What to Do in Bath This Oct & Nov

As the crisp autumn air settles in, Bath comes alive with a mix of cosy activities, exciting events, and seasonal fun. Whether you’re looking for festive celebrations or something more relaxed, Bath has plenty to offer this October and November.

Here’s a round-up of all the must-do activities and events happening in the city.

Things to Do This October in Bath:

Oktoberfest at Royal Victoria Park (18th–19th October)
Bavarian fun with steins of beer, Oompah bands, axe throwing, and games.
FilmBath Festival (18th–27th October)
10 days of film screenings and events across the city, showcasing international cinema.
Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein: After Dark (11th–31st October)
A thrilling, immersive Halloween experience in a 300-year-old house of horrors.
Bath Rotary’s Annual Fireworks Display (2nd November)
A family-friendly fireworks show set to music at the Recreation Ground.
Cosy Café Hopping
Warm up with a coffee or hot chocolate at Bath’s best independent cafés.
Autumn Walks in Bath’s Parks
Enjoy scenic walks through the golden leaves at Royal Victoria Park, the Bath Skyline, and along the canal.
Sip and Paint Night (13th November)
Unleash your creativity while enjoying a glass of wine at this fun art event.
Sunday Roasts in Cosy Pubs
Indulge in a hearty roast at some of Bath’s most inviting pubs.
Indoor Attractions
Escape the cold with visits to Thermae Bath Spa, The Little Theatre Cinema, and the Holburne Museum.

Now, let’s dive deeper into each of these amazing activities and events happening in Bath this October:

1. Oktoberfest in Royal Victoria Park (18th–19th October 2024)

Oktoberfest will bring Bavarian festivities to Royal Victoria Park for two days of lively entertainment, delicious food, and classic Oktoberfest games.

Opening Times:
Friday, 18th October & Saturday, 19th October 2024
16:00 – 22:30
What to Expect:
Enjoy traditional Oompah bands, karaoke-dancing, axe throwing, and contests like stein-holding and sausage-eating competitions. Sip on steins of authentic German beer and feast on bratwurst to fuel up for the festivities.
Fancy Dress:
Don your best lederhosen or dirndl and join the Bavarian fun!

2. FilmBath Festival (18th–27th October 2024)

The FilmBath Festival returns for its 34th year, offering a 10-day celebration of cinema in some of Bath’s most unique venues. With over 50 films from around the world, this year’s festival brings a diverse selection of movies to the city, with special events to enhance your experience.

Opening Times:
18th–27th October 2024
What to Expect:
This year’s line-up features bold new films, including Conclave with Ralph Fiennes, Nightbitch with Amy Adams, and Small Things Like These with Cillian Murphy. There’s also a celebration of women in action films with screenings of Run Lola Run, Polite Society, and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.
Programme Highlights:
- Q&As and Panel Discussions: After select screenings, engage with filmmakers in post-film discussions, including Close to You, The Teacher, and Polite Society.
- Queer Vision Film Festival: Bristol’s Queer Vision festival will showcase LGBTQ+ stories, including Sebastian, about a writer leading a double life, and The Queen of My Dreams, exploring family dynamics against a backdrop of Bollywood fantasy.
- The Life Aquatic Anniversary Screening: Celebrate the quirky genius of Wes Anderson with a special screening of The Life Aquatic.
- Film Quizzes & Festival Brews: Test your film knowledge with special quizzes at Bath Cider House, Bath Brew House, and The Cork—all serving up festival-themed drinks.
- Movie Location Tours: Explore Bath’s rich cinematic history with Fred Mawer Tours, taking you through locations of famous movies and TV shows shot in the city.

3. Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein: After Dark (11th–31st October 2024)

For a heart-pounding Halloween experience, head to Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein for their terrifying After Dark event. Immerse yourself in a multi-sensory horror experience where darkness, isolation, and live actors will test your courage.

Opening Times:
11th–31st October 2024
18:00 – 22:00 (Monday to Sunday)
What to Expect:
Navigate the 300-year-old house in complete darkness, avoid capture by “The Cleansers,” and survive the maze of crawl spaces and live actors. Are you brave enough to go After Dark?

4. Bath Rotary’s Annual Fireworks Display (2nd November 2024)

November kicks off with one of Bath’s most beloved traditions—Bath Rotary’s Annual Fireworks Display. Held at the Recreation Ground, this event promises a stunning fireworks show set to music, with proceeds going to charity.

Opening Times:
Saturday, 2nd November 2024
Gates open at 4:30pm
What to Expect:
Entry is by advance online tickets only, and children under 5 go free. Arrive early to grab refreshments, find the best viewing spot, and soak up the festive atmosphere. Card payments only for food and drink.
Note: Public toilets, disabled access, and seating for carers available. No dogs allowed, except guide dogs.

5. Cosy Cafés to Warm You Up

As the temperatures dip, warm up with a coffee or hot chocolate in one of Bath’s many inviting cafés:

Nata & Co – A cosy spot for Portuguese pastries and coffee.
Society Café – Perfect for a catch-up with friends and a well-brewed cup of coffee.
Colonna & Small’s – A must-visit for coffee lovers who appreciate expertly crafted blends.

6. Autumn Walks in Bath’s Beautiful Parks

Don’t let the cooler weather keep you indoors—Bath’s scenic parks are perfect for autumnal walks:

The Bath Skyline Walk – Enjoy panoramic views of the city with this 6-mile walk, perfect for a weekend outing.
Sydney Gardens & the Canal – A peaceful stroll through these gardens and along the canal is the perfect way to enjoy Bath’s natural beauty.
Royal Victoria Park – With Oktoberfest and other events happening here, it’s also a lovely spot to unwind with a leisurely walk through the autumn foliage.

7. Sip and Paint Night – A Creative Autumn Evening

For a relaxing and creative night out, join me for a Sip and Paint Night, where you can paint your own masterpiece while enjoying a glass of wine or cocktail.

Where: Boston Tea Party, Alfred Street
When: Wednesday, 13th November
Price: £35 per ticket (includes all materials and a drink)

8. Sunday Roasts in Bath’s Cosy Pubs

As autumn settles in, there’s nothing better than a hearty Sunday roast. Here are a few cosy spots to try:

The Marlborough Tavern – Enjoy a classic roast in a charming, cosy pub.
The Bath Brew House – Pair your roast with a locally brewed ale.
The Crystal Palace – Tucked near the Abbey, this pub offers a welcoming spot for a comforting roast.

9. Indoor Activities for Chilly Days

When the cold gets too much, escape indoors with some of Bath’s best attractions:

Thermae Bath Spa – Relax in the natural thermal waters or enjoy the rooftop pool with beautiful city views.
The Little Theatre Cinema – Cosy up with an indie film in this intimate, historic cinema.
The Holburne Museum – Explore stunning exhibitions in this Georgian beauty, perfect for a cultural escape.

Wrap Up Warm and Enjoy October in Bath!

Whether you’re getting into the Bavarian spirit at Oktoberfest, enjoying the magic of the FilmBath Festival, or warming up with a coffee in one of Bath’s charming cafés, this October promises plenty of cosy and festive fun. Bundle up, explore, and make the most of this beautiful season in Bath!

Lots of love,

Kyra Xx

Your Bath Guide