Things To Do / Bristol
63 things to do in Bristol in September 2025
September 1: Nova Twins: Q&A + Signing, Rough Trade
Ahead of their live performance in October, the rock duo Nova Twins are heading to Rough Trade to answer fans’ must-know questions.
September 1-30: Stories in Watercolour, Coffee#1 Bedminster
Art by Ripley is exhibiting her illustrations and picture book work, discussing topics ranging from ocean wildlife and plastic pollution to silks and fairy tales.
September 2: What kind of party should it be?, Hamilton House
An open conversation about the new political party formed by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana, this talk considers how the group could be. Former Labour Party member and Camden independent candidate Andrew Feinstein will host the discussion, looking at future opportunities for the left-wing voting alternative.
SPONSORED
September 2-13: Ohio at Bristol Old Vic
Fresh from a sold-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe, indie-folk musical experience Ohio lands in Bristol. A ★★★★★ “rapturously good” (The Times) true story about losing faith and finding hope in the darkest of places. From Obie Award-winning duo The Bengsons, and the producers of Fleabag and Baby Reindeer.
Ohio – photo: Bristol Old Vic
September 3: Bad Boy Bubby screening, The Ill Repute
Be Kind Rewind Cinema Club is back at the Ill Repute, celebrating the nineties cult classic Bad Boy Bubby, blending twisted crime with dark comedy and drama.
September 3-6: Journey to the Centre of the Earth, Wardrobe Theatre
A brand new comedy take on Jules Verne’s classic novel, with Lamphouse Theatre – makers of War Of The Worlds (On A Budget) and Frankenstein (On A Budget) – promising belly laughs, music and dinosaurs.
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September 4: National Theatre Live: Inter Alia, Watershed
Oscar®-nominated Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl, Saltburn) is Jessica in the much-anticipated next play from the team behind Prima Facie.
Inter Alia – photo: Watershed
September 4 & 5: Lucy & Hazel, Bristol Tree Craft
Sheffield-based folk duo Lucy & Hazel are bringing queer Bristol folk and activist performance to Bristol Tree Craft, raising money for nature-based activities to improve mental health and climate awareness.
September 4-11: 30 Years of Gig Posters, 17 Midland Road
An exhibition to mark 30 years of Bristol artist Sepr designing and printing flyers and gig posters, with a gig also taking place at the Exchange on September 4 featuring Empire of Dust, Bryn Ward, Rank and Annie Gardiner.
September 5: Food Truck Fridays, Tobacco Factory
For the last Food Truck Friday of the year, Tobacco Factory have curated a spotlight of street food traders, local brewery tap takeovers, and DJ sets all evening long.
September 5: Arabesque w/ Cheb Mimo, The Jam Jar
A night celebrating Arabic and North African pop and disco, resident DJs Arabesque are joined by DJ and music archivist Cheb Mimo, who weaves jazz, disco, reggae, and electronic music with the musical traditions of North Africa and the Middle East.
SPONSORED
September 5: Highest 2 Lowest, Watershed
Brothers Denzel Washington and Spike Lee reunite for the 5th film in their long working relationship for a reinterpretation of the great filmmaker Akira Kurosawa’s crime thriller High and Low, now played out on the mean streets of modern day New York City.
Highest 2 Lowest – photo: Watershed
September 6: Bristol Coffee Festival, Bristol Beacon
It’s the return of the biggest celebration of speciality coffee in the South West. Immerse yourself in the world of coffee, guided by industry professionals, with the festival featuring more than 40 exhibitors, panel talks, workshops and competitions.
September 6: Emily Breeze, Strange Brew
The ‘poet laureate of glamorous wastrels’ released her third album, Rats in Paradise, in July, delivering her signature brand of crunchy blues-rock, upbeat synth-pop and all-out glam.
September 6 – December 28: 172 Annual Open Exhibition, Royal West of England Academy
Welcoming artists at various stages of their careers, the RWA Open Exhibition aims to provide a platform for all to showcase their work in the prominent gallery.
September 7: Krazy Races, Victoria Park
Krazy Races comes to Bristol for the first time, promising “a wild day of racing, creativity and family fun.” Teams will race their handcrafted soapboxes powered solely by gravity.
September 7: Zinezilla Arts Festival, Trinity
Bristol’s kaiju-inspired art event is back, combining animation, workshops, zines and markets for a full day of activities. This year, the festival is teaming up with animation crew Animinspo to bring screenings, panels, interviews, and even a raffle.
September 8: School of Activism x The Avon Bride: ‘Is the river safe to swim in?’, People’s Republic of Stokes Croft
After marrying the River Avon in 2023, The Avon Bride is sharing poetry, campaign updates on UK water pollution, and her findings from lawyers, politicians, scientists and academics to allow others to make informed decisions about swimming in our rivers.
