73 great things to do in Bristol in September

MUSIC & CLUBS

September 4 & 5: Arcadia, Queen Square
You have got to see the 50 tonne mechanical spider, if nothing else.
www.arcadiabristol.com

September 5: Martha Reeves & The Vandellas, The Trinity Centre
A rare performance from the Motown legends that’s not to be missed.
www.3ca.org.uk/whats-on/trinity

September 5: Record Fair, Colston Hall
Whether you’re looking for blues, funk or disco there’s sure to be some hidden gems.
www.colstonhallrecordfair.co.uk

September 6: Kiran Ahluwalia, Bristol Folk House
The award-winning Indo-Canadian songstress brings the Sufi sound to Bristol.
www.folkhousemusic.com/events

September 18: Flying Rhino Re-Evolution Party, The Marble Factory
The global trance label presents its biggest and best.
www.marblefactorybristol.com

September 19: Who Cares Day Party, Lakota
A secret line up with a share of profits going towards the St Pauls Carnival Association.
www.lakota.co.uk/events

September 20: Wheatus – 15th Anniversary Tour, Thekla
Because who didn’t love Teenage Dirtbag?
www.theklabristol.co.uk/live

September 22: New Groove & Playback present The Sunset Session, The Richmond
Summer vibes galore on The Richmond’s rooftop sun terrace.
www.facebook.com/events

September 24: Project Zulu, St. George’s
The celebrated Sithobelumthetho Primary School choir returns to provide Bristol with an evening of raw talent.
www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk/event

September 26: Tokyo World, Eastville Park
The sell-out event returns to Eastville with headliners Mike Skinner and Roots Manuva.
www.tokyoworld.org

September 25: An Evening With Ben Klock, The Marble Factory
The techno wonder makes a one-off appearance.
www.eventbrite.co.uk

September 29: Boombox Launch Party, Basement 45
Expect 90s hip-hop, garage and grime by the truckload.
www.basement45.co.uk

FILM

All month: Scalarama film festival
Highlights of this month-long celebration of cinema include an event on the Christmas Steps.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/culture/film/features/scalarama-returns

September 18: Grease, Salthouse Field (Clevedon)
A drive-in screening as part of the Clevedon Tides Festival.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/film-01/musical/hot-tub-cinema-grease

September 22: Romeo & Juliet, Millennium Square
See the star-crossed lovers in this ballet performance in the heart of the city.
www.facebook.com/BigScreenBristol

September 26: Flash Gordon, Clifton Observatory
He’ll save every one of us.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/film-01/science-fiction/bristol-sunset-cinema-flash-gordon?time=1443222000

September 26: The Dark Knight, Arnos Vale
This outdoor screening at the suitably bat-friendly cemetery is organised by Backyard Cinema.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/film-01/action/the-dark-knight?time=1443222000

FESTIVALS

September 1-6: Bristol Festival of Puppetry, Watershed
Look out for live performances, installations and more celebrations of all things on strings.
www.puppetplace.org/festival

September 3-5: Bristol Burlesque Festival
The finale of the festival, with special guests Odelia Opium and Pearl Boheme.
www.bristolburlesquefestival.co.uk

September 15-20: Encounters Short Film and Animation Festival, Watershed
Special anniversary event celebrating 21 years of the world renowned short film festival.
www.encounters-festival.org.uk

September 18-20: Wellington Beer Festival, Horfield
Beer and cider drinkers will be spoilt for choice and this annual Bath Ales festival.
www.bathales.com/our-pubs

September 18-20: Grape and Grain Festival, Harbourside
Bodacious beers, fine wines and vibrant fresh foods brought together with some of Bristol’s best music. 
http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/grape-grain-festival-2015-bristols-festival-of-wine-and-beer-tickets-17670502950?aff=ebriteukb247www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/grape-grain-festival-2015-bristols-festival-of-wine-and-beer-tickets-17670502950?aff=ebriteukb247

September 21: Aviation Fair, Bristol International Airport
Amazing views of speciality aircraft as well as a chance to buy models and collectors items.
www.bristolairportspotting.co.uk

