We’re sorry to say that Autumn is underway. But just because the sun’s setting earlier, temperatures are dropping and everyone’s cosying up doesn’t mean there isn’t any fun to be had in Bristol. There are an incredible amount of Halloween events happening this October, but it’s not all about the spooky season either – as Black History Month and Apple Day prove. So, without further ado, here’s our guide to the best things to do in Bristol to make for an epic October.
1. Have the fright of your life at this scream park
There are a lot of wicked Halloween events taking place in Bristol this October. But the pick of the bunch has to be the UK’s scariest scream park returning to Avon Valley for 11 terrifying nights this Halloween in Bristol. FEAR (from October 11) invites you to this hair-raising multi-sensory immersive event. Witness the notorious fire show, experience an immersive exorcism in a gripping sit-down encounter, and dine like cannibals at a unique dining experience. Plus plenty more bone-chilling attractions, as well as funfair rides and street entertainment.
2. Be enthralled by a candlelight concert
Think you know Hans Zimmer? Well, what about Coldplay or ABBA? Not like this you don’t! All three artists receive the Candlelight concert treatment this October – with a string quartet performing their greatest hits in incredible locations, all under the gentle glow of candlelight. To get your tickets and see all the Candlelight concerts in Bristol head here.
3. Tuck into a “juicy” Anglo-Latinx theatre and music festival
Launched in defiance of Brexit and rising nationalism, PAPAYA Fest is a celebratory fusion of Latin American and British culture in Bristol. Taking over The Wardrobe Theatre and Old Market Assembly from October 11 to 19, it’s offering a festival programme of theatre, live music, film, discussion and a groundbreaking artist development programme, JUICY BITS. Check out the full schedule of this “deliciously juicy biennial festival of Anglo-Latinx theatre & music” here.
4. Celebrate Apple Day at the Boiling Wells
One of the most spectacular places to visit in Bristol has to be Boiling Wells. A green oasis in the heart of the city, this tranquil and magical woodland is filled with green spaces, an orchard and a stream –Boiling Wells is named after the local springs, which look like they’re boiling. It’s not often open to the public, but we will be able to visit for Apple Day on October 19. While there, check out St Werburghs City Farm Café. This fairytale cafe is focused on organic, fair-trade and wild food, – with St Werburghs City Farm providing all the food, including the meat, vegetables, salad and wild ingredients.
5. Sip on a warming mug of delicious hot chocolate
With autumn in full swing, it means the 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 out our guide to Bristol’s dreamiest hot chocolates where you can sip on the hot drink happily and escape the unpredictable British weather.
6. Watch scary films in the former Bristol IMAX
Forbidden Worlds Film Festival will take over the former Bristol IMAX for the big screams on a big cinema screen. This October 11 & 12, expect a selection of retro ‘popcorn horrors’ at the biggest screen in the South West – from cul classics to obscure genre films!
7. Go pumpkin picking for jack-o-lanterns
Whether you’re doing it for the ‘gram or just love getting your carve on, there are several pumpkin patches near Bristol you can visit this autumn. Whether you want to make Halloween-inspired jack-o-lanterns or pumpkin soup, these fields 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 here.
8. Watch a huge floating Earth hit Bristol Cathedral
Not literally, obviously. Luke Jerram is back in Bristol with his near-legendary, floating model of Earth, Gaia. The impressive installation will hit Bristol Cathedral from Tuesday, October 15 to Saturday, November 9. The installation is 1.8 million times smaller than the Earth, with each centimetre of the internally lit sculpture representing 18km of the Earth’s surface. Plus, there’s an exhibition and a four-week-long series of events – including performances of Hayden’s Creation and the soundtrack from David Attenborough’s Blue Planet. You can check out the full series of events by heading here.
9. Go ghost hunting around Bristol
Bristol’s a creepy place with more than its fair share of haunted locations. But if you’re planning to go ghost-hunting, you may want to consider hiring an expert. On this fully guided, costumed tour, you’ll explore chilling tales, thrilling crowd interactions, and an unforgettable journey through the underbelly of Bristol at The Hatchet Inn, Christmas Steps and more spooky spots. To get your tickets head here.
10. Cosy up or cower with one of these spine-tingling movies
Halloween celebrations are always best outside of the house, but there’s always space for some spooky films and popcorn. But, whether you’re going out or staying in on October 31, there’s plenty of time to squeeze in a few of these fantastic films. Check out our picks for scary movies, then bust out those skull-shaped sweets you bought on a whim from the supermarket and start chomping! For some local scares, however, check out these Bristol-based horror movies.
11. Discover a whole world of photography
After its first edition drew 200,000 visitors – with 18 exhibitions staged across the city’s museums, galleries and independent spaces – in 2021, Bristol Photo Festival is back with the theme, The World A Wave, starting October 16-20. The international biennial of contemporary photography focuses “upon a world in constant motion” with artists’ talks, a book fair, tours, and parties. Plus, all exhibitions are free with donations welcome! You can learn more by heading here.
12. Learn how Black Bristolians shaped the city
Nobody can deny the influence Bristol has had on black history in the UK or black communities’ influence on the city. The Bristol Bus Boycott was a watershed moment in the UK that paved the way for the Race Relations Acts of 1965 and 1968, banning discrimination in employment, housing and public places – organised by the local African Caribbean community.
Bristol’s links to the transatlantic slave trade shouldn’t be overlooked either – with Edward COlston’s statue now on permanent display in the M Shed. This Black History Month, take the time to educate yourself on Bristol’s history by heading here. Or see what related events are happening in Bristol by going here.
13. Join the circus – featuring the UK’s only female Wheel Of Death duo
The Revel Pucks returns to Bristol’s St Pauls for two weeks with their riskiest show yet (September 26 to October 6). Nose Dive Assembly is the multi-award-winning contemporary circus’ third and final instalment in its ‘Risk’ trilogy – with its high-wire walkers, teeterboarders and the UK’s only female Wheel of Death duo. Don’t worry too much, it’s suitable for the whole family! Join the circus village before the show for street performers, food options and the Big Top’s bar too.
14. Jump on one last ferry to this riverside pub
‘Bristol’s best-kept secret’ is closing at the end of October, which means summer is definitely, definitely over. Until then, we’ll be regularly seen down the riverside pub Beeses. Its tranquil setting is what sunny days were made for! Pop down on Fridays for live music playing, or stop by on Sundays for a cracking roast dinner. How do you get to Beeses, you ask? Off the beaten track, you could try by taxi, bike, or bus, but we like to travel by ferry! To learn more head here.
15. Catch creepy movies in scary locations
This October, are you feeling brave? You can watch the scariest movies in some pretty spooky places in the city with Bristol Film Festival. The most twisted among you might want to see the caving-expedition-gone-wrong horror, The Descent at Redcliffe Caves on October 27. But you can also catch Hocus Pocus at Arnos Vale Cemetery (Bristol’s very own necropolis) on October 16 and Interview With The Vampire at Averys Wine Cellars on October 25. Other scary films showing across October include The Others, Saw, It Follows, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre and many more. To check out all the movies screening this Halloween head here.