Entertainment / 2026
Bristol’s cultural highlights of 2026
A new year, and plenty of opportunities to experience some of the many events that Bristol has to offer.
2026 already looks set to be a busy one, with a multitude of cultural delights to fill up your calendar.
Bristol24/7 singles out some of the many highlights in theatre, comedy, art, books, poetry, music, festivals, film and more, from indoor and outdoor venues across the city.
Buena Bristol Social Club: Ataque Masivo!, The Jam Jar – January 9-10
Successive nights from the 10-piece ensemble of Cuban and Bristol-based musicians, directed by Cuban trumpeter Michael Padron. Billed as “a Cuban-Bristolian elegy to Massive Attack, plus Tribute to Buena Vista”, both performances will be followed by an after-party.
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Lost Atoms, Bristol Old Vic – January 13-24
Exhilarating and heartbreaking by turns, Anna Jordan’s critically acclaimed play charts the entirety of a relationship, from differing perspectives. In doing so, it examines the nature of memory, loss and life-altering connection.
Learning From The Future, The Mount Without – January 14-15
Colette Sadler is an internationally acclaimed choreographer based in Berlin. In this multimedia dance production, she explores how consciousness could exist in a sci-fi landscape where the human body has disappeared and we no longer inhabit the world through our senses. It is a virtuoso performance of incredible physicality set in the beautiful theatre created by IMPERMANENCE at The Mount Without.
Choreography from Colette Sadler – photo: The Mount Without
The Bristol Comedy Festival, multiple city centre venues – January 15-31
Working once more in partnership with Bristol BID, Bristol Comedy Festival is back to provide two weeks of laughter in the darkest time of the year. There will be a vibrant mix of big TV names, new and emerging talent, work-in-progress performances, comedy competitions and local favourites in venues dotted around the city centre. The festival will be raising money for TAP for Bristol.
Photo: The Bristol Comedy Festival
Bristol Film Festival – screenings throughout 2026 (from January 21)
Celebrating its 10 year anniversary with numerous events in 2026, Bristol Film Festival is still your go-to for classic film screenings in unique and memorable locations.
Screening at Concorde – photo: Bristol Film Festival
Cosmos: The Art of Observing Space, RWA – January 24-April 19
Running for three months, Cosmos promises to be an awe-inspiring landmark exhibition drawing on both art and science in a celebration of “our enduring fascination with space”. The collection has been curated by Ione Parkin RWA and features work from Yinka Shonibare, Cornelia Parker and Christopher LeBrun. Delivered in partnership with the Royal Astronomical Society, the exhibits will include a selection of essays, as well as over 100 works across painting, sculpture, photography, installation, and digital media.
Susan Eyre, Sun Factor, screenprint on aluminium – photo: the artist/RWA
Independent Venue Week, The Canteen – January 26-February 1
The Canteen is taking part in Independent Venue Week, which is the UK’s annual 7-day celebration of independent music and arts venues and the people that own, run and work in them. With support over the years from the likes of BBC6 Music and Arts Council England, IVW sees venues come together with artists, promoters, agents, record labels and media to create a nationwide series of special live events, empowering local music communities through thousands of shows in villages, towns and cities all around the UK. Acts appearing at The Canteen include Riddim, Zubieta & the Suaves, The Shingalings, Soma Soma, and a grassroots emerging artist showcase.
The Canteen – photo: Devaki
Vegan Supper Club & Wine Tasting, Old Market Assembly – January 29
A carefully crafted delicious four-course tasting menu in a candlelit venue, with a crackling wood fire and twinkling lights: this is a perfect way to start the year with something special.
Head Chef Moi Sanchez will bring his Spanish-inspired touch to the menu, showcasing some of our favourite seasonal dishes, all made with fresh, local produce from our trusted suppliers. Each course will be paired with an exceptional vegan wine, and resident expert Dan O’Keefe will guide you through the selection, sharing the story behind each bottle and its unique flavours.
Vegan Supper Club – photo: Old Market Assembly
Geo Milev: Once There Was Spring translated by Tom Phillips, East Bristol Books – January 29
Geo Milev was a revolutionary Bulgarian poet from the early 20th century. Well-known and revered in his country, this publication marks the first translation of his work into English. Poet and translator Tom Phillips.is coming down to Bristol from Sofia to introduce Milev’s work and life to new audiences. Unmissable for fans of translation and poetry from other literary traditions. The event will be chaired by local poet Rachel Bentham.
