103 great things to do in Bristol in October

MUSIC & CLUBS

October 1: Rat Boy, The Exchange
He plays all the instruments, writes the lyrics and sings as well. Hailed by some as the new Jamie T.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/music-01/rock/ratboy?time=1443654000

October 2: In:Motion Opening Party, Motion
The super-club hosts a three-month series of music events, starting with recent B247 interviewees Kurupt FM.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/culture/music/clubs/inmotion

October 3: The Magic of Motown, Hippodrome
The Motown spectacular returns with a new show celebrating 50 years of the label’s legendary artists.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/culture/theatre/reviews/the-magic-of-motown-1413543196

October 4: Sleaford Mods, Bristol Bierkeller
Fresh from an appearance at Dismaland, the East Midlands duo combine foul-mouthed wit and Cash Converters beats. 
www.seetickets.com/event/sleaford-mods/bierkeller/881523

October 4: Juan Martin’s La Guitarra Mi Vida, St George’s
The talented duo put a modern and poetic spin on the Malaga tradition of flamenco.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/music-01/classical/juan-martin-la-guitarra-mi-vida

October 5: Atmosphere, The Fleece
Seriously credible Hip Hop duo from Minneapolis who’ve already released eight albums.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/music-01/hip-hop/atmosphere?time=1443999600

October 5: Little May, The Exchange
‘Ghost-folk’ from a Sydney-based trio with haunting harmonies.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/music-01/folkcountry/little-may?time=1443999600

October 6: LoneLady, Thekla
Fascinating Mancunian post-punk songwriter who was recently nominated for a Times Breakthrough Award.
www.theklabristol.co.uk/live/530/lonelady

October 7: The Who Live at Hyde Park, Showcase Cinema De Lux
The band perform a 50th anniversary show with a short featurette of interviews from famous fans.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/film-01/event-cinema/the-who-live-in-hyde-park

October 7: Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra & Michael Barenboim, St George’s
Oxford Philomusica returns to St George’s with scores by Mozart and Mendelssohn.
www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk/event/oxford-philomusica-michael-barenboim-violin/

October 7: Xzibit presents Brooklyn Zoo, Motion
The Pimp My Ride presenter brings his talents in high speed hip hop to the superclub.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/music-01/hip-hop/brooklyn-zoo—live-wxzibit?time=1444172400

October 9-18: Bristol Festival of Song, St George’s
A week-long celebration of the beauty, power and range of the human voice.
www.festivalofsong.org.uk/home

October 16: LTJ Bukem, The Fleece
The pioneering producer behind intelligent drum & bass classics like Atlantis and Horizons.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/music-01/dance/ltj-bukem?time=1444950000

October 17: Neville Staple Band and The Emperials, The Fleece
The Specials singer brings some quality ska to The Fleece.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/music-01/ska/neville-staple

October 17: Alfresco Disco presents Tunnel Vision, secret location
The secret party specialists go back to their roots with a closed road and a tunnel filled with soundsystems.
www.facebook.com/events/871912289560976/

October 18: Yo La Tengo, Colston Hall
One of the great unclassifiable bands, sure to enchant and confound in equal measure.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/music-01/indiealternative/yo-la-tengo

October 21: THX1138 and Asian Dub Foundation, Colston Hall
George Lucas’ dystopian fantasy directorial debut gets the live re-score treatment.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/film-01/science-fiction/thx-1138-asian-dub-foundation-live-score

October 23 & 24: Simple Things, various venues
The 16-hour music marathon features everyone from Skepta & JME to Wire and Battles.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/culture/music/festivals/new-acts-announced-for-simple-things

October 25: Music and Words from Wolf Hall, St George’s
Composer Debbie Wiseman and The Locrian Ensemble reunite to perform selections from the score.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/music-01/classical/music-and-words-from-wolf-hall?time=1445727600

October 31: The Saint Pierre Snake Invasion Album Launch, Stag & Hounds
One of Bristol’s finest live bands have just released their debut album A Hundred Years A Day, and it’s brilliant. 
https://www.facebook.com/events/951385894933578/

October 31: Just Jack Halloween Freak Boutique, Motion
Top flight technoists Ricardo Villalobos (Berlin) and Kyle Hall (Detroit) are the guests at Just Jack’s Halloween bash.
www.seetickets.com/event/in-motion-just-jack-haloween-freak-boutique/motion/901322

