Things To Do / Bristol
51 things to do in Bristol in January 2026
January 1: Parkrun, various locations
Lace up the new running shoes you got for Christmas and take part in one of Bristol’s parkruns at Ashton Court, Blaise Castle or Eastville Park. The 5km runs (or walks) take place every Saturday morning, but will all also have a special New Year’s Day event.
January 1: Midwinter Festival, Mount Without
Ace Collectiv’s annual New Year’s Day festival returns for its fifth edition for what organisers promise will be “a home for our community to arrive as you are, dance, move, celebrate life and set strong prayers for the year ahead”.
January 2: Juan Hitchens & I Love My Friends, Mr Wolf’s
Jonah Hitchens and his band will perform a mix of soul, funk, psychedelia, and jazz at Mr Wolf’s, supported by the Cardiff-based trio I Love My Friends.
January 2: Bristol Bears vs Sale Sharks, Ashton Gate Stadium
Shake off the January blues with a Bristol Bears rugby match against the Sale Sharks at Ashton Gate.
January 3: Daraa Tribes, Jam Jar
Daraa Tribes “summon the desert with polyrhythmic drums, call-and-response chants and bluesy Saharan strings”.
January 3: New Year’s Viennese Gala
Join the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, their chief conductor Mark Wigglesworth and British soprano Elizabeth Watts for an evening of joyous music to welcome in 2026.
January 4: Northern Soul, the Crown Tavern
Run by Bristol Northern Soul Club and Streets of Soul, expect lots of fun, dancing and all types of northern soul to dance out the weekend.
January 6: Silly Little Zine Night, Cafe Kino
“Fancy spending a wholesome, weird and wonderful evening scribbling and chatting?” That’s the question from the organisers of Silly Little Zine Night. “Whether you’re feeling chaotic, creative or just want to meet some lovely humans, this is your space to play, make and laugh.”
January 7: Bristol QPOC social, Wiper & True
A meet-up for Queer people of colour celebrating the group’s third anniversary at the brewery’s site in Old Market, with a card-making workshop and plenty of cake.
January 8: The Drag Dungeoneers, Bristol Improv Theatre
“One of the silliest shows in Bristol”, the Drag Dungeoneers is a live show adventure featuring some of the city’s “finest drag nerds”.
January 9: Any Questions, M Shed
BBC Radio 4’s flagship political discussion programme is coming to Bristol. Each week the show, first broadcast in 1948, visits a different part of the UK with a panel of four speakers who answer questions from the audience.
January 9 & 10: Buena Bristol Social Club, The Jam Jar
Bristol’s own tribute to the Buena Vista Social Club will not only perform tracks from the famous album but also promise a brand new “Cuban-Bristolian elegy” to Massive Attack.
January 10 & 11: Tales from the Wasteland, Tobacco Factory Theatres
If you’re looking for an improvised post-apocalyptic adventure comedy, then this is for you.
January 11: Breathless, Watershed
Part of a series celebrating the emergence of the French New Wave comes Jean-Luc Godard’s debut feature from 1960.
January 12: Sub Focus, Prospect Building
Sub Focus recently collaborated on a new single with Kneecap, who played one of the best shows in Bristol of 2025 at the Prospect Building. Now it’s Sub Focus’ turn to head to St Philip’s Marsh.
January 12: The Cribs, Thekla
Rough Trade present this “out-store” live performance from the Yorkshire band on board the good ship Thekla to coincide with the release of their new album, Selling A Vibe.
January 13-24: We Are Lost Atoms, Bristol Old Vic
Frantic Assembly return with a new play for their 30th anniversary, promising “a wild ride through a life-changing relationship, or Jess and Robbie’s recollection of it”.
January 14: Piano for Palestine, Cube
This fundraiser for the Red Cross’ Gaza Crisis Appeal will feature performances from Pete Judge, Sandie Middleton and Huw Morgan.
SPONSORED
January 14: The Wonder Years, The Prospect Building
The Wonder Years are bringing the No Closer to Heaven 10 Year Anniversary Tour to the UK, and The Prospect Building is lucky enough to be one of just four very special stops. Joining them are their friends Free Throw and Gully Boys.
The Wonder Years – photo: Kelly Mason
January 14: The ethical conundrum of memoir in the age of AI, Bookhaus
Writer Alice Jolly and memoir expert Lily Dunn will discuss memoir as a form for our times, and a necessary defence against AI. “Unpredictable, fallible, occasionally unbelievable, do the events that pepper most human lives defy the predictive powers of AI technology?”
