What’s On in Bristol This Weekend – 16th to 18th October 2026

Looking for what’s on in Bristol this weekend?

October is well underway, and Bristol has another packed weekend ahead.

From live soul, funk and comedy on Friday to a huge celebration of rave culture, independent photography, theatre and family activities on Saturday, there’s plenty happening across the city.

And Sunday brings everything from classic rock to an extraordinary live orchestral performance celebrating one of television’s most-loved animated series.

Whether you’re planning a big night out or looking for things to do in Bristol with the family, here are the Base Radio picks for Friday 16th to Sunday 18th October.

Friday 16th October – Start the Weekend

Fat Freddy’s Drop – The Prospect Building

We’re starting with one of Friday’s biggest live music events.

Fat Freddy’s Drop bring their distinctive blend of reggae, soul, dub, jazz and electronic music to The Prospect Building.

The New Zealand collective have built a worldwide following through their incredible live performances, combining musicianship with deep basslines and infectious grooves.

If you’re into soul, funk, reggae and quality live music, this is a strong way to start the weekend.

And certainly one for the Base Radio audience.

MT Jones – Bristol Beacon

For something a little more intimate, MT Jones takes over Bristol Beacon’s Lantern Hall on Friday evening.

Blending soul, jazz, R&B and contemporary influences, MT Jones is one of those artists whose music feels both classic and completely current.

Support comes from EDBL, with the show starting at 7pm.

A great Friday-night choice for music lovers.

Nish Kumar – Bristol Beacon

Prefer comedy?

Nish Kumar brings his latest show, Angry Humour From a Really Nice Guy, to Bristol Beacon on Friday.

Known for his sharp political comedy, quick wit and observational humour, Nish is back with another evening of stand-up.

The show starts at 7.30pm, with limited ticket availability currently advertised.

Alabama 3 – Thekla

If you fancy something completely different, Alabama 3 play aboard Thekla on Friday evening.

The band are famous for their unusual mixture of country, blues, gospel, electronic music and acid house.

You might recognise their song Woke Up This Morning, famously used as the theme to The Sopranos.

Doors open at 6.30pm.

Jo Whiley’s 90s Anthems – O2 Academy Bristol

Now this sounds like a proper Friday night.

Jo Whiley’s 90s Anthems comes to O2 Academy Bristol, celebrating one of music’s most memorable decades.

Expect indie classics, Britpop favourites, dance anthems and plenty of nostalgia.

If you grew up with 90s music, you probably won’t need much convincing.

Saturday 17th October – Bristol Comes Alive

BOP Photobook Festival – Paintworks

Here’s something a little different.

BOP – Books on Photography returns to Bristol for its annual photobook festival.

Organised by the Martin Parr Foundation, the festival takes place across Paintworks on Saturday and Sunday.

Expect independent publishers, photography books, exhibitions, artist talks, book signings and opportunities to meet people working in photography.

There’ll also be food and refreshments available.

Saturday runs from 10am until 6pm, with the festival returning on Sunday.

The book fair offers a free cultural outing, while some talks and activities may require tickets.

This is a brilliant opportunity to discover Bristol’s creative side.

History of Rave – The Prospect Building

Saturday’s big music event is a celebration of dance music history.

History of Rave takes over The Prospect Building from 2pm, with a line-up featuring Eats Everything and Groove Armada, alongside more artists.

For Bristol’s dance music community, this is a serious weekend highlight.

Expect a journey through the sounds that shaped club culture, from house and rave to some of the biggest dancefloor anthems.

Definitely one of our Base Radio music picks of the weekend.

Brandon Flowers – Bristol Beacon

One of Saturday’s biggest names arrives at Bristol Beacon.

Brandon Flowers, best known as the frontman of The Killers, performs in Beacon Hall on Saturday evening.

The show starts at 7pm.

Unsurprisingly, this one is currently listed as sold out, but it’s still one of the city’s major music events this weekend.

Lanny – Bristol Old Vic

If theatre is more your thing, Bristol Old Vic has something special.

Lanny, based on the acclaimed novel by Max Porter, begins its Bristol run this weekend.

The production explores childhood, community, imagination and the relationship between people and the natural world.

There are preview performances on Friday and Saturday at 7.30pm.

With its unusual storytelling and atmospheric themes, this looks like one of the more intriguing theatre productions arriving in Bristol this autumn.

What’s The F**king Point? – Bristol Old Vic

There’s another theatre option at Bristol Old Vic this weekend.

What’s The Fking Point?** continues its run, with performances on Friday and Saturday.

Saturday includes a 3pm relaxed performance, followed by another show at 8pm.

A good reminder that Bristol’s theatre scene offers much more than the traditional big productions.

