12 min readReady for dancing to live music, tucking into delicious street food and sipping pints of cider in the sunshine? Bristol’s festival calendar is jam-packed in 2024.
There’s a festival for everything in Bristol, from ballooning to music headliners, cider to cinema. Avoid any inkling of Glastonbury FOMO with our festival picks for the coming months…
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May
Bristol Walk Fest (1 – 31 May)
From heritage and nature walks to woodland story times, Bristol Walk Fest offers tons of ways to explore the city and surrounding area on foot. Most events are free and there’s something in the programme for all ages, interests, backgrounds and fitness levels. This year’s festival is set to be the biggest one yet with more than 150 different events and activities throughout the month, including history walks, story walks, mental health strolls and even a bookshop crawl!
Image - Bristol Walk Fest, credit credit Alex Rotas Photography
North Somerset Walk Fest (1 – 31 May)
The programme for the first ever North Somerset Walk Fest is packed with walks and events across the county, from guided walks, to walking sports and networking walks.
The Spring South Glos Food & Drink Festival (18 - 19 May)
Savour a wide array of delectable dishes and beverages from local and regional vendors at this free food festival in Bristol and Bath Science Park. Take home some goodies from the food & drink producer marquee, watch live music and join in family-friendly activities.
Forbidden Worlds Film Festival (16 - 19 May)
Bristol's newest film festival, dedicated to screening fantasy, action, science-fiction and horror films from around the world returns for a second year, with screenings including Timecop, Attack of the 50 Foot Woman, Blue Steel, Foxy Brown, The Long Kiss Goodnight, Nikita, Innerspace and Speed - all on the impressive former IMAX screen!
Image - Forbidden Worlds Film Festival. Credit: Arthur Cauty
Mayfest (17 - 26 May)
Bristol’s biennial festival of contemporary theatre and live performance, returns with more boundary-blurring live performance from artists all over the world.
Bristol Transformed Festival (18 - 19 May)
Do you want to learn more about left politics and how to transform the world? Head along to Trinity Centre for a weekend packed with debates, arts, workshops, and socialism.
Upfest (18 May - 2 June)
In place of the usual weekend festival, this year Upfest is popping up at venues across South Bristol for two weeks of free workshops, live painting, artist talks, panel discussions, theatre, and tours. Keep an eye out for artists painting large scale murals across the area, and free-to-attend workshops via Yuup. This year's artist headliner is Mister Samo, who has been painting since 2013 with a clear vision and focus on intersectional gender identity and community.
Image - Upfest
Dot to Dot (25 May)
Dot to Dot has been known to bring hottest new emerging artists to city centre venues. Jockstrap will headline this year's festival, along a huge line-up of artists including: Aziya, Florry, Hovdy, Jianbo, Mary in the Junkyard, Nate Brazier and Panic Shack.
Love Saves the Day (25 - 26 May)
Boasting an eclectic programme perfect for the ultimate bank holiday weekend at Ashton Court Estate, heading up this year's lineup are CamelPhat and The Streets, along with Groove Armada and award-winning DnB DJ Wilkinson. The 2024 lineup also includes Rudimental, Ben Hemseley, Bru C, Eliza Rose and many more.
Image - Love Saves the Day
June
Festival of Nature (1 - 9 June)
The UK’s largest free celebration of the natural world returns in June with a programme of vibrant city centre events. This year’s festival includes Wild Weekend at Millennium Square (Saturday 1 – Sunday 2 June), wildlife walks, talks and workshops, arts and crafts, film screenings, books and storytelling, community action and more.
Image - Festival of Nature
Beautifully Proud: Pride month in Weston-super-Mare (2 - 30 June)
Beautifully Proud will see a month-long programme of events, activities, exhibitions and performances for all ages across multiple venues throughout Pride Month in June.
Clifton Festival 2024 (5 - 15 June)
Bristol’s classical music festival returns this summer with spellbinding sounds from acclaimed artists and vibrant music-making from some of the country’s most exciting performers.
Bristol Craft Beer Festival (7 - 8 June)
A celebration of brewing culture in Bristol and beyond on Bristol's harbourside, Bristol Craft Beer Festival will feature a huge variety of the world’s finest beer, local food and live music from local DJs, across two days.
