Things To Do / Bristol
60 things to do in Bristol in October 2025
October 1: The Catweazle Club, Cafe Kino
The Catweazle Club, Oxford’s renowned performance night, launches monthly sessions at Cafe Kino, led by founder Matt Sage.
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October 1-9: Urchin, Watershed
Featuring an outstanding performance from Frank Dillane, Urchin is the stunning directorial debut feature from Harris Dickinson.
Urchin – photo: Watershed
October 2: Tom Robinson & Adam Phillips + Gabrielle Sey, Strange Brew
Tom Robinson shares songs and stories from 50 years in the music industry, including his activism and role as a BBC Radio 6 presenter.
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October 2 – 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
October 3: Berenice, Beacon
Berenice is a singer-songwriter whose sound is a fusion of cinematic tension inspired by Ennio Morricone with rock swagger and intimate confessionals.
October 3: Lei Di Dai, Pickle Factory
Experience tropical rhythms from reggae to dancehall and Latin beats with Brazilian dancehall queen, Lei Di Dai.
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October 3 & 4: Burt Williamson: Sure I’m Not Infallible But At Least I’m Hung, The Gaffe Comedy Club
Bristol comedian and club favourite Burt Williamson, (“hilarious at every turn” ★★★★ – The Scotsman), films his latest comedy special “Sure I’m not Infallible But At Least I’m Hung” at The Gaffe Comedy Club! “The funniest, most unlikely, rudest yet sweetest” ★★★★ – Entertainment Now.
Burt Williamson – photo: The Gaffe Comedy Club
October 3-5: Self Esteem, Beacon
Self Esteem brings her biggest tour, A Complicated Woman, to Bristol for three nights.
October 4-5: Art on the Hill, various locations
Art on the Hill is a chance for artists and makers in Windmill Hill and Victoria Park to introduce people to their work, as well as a fun and vibrant weekend for the local community.
October 4-5: Bristol Radical Film Festival, The Cube
A volunteer-run, zero-budget showcase of contemporary and historical works of overtly political filmmaking.
October 4-5: Docks Heritage Weekend, various locations
Experience Bristol’s maritime history at M Shed, Underfall Yard, SS Great Britain and Brunel’s Other Bridge.
October 5: Clothes Cycle, Prospect
The UK’s largest thrift market returns for a day of fashion, music and community at Prospect.
October 5: Apple Day, Botanic Garden
Apple Day aims to reduce the wastage of garden apples, bringing together the community and the Cider Box taprooms for a one-day event at the University of Bristol Botanic Garden.
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October 5: The Best of The Fringe! The Gaffe Comedy Club
More comedians bring the best bits from their 2025 Edinburgh Fringe shows to The Gaffe Comedy Club! On Sunday, you can catch Bella Hull (“she deserves stardom” ★★★★ – Comic’s Comic), Jessie Nixon (Chortle Hotshot 2025, ★★★★ – London Evening Standard), and Tadiwa Malhunge (“an impressively accomplished debut hour” ★★★★ – The Skinny).
Best of The Fringe – photo: The Gaffe Comedy Club
October 5: Susie Dent, Redgrave Theatre
Wordsmith Susie Dent explores the delights of the English language on her new tour.
October 6-11: The Bristol Festival of Tech, Creativity and Culture, various venues
Inspiring speakers, pioneering tech, and captivating artists come together for a tech festival in numerous venues across the city
October 7-12: En Masse, various venues
Celebrating its fifth birthday this year, En Masse is a multi-venue event celebrating the city’s innovative and underground electronic music scene.
October 8-12: Brutal Bristol, Sparks
The organisers of a free exhibition make the case for a renewed appreciation of our city’s brutalist architecture with photos, original art and illustrations, displays of mid-century furniture, and concrete models.
October 9-30: Circus City, various venues
A festival of contemporary circus, with this year’s theme of ‘Bodies of Care’ exploring how circus artistry can embody care, resilience and joy.
October 10: Night Market, Mount Without
Taking inspiration from the famous Las Dalias Night Market in Ibiza, expect curated stalls selling a variety of food, clothes, jewellery and more.
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October 10: Dreamcoat Stars, Redgrave Theatre
Stars of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat sing the greatest musical hits in this spectacular stage show! Experience the UK’s biggest night of musical smash-hits in this star-studded musical concert featuring brand new songs and arrangements. Grab your coat of many colours and join us on our Dreamcoat Journey where Any Dream Will Do.
