Spider season is among us, summer is well and truly over, and plastic fangs and copious amounts of blood are about to hit the shelves. Yes that's right people, Halloween is almost here so dust off (or not) your witch's broom, dig out your face paint and get ready to haunt it hunny.
Whether you're looking for a spook-tacular event, friendly feasts or prinks, here's the best places to creep it real in Bristol.
The Clockwork Rose is back with a Halloween Special edition of the Silent Film Society: this time, you'll get to see "The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari" a German horror film staring Werner Krauss in the titular role. A tale of insanity, hypnotism and murder this film is considered the quintessential work of German expressionist cinema. With live music written and performed by resident accordionist Francis Strange.
Read more about Halloween Special: The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920) @ The Clockwork Rose
Come over to Bird & Blend and celebrate Halloween in the wickedest of ways! You'll learn the art of mixology: you'll be making magic potions for the spookiest night of the year. The night will start off with a tea tasting where you'll sample a range of 5 different teas, learning all about it and getting insights from the Bird & Blend team - they know what they're talking about! After that you'll take part in a cocktail making session: you'll get to pick 2 cocktails from a selection of 3, and learn to make the concentrate yourself - both boozy and virgin cocktails will be available. And then, you'll get to make your own Halloween-themed chai blend as you sip your cocktails - you'll get a 20g pouch of your very own blend to take home and enjoy. Make the most of the Halloween spirit and come dressed up - the best costume will win a prize!
Read more about Halloween Mixology Workshop: Make-Your-Own Cocktails @ Bird & Blend
Visit the darkened galleries after hours by torchlight and enjoy Halloween drinks, along with a few scary surprises! Pick up one of their self-led drawing activities on your way into the gallery if you fancy getting creative, and become part of The Big Draw – a great way to get stuck into drawing if you haven't dared before. Afraid of the dark? Experience the 167 Annual Open exhibition (hundreds of works by artists from the UK and beyond) in low lighting – if you're brave enough! And once you’ve been inspired by the exhibits, why not have a go at creating your own work of art? Grab your friends (and your free drink) and get creative with the drop-in activities in the studio. There will be plenty of murky materials and spooky stuff to get stuck into.
We asked for a description of the show and received no reply. Then one day, weeks later, we found on our front step a Victorian taxidermied vole, preserved under a small glass dome. In its dusty maw was clutched a small scroll. We prized the glass from the ornate filigree base, and unspooled the brittle paper to find the following, aged note, written in iron ink (or was it blood?): "Inside my skin is a rattling beast and when I breathe my last it will emerge. Free me from the enemy within. This is a show about fear, self-acceptance and bones."
Read more about Live Comedy: Halloween Special with Sean Morley @ The Lazy Dog
Bristol Cathedral, Festival of Ideas and South West Silents are thrilled to present this brand new 4K restoration of Paul Leni’s 1928 masterpiece: The Man Who Laughs. Starring the great Conrad Veidt (Cabinet of Dr Caligari, Casablanca) and directed by the masterful Paul Leni, The Man Who Laughs (1928) is classed as one of the most important and most influential films to come out of Hollywood during the latter part of the silent era. A masterpiece on every front.
Read more about Cinema in the Cathedral: The Man Who Laughs (1928) @ Bristol Cathedral
Head to Bristol Museum this Halloween for a special screening of The Conjuring. To celebrate the museum's latest exhibition, Magic, Bristol Film Festival are hosting an evening of screenings that celebrate the supernatural. Before the film, meet the live performers, who always have a few tricks up their sleeves, then take your seats in the Museum’s incredible rear hall for a mystical cinema experience. If you do find the weird and wonderful particularly bewitching, why not explore this magical exhibition after hours too?
This Halloween come and join The Clockwork Rose for a unique tasting of Tequila and Mezcal - the best of Mexican spirits, really. Hosted by brand ambassador Tesa Rigley, you'll get to sample different types of agave spirits from El Jimador, Herradura, Montelobos and Ancho Reyes. Your ticket includes a welcome drink, the full tasting and The Clockwork Rose's signature cocktail and pairing finale. Now, this should be fun!
Read more about An Introduction to Tequila & Mezcal: Halloween Special @ The Clockwork Rose
Ditch your boring old mojito - get a Wriggle on and grab yourself any two crazily creative cocktails from Loose Cannon, new to Bristol's harbourside. Their impressive menu inspired by pop culture and current affairs is unlike anything you've seen before. So bring a mate and sip on some of Bristol's most Instagram worthy beverages.
Grab your best mate, Wriggle your way over to the Coconut Tree and indulge in a delicious Sri Lankan feast! This Wriggle gets you a hopper each, their signature bowl-shaped coconut milk pancakes served with a tasty range of toppings, as well as five dishes from the Coconut Tree's dazzling menu.
Read more about Sri Lankan Sharing Feast For Two @ The Coconut Tree
Treat yourself to an authentic Spanish tapas lunch (or as we would call it in England: an early dinner). Grab a date and Wriggle your way over to Bar 44 in Clifton where you'll be warmly greeted and treated to luscious, mouth-watering tapas dishes, Spanish style. You and your +1 will get to indulge in a glass of UVA house wine each – red or white, pick your colour – or a pint of Alhambra Especial, Palax or Avalon. Your drinks will be the perfect accompaniment for all the gorgeous food weighing down your table.
Read more about Spanish Feast For Two @ Bar 44