September 27: Mini Moon Festival, The Fleece
Far East meets West with seven hours of acts from and inspired by East Asia.
www.thefleece.co.uk/events

THEATRE

September 6: Frankly Sinatra, Hippodrome
The world’s No. 1 Sinatra impersonator celebrates the centenary of the man himself.
www.atgtickets.com/shows

September 7-October 17: The Stick House, The Lo-co Klub
A dark gothic fable fusing film, music, performance and creative digital technology.
www.raucous.org.uk/whats-next

September 8: Closer Each Day: The Improvised Soap Opera, Bristol Improv Theatre
A funny, unconventional theatre show that’s different every time.
www.improvtheatre.net

September 12: Folklore Tapes, Arnolfini
An amalgamation of puppetry, music and traditional storytelling.
www.arnolfini.org.uk/whatson

September 17-October 3: Living Quarters, Tobacco Factory
An ordinary army officer suddenly becomes a hero in middle age.
www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com

September 18-20: The Encounter, Bristol Old Vic
Based on the true story of a photographer lost in the Amazon rainforest.
www.bristololdvic.org.uk

September 22-26: Sunset Boulevard, Hippodrome
Sunset Boulevard weaves a magnificent tale of faded glory and unfulfilled ambition.
www.atgtickets.com

September 23-26: Orpheus, Bristol Old Vic
A hot club jazz musical re-imagining of the tragic greek myth.
www.bristololdvic.org.uk/orpheus

September 30: The Carpenters Story, Hippodrome
Featuring all the songs that made The Carpenters musical legends.
www.atgtickets.com  

COMEDY

September 11: Colin Cloud – Forensic Mind Reader, Colston Hall
The “hipster Sherlock Holmes” shows off his psychic skills.
www.colstonhall.org/shows

September 12: Trespass – Mark Thomas, Tobacco Factory
The comedian combines his usual mix of theatre, stand up, activism and journalism.
www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com

September 12: Stand Up For The Weekend, Hen and Chicken
Never Mind The Buzzcocks‘ Alun Cochrane brings two mystery guests out on his UK tour.
www.henandchicken.com/Home/Events

September 18: Fred MacAuley – Twenty Fifteen, Colston Hall
The fringe veterans new show takes a sideways look at politics, sport and celebrities.
www.colstonhall.org/shows

September 23: Frisky and Mannish, Colston Hall
The quirky cabaret double act send up the likes of Miley Cyrus and and Lana Del Rey.
www.colstonhall.org/shows

September 24: Comedian’s Cinema Club, Cube
An improv show that consists of comedians acting out scenes from your favourite films.
www.cubecinema.com/programme

September 27: Mumbo Jumbo, Bristol Old Vic
Multi award-winning comedian Sean Hughes is back with his energetic new show.
www.bristololdvic.org.uk

BOOKS

September 1: Comedic Fiction, Foyles
Nikesh Shukla (above) and Emma Jane Unsworth discuss the inspiration behind their latest works.
www.foyles.co.uk/Public/Events

September 8: Eat Sleep Cycle, Roll For The Soul
Anna Hughes discusses her book about her 4000-mile solo tour of the British coast.
www.eventbrite.co.uk

September 12: Book Works Workshop, Arnolfini
An opportunity to add bookbinding as another string to your proverbial bow.
www.arnolfini.org.uk/whatson

September 15: Literary Bristol: Writers and the City
Local author Marie Mulvey-Roberts tells the history of the city through its best writers and poets.
www.foyles.co.uk/Public/Events

ART

September 1-10: Peter Randall-Page and Kate MccGwire, Royal West of England Academy
The critically acclaimed artists have collated an environmentally themed exhibition to celebrate Green Capital.
www.rwa.org.uk/whats-on/exhibitions

September 4-October 2: Bristol and Beyond – Warren Sealey, Bristol Folk House
The classically trained artist forces us to recognise the beauty in everyday Bristol life.
www.bristolfolkhouse.co.uk

September 5: I Am Making Art, Spike Island
Reserve your place at this free clay making workshop.
www.spikeisland.org.uk/events/activities

September 5-18: Extraordinary Ordinary 2, Create Centre
The Bristol-based photographer showcases his unique eye for unusual still life.
www.simoncaplanphotography.co.uk

