Events Spotlight: September

I’ve always felt that Bristol in September is a wonderful consolation prize for the summer ending – something I mourn dramatically every autumn, making desperate lists titled ‘good things about winter’ and googling SAD lamps.

The summer in Bristol is kind of paradoxical. On the one hand, this is a city full of people that love to be outside, soaking up the sun’s rays, wild swimming, frolicking and partying – so of course Bristol flourishes during this season. On the other hand, because of this, so many scenes and events quiet down for summer – people are touring festivals, travelling, or just enjoying some well-deserved time off.

This means that in September, everything really comes back with a bang – some of the best parties, gigs, theatre and… especially arts events! While we at DREAMERS have had no trouble rounding up amazing experiences each month to share with you, there are events that we’ve been waiting to spotlight since we began this series.

It felt right to devote September specifically to the art & writing events we’re so excited to welcome back. If you’re in the mood to throw yourself into inspiration this month and really get a taste of Bristol’s creativity, we suggest you start here.

Searching for the Future: A decade of reportage illustration

Bristol-based artist Niki Groom will be transforming Centrespace Gallery into a giant sketchbook, illustrating the stories of communities coming together for festivals, protests, meals, music and more.

1st-8th September, 11am-6pm
Centrespace
No tickets required

Force of Nature exhibition

KIT FORM has been transformed into an ecosystem of art that celebrates and connects with the natural world. Force of Nature exhibits work from 30 artists working across a vast range of visual media.

Opening night 3rd September 6-10pm
Regular hours 4-6th September 10am-6pm
KIT FORM
No tickets required

Bristol Documentary Festival

Across three days, BDFF brings together bold, surprising and deeply human documentary cinema from Bristol and beyond. The programme includes documentaries, shorts, filmmaker Q&As and live conversations across Bristol.

4-6th September
Find the full programme and buy tickets at bristoldocfest.com

Bristol New Writers Festival

A new literary event dedicated to celebrating creativity at its earliest stages, BNWF is holding a range of workshops, open mics and talks designed to support Bristol writers and showcase local talent.

5-6th September
Bristol Folk House
Find the full programme of events and book tickets here

BS5 Arts Trail

Local and visiting artists showcase their work in home venues, studios, community spaces, and local businesses across the BS5 area, creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.

5-6th September
Find the trail map at bs5arttrail.co.uk
No tickets required

Art Club x DREAMERS: DREAM YOUR CITY

A collaboration between DREAMERS (that’s us!) and Art Club, this facilitated session invites you to imagine the ideal city you'd like to live in. We will provide some materials and guided reflection to creatively explore possible futures, using themes of solarpunk and utopia. However, if you’d like to join and create something different, it’s absolutely optional to join in on “dreaming your city”.

7th September 6-9pm
Cafe Kino
Pay-what-you-can tickets here

Zinezilla

A legendary comic, illustration and zine fair bursting at the seams with creativity from over 50 artists – as well as workshops, talks, performances and animation screenings.

12th September 11:30am-6:30pm
Trinity Centre
Tickets here

South Bristol Arts Trail

Over 100 local artists exhibit in venues across BS3 in homes, studios, community spaces, schools, shops, cafes and more. Wander through the streets and discover everything from performers, painters and papercraft to ceramics, sculptures and sketchers.

19-20th September 11am-5pm
Find the trail map at southbristolarts.co.uk
No tickets required

Story Slam

Unadulterated, authentic humanity – a night of true stories performed by everyday people, ranging from the hilarious and triumphant to the tragic or poignant.

(Check out Spicy Slam too, the 18+ storytelling night for cheekier stories – they’re back from the summer on 6th September)

20th September 2-4:30pm
The Wardrobe Theatre
Tickets here

Our Place Poetry

A BYO, centrally located poetry open mic night designed for the nervous and neuro complex – but open to everyone.

24th September 7-9pm
HOURS, Colston Yard
Free tickets here

Left Cultures 5th Edition Launch Party

Join Left Cultures in celebrating their fifth volume, where they delve deep into the left’s cultural past, discussing gems of storytelling within film, literature, music, art and poetry.

26th September 6-8pm
Bookhaus
Tickets here

Raise The Bar: Poetry All Stars

Renowned live poetry night RTB is back with another night of All Stars: including Harry Baker, Hollie McNish, Grace Nichols, Travis Alabanza, Nikita Gill, Georgie Jones, Michael Pedersen and Safiya Kamaria Whitaker. Expect an unforgettable night of raucous, energetic, life-affirming poetry from wordsmiths of all kinds.

27th September 7-9:30pm
Bristol Beacon
Tickets here