SPONSORED
January 14: Grant-Lee Phillips, Bristol Beacon
Grant-Lee Phillips brings his rich, evocative songwriting and warm, expressive voice to Bristol. Blending folk-rock, Americana and lush acoustic textures, his live show is a heartfelt journey through stories of love, memory and life’s subtle moments. A beautifully intimate performance from a masterful storyteller and musician.
Grant Lee – photo: Bristol Beacon
January 15-31: Bristol Comedy Festival, various venues
The second annual Bristol Comedy Festival returns. Expect everything from intimate work-in-progress gigs in bars to some of the biggest names in UK comedy including local legends Mark Watson and Jayde Adams.
January 16: After Hours, Wake the Tiger
It’s the first adults-only after hours event at Wake the Tiger in 2026, a year which will see the Bristol attraction open a new space in London.
January 17: Community Open Doors Event, Circomedia
At this family event, children and young people can try their hand at a range of circus skills as well as a range of other activities from St Paul’s creatives.
January 17: Fortitude Valley, Exchange
Founded by Laura Kovic and with strong influences of the likes of The Beths, The Go-Go’s and Pavement, the indie-rock band is ready to take on Bristol with its addictive melody and songs that they guarantee will live in your head rent-free.
January 17: NoMoreAllMaleLineups!, Loco Klub
In an attempt to highlight the need for diversity in the dance music scene, this club night at Loco Klub is spotlighting a range of female and non-binary DJs in the drum and bass, jungle and techno world.
January 18: Sing for the Seasons: Winter Wellbeing, Urban Escape
Join the group in singing songs and connecting with nature to battle challenging feelings of the colder, darker winter months. Other than signing, people will also have the chance to participate in a number of nature-focused activities to support wellbeing.
SPONSORED
January 18: The Night Sky Show, Bristol Beacon
Explore the universe with The Night Sky Show, a fun, fast‑paced cosmic journey presented by astronomer and author Adrian West (aka VirtualAstro). From constellations and black holes to moon landings and meteor showers, this engaging, visually stunning show makes space science entertaining and inspiring for curious minds of all ages.
Night Sky Show – photo: Bristol Beacon
January 18: The Night Sky Show, Bristol Beacon
Astronomer Adrian West is presenting a visual journey through space, constellations and planets, promising an immersive breakdown into the night sky and beyond.
January 19: Babbers Term 1, Acta Community Theatre
Babbers sessions are back for 2026, designed to encourage curiosity and interaction for babies and young children. The group is aimed to promote developmental growth in a fun, community-focused way.
January 19: The 502s, Electric Bristol
Floridian beach-folk band The 502s are stopping off in Bristol on their UK tour, promising a high-energy, joyful performance with music that “feels like sunshine.”
January 20: Epica & Amaranthe: Arcane Dimensions, Bristol Beacon
Symphonic metal pioneers Epica and modern metal band Amaranthe come to Bristol as part of their united world tour, reinventing their signature sounds in an emotive, story-rich performance.
January 21: Silly Little Zine Night, Glass Boat
The Glass Boat is hosting an evening of drawing, chatting and crafting, encouraging people to let their silliness run wild in an inclusive, chaotic and fun environment.
January 22: Kaia Kater, The Jam Jar
Grenadian-Canadian singer Kaia Kater blends jazz, Appalachia and Canadian folk influences in her performance and songwriting. Regarded by Rolling Stone as a “folk-circuit veteran”, she’ll be taking to the stage for one night at The Jam Jar.
January 22: Call Me Ceilidh – Burns Night, The Mount Without
Promising a night of “eclectic dance-floor energy”, this ceilidh night hosts live traditional Scottish and Irish folk tunes, combined with DJ remixes of electro swing, EDM and world music.
SPONSORED
January 22-April 7: The Everyworld Season, Watershed
A season celebrating the visionary work of father / daughter duo Andrew and Eden Kötting, stretching from Undershed to the cinema.
The Everyworld Season – photo: Watershed
January 23: Tenth Birthday Party ft. The Bristol Hornstars, Old Market Assembly
This popular Old Market venue is celebrating its tenth birthday, with a party fit for the institution it has become. Featuring live jazz band Bristol Hornstars, a packed dancefloor and a great selection of local drinks, it’s set to be a big night.
January 24: K-Pop Live, Prospect Building
K-Pop Live promises to be “the most magical K-Pop celebration to hit the UK! Prepare for mind-blowing performances, incredible production, and the ultimate fan experience”.
January 24: Lords of the Underground, O2 Academy
Notorious hip-hop trio from Newark, New Jersey, Lords of the Underground is known for their ‘Golden Age sound’, sociopolitical lyrics and high-energy performances that had a lasting impact on East Coast rap.
January 25: Chloe Petts – Big Naturals, Bristol Old Vic
A not-for-kids comedy show about the adventures of Page 3, lad culture and more, Chloe Petts’ highly-rated show is stopping for one night at Bristol Old Vic.
