Things To Do / Sponsored
39 things to do in Bristol in September 2024
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September 1-5: Sing Sing, Watershed
Sing Sing is a stirring true story of resilience and humanity, starring an unforgettable ensemble cast of formerly incarcerated actors.
Sing Sing – photo: Watershed
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Monday-Thursday: Black Dog, Watershed
While working for the local stray dog patrol team, clearing the town before the 2008 Olympic Games, Lang strikes up an unlikely connection with a stray whippet.
Black Dog – photo: Watershed
September 3: Marvin Rees book launch, Waterstones
Former mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees will launch his chronicles ‘Let’s See What Happens’, where he discusses his rise and fall into politics, the challenges he’s faced along the way, and reflections on his eight year tenure as mayor.
September 5: Unscripted Celebration, Old Vic
A free event featuring “interactive installations, soundscapes and exhibitions throughout the building”, Unscripted Celebrations is a chance to get to know the Old Vic in depth by the hand of their Heritage team, to celebrate the end of a 3 year long project with the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
September 6: Friendly Records Block Party, Lost & Grounded
Friendly Records is bringing out their best vinyls out to the Lost & Grounded taproom for a session full of good tunes, beers, and burgers.
September 6-15: Heritage Open Days
For over a week, multiple venues across Bristol, including Ashton Gatehouse or Bristol Central Library, will be available for tours, on top of an array of activities and opportunities to discover all the hidden relics in the South West corner of England.
September 7: Fashion Thrift Society, Ashton Gate
The Ashton Gate stadium opens its door to the UK’s “biggest curated thrift market”, where over 200 carefully selected vendors will display their top pieces from 10am to 4pm.
September 7: ‘The Old Schoolhouse’ Open Day, Barton Hill
As part of the BS5 Art Trail, The Old Schoolhouse will be opening their doors to invite the community into a breadth of art, jewellery, fashion and more. an event perfect for families, collectors, and lovers of all things creative. The event will take place from 11am to 5pm and is free.
September 8: Give a Sheet, Bath Racecourse
Look forward to a day spent on the Bath Racecourse, surrounded by artistic and creative activities, music, and a chance “to participate in the creation of a huge, temporary art installation formed of 250 sheets, to create a giant mosaic Centauride (female Centaur) as a symbol of female resilience and the warrior spirit”.
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September 8: Kiiōtō, Bristol Beacon
Kiiōtō is the new project from Mercury-nominated, Lou Rhodes and multiplatinum songwriter and pianist, Rohan Heath, whose sound explores musical synergy created with no boundaries or restrictions. Both members of the duo share roots in Manchester’s nineties music scene, where they achieved commercial success. Their debut album defies expectations of the music industry; ‘As Dust We Rise’, explores themes of loss and rebirth accompanied by Rohan’s jazz-tinged piano. Kiiōtō’s debut stands as an intuitive meld of shared histories, united in the desire to explore fresh stories and places. Experience the sound of boundless freedom inside Lantern Hall this September.
Kiioto – photo: Bristol Beacon
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September 8: Sicilian Food & Wine at Magari, Yuup
Head to Magari in Wapping Wharf for a special night of Italian wine tasting and deliciously comforting Italian food! In this experience, you will be guided on a tasting journey of speciality wines from Sicily, each accompanied by a delicious food pairing.
Taste of Magari – photo: Yuup
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September 9: Mark Smith – For Valour – The Story of the Victoria Cross’, Redgrave Theatre
Acknowledged as a Worldwide expert on the Victoria Cross, Mark has written five books on ‘The Great War’ and contributed to many other books and magazines. ‘For Valour – The Story of the Victoria Cross’ will give you the opportunity to witness his extensive knowledge live as he explores and details the instigation of the VC, expel some of the myths and presents some of the most breathtaking stories of those men who have been awarded this country’s highest award for bravery.
Mark Smith – photo: Redgrave Theatre
September 11: Candice Brathwaite, St George’s
A conversation with Candice Brathwaite, discussing how ‘manifesting’ can have an impact in your life and that it can be for everyone. Tickets are on sale now from £25.
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September 11: Pottery and Pints at Wiper and True, Yuup
Join ceramicists Naomi and Meredith from Pottymouth Workshops for a fun pottery workshop with a pint at award-winning brewery, Wiper and True Barrel Store, in St Werburghs. You’ll be guided step-by-step through the process of making your own slab-built ceramic mug. No previous experience required!
