What's on in Bristol
Festivals, gigs, exhibitions, markets and community happenings – pulled from local sources across the city.
Short Film Night: Exploring Consent at The Golden Guinea on 4 October 2026
Normal Girl Productions wil be hosting an evening of short films exploring consent, sparking a much-needed conversation around the theme. The selected films have been chosen to try and no be overly triggering or graphic, however, some of the films d
Bristol based singer-songwriter Bluebird live at Exchange in Old Market on 22 September
Bristol's Bluebird will be live at the newly renovated Exchange Basement on Tuesday 22nd September joined by two more up and coming local artists. Bluebird Bluebird is a Bristol-based singer-songwriter whose music blends pop, rock, soul, and jazz,
Jake Bugg at Bristol Beacon
Jake Bugg is back in Bristol on Sunday 21 February 2027 at what is sure to be a sold at gig at The Bristol Beacon. Album pre-sale tickets are available from 10am on Friday 4th September, with general sale opening the following Friday, 11 September 20
Review: The Car Man at The Bristol Hippodrome
Vivienne Kennedy reviews Matthew Bourne’s The Car Man at The Bristol Hippodrome, where it runs until Saturday 5 September. I’ve yet to watch a Matthew Bourne production I haven’t thoroughly enjoyed, and The Car Man is no exception. Bristol Hipp..
In pictures: A look back at summer events in Bristol in 2026
From live music and city celebrations, to cardboard boats, Red Bull challenges, and skies full of balloons
All the pictures from Forwards weekend so far as Lorde and Djo wow crowds
There has been a huge turnout on the Downs despite the highly variable weather
xTool Brings Free Personalised Gifts to Forwards Festival in Bristol
Forwards Festival in Bristol is bringing the tech this year with xTool, a global creative technology brand specialising in laser engraving, cutting and digital making tools, on site for all 3 days of the event from 28-30 August 2026.
Forwards Festival 2026: The banned items you need to leave at home
You won't be allowed onsite with them
Windmill Hill City Farm 50th Anniversary Fayre on 12 September 2026
Windmill Hill City Farm will be celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and are a special Anniversary Fayre on 12th September 2026 to mark the occassion. The anniversary year will also launch the farm’s Golden Harvest Appeal to raise £50,000
Forwards Festival 2026: Travel tips and how to get there
From parking and taxi drop-offs, to road closures and accessibility
What to do with children at this weekend's Forwards Festival
We've got everything you need to know
Dakka Shanks live at Mr Wolfs in Bristol on 4 September 2026
Launching into the Autumn, Dakka Shanks will release a brand new track and embark on a whistle-stop tour of the UK includig a stop at Bristol's Mr Wolfs on Friday 4 September 2026. Returning on 18 September with “I See Fire”, this original track wr
Joe Sims to star in the 2026 Bristol Hippodrome Pantomime
Joe Sims, Jade Marvin, Tom Major and Naomi Pacquette will be joining the previously announced stars Craig Revel Horwood and Andy Ford for the 2026 Bristol Hippodrome pantomime, Sleeping Beauty. Shows run form 5 December 2026 through until 3 Jan 2027.
Ellie Goulding live at Electric Bristol for album release show on 2 September 2026
Pop superstar Ellie Goulding is heading to Bristol on Wednesday 2 September 2026 for a special album release performance at Electric Bristol, giving fans the chance to see one of the UK's biggest pop artists in an intimate live setting. Goulding will
O2 Academy Bristol gigs for September 2026
September 2026 is shaping up to be a busy month at O2 Academy Bristol, with the venue on Frogmore Street offering up a particularly eclectic programme for music fans. From Amy Winehouse and Arctic Monkeys tributes to Iron Maiden, Daft Punk, reggae le
90s Garage stars to play family music event but there are strict entry requirements
There will also be a funfair, arts and crafts, giant inflatables, and a fully licensed bar
Bristol Forwards Festival 2026: All you need to know ahead of major Downs event
From who is playing to why there's an extra day this year, if there's tickets left, and how best to travel
Homeland actor to play on Bristol boat in intimate gig
"I'm coming back"
Review: The Bodyguard at The Bristol Hippodrome
The fabulous cast and production team of The Bodyguard opened with a bang at The Bristol Hippodrome, and this could quite honestly be one of the best shows I have seen here. An explosion of colour, lights and fire kicked off an impressive production
Teenage Fanclub live in Bristol on 4 November 2026
On October 9, Teenage Fanclub will be releasing their new album 'Do Not Dare To Dream' on Merge Records and have announced a tour which includes a date at Bristol's Trinity Centre on Wednesday 4 November 2026. Get tickets here.
Met Office cloud cover weather maps show where in South West eclipse will be most visible
The first solar eclipse of the century will take place on Wednesday, with another not due until 2081, but some parts of the UK will be covered by cloud during the phenomenon
From factory to field - how hot air balloons are put together here in Bristol
The Cameron Balloons factory in Bedminster has been busy
Exact timings for solar eclipse as South West to have best view of phenomenon
Up to 95 per cent of the sun is expected to be covered by the moon
Bristol Balloon Fiesta 2026: RAF military displays and flypast timings confirmed
A famed RAF parachute team will also be jumping into the main arena