Festivals, food, fantastic new events
Bristol buzzes all year round, but there’s something special about #SummerInBristol. This year we see the return of the city’s famous festivals and some new ones too, with beautiful hot air balloons, incredible live music, maritime entertainment, delicious food, fine films and hilarious comedy, plus a new world-first immersive art exhibition and a walking tour of the Harbourside by Bristol legend, Isambard Kingdom Brunel himself!
NEW events and openings this summer
Squidsoup’s Beyond Submergence at Propyard – world first immersive art experience
From 1 July
Former missile warehouse Propyard will have its vast 20,000sq ft space transformed this summer into a world-first immersive art exhibition, curated by Cheltenham-based award-winning collective, Squidsoup. Five of the collective’s largest art pieces will be brought together for the first time in the exhibit, Beyond Submergence, with mind-bending use of light, space, sound, scale, movement and technology creating an immersive and inclusive experience.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/squidsoups-beyond-submergence-at-propyard-p3301063
Unicornfest – FREE EVENT
1 July – 3 September 2023
As part of Bristol 650 events (celebrating 650 years of Bristol becoming an independent city and county), Unicornfest will be a public art trail of 60 supersized unicorn sculptures, painted by Bristol artists and on display at famous landmarks. The trail will bring local artists, schools, communities and businesses together as the colourful, fun unicorns will be located at several iconic Bristol and south west locations, from Clifton Suspension Bridge to Weston-super-Mare’s The Grand Pier. After the tail ends in September, the unicorns will be auctioned off to raise money for Leukaemia Care.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/unicornfest-p3225023
Drawn to Water: Quentin Blake at WWT Slimbridge
21 July – 16 September
Reimagine the wonder of wetlands and nature through the eyes of the UK’s best loved illustrator, Quentin Blake. The Drawn to Water trail starts 18 May and visitors can collect a trail map, complete with Quentin Blake’s drawings and see the wetlands in a whole new light. The exhibition runs from 21 July – 16 September and you can enjoy a selection of Quentin Blake’s illustrations in Slimbridge’s gallery, as well as various activities, challenges, workshops and more.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/drawn-to-water-quentin-blake-at-wwt-slimbridge-p3290693
Brunel’s SS Great Britain Walking Tour
24 and 28 June, 8 and 12 July, with more dates to be announced.
Join Bristol’s legendary engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel on a walking tour of the Harbourside to discover the stories behind some of his greatest works and how his pioneering engineering changed Bristol – and the world!
https://visitbristol.co.uk/things-to-do/brunels-ss-great-britain-walking-tour-p3322253
Playable City – FREE EVENT
Various times 3-9 July
Watershed and MyWorld present the return of Playable City Sandbox; a collection of six interactive art installations which will be on display throughout Bristol this July. Hug huge inflatable robots in Brandon Hill Park, use your movements to turn the urban trees of Queen Square into living, ‘breathing’ sculptures or experience a magical interactive pavement that transforms the ground beneath your feet through light, sound and play at Watershed! The installations place play at the heart of the city sparking imagination and conversation about inclusion, sustainability, climate change and the future of cities.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/playable-city-at-watershed-p3330253
Old City Sounds – FREE EVENT
26 August
Bristol City Centre Business Improvement District brings a new free, day-long music festival with genre-based musical zones across the Old City area of Bristol over the Bank Holiday in August. Zones include Old City Jazz with live jazz, folk, funk and swing music and Old Kids Area with bubble artists, jugglers, circus performers and giant garden games.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/old-city-sounds-p3332483
Bristol Cocktail Weekend
28 Sept – 1 Oct
