Things To Do / Jamaica
51 things to do in Bristol in August 2025
August 1-2: IDLES, Queen Square
“Bristol’s favourite sons” are back. As part of their ongoing world tour, the IDLES are coming to Bristol for two unforgettable gigs on a specially curated eco-friendly stage.
August 1-6: Look mom, I’m an artist, Centrespace
A collective of Bristol-based illustrators are coming together to showcase their latest work. Expect “vibrant prints, painting, t-shirts, zines, needle felted sculptures and more”.
August 2: Goldie, Love Inn
Goldie is back in Bristol for another bumping d’n’b set.
August 3: Paint Ya Bestie, Small Bar
Apparently August 3 is International Friendship Day! Who knew? To celebrate, why not paint your bestie at this special event at Small Bar. Warning: If easily offended by your friend’s terrible artwork, run!
August 3: Bristol Sober Spaces Day Rave, Trinity Centre
Bristol Sober Spaces are hosting their first sober day rave – expect a lot of good, clean fun.
August 4: Milk Poetry: Great Minds Don’t Think Alike, Wardrobe Theatre
Milk Poetry are hosting an open mic poetry night with a difference. Featuring special guests Muneera Pilgrim and Kayla Feldman, this event unpacks “neurodiversity and mental health differences in all their flavours and forms”.
August 4-31: Wunderground 200, Loco Klub
This immersive experience takes guests to the arches underneath Bristol Temple Meads station where they can experience 200 years of railway history brought to life through digital displays. The experience is designed for children aged 5-10, making it a great way to spend some time during the summer holidays!
August 5: Dom Joly Trigger Happy TV Live, Hen and Chicken
Gen Z staff members at Bristol24/7 are not old enough to remember this but, back in the early 2000s there was a popular hidden camera prank show on Channel 4 which starred comedian Dom Joly. To celebrate the show’s 25th anniversary, Joly will bring some of his most iconic fake personas from the show to life in this work-in-progress show.
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August 6: 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
August 6: Bristol Community Big Band, Bristol Old Vic
Bristol Community Big Band return to the Bristol Old Vic for four unique shows this summer that celebrate all things swing and jazz – from Duke Ellington to Dizzy Gillespie. The first date is on August 6, where the band will be joined by Victoria Klewin and Marvin Muoneké.
August 6: Tanya Stephens, The Jam Jar
Back by popular demand, Jamaican reggae artist Tanya Stephens will be back at The Jam Jar, with support from Dub Princess, after a spectacular showing earlier in July.
August 7: RepresentAsian, Arnolfini
Since 2020, several venues across the UK have been marking South Asian Heritage Month, a month-long celebration of the South Asian diaspora in Britain. The month ta kes place from July 18 to August 17 each year. To celebrate the month this year, RepresentAsian are hosting an evening of storytelling from Desis in Bristol.
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August 7: Comedy For A Fiver, The Gaffe Comedy Club
Stand-up comedy for £5 – every Thursday night at The Gaffe Comedy Club! A different line up every week, featuring some of the best comedians on the UK circuit and rising stars from the South West. Start the weekend early with big laughs at Bristol’s home of comedy!
Sikisa – photo: The Gaffe Comedy Club
August 8-10: Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, Ashton Court
The biggest ballooning event in the South West is back for its 46th year.
August 8-12: The Ink That Glows, Centrespace
British painter and printmaker Ben Goodman is perhaps best known for portraits he’s created using wood engravings. For the first time, all of his portrait-engravings will be displayed in one place, at this exhibition in Centrespace.
August 9: Jamaican Independence Day Celebration, Lakota Gardens
This year marks 63 years of Jamaican independence from Britain and, to celebrate, Lakota is hosting a day party. This is the “South West Official Jamaican Independence Day Celebration”.
August 10: National Children’s Orchestras Summer Concert, Bristol Beacon
This summer concert is the culmination of work done by 13 and 14-year-olds over week-long residential. August 10’s concert is called ‘Lights, Camera, Action Concert’ and promises to be a delightful night.
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August 10: Screenprint Your Own T-Shirt or Tote, 137 East St
Description: Join Steven at Print Paradiso in Bedminster to design and screenprint your own bold two-colour artwork onto a t-shirt or tote. Learn paper stencil techniques, colour mixing, and layered printing in a relaxed, creative atmosphere. All materials included – just bring your ideas and your favourite drinks!
