Things To Do / Sponsored

50 Things to do in Bristol in October 2024

By Emily Brown  Tuesday Oct 1, 2024

October 1: Neneh Cherry, St George’s
Neneh Cherry, whose music has long been intertwined with Bristol, discusses her new memoir, A Thousand Threads, with author and journalist Jude Rogers.

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Every Sunday: Bristol Photo Festival, Watershed
We’ve partnered with Bristol Photo Festival to screen four films connected to the themes of the festival’s 2024 programme The World a Wave.

Bristol photo festival – Watershed

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October 2: Life on Our Planet In Concert, Bristol Beacon
From esk film, in association with Netflix and Silverback Films, comes a new natural history immersive concert experience: Netflix’s Life on Our Planet in Concert, presenting the highlights from across the series alongside an incredible live soundtrack. Accompanied by the Welsh National Opera Orchestra playing the score, audiences will see the story of life unfold through its most pivotal moments – from the first single-celled life form to the first animals to move out from the sea and onto land, to the first creatures to take flight.

Life on Our Planet – photo: Bristol Beacon

October 2: Folk Tales, John Sebastien
This evening’s event on the historic lightship moored at Bathurst Basin will feature music from A Different Thread and stories by Darren Hoskins.

October 3: Romy Gill, Boston Tea Party (Gloucester Road)
Romy Gill’s new book, Romy Gill’s India, takes a journey through her ancestral kitchens in the Bengal and Punjab region. At this Gloucester Road Books event, she will be in conversation with Nikesh Shukla, who once sent a tandoori lambchop into space.

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October 4: Charity benefit gig, Moor Brewery
Bands! Beer! Bristol talents The New Cut, Plaintiffs and They Entered the Door are getting together to raise money for 1625 Independent People, a local charity supporting young people at risk of homelessness and care leavers across Bristol and the South West. Come early, stay late!

October 4: 10 Years of Rumble In The Jungle, Lakota
It’s that time of the year again where we welcome back the Rumble in The Jungle crew to Lakota. Spread across six rooms of Lakota and Coroner’s Court, going on until 6AM with seven sound-system crews. This show promises to be bigger than ever as they celebrate 10 Years of Rumble In The Jungle!

October 5: Community Pottery Opening Party, St Anne’s House
Finally ready to open after months of preparation, the community pottery is welcoming everyone to its new home at St Anne’s house. Joined by the Cibomatto canteen and the Bristol community sauna, entry is free and everyone is welcome.

October 6: Bristol Rock and Roll Walking Tour, Park Row
An outdoor Fun and Nostalgic guided tour around many of Bristol’s legendary Music venues past and present along with the stories behind the Bristol shows featuring Bowie, Sinatra, The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Massive Attack, The Clash and many more!

October 7: Creed Bratton from The Office US
Mysterious, eccentric, good-hearted, and downright talented are all words that have been used to describe actor and musician Creed Bratton over the years and now Bristol is lucky enough to be blessed with his presence.

October 8: BrewDog Bristol Harbourside Pub Quiz
Are you a trivia fiend? Or perhaps you just love a good challenge? Either way, gather your friends, grab a pint, and prepare for an evening filled with brain-teasers, laughter, and epic competition!

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October 8 & 20: Breath led with Lucy, The Mount Without
Join Lucy for an immersion in transformational breathwork, yoga and sound bath in the beautiful candlelit setting of The Mount Without. Breath is a powerful tool we can harness to regulate the nervous system, release stress and tension, and enter a deep state of calm and presence.

October 9: Fanfare Ciocarlia, The Jam Jar
Fanfare Ciocarlia is one of the world’s greatest gypsy brass bands, a 24-legged Balkan brass beast whose eastern funk groove has torn up halls and festivals across the planet with their balkan brass sound. The Jam Jar are incredibly honoured to host this Bristol debut and truly rare show since the inception of Fanfare Ciocărlia over 25 years ago!

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October 9-20: The BFI London Film Festival 2024, Watershed
Discover the world’s best new films, series and immersive storytelling at the 68th BFI London Film Festival in partnership with American Express, including Blitz starring Saoirse Ronan.

