Autumn is underway; the sun is starting to set earlier and the temperature is dropping, but that doesn’t mean there’s little fun to be had. With awesome events such as Oktoberfest and Halloween taking place this month, it means we needn’t have to stay indoors. Plus, October is bursting with exhibitions and performances for you to indulge in, let alone the food and drink. So, without further ado, here’s our guide to the best things to do in Bristol to make for an epic October.
1. Eat local with a new street market festival in Bedmonster
On October 1, Bedminster’s East Street will be transformed into a new a street market. eat:Bedminster Festival will let over 50 local food and drink vendors take over and showcase the best of Bedminster’s hospitality scene. Variations of the festival will also take place at eat:Nailsea on October 8 and eat:Clevedon on October 29. If you miss these festivals, however, why not take the opportunity to support and discover the local vendors in your area. At the the end of the month, Windmill Hill Market will also make an appearance in Bedminster on October 29.
2. Be enthralled by the best of The Rolling Stones at this candlelight concert
The Rolling Stones don’t really need an introduction at this point do they? Having been active since the 1960s, releasing over 30 albums, three Grammy wins, and being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame they are global icons – and that’s not even close to all of their accolades. On October 5, Bristol’s The Mount Without is going to be celebrating these rock legends by the glow of candlelight. Get your tickets to hear the best of the Rolling Stones now.
3. Celebrate Oktoberfest with schnitzels and steins at Hoptoberfest
Oktoberfest returns to Munich this year, and luckily for Bristolians they can join in celebrations the festival with plenty of steins, schnitzels and sausages. One Bristol bar and restaurant bringing this traditional German event to us is none other than Propyard . On October 21 and 22, Hoptoberfest will serve up steins of craft beers from some of Bristol’s finest breweries, with sides of bratwurst.
4. Sip on a warming mug of delicious hot chocolate
With autumn in full swing, it means hot chocolate season has arrived. From sophisticated mugs of rich, chocolatey heaven, to goblets of milky goodness with gooey marshmallows and cream, there are plenty of places in Bristol to grab a hug in a mug that is hot chocolate. Just what the doctor ordered! Check to out our guide to Bristol’s dreamiest hot chocolates where you can sip on the hot drink happily and escape the unpredictable British weather.
5. Head to an art gallery
The day’s are getting colder, so we’re going to have to start spending a lot less time outdoors. Luckily Bristol is full of some amazing art galleries. From Spike Island to The Royal West Of England Academy, you can discover local and international talent, contemporary and classical art. There is art for anyone to enjoy. All housed in gorgeous, cosy buildings.
6. Watch scary films in some of Bristol’s spookiest venues
Returning this year is the much-loved Bristol Film Festival with top titles screened in the most unique – and apt – spaces. This Halloween, if you’re feeling brave enough you can watch scary films in possibly some of the spookiest places in the city including Redcliffe Caves and Arnos Vale Cemetery, or Bristol Museum & Art Gallery if those spaces give you the creeps. Expect everything from Evil Dead to Suspiria, Hereditary to Paranormal Activity. And the utilisation of the equally terrifying Arnos Vale Cemetery. To find out which Bristol venues are showing which films head here.
7. Go pumpkin picking
It’s October which which means seasonal events like Halloween and Bonfire Night are creeping our way, plus the huge countdown to Christmas. But first on the agenda for autumn has to be Halloween. Whether you’re doing it for the ‘gram or just absolutely love getting your carve on, there are a number of pumpkin patches near Bristol you can visit this autumn. From the start of October through to Halloween, pumpkin patches near Bristol will not only be brimming with pumpkins but also plenty of activities to get involved in from carving to photoshoots with your produce. Check out the best pumpkin patches near Bristol where you can pick your own pumpkins here.
8. Try culinary surprises at the ever-changing kitchen from KASK Wine
The wine bar KASK Wine has stood out since opening three years ago, bringing some of the best bottles to betminster and has elevated wine palettes across the city. Now it has brought a similar passion to the restaurant industry. Just a few doors down on North Street, Kitchen By KASK is an ever-changing dining experience. It celebrates Bristol’s diverse street food culture by offering various chefs the opportunity to get in the kitchen. Taco kings Basement 17 will hold fort between October 6 and 23, while Asian-inspired fried chicken legends Peckers takeover from October 27 until November 5
9. Stock up on colourful dungarees and vibrant jackets
Colder nights means warmer clothes. But that doesn’t mean you have to dress in drab and dour colours. Luckily our favourite conscious clothing brand, Lucy & Yak, will open a brand new shop in Bristol on October 1. Its opening the hugely successful and popular pop-up shop earlier this year, but is making the permanent move with a brick-and-mortar store in Stokes Croft.
10. Cosy up or cower at home with one of these spine-tingling movies or series
This year’s Halloween celebrations have to make up for last year’s sitting-in-the-house-avoiding-others, but there’s always space for some spooky films and popcorn. So, whether you’re going out or staying in on October 31, there’s plenty of times to squeeze in a few of these fantastic films. Check out our picks from the top streaming services in the UK, then bust out those skull-shaped sweets you bought on a whim from the supermarket and start chomping!
11. Discover more about how Black Bristolians shaped the city
As part of Black History Month, M Shed is hosting an online workshop that explores the role of photography in documenting Black cultural ideas, from history to the present day, on October 15. While Bristol Museum & Art Gallery will host an online talk on Black Caribbean World War One veterans, October 20. Mimesis: African Soldier by John Akomfrah will also be screening at the museum throughout the month. See other Black History Month events happening in Bristol by heading here.
12. Hunt around Bristol for free tacos
Revolución de Cuba has hidden over 50 tokens in Bristol this month, which entitles you to one free taco dish (with each dish containing two tacos) until the end of October. If tacos aren’t your thing, Bristol is still worth exploring as there’s still lots of wacky and wonderful bits of the city that you just have to see.