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September 11: Shane Todd – Full House, Redgrave Theatre
Shane Todd is about to hit the road with his biggest ever tour. The host of Tea With Me podcast is fresh off the back of a world tour and a record breaking run of 16 shows at Belfast’s Grand Opera House. Northern Ireland’s (self titled) price of comedy is returning with a brand new laughter packed show.
Shane Todd – photo: Redgrave Theatre
September 12: Adrian Bliss, Waterstones
Waterstones welcomes historical content creator Adrian Bliss, for the launch of his new book ‘The Greatest Nobodies of History’, a deep dive into the lesser known or recognised individuals in history.
September 12: Grandmaster Flash, Lakota
Lakota’s next most anticipated hip-hop night, Grandmaster Flash will perform a set which is set to transport audiences back to the 70s – expect a night of crafty scratching, classic tunes, and immersive visuals.
September 13: Vanessa Kisuule, Station
Join Vanessa Kisuule’s launch of her debut non-fiction book ‘Neverland: The Perils and Pleasures of Fandom’, where she discusses the merits and dangers of obsessive parasocial relationships between stars and fans.
September 14: Bristol Coffee Festival, Bristol Beacon
The Coffee Festival returns to the Beacon for another day full of diverse flavours, and specialist coffee roasters, with “over 40 exhibitors, panel talks, workshops and competitions”.
September 14: Community open doors event, Circomedia
A day of curated workshops and activities, designed to be family friendly. Learn how to juggle, do tightwire walking, trapeze or aerial hoop in ‘have a go’ sessions, learn how to play a new instrument, and indulge in Caribbean treats!
September 14 & 15: South Bristol Arts Trail
A free event in celebration of all things art, creativity and the local community. Discover over 100 local artists by following the trail.
September 15: Carol Vorderman, Old Vic
Carol Vorderman comes to the Old Vic to share her transition from daytime television star to the political world, discussing her new book, ‘Out of Order’.
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September 19: Embrace the Green Future: Attend for Free!, Future Leap
Join us at Future Leap’s Festival of Sustainable Business Exhibition at the newly re-opened We The Curious. Discover innovative green solutions, engage with local sustainability leaders, explore interactive exhibits and hear from inspiring speakers including Carla Denyer MP. Free for the public—don’t miss this chance to inspire change and build a sustainable future!
Sustainable exhibition – photo: Future Leap
September 20: Rosie Emerson, 17 Midland Road
Rosie Emerson is putting on a solo exhibition, ‘When Other Worlds Whisper’, offering “the viewer glimpses into unseen worlds at many scales”. Don’t miss your chance to take a look at the work of an artist featured in Vogue, Another Magazine and more!
September 21: Pem, Dareshack
Join Pem and other guests at Dareshack for an evening of folk and folk-pop tunes by the hand of up and coming singer songwriters. Tickets on sale for £10.
September 21: Underfall Yard Market
One of Bristol’s biggest market opportunities to experience the local talent and craftsmanship of Bristol’s artisan producers.
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September 21: South West Oktoberfest, The Prospect Building
Bavarian charm is coming to Bristol for an Oktoberfest celebration! Indulge in mouth-watering street food from vendors offering Brisket, Bratwurst & more! Enjoy electrifying performances by the Oktoberfest Cymru Band & Bavarian Party DJs. Don’t miss out on this incredible event filled with fun, food, and festivity!
South West Oktoberfest – photo: The Prospect Building
September 22: Max Fosh, Hippodrome
Meet one of the UK’s biggest internet sensations in his new tour ‘Loophole’. In his own words: “I was told to write something to market my new show Loophole, but to be honest, I don’t think you’re going to decide whether to buy a ticket or not based on this half-arsed collection of words”.
September 25 – October 6: Revel Pucks
Revel Pucks is East London’s award-winning circus company, coming back to Bristol to provide weeks of “wire walkers, teeterboarders, bespoke apparatus and the only female Wheel of Death duo in the country!”.
September 26-29: Bristol Cocktail Weekend
Buy a ticket and indulge in a weekend full of tasty flavours, signature cocktails, all over different venues and bars around Bristol. From tasting sessions, to exclusive events and competitions, find out the full programme.
