Things To Do / Bristol
25 things to do in Bristol this week, August 11-17 2025
Monday-September 29: Lana Skeldon photography exhibition, St George’s
A special exhibition of photography by Bristol Bears and Scotland player Lana Skeldon as the Women’s Rugby World Cup prepares to come to Ashton Gate.
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Monday-Thursday: Before Sunset, Watershed
In the breathtaking follow-up to Before Sunrise, Celine tracks down Jesse, now an author, at the tail end of his book tour in Paris, with only a few hours left before he is to board a flight back home to the U.S.
Before Sunrise – photo: Warner Bros. Pictures
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Monday- September 1: The Hothouse Laboratory, Watershed
This summer exhibition brings one of Bristol’s favourites – Air Giants – into Undershed with their giant friendly robotic inflatable plants taking over the whole space.
Hothouse – photo: Sandra Ebert
Tuesday: Silent disco, Redcatch Community Garden
The Redcatch Community Garden team encourage you to “get down with the beets and shake your artichokes” with three channels to choose from.
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Tuesday-Thursday: Street Dreams, The Mount Without
A striking and emotive exhibition, co-produced by six young people aged 16–25 with lived experience of homelessness or care, offers a rare, unfiltered insight into youth identity, resilience, and ambition – right in the heart of Bristol. Created in collaboration with renowned Bristol photographer, Colin Moody and supported by local charity 1625 Independent People, the exhibition blends raw photography and personal audio stories to share reimagined dreams and lived realities.
Image created by 1625 Independent People’s young people and Colin Moody
Tuesday-Friday: Matt & Ben, Alma Tavern Theatre
The untrue origin story of Hollywood’s golden boys by Mindy Kaling and Brenda Withers.
‘Matt & Ben’ is a cheeky retelling of the time when Matt Damon and Ben Affleck wrote Good Will Hunting – photo: His & Hers Theatre Company
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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: Creative Socials: Do Art, Practice Mixing, Find Community, Club 395
Club 395 is a welcoming space for artists, musicians, and creatives to connect and collaborate. Bring your own projects or jump into something new—draw, DJ, record, or experiment freely in a relaxed, open-studio environment that encourages creativity and community.
Creative Socials – photo: Club 395
Wednesday: Zebrahead, Thekla
Southern California punk outfit Zebrahead visit Bristol as part of their current UK tour.
Wednesday-Saturday: Les Misérables, Bristol Hippodrome
The UK amateur premiere of Les Misérables comes to Bristol as part of the Let The People Sing! project, celebrating the 40th anniversary of the worldwide phenomenon.
Thursday: Thursday Thirsty Boat Cruise, Floating Harbour
Bristol Ferry Boats’ weekly event sees a one and a half hour cruise around the docks with passengers lubricated with a full-stocked bar on board.
Bristol Ferry Boats crewmembers partaking in much merriment on board the good ship Matilda – photo: Bristol Ferry Boats
Thursday: Wiper & True tasting evening, Clifton Observatory
Learn more about Wiper & True with tasting stations including on their rooftop terrace with views across the Avon Gorge.
The Clifton Observatory is a recognisable Bristol landmark – photo: Bristol Venues
Friday: Modern Kintsugi workshop, The Stradling Collection
Experience the art of imperfection with ceramicist Jane MacFarlane. “Explore golden joinery techniques and craft your own beautifully repaired ceramic piece to take home.”
Kinsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with lacquer and gold, silver or platinum – photo: Stradling Collection
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Friday: Friday Night Comedy, The Gaffe Comedy Club
Sally-Anne Hayward (‘Innate effusive likeability; a primetime act’ – Chortle) is the guest MC at the Gaffe Comedy Club in the centre of Bristol this week. She’ll be joined by a line up featuring some of the sharpest minds on the comedy circuit, from local legends to touring acts.
Friday Night Comedy Club – photo: The Gaffe Comedy Club
Saturday: Anna Saunders, Heron Books
Heron Books’ monthly poetry reading welcomes Anna Saunders, the founding director of Cheltenham Poetry Festival and the author of books including Communion, Struck and Kissing the She Bear, with her latest book Eurydice in the Ruined House published by Indigo Dreams.
Poet Anna Saunders is also the executive director of Cheltenham Poetry Festival – photo: Anna Saunders
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Saturday: Saturday Night Comedy, The Gaffe Comedy Club
Sally-Anne Hayward returns to The Gaffe on Saturday for her second night as the comedy club’s guest MC. Expect big laughs in a great atmosphere from Bristol’s newest (and biggest!) comedy club.
Saturday night headliners – photo: The Gaffe Comedy Club
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Saturday & Sunday: Explore a Historic Boatyard, Underfall Yard
Take a behind-the-scenes look at the harbour and its fascinating story at Underfall Yard! An ideal day out for history buffs or engineering enthusiasts, this tour will bring the boatyard to life with storytelling, stunning views and live demonstrations of historic machinery from the 19th and early 20th century.
Historic Boatyard – photo: Yuup
Sunday: Raver Tots, Lloyds Amphitheatre
‘Throw shapes not toys’ is the motto of Raver Tots, who promise their “biggest and best family-friendly festival yet” with all ages welcome and a lineup including So Solid Crew, General Levy and DJ Hype with Dynamite MC.
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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 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
We have loads of FREE activities as part of the BBC Proms weekend at Bristol Beacon this August, including a special BBC Proms collaboration with BBC Introducing giving you the opportunity to experience performances from some of the region’s best up and coming artists creating new folk, jazz, and soul music. Plus family friendly workshops including a Sunday Jam for disabled young people and a community singing event.
BBC PROMS – photo: Bristol Beacon
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September 8: Redgrave Theatre Showcase
Join us for a vibrant evening of live music and spoken word performances at the Redgrave Theatre Showcase. The event will feature 4 talented musicians and 4 spoken word artists from the local community, offering a platform for fresh voices and original creativity. The full line up can be found on the Redgrave Theatre website.
Redgrave Theatre Showcase – photo: Redgrave Theatre
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September 12: Soul Kinda Wonderful, Redgrave Theatre
SOUL KINDA WONDERFUL are the UK’s No. 1 tribute to the legendary DRIFTERS, award winners at the National Tribute Awards 2013, 2016, and 2017. Their show combines THE DRIFTERS’ greatest hits along with other classic Motown and Soul favourites from artists such as The Four Tops and The Temptations. This is Soul and Motown at its very best.
Soul Kinda Wonderful – photo: Redgrave Theatre
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October 15: Mali Hâf, The Louisiana
Just announced! Hailing from Cardiff, Wales, rising Celtic pop singer-songwriter Mali Hâf is a force to be reckoned with. A proud Welsh Wiccan, Mali brings a unique mysticism to her artistry. On tour this Autumn catch Mali in Bristol this October. Tickets on sale now.
Mali Hâf – photo: Closi Chaos
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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
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November 30: Lambrini Girls, Electric Bristol
Just announced! Following a well reviewed slot at Idles Block Party last weekend, Lambrini Girls announce a Bristol show this November! Having just released their long-awaited debut album Who Let The Dogs Out the Brighton-based duo bring their strange, dangerous and exciting punk to Electric Bristol. Tickets on sale now.
Lambrini Girls – photo: John Gottfried
Main photo: Bristol Ferry Boats
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