FILM 

October 1: Dartmoor Killing – Director Q&A, Curzon
A chance to grill writer and director Peter Nicholson about this dark psychological thriller.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/film-01/thriller/dartmoor-killing-director-qa

October 2 & 3: Outdoor Cinema, Tyntesfield
Sunset screenings of Hot Fuzz and The Shaun the Sheep Movie at the National Trust property.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/culture/film/news/national-trust-screen-season-at-tyntesfield

October 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30: LOVE is Like… Late Nights, Watershed
Late night sensory cinema including special screenings of Amelie and Blue is the Warmest Colour.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/film-01/comedy/amelie

October 3: Bristol Surf Film Festival, Paintworks
Surf films and culture are put in the spotlight, including feature films, shorts and home-made movies too. 
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/film-01/documentary/bristol-surf-film-festival-2015

October 9-11: Bristol Radical Film Festival, Arnolfini
Screenings of socially and politically engaged documentaries and fiction films from around the world.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/culture/film/features/bristol-radical-film-festival-returns

October 12 & 13: How to Change the World, Cube
A documentary about the group of friends who founded Greenpeace in 1971.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/film-01/documentary/how-to-change-the-world-1439726686

October 26: Cannoli & Gun – The Silence of the Lambs, Rosemarino
The movies ‘n’ nosh specialists serve up a helping of horror in the form of cinema’s most adventurous foodie.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/film-01/horror/cannoli-gun-the-silence-of-the-lambs

October 29-November 7: Hot Tub Cinema, Paintworks
Book a tub and enjoy a different movie every night, with room for up to 120 punters.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/culture/film/news/hot-tub-cinema-returns-for-halloween  

FESTIVALS 

October 3: Bristol Comic and Zine Fair, The Station
Bringing together artists, writers, publishers and booksellers from across Bristol for a one-day market.
www.bristolcomicandzinefair.wordpress.com/

October 8-31: Circus City, various venues
An eclectic mix of shows, talks, masterclasses and workshops celebrating circus culture.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/news-comment/daily/arts/circus-city-coming-to-bristol-in-october

October 9-18: Bristol Festival of Song, St George’s
A week-long celebration of the beauty, power and range of the human voice.
www.festivalofsong.org.uk/home

October 10 & 11: LaDIYfest, various venues
A weekend celebrating the artistic achievements of self-identifying women and oppressed genders.
www.facebook.com/ladiyfestbristol

October 22: Festival of Female Entrepreneurs, Colston Hall
One-day fair aiming to provide information and inspiration that can take a business to the next level.
www.enterprisenation.com/festival

October 23 & 24: Simple Things, various venues
The 16-hour music marathon features everyone from Skepta and JME to Wire and Battles.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/culture/music/festivals/new-acts-announced-for-simple-things

October 24: Harvest Festival Fair, Kilver Court
Follow the yellow brick road to an Oz-themed celebration of the South West’s makers, growers and producers.
www.kilvercourt.com/news-events

October 25: Autumn Love Food Festival, Paintworks
Autumnal comfort food for all – get your mulled cider, Bath cheese and artisanal sausage rolls here.
www.lovefoodfestival.com/paintworks-event.html

THEATRE

October 6-10: Every Brilliant Thing, Factory Theatre
Acclaimed comedy about depression and the lengths we’ll go to for those we love.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/theatre-01/comedy/every-brilliant-thing-tobacco-factory-theatres-bristol?time=1444086000

October 6-10: Ghost Opera, Brewery Theatre
Bristol’s FellSwoop Theatre explore hauntings in this eerie spoken and sung performance.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/theatre-01/new-writing/ghost-opera-brewery-theatre-bristol?time=1444086000

October 6-17: Theatre West – Dogtag, Hamilton House
Opener for Theatre West’s annual season of new writing, a gritty contemporary social drama.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/theatre-01/new-writing/theatre-west-dogtag-hamilton-house-bristol?time=1444086000

October 6-17: And Then Come the Nightjars, Bristol Old Vic
A play charting one farm’s struggle to survive the 2001 foot-and-mouth crisis.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/theatre-01/new-writing/and-then-come-the-nightjars-bristol-old-vic?time=1444086000

October 8-November 7: The Crucible, Bristol Old Vic
Creative director Tom Morris directs a revival of Arthur Miller’s influential 1950s work.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/theatre-01/20th-century/the-crucible-bristol-old-vic?time=1444258800

