Things To Do / What's On
63 Things to do in Bristol in April 2025
April 1: The Music of The Lord of The Rings, St George’s
Experience the majestic and timeless music of the legendary Lord of the Rings films in a breathtaking concert that will transport audiences straight into the heart of Tolkien’s universe.
April 2: WECA mayor hustings, Watershed
Four metro mayor candidates will be at the Watershed for a hustings on transport. Chaired by our own Martin Booth, this hustings will see candidates asked about buses, pavement parking, trams and more.
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April 1-27: Wildlife Photographer of the Year
An unmissable exhibition at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery showcasing 100 images that capture fascinating animal behaviour. Running until 27 April with general tickets £6.60 Tues-Sun and £8 weekends. Under 16s go free – making it a brilliant Easter holiday activity!
Wildlife photographer of the year – photo: Samual Stone
April 2: The Alienation Effect launch with Owen Hatherley, Bookhaus
Drawing on an immense cast of artists and intellectuals, the historian Owen Hatherley argues that in the resulting clash between European modernism and British moderation, our imaginations were fundamentally realigned and remade for the better.
April 3: Art and Activism in a Creative Space, City of Bristol College
A powerful evening exploring art and activism, I Am Judah tells the true story of Ras Judah, a Bristol elder who was brutally tasered in the face by police after years of wrongful identification. This immersive screening blends film, live poetry, and photography with an evening of storytelling and discussion.
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April 3: Pale Blue Eyes, Thekla
Modernist pop band Pale Blue Eyes are celebrating the recent release of their brand new record ‘New Place’ by coming to Thekla, Bristol for one night only! Come along for an evening of intimate performance on April 3rd. Tickets are selling fast, don’t hang around!
April 4: Behind-the-Counter, Take Five Cafe
A variety of house, techno and electro. DJs include Ellie Anderson of Zen Arcade, Jude Jitsu also of Zen Arcade and Bristol producer Ossicone.
April 5: Bristol Rare Plant and Orchid Fair 2025, Central Church Bristol
The annual Rare Plant and Orchid will once again be bringing plant vendors from across the UK together. Specialists Ecuagenera Araceae who have been producing tropical plants from artificial propagation in their nursery in Ecuador for 30 years, will also be attending.
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April 5: Windmill Hill City Farm Market, Bedminster
This much-loved market returns for 2025. Browse over 40 stalls of handcrafted homeware, prints, jewellery, slow fashion, food producers, plus a street food court and Bruhaha pop-up taproom – and the April market coincides with BV Open Studios weekend, right opposite the farm. The market will go weekly from Saturday 7 June!
April 5: Two Strangers Trying Not To Kill Each Other, Watershed
Two Strangers Trying Not to Kill Each Other explores the complicated yet creatively rich relationship between Bronx-born photographer Joel Meyerowitz and British artist Maggie Barrett. The married artists share a loving bond, but with Joel having over 40 photobooks to his name alongside many exhibitions, Maggie feels she’s been living in Joel’s shadow.
April 6: Dance Bath, Easton Community Centre
A queer-led free-movement session accompanied by a live DJ set. Move from a grounding mediation through to dance and finally a sound bath.
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April 6: Marc Jennings, The Gaffe Comedy Club
Scottish Comedian of the Year winner Marc Jennings (“Killer lines’ – The Scotsman) is on his first tour of the UK and Ireland following three years of sold-out Edinburgh Fringe runs. Catch him at The Gaffe for a mix of sharp observations on current events, politics and modern dating.
April 6 & 7: Andy Zaltzman – The Zaltgeist, Tobacco Factory
With the third millennium almost 2.5 per cent complete, Andy Zaltzman, one of the UK’s leading satirical comedians, assesses the state of Planet Earth and its most famous and controversial species – the human race.
April 8: The Old Market Assembly x Wiper and True, Old Market Assembly
The Old Market Assembly is back with brand new, fresh, seasonal tasting events. Created with their head chef, Moi Sanchez, out of love for their favourite Bristol suppliers, they’ve partnered with Wiper and True for an amazing event.
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April 8: Vikingur Ólafsson, Bristol Beacon
Icelandic pianist Víkingur Ólafsson, renowned for his musicianship and visionary programmes, performs a specially curated recital on the Steinway piano he selected for Bristol Beacon. Featuring one of Beethoven’s late piano sonatas. A multiple award-winner, Ólafsson’s recordings have captivated audiences, becoming one of BBC Radio 4’s Artist in Residence.
April 9: SMTG interview with Andy Leake, KIT FORM
Continuing on from their live interview series in winter 2024, they will be bringing the queer community together for open and relaxed topical conversations. Their first of guest of 2025 is Andy Leake, LGBT+ Editor for Bristol24/7 and freelance LGBT+ culture journalist.
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April 9-19: Easter Family Fun: Wonderful Water, John Wesley’s New Room
John Wesley’s New Room has partnered with Broadmead BID and Sparks Bristol to present this community art festival, celebrating the power of water to sustain life, nourish nature, and inspire wellbeing. Come along to a workshop to unleash your creativity and explore how we can cherish this precious resource!
