Things To Do / Bristol
23 things to do in Bristol this week, May 4-10 2026
Monday: Farewell to Arts Mansion, Arts Mansion
After eight years of creativity, collaboration and cultural programming, Artspace Lifespace are handing back the keys to Ashton Court Mansion. The very final event will be a family-friendly day of exhibitions, live music and performance.
Artspace Lifespace has been in the building for eight years – photo: Artspace Lifespace
SPONSORED
Monday: Paul Hilleard’s £2 Scumbag Comedy Club, The Gaffe Comedy Club
Top class stand-up comedy, right in the city centre on a Monday night! Join host Paul Hilleard (BBC New Comedy Award Winner 2024, Channel 4 Sean Lock Comedy Award 2025, Chortle Hotshot 2026) for big laughs, secret headliners, and brand new material – all for just £2!
£2 Scumbag Comedy Club – photo: The Gaffe Comedy Club
Monday: Spirit Of SWANA, Trinity Centre
A full day of free workshops, live music, DJ’s, Food, Film and Crafts for all ages celebrating the SWANA (South West Asia and North Africa) region this Bank Holiday!
Spirit of SWANA – photo: Trinity Arts Centre
SPONSORED
Monday: Lucrecia Dalt, Bristol Beacon
Lucrecia Dalt brings her new album, A Danger to Ourselves, to Bristol. A deeply personal, sonically rich live show blending experimental electronics, poetic vocals and intricate rhythms. With layered textures and emotional intensity, Dalt crafts immersive sound worlds that feel intimate and cinematic in equal measure.
Lucrecia Dalt – photo: Bristol Beacon
Monday: Spring fayre, Old Down Estate
A “day of fun and frolics” with music, crafts, garden and fete games and a chance to meet the animals.
The fayre will include a chance to meet the animals – photo: Old Down Estate
SPONSORED
Monday-Sunday: CRAZE WORLD, Tobacco Factory, The Snug
Bolarinwa is a Nigerian-born artist currently based in Bristol, where he explores contemporary issues using African symbolism to create a bold visual language. Influenced by the raw energy of artists like Basquiat, the musical defiance of Fela Kuti, and the streetwise commentary of Banksy, his paintings reflect both personal and political narratives.
CRAZE WORLD – photo: Tobacco Factory
Tuesday-Wednesday: One Foot in the Dark, Wardrobe Theatre
One Foot In The Dark is an exploration of our known and unknown experiences of identity, culture and change through text and movement.
Divija Melally and Saili Katebe in Six Degrees From Home, part of One Foot In The Dark – photo: courtesy of the artists
SPONSORED
Tuesday-Saturday: DYKE Systems Ltd. at Bristol Old Vic
Equal parts corporate seminar and queer fever dream, don’t miss ★★★★★ (The Stage) Edinburgh Fringe sell-out DYKE Systems Ltd. – a hilarious takedown of pyramid schemes, ruthless heteronormativity, and corporate feminism.
DYKE systems – photo: Bristol Old Vic
Wednesday: Candle painting workshop, Wiper and True Barrel Store
Join for a fun and creative experience where you’ll learn how to paint on candles. Whether you’re a newbie or a pro, this workshop is all about relaxing, experimenting with colors, and making your own unique candle art.
You can come solo or bring a friend – photo: Craft with Clare
Thursday: Feast of Fools, PRSC
The Bristol Clown School presents a night of cabaret with live music and “delicious, provocative and political performance”. 18+.
A night of cabaret for adults only – photo: Bristol Clown School
SPONSORED
Thursday: Nubiyan Twist, Bristol Beacon
Nubiyan Twist bring their explosive, groove-heavy sound to Bristol as part of DIASPORA! Festival. Blending jazz, afrobeat, soul, hip-hop and dance music, the nine-piece collective deliver euphoric live shows packed with percussive fire and deep rhythm. Expect unstoppable energy, dazzling musicianship and a feel-good celebration of global sound.
Nubiyan Twist – photo: Bristol Beacon
Thursday-Friday: Circomedia final major projects, St Paul’s Church
A mini-festival of new works presented by the graduating students from Circomedia’s degree programme. With a selection of different acts each night, it’s a fantastic opportunity to support and celebrate the circus artists of the future as they showcase their circus and performance skills.
The performers are graduating students – photo: Circomedia
SPONSORED
Friday: Romería, Watershed
Set on the Galician coast in the early 2000s, Romería follows 18-year-old Marina, who travels to Vigo in search of information about her biological father.
Romeriìa 2 – photo: QuimVives_ElasticaFilms
Friday: Hamilton vs Hadestown club night, The Fleece
Come Way Down to Hadestown and join in The Room Where It Happens for a Hamilton and Hadestown tribute party. Also featuring songs from Wicked, Rent, Hairspray and more.