Saturday Night – Bristol’s Dancefloors Are Calling

The Allergies – Wiper and True Oktoberfest

Now this is a combination we rather like.

Bristol favourites The Allergies are bringing their feel-good mixture of funk, soul and dancefloor grooves to Wiper and True’s Oktoberfest celebration in Old Market.

The event runs throughout Saturday, with The Allergies DJ set scheduled for the evening.

Expect music, Oktoberfest activities, brewery tours and plenty of atmosphere.

Entry is advertised as free.

For Base Radio listeners who enjoy funk, soul and good-time music, this could be one of Saturday’s best choices.

Lens – Lost Horizon

If drum & bass is more your thing, Lens brings the Moving Mad UK Tour to Lost Horizon on Saturday night.

Expect high-energy drum & bass and a proper late-night Bristol crowd.

Another reminder that this city rarely struggles to find a dancefloor.

Sunday 18th October – Music, Culture and Family Time

BOP Photobook Festival – Day Two

Missed Saturday?

The BOP Photobook Festival continues at Paintworks on Sunday from 10am until 4pm.

It’s a great opportunity to browse photography books, discover independent publishers and explore the work of photographers from Bristol and beyond.

Whether you’re a keen photographer or simply appreciate creativity, this is worth a visit.

Avatar: The Last Airbender in Concert – Bristol Beacon

This gets our vote for one of Sunday’s most unusual events.

Avatar: The Last Airbender in Concert comes to Bristol Beacon as part of its 20th anniversary tour.

The production combines music from the much-loved animated series with a live orchestral performance and visuals from the show.

It’s an opportunity for fans to experience the world of Avatar in a completely different way.

The performance starts at 7.30pm, with limited ticket availability currently advertised.

A great choice for families with older children, animation fans and anyone who enjoys live orchestral music.

Wishbone Ash – St George’s Bristol

Classic rock fans have a strong Sunday evening option.

Wishbone Ash perform at St George’s Bristol from 7.30pm.

The band are known for their pioneering twin-lead guitar sound, which helped influence generations of rock and progressive music.

With more than five decades of music behind them, this should be a great evening for fans of classic rock.

Scottish Ensemble and Brìghde Chaimbeul – Bristol Beacon

For something more atmospheric, the Scottish Ensemble joins forces with acclaimed Scottish smallpipes player Brìghde Chaimbeul.

The performance brings together classical strings and traditional Scottish folk influences.

It’s another example of the incredible variety of music happening across Bristol this weekend.

The concert takes place on Sunday evening in Bristol Beacon’s Lantern Hall.

This performance is currently listed as sold out.

Looking for Family Things to Do in Bristol?

There are some good options this weekend without needing to spend a fortune.

The BOP Photobook Festival provides an opportunity to explore photography and creativity, particularly for families with older children.

For younger families, Evolve Music’s Dads Rock sessions are taking place on Saturday morning in several Bristol communities, including Barton Hill, Hartcliffe and Southmead.

These free sessions are designed for dads and male caregivers with very young children, using music and play to encourage learning, confidence and connection.

Advance registration and eligibility requirements apply.

Or make a day of Bristol itself.

Explore M Shed, wander around the Harbourside, visit Bristol Museum & Art Gallery or head up to Clifton for a walk.

Sometimes the simplest days out are the best.

Looking for Free Things to Do in Bristol?

You don’t always need an expensive ticket to enjoy the weekend.

The BOP Photobook Festival’s book fair is a great cultural option, while Wiper and True’s Oktoberfest with The Allergies is advertising free entry.

There’s also plenty to enjoy simply by exploring the city.

Take a walk around Bristol Harbourside, browse St Nicholas Market, explore Gloucester Road or enjoy the autumn colours at Brandon Hill and Ashton Court.

Bristol has plenty to offer without spending a fortune.

Base Radio’s Weekend Picks

If we had to choose our favourites this week, Fat Freddy’s Drop gets our Friday-night music pick.

Their mixture of reggae, soul, dub and electronic music feels particularly well suited to the Base Radio audience.

For Saturday, History of Rave at The Prospect Building is our big dance music choice.

And for something different, we’d go with the BOP Photobook Festival. It’s creative, independent and a great example of the cultural events happening around Bristol.

Finally, Avatar: The Last Airbender in Concert gets our Sunday pick.

There’s something pretty special about hearing music from a much-loved animated series performed live by an orchestra.

Whatever You’re Doing This Weekend…

Make Base Radio part of it.

Whether you’re heading to a gig, getting ready for a night out, exploring Bristol with the family or simply enjoying a lazy Sunday at home, we’ll provide the soundtrack.

Great music all day, every day. No repeats, just more variety.

Listen online at BaseRadio.co.uk

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