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April 9-12 & 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!
April 10: Triple Bill – EVERYWHERE, Trinity Centre
Tiata Fahodzi presents EVERYWHERE – a triple bill of short plays presented together, driven by a provocation about what we do in what spaces matter. Writers include Yusra Warsama, Magero and Anyebe. Directed by Godwin Roy Alexander Weise MBE.
April 10: Banff Mountain Film Festival, Victoria Rooms
The Banff Mountain Film Festival is back with a brand-new line-up of captivating short films packed with extreme journeys, intriguing characters and stunning cinematography. Join the world’s top outdoor filmmakers and adventurers as they climb, ski, paddle, run and ride through the wildest corners of the planet.
April 11: Soul and Ska Charity Fundraiser, St Anne’s Board Mill Social Club
Come along to St Anne’s for a boogie to some Northern Soul, Motown and Ska. The best part? By partying you will help raise money for St Peter’s Hospice.
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April 11: One to One, Watershed
John & Yoko One to One: John & Yoko is a revelatory inside-look at John Lennon & Yoko Ono’s life in Greenwich Village in the early 1970s, featuring music from John & Yoko’s only full-length concerts.
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April 11: The Amazing Bubble Man, Redgrave Theatre
Louis Pearl has been thrilling audiences worldwide for over 30 years with the art, magic, science and fun of bubbles. Louis explores the breathtaking dynamics of bubbles, combining comedy and artistry with audience participation and enough spellbinding bubble tricks to keep everyone mesmerised.
April 11: Mo Gilligan, Bristol Beacon
Although now one of the UK’s biggest comedians, Mo Gilligan, of Masked Singer fame, first became popular on Instagram back in 2017. The Triple-BAFTA winner is back in Bristol as part of his ‘In The Moment’ world tour.
April 12: Outer Town Festival, various venues
This year’s iteration of the popular DIY festival will see Test Plan, Enola Gay and Tramhaus take to the stage, among others.
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April 12: 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.
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April 12: The Secret Life of Vivaldi, St George’s
Discover the extraordinary story of the remarkable rise of Antonio Vivaldi – from baker’s son to “Europe’s greatest composer” – in the world premiere of a unique event combining live orchestra, choir and acclaimed actor Miltos Yerolemou (Game of Thrones, Star Wars) as Vivaldi.
April 13: Community Meal, BASE Social Centre
Hungry? Why not come down to the BASE cafe and enjoy a fresh vegan meal every Sunday this from 6 to 8pm. Food is free with a suggested donation of £5.
April 14: The Philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche, Hen & Chicken
Dr Richard Elliot, a lecturer in European Philosophy at Birkbeck, is coming to Bristol on to discuss nihilism and the ‘death of God’. He’s been invited by Seed Talks, an events company with a difference who promise to help ‘improve your wellbeing’ or, if that’s not your bag, simply help you ‘discover a new fascinating subject to delve into’.
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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)
April 15: The Meteors, The Fleece
The Psychobilly superstars are returning with a much-anticipated performance at the Fleece.
April 16: Alexina Anatole, Boston Tea Party
The writer and Masterchef finalist will be sharing one of her new cookbooks, Sweet, at Boston Tea Party and will be bringing along some sweet treats for attendees to sample too.
April 17: Lego Play, Southville Centre
The BS3 Community Development team are offering a two-hour session of Lego play for families looking for a bit of fun before the Easter weekend. Parents come free!
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April 17: Single Mothers, The Exchange
To celebrate 10 years since the release of their first studio album ‘Negative Qualities’, Single Mothers are coming to The Exchange on April 17th to play the whole album front to back. Tickets are almost gone, don’t miss out and book today!
April 18: Rum Punch Festival, Lakota
Yes, we’ve seen the posters everywhere too. Come along for the only Bank Holiday day party in Bristol that promises authentic Caribbean food, whistles, confetti and Dancehall.
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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 18-19: Bing’s Birthday, Redgrave Theatre
Join Bing and his friends Sula, Pando, Coco, Amma and of course Flop as they get ready to celebrate his special day in the brand-new live stage show, Bing’s Birthday! This wonderful show is packed with fun, laughter, beautiful puppetry, and catchy songs! We encourage little ones to put on their favourite party outfit!
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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.
April 19: Dee Allum, Alma Tavern
Transgender comedian Dee Allum’s debut stand-up show, Deadname, is all about transition. Come along to see the performance that enthralled crowds at the BBC New Comedy Awards and Comedy Central Live.
April 20: Easter Day Eucharist, St Mary Redcliffe
Join St Mary Redcliffe to celebrate Easter – and you might even spot a BBC film camera or two too! A team from BBC 1 are coming along to film the worship, which is why the church are ticketing the service.
April 21: Black Bristol on Film, The Cube
After a successful showing at the Watershed last year, this event will share a series of short films which shed light on different moments in Black Bristol 1980s and 90s history. Film directors Rob Mitchell and Colin Thomas will be around to take some questions at the end.
