From soaring hot air balloons to bustling Harbourside festivals, incredible live music to new cultural event spaces, food festivals to family fun at award-winning attractions; there’s something very special about summer in Bristol! See Visit Bristol’s latest round-up of this season’s hottest picks.
Please use this Summer in Bristol image link to download and use images. For any more info or images, please email press@visitwest.co.uk
Festivals, Events and News
We the Curious – REOPENING, FAMILY-FRIENDLY ATTRACTION
2 July onwards
Bristol’s science centre We the Curious is reopening on 2 July with over 200 features to explore, including Project What If. Inspired by seven intriguing questions from the people of Bristol, from the science of happiness to the nature of time, you’ll find some of life’s biggest mysteries and be able to make yourself invisible, peer into the TARDIS, and even stop time while exploring them. We the Curious is also home to UK’s only 3D planetarium, located on Bristol’s bustling Harbourside; it’s a must-visit this summer.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/things-to-do/we-the-curious-p24831
Feast On – NEW EVENT
26-28 July
Brand new food festival Feast On comes to The Downs in Bristol bringing together the city’s top restaurants and chefs, showcasing their signature dishes, coveted classics and new flavours. Alongside the food offerings, there will be wine tastings, food sustainability talks, live cooking demos over fire, live music, family-friendly spots and a communal banqueting area.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/feast-on-p3477263
Bristol Pride Day – FREE EVENT
13 July
Bristol Pride Day 2024 will take place on Saturday 13 July, with headliners including The Human League, Ladytron, Claire Richards from STEPS and indie pop sensation Georgia, plus performances from local artists and community groups. There are numerous events taking place 29 June – 13 July all celebrating our diverse LGBTQ+ community as part of the wider Bristol Pride programme.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/bristol-pride-p2357273
Bristol Harbour Festival – FREE, FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENT
19-21 July
One of the city's flagship free events, Bristol Harbour Festival attracts over 250,000 visitors with a jam-packed programme of music, dance, circus performances, maritime displays, visiting vessels, on-water activities and some new VIP areas and experiences this year. There are five performance areas around the harbour, bringing beats, boats and backflips to the summer extravaganza.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/bristol-harbour-festival-p2369253
Bristol International Balloon Fiesta – FREE, FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENT
9-11 August
One of the highlights of the summer calendar, Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is a free three-day family-friendly event - the largest of its kind in Europe - with mass ascents of over 100 hot air balloons scheduled for early morning and early evening each day (weather permitting), plus Night Glow shows. As well as the planned ascents and Night Glow shows, every day fiesta 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. New this year, sees Bristol favourite restaurant Pasture providing a dedicated onsite restaurant on the edge of the main balloon launch arena, open for breakfast, lunch and evening meals so visitors can try the city’s finest food, alongside its flagship fiesta. Another new addition in 2024 sees a limited number of exclusive paid-for tickets for Sky Lounge, enabling people to access the launch field during the Night Glow sessions.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/bristol-international-balloon-fiesta-p1987343
The Prospect Building – NEW CULTURE SPACE
Opening late June
The first permanent venue and culture space for the AMAAD team (behind festivals such as Junction 2 and ION), The Prospect Building opens late June 2024 just 15 minutes’ walk from Bristol Temple Meads train station, with shows for Honey Dijon (20 July) and Bonobo Presents: Outlier (19 October) already on the listings. Expect collaborative cultural events and shows at this impressively vast and versatile space.
https://www.theprospectbuilding.com/
Weston Wallz – FREE FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENT
Summer date tbc
Another leading street art event taking place in Bristol’s nearby seaside town is Weston Wallz in Weston-super-Mare, set to return in summer for more live street art painting.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/weston-wallz-p3109893
Old City Sounds – FREE FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENT
24 August
After a successful inaugural event in 2023, Bristol City Centre Business Improvement District brings back its free, day-long music festival with genre-based musical zones across the Old City area of Bristol over the Bank Holiday in August. Zones include Old City Jazz with live jazz, folk, funk and swing music and Old Kids Area with bubble artists, jugglers, circus performers and giant garden games.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/old-city-sounds-p3332483
Bristol Cocktail Weekend
26-29 September
Over 30 of Bristol’s world-class bars and speakeasies are serving up £6 signature cocktails and a whole host of food deals – from pizzas to fine dining - in September for this year’s Bristol Cocktail Weekend for all wristband holders.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/bristol-cocktail-weekend-p3286083
Summer events at Bristol attractions
Look Up! The story of hot air ballooning in Bristol at Aerospace Bristol
24 July – 1 September
Discover how hot air ballooning took off in Bristol, see how they’re made and get involved with a basketful of ballooning events and activities this summer at Aerospace Bristol – home to the last Concorde to fly (which was part-built in Bristol) and where the city’s aviation and aerospace history is celebrated.
