Things To Do / Bristol
35 things to do in Bristol this week, April 7-13 2025
Monday: Andy Zaltzman, Tobacco Factory Theatre
The satirical comedian, News Quiz chair and Test Match Special statistician brings his stand-up show, The Zaltgeist, to Raleigh Road.
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Monday-Thursday: Four Mothers, Watershed
A struggling novelist caring for his elderly mother is suddenly faced with an unexpected twist when his three friends decide to take an impromptu Pride getaway to Spain, leaving their mothers in his care…

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Monday-Thursday: Mr. Burton, Watershed
Based on a remarkable true story, discover how the son of a miner became one of the greatest actors the world has ever known, with the help of an unlikely mentor.

Tuesday-April 19: Sh!t Theatre: Or What’s Left Of Us, Bristol Old Vic
“Come and sing some folk songs with us!” say the Sh!t Theatre duo. “A swift 60 minutes of classic folk followed by a trip to the bar and then a singaround. Because we need a drink, don’t we? But we’re doing OK.”
Wednesday: Show Me The Gays, Kit Form
Bringing the queer community together for open and relaxed topical conversations, SMTG’s first guest of 2025 is Bristol24/7 LGBT+ Editor, Andy Leake.
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Wednesday: Hannah Grace, Exchange
“Never happier than when she’s at the piano, Hannah Grace writes songs to escape into and wants you to escape with her. She uniquely blends the sounds of soul, jazz, folk and pop with a voice that can seemingly sing anything.”
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Wednesday-Saturday & April 16-19: Visit Bristol Shopping Quarter’s Wonderful Water Festival
A family-friendly event taking place in Sparks Bristol and John Wesley’s New Room, Broadmead from 9th to 12th and 16th to 19 th April. Expect exhibitions, craft sessions, dance workshops, talks and more – all activities FREE!

Thursday: Banff Mountain Film Festival, Victoria Rooms
The Banff Mountain Film Festival promises “a thrilling selection of films from the most captivating places on earth”.
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Thursday: Folk at the New Room – The Wilderness Yet, John Wesley’s New Room
The Wilderness Yet have earned audiences’ esteem as consummate musicians & singers, weaving an eclectic tapestry of traditional and original songs; a cappella three-part harmonies to luscious instrumental arrangements.

Thursday: Gorillas in Our Midst, Watershed
Celebrate the release of Alan Toyne’s memoir Gorillas in Our Midst: A Zookeeper’s Tale of Hand-rearing Baby Gorillas, with an illustrated talk from Toyne and a Q&A session afterwards.

Alan Toyne became a zookeeper at Bristol Zoo in 2008 – photo: Summersdale Publishers
Thursday: Work From Home, The Gaffe Comedy Club
Featuring host Harry Allmark, artistic director and founder of The Gaffe on Wine Street, alongside some of the best comedians from Bristol and across the South West.
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Friday: Friday Comedy Club
Looking for a great night out in Bristol? Head to Friday Comedy Club at The Gaffe for big laughs with Harriet Dyer (Live At The Apollo), Burt Williamson (“absurd and excellent” – Rife Magazine), Abi Clarke (28 Million likes on TikTok) and Robin Morgan (Mock The Week).

Friday: Mo Gilligan, Bristol Beacon
Triple BAFTA-winning stand-up comedian Mo Gilligan returns with his new tour, In the Moment.
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Friday: Fránçois & The Atlas Mountains, Bristol Beacon
Fránçois & the Atlas Mountains, led by singer-songwriter François Marry, formed in Bristol after Marry moved from France in 2003. Their upcoming album, Âge Fleuve, explores themes of identity, memory, and loss, influenced by Marry’s father’s death during the pandemic. Join them for a reflective and emotive live show.

Friday-April 14: Gloucestershire vs Glamorgan, Seat Unique Stadium
Gloucestershire’s 2025 home County Championship fixtures kick off with the visit of Glamorgan.
Saturday: Pop-Up Wine, One B Coffee House
The Gloucester Road cafe hosts what promises to be a fun and relaxed evening of wine tasting and cultural exploration.
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Saturday: Comedy & Wine Night, The Gaffe Comedy Club
Sommelier selected wines paired with a carefully curated line up of comics. Enjoy a crisp Sauvignon Blanc served to complement light, bubbly humour, or dry, sophisticated wit along with a deep Cabernet. Compèred by Burt Williamson, an award winning comedian who knows nothing about wine but a lot about comedy.

Saturday: Fund:Raver, Lost Horizon
After raising £2,000 for charity in their debut show, the Fund:Raver is back raising vital funds for Feed the Homeless with a lineup including N-type and Kahn.

Saturday: Vikstar UK DJ Tour, SWX
Renowned YouTuber, member of the Sidemen, and fast-rising DJ talent, Vikkstar, will perform at SWX Bristol as part of a highly anticipated UK tour in April 2025. Fans in Bristol will have the opportunity to experience an electrifying night of bass-heavy music when fast-rising DJ Vikkstar takes the stage at SWX Bristol (12th April) as part of his UK debut headline DJ tour.

