Things To Do / Bristol
23 things to do in Bristol this week, May 25-31 2026
Monday: Nish Kumar and Stuart Goldsmith, Bar 57
A chance to see stalwarts of the comedy scene Nish Kumar and Start Goldsmith at the small and intimate venue of Bar 57 on North Street.
Nish Kumar and Stuart Goldsmith – photo: Chops Comedy
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Monday: Edinburgh Fringe previews at The Gaffe: Dan Tiernan
Dan Tiernan’s new show sold out at The Bristol Comedy Festival in January and was nominated for Most Outstanding show at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival in April. Now’s your last chance to catch it before the Fringe at The Gaffe Comedy Club!
Dan Tiernan Quartz – photo: The Gaffe Comedy Club
Monday-Tuesday: What a Ship Show! Wardrobe Theatre
What A Ship Show! follows ‘Prime Minister in Exile’ Horris Franklin-Winkles, Etonian yes-man Edward Peep, and their special advisor Barty White as they flee to Guernsey in a dinghy to take over the political class of the island.
What a Ship Show! – photo: Mouse Mountain Ensemble
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Monday-Friday: The Gruffalo Double Bill, Watershed
Rediscover the daring adventure to uncover the legendary monster in this double bill screening just in time for half term.
The Gruffalo – photo: Watershed
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Monday-Sunday: Multiple times and dates: Upfest at Tobacco Factory
A non-stop line-up of live art, workshops, talks and exhibitions at Tobacco Factory and the surrounding area – part of Upfest’s annual cultural festival. Check out their website for a mixture of drop-in and bookable events.
Upfest – photo: Tobacco Factory
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Monday-Sunday: Mermaids and Monsters at Bristol Aquarium
Meet a mermaid, hunt monsters, join special talks and tours and learn about the real animals behind aquatic myths and legends this half term. As well as the thousands of creatures to see across the aquarium and giant botanical house, these special magical activities are all included in your regular ticket.
Mermaids & Monsters – photo: Bristol Aquarium
Tuesday: Miles Davis centenary, Mickey Zoggs
A special event celebrating the 100th birthday of jazz legend Miles Davis. D Ham will play a selection of Davis’ tunes and audience members can play chess while they listen.
Miles Davis – photo: Rex Features
Tuesday: Women-only Dungeons and Dragons, Replay
Tabletop roleplaying can sometimes feel like a boys’ club, so Replay is aiming to change the narrative with a women-only Dungeons and Dragons night.
Dungeons and Dames – photo: Replay
Wednesday: Soiree D’Afro Club, the Crown
The first ever outing of Soiree D’Afro Club, which aims to “Bristol some new genres that have never been played before in this great city” including Somali Tech and Afro House. Features DJ Respect Afrika, Saisounds, DJ Keuph and DJ Frazzed.
SDC – photo: SDC
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Wednesday: Edinburgh Fringe previews at The Gaffe: Sarah Roberts and Rosalie Minnitt
BBC New Comedy Awards regional finalist Sarah Roberts (“irresistible fun” – Rolling Stone), and the “barnstorming” Rosalie Minnitt (★★★★ – The Telegraph). Part of the The Gaffe’s Preview Season, where you can catch some of the most exciting shows heading to the 2026 Edinburgh Fringe.
Rosalie Minnitt at Clementine – photo: The Gaffe Comedy Club
Wednesday: Zena’s Folk Session, The Gallimaufry
Drawing inspiration from the folk jams and singarounds that would happen in pubs and venues throughout tiny villages and towns in Dartmoor where Zena grew up, this is an inclusive outlet for musicians and music lovers of all levels and ages with sounds reminiscent of bands such as Fairport Convention and Steeleye Span.
Zena’s Folk Session – photo: Zena
Thursday: City of Cars, Triodos Foundation
Documenting the work of safety campaigners and the impact of road danger on the lives of local communities. The Bristol premiere of the film will be introduced by director Sarah Chaundler, who is also taking part in a Q&A.
Thursday: Community Craft Evening, On The Hill
Join a relaxed and welcoming community of crafters, and enjoy a dedicated space to create together. Whether you knit, paint, journal, doodle, stitch or simply fancy trying something new, this is a space where everyone can feel at home.
On The Hill – photo: Louis Inglis
Thursday-Friday: Brainiac Live, Bristol Old Vic
Watch from the safety of your seat as the Brainiacs delve fearlessly into the mysteries of science and do all those things on stage that you’re too scared to do at home. With a great range of explosive experiments join the Brainiacs in this all-action live show that’s set to blow your minds.
Brainiac Live – photo: Brainiac Live
Thursday-Friday: TRANS/FORM, Circomedia
TRANS/FORM is a drag X theatre show weaving together a selection of trans stories and experiences. The Bristol dates will have two endings, one of love and one of rage.
TRANS/FORM – PHOTO: TRANS/FORM
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Friday: Backrooms, Watershed
A strange doorway appears in the basement of a furniture showroom in this adaptation of the global phenomenon from Kane Parsons.
Backrooms – photo: Watershed
Friday: Ignite Bristol Multi-Sport Festival, Coombe Dingle Sports Complex
A event for d/Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people offering the chance to try a wide range of inclusive sports and activities.