September 8: Ear Trumpet Music Presents ICHI, Wardrobe Theatre
Expanding the notion of a one-man band, Japanese experimentalist ICHI combines handmade instrument inventions like balloon-pipes and percussion-shoes with unique arrangements to create an experience that is idiosyncratic and “something entirely new”.
September 9: The Cave Downwind of the Cafe, Waterstones
Celebrating the sequel to his award-winning children’s book, Mikey Please is sharing his newest adventure. The winner of the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize 2025, there will be plenty of monster-filled, Halloween-ready fun.
September 9: Sir Tony Robinson – From Blackadder to Alfred the Great, St George’s
The award-winning actor and writer is sharing his first fiction book, The House of Wolf, with a conversation evening at St George’s. A tale of Alfred the Great and drawing on archaeological expertise and historical storytelling, it promises to “reveal the gritty reality”.
September 10: Shooting Daggers x Roman Candle, Louisiana
A double-header of queercore punk and handcore, Shooting Daggers and Roman Candle are filling the Louisiana with riot-grrl-esque, messy rock.
September 10 – October 11: Starter For Ten, Bristol Old Vic
Adapted from the novel by David Nicholls, this coming-of-age comedy musical has an “irresistible” soundtrack and all-star cast. Watch Mel Giedroyc reprise her musical roles and immerse yourself in 1980s nostalgia.
September 11: Truth Seekers Ball, The Cube
Want to get to the bottom of your favourite conspiracy theory, or reveal the truth “hidden just below the surface”? This could be just the event for you. Bring your theories or first-hand experiences, or just observe as it all unfolds.
September 11: Poetry Evening Showcasing Welsh Talent, The Small City Bookshop
Spotlighting poets from the Hay Festival Writers at Work programme, The Small City Bookshop is celebrating the talent of Welsh writers Taz Rahman, Rhian Elizabeth and Joshua Jones.
September 12-21: Heritage Open Days, various venues
Explore hidden places and try out new experiences, all for free at locations around Bristol, which include a secret turret at Glenside Hospital Museum, a tour of Oldbury pump station and a trip inside Warmley signal box.
September 12: The Greenbank Ceilidh Collective Autumn Ceilidh, The Greenbank
Taking over Easton’s Greenbank pub, the Ceilidh Collective brings together seasoned folk musicians and beginners alike for a night of dancing and traditional tunes.
SPONSORED
September 12: Soul Kinda Wonderful, Redgrave Theatre
SOUL KINDA WONDERFUL are the UK’s No. 1 tribute to the legendary DRIFTERS, award winners at the National Tribute Awards 2013, 2016, and 2017. Their show combines THE DRIFTERS’ greatest hits along with other classic Motown and Soul favourites from artists such as The Four Tops and The Temptations. This is Soul and Motown at its very best.
Soul Kinda Wonderful – photo: Redgrave Theatre
September 12: The Croft Reopening Party, The Croft
Stokes Croft’s Crofters Rights closed last July, but is returning as the rebranded The Croft. With a party lineup of world music hosted by Brown Excellence, it promises to mark a new era for the infamous venue.
September 13: Organic Metal, St Mary Redcliffe Church
Plague of Angels and Pantheist join forces with pipe organist David Pipe. The event promises to deliver “an unprecedented collision of genres, blending the dark power of heavy-symphonic metal and doom metal with the epic sonics of the pipe organ”.
September 13: SmoothBoots Market, St George Community Centre
St George Community Centre plays host to artisan makers, crafters and food vendors with SmoothBoots cider. Grab a pint, enjoy the tunes, and spend time in the BS5 community.
SPONSORED
September 13: David Cepo: No cruces los bravos, Redgrave Theatre
¿Estás listo para reírte a carcajadas con la nueva estrella de la comedia española? David Cepo, cómico natural e influencer por accidente, se ha convertido en un fenómeno en las redes sociales gracias a su espontaneidad y humor con el que todos se pueden identificar.
David Cepo – photo: Redgrave Theatre
September 13: Breakfast, Strange Brew
Breakfast Records is back with its annual summer showcase. Whether you’re after indie, folk, punk, or rock, they promise to deliver something for you. Previously featuring the likes of Getdown Services and Lambrini Girls, this is the place to “catch all your future favourites”.
SPONSORED
September 13: Misty in Roots, Bristol Beacon
Legendary UK reggae collective Misty In Roots bring their powerful roots sound to Bristol Beacon. Known for uplifting songs of resistance and unity, the band rose from the 1970s London community scene to become one of reggae’s most influential voices. Experience their timeless message of strength and solidarity live.