Image - Bristol Craft Beer Festival
Bristol Volksfest (7 - 9 June)
The popular Volkswagen show and family camping weekend returns to Long Ashton. As well as celebrating all things Volskwagen, you can enjoy live music, DJs, entertainers, workshops and family fun across the weekend.
Summerfest at The Grand Pier (14 June)
Expect some of the hottest acts in the South West, for another jam packed night of amazing music, including The Lipinski Band and Senna Weeks – get ready to soak up the summer vibes!
Bristol Comedy Garden (14 - 18 June)
The big top returns to Queen Square for another week of brilliant comedy stars, including Stewart Lee, Harry Hill, Josh Widdicombe, Sara Pascoe, Dara O’Briain, Fern Brady, Dylan Moran, Simon Amstell, Sindhu Vee and many more. Several shows have already sold out, so be quick!
Image - Bristol Comedy Garden
Afrofest (15 June)
AfroFest returns to Trinity Centre for another day of music, dance, fashion and more. As well as an African Cultural Showcase, there will also be food stalls, DJs and games.
Flourish Food Festival (22 - 23 June)
Flourish in Saltford will bring a vibrant array of food and drink suppliers for this two-day celebration, which will also have live music, a craft market and family-friendly activities.
Bristol Sounds (22 - 30 June)
Bristol Sounds returns to the harbour ampitheatre with a series of high profile headliners across several evenings, including Busted, James Arthur, Placebo (sold out), The Breeders, Gentleman’s Dub Club, Skindred and Annie Mac.
Image - Bristol Sounds
Ashton Gate Presents BS3 (22 June)
One stadium, two stages, and ten artists including NE-YO, Jess Glynne, Craig David presents TS5 and DJ Spoony presents Garage Classical, all hosted by Fatman Scoop.
Cider Salon Bristol (29 June)
Where better to drink down thy cider and sample a few more than in the city of cider itself? The Cider Salon will host several days of talks, tastings and dinners at spaces across Bristol. Alongside the main tasting event, there will also be a city-wide programme of fringe activities.
Queer Vision Film Festival (29 June - 14 July)
Queer Vision Film Festival will again bring a programme of new release LGBT+ films from around the globe, including independently-made features and award-winning short films.
July
Forest Live at Westonbirt Arboretum (5 -12 July)
The outdoor concerts in the scenic surrounds of Westonbirt Arboretum returns with headliners including Gregory Porter, Anne Marie, The Corrs, Van Morrison and Nile Rodgers & CHIC.
Image - Forest Live
Bristol Pride (13 July)
Bristol Pride runs from 29 June - 14 July, with Pride Day 2024 will take place on Saturday 14 July. Headliners including The Human League, Ladytron, Claire Richards from STEPS and indie-pop sensation Georgia, plus performances from local artists and community groups.
Image - Bristol Pride
Bristol Harbour Festival (19 - 21 July)
One of the city's flagship free events, Bristol Harbour Festival attracts over 250,000 visitors with a varied programme of music, dance, circus acts, maritime displays and more. Visitors can visit five performance areas around the harbour, bringing beats, boats and backflips to the summer extravaganza.
Image - Bristol Harbour Festival
Cinema Rediscovered (24 - 28 July)
Organised by Watershed, Cinema Rediscovered brings digital restorations, contemporary classics and some rarities from the archive and presents them to audiences in their full film glory on the big screen. Among the highlights this year will be an exploration of corruption and scandal in New Hollywood cinema; a strand called Dangerous Divas, and a host of UK premieres.
Feast On (26 - 28 July)
Experience the best of Bristol's food scene as top restaurants and traders showcase their signature dishes. From hearty classics to daring new flavours, there's a taste for every palate. Enjoy wine tastings, food sustainability talks, live cooking demos, banquets, live music and family entertainment.
August
Valley Fest (1 - 4 August)
The family-friendly food and music festival returns to Chew Valley with a fantastic set of headliners: Sister Sledge, Sophie Ellis Bextor, Tinie Tempah, The Feeling and The Skid. Other acts on the line-up include Tankus The Henge, Nubiyan Twist, The Nextmen, Rat Pack, Beatles Dub Club, Junior Jungle, Stanton Warriors, Fabio & Grooverider, Doreen Dorren, Huey Morgan and Worm Sound System (Worm Disco Club). Arcadia’s Alchemist Playground will also return, plus family activities, food demos and more.
