Bristol is often touted as one of England’s most culture-rich cities. And the literary scene is no exception!
But a book habit can get expensive fast…
So, we have rounded up some low-cost (and some free!) writing, poetry and book events coming up in September and October.
Bristol New Writers Festivals, New for 2026
The Bristol New Writers Festival is a not-for-profit initiative. Over two days, there are workshops, poetry open mics and interviews with authors.
You can buy tickets to one or all seven of the events; prices range from free to £15.
When: 5th and 6th of September
Where: Bristol Folk House
Price: Free to £15
Book Bristol New Writers Festival tickets
Cr-afternoons
Having only been open for a few months, the Book Cellar already has tons of events - including five bookclubs. But if you’re in the mood for something a little different, they also host a crafteroon on the second Sunday of each month. Bring whatever you’re working on at the moment and enjoy the atmosphere!
When: Sunday, 13th of September and 11th of October at 14:00
Where: The Book Cellar
Price: Free
Keep up-to-date with The Book Cellar’s craft event
Raise the Bar: UK Poetry All-Stars
A night of exceptional live poetry, hosted by Danny Carlo Pandolfi, with appearances from Jordan Stephens, Hollie McNish, Muni Pilgrim and more. See the full line up.
When: Sunday, 27th of September, 19:00 to 21:30
Where: Bristol Beacon
Price: £16.80 (student concession)
Book tickets to UK Poetry All-Stars
Books on Photography (BOP) Fair
This annual event from The Martin Parr Foundation sees publishers, photographers and exhibitors come together to celebrate all things photo-books! The 2026 programme schedule is yet to be announced but previous BOP fairs have seen appearances from the Podcast ‘Photoslut’, first editions of artists’s books, and plenty of food.
When: Saturday 17th of October at 10:00 to 18:00 pm and Sunday 18th of October at 10:00 to 16:00
Where: Paintworks Event Space and Martin Parr Foundation
Price: Free entry, £4 to attend an artist talk
Keep up with Books of Photography on Instagram
Midnight Book Launch of A Court of Thorns and Roses Six
Gather at Waterstones for a fantasy ball for the midnight launch of Sarah J Maas’ sixth instalment of the A Court of Thorns and Roses series. They promise a costume competition, ballroom and, of course, the book.
When: Monday, 26th of October at 22:00 to 00:00
Where: Waterstones, Bristol Galleries
Price: £7 admission or £30 (includes a copy of the book)
Book tickets to the Fantasy Ball
Bristol Girl Book Club
Bristol Girl’s October book club is reading a classic - Twilight by Stephanie Meyer! They meet monthly, so you can look out for what else they’re reading on City Girl Network.
When: Monday, 19th of October at 18:30pm to 21:30pm
Where: Ritorno Lounge
Price: £3
Book tickets to Bristol Girl's October Book club
