90 fab things to do in Bristol in November

MUSIC & CLUBS

November 4: Ibeyi, Trinity
The French-Cuban twins perform beautifully haunting music, singing in both English and Yoruba.
www.3ca.org.uk/whats-on/trinity/2015/ibeyi

November 4: Celestine, The Mall Clifton
The powerful singer is joined by an all-star jazz band including revered saxophonist James Morton.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/music-01/jazz/celestine-1444593438?time=1446595200

November 4: Fish & Bird, The Canteen
Four musicians brought up on a tiny island off the coast of British Columbia are bound to be unique.
www.canteenbristol.co.uk/livemusic/fish-bird-2/

November 6: Kudos presents Tim Westwood, Lakota
The veteran Hip Hop DJ plays a nostalgia-filled set at the Stokes Croft club.
www.lakota.co.uk/events-tickets/233-kudos-presents-tim-westwood

November 6: Motorcity, The Lanes
An unbeatable fix of motown, funk, soul and disco until the wee hours.
ww.thelanesbristol.skiddletickets.com/event.php?id=12528192

November 7: Annie Mac, Motion
The Radio 1 stalwart has big plans to rock Motion to the rafters.
For more info and tickets click here

November 9: Jenny Hval, The Lantern
Norwegian experimentalist comes to the UK after Grammy win for the 2014 album Meshes of Voice.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/music-01/leftfield-experimental/jenny-hval

November 11: We Are The Ocean, The Fleece
The four piece English rock band embark on their ARK tour.
www.thefleece.co.uk/events/we-are-the-ocean/

November 14: Slaves, Anson Rooms
The Kent duo, famed for their crazy onstage antics, return to Bristol with their garage-punk sound.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/music-01/punk/slaves-1432108950?time=1447459200

November 14: Maverick Sabre, Bierkeller
A beautifully unique voice and some certified chart-toppers to boot.
www.bierkellerlive.info/maverick.html

November 15: The Fratellis, O2 Academy
The Glaswegian trio bring their energetic sound the O2 supported by indie rockers The Crookes.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/music-01/indiealternative/the-fratellis

November 16: Kiko Bun, The Louisiana
The half-Panamanian, half-Italian takes inspiration from Jamaican sound system culture.
www.thelouisiana.net/events/16-nov-15-kiko-bun-the-louisiana/

November 18: Talib Kweli, Marble Factory
The outspoken conscience of Hip Hop brings words of wisdom to Bristol.
www.marblefactorybristol.com/event/talib-kweli/

November 20: Twisted, Bierkeller
The Bristol-born hard rock pros perform in front of their famous wall of Marshall amps.
www.seetickets.com/event/twisted/bierkeller/896341

November 20: Dreadzone, The Fleece
Genre-busting folk, dub, electronic dance and everything in between.
www.thefleece.co.uk/events/dreadzone/

November 23: Huun Huur Tu, St George’s
It’s time you experienced some live Tuvan throat singing, if you haven’t already.
www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk/event/huun-huur-tu/

November 24: Dalek, The Exchange
Hailed by critics and pioneers and risk-takers for a new generation of hip hop.
www.exchangebristol.com/whats-on/events/24-nov-15-dalek-exchange/

November 25: Beartooth, Thekla
The result of collaborative creativity, with brutal metalcore and old school punk.
www.theklabristol.co.uk/live/554/beartooth

November 29: TreeSong, St George’s
Hear the result of a unique project bringing the ‘natural music’ of a century-old beech tree to life.
www.treesong.org.uk/blog/

FILM

November 1: European Outdoor Film Tour, St George’s
Collating the best sport/adventure cinema of the year for the thrill seekers and white-knuckle-riders.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/film-01/documentary/european-outdoor-film-tour-2015

November 1-7: Hot Tub Cinema, Paintworks
Hop in a tub and kick back in front of some cinema classics, starting with The Lion King.
For more info and tickets click here

November 1-29: Watch and Weep Brunches, Watershed
Rediscover some of cinema’s most enduring love stories as part of LOVE season, starting with Casablanca.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/film-01/drama/casablanca

November 2: The Yes Men are Revolting, Cube
Documentary following the antics of the Yes Men, hilarious activists who expose corporate crimes.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/film-01/documentary/the-yes-men-are-revolting

November 4 & 11: NT Live – Hamlet, Curzon
Special encore screenings of Mr. Cumberbatch’s glorious performance as the prince of Denmark.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/film-01/event-cinema/nt-live-hamlet?time=1446595200

November 7: 24-hour Bad Movie Marathon, Benjamin Perry Boathouse
No sleeping. No breaks. No films rated over 40% on Rotten Tomatoes.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/culture/film/news/bristol-bad-film-clubs-stinkerthon