London Film Festival – photo: Watershed

October 10: Moon festival celebratory banquet, Wong’s Restaurant
Come celebrate the Moon Festival also known as the Mid Autumn festival with an unforgettable Chinese banquet! Indulge in an exquisite array of traditional delicacies Including the special Moon cakes, meticulously prepared by expert chefs. Immerse yourself in Chinese culture and admire the lantern displays and captivating ambiance.

October 11: Video Age, Rough Trade
Video Age make breezy and timeless songs that are so ineffable, they can only be the result of a decades-long friendship and songwriting partnership. Across four albums, Ross Farbe and Ray Micarelli have gleefully worn their influences on their sleeve, writing inviting tunes that reference sounds ranging from disco to pop and indie rock.

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October 11 – November 2: FEAR Scream Park, Avon Valley
Get ready for #ABloodyGoodNight this October at the multi-award winning FEAR Scream Park. The event features 5 immersive, ‘scare’ attractions, roaming street theatre, fire & laser shows, thrill rides and Halloween festival vibes. It’s an adrenaline fuelled, laugh along event not to be missed!

FEAR – photo: Avon valley

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October 11: John Nichol’s The Unknown Warrior, Redgrave Theatre
During World War I, over one million British soldiers were lost, many never identified or properly buried. John Nichol’s theatre tour retraces the journey of the Unknown Warrior, buried in Westminster Abbey. Through visuals, sound, and personal stories, audiences experience the emotional power of remembrance and sacrifice.

John Nichol’s – photo: Redgrave Theatre

October 12: The Gin To My Tonic Festival
Take a ‘spirited’ adventure with the UK’s Best Craft Gin, Rum & Vodka Festival – includes Lemonade. We are uniting hundreds of different craft gins, spirits and distillers under one roof to create what can only be described as one epic celebration!

October 13: RCG Beer Festival Weekender!
Redcatch Community Garden are excited to say that they are back with another fantastic Beer Festival Fundraiser for a third year running on Sat 12th and Sun 13th Oct 2024!

October 14: Unplugged, The Old Market Assembly
This stripped back monthly Monday evening open mic night invites musicians of all abilities to celebrate live music together, whether by way of flexing your instrumental skills, showcasing new material, freeform improv or playing a beloved old standard/cover.

October 15: Liela Moss, Cube Cinema
Liela Moss has fronted UK band The Duke Spirit since their inception in 2003. The band have released 5 albums and 4 EPs worldwide. Known for their ferocious live shows, relentless touring schedule, they’re a band that have long trod their own road.

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October 15 – November 9: Bristol Cathedral welcomes Gaia with a series of inspirational events
A unique opportunity to join a series of events in celebration of the arrival of Gaia, the stunning art installation, at Bristol Cathedral. Faith, science and art come together in a programme that includes music, talks, stargazing and fashion. Free and paid-for events running between the 15th October – 9th November.

Bristol Cathedral welcomes Gaia

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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 while fully integrated into the symphonic sound. Following sold out performances and five star reviews of Dark Side of the Moon, Tubular Bells and The Beatles, this will be another epic night to remember.

Be Eagles – photo: St George’s Bristol

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October 16: Bristol Photo Festival
Bristol’s international biennial of contemporary photography returns on 16 October. Bringing together leading photographers from across the world, this year’s Festival includes exhibitions, talks and workshops across the city’s main art centres and temporary spaces transformed for the festival.

Photo: Hashem Shakeri

October 16-19: Slave: A question of freedom, Tobacco factory
Mende Nazer’s award winning story of her stolen childhood and fight for survival is having a four day run at the Tobacco factory in Bedminster. Beginning in Sudan and ending in London, the story, told by an ensemble of eight actor/musicians examine the horror of modern slavery.

October 17: Crows, Exchange
Crows have arrived. ‘Reason Enough’, their third album, is the one the band have taken the longest to write and take the post-punk four-piece’s adrenaline fuelled sound into fresh territory. Don’t miss their first Bristol headline in 2.5 years.

October 18: CruCast 2024, Motion
CruCast links up with Dazed for a massive night of bass at Motion this October! Artists featuring include: Skepsis, Window kid, Gentlemens Club, Tsuki, Hazard & Trigga, MC AD and various others.