September 7, 14, 21 & 28: Life Drawing, Café Kino
Why not turn your hand to a little bit of life drawing? Classes are held every Monday.
www.cafe-kino.com/events

September 18-20: Affordable Art Fair, Brunel’s Old Station, Temple Meads
Work from 500 artists, priced between £50-£5,000.
www.affordableartfair.com/bristol

EVENTS

Until September 27: Dismaland, Weston-super-Mare
Banksy’s ‘bemusement park’ boasts rides, exhibitions and some impressive live music.
www.dismaland.co.uk

September 3: Wolf Hall Tour, Bristol Cathedral
Exclusive tour of one of the central BBC filming locations for Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall.
www.bristol-cathedral.co.uk

September 4: Bump Roller Disco, The Trinity Centre
Get your skates on and revisit the seventies in style.
www.3ca.org.uk/whats-on/trinity

September 12: Bristol Doors Open Day
Peek inside the past and present landmarks of Bristol, above and below ground.
www.bristoldoorsopenday.org.uk

September 13: Bristol Half Marathon
Hurry! Entry closes at midnight on September 1.
www.runbristol.com

September 26 & 27: 1940s Weekend, Bitton Station
Join in for a weekend of vintage fun as Avon Valley Railway take a look at what life was like during WW2.
www.avonvalleyrailway.org

September 27: Bristol Vintage Kilo Sale, Paintworks
Retro fashion galore at affordable prices.
www.judysvintagefair.co.uk/events

LGBT+

September 6, 13, 20 & 27: Sunday Sinema, Proud Bar
Weekly screenings of cult classics – previous films include Pride and Paris Is Burning.
www.proudbristol.co.uk/WHATSON

September 8: BiVisible, Cafe Kino
A safe space for bisexual people to meet, network and exchange ideas.
www.facebook.com/groups

September 30: LGBT+ Tea Dance, The Trinity Centre
Dancing and baked goods go hand in hand – plus it’s free – what’s not to like?
www.3ca.org.uk/whats-on/trinity

FOOD & DRINK

September 2: Wine Wednesdays, The Sugar House
Indulge in a bit of fine wine tasting if you’re in need of an excuse.
www.hotelduvin.com/events

September 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30: Bristol Farmers Market, Corn Street
Browse local produce at this award-winning market.
www.visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on

September 19-26: Bristol Beer Week
A collection of events giving you the chance to sample the best of local craft beers and ales.
www.bristolbeerweek.co.uk

September 27: Eat Local, Windmill Hill City Farm
Eat and explore the best local food in a fun-packed day at the farm this autumn.
www.windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk

September 28 – October 2: SupperFest
A new collaboration between pop-ups, supper clubs, street food vendors and interesting foodie spaces.
www.foozie.co.uk/bristol-supperfest/

September 30: Champagne Tasting, Averys Wine Merchants
A seated, tutored tasting complimented by specially selected cheeses from the Arch House Deli.
www.averys.com

FAMILY

September 2: Baby Cinema: The Diary of a Teenage Girl, The Cube
See the acclaimed Marielle Heller film at a child-friendly screening.
www.cubecinema.com

September 4 & 18: Creative Writing For Children, The Station Kitchen
A space for kids aged 8-12 to create stories, poetry and more.
www.bristolyoungwriters.com

September 5: Jump Around, Bristol Folk House
Dance to some funk, soul and old school hip hop with your babies and toddlers.
www.bristolfolkhouse.co.uk

September 12: Big Bird Bonanza, Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm
Fun activities exploring a range of bird species that the kids will love.
www.noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk

September 18: Baby Art Hour, Spike Island
Get creative with texture and colour with your little one.
www.spikeisland.org.uk/events/activities

September 19: The Little Swing, Colston Hall
Bristol Jazz & Blues Festival stages a special swing dance for children of all ages.
www.bristoljazzandbluesfest.com

September 26: Storytelling Boat Trip, Arnolfini
Enjoy a family-friendly storytelling boat tour to the Floating Ballast Seed Garden.
www.arnolfini.org.uk