Things To Do / Bristol
21 things to do in Bristol this week May 18-24 2026
Monday: The Crawl, Loco Klub
The Crawl is a two-person show created by a Lecoq-trained duo, blending physical theatre and clowning to bring to life a swimming race onstage.
The Crawl – photo: Rita Jakucevicuite
SPONSORED
Tuesday: Preludes Music Concert at St Mary Redcliffe Church
Local children from Bristol Ensemble’s award-winning music education programme take to the stage to perform in their annual Preludes Music concert. Preludes Music has been working with children in under-resourced local communities for 15 years, delivering music education and life-enriching cultural experiences to children who have few opportunities to access music and the arts.
Preludes Music – photo: Bristol Ensemble
Tuesday: Uncaged+, The Mount Without
Uncaged delivers a vibrant night of live music, DJ sets, and immersive performances, blending electronic, funk, and dancefloor-ready sounds. The event brings together local and international artists for a dynamic, high-energy celebration of music and movement.
Uncaged – photo: Antonia Franceschi
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Tuesday: Chess Club x Lino Workshop, Grain Barge
Climb aboard Grain Barge for a night of gaming and crafting. Get stuck into the world’s greatest abstract-strategy board game, or try your hand at linocut printing.
Chess – photo: Tobacco Factory
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Tuesday: Glen Hansard, Bristol Beacon
Glen Hansard brings his raw, soul-stirring songwriting to Bristol Beacon. From Oscar-winning success with Once to acclaimed solo records like This Wild Willing, the Irish singer-songwriter delivers impassioned folk-rock performances full of emotional intensity and communal joy. A live show that feels deeply human and unforgettable.
Glenn Hansard – photo: Bristol Beacon
Tuesday: The Ocelots, The Architect
The Ocelots are twin brothers Ashley and Brandon Watson from Wexford. Building on the folk-rock essence of their debut, the duo release of their highly anticipated second album.
The Ocelots – photo: The Ocelots
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Tuesday: ‘A Few Good Movies’ film club, Tobacco Factory
Join Tobacco Factory + @afewgoodreviews for their first film club screening of Starship Troopers (1997) – a satirical, sci-fi cult classic where in a fascist and militaristic future, humans wage war with giant alien bugs!
A Few Good Movies -photo: Tobacco Factory
Wednesday: Dan Newberry Quartet, Bristol Music Club
Jazz at The Bristol Music Club presents a very special one-off concert, showcasing one of Bristol’s own Tenor Titans – Dan Newberry. Recently back from a European Tour, he has assembled an all-star Quartet for a night of swinging standards.
Jazz – photo: Dan Newberry Quartet
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Wednesday: Red Ink: String Masterworks, St George’s Bristol
Experience an evening of powerful string masterpieces with Bristol Ensemble, directed by Leon Bosch. The programme features Barber’s Adagio for Strings, Elgar’s Introduction and Allegro, and Britten’s Variations on a Theme of Frank Bridge. Bosch also performs Woodborne’s Red Ink, taking on the rare dual role of soloist and conductor, leading the ensemble directly from the double bass.
Red Ink – String MAsterworks – photo: Bristol Ensemble
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Wednesday: Tom Ward: Post-Millenium Tension, The Gaffe comedy Club
Comedian Tom Ward explores the headf**k of popular culture in the modern world versus that of his youth in his trademark bittersweet style. “Fine jokes and star presence” – TimeOut, “Seinfeld-level observation comedy” – Chortle, “Staggeringly impressive” – ★★★★★ The Herald.
Tom Ward – photo: The Gaffe Comedy Club
Thursday: Arkayla, The Croft
Arkayla brings a night of soulful house and deep electronic grooves, blending hypnotic beats with smooth melodies. Perfect for dancefloor lovers, the event promises immersive rhythms, vibrant energy, and a connection between DJs and crowd that keeps the night flowing.
Arkayla – photo: Arkayla
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Friday: The Balloonists, Watershed
In 1999, the unlikely duo of Swiss explorer Bertrand Piccard and British flying instructor Brian Jones take on the world’s leading aeronauts and billionaires in a race to become the first people to fly nonstop around the world in a balloon.
The Balloonists – photo: Nicolas LE CORRE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)
Friday: Talk Club Cup, Ashton Gate
Hosted by charity Talk Club, Bristol City and Rovers will once again unite for a football match in support of men’s mental health.
Bristol Rovers play Bristol City at Talk Club 2025 – photo: Bristol City
Friday: Stomping Ground, The Island
A group of talented second-year photography students from UWE are exhibit work that explores themes of collaboration.
Stomping Ground – photo: UWE | The Island
Friday: Gloucestershire vs Warwickshire, County Ground
Gloucestershire and Warwickshire will take on each other in Bristol for one of the first matches of the T20 Blast 2026.
