Five of the best D&D events in Bristol
Posted on: 10 Nov 2023Dungeons & Dragons – and tabletop roleplaying games (or TTRPGs) in general – have seen a massive explosion in popularity over the last decade, with both new players and old hands coming back to the game and looking for somewhere to play.
On top of that, actual-play shows like Critical Role and Dimension 20, and media properties like 2023’s Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves have boosted the profile of the hobby all the further – as well creating a new media format along the way.
Despite all this popularity however, it can be a difficult and sometimes intimidating hobby to get into – which is why we’re here to help. We’ve put together a list of some of Bristol’s top TTRPG events, both games and shows, so that whether you’re a brand-new player, or an old grognard, there’s something here for you.
Dungeons & Dragons – Introduction for Beginners at Cloak, BS6
This is an event that’s brand-new this month, at a brand new venue – appropriate, considering that it’s for brand-new players!
This event is specifically designed to get newcomers to grips with basics of D&D, and let them jump right into some sword-swinging, swashbuckling fantasy! Plus, at just £3 entry on the door, it’s a great place to dip a toe in without much of a financial commitment.
With the event being as new as it is, the organisers are still deciding between hosting it bi-weekly, or once a month, and whether to explore a continuous, evolving story, or a series of one-off adventures. To keep up with all the details, and to look out for the next event, keep an eye on Headfirst, or follow Cloak on Instagram.
An Evening of Dungeons and Dragons at the Barley Mow, BS2/ The Coronation, BS3
A classic and well-established night, this is a great place to start for no-fuss D&D.
Ran by the folks at North Street Games, An Evening of D&D runs at multiple venues: both the Barley Mow in St Phillips, and (as of this month) The Coronation in Southville.
With 3-4 tables of gaming, the event always has at least one dedicated Dungeons & Dragons table, but is notable for often having options for other tabletop role-playing games as well. Attendees get 10% off food at the Barley Mow event, and at all events will be entered into a prize draw to win either £10 credit at a local gaming store, or £12 credit for future events.
This is also a great event for aspiring Dungeon Masters too! DMs get free entry to the event, and a free pint of their choice on arrival. For more information, or to find out about other North Street Games events, check out their website here.
Bristol Gaymers at Old Market Tavern, BS2
A great two-birds-one-stone for those looking to get into D&D, and to meet other members of the LGBTQA+ community.
Taking place at the very boardgame-friendly and queer-friendly Old Market Tavern, Bristol Gaymers host a Dungeons & Dragons night on the second Thursday of each month.
This is a great night for players of all level of experience; each night includes three tables, operating at different levels for different levels of experience – and options for character creation or using pre-made characters.
As mentioned, Bristol Gaymers D&D takes place on the second Thursday of each month, and play starts at 19:00. For more information, check out Bristol Gaymers’ social media here.
Tales of Adventure at Bristol Improv Theatre, BS8
If you aren’t interested in playing, but still have a love for roleplaying, then this live show is the one for you.
D&D is, essentially, a form of improv – and many players prefer their D&D on the funny side. So if you’re looking for somewhere to watch a live roleplaying show, there isn’t much place better than at Bristol Improv Theatre.
Tales of Adventure bills itself as a ‘D&D inspired’ improvised panel show – although that’s likely more to do with copyright than anything else. Regardless, you’re essentially seeing live D&D being played by very talented improvisers!
There’s an ongoing, overarching story – but with a focus on welcoming newcomers, the cast promise to fill the audience in on what’s going on and all the important events, so you can jump in anywhere!
You can catch Tales of Adventure on the second Thursday of each month, at 20:00, running for around two hours. Tickets are £13, or £10 for a concession. You can book tickets, or find out more, here.
Drag Dungeoneers at The Crown, BS1
If you’re looking for a D&D live show experience with a twist, this is the event for you.
Drag Dungeoneers is exactly as exciting as it sounds on the tin – a D&D liveshow from five of Bristol’s biggest drag names, Drag Dungeoneers is funny, sexy and silly all at once!
The artists involved here really are some impressive names: DM’d by Vaccine, the cast includes BooHoo Mann, Jersey the Devil, YuGiHoe, and Pom Pom – as well as the occasional special guest, if you’re lucky!
Drag Dungeoneers takes place on the first Tuesday of each month, from 6:30pm. For more information, check out the DD Instagram, or look out for them on Headfirst.
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Patrick is a filmmaker with so much Bristol in his blood the white blood cells are graffiti'd. Educated at the Northern Film School in Leeds, he’s returned home to be a Videographer and Reviewer for 365Bristol and BARBI. When he’s not messing about with cameras, he enjoys playing guitar, spending far too much time on tabletop RPGs, and being an awful snob about cider. Have a look at his work here, or get in touch at patrickb@365bristol.com.