ExWHYZ, The Fleece – January 29
J-Pop comes to Bristol, on the first UK tour for girl group ExWHYZ, who have already racked up over a million YouTube views for their new single Don’t Cry.
After Hours (18+) evenings, Wake The Tiger – alternate Fridays
Bored of the usual night out? Wake The Tiger After Hours is your ticket to something truly unforgettable. Every other Friday, step into the UK’s largest interactive art experience, exploring over 40 surreal and fully immersive spaces. Expect new surprises and exclusive collaborations throughout 2026. Visitors can book early for a 20 per cent discount.
Wake The Tiger: After Hours – photo: Giulia Spadafora
Immersed in Starlight, Bristol Museum and Art Gallery – January 30-31
An opportunity to see the familiar interior of one of the city’s most beautiful public buildings transformed into an immersive cosmic canvas, thanks to projected images shot by Bristol-based ‘urban astrophotographer’ Lee Pullen. The experience is accompanied by a specially created soundscape from Sam Whitfield at Cyan Music.
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Karaoke Koncepts: A night of Leonard Cohen Karaoke, The Cube – January 31
A night of exclusively Leonard Cohen songs, with whiskey and fedoras. Repeats are welcome, and the organisers have granted official permission to get “as sad, soulful and poetic as you so please”.
Photo: Karaoke Koncepts
LUNA Presents: JOKER B2B SIR SPYRO FT KILLA P EXTENDED 3 HOUR SET, Lost Horizon – January 31
The creative force behind Glastonbury’s iconic Luna Stage comes a brand new Bristol showcase celebrating the best in UK music culture. For this debut at Lost Horizon, two giants of the scene, Joker and Sir Spyro, go back-to-back for an extended 3-hour set, joined by the legendary Killa P on mic duties. Expect heavyweight bass, grime classics, and deep dubstep cuts in a night built for true sound system heads. Holding it down in support is Bristol’s own Sir Hiss and London’s Amy Kisnorbo. This one’s set to be a serious session raw energy, deep vibes, and that unmistakable Luna spirit.
Luna, SQ – poster: Lost Horizon
Grove at the Croft, The Croft – February 4
Trinity Presents Bristol-based producer and vocalist Grove. They make militant music for the sensually inclined, rooted in bass vibration and liberation.
Grove, Babylon Rotten – photo: @giugliotto
Slapstick Festival, Watershed, Aquarium, Bristol Beacon and St George’s – February 4-8
The annual celebration of on-screen comedy returns, showcasing a multitude of forms “from silent-era masterpieces to classic sitcoms, anarchic standups and big-screen favourites”. This year’s highlights include Alexei Sayle, Lee Mack, Lucy Porter, Armando Iannucci and Chris Addison, a bumper crop of Laurel & Hardy screenings, and the ever-popular Silent Comedy Gala, hosted by Stephen Mangan.
Photo: Slapstick Festival
People’s Comedy, People’s Republic of Stokes Croft – February 6, and monthly (first Friday of the month)
Revolutionary comedy in the Soul of Stokes Croft. The People’s Comedy formed in 2018 with the aim of platforming comedians with a message (think counter-culture, underrepresented, original) and ensuring that they’re paid for their craft.
The People’s Comedy – photo: PRSC
PULSEWAVE Live – Club395, February 7
This edition of PULSEWAVE is focused entirely on Bristol-based live electro, breaks, acid and techno performers – a local electronic underground scene that promotors feel is hugely impressive yet still under-represented in the city. The night is headlined by Ben Pest, with support from Tape Twelve and Zoid, all performing full hardware/live sets.
Ben Pest – photo: Pulsewave
Bristol TV and Film Locations Tour, Clifton, Harbourside and Old City – February 8
Discover the filming locations for famous shows shot in Bristol including Skins, Poldark, Sherlock, Doctor Who and find out about Bristol’s celebrity connections with legends like Paul McCartney, Cary Grant, and Frank Sinatra.