SPONSORED
January 26: NT Live: Hamlet, Redgrave Theatre
Olivier Award-winner Hiran Abeysekera (Life of Pi) is Hamlet in this fearless, contemporary take on Shakespeare’s famous tragedy. Trapped between duty and doubt, surrounded by power and privilege, young Prince Hamlet dares to ask the ultimate question – you know the one. Please note this event is a screening.
Hamlet – photo: Redgrave Theatre
January 26: Joe Thomas Talking All Things The Inbetweeners, Hen and Chicken
Actor and comedian Joe Thomas is coming to the Hen and Chicken to celebrate 17 years of of a family favourite TV show, sharing his experiences of portraying The Inbetweeners’ own Simon Cooper.
January 27: Junk Joy Collage Workshop, Lost Horizon Coffee Shop
Perfect for new-year resolutions, this collage workshop encourages channeling your creativity into artwork, from zines and boards to wall art and scrapbook pages. With all materials provided, it’s a crafty social opportunity for beginners and experienced crafters alike.
January 27: Gig for Gaza, Exchange
Horsefair, Paper Crowns and HumDrum are coming together for a fundraising concert, with all proceeds going to Human Appeal. The line-up celebrates various strands of post-punk and jazz, touching on rock, new wave and poetry.
January 28: Mellt, Exchange
Four-piece Welsh alternative band Mellt are making waves, winning the Welsh Language Album of the Year and nominations for the Welsh Music Prize. Their live shows are intense and “anarchistic”, and this one will be no different.
January 29: Nobody’s Dad, The Croft
Bristol-based alt-rock band Nobody’s Dad are fast-emerging in the city’s alternative scene. A great new listen for fans of The Breeders, Pixies and The Smashing Pumpkins.
January 30: Teachings in Dub, Trinity Centre
Giants in Bristol’s music scene, Teachings in Dub are back for their first event of the year, promising a “heavyweight night of dubwise”.
SPONSORED
January 30 & 31: Horrible Histories The Concert, Bristol Beacon
For the very first time, your favourite songs and actors from CBBC’s Horrible Histories TV series are coming to Bristol Beacon on 30 & 31 January. Bring your singing voices for a truly Horrible show! It’s the ultimate first concert for kids, for everyone aged 5 to 105!
Horrible Histories the concert
SPONSORED
January 31: Chinese New Year Extravaganza, Redgrave Theatre
Celebrate the Year of the Horse with a Spectacular Experience! Jinlong brings the “Chinese New Year Extravaganza”, an unforgettable show filled with vibrant colours, awe-inspiring performances, and endless fun! Touring across the UK, this sensational event brings one of the biggest celebrations in the Chinese calendar to life on stage.
Chinese new year – photo: Redgrave Theatre
January 31: Dean Rodney Jr & The Cowboys, Strange Brew
This musical project fronted by Dean Rodney Jr is known for a unique blend of disco-pop, funk and hip-hop within the fictional Dean TV World.
SPONSORED
Every Sunday throughout January: Nouvelle Vague – Debuts From a Scene, Watershed
To tie in with the release of Richard Linklater’s latest feature, Nouvelle Vague, we’re diving back into the emergence of the French New Wave and it’s freewheeling filmmaking spirit, with this short season of debut features that set everything in motion. Tickets £6.00-£11.50.
Nouvelle Vague – photo: Watershed
And coming soon…
SPONSORED
February 7: Café Mambo, O2 Academy
The Balearic beats are calling, Café Mambo returns for another unforgettable night of Ibiza anthems and iconic Mambo energy. Line up includes – Low Steppa, David Penn, Seb Fontaine, Juanito Chanclas (Mambo Resident), Craig Brown, Chrissy Mac, Darren Cane, Dave K, Houserules, Matt Langson, Paranino and The Disruptors.
Café Mambo – photo: O2 Academy
SPONSORED
June 24: Super Furry Animals, Canons Marsh Amphitheatre
Fans of the offbeat Welsh legends have another chance to catch Super Furry Animal’s return as they are announced to headline Bristol Sounds on Wed 24 June 2026. They’ll be joined by the excellent Getdown Services and Gwenno.
Super Furry Animals – photo: Crosstown Concerts
SPONSORED
June 28: Royel Otis, Canons Marsh Amphitheatre
Bristol Sounds is closing its 2026 run with a bang. Royel Otis, the duo whose emotionally loaded, nostalgia-fuelled anthems have a massive global following, will headline the final night of the Harbourside series on Sunday 28 June 2026.
Royel Otis – photo: Crosstown Concerts
Main photo: Buena Bristol Social Club: Ataque Masivo
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