Misty in Roots – photo: Bristol Beacon
September 13 & 14 and 19 & 20: Women’s Rugby World Cup, Ashton Gate Stadium
Ashton Gate will not just host the two semi-finals but also two quarter-finals ahead of the tournament’s conclusion at Twickenham. England’s draw means they could play their last-eight and last-four matches in BS3 over consecutive weekends.
September 14: A Community Celebration, Trinity
Trinity’s next garden party is their big end-of-summer celebration, bringing together music, workshops, local vendors and makers, and all sorts of creative pursuits for a day that spotlights community and art.
September 15-21: Rivers, Art and Music, The Island
Explore the journey of rivers through this multimedia art exhibition, combining oil paintings, collages, and original compositions, which can be seen in a live piano symphony performance on the opening night.
September 16-20: The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe, Bristol Hippodrome
Celebrating 75 years of the classical novel by CS Lewis, the West End hit production is on tour. Filled with magic and mystery, it is billed as a “spectacular production – a delight for all ages.”
September 17: The Massed Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines, Bristol Beacon
Showcasing pageantry, patriotism and a range of musical talents, His Majesty’s Royal Marines take to Bristol Beacon as part of their UK tour. Performing a mix of classic military tunes, film scores and solo performances, it promises to leave you “full of pride”.
September 18: VooKoo Third Thursday Jam, SouthBank
Returning after their summer break, VooKoo collective is bringing back their Thursday jam sessions. Alongside the jam, the event hosts open mics, regular performers, fire pits and a sustainable clothes swap – all free.
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September 18: Comedy For A Fiver, The Gaffe Comedy Club
Stand-up comedy for £5 – every Thursday night at The Gaffe Comedy Club! A different line up every week, featuring some of the best comedians on the UK circuit and rising stars from the South West. Start the weekend early with big laughs at Bristol’s home of comedy!
Sikisa – photo: The Gaffe Comedy Club
September 18: Brìghde Chaimbeul + Loula Yorke, The Mount Without
Immerse yourself in Celtic folk with Scottish smallpipe performer Brìghde Chaimbeul. Celebrating the release of her third album, Sunwise, she promises to “push the boundaries and expectations of both experimental and traditional sonics.”
September 19: Cartographies of Memory, Arnolfini
In conversation with film and art curator Karen Alexander, Danish-Trinidadian artist Jeannette Ehlers is set to discuss her video and film art pieces, which centre around black hair as a site for exploring colonialism, history, place and agency.
September 19: Poor Creature + special guests, Strange Brew
Comprised of members from acclaimed folk groups Lankum and Landless, Poor Creature is “breathing eerie, electric life into traditional folk”. The band are celebrating the release of their debut album, All Smiles Tonight, and promise to combine the mythology and mysticism of folk music with modern meaning.
SPONSORED
September 19: Friday Night Comedy Club, The Gaffe Comedy Club
Kick off the weekend with Friday Comedy Club at The Gaffe, hosted each week by award-winning improviser Harry Allmark, local-legend Burt Williamson or Live At The Apollo star Harriet Dyer. Join them every Friday for stand-up comedy from some of the sharpest, funniest comedians on the circuit.
Emanuel – photo: Leo/The Gaffe Comedy Club
September 20&21: South Bristol Arts Trail, various venues
An annual weekend event celebrating creativity in the communities of Southville, Bedminster and Ashton. Artists open their homes and studio spaces, as well as exhibiting in community venues from schools and shops to cafes and community centres.
September 20: The Golden Guild, Canteen
A seven-piece reggae band which blends traditional reggae roots with original material, and even adding in the odd cover, The Golden Guild are bringing a powerful and vibrant performance to Stokes Croft.
September 21: Craft and Flea Market, Bristol Folk House
The Folk House’s monthly craft market returns, with local artists, makers and independent traders. With a range of gifts, vintage finds and unique buys, as well as live DJ sets, it’s a celebration of local makers.
September 21: Music In Support Of, Exchange
Alternative and rock artists, including Pollyanna Blue, Louis Stone, Through Her Eyes and Efemeer are coming together for this fundraising concert. They are raising money for the Survivors Trust, which specialises in supporting survivors of sexual abuse and assault.
September 22: The So Young tour: Cardinals + Mên An Tol + Pebbledash, Strange Brew
Presented by So Young magazine, Strange Brew is hosting three up-and-coming indie music bands. Six-piece Cork band Cardinals promises sentimentality and gritty rock roots, while Mên An Tol is praised for poetic lyrics and folk elements, and Pebbledash for blending shoegaze rock with Celtic tones.