Saturday: Celebrating Bristol and Bordeaux twinning, Trinity Centre
Echo brings together Trinity, Le Rocher de Palmer in Bordeaux, and Twin Cities to celebrate a remarkable 79 years partnership between these two officially twinned cities. Expect garden party vibes with a French twist, delicious food and activities for the whole family.
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Saturday: Spring swing, Old Picture House
Come along for an evening of live tunes, dancing and good vibes with the Bristol Little Big Band. Whether you’re there to swing on the dance floor or just soak up the music, it’s all about good times and great company. Dress to impress in bright, bold, and outlandish attire—think colour, flair, and fun.
Spring swing – photo: Little Big Band/Old Picture House
Saturday: Ten years of Firmly Rooted, Trinity
From new kids on the block to double digits, Firmly Rooted have barely missed a beat powering some of the mightiest next gen sessions and lending a scoop or ten to visiting veterans. Featuring Sister Aisha and Joe Ariwa, Mali Blakamix, and Lionpulse and Rider.
Firmly Rooted – photo: Trinity Centre/Firmly Rooted
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Sunday: Folk In The Factory – Iseley Perry at Tobacco Factory
Enjoy world-class, free live music every Sunday in the Tobacco Factory Cafe Bar. Iseley-Perry are a vocal harmony duo based in Glastonbury, whose original songs are poetic, progressive and draw from a multitude of influences.
Iseley Perry – photo: Tobacco Factory
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Sunday: Sir Charlie Stinky Socks and the Really Big Adventure, Redgrave Theatre
Step into the world of Sir Charlie Stinky Socks, where nothing is quite what it seems and a really big adventure is about to begin. Based on the best selling book by Kristina Stephenson, and created to mark the 20th anniversary of this much loved classic, the show features LIVE music, glorious puppets and interactive storytelling.
Sir Charlie Stinky socks – photo: Redgrave Theatre
Sunday: Machina Bristronica, Eastville Park
There may be no Machina Bristronica festival this year but the fires are being kept burning with a series of events over the course of the year. On Sunday, We All Play Synth will play an afternoon of battery powered electronic music under the trees of Eastville Park. Also featuring an open ambient jam open mic.
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Sunday: Valerie June, Bristol Beacon
Valerie June brings her radiant blend of folk, soul, blues and Appalachian roots to Bristol. The Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter’s luminous voice and joyful spirit shine through songs full of warmth, wonder and emotional honesty. A soulful, uplifting live performance that feels transcendent.
Valerie June – photo: Bristol Beacon
And coming soon…
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June 2-3: The Cat In The Hat, Redgrave Theatre
From the producers of Spot’s Birthday Party. Experience mischief and mayhem in this acclaimed stage adaptation of Dr Seuss’ The Cat In The Hat. From the moment his tall, red and white striped hat appears, Sally and her brother know that the cat is the funniest, most mischievous cat they have ever met.
Cat in the hat – photo: Redgrave Theatre
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June 4: Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Bristol Beacon
The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra returns with Vasily Petrenko for a dazzling evening of orchestral colour and imagination. From Rachmaninov’s haunting Isle of the Dead to the UK premiere of Joe Hisaishi’s The Border and Scriabin’s epic The Divine Poem, expect drama, wonder and breathtaking scale.
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra – photo: Bristol Beacon
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June 6: Henleaze Concert Society: Summer Serenade, Trinity-Henleaze
Henleaze Concert Society closes its season with a vibrant summer evening programme featuring Vivaldi’s Summer from The Four Seasons, Pachelbel’s Canon, Mozart’s lyrical Flute Quartet in D, and Bach’s Air on the G String. The ticket price includes the pre concert talk, a programme and interval drink
Henleaze Summer Serenade – photo: Bristol Ensemble
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June 7: Bristol Ensemble Nailsworth: Summer Serenade
Principal players from the Bristol Ensemble present an afternoon of elegant chamber music featuring Vivaldi’s Summerfrom The Four Seasons, Mozart’s charming Flute Quartet, and Bach’s lyrical Air on the G String. Tea and cakes will be served at 4pm.
Nailsworth Summer Serenade – photo: Bristol Ensemble
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June 12 – 28: CARNATION, No Fit State Big Top Tent, St Paul’s
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.
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June 13: Hawkwind, Bristol Beacon
Space rock pioneers Hawkwind are returning to Bristol Beacon on Saturday 13th June! Expect intensely cosmic psychedelic rock and immersive visuals, celebrating over 50 years of experimental sounds.
Hawkwind Alt – photo: Bristol Beacon
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June 17: England v Croatia World Cup FanPark, The Prospect Building
England’s World Cup campaign kicks off vs Croatia & 4thefans has you sorted! Join thousands of fans at The Prospect Building on Wednesday 17 June for the ultimate FanPark experience. Think massive screens, DJs, football legends, world food and an atmosphere that’ll blow the roof off. Tickets from just £4.50. Get your tickets now – you don’t want to miss this.
England Fanpark – photo: 4TheFans
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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
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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: Rob Browne
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