Image - Valley Fest
Siren Bristol (1 - 4 August)
The summer Harbourside takeover continues with these series of gigs, beginning with Sugababes on Thursday 1 August, Hospitality On The Harbour on the Saturday and non-stop dance anthems at the Fish Tales Bristol Day Party on the Sunday.
Weston-super-Mare Shanty and Folk Festival (2 - 4 August)
Folk music and shanty singing will be filling venues in Weston-super-Mare at this three-day festival, with pirate fancy dress heartily encouraged.
Bristol International Balloon Fiesta (9 - 11 August)
One of the highlights of the summer calendar, this free four-day family-friendly event is the largest of its kind in Europe, with mass ascents of over 100 hot air balloons scheduled for early morning and teatime each day, plus Night Glow shows and fireworks. Visitors can look forward to fairground rides, entertainment, live music and awe-inspiring aerial displays, all set in the beautiful grounds of Ashton Court Estate.
Image - Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, credit Adam Gasson
Old City Sounds (24 August)
Old City Sounds returns for another free one-day takeover of King Street, St Stephen’s Church, St Nicholas Street and St Nicholas Market with live music, street food, family fun and more.
Image - Old City Sounds
Bristol Craft Brew Festival (30 - 31 August)
Craft Brew Festival returns on the August bank holiday weekend! Expect to sample the best British craft beer from independent breweries and microbrewers from up and down the UK.
Harvest Home Festival at Mendip Activity Centre (30 August - 1 September)
See out the summer holidays with this fun family festival! Join for the greatest Greatest Showman experience on Friday 30 Augus, complete with a huge outdoor cinema, with circus workshops and live circus acts. Saturday will see a full day of family activities, adventure and live music, followed by a programme of activities on Sunday, from outdoor yoga to archery active.
Image - Basecamp at Mendip Activity Centre
DogFest at Ashton Court Bristol (31 August - 1 September)
Dog lovers and anyone who just loves a fantastic day out, it's time! DogFest is back and bursting with wonderful activities for you to enjoy with the whole family, including free expert advice and workshops, breed meet-ups, big dog walks, fastest dog competitions and have-a-go activities.
FORWARDS (1 Sept - 2 Sept)
FORWARDS returns for two days of music and discussion, with this year's headliners including Four Tet, Jessie Ware, Loyle Carner, LCD Soundsystem, Maribou State and Yard Act..
Image - FORWARDS
September
Bristol Wing Fest (6 - 7 September)
A celebration of the mighty chicken wing and is now the world’s most popular chicken wing festival. This year, 100,000 wings will be served by 15 different street food vendors, restaurants and BBQ teams.
Somerset Jazz Festival at Radford Mill Farm (6 - 8 September)
This small, friendly festival has a line-up including Lady Nade Sings Nina Simone, Shirley Smart Trio, Gin Bowlers and Jake Leg Jug Band, plus great food and drink options.
Image - Bristol Wing Fest
The Autumn South Glos Food & Drink Festival (7 - 8 September)
Indulge in a delectable weekend filled with gastronomic delights and refreshing beverages, as well as live entertainment.
Bristol Sea Shanty Festival (21 September)
Watch sea shanty bands perform in the fittingly nautical setting of Bristol Harbourside, at venues like Brunel's SS Great Britain and Underfall Yard.
Bristol Cocktail Weekend (26 - 29 September)
Head along to a series of cocktail-themed events, activities and experiences at locations across the city centre.
Image - Bristol Cocktail Weekend
October
Wildscreen Festival (14 -18 October)
Wildscreen Festival brings together industry thought leaders, emerging talent and the most exciting, innovative voices in natural world storytelling for a series of live and virtual events in Bristol.
BOP Photobook Festival (19 - 20 October)
The annual festival returns to Martin Parr Foundation in Paintworks, bringing together a wide-ranging group of photobook publishers, booksellers and photographers from across Europe.
Image - Royal Photographic Society
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