Live Music in Bristol: Your Ultimate Guide to Gigs, Venues, and Concerts.
Live music runs deep in Bristol’s veins. Over the past 40 years, the city has produced some of the most influential and culturally relevant British musicians, including Massive Attack, IDLES, Tricky, Portishead, and Roni Size. The legacy of Bristol music continues to thrive, making the city one of the UK’s top destinations for music lovers.
Upcoming concerts and gigs in Bristol
There’s never a dull night when it comes to gigs in Bristol. From chart-topping artists to exciting up-and-coming local bands, the city offers something for every music fan. Discover upcoming concerts, music festivals, and live bands near me with our round-up of the best concerts in Bristol over the coming weeks and months.
Top music venues in Bristol
Iconic concert halls and spaces
Bristol’s live music venues range from grand concert halls to unique, alternative spaces. Highlights include:
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Bristol Beacon – the city’s premier concert venue hosting international stars.
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St George’s Bristol – a stunning hall with world-class acoustics.
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Trinity Centre – a community hub known for eclectic gigs.
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The Folk House – cosy acoustic sessions on Park Street.
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Lost Horizon – a creative venue near Cabot Circus with a festival feel.
For something truly Bristolian, catch live music in Bristol aboard Thekla or The Grain Barge, two legendary floating venues.
Classic and Independent Bristol music spots
Some of Bristol’s most iconic gig venues include The Louisiana, The Fleece, and The Old Duke, a city-centre jazz pub steeped in history.
Other popular independent venues for gigs in Bristol and club nights include Zed Alley, Strange Brew, Mr Wolf’s, The Jam Jar, Rough Trade, and The Exchange.
For big-name music concerts, O2 Academy Bristol and Anson Rooms regularly host world-renowned bands and artists. Even Bristol’s record stores often double as intimate live venues, offering free performances and pop-up sessions.
Stokes Croft & Gloucester Road
These creative neighbourhoods are packed with live bands near me and unique venues. Watch performances at The Gallimaufry, The Full Moon, The Love Inn, or enjoy free gigs at The Canteen several nights a week.
Music festivals and club nights in Bristol
Bristol’s music festivals
The city hosts an incredible range of Bristol music festivals throughout the year, from Love Saves The Day in May to harbourside concerts throughout summer. Head just outside Bristol to enjoy lakeside performances at Valley Fest, or concerts in the forest at Westonbirt Arboretum's Forest Live.
Nightclubs and late-night venues
Bristol loves to party, and boasts some incredible nightclubs including;
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Motion – regularly ranked among DJ Mag’s Top 100 Clubs in the World.
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Lakota – a legendary Stokes Croft venue known for its underground sound.
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Basement 45 – perfect for fans of dubstep, drum & bass, and techno.
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SWX – hosting big-name artists and themed club nights throughout the year.
For even more listings of gigs in Bristol and club nights, visit 365Bristol.com or headfirstbristol.
Discover more about Bristol’s music scene
Bristol’s musical heartbeat is as strong as ever from intimate pub gigs to international tours, the city’s diverse and creative spirit makes it one of the best places in the UK for live music and unforgettable music concerts.
