109 things to do in Bristol in September

ART

September 1 – October 11: Feathers & Fur, Grain Barge
Writer Emily Koch has teamed up with 10 Bristol artists to illustrate her animal-themed haikus.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/culture/books/poetry/art-animals-and-haikus

September 2-10: Bristol Biennial, various venues
Return for the nine-day ‘festival of art and ideas’ at locations across town. 
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/art-01/festivals/bristol-biennial-2016?time=1472857200

September 3 – October 4: Cartman and McGregor, Lime Tree Gallery
Artists of quite different background and education who have emerged as two of the great stylists of contemporary Scottish painting.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/art-01/exhibitions/cartman-and-mcgregor-lime-tree-gallery-bristol?time=1473289200

September 3 – October 29: Katie Weyman, Potters
Ceramics inspired by the vibrant art scene and rich multicultural heritage of of Bristol.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/art-01/exhibitions/ceramics-by-katie-weyman-bristol?time=1473289200

September 4: The Great Aarty Party, M Shed
Celebrate Bristol-based Aardman Studio’s 40th Birthday with arty activities for the family.
www.bristolmuseums.org.uk/m-shed/whats-on/the-great-aarty-party/ 

September 4: Shake Art Fair, Start the Bus
Check out work from local illustrators.
www.facebook.com/events/509428935919579 

September 5-16: Between Shows, It’s All 2 Much
The Stokes Croft gallery will be exhibiting an assortment of art from different artists until their next show.
www.itsall2much.com/exhibitions/coming-soon

September 5 – October 2: Mary Price, Tobacco Factory bar
Recent paintings inspired by “random wandering around narrow streets in cities in Spain and Portugal”.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/art-01/exhibitions/mary-price-bristol?time=1473375600

September 9-11: Affordable Art Fair, Brunel’s Old Station
Original contemporary work from 500 artists will be showcased with a gallerists guiding buyers.  
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/art-01/art-fair/the-affordable-art-fair-bristol

September 24-25: St Werburgh’s Arts Trail
More than 40 artists are opening their doors to show off their work at this popular annual trail.
www.stwerburghsarts.org.uk

CLUBS

September 9: Free Rave, Motion
One for the freshers: a night of drum & bass, garage, house and techno. Free before midnight.
www.motionbristol.com/ticket/?ID=293525

September 10: Dreamy Days Terrace Party, The Marriott Hotel
Music on the hotel’s new roof terrace from local DJs Rough Draft and Soulworks, as well as Semtek and Mike Shaw.
www.facebook.com/events/832884196842994/

September 16: Father Funk’s Church of Love, Crofters Rights
A night of bass, heavy funk, disco and debauchery.
www.facebook.com/events/2014654445346744

September 16: Subsist Presents: Truth, Blue Mountain
Dubstep producers and DJs from New Zealand who are currently touring Europe.
www.facebook.com/events/835063449971714/

September 24: Cowboy Rhythmbox, Basement 45
Ravers gather for  a night of house, obscure TV themes, Euro disco, EBM and techno.
www.basement45.co.uk/#!events/galleryPage

COMEDY

September 6-8: Rich Hall’s Hoedown, Tobacco Factory Theatre
The deadpan American comic and musician presents a mash-up of music, comedy and gratuitous coloration.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/comedy-01/musical-comedy/rich-hall-hoedown-bristol/?time=1473116400

September 17: Sean Hughes, Hen & Chicken
A return for the enduringly surreal, off-kilter comic and actor – a softer Dylan Moran?
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/comedy-01/standup/sean-hughes-bristol?time=1474066800

September 21 & 22: Mark Thomas, Redgrave Theatre
Mark Thomas returns to Wakefield’s Labour Club to celebrate its 50th birthday.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/comedy-01/standup/mark-thomas-the-red-shed-bristol?time=1474412400

