PICK OF DIARY EVENTS IN BATH
Fri 25 Sept-Sun 4 Oct
Bath Children’s Literature Festival. One of the UK’s leading children’s book festivals returns to Bath with bestselling authors, illustrators, storytellers and family events taking place across the city. Details: bathfestivals.org.uk
Tue 29 Sept to Sun 2 Oct
Truth Decay. 44AD Artspace, Abbey Street, Bath. PhotoBath’s 2026 photography exhibition explores themes of truth, perception and contemporary society through the work of participating photographers. Free admission. Details: www.photobath.co.uk
Oct 2026 – Feb 2027
Learn at the Farm workshops at Bath City Farm. A new programme of seasonal workshops covering everything from block printing Christmas cards to brewing your own kombucha. Details: https://www.bathcityfarm.org.uk
October 2026
Paintings and Prints by Charlie Minty. Widcombe Social Club. An exhibition of paintings and prints by local artist Charlie Minty on display in the Waterside Bar. Open every Friday from 5.30pm to 10.30pm and during public events throughout October. Free entry. Details: www.widcombesocialclub.co.uk
Thu 1 October
John Simpson: The Leaders & Lunatics Tour. The Forum, Bath. 7.30pm. Veteran BBC journalist John Simpson shares stories and insights from more than five decades reporting on world affairs, politics and conflict across the globe. Details: www.bathforum.co.uk
Thu 1 October
The Wanted 2.0. Komedia Bath. 7pm. Members of the chart-topping pop group bring their latest live show to Bath, featuring favourite hits and stories from their years on the road. Tickets from £30. Details: https://komediabath.co.uk/
Thu 1 October
Tales of the West Somerset Railway. Museum of Bath at Work. 7.30pm. Chris Austin presents an illustrated talk celebrating 50 years since the reopening of the West Somerset Railway, featuring archive and volunteer photography. Visitors £5. Details: www.bathrailwaysociety.co.uk
Fri 2 October
Neirin. Widcombe Social Club. 7pm.Bath-based blues and soul musician Neirin performs as part of the club’s free live music programme. Pizza served from 6pm and non-members are welcome. Free entry. Details: www.widcombesocialclub.co.uk
Sat 3 October
Mute TV Single Launch. Widcombe Social Club. Bath post-punk band Mute TV launch their second single, Broken Drum, with support from Wisdom Teeth and Baroness Homme. Tickets £6.50. More at: www.widcombesocialclub.co.uk
Sat 3 – Sat 31 October
PUMPKIN PATCH. Avon Valley Adventure Park, Keynsham. Pick your own pumpkin from thousands grown on-site as Avon Valley celebrates 36 years of pumpkin growing. Alongside the pumpkin fields, visitors can enjoy seasonal activities, food stalls and family entertainment throughout October. Details: avonvalley.co.uk
Sat 3 October
Eric Walrond: From the Harlem Renaissance to Bradford-on-Avon. BRLSI. 2.30pm. Discover the fascinating life of the award-winning writer Eric Walrond, whose work helped define the Harlem Renaissance. Tickets £3-£8. Visit brlsi.org
Sun 4 October
Joanne Harris: Sleepers in the Snow. Topping & Company Booksellers. 7pm. The bestselling author of Chocolat discusses her latest work and the inspiration behind her storytelling. Tickets from £10. Details: www.toppingbooks.co.uk/
Mon 5 October
n Emily St John Mandel. Topping & Company Booksellers. 7pm. The acclaimed author of Station Eleven visits Bath to discuss her new novel Exit Party. Tickets from £5. Details: www.toppingbooks.co.uk
Mon 5 October
n The Simon & Garfunkel Story. The Forum, Bath. 7pm. A celebration of one of music’s most iconic duos, featuring live performances of classics including Bridge Over Troubled Water and The Sound of Silence. Tickets from £32. More at www.bathforum.co.uk
Tue 6 October
Susie Dent. Topping & Company Booksellers. 7pm. The popular broadcaster and lexicographer explores language, words and crime fiction in conversation about her latest book Death Writ Large. Tickets from £5. See www.toppingbooks.co.uk
Tues Oct 6
Bath Young Musician of the Year 2026 – Tuesday October 6th at 7.30pm. Banqueting Room, The Guildhall, Bath. Tickets £12. Age 18 and under free from Bath Box Office Tel: 01225 463362, www.bathboxoffice.org.uk. A prestigious annual event where a group of highly talented young local musicians promise an evening of outstanding performances.
