Things To Do / Bristol
37 things to do in Bristol this week, April 28 – May 4 2025
Monday: The South West Poetry Showdown, The Wardrobe Theatre
Teams of poets from four South West towns and cities will battle it out to impress the audience and win the title of South West Poetry Showdown Champions! Last year’s winners Exeter will take on teams from Bristol, Weston and Clevedon. Join Wardrobe Theatre for an energetic evening of impressive wordsmithery and good-spirited competitiveness, hosted by Sophie Shepherd.
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Monday: Nature Walk, Mendip Activity Centre
Join Mendip Activity Centre for “Spring in the Woodland” the first in series of two hour nature walks exploring the hidden treasures of the Mendip Hills National Landscape.
Monday: Sebastian Schub live at The Louisiana
London-based singer-songwriter Sebastian Schub brings his raw, soulful sound to The Louisiana! Known for powerful vocals and gritty storytelling, Schub’s live shows are packed with emotion and energy. Don’t miss this rising star in one of Bristol’s most intimate venues.
is needed now More than ever
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Monday-Thursday: Julie Keeps Quiet, Watershed
As the star player at an elite tennis academy, Julie’s life revolves around the game she loves. When her coach falls under investigation and is suddenly suspended, all of the club’s players are encouraged to speak up. But Julie decides to keep quiet…
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Monday-Thursday: The Ugly Stepsister, Watershed
A sinister twist on the classic Cinderella story, The Ugly Stepsister follows Elvira as she prepares to earn the prince’s affection at any cost.
Tuesday: Just Friends, Exchange
California’s Just Friends are hitting The Exchange, Bristol, with their unique mix of punk, funk, and hip-hop. Known for their wild, high-energy shows and infectious positivity, they’re guaranteed to get the crowd moving. Expect big vibes, big horns, and a whole lot of fun.
Tuesday: People’s Art Club & Community Drop-in, PRSC
Get creative at the People’s Art Club Community Drop-In at PRSC, Bristol. Open to all skill levels, this relaxed, free session offers materials, guidance, and a welcoming space to explore your artistic side. Pop in, meet others, and make art in a friendly, inclusive environment.
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Wednesday: Pulman and Stilgoe, St George’s
Fascinating Aida’s Liza Pulman and piano virtuoso Joe Stilgoe bring their acclaimed show of musical classics and humour to St George’s Bristol on 30 April. Old fashioned glamour in the company of two modern-day musical greats. “Oooo…it’s SO good” – Dawn French
Wednesday: Student Fight NIght : The Redemption, The Marble Factory
Bristol Student Fight Night: Redemption hits the Marble Factory for an electrifying evening of high-level student boxing. With over 20 fights, 1500+ attendees, and a post-fight afterparty, expect serious skill, fierce competition, and big energy from UWE and UOB contenders. Dress to impress—black tie or smart casual recommended.
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Wednesday: Made In Bristol: Bristol comedy showcase, The Gaffe Comedy Club
Live comedy every Thursday night in central Bristol – for a fiver! Featuring some of the best comedians on the UK circuit and rising stars from the South West, big laughs are guaranteed at The Gaffe. Tickets are just £5 or pay-what-you-want to support comedy in Bristol.
Wednesday: An Evening with Emily Hauser for Mythica, Waterstones
Join classicist and author Emily Hauser at Waterstones Bristol Galleries for an evening exploring her epic new fantasy series, Mythica. Blending ancient myth with modern storytelling, Hauser will discuss her inspirations and world-building process.
Thursday: Speed Dating, The Lost & Found
Looking to meet someone new? Head to The Lost & Found for a fun, relaxed speed dating night. Open to ages 21–45, this event offers a chance to spark real connections in a stylish setting.
Thursday: Quiz Night, The Orchard Coffe and Co
Gather your team, grab a drink, and get ready for a fun evening of brain-teasers, laughs, and friendly competition. A perfect midweek pick-me-up in a relaxed, welcoming café setting. All knowledge levels welcome!