Dreamcoat Stars – photo: Redgrave Theatre
October 10 & 11: Centrespace open studios, Centrespace
Centrespace is opening its doors to visitors to explore three floors of artists, designers and makers who work across a diverse range of disciplines.
October 11: Dirty Nice, The Louisiana
The UK six-piece band promise a “multi-sensory, mind-bending experience” as they launch their most ambitious project, Planet Weekend, here in Bristol.
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October 11 & 12: West Bristol Arts Trail, various venues
This year 150 artists will exhibit painting, sculpture, prints, ceramics, jewellery, textiles, photography and mixed media in over 46 venues in Clifton, Cliftonwood, Hotwells and parts of Redland on 11 th & 12 th October. The art is affordable and you can chat to the artists.
WBAT graphic – photo: Kevin
October 12: African Head Charge, The Trinity Centre
Join an evening of tribal percussion act, leaning towards heavy dub and world music, as Bonjo Iyabinghi Noah takes charge, followed by a series of special yet-to-be announced guests.
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October 12: Party101 with DJ Matt Bennett, The Prospect Building
Nickelodeon star Matt Bennett brings Party101 to The Prospect Building! Since 2022, the throwback dance party has rocked 30+ cities, drawing tens of thousands with hits from Disney and Nickelodeon. With surprise celebrity guests and nonstop nostalgia, Party101 continues to sell out – don’t miss your chance to join the party!
Party101 – photo: The Prospect Building
October 13: Leap ‘The Entropy Tour’, Exchange
The band arrive in Bristol to showcase their much-anticipated debut album, Entropy, as part of their biggest ever tour.
October 14: Revolutions Per Minute with Gorilla Circus, Bristol Beacon
An evening of gasps and thrills, which combines acrobatics, adrenaline-pumping street dance and breath-taking roller skating – all set on a giant moving treadmill. This performance is part of Circus City which will see various venues in Bristol host international contemporary circus artists.
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October 15-18: 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
October 16: Babylon, Easton Community Centre
The community centre in east Bristol are screening the 1980 film, Babylon as part of Black History Month. Set in Brixton, the film is an “incendiary portrait” of racial tensions and police brutality in the London area.
October 17: Kathryn Joseph, Bristol Beacon
The Scottish singer, known for her “haunting voice and raw emotional honesty”, returns with her boldest album yet, We Were Made Prey.
October 18: Ushti Baba, The Jam Jar
The Bristol-based seven piece, Ushti Baba, bring a night of full-blooded folk music to celebrate the launch of their second album.
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October 18: The Birds and the Bees, St George’s Bristol
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
October 18: St Werbugh City Farm autumn fair, Boiling Wells
Celebrate autumn with food, drinks and live music at St Werburgh’s City Farm, with an element of autumnal magic. Performing artists include House of Bousse, A.D Scruffs and The Malarkey. Tickets for the fair will only be available at the door.
October 19: EMF & Jesus Jones, The Prospect Building
The 90s alternative-act bands will be returning to Bristol on popular demand, with acts from other special guests also on the cards.
October 20: Hidden Gems exhibition, Centrespace
Celebrating three decades of the Gordano Textile Artists collective, the exhibition is a collaboration of print, stitch, mixed media and collage across 2D and 3D artworks. Exhibiting artists include Debby Bird, Sue Dunkerley, Fumi Foster, Jenn Hutchins, Kirsten Hill-Nixon, Viv Young, and Janis Fletcher.
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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
Titanic is a mesmerizing collaboration between Venezuelan guitarist I la Católica and Guatemalan cellist Mabe Fratti, blending chamber jazz, art-pop, post-minimalism, cinematic depth and improvisation. Expect immersive, unclassifiable soundscapes full of tension and beauty. Don’t miss this bold musical journey this autumn.
Titanic – photo: Bristol Beacon
October 21- November 8: The Book of Mormon, Bristol Hippodrome
Creators of South Park bring this “musical comedy heaven” to Bristol as part of their UK tour. The show revolves around two Mormons who are sent to Uganda, where they hope for a few baptisms and conversions but are instead forced to face the harsh realities of the world.
October 22: The Theatre Cabaret, Wardrobe Theatre
Expect a night of classic showtunes as well as brand-new exclusives from some of the Wardrobe Theatre’s best performers. Organisers promise this will be a ‘rich and vibrant celebration of musical theatre’.
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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
October 23: Da Hee Kim, St George’s
The Birmingham-based pianist is coming to Bristol to perform a wide-ranging recital, including music from Liszt and Ravel.
