Things To Do / Bristol
15 things to do this week in Bristol, July 20-26 2026
Monday: Arthur Buezo, The Canteen
Arthur Buezo’s one-man show blends his self-styled “savage folk” with desert blues, Middle Eastern influences and gypsy-inspired rhythms. Raw vocals, driving percussion and evocative storytelling combine to create a performance that’s both powerful and deeply atmospheric.
Arthur Buezo – photo: Headfirst
Tuesday: Vierz collective Volume 2: Venus Rising, Bristol Old Vic
Vierz Collective returns with Volume 2: Venus Rising, blending live music, spoken word and immersive performance into a vibrant celebration of creativity. Showcasing emerging artists and collaborative talent, the evening explores themes of empowerment, connection and artistic expression in an intimate setting.
Venus rising photo by Vierz Collective
Tuesday: Blues jam, Spirited
A new monthly blues jam at Spirited on North Street. Everyone welcome. Come along to jam or kick back with a dram and enjoy some music from the house band.
Wednesday: Basement Comedy, Basement Beer
Basement Comedy serves up an evening of stand-up from a handpicked line-up of rising local talent and visiting comics. With a welcoming atmosphere and fresh material, expect quick-fire laughs, sharp observations and the chance to discover your next favourite comedian.
Basement Beer – photo: Martin Booth
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Wednesday-Sunday: Cinema Rediscovered 2026, Watershed
Celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the UK’s leading film festival dedicated to newly-restore films, forgotten gems and classic revivals.
Cinema rediscovered – photo: Watershed
Thursday: CMYK: A Celebration, The Island
CMYK: A Celebration showcases the work of 28 emerging illustrators and artists in a vibrant multidisciplinary exhibition. From painting and sculpture to digital media, collage and projection, it’s a chance to discover fresh creative talent alongside affordable prints, books and handmade pieces.
CYMK – photo: UWE
Friday: Summer Sessions with Miss Mash B2B Nathan Worm, Wiper and True
Summer Sessions welcomes a Hot Wax Records takeover as Bristol favourites Miss Mash and Nathan Worm go back-to-back behind the decks for an eclectic all-vinyl journey. From global grooves to hidden gems, this free beer garden party celebrates adventurous selections and community vibes.
Summer sessions – photo: Miss Mash
Friday: Pottery and bubbles, Terra Studio
Get creative with a relaxed pottery workshop where you can sip your favourite drink while learning the art of handbuilding. With expert guidance and no experience needed, you’ll craft your own unique ceramic piece in a fun, sociable setting.
Pottery and bubbles – photo: Terra studio
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Friday-Sunday: Mendip Mini Fest, Mendip Basecamp
This summer, Mendip Basecamp launches Mendip Mini Fests – six family-friendly festival weekends. Expect big-energy and feel-good vibes, without the crowds or big ticket prices! Enjoy bands and artists like Daisy Chapman and Supervision, alongside children’s entertainment and workshops.
Mendip Mini Fest – photo: Mendip Basecamp
Saturday: Bristol Cider Week opening party, SS Great Britain
Ahead of August’s Bristol Cider Week, join fellow drink lovers for an evening of tastings, cheese and music on the top deck of the SS Great Britain.
SS Great Britain – photo: SS Great Britain Trust
Sunday: Dungeons & Dragons, Wiper & True
Whether you’re brand new, have done a couple of sessions, are in between campaigns, only have time for One Shots or are looking to get back into it, this beginner-friendly intro night is your official invitation into the wonderful, weird world of Dungeons & Dragons!
Dungeons and dragons – photo: Wiper and True
Every Sunday until August 30: Summer Sorted at The Wave
This summer is set to be bigger than ever at The Wave, with a packed programme of events and activities designed to help guests make the most of long days, warm evenings and time spent outdoors. Launching under the banner of Summer Sets, the programme combines live music, opportunities to try the latest surfboards, specialist fitness sessions and community-focused events throughout July and August.
Summer Sets photo by The Wave
SPONSORED
Every week: Edinburgh Fringe Preview Season, The Gaffe Comedy Club
See some of the most exciting comics heading to the Edinburgh Fringe this August! Enjoy brand new shows from the likes of Larry Dean, Kemah Bob, Michael Akadiri, Jayde Adams, and more brilliant acts at The Gaffe Comedy Club and The Robin Hood.
