October is Black History Month – a chance to celebrate Black history, culture, creativity and the contribution of Black people to Bristol and the wider UK.
The theme this year is ‘Honouring Our Communities’ which aims to shine a light on the people who strengthen their communities through leadership, care, creativity and volunteering.
There are activities taking place across Bristol throughout October, including family activities, community gatherings, history walks, films, music, talks and creative workshops.
Here are some of the free/cheaper events that may be particularly interesting for families and teenagers.
📅 Saturday 3 October ⭐
Dr Roy Hackett MBE Legacy Trail
2pm–3.30pm
Starts and finishes at St Werburghs Community Centre, Horley Road, Bristol BS2 9TJ
Take a guided walk through St Werburghs and St Paul’s exploring the life and legacy of Bristol civil rights campaigner Dr Roy Hackett MBE, one of the leading figures behind the historic Bristol Bus Boycott.
The walk visits places connected with Roy’s life and activism and explores some of the wider history of the area.
Best for: Families with older children and teenagers, particularly those interested in history
Cost: Check booking information
Booking: Advance booking required.
📅 Sunday 4 October ⭐
Black History / Holy Communion Service
2pm
Westbury-on-Trym Methodist Church, 46 Westbury Hill, Bristol BS9 3AA
A special church service led by Teddy Kalongo, incorporating Black History and Holy Communion.
This could be a lovely local option for Bristol families wanting to mark Black History Month within a community and church setting.
Best for: Families and churchgoers
Cost: Free
📅 Sunday 4 October
Bristol Black People’s Assembly
11am–8pm
Malcolm X Community Centre, 141 City Road, St Paul’s, Bristol BS2 8YH
A grassroots community gathering bringing people together around issues affecting Bristol’s Black communities.
The day includes music, dance, food, speeches and discussions, with dedicated childcare spaces available.
The event is described as a space by and for Black people, with others welcome to participate.
Best for: Families and adults
Cost: Free
Childcare: Dedicated childcare spaces are available.
📅 Tuesday 6 October
Honouring Our Communities: Celebrating Black Bristol
6pm–9pm
Watershed, 1 Canons Road, Bristol BS1 5TX – also available online
A free panel event celebrating people who are helping to shape Black community identity, wellbeing, culture and leadership across Bristol and the South West.
The event is hosted by Stacey Olika, Creative Equity Project Manager at Channel 4.
Best for: Older teenagers and adults
Cost: Free
Booking: Required.
📅 Thursday 8 October
We Were Here: The Untold History of Black Africans in Renaissance Europe
5pm–7pm
University of Bristol, Richmond Building, Queens Road, Bristol BS8 1LN
A free film screening and discussion exploring the often-overlooked presence of Black Africans in Renaissance Europe.
After the film, director Fred Kudjo Kuwornu will be in conversation with academics from the University of Bristol.
Best for: Older teenagers and adults, particularly those interested in history, art or social history
Cost: Free
Booking: Advance booking required.
📅 Sunday 11 October ⭐
The Six Triple Eight – Black History Month Film Screening
5.30pm–8.30pm
MOVE Studio, Purdown View, UWE Frenchay Campus
A free screening of The Six Triple Eight, telling the remarkable story of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion – the only all-Black, all-female US battalion to serve overseas during the Second World War.
The film provides an opportunity to learn about a lesser-known contribution to the Allied war effort.
Best for: Teenagers and adults, particularly those interested in history
Cost: Free
Booking: Check UWE’s event information.
📅 Saturday 17 October
Inherited Rhythms with DJ Style & Friends
M Shed
A special Black History Month event exploring Bristol’s vibrant music culture of the 1980s and its African and Caribbean roots.
The event looks at the people and communities who helped shape Bristol’s distinctive music scene, followed by music from local DJs.
Best for: Teenagers and adults, particularly music-loving older teens
Cost: Check Bristol Museums for current ticket information.
📅 Monday 19 October
Paint a Tote Bag – Celebrating Black History Month
Bristol
A creative Black History Month activity exploring African-inspired design and creativity through painting.
Best for: Families and children
Cost: Check event listing for current information.
📅 Saturday 24 October ⭐
Black History Month Family Fun: ‘Wear Your Story’ – Upcycling with Adire
Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
A hands-on family activity exploring the colour, creativity and textile traditions of the Yoruba people of Nigeria through Adire, a traditional indigo-dyeing technique.
Families can create their own wearable or useful items using Adire fabrics and upcycling techniques.
Best for: Families and children
Cost: Check Bristol Museums for current ticket information.
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