September 23: The Not So Late Show, Cube
The alternative-comedy TV chat show with special guests, sketches short films, music and pure fun.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/comedy-01/standup/the-not-so-late-show-bristol?time=1474585200

September 23-24: The Boy with Tape on his Face is Tape Face, Redgrave Theatre
Stand-up comedy with no talking, drama with no acting, and punch lines with no words.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/comedy-01/standup/the-boy-with-tape-on-his-face-is-tape-face-bristol?time=1474585200

September 25: Isy Suttie, Hen & Chicken
Drawing on that moment in your late 20s when you realise all your mates are growing up without you
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/comedy-01/standup/isy-suttie-the-actual-one-bristol?time=1474758000 

September 29: John Cleese, Neil Innes, Barry Cryer & Friends, Colston Hall
These big players are coming together to raise money for Bristol’s Slapstick Festival.
www.colstonhall.org/shows/john-cleese-neil-innes-barry-cryer-friends

September 30: Romesh Ranganathan, Colston Hall
The Sussex-born comedian hosts Radio 4 Extra’s Newsjack. He’s cynical, and he’s funny with it.
www.colstonhall.org/shows/romesh-ranganathan

EVENTS

September 4: Brizzlewood, Brislington
Make Sunday Special comes to Hollywood Road and Brookside Road, with a Hollywood theme throughout the day.
www.facebook.com/brizzlewood

September 7: Why Words Matter, Arnolfini
Four wordsmiths discuss the power of written language to encourage people to drop the smileys and pick up a pen.
www.arnolfini.org.uk/whatson/wedf-talk-why-words-matter

September 11: Make Sunday Special, Fishponds & Avonmouth
Make Sunday Special continues its neighbourhood tours.
www.bristol.gov.uk/museums-parks-sports-culture/make-sunday-special

September 11: 5×15 September, Tobacco Factory Theatres
Five speakers descend on Bristol for a night of talking, including author Nikesh Shukla and social activist Nimco Ali.
www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com/shows/5×15-september-2016

September 10-11: Doors Open Day
Discover the city’s usually hidden treasures, with free guided tours and activities.
www.bristoldoorsopenday.org.uk

September 11: Small Stories, The Lantern
Five performances ranging from comedy and poetry, all touching on the issue of mental health.
www.colstonhall.org/shows/small-stories

September 11: Sunday Project, Hart’s Bakery
A continental-style market in and around the bakery featuring food, drink, art, fashion and more.
@sundayprojectbr

September 17: Lou Lou’s Vintage Fair, The Passenger Shed
80 stalls of vintage fashion, homeware and collectables. There’s also a tea room, a live performance vintage beauty salon.
www.thevintagefair.com/event/lou-lous-bristol-vintage-fair-2/

September 18: Independent Label Market, St Nick’s
The cream of the Bristol crop and a number of other record labels from around the UK, with craft beer and live music.
www.facebook.com/independentlabelmarket

September 23-25: Anniversary Weekender, The Architecture Centre
Celebrate the 20th birthday of the Architecture Centre with talks, guided walks, a street party more.
www.architecturecentre.co.uk/events_weekender

September 24: Windmill City Farm 40th Anniversary
The farm is celebrating turning 40 with a fun day out for the family.
www.windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk/whats-on/events/

September 25: Peaceful Portway, Portway
The portway will be closed after the half marathon for people to enjoy some outdoor antics.
www.portwaysundaypark.co.uk

September 28 – October 2: Bristol Fashion Week, The Mall at Cribbs Causeway
Fashion designer Henry Holland and presenter Mark Heyes host the week of high street fashion.
www.mallcribbs.com/events-and-activities/bristol-fashion-week-aw16

FESTIVALS

September 1-30: Scalarama, various venues
Bringing together the city’s film clubs and independent venues for a month-long DIY cinema celebration
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/culture/film/news/scalarama-returns-for-sixth-year