October 10: Marie Celestial, secret location
Magical circus and theatre, performed on board a mechanical, space-faring creation.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/theatre-01/circus/marie-celestial-circus-city-bristol?time=1444431600

October 12-24: Citizen George, Brass Works Theatre
An all-female cast potrays the meeting of three prisoners in a French gaol during the Revolution.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/theatre-01/new-writing/citizen–brass-works-theatre-bristol?time=1444604400

October 12-24: Outpost, Brewery Theatre
Absurd comedy and grotesque puppetry combine to explore nationalism and leadership.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/theatre-01/puppetry/outpost-tobacco-factory-theatres-bristol

October 14: She Called Me Mother, Trinity
A homeless 70-year-old finds herself searching for her estranged daughter. Part of Black History Month.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/theatre-01/new-writing/she-called-me-mother-bristol?time=1444777200

October 14-17: Romeo & Juliet, Hippodrome
See Nureyev’s award-winning choreography especially created for the English National Ballet.
www.atgtickets.com/shows/english-national-ballets-romeo-and-juliet/bristol-hippodrome/

October 14-24: Cardenio, Kelvin Studios
The Kelvin Players become the first UK non-professional company to take on Shakespeare’s ‘lost play’.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/theatre-01/shakespeare-and-the-classics/cardenio-kelvin-players-bristol?time=1444863600

October 16 & 17: L’homme de Boue, Wickham Theatre
Intensely physical performance the ‘mud man’ or primal being.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/theatre-01/physical-theatre/homme-de-boue-circus-city-bristol?time=1444950000

October 22-24: Sweeney Todd, Hippodrome
The Welsh National Opera put on a grizzly show as they tell the story of the demon barber of Fleet Street.
www.atgtickets.com/shows/sweeney-todd-wno/bristol-hippodrome/

October 27 & 28: The Edge, Factory Theatre
A exploration of sea level rise, climate change and migration.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/theatre-01/new-writing/the-edge?time=1445904000

COMEDY

October 1: Jethro, Hippodrome
Rapidly gaining cult status with the British public, the Cornish comedian brings his latest tour to Bristol.
www.atgtickets.com/shows/jethro-2/bristol-hippodrome/

October 2 & 3: Daniel Sloss – Dark, Hen & Chicken
Scotland’s award-winning ‘half-man half-Xbox’ brings some bitingly funny stuff to the Hen & Chicken.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/comedy-01/standup/daniel-sloss-dark-comedy-box-bristol?time=1443740400

October 3: KSI Live, Colston Hall
The king of YouTube talks selfies, Tinder and FIFA in this frank take-down of the modern age.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/comedy-01/standup/ksi-live-colston-hall-bristol

October 4: Simon Munnery – And Nothing But, Factory Theatre
Return of the ever-inventive, comedy-rulebook-shredding performer.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/comedy-01/standup/simon-munnery?time=1443913200

October 7: Best of Edinburgh Fringe – Iain Stirling & Julian Deane, Colston Hall
The cream of the crop bring some sharp wit and a few unexpected twists to the Colston Hall.
www.colstonhall.org/shows/iain-stirling-and-julian-deane/ 

October 15: Fin Taylor – Stink, The White Bear
New show from the rising comic who cut his teeth while at university here in Bristol.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/comedy-01/standup/fin-taylor-stink-bristol?time=1444863600

October 21: Nish Kumar, The Lantern
The Ed Fest regular brings his show Long Word…Long Word…Blah Blah Blah…I’m So Clever to Bristol.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/comedy-01/standup/nish-kumar-colston-hall-bristol

October 25: Henning Wehn – Eins Zwei DIY, Bristol Old Vic
Everyone’s favourite German expat comedian gives more unique insights into British daily life. 
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/comedy-01/standup/henning-wehn-eins-zwei-diy-bristol

October 27: MC Devvo and Shady Piez, Thekla
The self-proclaimed ‘biggest chav in Yorkshire’, brings his musical parody to the boat.
www.theklabristol.co.uk/live/549/mc-devvo 

October 27: Dan Clark – Me, My Selfie and I, The Lantern
Critically-lauded show about love, death and crushing loneliness.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/comedy-01/standup/dan-clark-my-my-selfie-and-i-bristol?time=1445904000

October 30: Legends! – Harry Enfield & Paul Whitehouse, Colston Hall
The pair appear in a UK tour for the first time, promising to revive and revitalise 25 years of classic characters.
http://www.colstonhall.org/shows/harry-enfield-and-paul-whitehouse/