Photo: Bristol Film and TV Tour
After Hours: Chemical Romance, We The Curious – February 13
Nothing says ‘romance’ like a heart dissection, making your own vibrating object and tasting super-hot chillies! After Hours is back at We The Curious on the day before Valentine’s Day, exploring those feelings of instant chemistry. So, bring your mates or dates, grab a drink at the bar and explore the science centre in this adults-only evening.
We The Curious – Y2K Party, 2025 – photo: Alastair Brookes – KoLAB Studios
Storysmith presents: George Saunders in conversation with Max Porter, 1532 Performing Arts Centre – February 18
Join Booker Prize-winning author George Saunders as he introduces his new novel Vigil, in a conversation with fellow beloved and best-selling author Max Porter. Expect a night of inimitably warm and searching chat with the world’s most famous creative writing teacher.
George Saunders – photo: Zach Krahmer
Bristol Light Festival, multiple city centre locations – February 19-28
The free festival to brighten up the darkest time of year returns in February, spanning two weekends and a chunk of half-term, too. The 2025 edition brought an estimated 200,000 visitors to the city centre, with a welcome boost to the hospitality industry.
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The Tragedy of Macbeth by William Shakespeare, Tobacco Factory Theatres – February 19-March 28
Tobacco Factory Theatres were thrust into the cultural spotlight nearly 25 years ago, with their bold stagings of Shakespeare in their iconic South Bristol Home. This intimate, in-the round production will be the third Macbeth staged here, brought to life by the theatre’s Artistic Director, Heidi Vaughan.
Macbeth is the story of a man who betrays his own moral compass in pursuit of status – and finds that once ambition replaces love, there is no way back. Set against a backdrop of political turmoil and supernatural dread, Macbeth speaks urgently to our own times: when individualism triumphs over community, the consequences are irreversible.
The Tragedy of Macbeth – photo: Tobacco Factory Theatres
Jon Udry’s Variety Bungalow, Circomedia – February 20-21
Juggling extraordinaire Jon Udry is back with a high-skill cabaret featuring circus, burlesque and wit from a hand-picked bill of performers. Revellers can sit back and enjoy, with table service laid on for the evening.
Variety Bungalow – photo: Jon Udry
Martin Parr: The Last Resort, The Martin Parr Foundation – February 20-May 24
Following the sad death of the globally venerated photographer, his eponymous Foundation will be staging an exhibition of his most celebrated work. The images document the British at leisure in New Brighton, on the Wirral’s northern tip, during the hot summers of 1983 and 1984.
Martin Parr, from ‘The Last Resort’. 1983-85 – photo: © Martin Parr/Magnum Photos
Creepy Boys: Slugs, The Wardrobe Theatre – February 24-26
Canada’s Creepy Boys present a techno-punk concert, a play, a clown show, a basement puppet nightmare all rolled into one, Slugs is about trying to have a good time while the world burns. Nominated for the Edinburgh Comedy Award 2025.
Creepy Boys, Slugs – photo: The Wardrobe Theatre
Jordan Gray: Is That A C*ck In Your Pocket Or Are You Just Here To Kill Me?, 1532 Performing Arts Centre – February 28
The BAFTA-winning comic who famously stripped off live on Channel 4, Jordan Gray heads to Bristol “with a guitar on her back, a bounty on her ballbag, and some very poorly written death threats in her DMs”. She explores questions such as “is the cost of success worth it? How do you live up to your own sky-high expectations? And most importantly, should you even be a comedian when your bum looks this good?”
Jordan Gray – photo: Dylan Woodley
Monochrome Festival of Ugly Music, The Exchange – March 7
Set in the heart of Bristol, you’ll find a diverse lineup of weirdo metal, gnarled punk and ear-splitting noise, in a welcoming and inclusive environment. Performing: Grave Miasma, Tjuvkoppla, Duivelsgrot, Lady Gaza, Jaundice, Soft Issues, Skintern, Proteus, Sophrosyne, Atomçk, Piss Drinker + more TBA.
Monochrome Festival of Ugly Music – photo: The Exchange
Queerky, Loco Klub – March 7
Queerky is more than a rave – it’s a queer gathering rooted in safer spaces, community care, and unapologetic joy. Born in lockdown and now a key force in Bristol’s queer nightlife, Queerky centres queer and trans people while welcoming allies who respect the ethos.