April 22: FINNEAS, Bristol Beacon
Billie Eilish’s equally-as-talented brother will be hitting the Beacon to perform tracks from his self-produced second album For Cryin’ Out Loud.
April 22: Blind Girls x Stress Positions, Moor Beer Co
A co-headliner with Australian screamo five-piece Blind Girls and Chicago’s four-piece Stress Positions. Enjoy as you sip on a pint in the Moor Beer taproom.
April 23: For The Love Of Rugby Live, St George
Former Leicester Tigers players Ben Youngs and Dan Cole are coming to St George for a live show of their popular sports podcast For The Love Of Rugby.
April 23: Stag Dance launch, Mount Without
Hosted by Bookhaus, come along as Women’s Prize nominated author Torrey Peters launches a new book that explores trans life past, present and future and acts as a fitting sequel to her previous book Detransition, Baby.
April 24: Ellie Taylor, Bristol Beacon
Most recently of Ted Lasso fame, Ellie Taylor is coming to the Beacon with a brand new stand-up show about marriage, kids and being the ‘nation’s sweetheart’.
April 24: Design West: Zaha Hadid, Arnolfini
A special event exploring the life of the Irai-British architect Zaha Hadid, all told by associate director at Zaha Hadid Architects and a former student of Zara, Gerhild Orthacker.
April 25: Isabella Dorta, Bristol Folk House
She has over 180,000 followers on Instagram and over one million on TikTok. Isabella Dorta, one of the most famous poets of the zoomer generation, is stopping by Bristol on the last stop her nationwide tour.
April 25 – May 4: Lyra Festival Pass, various venues
A poetry festival that brings together the best in regional writing to celebrate words over creative workshops, webinars and live performances. There will be a ‘special Bristol tribute’ to late poet Benjamin Zephaniah on Sunday 27 April that’s not to be missed.
April 26: The Breakfast Club screening and wine tasting, Averys Wine Cellars
Celebrating another vintage film that was called a “smash” hit during the 80s, along with a snack box, cheese, chutneys and wine.
April 26: Goldie, Bristol Beacon
Goldie, dnb and bass synthesiser. What’s not to love?
April 26-27: Bristol Radical History Festival, various venues
Now in its seventh year, the 2025 Bristol Radical History Festival will see four exhibitions, two film screenings and over 20 talks across three venues on everything from housing, anti-colonialism and international collaboration.
April 27: Life Drawing for Palestine, The Greenbank
A Life Drawing event organised to help The Red Cross and their efforts in Gaza. All abilities and ages are welcome.
April 27: Joshua Idehen, The Jam Jar
Spoken word performer Joshua Idehen and producer Ludvig Parment have joined forces on their new EP, Mum Does the Washing. The pair will be touring the album in April are stopping by Bristol along the way.
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April 27: Bristol Fashion Show, The Prospect Building
Join us for an unforgettable evening of style, creativity, and community. Enjoy a complimentary drink, a dynamic three-hour fashion showcase, and explore our vibrant marketplace. With live DJs, performers, inspiring speakers, and a fully stocked bar, experience a night where fashion, charity, and community unite.
April 28: Bristol Rovers Fans’ Match, Memorial Stadium
Ever wanted to hear a crowd calling your name? Come along to the Fan Match on April 28. All you need is a Bristol Rovers kit and a ticket to make your Gas dreams come true.
April 28: Love in Exile launch, St George
Bristol-born author Shon Faye is back in the city to talk about her critically-acclaimed new book, Love in Exile with former Bristol city poet Vanessa Kisuule.
April 28: Bambara, The Fleece
The modernist rock band with strong southern gothic influence are ready to take over Bristol’s night music scene at the Fleece. The three member band consists of Reid Bateh, his twin brother Blaze Bateh and William Brookshire.
April 29: Talk Club Cup, Memorial Stadium
The Talk Club Cup is back! Live at the Memorial Stadium, football legends from Bristol Rovers and Bristol City will be playing alongside and squaring up against local celebs ranging from former mayor Marvin Rees to BBC Radio Bristol’s Joe Simms. They’re all playing to raise awareness of men’s mental health issues.
April 29: Surf On, Europe’, The Bristol Aquarium megascreen
Bristol Surf Cinema promise a night of cinematic storytelling at their inaugural surf film screening.
April 30: Kate-Lois Elliot, Alma Tavern
After a successful showing at the Edinburgh Fringe Fest, Kate-Lois Elliot is bringing her critically acclaimed debut, How To Belong Without Joining A Cult, on tour.
April 30: Bristol’s Met Gala, Mount Without
An immersive showcase of sustainability, creativity and self-expression hosted by the Fashion Forward Society.
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Throughout April: Behind the Curtain, Watershed
The Films of David Lynch We’re remembering the indelible mark on cinema left by the late great visionary David Lynch (1946-2025) with a season of his feature films.
And coming soon…
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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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May 4: 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! Tickets are on sale NOW!
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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 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: Live Nation
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