BOOKS

October 3: Bristol Comic and Zine Fair, The Station
Bringing together artists, writers, publishers and booksellers from across Bristol for a one-day market.
www.bristolcomicandzinefair.wordpress.com/

October 7: The What the Frock! Book of Funny Women, Hydra Bookshop
Join What the Frock! founder Jane Duffus and comedians Cerys Nelmes and Becky Brunning.
www.wegottickets.com/event/332769

October 11: Salman Rushdie, St George’s Bristol
Bristol Festival of Ideas welcomes the great writer to discuss his latest book. 
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/culture/books/events/tickets-for-salman-rushdie-event-on-sale 

October 15–25: Bristol Festival of Literature, various venues
A selection of live performances, literary workshops and spoken word.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/culture/books/events/bristol-festival-of-literature-is-fundsurfing

October 21: Black History Month – An American Odyssey, Central Library
Roger Griffith discusses his book, which charts his life as a young black man growing up in 1980s England.
www.bristol.gov.uk/page/leisure-and-culture/libraries-news-and-events

October 22: An Evening with Sarah Alderson, Stanfords
The best-selling YA author and screenwriter discusses her latest book, Can We Live Here?
www.stanfords.co.uk/events/Events-at-Stanfords/Can-We-Live-Here–an-evening-with-Sarah-Alderson_EVENT-SA.htm

ART

October 1 & 2: Warren Sealey and Beyond, Folk House
Final chance to see the local exhibition focusing on daily life in Bristol.
www.bristolfolkhouse.co.uk/

October 1-6: Bristol and Beyond by Paul Weaver, Steak of the Art
Final week of the exhibition featuring marine and coastal panoramas.
www.steakoftheart.co.uk/art

October 3 & 4: Art on the Hill, Windmill Hill and Victoria Park
Ninth instalment of the neighbourhood art trail, with over 100 artists and performers.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/art-01/art-trail/art-on-the-hill-windmill-hill-victoria-park-bristol?time=1443826800

October 4–November 29: 163rd Annual Open Exhibition, Royal West of England Academy
A highlight of the region’s art calendar attracting leading artists from throughout the UK.
www.rwa.org.uk/whats-on/exhibitions/2015/10/163-annual-open/ 

October 12-31: Higgedly-Piggedly, The Island
Images portraying professional circus artists as part of Circus City 2015.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/art-01/exhibitions/higgledy-piggledy-circus-city-bristol?time=1444863600

October 24-25: 24 Hours in Bristol Photography Competition
Photographers from across Europe attempt to capturethe essence of life in the city in 24 hours. 
www.24hoursinbristol.co.uk    

October 30-November 1: Bristol & Bath Art Weekender, various venues
Bringing together the region’s best exhibitions, artist-led groups and arts producers.
www.artweekender.com 

EVENTS 

October 1-4: TreeSong, Durdham Downs
Bringing musical life to a 100-year-old beech tree via sensors and an eco-generator.
www.treesong.org.uk/about-treesong/

October 1-31: Diversity Month, Zion Community Arts Space
A programme of music, comedy, film and photography celebrating the stories of local people.
www.facebook.com/DiversityMonthDundryView     

October 3 & 4: Docks Heritage Weekend, M Shed
A weekend of activities exploring the history and working life of the old City Docks.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/theatre-01/multimedia/mass-crane-dance-1443102931?time=1443826800

October 8: The Great Sheep Round Up, Cribbs Causeway
All 120 Shauns go under the hammer, with all proceeds going to charity.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/news-comment/daily/shaun-in-the-city/auctioneer-announced-for-great-sheep-round-up

October 8: After hours-Earth, At-Bristol
At-Bristol’s adult night returns with an Earth-themed after hours experience.
www.at-bristol.org.uk/2715.html

October 8-18: Moscow State Circus, Durdham Downs
An impressive show of acrobatic feats based on traditional Russian folklore.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/culture/theatre/competitions/win-four-tickets-to-the-moscow-state-circus

October 17 & 18: Steam Gala, Avon Valley Railway
Take a ride on some old-school locomotives or find a scenic spot to watch the impressive engines go by.
www.avonvalleyrailway.org/steamgala

October 24-25: 24 Hours in Bristol Photography Competition
Photographers from across Europe attempt to capturethe essence of life in the city in 24 hours. 
www.24hoursinbristol.co.uk   