Expect high-energy music spanning Acid Techno, Trance, Breaks, Electronica, and Techno, paired with bespoke visuals and a dancefloor built on trust and freedom. Safety is central: the collective uses tried-and-tested processes to create a supportive, non-threatening environment where everyone can explore their identity and feel at home. Proudly anti-patriarchal, anti-racist, anti-homophobic, and anti-transphobic, Queerky is dedicated to building nightlife that uplifts and protects the community. A rave – but first of all, a family.
Photo: Queerky
Joz Norris: You Wait. Time Passes, The Alma Tavern and Theatre – March 13
After a multi-award-nominated, 5-star critically acclaimed, sellout smash hit run at the Edinburgh Fringe, Comedians’ Choice Award-winner Joz Norris has finally completed his life’s work and he’s ready to unveil it to the world in all its glory for the first time EVER – no matter what the consequences may be. But what exactly is it? What has it cost him? And now that he’s done it, what will he do next?
Joz Norris, You Wait. Time Passes – photo: Oliver Holms
Bristol Gallery Weekend, multiple venues – March 19-22
Slowly building over the last couple of years, this Spring Equinox weekend has earned its place on the Bristol contemporary arts calendar, with participation from artists, shops and galleries across the city, and an inclusive approach that aims to boost public access to culture.
Visitors to the Royal Photographic Society – photo: Bristol Gallery Weekend
Ritual Union, Strange Brew, Electric Bristol & Rough Trade – March 28
A popular all-dayer split across three venues, with a day lineup and an afterglow lineup (further acts still to be announced).
Poster: Ritual Union
Accidental Meetings: Saccade, Strange Brew, The Island & The Crypt – April 10-11
A weekend city festival with a day and night lineup still to be announced, taking place across several venues.
Saccade – photo: Accidental Meetings
Outer Town Festival, multiple venues, Old Market – April 11
Over 60 artists will play on 10 stages across Old Market for one of Bristol’s most vibrant one-day urban festivals, blending indie, punk and LGBTQ+ scenes with food, beer, “immersive world-building and “a shared interest in thinking outside the box”.
2026 lineup – photo: Outer Town Festival
Cat Burns, O2 Academy Bristol – April 15
The musician and star of Celebrity Traitors is back on tour in 2026, with a likely turbo-charged fanbase in support.
BV Open Studios – April 17-19
Always a treat for South Bristol art fans, BV will be throwing open their doors once again across a long spring weekend in April. It’s a valuable chance to meet artists, makers and creatives, as well as to purchase their work, and to indulge in the delectable food and drink on offer, too.
Photo: BV Open Studios
Lyra Fest: Bristol Poetry Slam Finals, Arnolfini – April 19
Come along to see 10 of Bristol’s finest wordsmiths battle it out to be crowned the 2026 Lyra Bristol Poetry Slam Champion, as well as feature performances from internationally acclaimed headline poets. Lyra – Bristol Poetry Festival itself will be making a welcome return across multiple venues from April 17-26.
Lyra Slam Winner 2025, Ben Vince – photo: Sam Cavender
Kiss of the Spider Woman, Bristol Old Vic – April 29-May 16
In a brutal prison, Molina (Layton Williams) – condemned for his sexuality, and Valentin (George Blagden) – a political prisoner, are forced into an unlikely friendship in the cell they share. To escape their harsh reality, Molina conjures dazzling fantasies of glamorous movies, spinning tales of the seductive and dangerous Spider Woman (Anna-Jane Casey).
Kiss of the Spiderwoman, The Musical – photo: Bristol Old Vic
Bristol Walk Fest, city-wide – May 1-31
Now over a decade old, Bristol’s month-long festival of walking attracts over 7,500 people of all ages, backgrounds and fitness levels, showcasing the numerous benefits of walking-related activities. From nature walks to strenuous hikes, historical to cultural tours, and self-guided routes to family strolls, there is sure to be something to suit everyone.