Tue 6 October
Democracy Ancient vs Modern. BRLSI. 7.30pm. A thought-provoking look at democracy from Ancient Greece to the digital age and what modern societies can still learn from classical thinkers. Tickets £4-£10. See brlsi.org
Thu 8 October
An Evening of Women’s Health. Upper Pavilion, Kingswood School. 7pm. Bath GP and menopause specialist Dr Kate Kerr discusses perimenopause and menopause, including symptoms, treatment options and the latest evidence-based guidance. Proceeds support CHASE Africa’s work in East Africa. Tickets £10. Details: bit.ly/WomensHealthEvening
Fri 9 October
Junction 18. Widcombe Social Club. 7pm. Rock ‘n’ roll covers band Junction 18 perform well-loved classics and forgotten favourites as part of the venue’s free Friday music series. Free entry. Details: www.widcombesocialclub.co.uk
Fri 9 Oct-Sat 31 Oct
FEAR Scream Park. Avon Valley Adventure Park. One of the South West’s largest Halloween attractions returns with immersive scare mazes, live actors and horror experiences. Recommended for older children, teenagers and adults. Details: fearscreampark.co.uk
Sat 10 October
FixFest. BRLSI. 10am-4pm. A family-friendly festival promoting repair, reuse and sustainable living. Expect repair cafés, practical workshops, mini talks and plenty of activities for children. Many activities free. Details: dorothyhouse.org.uk and brlsi.org
Sun 11 October
Deaf (Sorda). Widcombe Social Club. 6.30pm. Off the Wall Films presents the acclaimed Spanish-language drama Deaf (Sorda), screened with subtitles. Details: www.widcombesocialclub.co.uk
Thu 15 October
Maisie Adam. Komedia Bath.The popular comedian and radio regular brings her latest stand-up show to Bath, mixing sharp observations with tales from everyday life. Tickets and details: https://komediabath.co.uk/
Fri 16 October
James Parsons. Widcombe Social Club. 7pm. Singer-songwriter James Parsons brings his distinctive storytelling and acoustic sound to the club’s regular Friday music night. Free entry. Details: www.widcombesocialclub.co.uk
Fri 16-Sun 25 Oct
Bath Film Festival. Various venues across Bath. Bath Film Festival returns for its 36th edition, bringing ten days of cinema, special events, filmmaker Q&As, discussions, UK premieres and award-winning films from around the world. Screenings and events take place at venues including the Little Theatre Cinema, Everyman Cinema, Komedia and Bath Pavilion. Details: bathboxoffice.org.uk
Fri 16 Oct-Sun 1 Nov
Halloween at the American Museum & Gardens. Explore illuminated gardens, spooky surprises and candlelit rooms in this new after-dark Halloween experience at Claverton Manor. Seasonal food and drink will also be available throughout the event. Details: americanmuseum.org
Sat 17 October
Bath Bach Choir – BACH RESOUNDING – Saturday 17 October, 7.30pm, Bath Abbey. What could be more uplifting for an autumn than a concert of JS Bach resounding exuberantly throughout every corner of Bath Abbey. Bath Bach Choir comes home to present an evening devoted to the master, pairing his intimate Mass in F and substantial Cantata BMV 21 with the familiar strains of the first Brandenburg Concerto. As it approaches its 80th anniversary, Bath Bach Choir is delighted to give a warm welcome to instrumentalists from Bristol Ensemble and singers from Oxford Bach Soloists, to complete the line up for a heartwarming evening of brilliance in Bath Abbey. Tickets at: bathboxoffice.org.uk
Sat 17 October
Chris Ramsey: Here, Man! The Forum, Bath. 7.30pm. One of Britain’s best-known comedians returns with a new evening of stand-up, packed with family stories, observations and audience favourites. Details: www.bathforum.co.uk
Mon 19-Thu 22 Oct
Wildscreen Festival. Various Bath venues. The world-renowned wildlife film and storytelling festival returns with screenings, talks, workshops and industry speakers from around the globe. Information and booking: wildscreen.org
Thur 22 October
3SG Volunteer Fair – Thursday 22 October, 11am-3pm, Bath Abbey. Free Entry. Discover local volunteering opportunities with 50+ charity stalls, friendly advice, and inspiring drop-in talks and workshops. Whether you have two hours or two days to give, find your perfect role. Everyone welcome! Details: bit.ly/VOLFAIR2026
Wed 28 & Thu 29 Oct
Russell Howard: Don’t Tell The Algorithm. The Forum, Bath. 7.30pm. Russell Howard presents his latest tour, offering a witty look at modern life, technology and current affairs. Details: www.bathforum.co.uk
