Events Spotlight: October

It’s time to fill your cup: October's got something for everyone.

If you’re into community organising, mindfully shaking ass at the club, circus, poetry, crafts, burlesque, social change, ballroom, film, or immersive experiences that are so unique we can’t actually really describe them… you’re in the right place! Bristol is undeniably the home of politically engaged, creative ass-shakers.

Whether you’re looking to come together for liberation and solidarity, cultivate magic and sensuality, experience restorative sober partying, let loose in silly creativity, celebrate queer joy, or explore the best creative spooky events Bristol has to offer… this spotlight has it all and more.

Bristol Black People’s Assembly

This event is the first of many: a Black-led assembly in Bristol that brings people together to discuss, organise and build strategies around issues affecting Black communities. Creating Black spaces and unity in a world of division and strife, in the interest of Black Liberation.

This debut assembly will consist of a program of cultural expression: music, dance, food, speeches and discussions, with dedicated childcare spaces. The event will be free to enter and there will be food free of charge. This is a space for and by Black people (those who identify as being Black) and these voices will be prioritised, however all are welcome to come and participate. There is an option to make a donation to contribute to future assemblies, but this is by no means compulsory. This event is family friendly, and children's activities will be running throughout the day. This is a safe space for all, any discrimination or harassment will not be tolerated.

From BBPA: “Assembly structures have been a core part of Black life throughout history, be it tribal councils, slave rebellions or meetings of Black militants in diasporic Black Liberation movements or decolonial struggles. This community expression of collective power and solidarity has been the source of much change, but since the 1980s such spaces have been pushed out of existence along with the third-spaces that hosted them. Together we can bring them back, building autonomous democratic power to meet community needs, while challenging Capitalism, Fascism, Imperialism and Patriarchy.”

When: 4th October 11am-8pm
Where: Malcolm X Community Centre
Free tickets here

Milk Poetry

Milk is back and as nourishing as ever. Expect an eclectic bill of poets – princess of poignance Caitlin O’Riley and multi-slam champion Astrid Solace – as well as a slam: an exciting chance for voices from the region to battle it out for a trophy, a future set and a career launchpad.

Headliner Caitlin O’Ryan is an actor and poet from Greater Manchester who has headlined several of London’s leading spoken word nights including: Spitnights, Groove Verse, Poet’s Palace, VERSES x Roundhouse and the international franchise, Voices in Power.

Caitlin also hosts her own podcast called Have You Got Your Sh*t Together? which is a celebration of not having your shit together. In August, Caitlin released her debut poetry collection ‘At What Point’ with Burning Eye Books. Caitlin’s poetry is known for being vulnerable, confronting and extremely relatable.

When: 5th October 7:30-9:30pm
Where: The Wardrobe Theatre
Tickets here

Burlesque Tarot: Hallowe’en Special

This spooky and sultry immersive experience blends tarot, burlesque, and an interactive arts installation created by leading immersive creative technologist, Pneumatek.

Burlesque Tarot harnesses the joy and empowerment of burlesque to share with everyone, creating a range of interactive activities with sumptuous attention to detail. From their bespoke tarot decks featuring local performers, to their inclusive and trauma-informed approach to facilitating your dance experience, this event is a holy trinity of opulence, embodiment and magic.

Created by a multi-disciplinary dream team and featuring burlesque performances from some of Bristol’s best showgirls – this one is something truly special.

When: 8th October 7:30-11:30pm
Where: Four Aces Hovercraft Club
Tickets here

Club Soft

Club Soft is a party for adventurous music fans who are interested in experiencing the restorative power of the soundsystem in an alcohol and substance-free space. Expect cutting-edge club music, a camera-phone free dancefloor, an optional movement warm up session and delicious alcohol-free drinks.

With an incredible line-up featuring Josephine Gyasi, Mina, Slagga and Teddy Kitano, you can expect heavyweight sound, infectious energy, and a party that is fully focused on music, movement and connection. The movement warm up session will be held in the first hour, led by Engy. The workshop is provided to help you connect with your body and learn some simple moves – no prior dance training or experience required!

Everyone is welcome: whether you’re sober, experimenting with sobriety, or are just curious to try something new.

When: 10th October 7-11pm
Where: Unit 8 Studios
Tickets here

Rude Collage Club

Autumn blues got you down? Want to be creative, but overwhelmed by the blank page? Here’s the antidote – break free, rip mags, and make something outrageous. Seasonal affective disorder can’t get you when you’re collaging dick jokes with your friends.

All materials are provided, as well as prizes for the top three collages of the night!