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October 18-20: Dear Zoo, Redgrave Theatre
Dear Zoo, the timeless children’s classic, returns to the stage! Watch as a cheeky monkey, jumpy frog, and perfect puppy are delivered from the zoo. With puppets, music, and audience interaction, it’s a magical experience for kids, bringing Rod Campbell’s beloved book to life!

Dear Zoo – photo: Redgrave Theatre

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October 19: Steve Reich – Different Trains, Bristol Ensemble
Different Trains was a novel experiment, using recorded speech as a source for melodies taken from interviews with people in the US and Europe about the years leading up to, during, and immediately after World War II. The concert will also feature music from three leading UK female composers; Hannah Kendall, Anna Meredith and Carmen Ho.

Bristol Ensemble Contemporary – photo: Bristol Ensemble

October 19: Attitude Festival, Exchange
Attitude Fest gives you a lavish 12 hours to shovel 17 bands worth of three cord nutrients deep inside your ears. For starters: world-slaying punk’n’roll monsters Mother Vulture, Native James’ deadly riffing grime hybrids, much-loved local surrealistic goths Witch Hook ++ all your new fav bands you won’t get to hear unless you go.

October 20: Bristol Hip Hop Extravaganza, Central Warehouse
Featuring Cappadonna, Devlin, Coops and more. Beatdown, AFT Raps & The Caravan Collective present HIP HOP EXTRAVAGANZA on Sunday 20th October at Central Warehouse Bristol Doors 3pm – 11pm. Get your tickets for a fantastic lineup and an even better evening.

October 21: Billiam, The Lanes
Billiam has been putting out records, both self released and on labels like Goodbye Boozy, Erste Theke Tontraeger, Warttmann Inc, Under The Gun and Legless Records since 2020 jumping back and forth between endless sounds of drum machines, blown out synthesizers and screeching vocals telling tales of Sonic The Hedgehog, Cardboard Boxes and Autism Spectrum Disorder.

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October 21: M1llionz, Bristol Beacon
M1llionz has emerged as one of the most prominent rap artists in the UK. Widely considered a trailblazer in the scene, his trademark sound layers swift poetic storytelling over drill beats, and his upcoming project ‘Ghetto Life’ aims to portray struggle and growth, with expert lyricism exploring themes such as the Windrush generation and more. M1llionz has become an unstoppable presence in the UK scene – catch him while you can in Bristol this September.

M1llionz – photo: Bristol Beacon

October 22-23: The Rite of Spring, The Mount Without
Seeta Patels marriage of traditional Indian dance and western classical music is coming to St. Michaels hill. Putting traditional Bharatanatyam dancing to the music of Stravinsky’s ballet performed by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra will be an unforgettable experience.

October 23: Goblinhood, Bookhaus
Jen Calleja is launching her newest book with a national tour of independent bookshops. Goblinhood, explores literature, film, and culture through a collection of poems and essays.

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October 24: A one-off concert in celebration of our Blue Planet
Enjoy a unique evening of music on the 24th October. In the atmospheric surroundings of Bristol Cathedral, with the extraordinary Gaia: Our Home Planet installation as the backdrop, the Bristol Ensemble orchestra will take you on an incredible journey of contemporary and traditional music, all inspired by nature.

A one-off concert in celebration our Blue Planet

October 24: What We Do In The Shadows, Averys Wine Cellars
Vintage Screenings pair classic films with thematically linked wine tastings to create unique evenings in the stunning setting of Averys Wine Merchants’ historic wine cellar. Following a sparkling wine reception, the film will be accompanied by a tasting of four carefully selected wines courtesy of Averys’ resident experts, guiding you through them at stages during the film.

October 25: Saw, Redcliffe Caves
It’s back… Venture deep into Redcliffe Caves – for the latest instalment of our infamous Horror In The Caves series. Enter through the military tent on Redcliffe Wharf, grab a drink from the pop-up bar to steel your nerves, and step foot inside one of Bristol’s most unusual and exclusive locations for another season of classic and contemporary horror movies. Redcliffe Caves look forward to welcoming you – if you’re brave enough…

October 26: Story & Art Club, M Shed
Storytale favourite Colourful Minds is back for another fabulous Story and Craft session. Inspired by the gorgeous picture book Joy by Yasmeen Ismail & Jenni Desmond, Laura will show children and their grown-ups how to make cute and colourful yarn-covered cardboard cats. With the cats complete, you can listen to Laura read the brilliant book itself.