Thu 29 October
Season Finale 2026. Bath Racecourse. The final raceday of the year offers an afternoon of live racing on Bath’s picturesque Lansdown track. Children aged 17 and under go free when accompanied by an adult. Details: bath-racecourse.co.uk
Fri 30 October
Blue Zebras Halloween Special. Widcombe Social Club. 7pm. Celebrate Halloween with an evening of up-tempo blues, rhythm and blues and rock classics from Blue Zebras. Fancy dress encouraged. Free entry. Details: www.widcombesocialclub.co.uk
Sun 1 November
Laura Smyth: Born Aggy. Komedia Bath. The award-winning comedian brings her acclaimed stand-up show to Bath, exploring family life and everyday adventures with warmth and humour. Details: https://komediabath.co.uk/
October
Mayor’s Guides Walking Tours. Meet at Abbey Churchyard. Free guided walks exploring Bath’s Roman heritage, Georgian architecture and UNESCO World Heritage status. Also every Tuesday & Thursday at 11.00am – Pulteney Estate Walks – until 31 October. No booking required. Details: bathguides.org.uk
Tue 3 November
Everywhere the Glint of Gold! Widcombe Social Club, 7.30pm. Egyptologist Lucia Gahlin explores the treasures of the new Grand Egyptian Museum at Giza, including many objects from Tutankhamun’s tomb now displayed together for the first time. Details: widcombeassociation.org.uk
Fri 6 November
Candlelight: Tribute to ABBA & More. Bath Abbey A candlelit concert in the spectacular surroundings of Bath Abbey, featuring classic ABBA favourites performed by a live ensemble.Tickets from £15. Details: www.bathabbey.org/whats-on/
Sat 7 November
ROTARY FIREWORK FIESTA Recreation Ground, Bath. From 5pm. The Rotary Club of Bath’s annual charity fireworks spectacular returns to the Rec with live pre-show entertainment from samba band Jamma de Samba, family activities and a dazzling fireworks display. Organisers say this could be the final event at the venue for some time ahead of planned stadium redevelopment. Tickets from £10 adults, £4.50 children. Details: rotarybath.org.uk
THEATRE PICKS
Theatre Royal Bath: See theatreroyal.org.uk
Tue 29 Sept-Sat 3 Oct
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Bath Light Operatic Group presents the beloved family musical based on Ian Fleming’s classic story. Join inventor Caractacus Potts and his family on a magical adventure featuring the world’s most famous flying car, memorable songs and spectacular staging. Evenings 7.30pm. Wed & Sat matinees 2.30pm. Running time: 2hrs 30mins.
Tue 6-Sat 10 October
Yes, Prime Minister. The much-loved political comedy returns to the stage as Jim Hacker finds himself facing a national crisis, an impossible decision and the ever-resourceful Sir Humphrey Appleby. Packed with razor-sharp wit, political intrigue and classic British humour, this updated production remains as relevant as ever. Evenings 7.30pm. Matinees Thurs and Sat.
Tue 13-Sat 17 October
A Man For All Seasons. Starring Martin Shaw, Robert Bolt’s acclaimed historical drama tells the story of Sir Thomas More’s principled stand against Henry VIII. One of the most celebrated plays of the 20th century, it combines political intrigue, morality and compelling personal drama. Evenings 7.30pm. Running time: 2hrs 30mins.
Thu 22 Oct-Sat 7 Nov
The Sea. Jennifer Saunders stars in Edward Bond’s rarely revived modern classic. Set in a windswept Edwardian coastal town, this darkly comic drama blends satire, mystery and tragedy as a community struggles to cope in the aftermath of a devastating storm. Evenings 7.30pm. Selected Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday matinees 2.30pm.
Rondo Theatre: See rondotheatre.co.uk
Thu 1 October
WiFi Wars. 7.30pm. An interactive comedy show where the audience competes using smartphones in a giant live video game. Fast-paced, inventive and family-friendly, it combines theatre, technology and comedy in a completely unique experience. Tickets from £12. Running time: 1hr 45mins including interval.
Tue 6-Sat 10 October
Art. Yasmina Reza’s award-winning comedy examines friendship, taste and modern art when an expensive painting causes chaos between three lifelong friends. Intelligent, funny and sharply observed, it remains one of the most successful comedies of recent decades. Evenings 7.30pm. Sat matinee 2.30pm. Tickets from £13.
