Things To Do / Bristol
21 things to do in Bristol this week, April 13-19 2026
Monday: Do The Thing Club, Wiper & True Taproom
Led by Zanna, the Do The Thing Club offers a safe and supporitive space to helpo you achieve any creative dream you have. Wether it’s writing a book, creating new art or starting a passion project this is the place for you to thrive with other creative like-minded people.
Do The Thing Club – photo: @the.wonky.line.club
SPONSORED
Monday & Tuesday: The Detective Dog, Redgrave Theatre
Enjoy Julia Donaldson’s well-loved story, The Detective Dog, LIVE on the Redgrave Theatre stage! Expect captivating puppetry; surprising smells and toe-tapping music. With British Sign Language, creative captions and spoken English, this engaging production is suitable for both deaf and hearing families!
Detective Dog – photo: Redgrave Theatre
Tuesday: Naughty Nate’s presents: Moonshine and Mischief Vol 2, The Jam Jar
Whether you’re in the mood to dance, sip cocktails, or soak up the atmosphere, Moonshine & Mischief promises a night of jazz-soaked revelry and roaring-twenties indulgence.
Naughty Nate’s presents- Moonshine and Mischief Vol 2 – photo: The Jam Jar
SPONSORED
Tuesday: The Flamingo Club presents The Hide, Grain Barge
Another thrilling night of Jazz below deck… Bass, drums, guitar, keyboards and samples weave around one another in unexpected twists and turns as the three-piece instrumentalists, The Hide, invite you into their strangely decorated sonic living room for an evening of original music.
The Hide – photo: Grain Barge
Tuesday: Community Jam Collective: Jam Night, The Old England Pub
The Old England proudly celebrates music at the heart of its community with a weekly Community Jam Night, hosted by the brilliant Community Jam Collective.
Community Jam Night -photo: @community.jam.collective
Wednesday: HumDrum, The Gallimaufry
HumDrum are a 5-piece band crafting an evolving fusion of experimental rock, jazzy rhythms, and poetic surrealism. Their music weaves through genres — with a sense of vulnerability and volatility. Polished chaos with an atmosphere of deliberate imperfectionism, jagged rhythms and stirring melodies.
HumDrum – photo: The Gallimaufry
Wednesday: Girls Night – LGBTQ+ Speed Dating Bristol, The Raven
‘Girls Night’ events are aimed at anyone who identifies as a woman looking to date other women! Whether you’re looking to explore new connections or to meet that special someone join us in a safe and inclusive environment to meet like-minded individuals.
The Raven – photo: Andrew Viney
SPONSORED
Wednesday-Saturday: The Hound of the Baskervilles, Tobacco Factory Theatres
A hilarious theatrical thriller, based on Conan Doyle’s classic ‘Hound of the Baskervilles’. When a body is found at Baskerville Hall, Dartmoor, with giant hound prints nearby, Sherlock Holmes & Dr. Watson are called in. Bristol’s ‘Inner Voice Theatre Company’ – supporting young creatives across the west – perform this award-winning script (‘Bursts with imagination’, The Guardian).
Baskerville composite – photo: Tobacco Factory Theatres
SPONSORED
Thursday: National Theatre Live: All My Sons, Redgrave Theatre
Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad) and Marianne Jean-Baptiste (Hard Truths) feature in a five-star, triumphantly acclaimed new production of Arthur Miller’s classic play. One family, the heart of the American dream. When wartime delivers profits for Joe, it comes at a price when his partner is charged with criminal manufacturing deals, and his eldest son goes missing in action. Will peacetime bring peace of mind, or will he be confronted by the consequence of his actions?
All my sons – photo: Redgrave Theatre
SPONSORED
Thursday: Judi Love, Bristol Beacon
Comedian and TV personality Judi Love brings All About the Love to the stage. A warm, uplifting show blending laughter, heartfelt stories and sharp observational humour. With infectious energy and candid charm, Judi explores connection, joy and life’s everyday moments in a way that leaves audiences smiling long after the curtain.
Judi Love – photo: Bristol Beacon
Thursday: With Every Sinew, The Launderette
In their upcoming exhibition, Bristol-based artists Ben Hartley & Cassie Ireland present speculative craft as a site of resistance. By grafting salvaged car parts into animal hides and weaving electrical cables into tactile mats, the artists combine by-products and waste from industry and fold it back into a proximity of human care.
