14 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 2025.
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 has more than 150 different events and activities throughout the month, including history walks, walking sports, neighbourhood tours and guided nature walks.
Image - Bristol Walk Fest, credit credit Alex Rotas Photography
Friendly Festival (10 May)
Enjoy a brilliant line-up of post-punk, indie, and classic rock ‘n’ roll bands alongside local DJs at Lost and Grounded Brewers Brewery Tap Room, including Sleaford Mods, The 45s, Katy J Pearson and Zalizo.
Translated By, Bristol (12 - 25 May)
Hosted at bookstores across the city, this new festival celebrates translators and translated literature, with in-depth conversations with translators, conversations between renowned authors and their translators, translation workshops, translation slams and more.
The Spring South Glos Food & Drink Festival (17 - 18 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.
Back to Mine - The Secret Valley in Chew Valley (23 -25 May)
Enjoy panoramic views of the Chew Valley while listening to DJ sets and live music sets from Sam Divine, Gok Wan, Felix Joy, Maxxi Soundsystem and more.
Image - Dot to Dot Festival. Credit Rebecca Marshall
Dot to Dot (24 May)
Dot to Dot has been known to bring hottest new emerging artists to city centre venues. Special guests for this 20th edition are The Horrors, along with headliners Fat Dog, Sprints, Kate Bollinger, Lapsley and over 30 of the hottest artists of the moment.
Love Saves the Day (24 - 25 May)
Boasting an eclectic programme perfect for the ultimate bank holiday weekend at Ashton Court Estate, heading up this year's lineup are Overmono, Nia Archives, Skream & Benga, Giggs, Hybrid Minds and Pawsa alongside a host of D&B, dance and electronic royalty to keep festival goers moving all weekend long.
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Image - Love Saves the Day
Forbidden Worlds Film Festival (28 May - 1 June)
Bristol's newest film festival, dedicated to screening fantasy, action, science-fiction and horror films from around the world returns for a third year. Ahead of the 50th anniversary re-release of Jaws this August, this year's festival takes the theme FORBIDDEN WORLDS OF THE DEEP, featuring a line-up of classic and cult films set on, around and under the water, including Waterworld, The Whale God, Orca, and cult horror Blood Tide.
Respected film producer Gale Anne Hurd will also be joining in-person for special Q&A screenings of three of her most iconic films: Aliens, Tremors and Battle Beyond The Stars.
Image - Forbidden Worlds Film Festival. Credit: Arthur Cauty
June
Bristol Comedy Garden (4 - 8 June)
The big top returns to Queen Square for another week of brilliant comedy stars, including Ed Gamble, Sara Pascoe, Frankie Boyle, Henning Wehn, Alan Davies, Mike Wozniak, Phil Wang, Bridget Christie, David O’Doherty, Sarah Keyworth, Tim Key, Rob Auton and many more. These shows always sell out, so be quick!
Image - Bristol Comedy Garden
Clifton Festival 2024 (6 - 14 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.
Tangled Roots Folk Festival (6 - 8 June)
Enjoy a welcoming and laid-back atmosphere at this small acoustic festival at Redford Mill Farm just outside Bristol. Tuck into delicious food grown and cooked on site, join in with dance, singing and yoga workshops, and listen to a range of both local and international folk performers.
Festival of Nature (7 - 15 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 include screenings at the aquarium, lunchtime art classes, a family-friendly rave, fishing taster sessions, dragonfly making workshops, a nature-themed club night, and more. The festival culminates with Wild Weekend in Millennium Square, overflowing with stalls, exhibits, live music, a parade, workshops, talks and screenings.
Image - Festival of Nature
Bristol Craft Beer Festival (13 - 14 June)
A celebration of brewing culture in Bristol and beyond on Bristol's harbourside, Bristol Craft Beer Festival will feature over 300 beers from 50 breweries, local food and live music from local DJs, across two days.
Image - Bristol Craft Beer Festival
Forest Live at Westonbirt Arboretum (17 - 22 June)
The outdoor concerts in the scenic surrounds of Westonbirt Arboretum returns with headliners on consecutive evenings including Snow Patrol, Elbow, The Coral, Paul Heaton, McFly and The Script.