Summer Lates at Bristol Zoo Project, plus a new conservation inspired play area, Explorers Basecamp
Summer 2024
Experience the Zoo like you never have before as it opens its doors over selected summer evenings. See what the animals get up to after hours and soak up the atmosphere with Bristol Symphony Orchestra playing on 12 July and performance entertainment from stilt artists, live acrobatics, aerial silk performers on 9 August. A brand-new three-storey conservation inspired play area called Explorers Basecamp opens this July too (with wheelchair accessible swings and roundabout), and work is also starting on the ambitious Central African Forest area which when built will be home to Critically Endangered western lowland gorillas.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/event/summer-lates-at-bristol-zoo-project/352274301/
https://visitbristol.co.uk/things-to-do/bristol-zoo-project-p1557573
Yeo’s Journey at Cheddar Gorge and Caves – NEW
Open now
A new immersive experience featuring lights, animation and music has just opened at Cheddar Gorge and Caves. Telling the story of how the caves were formed, Yeo’s Journey is believed to be the first multi-sensory visitor experience of this kind in the UK, celebrating Cheddar Gorge and Caves - one of Britain’s natural wonders which is classified as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Area of Conservation.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/things-to-do/cheddar-gorge-and-caves-p24501
SPACE SHANTY at M Shed
18 July – 1 September
Take a voyage into the unknown with this playful intergalactic experience through time, based on Bristol’s involvement with space science and travel. Meet Bemmie the Ratronaut who will guide you through interactive portals across a maze-like space.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/event/space-shanty-at-m-shed/354498301/
LUMOSPHERE at The Friary in Cabot Circus
26 July – 18 August
Explore the mysterious portal between our world and the wonders of this universe. An immersive and interactive walk through experience where art and technology collide.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/event/lumosphere-at-the-friary-at-cabot-circus/339913301/
Reach for the moon at Wookey Hole
Now- throughout summer
A giant moon, measuring 5.5 metres wide is suspended 70 metres underground on display as a brand-new visitor experience this year at Wookey Hole in Somerset. This latest addition is set to ignite the imaginations of explorers of all ages, illuminating the stories of the ancient caves.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/things-to-do/wookey-hole-caves-p1857863
Summer Lates Series at Brunel’s SS Great Britain
27 June, 4 and 25 July, 1 August
Sip on a signature cocktail - aptly names the Steamship – and soak up the musical talents of local bands (such as Sugarmoon, Gusto Gusto and Pretend Friends) in the dockyard of Brunel’s SS Great Britain on selected evenings this summer. Tickets are £14 and you can explore the ship, dry dock and dockyard after hours, without the crowds.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/event/summer-lates-series-at-brunels-ss-great-britain/312790301/
Summer of Sharks at Bristol Aquarium
20 July – 1 September
See daily talks and feedings of Bristol Aquarium’s six types of sharks at their Summer of Sharks event. There will also be a dazzling art exhibition - Oceanic 31 - featuring 31 different pieces of art highlighting 31 different species of sharks and rays.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/event/summer-of-sharks-at-bristol-aquarium/353358301/
UK’s first ever Surf Show, kids’ trail and after-dark surfing at The Wave
The first ever Surf Show takes place on the weekend of 13-14 July at The Wave, celebrating all things surfing. Check out – and try out – latest products, surfboard demo sessions, panel discussions, film screening and surf with some of the best UK surfers at this free event. Also on this summer at The Wave is new surfing after dark sessions in evenings from mid-August, powered by new outdoor lighting supported by Good Energy, The Wave’s official renewable energy partner.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/listing/the-wave/269116301/
Harbour History tours with Bristol Ferry
Now – throughout summer
Discover the secrets of Bristol’s maritime past and the legacy of the engineering hero Brunel with fun and facts from knowledgeable guides on the new Harbour History tours by Bristol Ferry.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/things-to-do/bristol-ferry-boats-p24281
Summer at Brean Leisure Park
Ongoing throughout summer
Located an hour’s drive south of Bristol along the Somerset coast is Brean Leisure Park, a firm favourite family day out. Featuring Brean Splash Waterpark with outdoor water slides and indoor pool, Brean Play with the region’s largest soft play area for children, and Brean Theme Park with 40 rides including roller coasters and log flume rides, not to mention the restaurants, Brean Golf Club and nearby beach. Perfect for a summer visit!