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Bristol Folk Festival, multiple venues – May 1-3
The beloved independent and volunteer-run weekend of folk and roots returns to venues big and small across the city. Confirmed acts for 2026 include The Unthanks at Bristol Beacon, and Amadou Digne at St George’s.
Jam on the Horizon 2026, The Jam Jar, Lost Horizon, The Swan with Two Necks, the Volunteer Tavern and Sawmills – May 2
Quantic, Zero 7, Coco Marìa & much much more! The Jam Jar, Lost Horizon, The Swan with Two Necks and the Volunteer Tavern bring you the first festival of the year. 14 hours of forward-thinking music spread across five venues in one big St. Jude’s takeover. This year will be bigger than ever, with increased capacity and the inclusion of a brand-new venue, Sawmills, on Eugene Street. Expect al fresco bars, street parties, sound systems, delicious food vendors and a world-class lineup.
Jam On The Horizon – photo: The Jam Jar
Open Studios 50, Spike Island – May 2-4
Always the signature event in the Spike Island calendar, this year the venue is marking its 50th anniversary (it was founded as Bristol ArtSpace in 1976), and there is more to celebrate throughout 2026. More than 70 artists’ studios will be open to explore, with a host of performances, workshops, and refreshments on offer across the weekend.
Spike Island Open Studios – photo: Dan Weill
Dance Out, RWA – May 9-August 9
Dance Out is an exhibition of paintings, drawings and film that celebrates dance as an everyday human activity, both solitary and social. The RWA itself will shape-shift during the exhibition, with the main daylit galleries hosting a series of dance and dance-related events. Dance Out is co-curated by David Remfry RA and James Russell (Curator of ‘Tirzah Garwood: Beyond Ravilious’ at Dulwich Picture Gallery).
David Remfry RA, Dancers, 2001 – photo: courtesy of the artist
Upfest, numerous outdoor locations, Bristol – dates to be announced
Upfest is Europe’s largest urban painting festival, drawing in artists from around the world to paint live in front of spectators and art lovers. Past events have seen large murals painted live, paint jams, workshops and talks. The festival is biennial and expected to return to the city in 2026.
Photo: Upfest
Tricky, Bristol Beacon – May 17
Renowned as one of the most innovative and influential artists of the past few decades, Tricky returns to his hometown of Bristol for a powerful live experience, presenting a newly conceived show in 2026.
Tricky – photo: Bristol Beacon
Shindig Festival, Charlton Park – May 21-24
Signalling the start of the summer, Shindig Festival brings a packed programme of entertainment for all ages, offering relaxation and revelry in equal measures. The family-friendly event returns to the arboretum of Charlton Park Estate, Wiltshire. Recommended by Emily Eavis, Glastonbury organiser, the festival has been dubbed “a pint-sized version of Glastonbury”. It’s now back for its 12th year with an eclectic lineup and one of the friendliest festival crowds in the UK.
Lineup 2026 – photo: Shindig Festival
Show of Hands, Gilcombe Farm, Bruton – May 22-24
This crowd-shaped newcomer puts festival-goers in the driving seat. From choosing workshops and wellness sessions to quirky extras like kid-hosted dog shows and pottery for beginners, everything is voted on by the community. Expect music, arts and a playful, people-powered atmosphere – plus sunrise and sunset hot air balloon rides over the Somerset countryside.
Photo: Show of Hands
Dot to Dot Festival, multiple Bristol venues – May 23
Dot To Dot Festival launched in 2005, starting life as a Nottingham-only event across three venues. Since then we’ve launched across Bristol and Manchester, added a HUGE variety of venues into the mix and continued to promote the best in new music. Festival gigs will be taking place on May 23 at O2 Academy Bristol, Electric Bristol, Thekla, Rough Trade, The Fleece, The Louisiana and Strange Brew.
Live music at the O2 Academy Bristol – photo: Dot to Dot Festival
Love Saves The Day, Ashton Court – May 23-24
The beloved Bristol-born weekender will see a host of acts returning to eight stages at Ashton Court. Revellers are advised to sign up to the LSTD online mailing list for early lineup reveals, news and special offers.
