Your Ultimate Guide to What’s On in Bristol This Summer 2025🌞🎉

Hello Bristol! The sun is out, uni stress is (mostly) over, and it’s time to make the most of the summer in the city. Whether you’re into music, theatre, food, art, or just chilling in the sun with mates, Bristol’s got something for everyone. Needs plans? We’ve got you:

 

 

🌸 May Madness

 

• Bristol Walk Fest (1–31 May)
  Get your steps in and explore the best walking routes around the city. It’s all about chilled, inclusive vibes with something for every fitness level.

 

• Bristol Folk Festival (2–4 May)
  Folk music takes over the May Bank Holiday with stunning performances from UK and global talent.

 

• TOY TONICS Jam @ Bambalan (4 May)
  Rooftop party? Yes please. House and disco beats from Germany’s finest Toy Tonics collective for all the grooves.

 

• Free Garden Party @ No.4 Clifton (8 May)
  Think free nibbles, delicious drinks and garden games in a gorgeous Georgian townhouse.

 

• Kinky Boots @ Hippodrome (13–17 May)
  Glitz, glam, and fabulous footwear — this award-winning musical is a must-see.

 

• Chicago @ Hippodrome (19–24 May)
  Murder, jazz, and razzle dazzle — the iconic musical comes into Bristol this May.

 

• Back to Mine: The Secret Valley (23–25 May)
  A secret valley, immersive sets, dancers, and dreamy sets. An exclusive music festival just outside of Bristol.

 

• Love Saves The Day + Dot to Dot Festival (24–25 May)
  Two legendary Bristol fests collide! Massive names, up-and-comers, and the city’s finest venues. Which one will you go to?

 

 

☀️ June Vibes

 

• Summer Fest @ Racks (2–7 June)
  Live music, mouth-watering food, and summer cocktails in Clifton — basically a week-long party!

 

• Bristol Comedy Garden (4–8 June)
  Laugh your face off in Queen Square with top comedians and that big top magic.

 

• Clifton Int’l Festival of Music (6–14 June)
  A cultured detour into classical music from world-class talent.

 

• Bristol Craft Beer Festival (13–14 June)
  Sip your way through top-tier brews with street food and DJ sets by the harbour.

 

• Bristol Sounds (25–29 June)
  Multiple nights of live music from headline acts at the stunning harbourside amphitheatre.

 

• Moulin Rouge @ Hippodrome (26 June – 9 Aug)
  The ultimate theatre spectacle — think feathers, lights and drama.

 

 

🌈 July Highlights

 

• Bristol Pride (28 June – 13 July)
  Celebrate love with parades, live music (Kim Wilde and Cascada anyone?!), and good energy everywhere.

 

• St Pauls Carnival (5 July)
  A full day of colourful culture, dance, and Caribbean culture in the heart of Bristol.

 

• The Surf Show @ The Wave (12–13 July)
  Even if you don’t surf, this expo is packed with action and demos for everyone to enjoy.

 

• Bristol Harbour Festival (18–20 July)
  A giant free party on the water — expect everything from circus acts to food stalls to live music.

 

• Feast On (24–27 July)
  Foodie heaven! The best Bristol eats and drinks served in the sunshine (hopefully!)

 

 

🎈 August Adventures

 

• Balloon Fiesta (9–10 Aug)
  Iconic, Instagrammable, and totally free — don’t miss the mass balloon ascents!

 

• Les Misérables @ Hippodrome (13–16 Aug)
  The theatre epic comes to life like never before.

 

• BBC Proms @ Bristol Beacon (22–24 Aug)
  Even if you’re not a classical fan, this live music experience is magical.

 

• FORWARDS Festival (23–24 Aug)
  A music festival on The Downs with a killer line-up.

 

• The Old Duke Jazz Festival (23–25 Aug)
  If you love jazz, this is the place to be over the Bank Holiday weekend.

 

 

No excuses for a boring summer —so round up your mates, get your tickets sorted early, and make summer 2025 one to remember.

🎟️ Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for early bird tickets, free events, and bundle deals to make the most of your budget.

 

Summer is on it’s way!

 

 

Published: 06.05.25 by Phoebe Clutton