Image - Forest Live
Bristol Sounds (25 - 29 June)
Bristol Sounds returns to the harbour ampitheatre with a series of high profile headliners across several evenings, including Supergrass, Kaiser Chiefs, Texas, The Fratellis and Olly Murs.
Image - Bristol Sounds
July
Bristol Pride (12 July)
Bristol Pride runs from 28 June - 13 July, with Pride Day 2025 will take place on Saturday 12 July. Headliners including Kim Wilde, Cascada, Ultra Naté and Brooke Lynn Hytes, plus performances from local artists and community groups.
Image - Bristol Pride
Fire in Your Soul (4 - 6 July)
This restorative festival in the Chew Valley just outside Bristol is all about fire, soul and nature. The programme includes live music, holistic therapies, workshops, foraging walks, and nourishing food with shared moments by the fire. You can also book one of the quirky glamping options on-site, from cabins and yurts to converted trucks.
Image - Fire in Your Soul festival site
St Pauls Carnival (5 July)
Although there will be no carnival procession this year, St Pauls Carnival will still be celebrating African Caribbean and Carnival culture with a range of events on Saturday 5 July, including The Elders’ Brunch, live music performances and workshops.
Balloons & Tunes Somerset (11 - 12 July)
This family-friendly festival at the Royal Bath and West Showground brings together the best of hot air balloons, tribute acts, funfair rides and food stalls. Watch as hot air balloons light up the night sky during the Night Glow show, take a ride on a real-life monster truck, meet the beloved Bluey & Bingo, or watch daredevil stunt shows.
Image - Balloons & Tunes Somerset
Fantasy Forest Festival (18 - 20 July)
Head to Sudeley Castle in Gloucestershire for this celenbration of the fantasy genre, including sci-fi & fantasy films, fantasy arts, comics, anime, cosplay, LARP, steampunk and historic re-enactment.
Bristol Harbour Festival (18 - 20 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 (23 - 27 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 Bristol’s status as UNESCO City of Film, retrospective of work from Indigenous storyteller Jeff Barnaby, a strand of films from the New Hollywood era of the 1970s featuring male protagonists caught up in scandal, and a showcase of queer cinema from the Eastern Bloc.
Feast On (24 - 27 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.
Image - Feast On
Siren Bristol (25 - 27 July)
Get ready to dance the night away in Bristol's Harbourside Ampitheatre at one of these huge outdoor music events, with Bloc Party taking the Friday night slot on 25 July to celebrate their 20th anniversary, with a set list of their greatest hits, including songs from their influential album Silent Alarm.
RUN take over for an all-day Drum and Bass party on Saturday 26 July, with electronic dance royalty Sasha & John Digweed closing the weekend on the Sunday.
Image - Siren Bristol
Bristol Cider Week (26 July - 3 August)
A city-wide week-long celebration, the first ever Bristol Cider Week will feature tastings, orchard tours, meet the maker sessions, cheese pairings, city cider trails, street parties and more.
The nine-day celebration will begind with an opening party aboard Brunel's SS Great Britain, which will have meet-the-maker tasting sessions and eight pours of cider included in your ticket, as well as the chance to explore the iconic ship after hours. There will be a citywide Cider Trail for you to explore, plus a block party on King Street, with the pubs and venues dotted along this historic street running tap takeovers, live music and special activities.
Image - Bristol Cider Week
August
IDLES in Queen Square (1 - 2 August)
Playing their only UK show of 2025, Bristol's very own post-punk heroes take over Queen Square for two consecutive nights, with support from SOFT PLAY, Lambrini Girls and SICARIA on the Friday, and The Voidz, hind, SCALER, Grove and TLC on the Saturday.
Lake Paradiso (1 - 3 August)
Although Valley Fest may be taking a year off, you can still enjoy a weekend away in the same lakeside setting as Valley Fest Presents…Lake Paradiso, which offers a weekend of heavyweight names in a relaxed setting. Enjoy DJ sets from Trevor Nelson, Huey Morgan and Norman Jay MBE, plus performances from soul powerhouse Terri Walker, jungle legend Jumping Jack Frost and drum and bass mainstay DJ Die.
