Things To Do / Bristol
22 things to do in Bristol this week, August 4 – 10 2025
Monday: Milk Poetry: Great Minds Don’t Think Alike, Wardrobe Theatre
Milk Poetry are hosting an open mic poetry night with a difference. Featuring special guests Muneera Pilgrim and Kayla Feldman, this event unpacks “neurodiversity and mental health differences in all their flavours and forms”.
Muneera Pilgrim is a poet, cultural producer and writer – photo: Conversations with Baldwin
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Monday-Thursday: Savages, Watershed
In Borneo, at the edge of the tropical forest, Kéria is given a baby orangutan. With the forest under greater threat than ever, Kéria, Selaï and the little primate, Oshi, will have to face many obstacles.
Savages – photo: Watershed
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Tuesday: Make Your Own Sauerkraut: Fermentation Class, Wiper & True
In this session, your host Romy will guide you through the fundamentals of lacto-fermentation, giving you all the knowledge you need to start confidently fermenting at home. You’ll also get stuck into making your very own jar of sauerkraut, all whilst enjoying some delicious local beer.
Sauerkraut Fermentation Class – photo: Yuup
Tuesday- August 31: Wunderground 200, Loco Klub
This immersive experience takes guests to the arches underneath Bristol Temple Meads station where they can experience 200 years of railway history brought to life through digital displays. The experience is designed for children aged 5-10, making it a great way to spend some time during the summer holidays!
Organisers say Wunderground 200 is an “immersive journey through the history of rail travel and beyond” – image: Loco Klub
Tuesday: Dom Joly Trigger Happy TV Live, Hen and Chicken
Gen Z staff members at Bristol24/7 are not old enough to remember this but, back in the early 2000s there was a popular hidden camera prank show on Channel 4 which starred comedian Dom Joly. To celebrate the show’s 25th anniversary, Joly will bring some of his most iconic fake personas from the show to life in this work-in-progress show.
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Wednesday: Fire & Water Magique and illusion show, Wookey Hole
Prepare to be mesmerised as Magique returns to Wookey Hole with its 2025 show, Fire & Water. Featuring jaw‑dropping illusions, spectacular pyrotechnics and aquatic effects, this family‑friendly spectacle will dazzle all ages. Doors & bar open 18:00, show at 18:30. Tickets from £9.99
Magique – photo: Wookey Hole
Wednesday: Bristol Community Big Band, Bristol Old Vic
Bristol Community Big Band return to the Bristol Old Vic for four unique shows this summer that celebrate all things swing and jazz – from Duke Ellington to Dizzy Gillespie. The first date is on August 6, where the band will be joined by Victoria Klewin and Marvin Muoneké.
Wednesday: Tanya Stephens, The Jam Jar
Back by popular demand, Jamaican reggae artist Tanya Stephens will be back at The Jam Jar, with support from Dub Princess, after a spectacular showing earlier in July.
Thursday: RepresentAsian, Arnolfini
Since 2020, several venues across the UK have been marking South Asian Heritage Month, a month-long celebration of the South Asian diaspora in Britain. The month takes place from July 18 to August 17 each year. To celebrate the month this year, RepresentAsian are hosting an evening of storytelling from Desis in Bristol.
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is needed now More than ever
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Thursday- September 1: The Hothouse Laboratory, Watershed
An explosion of movement, air, light, sound and colour – The Hothouse Laboratory lands in Undershed.
Hothouse – photo: Sandra Ebert
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Friday: Friday Night Comedy Club ft. Matt Richardson, The Gaffe Comedy Club
Kick off your weekend with some of the sharpest, funniest comedians on the circuit at The Gaffe Comedy Club! Aussie comic Matt Richardson (“high-wattage stand-up” – The Guardian) headlines the Friday and Saturday shows this weekend with support from local legends.
Matt Richardson – photo: The Gaffe Comedy Club
Friday-Sunday: Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, Ashton Court
The biggest ballooning event in the South West is back for its 46th year.