September 2 & 3: Bristol Craft Beer Festival, Motion
The grand finale of Bristol Beer Week sees craft beer lovers spoiled with some 250 different samples.
www.bristolcraftbeerfestival.co.uk

September 2-4: Valley Fest, Chew Valley
Expect live music, locally sourced food, street art, cookery demonstrations, kids workshops and welly-wearing dancing.
www.valleyfest.co.uk 

September 2-10: Bristol Biennial: In Other Worlds, various venues
The artist-led festival hosts exhibitions, talks, events and satellite projects in unusual locations around the city.
www.bristolbiennial.org

September 3: Bristol Surf Festival, Paintworks Events Space
A celebration of surf film, culture and creativity, in collaboration with Spoke & Stringer and Beerd.
www.bristolsurffilmfestival.com 

September 3 & 4: Bee and Pollination Festival, University of Bristol
Find out what happens to your garden at night at this exploration of bees, bats and flowers.
www.bristol.ac.uk/botanic-garden/events/2016/bee-and-pollination-festival-2016.html

September 8-10: Bristol Burlesque Festival, Smoke & Mirrors and Jam Jar Collective
Expect badass booty shakers, super strippers, cabaret clowns, go-go goddesses, drag divas and more.
www.bristolburlesquefestival.co.uk

September 9-11: Factoberfest, Tobacco Factory
Sample 60 craft beers (maybe not all at once) and wash them down with street food. Live blues, Americana and country music too.
www.tobaccofactory.com/section.php/45/1/_events/5cba79285a4130ffc249f37adfb29ee1

September 14-21: Doing Things Differently, various venues
Equality in the arts is at the heart of this week’s citywide festival of talks, exhibitions and performances.
www.doingthingsdifferently.org.uk

September 20-25: Encounters Short Film & Animation Festival, Watershed & Arnolfini
The UK’s leading short film and animation festival returns to Bristol for its 22nd annual outing.
www.encounters-festival.org.uk 

September 24: Tokyo World, Eastville Park
A one-day festival featuring Wiley, Big Narstie and Artful Dodger. There’s DJs too – Carl Craig will be there, along with Floating Points and MoodyMann.
www.tokyoworld.org 

September 30 – October 10: Freedom of Mind Festival
These events encourage talking about  mental well being in an attempt to make Bristol a happier, healthier city.
www.freedomofmind.org.uk

FILM

September 1-30: Scalarama, various venues
Bringing together the city’s film clubs and independent venues for a month-long DIY cinema celebration.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/culture/film/news/scalarama-returns-for-sixth-year

September 4: Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Ashton Court
Sonorously parping space aliens cause Richard Dreyfuss to overact wildly in Steven Spielberg’s oft-recut alien contact flick.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/film-01/science-fiction/bristol-sunset-cinema-close-encounters?time=1472943600

September 4-25: All About Almodóvar Sunday Brunches, Watershed
Featuring Live Flesh (4th), Bad Education (11th) Sept), Talk To Her (18th) Sept) and All About My Mother (25th).
www.watershed.co.uk/whatson/season/378/all-about-almodovar-sunday-brunches

September 7: In The Dark, The Cube
The RadioCinema bring their favourite movie genres in a night of radio, podcasts, archive and experimental audio.
www.inthedarkradio.org/radiocinemabristol 

September 9: The Italian Job, Lion Park
Cliftonwood Open Air Cinema are putting on this classic to raise money for new playground equipment.
www.hotwellscliftonwood.org.uk/2016_cliftonwood_open_air_cinema

September 11: Afro-punk / She’s a Punk Rocker, Arnolfini
The Arnolfini’s Moving Targets punk season continues with two fascinating documentaries from opposite sides of the Atlantic.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/film-01/documentary/afro-punkshes-a-punk-rocker?time=1473548400

September 15: Eight Days a Week, various cinemas
Beatles nut Ron Howard has spent years beavering away on this definitive account of the Fab Four’s brief touring years.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/film-01/event-cinema/the-beatles-eight-days-a-week?time=1473894000