Sundust Secrets at Wake the Tiger
Now-1 September
Visit the UK’s largest immersive art experience this summer and embark on a summer adventure with Sundust Secrets at Wake the Tiger. There are seven notes hidden in the alternative world of Meridia and the OUTERverse. Find the notes and solve the word riddle to unlock the Top Secret box! Free activity included in price on entry ticket (family discounts available, under 5s go free).
https://visitbristol.co.uk/event/sundust-secrets-at-wake-the-tiger/354574301/
Summertopia at Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park
13 July – 1 September
A haven of summer fun is coming to Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park this year – and it’s going to be a wet and wild one! With a sand a water play area, Dinosaur Valley, the real farm animals on site, a mini festival stage with ‘Avon Valley’s Got Talent’ shows to join in with and a giant 50metre slip and slide and a foam party. Visitors can even stay overnight at the park’s campsite which offers glamping tents (some with hot tubs), and motorhome and campervan pitches.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/event/summertopia!-at-avon-valley-country-park/354156301/
DinoROAR at Longleat - celebrating its 75th anniversary
20 July – 1 September
With a themed trail, a new giant inflatable and a jungle play zone, you will feel the DinoROAR this year at Longleat’s immersive Jurassic event. Longleat is celebrating its 75th anniversary as a tourist attraction with a special exhibition at Longleat House featuring original photographs and memorabilia from when Longleat first opened its doors to the public on 1 April 1949, including the original ‘House Open’ sign, the first ever guidebook, signed by Lord and Lady Bath, and details of the first Longleat documentary filmed by the BBC that same year.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/event/dinoroar-at-longleat/352423301/
https://visitbristol.co.uk/things-to-do/longleat-p1897063
Gig Tripping in Bristol this summer
Bristol has a reputation for its stellar music scene; from gigs at grass roots venues such as The Fleece, The Louisiana, the recently-reopened Bristol Beacon and Thekla (which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year), to larger-scale events and festivals, Bristol’s live music offering is second-to-none. Bristol Sounds will be on Harbourside over a longer period in 2024 to mark its 10 year anniversary (22-30 June) with hotly-anticipated acts such as James Arthur, BUSTED, Placebo, Skindred, Gentleman’s Dub Club and DJ Annie Mac bringing her Before Midnight show. Forest Live at Westonbirt Arboretum (4-12 July) has Gregory Porter, Anne Marie, The Corrs, Van Morrison, Nile Rodgers and CHIC all performing against the picturesque backdrop of the Arboretum. Siren Bristol is back at Harbourside this year (1-3 August) with The Sugababes followed by Hospitality on the Harbour, bringing drum and bass, jungle and dancehall. Valley Fest will take place 1-4 August with Sister Sledge, Sophie Ellis Bextor, The Feeling and Tinie Tempah announced so far for its music offering, as well as Arcadia’s Alchemist Playground (the only place other than Glastonbury where you can experience the wonder that is Arcadia!), and many fine food producers and chefs. UK & Ireland choir festival Hand in Hand is coming to Bristol Beacon (16-18 August), bringing 1500 singers together to share their love of singing and pride of being part of the LGBTQ+ community. Legendary Bristol act Massive Attack are playing their first gig in the city for five years on The Downs on 25 August, promising the lowest carbon footprint for a concert of its size. Also on The Downs a week later is FORWARDS Festival (31 August – 1 September) with Four Tet, Jessie Ware, Loyle Carner, LCD Soundsystem and many more acts, as well as social action talks and creative panels. 14 September sees the start of flagship club series IN:MOTION – back after a three-year hiatus - which takes places across several world-class clubs including Motion, DOCUMENT and The Marble Factory. The line-up boasts UK legends and rising stars such as Goldie, Paul Woolford, Ewan Mcvicar and Bristol’s own Eats Everything. Looking forward, YTL Arena will be UK’s 3rd largest arena, built on the northern outskirts of Bristol (2026 tbc).
If you would like additional information or high res images, please email press@visitwest.co.uk
Additional information:
Famed for its passionate character, maritime history, and for the acres of parkland and sustainable approach that earned it European Green Capital 2015 status, Bristol has created its own distinctive identity. Visitors are attracted to the city’s year-round festivals, award-winning cycle tracks, gastronomy in rejuvenated shipping containers and behind secret doorways, stunning cityscapes, inspiring street art and lively music scene.
About Visit West: The VisitEngland officially accredited Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) for Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset. Visit West supports the visitor economy of the region which is worth £2.33billion and supports 45,000 jobs. Visit West operates the Meet Bristol & Bath Convention Bureau and the Visit Bath and Visit Bristol consumer websites.
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