LSTD25 Sunday – photo: Elliot Hingston
Siren Festival, Lloyds Amphitheatre – May 23-26
Bristol’s leading drum and bass festival will once again have crowds heading to the Harbourside for three nights of non-stop DJ sets and alternative music. Alongside its signature D&B heavyweights, this year’s first announcement welcomes indie-rock favourites The Maccabees. Bringing the biggest names in music to Bristol’s Amphitheatre this summer, Siren Festival is set for one of its most exciting editions yet.
Groove Armada at Siren Festival – photo: KoLAB Studios/Alistair Brookes
Festival of Nature, multiple venues in Bristol, Bath and online – June 6-14
The UK’s largest free celebration of the natural world has events for all ages across the week – including guided walks, crafts, workshops, exhibitions and dance parties, ending with a huge weekend of events and stalls in central Bristol. Join the festival newsletter on the website or follow the event on social media to see the full programme when it goes live in the Spring.
Festival of Nature 2025 – photo: © Ania Shrimpton
Bristol Comedy Garden, Queen Square – June (dates to be announced)
Bristol Comedy Garden returns to Queen Square in summer 2026 for another massive lineup featuring standup’s finest, alongside delicious street food and crowd-pleasing drinks. Over the previous six years, the festival has welcomed over 12,000 ticket holders to its stellar series of annual comedy shows in Bristol. It’s a welcome chance to catch both standup legends and fast-rising new stars all under the same (fully seated Big Top) roof.
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St Anne’s Open House, St Anne’s House – June 11-13
St Anne’s House will be throwing open the doors for their annual Open House Weekender, an energetic celebration of creativity, community, and collaboration. Expect activities for all ages, and a chance to meet the many artists, creatives, communities and organisations that are based there.
St Anne’s Open House 2025 – photo: Ruby Turner
Bristol Craft Beer Festival, Harbourside – June 12-13
One for the beer fans. Over 50 breweries will be on hand to guide 5,000 enthusiasts through an astonishing array of beers – over 300 at the last count. All your beer is included in the ticket price.
Bristol Craft Beer Festival – photo: Plaster
Adriana Brownlee: Death Zone, The Redgrave Theatre – June 21
Leading British mountaineer and ‘adventure athlete’ and the world’s youngest female climber to have ascended all 14 of the world’s 8000m peaks, Adriana Brownlee shares stories from the edge – including multiple near-death experiences.
Adriana Brownlee – photo: The Redgrave Theatre
David Olusoga, St George’s – June 22
Bristolian writer, historian, podcaster, BAFTA-winning producer and finalist on Celebrity Traitors, David Olusoga is a British TV staple (Empire; A House Through Time, BBC Two), and the author or co-author of eight books including Black & British: A Forgotten History and The Colonial Roots of Nazism. He will be appearing at St George’s with his new history talk, after which there will be a Q&A. David’s books will be available for purchase and signing at the event.
David Olusoga – photo: Billie Charity
Bristol Sounds, Canons Marsh Amphitheatre – June 23-28
Serving up six nights of live music over the week usually occupied by Glastonbury (on a fallow year in 2026), Bristol Sounds will feature Super Furry Animals, Orchestral Manoeuvres in The Dark, Royel Otis and The Kooks, as well as two highly-anticipated shows from The Streets – performing in full the legendary 2025 album, A Grand Don’t Come For Free.
2026 lineup – photo: Bristol Sounds
Feast On, The Downs – July 23-26
The return of the annual celebration of Bristol’s buzzing food and restaurant scene, with pop-ups, cooking demos, a produce market, food and wine tasting, banqueting, open fire cooking, live music and children’s entertainment.
Feast On – photo: Rob Browne
Bristol Pride, June 27-July 12 (various venues) / Pride Day: July 11 (The Downs)
Bristol Pride 2026 returns with an exciting programme of events taking place in multiple venues over two weeks across the city. The multi-award-winning festival culminates with a massive arts and music festival on Saturday July 11. Kickstarting the day with the spectacular Parade March through the city centre, the day party on the Downs sees over 200 performers across five stages. The lineup is yet to be announced, although recent headliners have included Allie X, Jakes Shears, The Human League, Kim Wilde and Carly Rae Jepsen. Then the daytime action continues into the evening with the official after-party at the Bristol O2 Academy.