September 15: Psychomania, Bierkeller
Bristol Bad Film Club present this satanic zombie biker gang horror.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/film-01/horror/bristol-bad-film-club-psychomania?time=1473894000

September 18: The Godfather, Colston Hall
If watching one of the greatest films of all time wasn’t enough, imagine it being accompanied by a live orchestra.
www.colstonhall.org/shows/the-godfather-live

September 20-25: Encounters Short Film & Animation Festival, Watershed & Arnolfini
The UK’s leading short film and animation festival returns to Bristol for its 22nd annual outing.
www.encounters-festival.org.uk 

September 22: Peter de Rome, The Cube
Bottoms and willies ahoy as this jolly documentary celebrates the life of the charming English pornographer.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/film-01/documentary/peter-de-rome-grandfather-of-gay-porn?time=1474498800

September 23: The Lego Movie, Ashton Court
This witty animation overcame all our low expectations and justly became the biggest box office hit of 2014.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/film-01/family/bristol-sunset-cinema-the-lego-movie?time=1474585200

September 23-25: Equinox: A pilgrimage of folk tales + Pagan myths, Boiling Wells
Traipse through St Werburgh’s for an alfresco screening of The Wicker Man.
www.watershed.co.uk/studio/events/2016/09/23/equinox-pilgrimage-folk-tales-pagan-myths-and-legends

September 25: Starship Troopers, Ashton Court
The fourth of six Ashton Court screenings by those fab folks from Bristol Sunset Cinema.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/film-01/science-fiction/bristol-sunset-cinema-starship-troopers?time=1474758000

FOOD & DRINK

September 1-4: Oktoberfest, Millennium Square
Dig out your lederhosen and get down to Millennium Square to consume Bavarian beer and bratwurst.
www.bristol-oktoberfest.co.uk

September 2 & 3: Bristol Craft Beer Festival, Motion
The grand finale of Bristol Beer Week sees craft beer lovers spoiled with some 250 different samples.
www.bristolcraftbeerfestival.co.uk

September 5: Free ale tasting, Watershed
To launch their Ale Festival, try free samples from South West breweries St Austell, Butcombe, and Bath Ales.
www.watershed.co.uk/whatson/7509/ale-festival-launch-free-tasting-event

September 7: Chase Distillery talk and tasting, The Square Club
Hear the Chase family talk about how they make their gin and vodka, and more importantly, taste some.
www.thesquareclub.com/events/james-chase-chase-distillery-talk-tasting

September 7: 91 Ways Supper Club: Flavours of Eritrea, The Kitchen
Take a journey through Eritrea with a mezze of three courses of East African cuisine prepared by Bristol chef Negat.
www.facebook.com/events/924092471069011/

September 9-11: Factoberfest, Tobacco Factory
Sample 60 craft beers (maybe not all at once) and wash them down with street food. Live blues, Americana and country music too.
www.tobaccofactory.com/section.php/45/1/_events/5cba79285a4130ffc249f37adfb29ee1

September 10: Brunch 808, Cox & Baloney
A marriage made in heaven: drum and bass and afternoon tea.
www.foozie.co.uk/event/brunch-808-drum-bass-edition

September 10: A Tavola Pop-Up, The Forge
Rustic regional Italian food and wine are the order of the day at this supper. Think duck tortelloni and foie gras.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-tavola-pop-up-supper-tickets-26984652823

September 11: Sunday Project, Hart’s Bakery
A continental-style market in and around the bakery featuring food, drink, art, fashion and more.
@sundayprojectbr

September 15: Bristol Whiskey Club, Hyde & Co
The final whiskey club of the year. This one celebrates Dublin export Teeling Whiskey Co.
www.foozie.co.uk/event/bristol-whiskey-club-teeling-irish-whiskey/