Wed 21-Sat 24 October
Hadestown: Teen Edition. Anaïs Mitchell’s award-winning folk opera is reimagined by a talented young cast. Following the intertwined love stories of Orpheus and Eurydice, and Hades and Persephone, this atmospheric musical blends jazz, folk and blues influences in a powerful retelling of Greek mythology. Evenings 7.30pm. Sat matinee 2.30pm. Running time: two hours including interval. Suitable for ages 10+.
Wed 28-Thu 29 October
Chauntecleer and Pertelotte. An award-winning comic adaptation inspired by Chaucer’s Nun’s Priest’s Tale. Two actors bring more than 20 characters to life in a whirlwind of wordplay, physical comedy and theatrical inventiveness. Performances 7.30pm. Running time: 60 minutes. Suitable for ages 16+.
The Egg: See theatreroyal.org.uk
Sat 10-Sun 11 October
The Hideout. A playful and imaginative family production encouraging young audiences to explore, build and discover together. Designed for children aged four to eight, the show blends storytelling, creativity and adventure in an engaging theatrical experience. Saturday & Sunday: 11.30am and 3pm. Tickets £11.50-£14. Running time: 45 minutes.
Sat 17-Sun 18 October
Rapunzel. A fresh retelling of the much-loved fairy tale, packed with music, humour and theatrical magic for younger audiences. This family-friendly version brings the familiar story to life in a fun and accessible way. Saturday & Sunday: 11.30am and 3pm. Tickets £11.50-£14. Running time: 50 minutes. Suitable for ages 3+
Thu 22-Sat 24 October
Myth Monster. A thrilling family show inspired by myths, legends and fantastical creatures. Combining storytelling, movement and visual theatre, it invites audiences into a world of adventure and imagination. Thursday 10am. Friday 10am. Saturday 11.30am and 3pm. Tickets £14. Running time: 50 minutes. Suitable for ages 8+.
Fri 30 October – Sun 1 November
All The Small Things. A magical family adventure from M6 Theatre Company following a mysterious Story Collector whose world is full of fairy tales, wonder and possibility. Featuring puppetry, singing and physical comedy. Friday: 10am and 1pm. Saturday & Sunday: 11.30am and 3pm. Tickets £11.50-£14. Running time: 50 minutes (no interval). Suitable for ages 4+
EXHIBITION PICKS
19 September – 7 November
Bath Society of Artists 121st Open Exhibition. Victoria Art Gallery. One of the South West’s most respected open exhibitions featuring hundreds of paintings, prints and sculptures by emerging and established artists. Details: victoriagal.org.uk
Until 14 November
Reimaginings. Museum of East Asian Art. Contemporary artist Hannah Lim responds to the museum’s collection through newly created works inspired by East and South East Asian art and culture. Details: https://meaa.org.uk/
Until 3 January 2027
Circus of Curiosities: An Exhibition of Moving Marvels. American Museum & Gardens. A family-friendly exhibition celebrating invention, engineering and movement through interactive displays and kinetic creations. More at americanmuseum.org
Until 3 January 2027
America 250. American Museum & Gardens. Marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, this major exhibition explores American history and culture through objects, stories and special displays. americanmuseum.org
11 October – 8 November
Bath Contemporary Artists’ Fair. Green Park Station. Browse contemporary paintings, sculpture, ceramics, photography and prints from artists across the South West. Free entry. Details: bcaf.co.uk
Fri 16 – Sat 31 October
Bath Open Art Prize 2026. 44AD Artspace. An annual open exhibition showcasing work by artists from across the UK and beyond. Expect painting, photography, sculpture, textiles, digital art and mixed media from emerging and established creatives. Details: fringeartsbath.co.uk
Until 3 January 2027
Photology: John Herschel. Herschel Museum of Astronomy. An exhibition exploring the pioneering work of Sir John Herschel and his contribution to photography and astronomy. Part of the museum’s programme celebrating Bath’s scientific heritage. Details: https://herschelmuseum.org.uk/
Until 3 January 2027
The As-Yet Unseen by Grace Whowell. Herschel Museum of Astronomy. Until 3 Jan 2027. Contemporary artwork inspired by astronomy, science and observation, presented alongside the historic collections of the Herschel Museum. Details: https://herschelmuseum.org.uk/