Forwards Festival to Bristol Film Festival: Things to do in Bristol September 1-4

It might be the end of the summer holidays but Bristol sure knows how to make sure the last of the sunny events in the city mean that the autumn season comes in with a bang. There are still plenty of things to do, so don’t start lamenting the change of seasons just yet!

From comic con to a brand new music festival on the downs, Bristol has loads of options for things to do this weekend. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at your choices…

Forwards Festival

There are still a few tickets left for this exciting new festival taking place on the Downs this weekend and it looks set to be a brilliant couple of days.

The festival is bringing the biggest names in international music to Bristol Downs, blending a cutting edge lineup with a platform for social purpose and timely debate. The organisers are hoping to harness the legacy and power of music events to bring people together for positive change.

Expect to see artists such as Jamie XX, Little Simz, Ishmael Ensemble and The Chemical Brothers, as well as speakers such as Jack Monroe and John Barnes.

Cables and Cameras Presents

From 2-4 September, Cables and Cameras present: INSPIRED - a packed programme of VR workshops, keynote speakers and short film screenings and previews to celebrate home-grown filmmakers of colour from across the country, hosted by Watershed.

Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker trying to find your path into the industry, a more established creative interested in finding ways to develop your practice or just interested in discovering films by some of the most exciting creative talent out there, there’s something for everyone.

Bristol Film Festival

Bristol Film Festival kicks off this weekend for the autumn season, from 2 September. Bristol Film Festival screens classic films in many of city’s most iconic locations.

Whether you’re watching Airplane! beneath the wings of Concorde, Jurassic Park in Bristol Museum, or horror movies in Redcliffe Caves, each event is an unforgettable unique experience.

This Friday, watch Indiana Jones below ground in the spooky Redcliffe Caves to kick off the event in style. One special highlight of this season’s festival is an optional pre-show deli box full of delicious local cheeses, provided by Bristol cheesemonger Two Belly.

Bristol Beacon Record Fair

The biggest record fair in the whole of the south west is back this weekend. From 10 am- 4 pm on 3 September, 100 stalls, dealers from across the UK, all genres and era’s of vinyl, with a few CD dealers thrown in will be spread across all five floors of the Bristol Beacon building.

PrideCAF at The Station

PrideCAF is taking place from 11 am-5 pm on 3 September in The Station on Silver Street.

The comic art festival focuses on LGBTQ+ creators and will have 50 plus artists that will be attendance, as well as talks with some industry veterans. Organisers say don’t forget to come with your questions prepared!

Bristol Comic Con

From 10 am- 6 pm across this weekend, Bristol Comic Con is taking place at DoubleTree by Hilton on Redcliffe Way.

The brand new two-day comic convention features the best in US, UK and European talent and the show will include panels, signings and exclusive workshops with many of the top talent.

Wiper Walkies

What better idea is there than to combine dogs and beer? Well, for many people, there isn’t a better idea which is why this weekends Wiper Walkies with Wiper and True is such an exciting event.

The friendly dog walking group will take place on the first Sunday of every month, starting this weekend.

Meet at Wiper and True’s St Werburghs Taproom at 1pm for a one hour walk around the Mound, circling back to the taproom for a free pint at 2pm. You can also just join the walk, or meet them at the taproom for a drink. All dogs and ages welcome; water bowls and dog treats available at the bar.