PrintParadiso – photo: Yuup
August 11: Charlie Barnes, Exchange
Multi-instrumentalist Charlie Barnes is coming to Bristol as part of his ‘if I call it a podcast, will more people buy tickets?’ tour.
August 12: Farm Club, Windmill Hill City Farm
Looking for something to entertain the kiddos over the long August break before school starts up again in September? Windmill Hill City Farm may have the answer you need with their Farm Club, where children can help feed and care for the animals.
August 13: I Danced at Jacob’s Wells, Trinity Centre
The Trinity Centre is helping to restore Jacobs Wells Baths and, as part of that work, is reaching out to anyone who might have taught a dance class at Bristol Community Dance Centre for a night of sharing.
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August 14: Fanny Lumsden, Exchange
Hailing from rural Australia, Fanny Lumsden is an ARIA Award-winning singer-songwriter known for her sharp storytelling and fresh take on country and folk. With a sound that blends country roots with indie sensibilities, she’s carved out a distinctive voice that’s both grounded and adventurous. Fanny plays the Exchange, Bristol on August 14th, tickets are on sale now!
Fanny Lumsden – photo: Crosstown Concerts
August 14: Redman, O2 Academy
One half of the famed Method Man and Redman duo, the rapper from New Jersey is coming to Bristol for the penultimate night of his European tour.
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August 15: Friday Night Comedy Club, The Gaffe Comedy Club
Kick off the weekend with Friday Comedy Club at The Gaffe, hosted each week by award-winning improviser Harry Allmark, local-legend Burt Williamson or Live At The Apollo star Harriet Dyer. Join them every Friday for stand-up comedy from some of the sharpest, funniest comedians on the circuit.
Friday Night Comedy Club – photo: Leo Nakamura-Wear
August 15-August 20: Faces/Spaces #5, Centrespace
Rose Pettit makes head-shaped clay sculptures and Kelvin Jenkins makes collages. This is their fifth annual showing at Centrespace.
August 16: Endorfiends, Hen and Chicken
Nigeria comes to Bristol as Hanztheman, a Nigerian-born independent artist, shares songs about love, drugs and emotions. Art from Nigerian artists VOFO and BERKINWARI will also be on offer.
August 17: Teachings in Dub, Trinity Centre
Teachings in Dub is heading to the Trinity Centre for a day part of epic proportions.
August 18: Conspiracy Scavenger Hunt, The Centre
This isn’t your typical scavenger hunt – it’s half detective story, half puzzle adventure, and 100% fun. Bring your friends and see if you can work together without suspecting each other!
August 19: Upchuck + Mercy Room, The Lanes
Upchuck is a five piece band from Atlanta, formed from connections made in skateboarding, construction, and teenage delinquency. The band is made up of lead guitarist Mikey, Rhythm guitarist- Hoff, bassist- Armando, drummer- Chris, and vocalist- KT- who combined are inventively raucous and revolutionary.
August 20: The Beach Boys ‘Pet Sounds’ album listening session in the dark, We The Curious
Immerse yourself in one of the greatest albums of all-time at Pitchblack Playback’s listening session in the dark. Hear the stunning 5.1 surround sound mix played loud in uncompressed audio on We The Curious’ powerful Planetarium sound system.
August 20: Hatha flow & Sound, Bristol school of yoga
The class is designed to welcome everyone, whether you’re a beginner or have years of practice, get ready to flow together at a comfortable pace, honouring the body and breath.
August 21: Kneecap // Film Screening, Kit Form
KIT FORM is screening ‘Kneecap’ alongside the exhibition ‘Architecture of Fear and Resistance’, which presents a series of photographs by Sławek Rzewuski, taken in the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories between 2012 and 2019, and poetry by Tamer Nafar.
August 21: Pretty Woman Outdoor Cinema Experience, Queen Square
Pack a picnic, bring a blanket or camping chair and enjoy Pretty Woman on a huge open-air screen under the stars in the stunning grounds of Queen Square. Plus music to enjoy before the movie with a soundtrack of specially curated songs.
August 22: Severn Seas Festival, Harbourside
This new festival, organized by The Longest Johns in partnership with No. 1 Harbourside and the Harbourside Market, will showcase sea shanty bands at various locations around the Harbourside.
