saturday-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
Sunday: How to Love Better, St George’s
As seen as a mentor on hit shows like Celebs Go Dating and Married at First Sight, Paul C Brunson is hosting a live experience about opening yourself up to meaningful connections, strengthening the relationship with yourself and others.
Paul C Brunson – photo: Paul C Brunson
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Sunday: 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
Sunday: Etta Marcus, Rough Trade
Singer-songwriter Etta Marcus blends indie pop with an angsty, rock-infused sound. Influenced by the likes of Phoebe Bridgers and Radiohead, Marcus’ performances are famed for their raw, emotional feel.
Etta Marcus – photo: Lillie Eiger
And coming soon..
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October 27: Marc Ribot, Bristol Beacon
Marc Ribot presents Map of a Blue City, a deeply personal solo performance blending lo-fi recordings, roots, no wave, and free jazz. Featuring original songs and reimaginings of classics, Ribot’s plaintive vocals and guitar offer an intimate evening of raw, unflinching reflection.
Marc Ribot – photo: Bristol Beacon
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October 28: The Remarkable Ben Hart, Redgrave Theatre
Following sold-out shows around the world, Ben Hart returns with a brand new show – his most astonishing and impossible yet. An entirely unique voice in magic, Ben Hart beings together an enthralling storytelling, sharp wit and indisputable charm, to create magic shows that are unforgettable, funny, dark and profoundly baffling.
Ben Hart – photo: Redgrave Theatre
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October 30: Tradition to Vision: Reimagining society through art and architecture, UWE
Description – Hosted by UWE Bristol’s Global Majority Network and the Africa Strategy’s Social and Cultural Engagement strand, we are honoured to host Meskerem Assegued, distinguished curator, anthropologist, writer, and trailblazing African woman leader, for a special Black History Month talk.
Tradition to Vision – photo: UWE
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October 31: 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
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November 1: 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
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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 7: Willy Mason, Thekla
Willy Mason is returning on tour to Europe in 2025. Since 2020 Willy has been touring with increasing regularity, steadily honing his live sound and playing. Willy’s dark yet uplifting songs have endured and evolved for two decades. He is in yet another new phase, emboldened and galvanized by experience. Coming to Thekla next month, tickets are on sale now.
Willy Mason – photo: Andrew Cotterill
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November 8: MIXTAPE Vol.2, Wake The Tiger
The next event in the UK’s largest immersive art experience! Returning for a night of music, mash-ups & madness, enjoy a BONKERS night of DJs, immersive performers and surprises around every corner. From unexpected, singalong mash-ups to disco-dancing classics, this is your chance to embrace the absurd, unleash your inner weirdo, and celebrate the joy of being unapologetically YOU! Dress code: outrageous and silly.
Mixtape – photo: Giulia Spadafora
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November 10: TTSSFU, Strange Brew
Pronounced phonetically, TTSSFU takes the vague template of a fuzzed-up dream-pop sound and stamps mercilessly on its throat. It’s a dark and unsettling veil of pent-up anxiety spilt over oscillating beats, heavy guitars, to somewhere approaching a fever-dream. Coming to Bristol next month, tickets are on sale now.
TTSSFU – photo: 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.
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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
Main photo: Esther Swift
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