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October 23: Hot Water Music, The Prospect Building
Bristol’s finest Deadpunk are bringing Hot Water Music to The Prospect Building on 23rd October. The lineup is stacked, featuring Modern Life is War, Dave Hause, MakeWar, and Northcote – with even more special guests still to be announced!
Hot Water Music – photo: The Prospect Building
October 24: Allexa Nava, St George’s
Allexa Nava, the Peruvian saxophonist, flautist and composer, has recently released her debut EP: No Language. Expect to hear tracks from No Language at this lunchtime jazz concert, where Allexa will lead a line-up of soon-to-be-announced musicians. This performance will be part of St George’s Tomorrow’s Warriors’ Warriors Rise initiative, a programme that supports the emerging jazz artists through performance and mentoring.
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October 24: Jodie Nicholson, Folk House
Jodie Nicholson creates powerfully intimate, achingly human music. With walls of tightly-knit harmonies, Nicholson’s reed-like vocals remain the compelling constant over a constantly evolving sound. Join her for an intimate night at the Folk House this October. Tickets on sale now.
Jodie Nicholson – photo: Ellen Dixon
October 25: Harvest Festival, Boiling Wells Field
Garden Folk’s Harvest Festival is back. Come for apple pressing, seed saving, printmaking and a futuristic fashion catwalk.
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October 25: Gogol Bordello, O2 Academy
International punk band Gogol Bordello head out on their 2025 UK/EU headline tour with the band set to play an exclusive mix of fan favourites and new material from their latest album Solidaritine.
Gogol Bordello – photo: O2 Academy
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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
October 26: How to Love Better, St George’s
Paul C Brunson may be an American but over the past few years he has become a firm part of UK television furniture, thanks to appearances as a mentor on hit Channel 4 shows Celebs Go Dating and Married At First Sight. The certified life coach is now also a podcast host, with his show, We Need To Talk, often hitting the top of the charts. His Love Better tour challenges will bring him to Bristol in October, where, in an interactive show, he will challenge audience members to transform how they “think about love and connection”.
October 27-28: Circus City Presents: Out Of The Box by Darryl J Carrington, 1532 Performing Arts Centre
Darryl J Carrington is a clown and juggler with over 20 years of experience. He teaches at Circomedia Circus and is bringing his Out Of The Box family comedy show to the 1532 Performing Arts Centre for two days in October.
October 28: 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.
October 29: Asere, Lantern Hall
Asere is a seven-piece Afro-Cuban band. Founded almost 30 years ago, they’ve performed over 700 shows and are coming back to Bristol with their joyful and soulful sounds.
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October 30: Suzanne Vega – Flying With Angels, Bristol Beacon
Legendary singer-songwriter Suzanne Vega returns to the UK in 2025 to perform a career-spanning set at Bristol Beacon, including classics like Tom’s Diner and Luka, together with new material from her forthcoming Flying With Angels.
Suzanne Vega – photo: Ebru Yildiz | Bristol Beacon
October 30: Heart and Soul Celebration, Trinity Centre
Everyone is invited to Trinity’s Heart&Soul gathering to celebrate the community centre, meet Trustees and learn about how to input into Trinity’s plans for the upcoming year.
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October 30: Mumble Tide, The Louisiana
Buoyed by an ever-evolving collage of pop influences, Mumble Tide’s work has regularly swung between the sweet and savage, the grungy and glistening. Named “One of UK indie’s most intriguing acts” by CLUNK Magazine. Catch them this October at The Louisiana! Tickets on sale now.
Mumble Tide – photo: Crosstown Concerts
October 31: Nick Offerman, Beacon Hall
If you fancy some laughs this Halloween, American comedian and Emmy-winner Nick Offerman, of Parks and Rec and Last of Us fame, is coming back to Bristol for a night of “songs, stories and slightly unhinged wisdom”.
October 31: A Brown Excellence Festival, Trinity Centre
A South Asian music festival is coming to Bristol. Expect incredible and impeccable food, music and vibes.
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October 31: John Butler, O2 Academy
One of Australia’s most prolific independent artists, John Butler returns with his latest album PRISM, as the singer reclaims his classic groove-laden force, brimming with fierce guitars, robust percussion and meteoric choruses.
John Butler – photo: O2 Academy
October 31: 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 d’n’b DJs, Nathan Worm. Not a fan of d’n’b? Fear not, as Nathan will have jazz, hip hop, reggae, cumbia, soul, funk and more on his setlist.
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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: Avon Valley
And coming soon…
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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.
is needed now More than ever
Main photo: Darryl J Carrington – Underbelly
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