September 23: Kofi Stone, Electric Bristol
Inspired by poetry, rap and hip-hop artist Kofi Stone writes introspective, R&B and jazz-infused tracks. Working with the likes of Benjamin Zephaniah and Loyle Carner, his music explores love, faith, family, race and resilience.
September 24-28: Encounters, various venues
This year is the 30th anniversary of Bristol’s globally renowned short film festival. “Encounters is where the story begins,” say the festival’s current custodians. “Bristol’s spirit of radical independence is the foundation for an accessible and welcoming festival.”
September 24: Gender, Identity, Culture, and Future – a frank panel discussion, Bristol Museum and Art Gallery
Diving into the complexities of gender identity, this panel questions what gender means, who defines it, and how it’s evolving today. The event is hosted by artist Sid Boyer and features guests including Talk Club Co-CEO Ben Akers and former rugby player Sasha Acheson.
September 25: Home is Where the Art is, Loco Klub
An art auction with work from local and international artists raising money for Help Bristol’s Homeless’ efforts to end homelessness in our city. Joe Simms returns as the auctioneer, and Ray Mighty and Andy Scholes will perform DJ sets.
September 26&27: UG25 Opening, The Underground
It’s the opening weekend of the Underground this year, with bosses saying they are lining up “heavyweight names, boundary-pushing artists and next-gen talent” to ensure their upcoming programme is their most ambitious yet.
September 26: Crinkle Cuts, The Old Market Assembly
A seven-piece funk and soul band from Bristol, Crinkle Cuts are marking the release of their debut album at the Old Market Assembly. Self-proclaimed “tantric funk, they promise to get the crowd dancing through the night.
September 27: WiFi Wars, Wardrobe Theatre
The live comedy game show presented by Chuckle Busters where everyone plays along. Log in with your smartphone or tablet and compete in a range of games, puzzles and quizzes to win.
September 27: Tribe of Frog’s 25th Birthday, Lakota & Coroners Court
The psychedelic party producers are celebrating their 25th birthday. Spread across two venues and spanning six dancefloors and two gardens, it is set to be a kaleidoscope of music and colour.
September 28: Pints and Poetry, The Bridge Inn
Poet Chris Campbell launches his second poetry collection, Why I Wear My Past to Work. Entirely written in Bristol, the collection spans Gloucester Road, Stokes Croft, Bishopston, the city centre, Clifton, Redland and beyond.
September 29: Laughing Matters – A Charity Comedy Night for SWEDA, Bristol Hippodrome
Crowd favourite comedians, including Nish Kumar, James Acaster, Jenny Eclair and Jayde Adams, are in Bristol for one night only, raising money for the South West Eating Disorders Association.
SPONSORED
September 29: The Magnetic Fields, Bristol Beacon
The Magnetic Fields celebrate the 25th anniversary of their landmark album 69 Love Songs with a special two-night performance at Bristol Beacon. Joined by original band members, they’ll play the beloved triple-disc in full, half each night, with their signature orchestral-pop sound. An unmissable musical milestone.
The Magnetic Fields – photo: Bristol Beacon
September 29-30: The Magnetic Fields, Bristol Beacon
Celebrating 25 years since its release, The Magnetic Fields are taking to the Beacon to perform their album 69 Love Songs in its entirety. Spanning two nights, it will be played in full order and featuring the band’s signature orchestral-pop arrangements.
September 30 – October 2: The Necromancer! Wardrobe Theatre
A Medieval-inspired, spooky musical comedy about magic and raising the dead, The Necromancer! Promises to “take the audience on a hilarious journey into the world of death.”
SPONSORED
Throughout September: Family fun at Wookey Hole
Summer may be over, but there’s still plenty of family fun to be found at Wookey Hole.Throughout September, tickets are 15% off for advanced online bookings and the side-splitting Comedy Cavern returns on September 12th with headliner Paul McCaffrey and the quick-witted host, Dani Johns.
Family fun– photo: Wookey Hole
And coming soon…
SPONSORED
November 6: The Family Battenberg, The Louisiana
The Family Battenberg are a self-produced four-piece garage/psych rock band based in Cardiff, South Wales. Indulging fully in their DIY ethos, the band delivers their brand of 70s rock and roll flavoured guitar riffs amidst a blend of driving Motorik rhythms, percussive flair, and curious lyrical content. Playing The Louisiana this November, tickets are on sale now.
The Family Battenberg – photo: Sam Stevens
| Crosstown Concerts
SPONSORED
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 this November, tickets are on sale now.
Willy Mason – photo Andrew Cotterill
| Crosstown Concerts
Main photo: Nova Twins
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