September 16: The Nave Dinner, Bristol Cathedral
A one-off night of fine dining and choral music in the nave of the cathedral to raise money for the building’s restoration.
www.bristol-cathedral.co.uk/whats-on/the-nave-dinner

September 17: Bristol Sushi Bus
A tour bus. With five courses of sushi. Wonderful.
www.foozie.co.uk/event/bristol-sushi-bus

September 17 & 18: The Rum Festival, Motion
Drink rum, learn how to make cocktails, and swoon at the circus performers. There’s an after party at the venue too.
www.motionbristol.com/ticket/?ID=295239 

September 17: Easton CE Academy Food Festival
A free family food festival, aimed at uniting the communities of Easton featuring global food stalls.
www.91ways.org/easton-ce-academy-food-festival

September 24: The Bristol Vegan Food Tour, Flour & Ash
Discover the best vegan food to be found in the city.
www.foozie.co.uk/event/bristol-vegan-food-tour

September 25: Bulrush pop-up, Averys
Expect a five-course tasting menu from the Cotham restaurant and Averys wine to match.
www.averys.com

MUSIC

September 3: Massive Attack, Clifton Downs
Massive Attack perform live in their home town for the first time in more than a decade for this one-day festival.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/festival/news-5/bristol-festivals/new-acts-announced-for-sell-out-festival

September 10: Danny & The Champions of the World, Thekla
What’s not to like about a folk rock band that takes their name from a Roald Dahl novel?
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/music-01/rock/danny-the-champions-of-the-world-1472657981-bristol?time=1473462000

September 12: Lucie Silvas, Exchange
She’s toured with Tom Jones and Elton John. This time she’s heading to Old Market.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/culture/music/interviews/interview-lucie-silvas

September 18: Ren and Romeo, The Tunnels
Romeo Stodart of The Magic Numbers teams up with Manchester singer songwriter Ren Harvieu.
www.thetunnelsbristol.co.uk

September 19: Sundara Karma, Trinity
This quartet make rousing, euphoric indie. They’ve been hitting the festival circuit this summer, and now they’re touring the UK.
www.3ca.org.uk/whats-on/2016/sundara-karma-1

September 21: Against the Current, The Fleece
The pop-rock trio are leaving New York for a series of UK dates. Shake your head to tracks from their debut album, Love Your Bones.
www.thefleece.co.uk/events/against-the-current

September 24: Tokyo World, Eastville Park
This one-day event hosts big names from the grime and garage scenes, including Wiley, Big Narstie and Artful Dodger.
www.tokyoworld.org

September 27: Brodksy Quartet, St George’s
This string quartet will perform works from greats such as Mozart and Beethoven.
www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk/event/brodsky-quartet-grand-fugues

September 28: Mura Masa, Thekla
The electronic producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist will be playing songs including viral hit Lovesick.
www.theklabristol.co.uk/live/655/mura-masa 

September 28: Wild Beasts, Motion
Expect haunting vocals and hip swaying basslines from this indie-rock band.
www.motionbristol.com/event/draft-7/

September 29: Beth Orton, Anson Rooms
Beth Orton takes to the stage to perform her self-proclaimed “flesh and blood love songs.”
www.bristol.ukmsl.net/ansonrooms/events/

SPORT

September 10: Tour of Britain
The penultimate day of the race features a time trial in the morning and a seven-lap circuit in the afternoon.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/sport/cycling-2/news/bristol-to-host-tour-of-britain-stage

September 11: Wild Run, Wild Place
A 5km cross-country challenge raising money for Wild Place’s giraffe house appeal.
www.wildplace.org.uk/whats-on/wild-run-jog-for-giraffe

September 17: Legends of Darts, SWX
Meet the masters of darts, and watch them play. Have a couple of beers too, there’s deals on steins.
www.swx-bristol-tickets.eventgenius.co.uk/events/Legends-Of-Darts/index.html

September 18: Bristol 100, Blaise Castle
Don your lycra for this 100-mile cycle around Bristol and the Cotswolds.
www.bike-events.co.uk/Ride.aspx?id=547