October 24-March 13: Death – The Human Experience, Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
An insightful exhibition about our responses to death and mortality.
www.bristolmuseums.org.uk/bristol-museum-and-art-gallery/whats-on/death-human-experience/

October 27: Juliet Jacques – Trans, Waterstones
Jacques tells the story of her sex reassignment surgery with unflinching honesty.
www.ideasfestival.co.uk/events/juliet-jacques/

October 28-31: Day of the Dead, Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
Mexico comes to Bristol on Day of the Dead – expect sugar skulls and mariachi bands.
www.bristolmuseums.org.uk/bristol-museum-and-art-gallery/whats-on/mexican-day-of-the-dead/

October 29: Samer Nashef – The Naked Surgeon, Waterstones
Nashef asks the question: how well do those who treat us actually treat us?
www.ideasfestival.co.uk/events/samer-nashef%E2%80%A8/

October 29-November 21: Sanctum, Temple Church
Theaster Gates enlists Bristol performers, with plans to keep the show running 24 hours a day for 24 days.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/culture/music/previews/temple-of-sound

FOOD & DRINK

October 4: YEOpen Day, Yeo Valley HQ
A rare chance to visit Yeo Valley Venues on a weekend and sneak a peek into its inner workings.
www.yeovalley.co.uk/the-valley/events-in-the-valley/more/yeopen-day

October 7: Gin tasting and five-course meal, Pump House 
A expertly-prepared gin to match each course.
www.foozie.co.uk/all-food-and-drink-events-list/2015/10/7/gin-tasting-5-course-menu-pump-house

October 10: Henleaze Food & Craft Market, Eastfield Inn
Over 25 local artisan stalls selling a range of local produce plus handmade crafts.
www.theeastfieldinn.co.uk

October 17: Harbour Cruise on The Matthew, Princes Wharf
Join the crew on board The Matthew for a two-hour harbour cruise with traditional fish and chips.
www.matthew.co.uk 

October 19-24: Bristol Cocktail Week, various venues
Delve into the world of finely crafted cocktails with tastings, balls and masterclasses at over 50 bars.
www.bristolcocktailweek.bar 

October 21-November 18: Street Food Around the World, Little Kitchen Cookery School
Learn to whip up some tasty morsels from around the globe in this sociable cooking class.
www.little-kitchen.co.uk/best-of-street-food-around-the-world

October 25: Autumn Love Food Festival, Paintworks
Autumnal comfort food for all – get your mulled cider, Bath cheese and artisanal sausage rolls here.
www.lovefoodfestival.com/paintworks-event.html

FAMILY

October 4: Mr Gotalot’s Gotalot Shop – The Chinchilla Thriller, Kelvin Studios
Monkey Trousers Theatre brings a brand new episode of the popular theatrical sitcom to Bristol audiences.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/theatre-01/family/mr-gotalots-gotalot-shop-chinchilla-thriller-bristol-monkey-trousers-theatre?time=1443913200

October 6: Sea Hear Storytelling, SS Great Britain
Turn up with your pre-school little ones and settle down for some maritime tales.
www.ssgreatbritain.org/whats-on/sea-hear-storytelling

October 13: Family Storytelling with Rosie Faragher, Arnolfini
Join the illustrator/educator Rosie  to explore the exhibitions and events in a family-friendly way.

October 15: TYNTEtots, Tyntesfield
There’ll be stories, games, crafts and a chance to discover the tales behind Tyntesfield’s beautiful grounds.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/tyntesfield 

October 17-31: Fear at Avon Valley, Avon Valley Wildlife Park
The spooky special at Avon Valley returns for a festive fair of rides, freak shows and ‘live scare attractions’.
www.avonvalleycountrypark.com/avon-valley-fear/

October 22-November 1: Halloween Festival, Wild Place Project
Witchy woodland trails, scarecrow mazes and genuine wolf howls.
www.wildplace.org.uk/plan-your-visit-events/halloween-festival

October 25–November 1: Half Term Train Rides, Avon Valley Railway
All children who dress up in scary costume travel free.
www.avonvalleyrailway.org/events/halloween-half-term

October 27: Table of Delights, Yeo Valley HQ
The imaginative Theatre Damfino present a participatory picnic and feast for the senses.
www.yeovalley.co.uk/the-valley/events-in-the-valley/more/table-of-delights-live-unplugged