Things To Do / Bristol
21 things to do in Bristol this week, January 19-25 2026
Monday: Momentum Scratch Night, Bristol Old Vic
A chance to experience creative works at the very beginning of their development process, Ad Infinitum’s Momentum nights spotlights five artists and their newest endeavours. With opportunities to workshop and provide feedback for these projects, it’s a unique insight into the creative process.
The night is a chance for the artists to test their raw material – photo: Bristol Old Vic
Monday: Babbers Term 1, Acta Community Theatre
Babbers sessions are back for 2026, designed to encourage curiosity and interaction for babies and young children. The group is aimed to promote developmental growth in a fun, community-focused way.
Babbers sessions are back for 2026 – photo: Babbers
SPONSORED
Monday-Thursday: The Voice of Hind Rajab, Watershed
Oscar®-nominated director Kaouther Ben Hania’s latest triumph, an innovative hybrid of drama and documentary, transforms the last recorded words of a six-year-old girl in Gaza into a vital act of remembrance. Tickets £6.00-£11.50.
The Voice of Hind Rajab – photo: Watershed
SPONSORED
Monday-Thursday: Hamnet, Watershed
Oscar®-winning director Chloé Zhao’s (Nomadland) adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s bestselling novel reimagines a pivotal moment in the lives of William Shakespeare’s family.
Hamnet – photo: Agata Grzybowska / © 2025 FOCUS FEATURES LLC
Tuesday: Nature book club, Horfield Library
Horfield Library are starting a new book club for the environmentally minded. The group is open to all ages, with the first book being Diary of a Young Naturalist by Dara McAnulty, and Wild Child by the same author for younger ages.
The new group promotes nature reading for all ages – photo: Milan Perera
Wednesday: 50th Anniversary of Concorde’s First Commercial Flight, Aerospace
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Concorde’s first commercial flight, and Aerospace are hosting a celebration of the feat of engineering based in Bristol. The event will host a large number of former Concorde flight crew, as well as an auction for Concorde memorabilia.
A new 50 pence piece has been released to mark the anniversary -photo: Royal Mint
Wednesday: The Spy Who Loved Me Tender, Wardrobe Theatre
Elvis impersonator Ian Pollock is bringing his newest endeavour: a James Bond-themed musical that promises to be packed with “songs, sequins and drama galore.”
The comedy is described as “pure silliness” – photo: Spitz & Co
Thursday: Kaia Kater, The Jam Jar
Grenadian-Canadian singer Kaia Kater blends jazz, Appalachia and Canadian folk influences in her performance and songwriting. Regarded by Rolling Stone as a “folk-circuit veteran”, she’ll be taking to the stage for one night at The Jam Jar.
The singer is regarded as a “folk-circuit veteran”- photo: Kaia Kater
Thursday: Bristol’s Hidden River, Bristol Aquarium
Bristol Avon Rivers Trust are premiering their short film, Bristol’s Hidden River. The film follows the River Frome from its source into the heart of the city and aims to celebrate the local communities and people who work to protect it.
The film celebrates the River Frome and the people who protect it – photo: Martin Booth
SPONSORED
Friday – May 10: Poster Power! Victoria Art Gallery
Discover 200 years of British poster design at the Victoria Art Gallery in Bath. Poster Power! Showcases an exceptional range of British advertising posters from the 19th and 20th centuries, promoting everything from theatre shows, events, travel to political campaigns and World War One recruitment.
Bath Official Guide Book – photo: Victoria Art Gallery
Friday: The Flag Fen Project / The Brackish, The Chelsea Inn
A free entry double header of post-punk psychedelia. The Flag Fen Project summon dubbed out man-machine grooves drawing on techno, folk and alternative rock. Support comes from the jaw-dropping post-everything guitar heroics of The Brackish, one of the UK’s most unique guitar bands.
Friday: Chaps and Straps Queer Line Dancing, Strange Brew
Guided by local drag king Small Willie Nelson, this country night is billed as “an opportunity for LGBTQIA+ people to come together and dance.” Grab your cowboy hat and have a boogie.
The event is a safe space for any genders, sexualities and preferences – photo: Chaps and Straps & Caitlin Damsell
Friday: H is for Hawk screening and Q&A, Watershed
Claire Foy and Brendan Gleeson star in this film adaptation of Helen MacDonald’s nature-infused memoir. The film is being screened daily until January 29, but Friday’s event also includes a Q&A with director Philippa Lowthorpe and hawk expert Lloyd Buck.
The film covers using nature to process grief – Philippa Lowthorpe and H is for Hawk
SPONSORED
Saturday: Ria Lina: Riabellion, Redgrave Theatre
Following her killer debut tour, Riawakening (Top Ten Best Stand-up Shows of 2024 – Telegraph), the wickedly funny Ria Lina realised she wasn’t just awake, she was ready to rebel. Expect a relentless stream of hilarity as Ria explores the state of the world, the eternal battle of the sexes, and the delight of throwing life up in the air after years of following the rules.
Ria Lina – photo: Rachel Berkowitz
Saturday: Burns Night Ceilidh and DJ, Old Market Assembly
Celebrate Burns Night with “foot-stomping” folk music in what promises to be “a night of absolute joyful chaos. The night will feature traditional Scottish and English folk dances and dance experience isn’t necessary – but a comfy pair of dancing shoes is!