November 8-December 13: Phoenix Project presents Star Wars, Phoenix Cafe
Get up to date with all the intergalactic drama ahead of the new release, Force Awakened.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/film-01/science-fiction/star-wars-episode-i-the-phantom–menace

November 13-15: Afrika Eye Film Festival, Watershed
Screenings of some of the best African films from across the continent.
ww.afrikaeye.org.uk/

November 18: Cannoli & Gun present Spaceballs, Crofters Rights
The dubious 1987 Star Wars parody will be served with margherita pizza – making it well worth it.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/film-01/comedy/cannoli-gun-spaceballs

FESTIVALS & FAIRS

November 5-7: The Rooms, The Island
“A playground for new ideas” with installations, free talks, workshops, film screenings and house parties. 
www.theroomsfestival.com

November 6 & 7: Novemberfest, Avon Valley Railway
A wintery beer festival at Bitton Station with a wide selection of cider and real ales too.
www.avonvalleyrailway.org/beerfest

November 7-14: Thinking Futures Festival, venue tbc
Talks and discussions celebrating research and progress in social sciences and law.
www.bristol.ac.uk/public-engagement/events/2015/thinking-futures.html

November 12-14: Festival of Economics, At-Bristol
A series of events provoking discussion around the economy as part of Bristol Festival of Ideas.
www.ideasfestival.co.uk/seasons/festival-economics/

November 15: Judy’s Vintage Kilo Fair, Paintworks
All the vintage fashion you can carry, with a flat fee of £15 per kg.
For more info and tickets click here

November 17-20: Festival of the Future City, various venues
A programme of debates, talks, films, exhibitions and performances examining the cityspace.
www.ideasfestival.co.uk/seasons/festival-future-city/

November 18-19: Shakespeare Schools Festival, Redgrave Theatre
The UK’s largest youth drama festival. Abridged versions of the bard’s classics performed by local children.
www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com/shows/detail/shakespeare_schools_festival6/

November 28: North Street Winter Fair, Bedminster
Music, food, independent stalls and general merrymaking.
www.facebook.com/NorthStreetBristol/

THEATRE

November 2-4: And Now – The World, Factory Theatre
New English language première of the German play about being young in a digital world.
www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com/shows/detail/and_now_the_world/ 

November 3-7: Jane Wenham – The Witch of Walkern, Factory Theatre
A gripping and haunting play about the last woman in England to be convicted of witchery.
www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com/shows/detail/jane_wenham_the_witch_of_walkern/

November 5-7: Portrait, Brewery Theatre
Emerging talent Racheal Ofori takes a frank and funny look at modern existence.
www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com/shows/detail/portrait/

November 10-14: Eventide, Factory Theatre
The story of three people whose worlds are disappearing in the heart of the Hampshire countryside.
www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com/shows/detail/eventide/

November 11-14: Doubt, Alma Theatre
In the mid-sixties, a school principal disapproves of the changes taking place in the Catholic Church.
www.almataverntheatre.co.uk/theatre/what-s-on.html

November 12: The Birdhouse, Circomedia
A surreal comedy horror by the anarchic Lecoq-trained Jammy Voo.
www.system.spektrix.com/circomedia/website/EventDetails.aspx?EventId=29856&resize=true

November 16: And Then There Were Nine, Alma Theatre
Company 9 present a series of eerie short stories performed through speech and movement.
www.almataverntheatre.co.uk/theatre/what-s-on.html

November 17-21: Dead Dog in a Suitcase, Bristol Old Vic
An adaptation of a classic musical satire. 
www.bristololdvic.org.uk/deaddog.html

November 17-28: Trip the Light Fantastic, Bristol Old Vic
A play about love, loneliness, joy and dancing.
www.bristololdvic.org.uk/lightfantastic.html

November 19: NT Live – Of Mice and Men, various venues
Cinemas citywide creen the highly-acclaimed Broadway production of Steinbeck’s Depression-era novella.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/film-01/event-cinema/nt-live-of-mice-and-men

November 25-28: The Off-White Horse, Alma Theatre
An exploration of the themes of family ties, loyalty and sacrifice through the lives of the Liddells.
http://bristolcads.org.uk/events/the-off-white-horse

November 26-January 10: The Light Princess, Factory Theatre
This year’s Christmas creation is inspired by George MacDonald’s tale of love and magic.
www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com/shows/detail/the_light_princess/

November 27: Ten Thousand Million Love Stories, Bristol Improv Theatre
A two-person, multi-character exploration of love.
www.improvtheatre.net/calendar/bit-presents-ten-thousand-million-love-stories/