Gloucestershire won their first T20 Blast title in 2024 – photo: Gloucestershire Cricket
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Friday: GoGo Penguin, Bristol Beacon
GoGo Penguin return with Necessary Fictions, a bold new chapter from the Manchester trio. Blending jazz, classical and electronica with pulsing basslines, cinematic melodies and immersive synth textures, their live shows are intense and impossible to pin down. Expect a thrilling performance that moves between acoustic intimacy and electronic experimentation.
GGP – photo: Mark Gregson
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Friday: Hen, Watershed
Hen follows a chicken who escapes an industrial farm only to find herself navigating the pecking order of a crumbling seaside restaurant in Greece.
The Hen – photo: DOP Giorgos Karvelas
Saturday: Dele Sosimi Afrobeat Orchestra, The Jam Jar
Dele Sosimi Afrobeat Orchestra brings a vibrant fusion of Afrobeat rhythms, jazz, and funk, celebrating the legacy of Fela Kuti. Expect infectious grooves, powerful horn lines, and high-energy performances that get the crowd moving from start to finish
Afrobeat at The Jam Jar – photo: Dele Sosimi Afrobeat Orchestra
SPONSORED
Saturday: Brennan Reece: Live, The Gaffe Comedy Club
Brennan Reece is back with an hour of brand new jokes! As seen on Live At The Apollo, Roast Battle and Celeb Coach Trip, plus over 100 million views online! Full of joy and cheek and everything in between, your Mum is going to love him. Not like that, you perve.
Brennan Reece – photo: The Gaffe Comedy Club
SPONSORED
Saturday: Free event – Let’s Talk Dementia, Bristol Beacon
Join dementia experts from 10.30am – 4.30pm for a one stop event on all things dementia. There will be exhibitors offering free advice, short talks on diagnosis, care and life with dementia; and dementia friendly activities. Arrive at a time that suits you and stay for as long as you like.
Lets Talk Dementia – photo: BRACE
Sunday: Shelf: The Kids’ Show 2 – The Power of 2, Wardrobe Theatre
Shelf The Kids Show 2: The Power of 2 invites children and families into a playful, interactive performance full of imagination and fun. With storytelling, games, and lively characters, the show encourages creativity, teamwork, and laughter for all ages.
Rachel and Ruby – photo : Chuckle Busters
Sunday: Ourgasm Festival, Lakota
Celebrating sexual liberation, education, and creative expression. A space where sex positivity, pleasure activism, and community empowerment come together in a vivid showcase of artistry, knowledge, and unapologetic self expression.
Ourgasm festival – photo: Lakota
SPONSORED
Until May 31: New Tour & Tasting experience , Wookey Hole
Wookey Uncovered is a new premium guided heritage tour for adults, offering rare off‑route access deep inside the Mendip caves, sharing stories of hidden chambers, folklore and the people who made Wookey Hole what it is today. Included in the tour is a live papermaking demonstration in the historic mill, and an exclusive tasting of cave‑aged Wookey Cheddar paired with Somerset cider.
And coming soon..
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May 29: Ayoade Bamgboye, Wardrobe Theatre
Ayoade Bamgboye, star of Saturday Night Live UK and winner of the 2025 Edinburgh Comedy Award for Best Newcomer, brings her wildly acclaimed stand-up show to Bristol’s Wardrobe Theatre for two nights only! The first show on Thursday 28th May is already SOLD OUT – so book fast to catch it on Friday 29th May!
June 6 – 14: Festival of Nature
From the hidden life of trees to the wonders of nature at night, try out new ways to experience nature and learn new skills at this free festival. There are workshops, screenings, walks & talks for all, before a two day family fiesta in Millennium Square featuring CBeebies’ Andy Day.
SPONSORED
June 12 – 28: CARNATION, No Fit State Big Top Tent, St Pauls
CARNATION, the brand-new NoFit State Circus production, premieres in St. Pauls, Bristol. Directed by award-winning Firenza Guidi, it combines world-class circus, live music, bold cinematic imagery, magic and mayhem in a powerful show about hope, rebellion and standing up to be heard. Book now 02921 321 021 / booknow.nofitstate.org
SPONSORED
June 25: Billy Fuller, Strange Brew
Billy Fuller (of Beak>) takes his debut solo tour to Bristol this June! Think krautrock-inspired sound with deep, driving grooves. Also known for work with Robert Plant, Fuller blends precision and improvisation, creating tense, atmospheric rhythms that pulse at the core of Beak>’s experimental, ever-evolving live performances. Tickets are on sale now!
Billy Fuller – photo: Billy Fuller
SPONSORED
September 2: White Denim, The Fleece
White Denim, the psychedelic rock, jazz, punk, and blues fuse band, are playing The Fleece this September. Tickets available now!
White Denim – photo: Crosstown Concerts
Main photo: Dele Sosimi Afrobeat Orchestra
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