This year’s Balloon Fiesta will see hundreds of balloons take to the sky – photo: Bristol International Balloon Fiesta/Paul Box
Friday-August 12: The Ink That Glows, Centrespace
British painter and printmaker Ben Goodman is perhaps best known for portraits he’s created using wood engravings. For the first time, all of his portrait-engravings will be displayed in one place, at this exhibition in Centrespace.
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Saturday: Jamaican Independence Day Celebration, Lakota Gardens
This year marks 63 years of Jamaican independence from Britain and, to celebrate, Lakota is hosting a day party. This is the “South West Official Jamaican Independence Day Celebration”.
At this year’s celebrations an “all-star” DJ lineup are expected to make an appearance – photo: Milan Perera
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Saturday: Michael Akadiri at The Gaffe
Following sold-out Fringe runs and successful tours, comedian and junior doctor Michael Akadiri (“supremely talented and likeable” – Metro) is bringing his new work-in-progress show to Bristol! Catch this “hugely entertaining; charismatic headliner; sharp-witted everyman” (Chortle) at The Gaffe Comedy Club this week.
Michael Akadiri – photo: The Gaffe Comedy Club
Sunday: National Children’s Orchestras Summer Concert, Bristol Beacon
This summer concert is the culmination of work done by 13 and 14-year-olds over week-long residential. August 10’s concert is called ‘Lights, Camera, Action Concert’ and promises to be a delightful night.
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Throughout August: Summer Lates at The Roman Baths
Experience the UK’s most iconic ancient site in a new light 21 July – 31 August. As the sun sets, explore The Roman Baths by torchlight, relax with a drink from the bar and create unforgettable memories.With NEW live music sessions Friday – Sunday, this promises to be an unforgettable Summer!
And coming soon…
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August 14: Fanny Lumsden, Exchange
Hailing from rural Australia, Fanny Lumsden is an ARIA Award-winning singer-songwriter known for her sharp storytelling and fresh take on country and folk. With a sound that blends country roots with indie sensibilities, she’s carved out a distinctive voice that’s both grounded and adventurous. Fanny plays the Exchange, Bristol on August 14th, tickets are on sale now!
Fanny Lumsden – photo: Crosstown Concerts
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August 19: Cass McCombs, Bristol Beacon
Cass McCombs brings his quietly powerful live set to Bristol Beacon’s Lantern Hall on Tuesday 19 August. Known for blending heartfelt indie-folk, rock, and Americana, McCombs delivers intimate songwriting full of emotional depth. Plus support from Mike Bones of NYC based Weak Signal.
Cass Combs – photo: Bristol Beacon
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August 22-24: BBC PROMS 2025: BRISTOL
Friday night at the BBC Proms sees Paraorchestra return with Symbiosis – a dynamic collaboration with genre-defying duo, The Breath. Then prepare for a late night listening swerve as Radio 3’s Late Junction with Verity Sharp welcomes guest artists Wojciech Rusin, Sarahsson, and Angel Bat Dawid. Join in with tickets from only £8 + bf.
Paraorchestra Prom – photo: Bristol Beacon
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September 17: Gruff Rhys, Strange Brew
Strange Brew Final tickets remaining for Gruff Rhys at Strange Brew this September. Known for his time as frontman in Super Furry Animals, the Cardiff based songwriter comes to Bristol. 2025 sees the release of his latest Welsh language album Dim Probs.
Gruff Rhys – photo: Ryan Eddleston
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November 8: Simple Things Festival, Bristol Beacon
The ultimate celebration of contemporary music culture – Simple Things, returns on 8 November. Taking over Bristol Beacon with a mix of dynamic artitst pushing culture forward. Catch the likes of Dry Cleaning, Tunde Adebimp, Factory Floor, Decius, These New Puritans, Mechatok, Iglooghost and more.
Simple Things – photo: Bristol Beacon
Main photo: Bristol International Balloon Fiesta/Paul Box
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