Weston-super-Mare Sea Shanty and Folk Festival (1 - 3 August)
See a variety of performances spread out across bars and venues in Weston-super-Mare over the weekend, with a centre stage in the Italuan Gardens. Entry to all performances is free, with donations encouraged to local charities.
Cider Salon Bristol (2 August)
Where better to drink down thy cider and sample a few more than in the city of cider itself? The Cider Salon fringe will feature a main tasting event at Trinity Centre on Saturday 2 August, as well as a city-wide programme of fringe activities throughout the week.
Bristol International Balloon Fiesta (9 - 10 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
FORWARDS (23 - 24 August)
FORWARDS returns for two days of music and discussion, with this year's headliners including The Last Dinner Party, Jorja Smith, renowned electronic producer and DJ Barry Can’t Swim, Mercury Prize winners Ezra Collective, and 2025 Grammy award winner Doechii. New for 2025 is the Dance Tent, headlined by the legendary Annie Mac.
Image - FORWARDS. Credit Beth Whelan
The Old Duke Jazz Festival (23 - 25 August)
Head to King Street for this three-day celebration of jazz over the bank holiday weekend, which is free to attend.
Old City Sounds (23 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
Food and Drink Festival at Old Down Estate (25 August)
Spend your bank holiday Monday enjoying nibbles from artisan food stalls, local wines, craft beers and refreshing cocktails, plus a variety of live entertainment and music.
Bristol Craft Brew Festival (30 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.
Mendip Family Festival (29 - 31 August)
See out the summer holidays with this fun family festival! Expect an epic line-up of live music, adventure and fantastic food for the whole family. Dress up for Harry Potter outdoor cinema on the Friday night, dance along to headliners Doreen Doreen on the Saturday, or book onto activities including circus skills, Frisbee Golf, Nerf Battles, axe throwing, paddlesports, skiing and lots more.
Image - Basecamp at Mendip Activity Centre
September
Bristol Wing Fest (5 - 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 (6 September)
This small, friendly festival has a line-up including Balamuc, The Shirley Smart Trio, Fabulous Red Diesel, Tango Calor and Ruby Jazz, plus great food and drink options.
DogFest (6 - 7 September)
Dog lovers and anyone who just loves a fantastic day out, it's time! DogFest is back at Ashton Court Estate 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.
Yeo Valley Organic Garden Festival (18 - 20 September)
The first ever Yeo Valley Organic Garden Festival features panel discussions, hands-on workshops and expert demonstrations, with a lineup featuring gardening's best-known names: Arit Anderson, Alys Fowler, Frances Tophill, and Mark Diacono.
Image - Bristol Wing Fest
The Autumn South Glos Food & Drink Festival (13 - 14 September)
Indulge in a delectable weekend filled with gastronomic delights and refreshing beverages, as well as live entertainment.
Encounters Film Festival (24 -28 September)
This festival champions fresh and exciting new voices in filmmaking. For their 30th anniversary, Encounters have a jam-packed programme of short film screenings, special guests, Q&As and headline events, alongside an intensive industry event programme with high level masterclasses and workshops.
Bristol Cocktail Weekend (25 - 28 September)
Head along to a series of cocktail-themed events, activities and experiences at locations across the city centre.
Image - Bristol Cocktail Weekend
October
Circus City (9 - 29 October)
Enjoy three weeks of circus performances from local, national and international performers. Expect shows blending circus with music, film, theatre, dance and more.
BOP Photobook Festival (11 - 12 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 - Performer at Circus City. Credit Lisa Whiting Photography
November
Simple Things Festival (8 November)
This one-day festival takes over multiple venues across the city centre to showcase boundary-pushing live and electronic music. This year's line-up includes performances from Dry Cleaning, Tunde Adebimpe, Factory Floor, Decius, Richard Dawson and more.
Image - Simple Things Festival
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