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September 26: Fauré’s Requiem and Ravel’s Bolero, Bristol Ensemble
Join Bristol Ensemble and Fitzhardinge Consort on a grand tour of France, taking in two of the timeless pinnacles of French classical music, both shiningly original, deeply dramatic and powerfully moving in their own distinct way. Fauré’s Requiem holds some of the most beautiful and recognisable melodies the composer ever wrote. Far from the sombre tone of many requiems it seems to evoke a serene, very human sense of wonder grounded in a vast, celestial universe. Ravel’s Bolero, by contrast – built from a single theme that came to the composer before a dip in the sea – has an irresistible rhythmic drive that builds into a breathtaking, thrilling crescendo – made famous by Torvill and Dean’s legendary ice skating routine at the 1984 winter Olympics. An epic performance for orchestra and choir. Vive la musique!
Fauré Requiem and Ravel Bolero – photo: St George’s Bristol
September 27-28: Qu Junktions at 20, Strange Brew
Qu Junktions is an events management company, hosting a ‘Déjà Vu’ event at Strange Brew to celebrate their 20th birthday. “An epic night out that criss-crosses sound spectrums from epic songcraft to circling drum rituals, bedsit producers, sister tripz, garage funk bands and deep cover agents”.
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September 27: FUTURES: Up Late at S.S. Great Britain
Part of FUTURES 2024, a FREE festival of discovery this Autumn. Discover interactive exhibits and hands-on activities showcasing cutting-edge University of Bristol research. Explore the historic ship and enjoy talks, demos, and more. Perfect for all ages!
University of Bristol, Futures – photo: SS Great Britain September 2023
September 28: Ola Labib, Wardrobe
A comedy stand-up by the hands of Ola, taking the audience through her upbringing as a Sudanese girl in Portsmouth, anecdotes from her experience as an NHS pharmacist and how a near-death experience led her to her comedy career.
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September 29: Raise the Bar: UK Poetry All-Stars, Bristol Beacon
Legendary live poetry night Raise the Bar celebrates its 10th anniversary by throwing the biggest poetry event the South West has ever seen. Featuring a night full of headliners including Ted Hughes award winner and online sensation Hollie McNish, renowned Guyanese poet and playwright John Agard, former Bristol City Poet and UK Poetry Slam Champion Vanessa Kisuule, writer, performer and one half of chart-topping duo Rizzle Kicks Jordan Stephens, T. S. Eliot Prize and Griffin Prize winning poet Alice Oswald, and international poet, and cultural producer and TEDx speaker Muneera Pilgrim, with live music from Dizraeli, Karim Kamar and tunes from DJ Ngaio. Raucous, energetic, poignant, life-affirming, Raise the Bar is a poetry night like you’ve never seen before.
Raise the Bar – photo: Bristol Beacon
September 30: David Olusoga, St George’s
Follow BAFTA winner David Olusoga through a discussion on why black history does matter, through his recent documentary ‘Union’. Olusoga is a multidisciplinary man, building from a filmmaking career experience in history, writing and lecturing.
September 30 – October 3: Festival of Economics
The Festival of Economics is back with a new line-up of academics and economics professionals, with a whole new array of presentations, lectures and discussions to embark in conversations about to reinvigorate the British economy.
And coming soon…
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October 5: Hedex: My Home Is The Rave, The Prospect Building
DnB heavyweight Hedex is bringing his critically acclaimed “My Home Is The Rave” show to The Prospect Building. Featuring the likes of Serum B2B with Voltage, Turno B2B Basslayerz, Simula and many more. Prepare yourself for one of Bristol’s biggest DnB parties of 2024.
My Home Is The Rave – photo: Hedex
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October 16: The Eagles Greatest Hits – For Orchestra, Bristol Ensemble
The Bristol Ensemble bring you a magical night of The Eagles Greatest Hits specially arranged for the orchestra, keeping the iconic rock feeling whilst fully integrated into the symphonic sound.Having given sold-out performances and 5 Star reviews of Dark Side of the Moon, Tubular Bells and The Beatles at St George’s Bristol, this will be another epic night to remember with the Bristol Ensemble.In August 2018, The Greatest Hits was certified 38 times platinum under a new system that tallies album and track sales as well as streams, surpassing Michael Jackson’s, Thriller (certified 34 times platinum) to become the highest-certified album by the RIAA.
Be Eagles – photo: St George’s Bristol
Main photo: The Revel Puck Circus
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