Bristol Pride Parade 2025 – photo: Rob Browne
Toto The Ninja Cat and The Great Snake Escape, The Redgrave Theatre – June 28-30
Based on the bestselling book by Dermot O’Leary, this is a brand-new musical adaptation for 5+. While Toto “might look like an ordinary cat”, we’re warned that “she’s no ordinary feline”, replete with “incredible ninja skills, a big heart, and a nose for adventure”. Can she save London from an escaped King Cobra?
Toto The Ninja Cat – illustration: Nick East
Cracking Exhibition Gromit: 50 Years of Aardman in Bristol, M Shed – summer 2026 (dates to be announced)
A major retrospective for one of Bristol’s most beloved creative powerhouses – this promises to be a must-see cultural moment, offering fans of all ages a behind-the-scenes look at Aardman’s creative process, iconic characters, and the studio’s deep-rooted connection to its home city.
Cracking Exhibition Gromit – 50 Years of Aardman in Bristol – photo: Aardman
Brunel’s SS Great Britain – redeveloped Dockyard Museum – July (dates to be announced)
Bristol’s top visitor attraction – Brunel’s SS Great Britain – is redeveloping its Dockyard Museum in 2026 following a £1million investment. Due to open in July, the redeveloped Dockyard Museum (which is the entrance onto the ship itself) will be designed as an immersive experience, exploring how the SS Great Britain changed the world, illuminating the journeys of over 30,000 passengers and crew who travelled aboard the ship between 1845 and 1886.
SS Great Britain – photo: SS Great Britain Trust
Bristol Harbour Festival, Harbourside and Queen’s Square – July (dates to be announced)
The ever-popular free weekend festival is a staple for thousands of Bristolians, as well as thousands more visiting the city to bask in a packed programme of nautically themed events. For those preferring land to water, there are a host of performances on offer, as well as stalls and refreshments galore.
Bristol Harbour Festival 2024 – photo: Rob Browne
Valley Fest, Chew Valley Lake – July 31-August 2
Perfect for a day trip from Bristol or a full camping weekend, Valley Fest’s Chew Valley Lake setting is undeniably beautiful. It’s a small indie festival that puts both food and music front and centre, with an after-dark programme and plenty of appeal for families too.
The Valley Fest main stage- photo: Giulia Spadafora
Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, Ashton Court – August 7-9
Arguably the city’s most famous – and certainly its most photogenic – annual event, the sight of balloons during the twice daily mass ascents will be a summer staple for thousands of Bristolians. All weather-depending, of course.
Mass ascent at the 2025 Bristol International Balloon Fiesta – photo: Rob Browne
Bristol Extreme Fest 2026, Trinity Bristol – August 29-30
12 bands on two stages – with no clashes: End of the World Promotions brings an all-day ‘extreme metal festival’ to Bristol. Topping the bill are Greek metal legends, Rotting Christ, back in the city after a 22 year hiatus.
Rotting Christ – photo: Extreme Fest
Forwards Bristol, The Downs – August 29-30
It’s hard to believe, but Forwards will be celebrating its fifth birthday in 2026. In previous years, reliably top-notch lineups have brought artists such as Nia Archives, Barry Can’t Swim, Orbital, Loyle Carner, Four Tet, Erykah Badu, Aphex Twin and LCD Soundsystem to the Downs for Bristol’s most exciting contemporary festival.
Forwards main stage – photo: @khaliphotography
Encounters, Watershed – September 23-27
A call for 2026 entries is now open for Bristol’s internationally renowned festival of short film, which celebrated its 30th birthday last year. As ever, there will be tickets available for single screenings, as well as festival passes for those keen to attend a range of screenings, talks, panels, masterclasses and mixer events.
New Encounters director Dave Taylor-Matthews – photo: Encounters
Bristol Cocktail Weekend, various city centre venues – autumn (dates to be announced)
Returning in 2026, Bristol Cocktail Weekend promises a fresh pour of creativity, flavour and city-wide celebration. Expect a long weekend showcasing the best of Bristol’s bars and mixologists, with exclusive cocktails, special events and plenty of opportunities to explore the city’s vibrant hospitality scene.