November 27-January 17: Sleeping Beauty, Bristol Old Vic
The Old Vic’s festive show is a classic story told with live music and light up theatre.
www.bristololdvic.org.uk/sleepingbeauty.html

COMEDY

November 1: Rich Hall, Bristol Old Vic
Grouchy, deadpan and hilarious.
www.bristololdvic.org.uk/richhall.html

November 3 & 4: Kevin Bridges, Colston Hall
The brilliant Scottish comic is back following a record-breaking tour in 2012.
www.colstonhall.org/shows/kevin-bridges/

November 5: Mae Martin, Bristol Improv Theatre
The brutally honest storyteller is on the up after appearing on Russell Howard’s Good News.
www.improvtheatre.net/calendar/black-hole-comedy-presents-mae-martin/

November 6: Stewart Francis, Colston Hall
The king of natty one-liners brings his Pun Gent tour to Bristol.
www.colstonhall.org/shows/stewart-francis/

November 10: Jenny Eclair – How to be a Middle Aged Woman, Bristol Old Vic
The professional Grumpy Old Woman puts middle age under the microscope.
www.bristololdvic.org.uk/jennyeclair.html

November 14: Lloyd Langford, The Comedy Box
The wry, lugubrious and often surreal comic returns to the Bristol.
www.thecomedybox.co.uk/site/301.asp?catID=1342

November 15: Stephen K Amos, Tobacco Factory
The maestro of feel-good comedy returns with new tour The Laughter Master.
www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com/shows/detail/stephen_k_amos_the_laughter_master/

November 15: Andy Parsons, Bristol Old Vic
The Mock the Week star’s fifth tour promises to be as sharp and witty as ever.
www.bristololdvic.org.uk/andyparsons.html

BOOKS

November 5: Journey Back to Nature and Soul, Hamilton House
Authors offer insights, poetry, stories and creative methods that aim to deepen our connection to nature.
www.hamiltonhouse.org/project/journey-to-nature-soul/

November 10: The Hunt, Stanfords
An evening with Frozen Planet producers Alastair Fothorgill and Huw Cordey discussing their new book.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-hunt-an-evening-with-alastair-fothergill-and-huw-cordey-tickets-18733371017

November 10: My House in Damascus, St George’s
Arabic-speaking author Diana Darke gives an inside view of the Syrian revolution.
www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk/event/diana-darke-my-house-in-damascus/

November 11: Rachel Joyce, Central Library
The best-selling author talks about her collection of wintery short stories The Snow Garden.
www.bristol.gov.uk/libraries-archives/news-events

November 12: An Interview with Vince Cable, At-Bristol
Former business secretary discusses his book The Storm, an exploration of the economic crisis.
www.ideasfestival.co.uk/events/vince-cable/

November 15: Winter Book Fair, Bristol Museum
Snap up a bargain at the museum’s huge annual book sale.
www.bristolmuseums.org.uk/bristol-museum-and-art-gallery/whats-on/winter-book-fair/

November 19: Experiments in Imagined History, M Shed
An exploration of the connections between two of Britain’s most intriguing poets.
www.bristolmuseums.org.uk/m-shed/whats-on/experiments-in-imagined-history/

ART

November 10-15: Painting Out Loud, The Island
Exhibition by three unique artists who share one commonality: the striking graphical nature of their paintings.
www.viewartgallery.co.uk/exhibitions/painting-loud/

November 13-18: The Vale Of by Matthew Gorst, Centrespace
A mixed media show of paintings, prints, sketches and sculpture based on an imaginary suburban town.
www.centrespacegallery.com/exhibitions/the-vale-of/

November 14: Pop Up Art Sale, St Michael’s Church
More than 30 Bristol artists will showcase their work, which will all be available for purchase.
www.twitter.com/PopupArtBristol

November 20-December 13: Test Space, Spike Island
A connective exhibition in which every piece is a response to another.
www.spikeisland.org.uk/events/exhibitions/test-space-conversation-pieces/

November 24-29: Somewhere in the City, Arnolfini
Art in Motion presents work by five Bristol artists exploring a historic and often over-looked area of Bristol.
www.arnolfini.org.uk/whatson/aim-somewhere-in-the-city-1

November 29: Introduction to Drawing, Royal West of England Academy
A workshop for complete beginners to come along and have a go in a relaxed and supportive environment.
www.rwa.org.uk/whats-on/events/2015/11/introduction-to-drawing/

EVENTS

November 1: Nightingale Nightmare, Leigh Woods
A Halloween-themed off road 10k race – fancy dress encouraged.
www.nightingalenightmare.co.uk/

