Things To Do / Bristol
42 things to do in Bristol in May 2026
May 1: Hamish Hawk, Lantern
Billed as “a rare, lyrical homage” to poet Ivor Cutler, Hamish Hawk presents new stories and songs inspired by his own childhood home in Edinburgh, alongside adaptations of Cutler’s original works.
SPONSORED
May 1-3: Open Studios 2026, Spike Island
Spike Island is delighted to present Open Studios 2026 (1–3 May). You are invited to discover, celebrate and support Bristol’s internationally renowned art scene across a weekend of exhibitions, events, activities, food and drink. 2026 is especially significant as it celebrates 50 years since Spike Island was founded.
Open studios – photo: Lisa Whiting photography
May 1; 15 & 29: Sauna Sounds, Ardagh Community Sauna
A program of “blissed-out sonic adventures” events across May where the sauna setting is combined with music, street food, fire pits and loungers.
May 2 & 3: East Bristol Brewery Trail
The East Bristol Brewery Trail is raising a glass to ten years of independent brewing for 2026.
May 1-3: Bristol Folk Festival, various venues
The three-day celebration of folk music in all its musical forms opens this year with the Staves at Bristol Cathedral. Elsewhere, enjoy a myriad of other acts including the Unthanks, Ye Vagabonds and Amadou Diagne.
May 2-4; 8-10 &15-17: Bristol 1904 Arts annual exhibition, Red Lodge
A free showcases of paintings, sculpture and photography at the historic Red Lodge on Park Row over three weekends.
May 1-10: Diaspora!, various venues
The festival returns following the success of its 2024 pilot, once again acting as a unified stage for underrepresented talent. More than 100 events include wellbeing workshops, talks, performances, crafts and exhibitions.
SPONSORED
May 1-31: Bristol Walk Fest 2026, Various venues
One of the UK’s largest urban walking festivals is back throughout May – with 400+ guided walks exploring Bristol’s green spaces, history, culture & communities. Most walks are free, open to all ages & abilities, and there’s something happening on every single day as part of National Walking Month.
May 2 & 3: East Bristol Brewery Trail
Arbor, Good Chemistry, Left Handed Giant, Little Martha, Moor, Unwins and Wiper & True roll open their shutters for the tenth annual trail.
May 4: Farewell To Arts Mansion party, Aston Court
After eight years stewarding Ashton Court Mansion as a community arts space while its long term restoration plan was decided, Artspace Lifespace is handing the keys over to Bristol Historic Buildings. The organisation’s last hurrah will be a free celebration for all, filled with live music, walkabout performers, circus skills, exhibitions and virtual tours.
SPONSORED
May 4: 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
SPONSORED
May 4-10: 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
May 5 & 6: One Foot in the Dark, Wardrobe Theatre
A new dance-theatre-spoken word collaboration from Bristol Legends winner Divija Melally and Saili Katebe, promising “an exploration of our known and unknown experiences of identity, culture and change through text and movement”.
May 6: Big Nath’s x BoxE
The menu will be revealed on the night but attendees are told to expect “bold flavours, live-fire cooking and properly indulgent, smoky deliciousness from both kitchens”.
SPONSORED
May 8: 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
SPONSORED
May 8: 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
May 9: Friendly Records Block Party, Lost & Grounded
The North Street record shop celebrate their tenth birthday in style with an eclectic lineup of DJs.
SPONSORED
May 9: 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
May 9: Stokes Croft Block Party
As if one block party on the same day wasn’t enough, the Stokes Croft Block Party is also happening today.
May 10: Bristol Card Convention, the Prospect Building
The second instalment of Bristol Card Convention is billed to be packed with some of the best vendors from across the UK trading card scene.
SPONSORED
May 10: 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
May 10: Garden Party, Trinity
For five decades, Trinity has been a grassroots venue dedicated to supporting artists and preserving sound system culture. Now, the team is hosting its annual party to celebrate, with stalls, workshops, activities, live music and DJs.