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Sunday & May 10 & 24: MadStillNess X The Psychedelic Society
A sensory journey blending music, movement, and cacao to reconnect mind and body. Rooted in neuroscience, Jungian psychology, and Tantra, these workshops bridge nightlife, wellness, and queer sober spaces—offering a space to play, express, and find stillness.

Sunday: Nick Hart & Linus Vandewolken, Cube
Nick Hart is an award-winning singer and multi-instrumentalist; and Linus Vandewolken plays the hommel, an ancestor of the Appalachian dulcimer.
And coming soon…
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April 14-17: Easter at the Roman Baths, Bath
See history come to life and create unforgettable family memories as you explore the ancient world of Roman Britain. Meet our costumed characters, follow our children’s activity trail or dig for historic treasures in our all-new Archaeology Adventures experience (spaces for Archaeology Adventures limited – advance booking recommended)

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April 16, 29 & May 7, 27: Breath led with Lucy at the Mount Without
Join Lucy for an immersion in transformational Breathwork, Yoga and Soundbath in the stunning candlelit setting of The Mount Without where we’ll be accessing altered states of being. Breath is a powerful tool we can harness to regulate the nervous system, release stress and tension in the body, and enter a deep state of calm and presence.

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April 17: Dial M For Menu. Comedy, mystery AND a three-course dinner!
The delicious dinner is brought to you by culinary experts at The Old Market Assembly and the theatre by masters of improvised comedy, Closer Each Day Company; this dream team brings you a food and interactive theatre experience that will have you dialling M for more!

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April 18: Christian Loffler, Bristol Beacon
Christian Löffler, blends ambient, techno, and house music with influences from his Baltic Sea upbringing. From his debut album A Forest to Parallels and his latest release A Life, Löffler continuously pushes boundaries, establishing himself as a pioneering force in electronic music.

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April 18-21: Rock Climbing Open Weekend
Experience the excitement of Rock Climbing and Abseiling! From 18th to 21st April, celebrate the Easter Bank Holiday with 20% off Rock Climbing and Abseiling sessions at Mendip Activity Centre.

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April 22: Girls Of The Internet, Strange Brew
Dynamic electronic/dance act Girls Of The Internet are coming to Strange Brew this April with very special guest James Alexander Bright. Tickets are flying out! Book today.

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April 26: Ian Prowse & Amsterdam, Lost Horizon
Ian Prowse, former frontman of indie rock band ‘Pele’, and Amsterdam are coming to Lost Horizon on April 26th to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the album ‘Does This Train Stop On Merseyside?’. They will be joined by very special guest John Rush. Tickets are on sale now!

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May 2: Bristol Folk Festival, St George’s Bristol
‘An exciting sound that literally drags the audience out of its seats’– The Herald. Ground-breaking, chart-topping, enthralling folk. Mohsen Amini (BBC Radio Folk Awards Musician of the Year) leads this explosive trio in a bold, storming, strobe-filled live show to open Bristol Folk Festival. ‘Incredible’ Rolling Stone.

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May 2-4: Spike Island Open Studios 2025
From Friday 2 to Sunday 4 May, you are invited to explore 80,000-square-feet of artist studios, workshops, exhibitions, installations and performances at this year’s Spike Island Open Studios! Enjoy food from Emmeline Café, Ragga Kitchen and more alongside drinks from Left Handed Giant Brewery at this jam-packed weekend celebrating Bristol’s creative talent.

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May 3: Gardna’s Time To Move Summer Day Party x [SEQUENCES]
This May, Bristol’s own Gardna is launching Bristol Summer with an epic, multi-genre all-day event at The Prospect Building, headlined by the powerhouse sounds of Gentleman’s Dub Club. Expect a high-energy, festival-style lineup featuring Eva Lazarus, Danny Byrd & DRS, all set against a backdrop of great local food, drinks, and sunshine!

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Sat 3 May: Katherine Priddy & Martin Simpson, St George’s Bristol
Godfather of folk, blues, and one of the world’s finest acoustic guitarists Martin Simpson joins one of the UK’s brightest lights Katherine Priddy for a special double concert. Simpson has garnered no less than 32 BBC Folk Awards, Priddy has just played her first BBC Proms. The concerts form part of Bristol Folk Festival (2 – 4 May).

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May 30: Gloucestershire v Kent Spitfires (T20 Cricket)
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!

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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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July 25: Siren Bristol
Bristol’s annual Siren Series is back at the Harbourside Amphitheatre for three days of electrifying, sun-drenched Day Parties! Friday’s Bloc Party event is sold out, while Saturday sees RUN host Bristol’s biggest DNB Day Party – RUN All Day. Closing out the weekend, dance music legends Sasha & John Digweed deliver an exclusive three-hour B2B summer set on Sunday.

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August 14-17: We Out Here Festival
Over 100 artists, 10 stages, 4 days & nights…We Out Here 2025 is a love letter to music far and near, legendary and emerging, celebrating the scenes and communities that nurture it. Featuring the likes of Noname, Kokoroko, Jalen Ngonda, Ben UFO, Colleen “Cosmo” Murphy, Theo Parrish and so many more…

Photo: Jake Davis
Main photo: Mo Gilligan / Netflix
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