Things To Do / Bristol
28 things to do in Bristol this week, May 26 – June 1 2025
Monday: DJ workshop and open decks, Exchange
Discobobulator, co-founder of queer collective Grrrl Crush, is hosting a beginners DJ workshop and open decks session for the shes, theys and gays to have a mix and learn some tips and tricks from each other. They will be looking at how to get started on digital controllers, CDJs and vinyl.
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Monday-Thursday: The Phoenician Scheme, Watershed
Wes Anderson’s latest film is the story of a family and a family business. Starring: Benicio del Toro as Zsa-zsa Korda, one of the richest men in Europe; Mia Threapleton as Liesl, his daughter/a nun; Michael Cera as Bjorn, their tutor.
The Phoenician Scheme – photo: TPS Productions/Focus Features
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Monday-June 22: Only Expansion, Watershed
Only Expansion is an invitation to explore the city and imagine the future. While wearing headphones with customised electronics that capture and manipulate the live sounds around you and following an enigmatic guidebook with simple prompts.
Only Expansion – photo: Watershed
Tuesday: An Intro to Campaigning with UK Youth 4 Nature, Grow Wilder
Campaigning comes in many shapes and sizes, cutting through the media to reach your target audience can be tricky. UK Youth for Nature specialises in highly creative campaigns that celebrate nature and push for positive change. The event is for anyone between 14 and 25-years old.
Wednesday: Trygve Wakenshaw – Silly Little Things, The Wardrobe Theatre
In this superb sell-out show, the award-winning performer builds an experimental playground and lets his imagination run riot. Spinning ridiculous scenes out of the smallest funny ideas and conjuring up slapstick magic, Silly Little Things is a space of wonder and joy.
is needed now More than ever
Wednesday: Bat walk with Steve England, Horfield Common
Local historian and outdoors enthusiast Steve England will guide you around the common, armed with bat echo locators to see how many different species of bat you can identify. He will explain what their habitats are like, where they forage food and how they navigate.
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Wednesday-Sunday: Our House, Redgrave Theatre
Experience the electrifying energy of Our House: The Madness Musical, performed by the talented Bristol Amateur Operatic Society Youth! Follow the story of young Joe Casey as he faces a life-changing decision on the streets of London, all set to the unforgettable soundtrack of Madness hits like “It Must Be Love,” “Baggy Trousers,” and “House of Fun.”
Our House – photo: Redgrave Theatre
Thursday: BOXVILLE by Cardboard Adventures, Windmill Hill
Join Cardboard Adventures on their next adventure into BOXVILLE, a land made entirely from sustainable cardboard. Work with the BOXVILLE engineers to craft-a-long with the story and build your own way through the tasks and trials, earning everything you need to become a fully fledged cardboard engineer.
Friday: Hayao Miyazaki’s Dreams by Mystery Ensemble, St George’s Church
he Miyazaki Dreams concert is an immersion in the fabulous atmosphere of the films of the world-famous Japanese director and Oscar winner Hayao Miyazaki. Mystery Ensemble has collected magical music from his anime and compositions inspired by his creations.
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Friday: Gloucestershire v Kent Spitfires (T20 Cricket), Seat Unique Stadium
The Vitality Blast returns to Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol as Gloucestershire defend their Vitality Blast T20 Champions title for the very first time. Secure your Early Bird tickets for the family and attend this Friday night fixture during the half-term holidays.
Friday: Sonny Tennet, Exchange
The South Shields singer was on constant rotation in the pubs around is hometown. Soul, Folk, Country and R&B music fuse together inspire his sound. The singer who has 9.6M likes is headed around the UK to tour his album Panorama.
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Friday: Rob Copland: Gimme (One With Everything), The Gaffe Comedy Club
Don’t miss Rob Copland (2024 Edinburgh Comedy Awards Victoria Wood prize winner) at Basement 45 with his critically acclaimed show that’s been described as both a ‘sparkling hidden gem, anchored by an absurdly committed comic performance’ (Chortle) and ‘rarely has an existential scream been this much fun” (Guardian).
Rob Copland – photo: The Gaffe Comedy Club
Saturday: Dinner and Dance Fundraiser for St Peter’s Hospice, Cleve Rugby Football Club
Dine and dance while fundraising for St Peter’s Hospice. The even is being held in memory of Sandie Davis on what would be just 4 days after her 71st birthday. Food includes a three course dinner.
Saturday: My Friend Who Died – The Story of James Clapp, Resound
Head to Emerson Green for the screening of My Friend Who Died – a documentary by filmmaker James Harris, telling the story of Jamie Clapp, a young boy from Mangotsfield who tragically lost his life in a light aircraft accident. Jamie’s legacy lives on through the skatepark named in his memory, and this film is a tribute to the impact he had on those around him.
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Saturday: Yoga with adorable Puppies! Bristol City Centre
Description: Join Lucy Alice for the best wellness boost in Bristol, Puppy yoga! Stretch, smile, and unwind with playful pups in a relaxed setting. Enjoy the physical benefits of some gentle movement, and the mental health boost from puppy cuddles, all just a short walk from the city centre. You’ll leave feeling calm, connected – and totally smitten.