Preview Season – photo: The Gaffe Comedy Club
SPONSORED
Until September 13: SENTIENTS, Watershed
Open your animal eyes. A collection of groundbreaking video games and virtual reality in Undershed.
Sentients – photo: by Watershed
is needed now More than ever
SPONSORED
Until August 31: Summer Lates, The Roman Baths
Experience The Roman Baths after hours as Summer Lates returns from 20 July to bring a relaxed evening buzz to Bath’s iconic attraction. A short hop from Bristol Temple Meads, the ancient site gets a modern makeover with live music Fridays- Sundays. Open until 10pm every night 20 July – 31 August. Summer Lates 20 July -31 August, daily until 10pm (last entry 9pm)
Summer Lates – photo: The Roman Baths
And coming soon…
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July 28-30: Toto the Ninja Cat, Redgrave Theatre
Based on Dermot O’Leary’s best-selling children’s book, illustrated by Nick East, this purr-fectly thrilling tale is filled with original music, laugh-out-loud fun, and extraordinary puppetry, promising fun for the whole family.
Toto The Ninja Cat – photo: Redgrave Theatre
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July 31: Swing From Paris, Redgrave Theatre
Swing From Paris are a virtuoso all-string jazz quartet bringing the spirit of 1930s–50s Paris to life with stylish swing, gypsy jazz and tango. Inspired by legends including Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli, they’ve performed at major UK and European festivals and on BBC TV and radio.
Swing from Paris – photo: Redgrave Theatre
SPONSORED
August 7-9: BBC Proms 2026, Bristol Beacon
BBC Proms 2026 takes over Bristol Beacon on Fri 7 – Sun 9 Aug. Concerts in Lantern Hall include a Saturday night special live edition of acclaimed Radio 3 jazz show ’Round Midnight with guest presenter Jamie Cullum, featuring a tribute to John Coltrane. On Sunday, celebrated Finnish musicians Anu Komsi & Sakari Oramo perform an intimate recital to mark the 100th birthday celebrations for composer György Kurtág.
Round Midnight – photo: Bristol Beacon
SPONSORED
August 13-16: Bluey’s Big Play, Bristol Beacon
Bluey’s Big Play is the theatrical adaptation of the Emmy® award-winning children’s television series, with an original story by Bluey creator Joe Brumm, and new music by Bluey composer, Joff Bush. Join the Heelers in this live theatre show made just for you, featuring brilliantly created puppets. This is Bluey as you’ve never seen it before, brought to real life.
Bluey First Venue – photo : Bristol Beacon
SPONSORED
August 23: CBeebies House Party LIVE! Bristol Beacon
Get ready to party with your favourite CBeebies stars! Join Andy Day, Evie Pickerill, Nigel Clarke, George Webster and Hey Duggee for a fun-filled live adventure packed with songs, dancing, bubbles, giant jellies and magical surprises. Bursting with laughter and imagination, it’s the perfect family day out for little ones and their grown-ups.
CBeebies house party – photo: Bristol Beacon
SPONSORED
September 11: John Bishop LIVE! Cooper Associates County Ground
Comedy superstar John Bishop returns to the stage for a rare one-night-only performance at the Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton, on Friday 11 September. Joined by Justin Moorhouse and Sally-Anne Hayward, expect an unforgettable evening of laughter at one of the South West’s most unique live entertainment venues.
SPONSORED
September 12: The South West’s Biggest Funk & Soul Party! Cooper Associates County Ground
Celebrate the end of summer with an unforgettable night of live music at the Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton. Soul II Soul headline an incredible line-up featuring The Brand New Heavies, Norman Jay MBE and The Beatles Dub Club for an evening packed with disco, soul and dance anthems in a truly unique outdoor setting!
SPONSORED
September 28: Francis Of Delirium, Exchange
After receiving praise for her 2024 debut Lighthouse, with NME claiming the band “put Luxembourg on the map,” Francis of Delirium released her follow up album, Run, Run Pure Beauty back in May. In support of the new album the band will be performing across the UK with a stop in Bristol.
Francis of Delirium – photo: Crosstown Concerts
SPONSORED
October 11: Devotchka, Bristol Beacon
Colorado group Devotchka celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Grammy-nominated Little Miss Sunshine soundtrack live on stage, showcasing a mix of indie rock and folk music which helped earn the comedy-drama a cult following.
DeVotchKa – photo: Crosstown Concerts
Main photo: Vierz Collective
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