The night of dancing is returns to Old Market by popular demand – photo: Old Market Assembly
SPONSORED
Saturday: K-Pop Live, The Prospect Building
Get ready to unleash your inner idol as K-Pop Live arrives at The Prospect Building. Enjoy explosive live performances, iconic K-Pop hits, stunning visuals and razor-sharp choreography. With confetti, glitter stations, roaming entertainers and street food, this immersive three-hour celebration is the ultimate K-Pop party.
K-Pop Live – photo: The Prospect Building
SPONSORED
Saturday: Nailsworth: Tchaikovsky, Bristol Ensemble
Bristol Ensemble’s professional musicians perform Tchaikovsky’s dramatic and lyrical Souvenir de Florence, vivid chamber music for string sextet bursting with energy and warmth. Tea and cakes served at 4pm. Tickets £15, available on the door and online at the Bristol Ensemble box office.
Henleaze Concert Society – photo: Bristol Ensemble
Saturday: Lords of the Underground, O2 Academy
Notorious hip-hop trio from Newark, New Jersey, Lords of the Underground is known for their ‘Golden Age sound’, sociopolitical lyrics and high-energy performances that had a lasting impact on East Coast rap.
The ‘Golden Age’ trio are taking to the O2 Academy – photo: Lords of the Underground
SPONSORED
Saturday: Henleaze Concert Society: Tchaikovsky Reflections
Explore the emotional world of Tchaikovsky in a richly expressive programme. From the magical melodies of The Nutcracker Suite to the tender Andante cantabile, Arensky’s heartfelt variations, and the passionate Souvenir de Florence, this concert celebrates lyricism, drama, and the enduring legacy of Russia’s most beloved composer, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.
Henleaze Concert Society – photo: Bristol Ensemble
Sunday: Sunday Scran, The Scrandit
On the last Sunday of every month, Christmas Steps’ The Scrandit hosts a communal dining event. For January, Cin Cin will be taking over the kitchen with a one-off menu.
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And coming soon..
SPONSORED
January 26: NT Live: Hamlet, Redgrave Theatre
Olivier Award-winner Hiran Abeysekera (Life of Pi) is Hamlet in this fearless, contemporary take on Shakespeare’s famous tragedy. Trapped between duty and doubt, surrounded by power and privilege, young Prince Hamlet dares to ask the ultimate question – you know the one. Please note this event is a screening.
Hamlet – photo: Redgrave Theatre
SPONSORED
January 30 & 31: Horrible Histories The Concert, Bristol Beacon
For the very first time, your favourite songs and actors from CBBC’s Horrible Histories TV series are coming to Bristol Beacon on 30 & 31 January. Bring your singing voices for a truly Horrible show! It’s the ultimate first concert for kids, for everyone aged 5 to 105!
Horrible Histories the concert
SPONSORED
February 2: Yann Tiersen, Bristol Beacon
Experience the evocative world of Yann Tiersen, the iconic composer behind Amélie and Good Bye Lenin!, as he brings his rich, cinematic music to Bristol. Blending piano, violin and layered textures with emotional depth and poetic resonance, Tiersen’s live performance is an intimate, unforgettable musical journey.
Yann – photo: Aurélie Scouarnec
SPONSORED
February 12: The Beaches: No Hard Feelings Tour, O2 Academy Bristol
The Beaches are doing everything their way. Their lead single, “Blame Brett” had over 100 million streams on Spotify and over 10 million views on TikTok. #2 on Spotify’s US Viral chart, #20 at Alternative Radio in the US and #1 at Alt Radio in Canada for 13 consecutive weeks. Mark Hoppus (blink182), Nelly Furtado, and Demi Lovato are all fans!
The Beaches: No Hard Feelings Tour – photo: O2 Academy
SPONSORED
February 15: Power Town Festival, The Prospect Building
The first Power Town Festival featuring music, dance and a celebration of African and Caribbean cuisine and culture hits Bristol on Sunday February 15. Kenny Allstar of Radio 1 Xtra’s Rap Shows, and rapper Donae’o headline at Strange Brew, Fairfax Street. It runs from 1pm to 11pm.
SPONSORED
February 15: Massive Sound – Fauré’s Requiem Workshop, Bristol Beacon
Join Massive Sound for a celebratory performance of Fauré’s Requiem, sung by a massed choir of more than 350 voices and featuring Bristol Beacon’s magnificent restored Britton Organ in its 70th anniversary year. With soaring melodies and organ splendour, this moving choral event is not to be missed.
Massive Sound – photo: Bristol Beacon
SPONSORED
February 24: OCEAN in concert, Bristol Beacon
OCEAN in Concert is a breathtaking live experience that celebrates the wonders of our blue planet. A screening of the feature documentary, narrated on film by Sir David Attenborough, combines stunning cinematography with a moving score from Academy Award-winning composer Steven Price (Gravity) performed live by Welsh National Opera Orchestra, conducted by Robert Ziegler.
Ocean With David Attenborough – photo: Keith Scholey |©Silverback Films and Open Planet Studios
Main photo: Chaps and Straps and Caitlin Damsell
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