Puppy yoga – photo: Yuup
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Saturday-Sunday: Magical May Half Term at Wookey Hole
Wookey Hole is the place to be this half term! From 25 May to 2 June, families can enjoy magical cave tours, a brand-new circus show, live entertainers and roaring dinosaurs. Book online in advance to save up to 20%*—a spellbinding adventure awaits! T&C’s apply.
Magical May Half Term – photo: Wookey Hole
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Sunday: Ian Smith: Edinburgh Fringe preview show, The Gaffe Comedy Club
Ian Smith, Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee 2023, is back with a new show about stress, love and a third thing. You’ll know him from Live At The Apollo, Have I Got News For You, The Stand Up Sketch Show, Just A Minute and his own Radio 4 series.
Ian Smith – photo: The Gaffe Comedy Club
Sunday: Dog Life Drawing, Wiper and True
If the idea of attending a life drawing of a person has left you a little red in the face, have no fear, artist Cai Burton has a slightly furrier version. Get to know your fluffy models with a tail who just love scratches, pets and treats. Each class will feature multiple dogs of all shapes and sizes – expect snorting flat faces, long legs, tight curls and waggy tails.
And coming soon…
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June 2: Harry Redknapp LIVE, Redgrave Theatre
The best entertainer on the football circuit is coming to the Redgrave Theatre! Harry will share hilarious stories from his life as a top football manager, having managed over 1,500 games, as well as his experience winning I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in 2018.
Harry Redknapp – photo: Redgrave Theatre
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June 3: Cat Power Sings Dylan ’66, Bath Forum
Step back in time as Cat Power recreates Bob Dylan’s 1966 Royal Albert Hall concert. In the original performance, Dylan switched from acoustic to electric midway through, forever altering the course of rock and roll. Last November, at the Royal Albert Hall, Cat Power reimagined Dylan’s historic set and she’s heading to Bath for another unforgettable live performance.
Cat Power – photo: Bristol Beacon
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June 6: Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Bristol Beacon
Our Orchestra in Residence brings the season to a thrilling close with a programme of passion and drama. Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet brims with intensity and lyrical beauty, while Grieg’s ever-popular Piano Concerto dazzles with Nordic flair. Franck’s richly coloured Symphony rounds off the evening in sweeping, majestic style.
Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra – photo: Bristol Beacon
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June 6 – 14: Clifton International Festival of Music, various venues
Bristol’s classical music festival returns for 2025 with an unmissable lineup. From Vivaldi’s Four Seasons by candlelight in a stunning Clifton Cathedral, to Strauss’s radiant Four Last Songs with soprano sensation Rowan Pierce, and the spellbinding vocal group The Gesualdo Six— Clifton International Music Festival offers a week of remarkable live music this June.
Clifton Interantional Festival of Music – photo: Ash Mills
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June 7: Mozart and More, Trinity Henleaze
Join the Bristol Ensemble for an evening of delightful classical music exploring both the timeless and inventive. Featuring Mozart’s Duo Concertante in a rarely heard sextet arrangement, alongside the elegance of Haydn, and Caroline Shaw’s Entr’acte, bringing a modern twist. Pre-concert talk and interval drink included in the ticket price.
Mozart and More – photo: Bristol Ensemble
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June 12: RICHTER AND VIVALDI – A GLORIOUS SUMMER, Bristol Cathederal
Join the Bristol Cathedral Choir and Bristol Ensemble as they unite for a stunning performance of Vivaldi’s uplifting Gloria. Set against the dramatic backdrop of Bristol Cathedral, this concert offers an exceptional opportunity to enjoy world-class choral and instrumental music in one of the city’s most remarkable settings.
A Glorious Summer – photo: Bristol Ensemble
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June 13: Gloucestershire v Somerset (T20 Cricket)
A re-match of the 2024 Vitality Blast Final which saw Gloucestershire claim their first ever T20 title over their old adversaries. Gloucestershire won all three T20 matches against Somerset last term, can they continue the run in Bristol? Early Bird tickets are available now and selling fast!
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June 19-August 2: Henry V, Temple Church
Bristol’s favourite “Site Specific Theatre Masters” (Bristol24/7) Insane Root make their joyful return in 2025, with a thrilling and unique all-female/non-binary version of Shakespeare’s Henry V specifically created for Bristol’s iconic Temple Church, a haunting, bombed-out medieval ruin.
Henry V – photo: Insane Root Theatre
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August 14: Luke Haines & Peter Buck, Strange Brew
Luke Haines (of The Auteurs) and Peter Buck (of R.E.M) are coming to Strange Brew this August for the first night of their UK wide tour! ‘Going Down To The River…To Blow My Mind’, the third in their ‘psychiatric trilogy’ of albums, is set to drop on July 25th. Mark your calendars! Come along to hear it. Tickets are on sale now.
Luke Haines & Peter Buck – photo: Crosstown Concerts
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September 12: Far Caspian, Strange Brew
Irish singer-songwriter and alt-pop producer Far Caspian is coming to Bristol this coming September! He will be playing tracks from his upcoming album ‘ Autofiction’, which is set to release on July 25th. Book today! Tickets are on sale now.
Far Caspian – photo: Crosstown Concerts
Main photo: Cardboard Adventures
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