SPONSORED
May 11: Horatio Gould at The Gaffe Comedy Club
Join acclaimed comedian and hit podcaster Horatio Gould as he cooks up a brand-new hour of standup. Tour support for Frankie Boyle, co-host of hit podcasts Fin VS History and Boys Gone Wild and co-creator Fin vs The Internet (100+ Million views!)
Horatio Gould – photo: The Gaffe Comedy club
SPONSORED
May 13-16: PHILOSOPHY OF THE WORLD at Bristol Old Vic
Part tribute act, part feminist reclamation, part fever dream, this Edinburgh Fringe smash-hit show is a ★★★★★ (The Stage) experimental comedy about power, patriarchy, band t-shirts, daddy issues, and three sisters who didn’t want to be a band – but it was their destiny.
Philosophy of the world photo: Bristol Old Vic
May 15: Gaza fundraiser, Wake the Tiger
We The Tiger is partnering with cultural collective The Steeze Factory to stage an event that will raise money for Medical Aid for Palestinians.
May 15-31: Upfest, various venues
Artists from near and far will be painting across familiar and new walls across Bedminster and Southville at Europe’s largest street art festival; with other events such as workshops, talks, panel discussions and walking tours.
May 16: Lost Track of Time, Saw Mills
The site of a former sawmill in east Bristol that is scheduled for imminent development is being put to good use with international names including Groove Armada, Ross from Friends and Crazy P coming together for a day party.
May 16: Where We Belong festival, Lloyds Amphtitheatre
This new house and disco music festival is making its debut to celebrate Bristol’s dance music scene.
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
May 20: A Meal That Matters, Elmgrove Centre
With the aim of nurturing better futures for disadvantaged young people, the evening will feature a three-course dinner from Josh Eggleton’s Team Canteen, alongside food from Peg’s at Sonny Stores, Pash at The Lido and more, as well as talks from young members and networking with other socially minded businesses and organisations.
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.
May 22: Talk Club Cup, Ashton Gate
The Talk Club Cup brings Bristol City and Bristol Rovers together for a charity football match in support of men’s mental health. The match will unite former players from both clubs alongside some well-known fans.
May 22-24: Bedminster Beer Trail
The beer trail is bringing independent venues across BS3 together for a fifth year, from On Point to the Tobacco Factory.
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
May 23 & 24: Love Saves the Day, Ashton Court
This May Bank Holiday weekend, Sammy Virji, Eve, Sub Focus, Confidence Man, Rizzle Kicks, Hedex, Goldie, Joy Orbison and Katy B are among the acts at Ashton Court, kickstarting the festival season in style.
SPONSORED
May 23: Free event – Let’s Talk Dementia, Bristol Beacon
Join dementia experts from 10.30am – 4.30pm for a one stop event on all things dementia. There will be exhibitors offering free advice, short talks on diagnosis, care and life with dementia; and dementia friendly activities.
Arrive at a time that suits you and stay for as long as you like.
BRACE Dementia Research – photo: BRACE
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
May 27: Rosalie Minnit: Clementine 2, The Gaffe Comedy Club
Award-winning comedian Rosalie Minnit’s Cult-hit Lady Clementine returns to The Gaffe for her second chapter (threat). With neither sense nor sensibility, history’s most helpless heroine is back by popularish demand. And this time, dear reader, she’s more unhinged than ever.
Rosalie Minnitt as Clementine – photo: The Gaffe Comedy Club
May 28: City of Cars, Triodos Foundation
Documenting the work of safety campaigners and the impact of road danger on the lives of local communities. The Bristol premiere of the film will be introduced by director Sarah Chaundler, who is also taking part in a Q&A.
SPONSORED
May 30: Sci-Fi Day Rave Lands in Bristol with 808 State & HENGE, Sawmills
Cosmic Rayvers unite for Space Cassette at Sawmills. 808 State, HENGE, Stealing Sheep (DJ set) + more. Prizes for best dressed aliens. Saturday 30th May, 2–11pm.
Space Cassete – photo: Sawmills
May 30: Longest Johns, Beacon
Bristol’s own shanty favourites, which started life informally singing together at a barbecue in 2012, are set to bring a rousing performance to the Beacon.
And coming soon…
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: Luca Rosewell
Read next:
Our newsletters emailed directly to you