Speculative craft – photo: Hartley & Cassie Ireland
SPONSORED
Friday: Friday Comedy Club, The Gaffe Comedy Club
Start the weekend laughing with some of the sharpest, funniest comedians on the scene! Big names and local legends share the spotlight every Friday night in this dedicated 150-seat comedy club in Bristol city centre.
The Gaffe Comedy club – photo: Julian Preece Photography
SPONSORED
Friday – April 23: The Blue Trail, Watershed
In near future Brazil, elderly citizens are forced into living facilities to avoid hindering their offspring’s productivity. Having reached the fateful age, Tereza dreams of flying in a plane, so she seeks to fulfil this fantasy of embarking on an illegal journey through the Amazon. There she will find something even better than flight: independence…
The Blue Trail – photo: Guillermo Garza Desvia
Friday: Queer Poetry Cabaret | Travis Alabanza + Guests, Arnolfini
A bold, high-energy night of queer spoken word and performance, headlined by Travis Alabanza. Part of Lyra Festival, it brings together poets and drag artists for a vibrant, dynamic celebration of identity, community and radical self-expression.
Queer Poetry Cabaret -photo: Lyra Fest
SPONSORED
Friday – April 23: Rebuilding, Watershed
From filmmaker Max Walker-Silverman and also starring Academy Award® winner Amy Madigan, Rebuilding is a heartfelt portrait of resilience and human connection in the wake of loss.
Rebuilding – photo: Watershed
SPONSORED
Saturday: The Improv Gauntlet, PRSC
The Gauntlet is back for its third instalment. Come and spectate at Bristol‘s very own cage match when you get to watch four troupes battle it out to be crowned the Improv Gauntlet champions. Find us as the People’s Republic of Stokes Croft.
The Improv Gauntlet – photo: Live In Da Hive
Saturday: No More All Male Lineups: Empressure, Fagan, Izzla + Pretty Patel, The Mothers Ruin
NMAML are all about putting the spotlight on the femme and non-binary talent Bristol has to offer. Expect House, 140, Garage and Dubstep grooves from some of the most exciting up-and-comers in the scene.
Empressure, Fagan, Izzla + Pretty Patel – photo: No More All Men Lineups
SPONSORED
Saturday: Saturday Night Comedy Headliners! The Gaffe Comedy Club
Two great shows at 7pm and 9pm every Saturday night at Bristol’s award winning comedy club. This week’s line ups include the multi-award nominated Sarah Roberts and social media sensations Patrick Spicer (100 million views!) and Abi Clarke (as seen on BBC, ITV2, Comedy Central and Channel 4).
Felicity Ward – photo: Julian Preece photography
Saturday: CitySprout Naturey Ceilidh! St Werburghs Community Centre
A joyful, nature-themed ceilidh blending folk dancing with an eco-conscious twist. With live music, guided steps and a relaxed, inclusive vibe, it brings people together to celebrate community, seasonal rhythms and the simple pleasure of moving in sync.
Naturey Ceilidh – photo: CitySprout
SPONSORED
Saturday: Vidura Bandara Rajapaksa, Bristol Beacon
Vidura Bandara Rajapaksa brings his expressive voice and soulful songwriting to Bristol. Blending folk, indie and acoustic elements with poetic lyricism, his live performance feels intimate, heartfelt and deeply personal. With warm melodies and thoughtful storytelling, Vidura’s show is a quietly powerful musical journey.
Vidura Bandara Rajapaksa – photo: Bristol Beacon
Sunday: GHOUL GANG presents: WITCH, PLEASE, The Trinity Centre
Ghoul Gang returns with “Witch Please,” a playful, spooky celebration of alternative culture, bringing together independent artists, makers and eerie creatives. Browse gothic art, jewellery and curios, alongside interactive elements and a welcoming, offbeat atmosphere rooted in DIY community spirit.
