We’re sorry to say that autumn is underway. The sun’s setting earlier, temperatures are dropping, and everyone’s cosying up. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t fun to be had in Bristol. From Halloween to Black History Month, October is jam-packed with incredible, autumnal activities. So check out our guide to the best things to do in Bristol to make for an epic October!
Have the fright of your life at this scream park
The UK’s scariest scream park is returning to Avon Valley for many a terrifying night this Halloween. With its mix of immersive horror theatre and classic fun-fair thrills, FEAR invites you to check out: two multi-layered immersive worlds, alive with over 130 roaming performers and interactive activations, thrill rides, fire and laser shows, award-winning sets and live dance performances. The most notable stand-out addition for 2026 is The Autopsy; an immersive West End-style theatrical horror experience (which can be booked in addition to standard entry).
Candlelight brings spine-chilling melodies and ghostly magic to Halloween nights this October. Catch the best of Hans Zimmer performed by a string quartet at Bristol City Hall—including soundtracks to The Dark Knight, The Lion King and Pirates of the Caribbean—all set against a backdrop of thousands of flickering candles!
Super League Basketball is back for the 26/27 season, so head to Bristol Flyers’ home court at SGS College Arena to show your support for our local team. A roster of thrilling games will be happening this October as we face off against Manchester Basketball and Liverpool Basketball at home.
October 2, 7.30 pm: Bristol Flyers vs Manchester Basketball
October 18, 3 pm: Bristol Flyers vs Liverpool Basketball
October 30, 3 pm: Bristol Flyers vs Manchester Basketball.
Watch creepy movies in Bristol’s scary locations
This October, are you feeling brave? You can watch the scariest movies in the spookiest settings with the Bristol Film Festival. Watch Alien in the Planetarium, Scream in Averys Wine Cellar, and the annual favourite, The Descent at Redcliffe Caves. There’s a splattering of horror movies to watch this spooky season.
And if that wasn’t enough, Forbidden Worlds Film Festival will also take over the former Bristol IMAX for the big screams on a big cinema screen this October—everything from cult classics to obscure genre films!
Go pumpkin picking for jack-o-lanterns
Halloween welcomes the return of one of the South West’s most loved seasonal traditions: the Avon Valley Pumpkin Patch. Grab a wheelbarrow and load up on home-grown pumpkins in the field, or pick from a huge selection of gourds and squashes in the speciality market.And new for 2026, the Big Boo Trail is a dedicated walkthrough full of Halloween installations and illuminations.
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.
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! And for some local scares, check out these Bristol-based horror movies.
Nobody can deny the influence Bristol has had on black history in the UK or the influence of black communities 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.
See these monster fireworks light up the Bristol night sky
The Great Bristol Fireworks Spectacular hosts one of Bristol’s most exciting nights of the year. An unforgettable night of fireworks, funfair rides, and a spectacular laser show! With over 200 metres of thrilling attractions and TWO fireworks displays (with some of the biggest fireworks available in the UK), this incredible night shouldn’t be missed.
Discover the juicy biennial festival of Anglo-Latinx theatre
PAPAYA Fest is back! The deliciously juicy biennial festival of Anglo-Latinx theatre and music returns to Bristol’s Wardrobe Theatre. This year’s line-up includes everything from South American resistance movements told through folk songs to the untold story of Argentina’s trans rights and a dark comedy set in gay saunas.
Wander the West Bristol Arts Trail
West Bristol Arts Trail returns for the 19th year of open homes, studios and communal venues in the Clifton area. With most venues open from 10am to 5pm, many local artists will be exhibiting a wide range of disciplines such as painting, sculpture, prints, ceramics, jewellery, textiles, photography and mixed media.
Meet Lanny and Dead Papa Toothwort at Bristol Old Vic
Not far from Bristol, there is a village. Home to a boy named Lanny and to Dead Papa Toothwort, who has woken from his slumber in the woods, this stage adaptation of Max Porter’s spectral novel cannot be missed. Lanny rocked the literary world in 2019, as it intertwined reality and imagination to thrillingly eerie effect, and is now the flagship production of Bristol Old Vic for its 260th year.
The post 12 unmissable things to do in Bristol this October – from the UK’s scariest scream park to a ‘flying’ basketball game appeared first on Secret Bristol.
