We have put together a list of fun autumn activities for you to do in Bristol! Whether you’re visiting on a long weekend break or live there and want to explore on your days off, there is something for everyone happening in this beautiful city over the next few months!

‘Still I Rise: Feminisms, Gender, Resistance - Act 3’ at the Arnolfini 

As expected from an exhibition with the same title as Maya Angelou’s poem, this performance is set to provoke the public’s thoughts on women’s resistance movements, and their triumphs and struggles for equality. The exhibition at the Arnolfini specifically explores the local involvement of Bristol in the slave trade by featuring Black feminist art from Feminist Archive South - a fascinating collection of material created by women. With works of art from over 70 artists as well as performances, workshops, and conversations it is well worth visiting to encounter such a rich collection of talent yourself. 

The exhibition is open now until the 15th December - admission is free.

Oktoberfest at King Street Brew House

You can’t beat a night out in Bristol with friends! Add German beer and food to the mix and you’re on to a winner. Enjoy one of the many Oktoberfest inspired celebrations this autumn at King Street Brew House. With the pub’s very own microbrewery you can be sure that even beer connoisseurs will be perfectly at home with a pint here.

Bristol Festival of Literature

Running from the 17th to the 27th of October the festival has a jam-packed programme of lectures on all things literary. A few examples of what you can expect include ‘Stories of Strong Women’ on the 18th and ‘The Women Who Built Bristol’ on the 21st, offering great insight into female figures in history and literature.

For aspiring writers, Cynan Jones’ talk on building fictional worlds is set to be an inspiring one, as well as the art of writing thrillers explored through Dark Stories and Disturbing Tales on the 26th of October.

Paddleboarding

A fun and active way to enjoy the outdoors this autumn, perhaps enjoyed best on one of the more milder days of the season. The award-winning SUP Bristol team offer taster sessions at £25 for 90 minuteson weekdays, guiding you through the basics such as paddling kneeling down and turning or standing up on your paddleboard. A unique way to unwind and discover Bristol from water level.

Bristol Film Festival: Halloween

Experience your own night at the museum by attending the Halloween themed film festival at Bristol Museum and Art gallery. Whether you’re a lover of thrillers such as ‘The Conjuring’ or prefer to enjoy Roald Dahl’s ‘The Witches’ with younger viewers, there’s a film to suit all tastes. For many however, no film is more synonymous to Halloween than ‘Hocus Pocus’, showing at 6:45pm on the 31st of October. Also worth visiting whilst at the museum is the intriguing exhibition on magic running from the 19th October - 19th April 2020.

Now get out there and enjoy Bristol this Autumn!

Written by Rosanna Christou

Instagram @rosannachristou