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August 22: Ocean Colour Scene, Bath Forum
Ocean Colour Scene’s rip-roaring live shows have long been one of the most extraordinary sights in modern rock – communal outpourings of hope and joy which boast the most life affirming sing-a-longs you’ll ever hear. Remaining tickes for their Bath show on sale now.
Ocean Colour Scene – photo: Crosstown Concerts
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August 22-24: BBC PROMS 2025: BRISTOL
The BBC Proms – the world’s greatest classical music festival – returns to Bristol Beacon on Fri 22 – Sun 24 Aug. Five Proms concerts make up the festival’s residency this year – artists include Paraorchestra, the Danish National Vocal Ensemble, Britten Sinfonia and the Orchestra of Welsh National Opera. Join in with tickets from only £8 + bf.
BBC Proms – photo: Bristol Beacon
August 23: Forwards festival, The Downs
FORWARDS returns to Clifton Downs with headline sets from Barry Can’t Swim, Ezra Collective, Orbital and Confidence Man, plus local favourites, emerging talent and vibrant side‑stage programming.
August 23: Gunkus performs the Dune-ical, Exchange
The sand churns, the sky burns, and out bursts music trio Gunkus for a one-night-only showing of Dune-ical, Bristol’s only tongue-in-cheek indie rock retelling of Frank Herbert’s sci-fi epic, Dune.
August 24: Hoe Down Part 2, Black Horse
All day event featuring live acts, free admission, celebrating 26 years free live music at The Black Horse Kingswood Bristol.
August 24: Bowie Experience, Bristol Hippodrome
A must see for all Bowie fans, the latest production promises an unforgettable journey of sound and vision, featuring all the hits from A to Ziggy. Bowie Experience continues to amaze audiences with an astounding attention to detail, bringing the golden years of David Bowie to theatres across the globe.
August 25: To The Grave, Exchange
To The Grave bring their crushing deathcore sound to Bristol, delivering an intense, high-energy show alongside Osiah. Expect brutal breakdowns, raw vocals, and a night of unrelenting metal mayhem.
August 26: Free Tuesday Comedy, The Robin Hood
Expect local acts, secret headliners, great vibes and good beer! Looking for the best way to start your week then head over to The Robin Hood for a great night of free comedy.
August 27: Cookery and Games on the Farm! Heart of BS13 Climate Action Hub
A free, fun cookery session at Hartcliffe City Farm for 8-16 year olds. Make your own picnic lunch and snacks to eat together on the farm, win a prize taking part in the flower farm scavenger hunt and visit the animals on the farm – chickens, goats and more!
August 28: Ustad Noor Bakhsh, The Jam Jar
Inspired by birdsong and told through the twisting tones of the benju, Ustad Noor Bakhsh’s music straddles the space between modern-day Pakistan and Iran, evoking a vivid tapestry of emotion. Music that ignites the soul.
August 29: OTTER’s Bristol Art Quest, The Galleries
OTTER’s Bristol Art Quest is a brand-new interactive cross-city quest with a real map, real games, real art, real prizes and real good fun. Using a specially designed Quest Trail Map, players will explore the city centre, tracking down artworks and custom puzzles based on real-world locations, objects, and characters
August 30: Wibbly Wobblaz, The Packhorse Pub
The aptly named Wibbly Wobblaz are on a mission to provide ‘unfiltered fun’ – this bank holiday bash is set to get the Packhorse’s Victorian basement walls shaking. Expect a full-blown blast of bass wubz, donk, 4×4 and speed garage from a stacked crew featuring Konehead whipping up a hard-trance mosh-pit storm + Off Me Nut’s Phatworld and Selectress on the tek-rave bounce.
August 31: Slugs n Bugs Illustration Workshop, The Old Market Assembly
In this mark-making bug illustration workshop you will explore the intricacy and patterns on insects and other little beasties. Inspire yourself with a wide range of funky bug photos on the day or take a photo of a critter and bring it along to the workshop.
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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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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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September 29 & 30: The Magnetic Fields, Bristol Beacon
The Magnetic Fields bring their beloved 69 Love Songs to Bristol Beacon for a stunning two-night symphonic performance on 29 & 30 September 2025. Featuring Stephin Merritt, Shirley Simms, Sam Davol & more, the full album is presented in original order with orchestral-pop instrumentation. Reserved seating tickets on sale now.
The Magnetic Fields – photo: Bristol Beacon
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November 8: Simple Things Home – 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
Main photo: Bristol International Balloon Fiesta/Paul Box
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