Bristol is one of the best places to be in the summer. There’s so much happening across the city that it can feel impossible to keep track. After one too many “when is that again?” conversations with friends, I’ve pulled together my annual Summer in Bristol guide, a curated round-up of the events I’d genuinely recommend, book or send straight to the group chat.
Windmill Hill Market, 18th April, 9th May and 27th June. Bristol’s favourite day out is back. Now running monthly, it’s the perfect excuse to shop local and explore South Bristol’s city farm.
St.Werburgh’s Spring Fair, 25th April – Shake off the winter blues with a celebration of spring at St Werburgh’s City Farm. Expect live music, storytelling, great food and a genuinely wholesome day out. Tickets are available here.
The Great Bristol Wine Festival, 25th April – Wine lovers, this one is for you. Hosted by Oz Clarke and Susy Atkins, your ticket includes three hours of unlimited wine tasting. It’s a fun, relaxed way to try something new and learn a little more about what you’re drinking. Find out more here.
Bristol Old Vic: Kiss of the Spider Woman, 29th April – 16th May – One of my favourite venues in the city, Bristol Old Vic always has something worth seeing. This spring, they’re bringing Kiss of the Spider Woman to the stage from the creators of Cabaret and Chicago, so expectations are high. Find out more here.
Eat: Bedminster Food Festival, 2nd May – East Street transforms into a food festival filled with street food, local produce, bakeries and plenty of places to sit and enjoy it all.
Prospect Building: May Bank Holiday Weekender, 2nd–3rd May. Kicking off summer with two major courtyard events. Saturday sees Time To Move return with Mungo’s Hi Fi, while Sunday brings a collaboration between SPEKTRA and Junction 2 for a large-scale open-air event. Find Prospects’ full event list here.
Rave on Avon, 3rd May – The Boxing Gym and Clement Street will be turned into a full-blown rave republic with an all-day street party, multiple indoor and outdoor stages, and a genre-spanning lineup that captures everything Bristol does best. Grab a ticket here.
Gigantic All Dayer, 9th May | Prospect Building – Gigantic returns to Bristol with a major all-day event, bringing together an exceptional lineup of alternative and dance music icons for one full day and night. Featuring Peter Hook & The Light performing Joy Division and New Order classics, alongside The Wonder Stuff. Having seen Peter Hook before, this is one I wouldn’t miss. Tickers are available here.
The Founders Playground, 14th May – the founders playground is a brand new event, bringing the best parts of a conference together with all the fun of a music festival. Think inspiring panel talks, workshops and fun. Aiming to to make the South West a destination for innovation and creativity and to showcase the incredible founders shaping our region and beyond, in a way that feels bold, fun and genuinely different. Find out more here.
Lost track of time Sawmills, 16th May – the legends from Lost track of time are transforming an abandoned sawmill frozen in time into a maze of open-air stages and secret venues with an amazing line-up of house and disco sets from the likes of Groove Armada and Ross from friends. Find out more here.
Dot to Dot Festival, 23rd May – A multi-venue festival spotlighting emerging talent across Bristol. This year’s line-up includes Lambrini Girls, Grandma’s House and Fcukers. Find out more here.
Love Saves the Day, 23rd–24th May – The South West’s biggest dance festival returns to Ashton Court. This year’s line-up includes Sub Focus, Sammy Virji, Rizzle Kicks and Eve. As a Team Love Ambassador, I’ve got discounted tickets which are always at least one tier below general release. Discounted tickets!
Bristol Craft Beer Festival, 12th – 13th June – Beer lovers unite at the harbourside. A ticket gets you 5 hours of unlimited beer samples, so try new beers, listen to great music and have a 10/10 weekend. Find out more here.
Wake The Tiger: Pride After Hours, 19th June – An adults-only evening event to kick off Pride season, featuring DJs, drag performances and a late-night takeover of one of Bristol’s most immersive venues. Tickets are available here.
Bristol Sounds, 23rd–28th June – Live music at Lloyds Amphitheatre, one of the best settings in the city during the summer. This year’s line-up includes The Streets, The Kooks and Super Furry Animals. Find out more here.
Bristol Pride Day, 11th July – A key date in the Bristol calendar. Start with the city centre parade before heading to the Downs for a full day of music, performances and celebration. This year’s headliner is Sister Sledge.
Bristol Harbour Festival, 19th–21st July – One of the city’s biggest events, taking over the harbourside with music, performances and activities celebrating Bristol’s communities and culture.
FeastOn / 23rd-26th July – Feast on food festival is back on the Downs for a third year, showcasing all the talent the Bristol food scene has to offer. Find out more here.
Sirens Festival, 23rd–25th July – Taking place at the amphitheatre, with a line-up including The Maccabees, Faithless and Hospitality on the Harbour. Find out more here.
Bristol Balloon Fiesta / 7th -9th August, arguably the main event, what Bristol is most famous for is the Balloon Fiesta. A magical weekend at Ashton Court with stunning Night Glow displays with the hot air balloons and balloons taking off across the city skyline on all 3 days.
Forwards Presents: Lorde, 28th August – A huge standalone show on the Downs ahead of the festival weekend, featuring Lorde with support from Audrey Hobart and DJO. Discounted tickets available here.
Forwards Festival, 29th–30th August – Bristol’s newest major festival returns to Clifton Downs with a strong line-up including Self Esteem, Wet Leg, Amyl and the Sniffers and Viagra Boys. Discounted tickets available via my ambassador link.
Whether you’re into food, festivals, theatre, or simply making the most of longer days, Bristol really comes into its own in the summer. Save this, share it, and start planning your weekends now.