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October 26: Club Choke, Moor Brewery
Club Choke was a series of live music nights at Bristol venues from 2002 – 2011. Featuring current projects from Choke veterans, this revival all-dayer presents Shoun Shoun, Gluehorse, The Flag Fen Project, Captain Zero, War Against Sleep, State and Permit Me These Small Miseries. Expect noise, weird pop and leftfield electronics.

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October 26: LWE Presents Floating Points, The Prospect Building
Floating Points Is bringing his incredible live show to The Prospect Building on Saturday 26 October, headlining a massive LWE Presents show. Also on the lineup are the likes of Daphni (Caribou), Sofia Kourtesis, Sedef Adasï, the formidable combination of Jossy Mitsu and Bluetoof under their BLUMITSU moniker and Surusinghe.

Floating Points Crush – photo: The Prospect Building

October 27: Sad Night Dynamite, Trinity
Psychedelic melodies and spoken word rap to a whole new level Sad Night Dynamite are well acquainted with roads less travelled. The duo of Josh Greacen and Archie Blagden crept out of Somerset in 2020 with a sound that pushed the eerie psychedelia of the area’s musical history (Portishead, Massive Attack, Glastonbury Festival as a concept) through the sharp lens of contemporary paranoia and now they challenge Bristol to join them.

October 28: F*CK ME It’s Halloween, The Clock Factory
Prepare for a spine-tingling night of ghoulish revelry as YourFreshersGuide transform Bristol’s best events venue into a Halloween haven like no other! They’ll be creating a monstrous, unparalleled, immersive nightclub atmosphere! With sinister surprises lurking around every corner, get ready for an unforgettable night as darkness descends upon one of the city’s most iconic nightclubs ! Do not miss your chance to experience F*CK ME one more time!

October 29: Starship Troopers, The Planetarium
Just in time for Halloween, We The Curious are bringing a double bill of 90s nastiness to the Planetarium, starting with the bombastic bug-fest Starship Troopers. The irony of Paul Verhoeven’s startling send-up of fascism went over some contemporary critics’ heads, but its cult reputation as an action-packed sci-fi satire endures.

October 30: Uada, The Fleece
From the darkness, Uada (Latin for “haunted”) emerges breathing the spirit of the original 90’s Black Metal wave. Since 2014, this Portland, Oregon four-piece has used a unique approach to combine raw black metal and spectral melodies. However that is not all, Ghost Bath and CLOAK will also be joining this Decade of Reflective Divinations.

October 31: HALLOWEEN SECRET RAVE, UWE 
Join 400+ other new students as UWE welcome you for their yearly HALLOWEEN SECRET RAVE at the most exclusive venue in the city. This Event has sold out for the last 4 years -so purchase your tickets now to avoid missing out on the biggest freshers party of the year.

October 31: The Rocky Horror Picture Show, The Station
Head to The Station this Halloween for a screening of the film that defines ‘cult classic’! Help round off your 2024 spooky season on 31st October with the annual screening of the global sensation, where audience participation is strongly encouraged.

And coming soon…

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November 30: SUZY, a pleasing discotheque, The Prospect Building
Introducing SUZY, a living legend straight from the glittering nights of the disco scene. A night like no other, debuting Saturday 30 November at The Prospect Building in Bristol. Enjoy a lineup that’s as iconic as expected, including Dimitri from Paris, CC:DISCO!, Gerd Janson, Horse Meat Disco & more!

Dimitri – photo: The Prospect Building

November 30: Join Us for Bristol24/7’s 10th Anniversary Celebration!
We’re taking over Spiegeltent for an unforgettable night to celebrate a decade of independent journalism and community spirit, and we want you to be part of it! The night will feature an all-Bristol line-up, including performances by Roni Size, Addison Groove, Sam Binga, NGAIO (Live), Booty Bass, and the winner of a young women’s DJ competition. These incredible artists represent some of the best talent Bristol has to offer, promising a night of music that reflects the city’s creative energy.

Bristol24/7 Event !!


Main photo: Fanfare Ciocărlia + shunTA!

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