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Friday: David Julyan, Bristol Beacon
David Julyan is film director Christopher Nolan’s original musical collaborator, best known for his haunting, atmospheric scores for Memento, The Prestige, and Insomnia. His music helped define Nolan’s early films, blending orchestral subtlety with immersive electronics. Now, for the first time, he brings his latest album Hireth to the stage, performing alongside a live string ensemble.
Friday: That 70s Club, The Lanes
Get your groove on at That 70s Club at The Lanes, Bristol! Expect disco anthems, funky vibes, and all the glitter you can handle. Dress up, hit the dancefloor, and party like it’s 1979. A night of retro tunes and serious boogie awaits—grab your tickets now!
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Friday: Talisk @ 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. Part of Bristol Folk Festival, May 2 – 4.
Friday: Black Parade – 00’s Emo Anthems, The Fleece
Get ready to scream your heart out at Black Parade: 00s Emo Anthems at The Fleece. Expect a night packed with nostalgia, eyeliner, and all your favourite emo hits from My Chemical Romance to Paramore. Dress the part, bring the angst, and dance like it’s 2006.
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Friday-Sunday: 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.
Saturday: Gigantic All Dayer, The Marble Factory
The Gigantic All-Dayer returns to The Marble Factory, Bristol, for a full day of live music across two stages. Expect an incredible lineup of rising stars and indie favourites, all under one roof. With great vibes, good drinks, and non-stop tunes, it’s a must for music lovers.
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Saturday: Gardna’s Time To Move Summer Day Party x [SEQUENCES], The Prospect Building
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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Saturday: Andrew Combs, Bristol Beacon
Nashville-based singer-songwriter Andrew Combs uses his gifts for lyricism and wry observation to weave tales of love, sin and redemption in a style that brings together classic country and contemporary pop. Catch him live where he’ll be playing his mix of dreamy, dusky records for the quiet hours that bring each day to a close.
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Saturday: Saturday Night Headliners, The Gaffe Comedy Club
The Gaffe’s Saturday stand up comedy headliners this week are the doubly funny Chelsea Birkby (“a performer who is destined for the top” – Sunday Post; “wins the audience’s affection so thoroughly” – Telegraph) and Joe Wells (“original and brilliant observations which are as funny as they are insightful.” – Stand Up Weekly).
Saturday: Floral Earring Making Workshop, 58 West St
Get creative at a Floral Earring Making Workshop West St, where you’ll design and craft your own unique polymer clay earrings. Perfect for beginners and all materials are provided in a fun, relaxed setting. A great way to try something new and leave with handmade accessories you’ll love.
Sunday: Make Your Mark!, The Downs Cafe
A vibrant, interactive community art experience for everyone, participants will be painting directly onto giant, custom-cut canvases shaped in true Bristol fashion — from hot air balloons to urban art motifs honouring icons such as our Late Majesty The Queen. To top it off, one of these works will be selected as the community favourite and will be unveiled as a special gift to renowned mixed media artist Dan Pearce at his solo show on Saturday, May 10, at Studio 74.
Sunday: An Afternoon of Indie (over 30s only), Loco Klub
An Afternoon of Indie for the Over 30s brings feel-good nostalgia to The Loco Kluv with classic indie anthems from the ’80s, ’90s, and beyond in a laid-back, friendly atmosphere. Perfect for indie lovers who still love a dance – just a little earlier in the day.
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Sunday: Love International 10 Year Club Tour, The Prospect Building
This May Bank Holiday, Love International takes over The Prospect Building Courtyard for an unmissable party. As part of their 10 Year Club Tour, they’re throwing an open-air event with a stellar lineup featuring Palms Trax, Shanti Celeste, Midland, Crazy P, and residents Dave Harvey, Ellie Stokes, and Chez De Milo. Get ready for high-energy vibes and top-tier tunes – it’s the ultimate way to kick off the summer!
Sunday: Lyra Bristol Poetry Slam 2025 | Grand Finals, Arnolfini
Come along to see 10 of Bristol’s finest wordsmiths battle it out to be crowned the 2025 Lyra Bristol Poetry Slam Champion, as well as feature performances from international headline poet Arielle Cottingham and former UK Poetry Slam winner Toby Campion. The winning poet will need to impress the judging panel as well as YOU, the audience, who have the biggest say of all.