A new event is taking place at the end of summer, with a selection of Bristol’s world-class bars each serving up a signature cocktail, all for £6 each, exclusively for wristband wearers, as well as food offers.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/bristol-cocktail-weekend-p3286083
Good Stories in Food tours
Ongoing
Two new food tours have recently started from GOOD Stories in Food including Bristol Hotspots and Hidden Treasures and Wine and Cheese Tasting in the Cheddar Valley. Join local food expert, Florence, in discovering the stories of Bristol and Somerset’s amazing food and drink scene. From producers, to restaurants, to retailers and all in between, Florence focuses on independents creating the most delicious flavours in an ethical, sustainable way.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/things-to-do/good-stories-in-food-p3273033
Festivals and events
Bristol Harbour Festival – FREE EVENT
14-16 July
One of the city’s flagship free events, Bristol Harbour Festival attracts over 250,000 visitors with a varied programme of music, dance, circus acts, maritime displays and more. Visitors can visit five performance areas around the harbour, bringing beats, boats and backflips to the summer extravaganza.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/bristol-harbour-festival-p2369253
Bristol International Balloon Fiesta – FREE EVENT
10-13 August
One of the highlights of the summer calendar, Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is a free four-day family-friendly event is the largest of its kind in Europe, with mass ascents of over 100 hot air balloons scheduled for early morning and teatime each day, plus Night Glow shows and fireworks. Visitors can look forward to fairground rides, entertainment, live music and awe-inspiring aerial displays, all set in the beautiful grounds of Ashton Court Estate.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/bristol-international-balloon-fiesta-p1987343
Bristol Comedy Garden
14-18 June
The big top returns to Queen Square for another week of brilliant comedy stars, including Jack Dee, Ed Gamble, Sara Pascoe, Dylan Moran, Jayde Adams, Nina Conti, Phil Wang, Alan Davies, Tim Key and many more.
St Pauls Carnival – FREE EVENT
1 July
The first full carnival day since 2019 will see over 100,000 people celebrate in the heart of Bristol’s St Pauls neighbourhood. The 2023 celebration will also include a series of fringe community events from 22 June, marking the Windrush 75th Anniversary and 60 years since Bristol’s Bus Boycott.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/st-pauls-carnival-p2398423
Bristol Pride Day – FREE EVENT
8 July
Bristol Pride Day 2023 will take place on Saturday 8 July, with headliners including Jake Shears from Scissor Sisters, Nadine Coyle from Girls Aloud, Alison Limerick and Ladyhawke, plus performances from local artists and community groups.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/bristol-pride-p2357273
Bristol’s Summer Film Takeover – FREE EVENT (free tickets need to be booked in advance)
22 June – 16 September
As a UNESCO City of Film, Bristol is happy to host Bristol’s Summer Film Takeover (various dates from 22 June – 16 Sept) featuring nine free film events taking place across the city centre, celebrating unique aspects of Bristol’s culture and identity through a range of different screen experiences. As part of Summer Film Takeover, Cinema Rediscovered – the UK’s leading festival of classic cinema – returns to venues in and around Bristol from Wednesday 26 to Sunday 30 July with 50 events programme combining screenings of newly restored films, rediscoveries and rarities.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/bristol650/whats-on/bristols-summer-film-takeover-p3300393
The Art of Flight at Aerospace Bristol
22 July to 3 September
Join Aerospace Bristol for a summer of art! Make, draw and explore your creative side throughout the summer holidays, with an array of artistic activities that celebrate the art of flight.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/the-art-of-flight-at-aerospace-bristol-p3330183
Wookey Hole
Discover the caves and legends of Wookey Hole this summer and watch Magique – a brand new magic and illusion show – as well as see the 4D Scoob! Cinema experience, Alice in Wonderland ballet (1-2 July) and Comedy Cavern (1 September) or be adventurous and go caving with the Wild Wookey experience!