Until November 21: Sanctum, Temple Church
An ambitious arts project consisting of 24 days of continuous performance.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/culture/music/previews/temple-of-sound

November 5-December 16: Planetarium Nights, At Bristol
The science centre’s weekly stargazing event returns with a presenter-led tour of the night sky.
www.at-bristol.org.uk/2679

November 6: Downend Firework Display, Round Table
Enjoy an impressive display whilst raising money for worthy causes.
www.downendrt.co.uk/

November 6-December 22: German Christmas Market, Broadmead
The smells of mulled wine, roast pork and gingerbread return to the centre and the countdown begins.
www.bristolgermanchristmasmarket.co.uk

November 7-January 5: At-Bristol Ice Rink, Millennium Square
Wrap up warm and skate under the stars  – real ice guaranteed.
www.at-bristol.org.uk/icerink.html

November 8: The Movie Doctors, St George’s
Mark Kermode and Simon Mayo take a passionate look at the anatomy of film.
www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk/event/the-movie-doctors/

November 11: TEDxBristol, Colston Hall
Speakers from all walks of life entertain and inspire with stories of innovation and personal challenge.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/news-comment/daily/science/tedx-bristol-2015

November 11: Love the Future of Fashion, The Lantern
A show that aim’s to challenge the modern idea of consumption through alternative fashion.
www.colstonhall.org/shows/love-the-future-fashion/

November 19: Urbanimals, various venues
As the Playable City project comes to an end say farewell to the interactive animals dotted around Bristol.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/news-comment/daily/arts/urbanimals-coming-to-bristol

November 20: Morgan & West, Smoke and Mirrors
The time travelling magicians present an evening of Victorian mysticism.
www.tockify.com/smokeandmirrorsbar/detail/241/1448046000000

November 21: History of Fashion, Blaise Castle
A day school with hands-on exercises exploring changes in fashion since the 1800s.
www.bristolmuseums.org.uk/blaise-castle-house-museum/whats-on/history-of-fashion-day-school/

November 28-January 3: A Very Victorian Christmas, Tyntesfield
Experience the festive season as it would have been a century ago for a Victorian family and their servants.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/article-1355811535571/

FOOD & DRINK

November 3: Food Fireworks, Yeo Valley HQ
Demos of explosive dishes by Yeo’s top chefs, with breakfast and lunch included.
www.yeovalley.co.uk/the-valley/events-in-the-valley/more/demi-demo-days

November 5: Winter Warmers Drinks Tasting, Goldbrick House
Sip on some boozy concoctions fit for the festive season.
www.goldbrickhouse.co.uk/events-and-offers

November 10: Tim Maddam’s Game Night, River Cottage Canteen
An expert’s insight into preparing and cooking wild game at home.
www.rivercottage.net/canteens/bristol

November 12: Whisky and Cheese Matching, St Vincent’s
An evening of fine cheeses and even finer spirits hosted by James Buntin from Balvenie distillery.
www.stvincentsrestaurant.com/events/?ID=0

November 21: International Peace Cafe, The Station Cafe
A pop-up café showcasing flavours and dishes from conflict-torn countries around the world.
www.91ways.org/save-the-date-international-peace-cafe/

November 26: Thanksgiving Dinner, Goldbrick House
Eat like an American at this special edition of Chef’s Table.
www.goldbrickhouse.co.uk/events-and-offers

FAMILY

November 1: Love Tea Dance with a Difference, Watershed
Colourful games and activities inspired by Pixar’s Inside Out.
www.watershed.co.uk/whatson/6944/love-tea-dance-with-a-difference/

November 2: Take It On – Stage Combat Skills, Factory Studio
Train in specialised techniques used by actors to create the illusion of physical combat on stage and in film.
www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com/plus/events/take_it_on_stage_combat_skills/

November 5-7: Family Fireworks, Bristol Zoo
Celebrate Bonfire Night with a special low-noise dog-and-baby-friendly bang.
For more info and tickets click here

November 7: The Sky in the Pie, Circomedia
Participatory, physical theatre with circus, puppetry and an original musical score.
www.system.spektrix.com/circomedia/website/EventDetails.aspx?EventId=30257&resize=true

November 26: The Night That Autumn Turned to Winter, Bristol Old Vic
A frenzy of nut gathering and nest building in a magical world full of stories, songs and silliness.
www.bristololdvic.org.uk/nightautumnwinter.html

November 28: Digimakers, At Bristol
A day of free workshops, tech and learning for kids interested in computing and programming.
www.digimakers.co.uk

See more in our What’s On listings.