Vibrant, fun and lots to do? Bristol is an incredible city and if you’re a regular to my blog you’ll know that it’s my favourite place in the world and a place I’m glad to call it my home from home! With an abundance of things to do all year round, a visit to Bristol throughout each season is a must. However, especially in summer! If you’re looking for Bristol summer events, then these are the events to attend from June to August!
June
Food Connections
Dates: 12th– 23rdJune
Location: Citywide
Bristol is known for its incredible food, whatever cuisine you fancy, Bristol will have it! Here to celebrate the diverse amount of food is Bristol Food Connections, a festival which teaches us why the food is so good in Bristol.
There is over 100 events taking place in Bristol over the duration, but the main hub is situated in Colston Hall, where you’ll be able to see some cooking demos, listen to talks as well as of course, eating lots of delicious food!
Bristol Sounds
Dates: 26th– 29th June
Location: Amphitheatre
Known for music as well as food, Bristol is home to plenty of music festivals, such as Bristol Sounds. Every year Bristol get an incredible line-up for the festival which takes place at the Amphitheatre, this year it’s; Tom Misch, The Cat Empire, Bloc Party, Elbow and The Cinematic Orchestra.
July
Bristol Comedy Garden
Dates: 3rd– 7thJuly
Location: Queen Square
Who doesn’t like to laugh?! Each year Bristol Comedy Garden welcomes award-winning comedians to make Bristolians laugh! It takes place in a pop up tent on Queen Square, with food and drink readily available to help with making it an afternoon or evening to remember.
On the Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, the shows start at 6 pm. On Saturday there are three sittings; 12.30, 4.15 and 7.30 pm and on Sunday there are two sittings, 4.15 and 7.30 pm. Most of the shows are pretty much sold out now (tickets are released in January, so keep an eye for next year!), although there are still some remaining.
St Pauls Carnival
Dates: 6thJuly
Location: St Pauls
Think colourful costumes, bundles of spirit and a wide range of music acts taking over, St Pauls Carnival celebrates the African Caribbean culture which is in Bristol. Taking place on the first Saturday in July since 1968, you can pick up some incredible food, such as jerk chicken and enjoy the atmosphere of this iconic festival!
Bristol Pride
Dates: 1st– 14thJuly
Location: All Around
Although the main pride day takes place on the 13thJuly up on the Downs with the likes of Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Sonique. There are events for the first two weeks in July, from comedy nights to exhibitions, it’s the largest free Pride in the UK! The official pride day will see a march through the city center and ends with a party on the Downs!
Harbourfest
Dates: 19th– 21stJuly
Location: Harbourside
Based in one of the picturesque places in Bristol, Harbourfest takes place every July and is spread from the Harbourside to Queen Street. It’s a massive celebration full of music, sports, theatre, food and more importantly, cider! It’s for all the family, so it’s a perfect weekend for a get together.
I’ve been for the past three years (with this year being my four!) and it’s definitely one which shouldn’t be missed. Think fairground rides, games, brownies and pimms!
August
Balloon Fiesta
Dates: 8th– 11thAugust
Location: Ashton Court
Another one of my favourite events in the summer! Having used to live in Bristol for four years, seeing the balloons fly over the houses is such a lovely site. The event takes place at Ashton Court, with games and lots of food, it’s another event perfect for families.
With night glows in the evenings and sunrise balloon rides in the morning, if you can make it to either I’d highly recommend it! It’s free (you have to pay for parking) and you can take your own food and drink in!
You don’t have to head to Ashton Court to see the balloons, you can head to some nice high spots in Bristol, like Clifton or Brandon Hill! I took the photo below sat on Brandon Hill one Sunday evening a few years back!
The Downs Festival
Dates: 31stAugust
Location: Clifton
This is one of the biggest one-day events in Bristol! The festival always has a cracking line-up, this year it’s Ms. Lauryn Hill and Grace Jones amongst the line-up! It’s family-friendly with a kids area where you can get crafty as well as bug talks. As well as good food, lots of drinks and plenty to do!
I will most definitely be making it to a fair few of these Bristol summer events! Will you be heading to any of these events this summer? Let me know in the comments!