The performers are graduating students – photo: Circomedia
SPONSORED
Friday: Our Land, Watershed
Our Land dares to tread where few have trespassed before, asking the timely question of who has the right to roam in the English countryside?
Our Land – photo: Watershed
Friday: The Bricks ten year anniversary, The Love Inn
Anna Wall returns to the Inn for a takeover with her LDN based label The Bricks, a record label run by her and founded in 2016. The label tries takes you back to a significant time or place with each release, working closely with the artist to create their own story.
The performers are graduating students – photo: Circomedia
Friday-Sunday: Annual art exhibition, 1904 Arts
The 115th annual art exhibition includes ceramics, sculpture, textile and photography by artist members.
It’s the 115th annual exhibition – photo: 1904 Arts
Saturday: Stokes Croft Block Party, Lakota
Over 16 hours of “pure madness” across at least 26 stages, withs ets from Absolute, Disruptr and Kippo.
The party returns after last year’s success – photo: Lakota
Saturday: Friendly Records Block Party, Lost and Grounded Brewers
Bristol celebration of music, community and fundraising in support of War Child, featuring DJ Krust, Idles and DJ Format.
The event is raising money for War Child – photo: Crosstown Concerts
SPONSORED
Saturday: 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
Sunday: Bristol Card Convention, The Prospect Building
Hosted by TRADE OFF TCG and The Pokémon Stand, the convention brings together collectors, traders, and fans for a full day celebrating everything from Pokémon Trading Card Game and One Piece Card Game to Magic: The Gathering, sports cards, Disney Lorcana and more.
There will be more than 150 stalls – photo: Bristol Card Convention
SPONSORED
Sunday: Hannah Byczkowski and Suzie Preece, The Gaffe Comedy Club
Don’t miss The Traitors Season One Winner Hannah Byczkowski and fellow comedian and co-host of the Ghost Huns podcast (5 million listens, 1.3 Million followers) Suzie Preece at The Gaffe! “Want to howl with laughter? See Hannah. She is a comedy goddess” – Claudia Winkleman
The Gaffe Comedy club – photo: Julian Preece Photography
Sunday: Garden Party, Trinity Community Arts
The annual free music and arts festival brings together a mix of local artists, bands, and performers, creating “a vibrant day filled with live music, creativity, and community spirit”.
The event is free – photo: Trinity Community Arts
SPONSORED
Sunday: Live Music – Eliza and the Pinstripes, Tobacco Factory Cafe Bar
Be ready for some deliciously infectious music from 5 of Bristol’s busiest and best dressed swing and jive musicians. Enjoy free Sunday live music every week in the TF Cafe Bar, 8-10pm.
Eliza Pinstripes – photo: Tobacco Factory
And coming soon…
SPONSORED
May 17: Billy Lockett, Strange Brew
Singer-songwriter Billy Lockett is bringing his raw, piano-led ballads to Strange Brew, Bristol this June! For fans of artists such as Lewis Capaldi and Sam Fender. Tickets on sale now.
Billy Lockett – photo: Billy Lockett
SPONSORED
May 20: Red Ink: Bristol Ensemble Directed by Leon Bosch, St Georges Bristol
Bristol Ensemble Marks 50 Years Since Soweto Uprising with Powerful Musical Memorial Led by Leon Bosch at St George’s Bristol. In this performance, Bosch takes on the rare dual role of soloist and conductor, leading the ensemble from the double bass, creating a uniquely intimate and powerful musical experience.
SPONSORED
May 23: The Wrong Trousers LIVE! Redgrave Theatre
Wallace & Gromit: The Wrong Trousers is being screened at the Redgrave Theatre, complete with a live performance of the soundtrack by City of Bristol Brass Band. The performance of the 1993 Oscar-winning film takes place on Saturday 23rd May at 1pm.
The Wrong Trousers – photo: Redgrave Theatre
SPONSORED
May 23: Simon & Garfunkel Through the Years, Redgrave Theatre
Critically acclaimed as one of the greatest tribute shows in the world, Simon & Garfunkel Through the Years continues to delight audiences across the globe, receiving standing ovations and selling out theatres night after night. Fronted by Dan Haynes and Pete Richards, the show is a masterpiece.
Simon & Garfunkel – photo: Redgrave Theatre
SPONSORED
June 19: After Hours: Bristol Pride’s official launch party, Wake The Tiger
Wake The Tiger is set to host the official launch party for Bristol Pride on Friday 19th June from 7pm, bringing a vibrant night of immersive performance, drag, and music to the city. Headlined by LYNKS, the event promises a bold and inclusive celebration to kick off Pride in style.
Wake The Tiger X Pride – photo: Wake The Tiger
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
Main photo: Bristol Card Convention
Read next:
- Bristol Pride presents ‘Smoke’ from acclaimed theatre maker Alexis Gregory
- A day in the life of Clifton community book shop
- Bristol’s month in folk and roots – May 2026
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