What’s on in Stroud this week: 20 – 26 October
It’s another big events week in the five valleys, with the Stroud Arts Festival and the second week of the Autumn Arts Trail taking place at various venues, and opportunities to step inside artists’ studios and see where they make their works.
Elsewhere, there’s ceilidh dancing at the Trinity Rooms, social history at Eastcombe Village Hall, an Icelandic film at the Sub Rooms and folk music at the Prince Albert. Perfect for what looks set to be a showery week.
Find out more in our regular look at things coming up in Stroud and the wider district. To suggest an event for inclusion, use this form.
Regular and one off events
- See Driving Mum with the Stroud Film Society – Tue 21 Oct, 8pm
The Stroud Film Society returns to the ballroom at the Sub Rooms for the second film in their 2025 – 26 programme, Hilmar Oddsson’s Icelandic-language road movie, Driving Mum. Set in 1980, the film follows Jón (Thröstur Leó Gunnarsson) as he travels with his late mother’s body and the family dog on one last trip to Eyrarbakki to lay her to rest.
- Explore the Stroud Arts Festival – Wed 22 – Sun 26 Oct
The 79th Stroud Arts Festival takes place this week, with a range of artistic offerings. This year’s programme includes a candlelit concert of music from the Bridgerton TV series on Wednesday, a family nautical musical adventure the Boat and the Blue by Jack Ross on Saturday and a surround-sound a cappella choral concert from Eleanor Holliday’s Acapellies Choir on Sunday.
- Enjoy October Playtime with The Last Baguette – Thu 23 Oct, 10.30am
Children aged two to five and their families are invited for a fun, relaxed participatory theatre adventure at St Laurence Church’s St Laurence Hall with The Last Baguette theatre company. Expect laughter, games and music in this play-along theatre adventure.
- Explore the social history of Eastcombe – Sat 25 Oct, 2.30pm – 4.30pm
Join the members of Eastcombe & Bismore Local History Group for a special afternoon exhibition focussing on the past people of the area and their homes. The group will uncover interesting stories using past censuses, films of historical village events, aerial photographs and social history. Refreshments will be available.
- Dance a ceilidh at the Trinity Rooms – Sat 25 Oct, 7.30pm
Foot-stomping ceilidh band Crowdy-Kit brings together three talented West Country dance musicians on fiddle, flute and piano, this time for a ceilidh dance at the Trinity Rooms. Dance caller Annie Bolt will provide helpful instruction for newcomers and old hands alike helping everyone enjoy this evening of high energy dancing.
- See Jon Wilks at the Albert – Sun 26 Oct, 7.30pm
Folk singer, songwriter and acclaimed fingerpicking guitarist Jon Wilks comes to the Prince Albert for a Sunday evening gig rooted in English folk tradition, memory, and place. Wilks is promoting his new album Needless Alley, which features cover art by Rodborough resident and Boss Morris founder Alex Merry.
Continuing this week
- Explore the Autumn Arts Trail – Sat 25 – Sun 26 Oct, 11am – 5pm
Stroud’s Autumn Arts trail sees more than 40 artists up and down the five valleys invite us to step inside their studios and see their works. The not-for-profit arts organisation also offers a programme of events and talks to help us understand local artists and their artistic practice.
Further afield
- Explore the Circus City of Bristol – Until Sun 26 Oct
Bristol’s Circus City festival enters its final week, with talks, workshops and performances taking place at venues around the city. This festival works on a sliding-scale ticket structure with tickets starting at £10.
- For a full month of art, music, theatre, literature, film and comedy events, pick up a copy of Stroud’s popular listings magazine, Good on Paper.
