Nightlife in Bristol is legendary. From its huge clubs hosting top DJs to underground live gigs, plus all manner of late night speakeasies, comedy shows and a thriving LGBTQ+ scene - this is a city that knows how to have fun!
Whether you're searching for somewhere offering the best student nights, a place to end a group night out, or just something spontaneous to do on a Friday night, we've got you covered.
Where to start your night
Want to enjoy a G&T with friends at a rooftop bar, or try some local beers at our brewery taprooms? Maybe you want to sup a cider in the quiet corner of a cosy pub, or put the mixologists to the test at one of our cocktail bars. Whatever your tipple, you’ll find plenty of choice across the city.
If you want combine some drinks with competitive socialising, visit one of our activity and games bars to try your hand at electro darts, bowling, or even axe throwing!
If you’re not sure where to start, try cobbled King Street – known for its craft beer pubs, historic inns and one legendary jazz pub. Students will love Park Street and Clifton Triangle with their lively bars and late-night clubs, while cocktail connoisseurs will enjoy the amount of options on and around Corn Street.
Head to Stokes Croft and Gloucester Road to check out the city’s alternative scene, or bar hop your way along North Street in Bedminster. But don’t stop there, there’s much more to explore…
See a show
Add some extra fun to your night by booking a ticket to a theatre show – whether you opt for a West End musical at Bristol Hippodrome, a classic production at Bristol Old Vic, experimental performances at Tobacco Factory Theatres, or cabaret at The Wardrobe Theatre.
The Gaffe Comedy Club on Wine Street in Central Bristol, brings you the best stand-up comics in the UK, famous faces from the TV, sketch shows, gong shows, drinking games and outrageous late night comedy. So, whether you’re planning your next date night, mates-night, or a post-work pint on a weeknight, have a laugh at The Gaffe!
Watch stand up comedy and magic at Smoke & Mirrors, or see a show created in front of you from scratch at Bristol Improv Theatre.
Experience Bristol’s music scene
Bristol has an exciting and varied music scene, whether you want to watch low-key acoustic sets in record stores, classical concerts in a converted Georgian church, or raucous rock bands at an indie music venue. Many of the city’s pubs and bars also have regular live music. Take a look at our Events Calendar to see upcoming gigs and music events.
Club nights in Bristol
Take your pick from the nightclubs in Bristol, where you can choose from subterranean sound systems at Basement 45, booming drum 'n' bass at Lakota, house and pop at SWX, open air raves at The Prospect Building, or famous DJs at Motion (voted as DJ Mag's 11th best club in the world and the UK's best large club) with plenty more in between. You can even dance the night away aboard Thekla, Bristol’s nightclub on a boat!
Head to The Fleece for Propaganda, an Indie and Alternative party every Saturday from 11pm-4am. An undeniable institution of modern British club culture featuring a mind-blowing mix from Arctic Monkeys to The Vaccines, Paramore to The Killers, Bring Me The Horizon to Sam Fender, The 1975 to Wunderhorse and much more.
You'll find popular club nights at some smaller venues too, including Cosie's in St Pauls, Attic Bar, Love Inn, Cloak and The Crofters Rights on Stokes Croft, The Old Market Assembly, The Jam Jar and Exchange on Old Market, or Clock Factory, The Island, The Crown and Strange Brew in the city centre.
Summer brings a range of all-day parties and outdoor club nights, with buzzing terrace parties at Lost Horizon and Bambalan, and many of Bristol’s music venues also offer late night shows and club nights, including Trinity Centre and Bristol Beacon. Keep an eye out for day raves at Motion and pop-up events in unusual locations from Alfresco Disco.
As an extra bonus, Bristol is also proud to have been awarded Purple Flag status on many of its famous districts, which shows that we meet or surpass the standards of excellence in managing the evening and night-time economy. For you, this means you can enjoy all the amazing nightlife in Bristol, in the knowledge that the city is striving to keep you as safe and comfortable as possible.
For more live music gigs and club night listings try Headfirst Bristol and The Bristol Gig Guide.
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