13 amazing things to do in Bristol this September – from Cider Week to Spike Island’s 50th anniversary

Set sail on Titanic: A Voyage Through Time and dive 2.4 miles deep to the wreckage, before stepping back in time to experience what life was like aboard one of history’s most legendary vessels. Wander its lavish dining halls, walk the iconic Grand Staircase, stroll the deck, and uncover the personal stories of the passengers onboard. This extraordinary VR experience offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn about one of history’s most infamous tragedies.

A special evening celebrating 50 years of Spike Island. This September, the building comes alive for a one-night celebration of five decades of artist-led creativity and community. You can explore exhibitions after hours and dance late into the night with DJs—including sets from former Spike Island exhibiting artist KEM KEM (Olukemi Lijadu) and Casa Delirium. Get your tickets here.

September sees the annual Jane Austen Festival return to Bath. Our neighbour has a strong history with the nation’s favourite novelist, with both Northanger Abbey and Persuasion set in the area. Expect people to dress up in period attire, while there will also be guided tours, talks, concerts and workshops available. Or just head to the city, soak up the sights and enjoy a spot of afternoon tea. If you’re still looking for your Mr Darcy, then Bath might be where to find him.

Find your creative spark this September at Neon Naked Life Drawing. With a paintbrush in one hand and a wine glass in the other (or beer, soft drink, whatever), this unique painting workshop lets your imagination run wild in a fluorescent neon-lit setting. Pop down to draw vibrant, UV-lit life models and experiment with fun techniques like continuous line drawing, pointillism, and more – and you can take your creation home with you!

The world’s largest chicken wing festival returns to Bristol. Down at Bristol Amphitheatre, the huge outdoor area will be transformed into a poultry-eating, music-thumping, axe-throwing, beer and bourbon drinking space of epic proportions. Bristol Wing Fest will showcase a range of restaurants, street food traders and pop-ups, who will display their culinary talents and compete against each other over a whopping 100,000 drums and flats to decide who really makes the best wings in the UK.

Back for more spirited fun in its second edition, Bristol Cocktail Weekend will feature signature cocktails, food deals and incredible events. You’ll be able to try £7 signature cocktails (and £6 mocktails) designed by each venue’s teams, especially for the event – including from highly regarded bars such as Filthy XIII, Milk Thistle and dozens more.

The sea shanty TikTok trend has long blown over, but our city’s maritime history should still get you excited for The Bristol Sea Shanty Festival. Taking over various venues around Harbourside, some of the UK’s very best singing crews will be sailing in for this music festival. This year, there are performances at Underfall Yard, the Great Eastern Hall at the SS Great Britain, the vintage ferry MV Balmoral, and The Nova Scotia.

This city-wide, week-long celebration of the UK Capital of Cider, Bristol Cider Week, is putting on tap takeovers, talks and tastings; cheese pairings and cycle tours; cider boat trips, Harbourside perry walks and sunset mead toasts; orchard tours and impromptu parties; and so much more.

eat:Bedminster will again transform East Street into a huge food festival this September. Between 10am and 4pm, the street will fill with farmer’s market favourites, award-winning patisseries, and even a Latin market on Dean Street. You can expect to meet over 120 local and regional producers, with choices for everyone, including organic, gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan and alcohol free options, most from within a 30-mile radius of Bedminster.

Clifton Village Day returns with a full day (10am to 5pm) of free activities, live entertainment, heritage experiences, family-friendly events and community activities. Highlights include the Rotary Club Young Speakers Competition outside Clifton Library; a free Clifton Suspension Bridge guided tour; and free vintage bus rides between Long Ashton Park & Ride and Clifton Down Road. But a whole host of activities include everything from face painting to Turkish coffee workshops, live acoustic music and meeting Mr Brunel himself.
 

Bristol Coffee Festival showcases the breadth of the specialty coffee industry in the South West. You’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in the world of coffee, guided by industry professionals. And if that wasn’t enough, the king of coffee, James Hoffmann, will be in town to speak himself!

The streets of Southville, Bedminster and Ashton will once again come alive with colour, creativity and community as the South Bristol Arts Trail returns. Discover the work of over 170 local artists, designers and makers exhibiting across 50 venues across the free, family-friendly weekend event. Local artists will be showcasing their artwork, demonstrating techniques and selling finished pieces.

The UK’s leading short film, animation and virtual reality festival is back at Watershed. Encounters 2026 will be the most ambitious edition yet, with a programme led by the UK premiere of Sirāt Live, a new immersive AV performance from world‑renowned artist Kangding Ray and Academy Award‑nominated director Oliver Laxe. As well as screenings, the festival programme also includes talks by industry experts, workshops and networking opportunities.