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Sunday: Catrin Finch & Aoife Ní Bhriain + Suntou Susso @ St George’s Bristol
‘Playful Virtuosos…Brilliant!’ – Songlines. Royal harpist Catrin Finch joins one of the world’s most gifted violinists, Aoife Ní Bhriain as they bring their No.1 album ‘Double You’ to St George’s. This spellbinding duo are supported by rising star, kora player Suntou Susso. Part of Bristol Folk Festival, May 2 – 4
And coming soon…
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May 6-10: Legally Blonde, Redgrave Theatre
BMCC is delighted to be bending and snapping with our production of Legally Blonde The Musical. It follows Elle Woods, who transforms her life after being dumped by her boyfriend. Determined to win him back, she charms her way into Harvard Law. Elle discovers her potential and aims to prove herself.
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May 10: Blown Away, Trinity Henleaze
The Bristol Ensemble’s wind return to perform two chamber music masterpieces, Strauss’ melodic and lyrical ‘Suite for 13 Wind Instruments in B flat major, Op. 4’ and Beethoven’s tuneful ‘Octet in E flat major Op.103’. Pre-concert talk begins at 6.45pm. Ticket price includes a programme and interval drink.
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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.
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May 14: Shostakovich 50, St George’s
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the passing of Dmitri Shostakovich, one of the most performed composers of the 20th century. Join us as we celebrate his life and music, featuring the Chamber Symphony in C minor No. 110a, Piano Concerto No.2 in F Op.102, The Gadfly Suite and Waltz No.2.
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May 17: Let’s Talk Dementia, Watershed
Let’s Talk Dementia is a free information event on all things dementia. The event is taking place at the Watershed on Saturday 17th May 10.30am – 4.30pm. Meet dementia experts, join in a dementia friendly activity or go to a short talk. Join at anytime and stay for as long as you would like.
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May 17: Donny Benet, SWX
SWX, Bristol More than a decade since the world first fell for his charms, Donny Benét is taking charge of his destiny like never before. His new album, number six, is called Infinite Desires, and it’s his most complete musical statement yet. And he’s bringing it all to life with the same display of muscular musicality that’s been electrifying audiences around the globe for years.
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May 18: Biig Time, Strange Brew
Badly kept main-stage-leaping, aspirational indie-rock secrets don’t come much bigger than BIIG Time, the tune machine side-project cranked by DMA’S guitarist, Johnny Took and his brother, PLANET’s singer, Matthew Took, and yet the wait for album news has lasted… until now. The duo has finally, officially announced the release date for their long-awaited debut by releasing its first shoegazey, emphatic, big-chorused single, Bigger Than Nothing.
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May 24: Farm Boy, Redgrave Theatre
Michael Morpurgo’s compelling sequel to ‘War Horse’ takes to the stage in this delightful, family-friendly show combining storytelling and original music. Adapted & directed by Daniel Buckroyd. It sometimes felt as though time stood still down on the farm; that is, until the summer Grandson came to stay, and Grandpa started sharing stories.
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May 30: 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!
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June 8: Marc Rebillet (Live) + Special Guests, The Prospect Building
Marc Rebillet is taking over The Prospect Building for a raw, unfiltered open-air show on Sunday, June 8th. Get ready for chaotic jams, unpredictable loops, and a surge of electrifying energy as Marc pushes his sound to the edge in a high-voltage, sky-soaked setting. This is your chance to experience his boundary-pushing live performance in its purest form. Marc Rebillet is a one-man improvised meltdown. No two shows are ever the same.
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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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May 17 Red Tangent Records Live, Bristol Beacon
Experience powerful performances from 10 artists whose music tells stories of resilience, transformation and hope. Born from the music-based rehabilitation charity Changing Tunes, Bristol’s Red Tangent champions underrepresented voices and proves that music can change lives. A night where talent, creativity and defiance take centre stage.
Main photo: Just Friends
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