Bristol’s free to attend annual dance, music and arts extravaganza will be returning to the iconic harbourside from 18 - 20 July 2025 with a jam-packed programme of family activities, circus performances, visiting vessels and mega live music.
Showcasing the best of Bristol’s music scene, world-class circus and on the water activity, it’s a much-loved addition to the city’s social calendar.
The free festival attracts over 250,000 visitors to enjoy over 120 hours of entertainment, across seven stages from spoken word to the latest Bristol musical talent, local dance performers, world class circus and on-water activity.
With five areas filled with music and entertainment, fans can look forward to five performance platforms, bringing beats, boats and backflips to the summer extravaganza.
Bristol-based folk band, The Longest Johns, will be closing the Harbour View stage at the Amphitheatre on the Sunday as they bring their much-loved sea shanties to the harbour!
Stages
Harbour View at the Amphitheatre
The Bristol Harbour Festival’s main stage for 2025. Expect the very best in back-to-back music from local and international talent, celebrating emerging talent from across the city and beyond.
Bristol Rising Stage and Dance Tent at Queen Square
A proper showcase of the best of Bristol and welcoming communities from across the city, Bristol Rising and the Dance Tent will present emerging artists from grassroots music and dance institutions.
Expression at Millennium Square
A cultural hub bursting with creativity - from spoken word, talks and panels to jazz and blues.
On the water
Expect boat races, exciting displays and more action guaranteed to make a splash!
Family Playground at College Green
College Green will once again bring street style circus performances with tricks, trapeze and more to one of the city’s most-loved green spaces.
Thekla
Thekla will be hosting a range of grassroots sounds from rock and punk bands to live folk music and DJ sets.
FAQ
How much does Bristol Harbour Festival cost?
The festival is free to attend. You can support this event by visiting the official bars and food traders located around the stages.
Do I need a ticket?
No ticket is needed - come along and explore the stages to your heart's content!
Are dogs welcome at the festival?
Dogs are welcome but must be kept under control at all times, and please remember to clean up after them.
Is there an age limit for stages and activities?
All outdoor stages and areas are open to visitors of all ages. For indoor venues, please check individually.
Accessibility information
The festival takes place across different locations around Bristol’s Harbourside. Surfaces are a mix of hard-standing, permanent roads (including cobbles), and grass in College Green and Queen Square. There are steps and kerbs - 2025 festival site map will follow for more details.
There will be an Access Info Point run by Attitude is Everything volunteers at Millennium Square which will be open from 11am - 5pm on Saturday and Sunday.
All of the sites and stages for the festival welcome Assistance Dogs and have chairs available. Accessible toilets are located at every toilet block throughout the festival site.
Plan your train journey to Bristol
Public transport in Bristol
Read more:
- Bristol Festivals
- Summer in Bristol
- Bristol Events Calendar
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