Photo: Bristol Cocktail Weekend
Dark Tales: Britain and Ireland through a Gothic Lens, Martin Parr Foundation – Autumn (dates to be announced)
Dark Tales explores the complex relationship between the gothic and documentary photography in Britain and Ireland. The photographs in the exhibition reveal ghostly cityscapes, claustrophobic domestic scenes, neglected press-archives, waning industrial powers, and menacing nocturnal activities. Spanning more than 60 years the exhibition includes work by Kjell-Åke Andersson, Bill Brandt, Anna Fox, Robert Frank, Don McCullin, Lee Miller, John Myers, Akihiko Okamura, Sue Packer, Charlie Philips, Sarah Pickering, Jo Spence, Janine Wiedel and Donovan Wylie amongst others.
Residents of hostel for single men, 1987 – photo: © Crispin Hughes, Co-op Archive, courtesy of Martin Parr Foundation
Raise the Bar: UK Poetry All-Stars, Bristol Beacon – September 30
In late 2024, Raise the Bar delivered UK Poetry All-Stars, the South West’s biggest ever poetry event attended by 1000+ people. This Autumn, they’re bringing another huge UK/international lineup to Bristol Beacon’s main hall. Look out for an announcement in the new year.
UK Poetry All Stars 2024 – photo: Sam Cavender
Bristol Photo Festival 2026: Time Machine, multiple venues (city-wide) – October (dates to be announced)
Bristol Photo Festival 2026 will be the third edition of the biennial festival, building on two previously successful events. The most recent edition (Autumn 2024) welcomed over 115,000 visitors to exhibitions across the city, alongside an ambitious engagement and education programme. The festival is currently Bristol’s only internationally focused visual-arts festival – a vital platform that forges connections between institutions and communities across the city, while also linking Bristol to global partners through reciprocal exhibitions with festivals worldwide.
Oro Verde by Ritual Inhabitual. Bristol Photo Festival II The World is a Wave – photo: © Dan Weill Photography, 2024
Back To The Future The Musical, Bristol Hippodrome – October 8-November 21
Strap in for the smash hit Back to the Future The Musical, landing at the Bristol Hippodrome as part of its first ever UK tour. Winner of Best New Musical at the Olivier Awards, WhatsOnStage Awards and Broadway World Awards, this “perfect musical escapism” (Metro) is ready to take you on an electrifying journey through time.
Back To The Future The Musical. Caden Brauch (Marty McFly) and Brian Conley (Doc Brown) – photo: Matt Crockett
The Island Open Studios 2026 – AGM and Launch Party – October 15; Open Studios October 17-18
The team at Artspace Lifespace invite you through the heavy wooden doors of The Island to explore the former 1920s police headquarters transformed into a thriving contemporary arts centre. Each year, The Island and its community of artists open their doors to the public for a weekend bursting with creativity. Visitors can enjoy exhibitions, open studios, and a vibrant programme of free-to-attend circus and dance taster classes, as well as workshops led by Island artists. The weekend offers a unique opportunity to meet artists, buy original work, spark new collaborations, or simply discover the exciting activity that takes place within The Island’s walls.
The Island Open Studios 2025 – photo: ©Dot McCormack (@shot.by.dot)
Joy Gregory: Catching Flies with Honey, Arnolfini – October 17-February 7 2027
Joy Gregory’s first major survey show comes to Arnolfini in the Autumn. Spanning four decades, this landmark exhibition brings together over 250 works encompassing photography, film, installation and textiles, all of which showcase and celebrate Gregory’s inventive, culturally resonant and materially rich practice. Since the early 1980s Gregory (b.1959, UK), winner of the eighth annual Freelands Award and one of the UK’s most innovative artists working with photography today, has been a pioneering force in contemporary photography, playing a critical role in its development nationally and internationally.
Stockwell Siren from the series ‘Celebrity Blonde’, 2003, performance, Joy Gregory – photo: © Joy Gregory
Rachel Fairburn: Vexy Beasts, The Comedy Box at The Hen and Chicken – October 23
Following 2025’s Side Eye, the TV regular and co-host of global smash podcast All Killa No Filla returns with a show about “nepo babies, middle class rock stars, terrifying mothers, biting social commentary and lots of big laughs”.
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Main photo: Chris Cooper/ShotAway (Bristol Pride 2025)
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