September 25: Great Bristol Half Marathon
More than 10,000 runners will take to Bristol’s streets for the annual half marathon.
www.greatrun.org/great-bristol-half-marathon

THEATRE

September 1: Have a Word, Southbank Club
A monthly open mic for performers, clowns, poets and writers.
www.southbankclub.webs.com

September 1-24: Trainspotting, Loco Klub
Expect drugs, drama and the ‘Worst Toilet in Scotland’ scene. Not for the faint-hearted.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/theatre-01/sitespecific/trainspotting-loco-klub-bristol?time=1472684400

September 2-3: Leftovers, The Wardrobe Theatre
This romantic fairytale transports the immigration crisis on to your front doorstep through physical expression, text and an original score.
www.thewardrobetheatre.com/livetheatre/leftovers/

September 3: Peter Pan, Tyntesfield
The Chapterhouse Theatre Company are putting on an outdoor performance  brought to life through original music.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events/c8a2e484-f005-48c4-b225-06cfe3c4dfc1/pages/details

September 6-17: Eloise and the Curse of the Golden Whisk, Wardrobe Theatre
The Wardrobe Ensemble return with this charming and magical show for ages 7+.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/theatre-01/comedy/eloise-and-the-curse-of-the-golden-whisk-wardrobe-bristol?time=1473116400

September 9 – October 1: The Rivals, Bristol Old Vic
This Georgian-Bath-set Restoration comedy is the next installment in Bristol Old Vic’s 250th birthday celebrations.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/theatre-01/comedy/the-rivals-bristol-old-vic?time=1473375600

September 12-17: Ghost the Musical, Bristol Hippodrome
Sarah Harding and Andy Moss star in a brand new production of the timeless story of love, despair and hope.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/theatre-01/musical/ghost-the-musical-bristol?time=1473634800

September 13-17: Two, Alma Tavern Theatre
The Alma’s in-house company Schoolhouse Productions make their debut with Jim Cartwight’s modern social-realist classic.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/theatre-01/20th-century/two-schoolhouse-alma-bristol?time=1473721200

September 14-17: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Tobacco Factory Theatre
Ace Devon-based physical comedy troupe Le Navet Bete present their sell-out take on the children’s classic.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/theatre-01/comedy/the-wonderful-wizard-of-oz-bristol?time=1473807600

September 19-23: Happily… Never… After…, Bristol Ferry Boats’ Matilda
A water-bound new production that takes a darkly comic look at the wedding party.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/theatre-01/sitespecific/happily-never-after-darkstuff-bristol?time=1474239600

September 19-24: Sister Act, Bristol Hippodrome
Brand new production of the Broadway and West End hit musical comedy, starring Alexandra Burke.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/theatre-01/musicals/sister-act-bristol-hippodrome?time=1474239600

September 21-24: T-Rex: A Pack of Lies, Alma Tavern Theatre
Comic/documentarist Matt Brierley brings his docu-comedy to the Alma for the third time.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/theatre-01/comedy/t-rex-a-pack-of-lies-bristol-1472283768?time=1474412400

September 22 – October 1: Blue Heart, Tobacco Factory Theatre
Tobacco Factory Theatres and Orange Tree Theatre present two one-act plays by the inimitable Caryl Churchill. 
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/theatre-01/contemporary-21st-century/blue-heart-caryl-churchill?time=1474498800

September 26 – October 1: Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Bristol Hippodrome
The classic tale of Holly Golightly gets a new incarnation as a stage play with music.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/theatre-01/musicals/breakfast-at-tiffanys-bristol?time=1474844400

September 28: The Tempest, Redgrave Theatre
‘The Bard meets Brexit’, with news footage, digital projections and live action to imagine the future of the migration crisis.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/theatre-01/shakespeare-and-the-classics/the-tempest-1472073931-bristol?time=1475017200

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