When: 15th October 8-10pm
Where: The Greenbank
£2 tickets here

Building community through craft with Women In Hebron

Join South Bristol Apartheid-Free Zone and Women in Hebron for a full day of connection, creativity, and education through craft, film, and discussion. Get involved in learning the Palestinian art of Tatreez, letter writing for UK prisoners for Palestine or sharing ideas about how to build a community boycott.

Women in Hebron are a cooperative for embroidery and craft by Palestinian women in the West Bank, who will be running a workshop from 2-4pm on Palestinian art of Tatreez. Afterwards they will talk about what is happening in the West Bank and how the cooperative is responding. The screening of Carol Mansour’s Stitching Palestine starts at 6:30pm: it follows twelve Palestinian women whose personal stories, memories and experiences of displacement are connected through Palestinian embroidery. A collective discussion about Tatreez, women’s histories, identity and cultural resistance will follow the film.

When: 17th October 2-9pm
Where: The Tobacco Factory
Tickets here

The Doughnut Economics Circus

Can our economy be redesigned to serve life? Join Kate Raworth, renegade economist & author of Doughnut Economics, in an evening of theatre, debate, juggling, laughter and ideas for a different economy. In this playful, participatory show, Kate brings two forces face to face. Nature works through cycles, relationships and renewal. Finance, as we know it, often rewards extraction and accumulation. What would need to change for us to meet everyone’s needs within the means of the living planet?

After the 75-minute show, the conversation will turn specifically to Bristol. Wealth redistribution project Bristol Redistro will introduce some members of their community to explore where money and power flow, who makes decisions, and how resources could better support grassroots communities. There will be a short panel, an audience activity and time to share ideas. Easton People’s Council will also have a table, with a chance to learn about local community action.

When: 20th October 6-9pm
Where: The Station
Tickets here

South West Horror Shorts Showcase

Part of Forbidden Worlds Film Festival: The Big Scream, this event is in collaboration with BFI Network South West, screening a selection of horror shorts made by local talent. If you’re in the filmmaking biz, stick around for drinks and networking.

When: 22nd October 6-8:30pm
Where: Bristol Megascreen
Tickets here

Bristol Anarchist Book Fair

As the world becomes more and more of a dystopia before our eyes, it’s important for us to remind ourselves of the power of the collective. Come along and discover thousands of books and zines covering everything from direct action, anti-capitalism, climate justice, feminism, decolonization, workers rights, anti-fascism, war, peace, and building a better world, together.

This bookfair celebrates knowledge, literature and art from across the anarchist spectrum and includes a huge array of workshops, talks, panels and more. Discover a wide range of perspectives from people sharing insights on everything from cyber security, rewilding, and mental wellbeing to organising a union, and actively dismantling systems of power and oppression, at work, at home, and in the state. Learn how to organise protests, mutual aid networks, and form a shield wall. This day of solidarity and education unites activists, actionists, organisers, writers, artists, locals and visitors to explore anarchist ideas and practice.

When: 24th October 10:30am-5pm
Where: Trinity Centre
No tickets needed

FRUITEA

An open-to-all kiki function where members of the ballroom community battle for grand prizes. Built for and by the community, FRUITEA brings queer, trans and gender-nonconforming BIPOC together. Anyone can walk in any category regardless of gender expression: categories include Face, Vogue Femme, Runway, Old Way, Sex Siren, Best Outfit and more!

If you're planning on walking, do your research on the different categories beforehand. If you're coming to spectate and have fun, then bring your energy, respect the walkers and get ready to be blown away! FRUITEA is a priority space for queer, trans and gender-nonconforming Black people and people of colour. If you’re new to the space, check out @fruitea_ota to learn more.

When: 27th October 7:45-11pm
Where: Trinity Centre
Tickets here

Lightgarden Circus

A gentle and immersive contemporary circus experience from Big Wolf Company, Estonia’s first touring contemporary circus company. This is a shared adventure through light, shadow and story, inviting you to experience familiar surroundings anew and encouraging a more attentive and curious way of seeing. The journey includes a guided walk created specially for the location, leading to Circomedia, where an intimate audience gather inside a beautiful tent, creating a world of projections, storytelling and aerial acrobatics.

Created as a space that feels “like an embrace” or “a grandmother’s lap, where all children can fit”, Lightgarden offers a soft, caring alternative to an overstimulating world.

When: 29th October 6-7:30pm
Where: Circomedia
Tickets here

Rocky Horror Picture Show

There’s only one thing we want to do on Halloween and it’s mourn Tim Curry in a backwards corset. Bristol Film Festival are screening the cult classic the way it should be done – big projector, dress code, audience participation, you know the drill.

When: 31st October 9-11pm
Where: The Station on Silver St
Tickets here