WITCH, PLEASE – photo: Ghoul Gang
SPONSORED
Sunday: Zubieta and the Suaves, Tobacco Factory Cafe Bar
Channeling the spirit of Brazil from the heart of the UK. Fronted by the captivating voice of Marta Zubieta, this six-piece band weaves a rich tapestry of bossa nova, Afro-Brazilian samba and Latin jazz – blending golden-age classics with fresh, contemporary flai
Zubieta and the Suaves – photo: Tobacco Factory
Sunday: Sunday Jazz, Spirited
A laid-back Sunday session of live jazz featuring a rotating lineup of talented local musicians. With intimate performances led by drummer Matt Stockham Brown, it offers smooth grooves, improvisation and a relaxed atmosphere to ease into the afternoon.
Sunday Jazz – photo: Spirited
Sunday: AlrightMate. | Sunday Funday, La Panza
AlrightMate. and La Panza are yet again teaming up for an unmissable party. Expect music all day with amazing DJs, banging Italian food and drinks as well as incredible clothing from AlrightMate. ready to purchase on sight.
Sunday Funday – photo: AlrightMate.
SPONSORED
Until May 10: Poster Power! at 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 and travel to political campaigns and World War One recruitment.
Bath official guide book – photo: Victoria Art Gallery
And coming soon…
SPONSORED
April 20: Son Little, Strange Brew
Son Little, has sonically traveled practically everywhere that his songwriting and instrumentation have taken him, especially since the beginning of the 2020s. He’s toured with the likes of Black Pumas, Kelis and Mumford & Sons, and many more. He headlines Strange Brew this April 20th.
Son Little – photo: Crosstown Concerts
SPONSORED
April 22: Chalk, The Fleece
Noise rock/post-punk band Chalk are coming from Belfast to Bristol this April! Off the back of a sold out headline tour, Glastonbury, and Rolling Stone acclaim, the band are set to headline The Fleece in Bristol.
Chalk – photo: Crosstown Concerts
SPONSORED
April 24: There Is Something About Musicals, Zed Alley
Zed Ally is where it’s all happening, come and listen to some of your favourite musicals, some by professional singers and in a joyful environment. I’m even joining us for a little sing-along of your favourite musicals after the performance.
Mabel Syrup – photo: Live In Da Hive
SPONSORED
May 1-3: Open Studios 2026, Spike Island
Spike Island is delighted to present Open Studios 2026 (1–3 May). You are invited to discover, celebrate and support Bristol’s internationally renowned art scene across a weekend of exhibitions, events, activities, food and drink. 2026 is especially significant as it celebrates 50 years since Spike Island was founded.
Open studios – photo: Lisa Whiting photography
SPONSORED
May 2: Jam on the Horizon, St Jude’s
5 venues, 8 stages, 15 hours of music from across the globe. Featuring Quantic, Zero 7, Kanda Bongo Man, Joe Armon Jones, Raz & Afla, Pahua and many more. Day, night and combo tickets available on Headfirst.
Jam On The Horizon – photo: Sawmills
SPONSORED
May 9: From Grace To Grandeur, Trinity Henleaze URC
Mozart Divertimento in D, Stamitz Concerto for Flute, Oboe and Strings in G major, Schubert Octet. This refined and radiant programme brings together three masters of the Classical and early Romantic eras, offering a journey from sparkling elegance to expansive lyricism. Pre-concert talk with Steve Clarke begins at 6.45pm. Ticket price includes the pre concert talk, a programme and interval drink.
From Grace to Grandeur – photo: Bristol Ensemble
SPONSORED
May 20: Red Ink: Bristol Ensemble Directed by Leon Bosch, St Georges Bristol
Leon Bosch is one of the few double bass players to conduct chamber and symphonic ensembles directly from the instrument. Red Ink serves as a musical memorial to the Soweto Uprising of 1976 in South Africa, an event that marked a turning point in the fight against apartheid but which came at a devastating human cost.
Leon Bosch – photo: Bristol Ensemble
SPONSORED
May 30: Sci-Fi Day Rave Lands in Bristol with 808 State & HENGE, Sawmills
Cosmic Rayvers unite for Space Cassette at Sawmills. 808 State, HENGE, Stealing Sheep (DJ set) + more. Prizes for best dressed aliens. Saturday 30th May, 2–11pm.
Space Cassete – photo: Sawmills
Main photo: Naughty Nate’s | The Jam Jar
Read next:
Our newsletters emailed directly to you