https://visitbristol.co.uk/things-to-do/wookey-hole-caves-p1857863
Coral Celebration at Bristol Aquarium
21 July – 3 September
Visit Bristol Aquarium this summer for an underwater coral celebration adventure featuring a coral reef fish mural visitors can contribute to, interactive talks about the importance of coral marine life and the chance to get your own coral crown. Under 3s go free.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/coral-celebration-at-bristol-aquarium-p3329333
The Very Hungry Caterpillar trail at Bristol Zoo Project
21 July – 4 September
Wild Place Project – soon to become Bristol Zoo Project – has the much-loved character, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, joining the bears, lemurs, giraffes, cheetahs and new spotted deer this summer. The immersive trail features cocoon swings, AR and a giant butterfly maze.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/the-very-hungry-caterpillar-trail-at-wild-place-project-p3330073
Unlimited rides at The Grand Pier, Weston-super-Mare
As well as seeing the painted unicorn (part of aforementioned Unicornfest) at The Grand Pier in Weston-super-Mare this summer, you could also try the new go karts and buy unlimited ride wristbands. GWR have also joined forces with The Grand Pier to offer even more value – buy train tickets and purchase a ride wristband for £15 through GWR’s ‘Days Out Guide’ webpage to then receive another wristband for free.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/things-to-do/the-grand-pier-at-weston-super-mare-p26111
Opulent Origins at Bristol Museum and Art Gallery
16 June – 1 November
As part of Bristol Museum and Art Gallery’s 200th anniversary this year, Opulent Origins is their exhibition this summer and autumn, which reimagines the very first exhibition from 1824, as they investigate their institutional origins.
We the Curious
Various dates
While We The Curious is closed for repairs, the team are hosting a number evening events at John Wesley’s New Room (22 and 29 June) called Stories from the Soul, with tales inspired by humanity’s fascination with the soul, and soul-themed art activities. The We the Curious team will also be setting up on Anchor Square and at venues across the city as places to experiment, play and get creative with activities ranging from exploring robots to creating constellations.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/things-to-do/we-the-curious-p24831
Live music in Bristol this summer
Bristol Sounds returns to the harbour amphitheatre (21-25 June) with a series of high-profile headliners across several evenings, including MIKA, Jacob Collier, James, Levellers and Self Esteem. Siren Bristol (27-29 July) is back at the amphitheatre for three nights of drum and bass, jungle and dancehall anthems, including Fabio & Grooverider and The Outlook Orchestra with DJ Roni Size and Dynamite MC, Sean Paul (now sold out) and Hospitality on the Harbour x SEQUENCES with chart-topping DJ and record producer Wilkinson. Brunel’s SS Great Britain are hosting their Summer Lates series again this year (most Thursday evenings in June, July and August) with live music from local acts, summer BBQ, local beer and a signature cocktail. The family-friendly food and music festival Valley Fest returns to Chew Valley (3-6 August) with a fantastic set of headliners: The Kooks, Bananarama and Scouting for Girls. Arcadia’s Alchemist Playground will also return, plus family activities, food demos and more. Weston-super-Mare Shanty and Folk Festival will fill venues in this seaside town (4-6 August) with folk music, fancy dress and shanty singing galore. FORWARDS festival returns for two days of music and discussion (1-2 September) with Erykah Badu, Bonobo, Raye and Confidence Man headlining the Friday night, following by Aphex Twin, Primal Scream, Arlo Parks and Leftfield on the Saturday night.
Other events and festivals
Queer Vision Film Festival (24 June- 10 July – coinciding with Bristol Pride) will again bring a programme of new release LGBT+ films from around the globe, including independently-made features and award-winning short films. Cider Salon Bristol (2-5 August) will host several days of talks, tastings and dinners at spaces across Bristol – the home of this legendary West Country tipple. If comedy is your thing, discover some of Bristol’s most humorous and surprising secrets on The Bristol Comedy History Walk (Saturdays from 13 May – 19 August) showcasing an hilarious guided tour of the South West’s coolest city, led by improvisers and comedians. For some summer fantasy magic, head to Sudeley Castle’s Fantasy Forest Festival (14-16 July) featuring four stages of live music and entertainment a fairy walkway, Wicker fire ceremony and costumed characters from Game of Thrones, Marvel characters and daleks too.
Value for money
As many of us are looking for value for money when booking holidays, staycations and day trips, Visit Bristol has an array of special offers on their website, including student deals, accommodation offers and deals for carers. GWR also has Long Weekender ticket and Groupsave to help reduce the cost of travelling to the city sustainably. Booking accommodation directly often adds value to your stay, with breakfast included and better room options.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/offers
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