Bristol simply stuns every summer! The calendar is packed with much-loved and hugely popular festivals and events with hot air balloons, craft beer, maritime merriment and vibrant live music taking over the city, not to mention the Women’s Rugby World Cup coming to Ashton Gate Stadium in September. In addition to these firm favourites are some BRAND NEW trails, tours, events and festivals for summer 2025 – see Visit Bristol’s top picks below!
Gromit Unleashed 3 sculptures, (image credit Janine Alexander/Visit Bristol), The Wave, Brunel’s Great Bristol Packet Experience with Bristol Packet Boat Trips (image credit Janine Alexander/Visit Bristol)
For high res images, please use the following link and include credit in file name. Summer in Bristol 2025 images
New trails, tours and festivals in Bristol this summer
Gromit Unleashed 3 – Free Trail
30 June – 31 August 2025
The much-loved Gromit Unleashed 3 trail is back in Bristol in summer 2025, with a dazzling movie magic theme, celebrating the world of storytelling and film. Bristol-based Aardman and The Grand Appeal will be raising money for Bristol Royal Children’s Hospital through the trail which will feature everyone’s favourite dog Gromit, his inventor human, Wallace, the mischievous penguin Feather’s McGraw and a new character, Norbot, the new ‘smart gnome’ from the latest Aardman film, Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/event/gromit-unleashed-3/337039301/
Image - Gromit Unleashed 3 sculptures (image credit Janine Alexander/Visit Bristol)
Bristol Cider Week – NEW FESTIVAL
25 July – 3 August 2025
Head to Bristol, the UK’s cider capital, for a week-long city-wide celebration! Kicking off with an opening party at Brunel’s SS Great Britain (including meet-the-maker tasting sessions and a chance to explore the ship after-hours), there will also be a city-wide cider trail running throughout, a King Street takeover on 26 and 27 July (with the pubs running tap takeovers and live music), a Cider Salon event, a Cider Makers’ Market and a Closing Party.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/event/bristol-cider-week/372966301/
Bristol Pride x Martin Parr x Bristol Museum and Art Gallery – NEW EXHIBITION
Now – 23 November
The world-famous documentary photographer Martin Parr stages a return to Bristol Museum & Art Gallery with a showcase of the city’s colourful Parade March. Images in the exhibition capture all the different walks of life that come to celebrate and protest at Bristol Pride.
Brunel’s Great Bristol Packet Experience with Bristol Packet Boat Trips – NEW TOUR
3 and 20 August, 17 September 2025
Step aboard for a one-hour Harbourside boat tour with Brunel himself—played in character by an SS Great Britain actor. Discover the stories behind his engineering icons, then enjoy full-day access to explore the SS Great Britain.
Bristol Birdman – NEW EVENT
15 June
While Birdman events have been running for over 50 years around the world, this summer sees Bristol host its first Birdman event. Using home-made machines or costumes created by using recycled resources that can be re-used, participants are challenged to fly the furthest, before landing safely in the water of Bristol’s Harbourside. All profit of the money raised will go directly towards the Grassroot Communities programme of work.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/event/bristol-birdman/368516301/
Fire in your Soul – NEW FESTIVAL
4-6 July
A few miles south of Bristol city centre and you’re surrounded by the stunning countryside of Chew Valley. Here, Fire In Your Soul Festival offers a serene space to explore and unwind, with holistic therapies, workshops and foraging walks. With a focus on fire, nature and soul, there will be nourishing food, live music, and thoughtful conversations.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/event/fire-in-your-soul/366962301/
IDLES Block Party at Queen Square
1-2 August
Don’t miss IDLES’ only UK gig of 2025, live in their hometown Bristol, in Queen Square. With support from SOFT PLAY, The Voidz, Lambrini Girls, TLC, and more across 1–2 August, plus local DJs both days.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/event/idles-in-queen-square/357698301/
Image - IDLES Block Party 2025 poster
Yeo Valley Organic Garden Festival – NEW FESTIVAL
18-20 September
Visit the first ever Yeo Valley Organic Garden Festival this September with expert talks, workshops, and demonstrations. Hear from top names like Arit Anderson and Alys Fowler, and grow your gardening knowledge, whatever your experience level.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/event/yeo-valley-organic-garden-festival-2025/369709301/
Tours and Tastings at Wild West Wine and Cider – NEW TOUR
Every Wednesday and Saturday throughout summer
Also new this summer on the cider scene are the tours and tastings every Wednesday and Saturday at Wild West Wine and Cider, where you can immerse yourself in the world of natural wine and cider-making. As well as a guided tour of the organic vineyards and orchards, you get to sample the natural wine, try your hand at bottling, pressing and taste the ciders with cheese pairings too.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/listing/tours-and-tastings-at-wild-west-wine-and-cider/372014301/
Crafty Cathedral and Tower Tours at Bristol Cathedral
Various dates
Bristol Cathedral will be drawing in the crafty crowd this summer with six events focusing on family-friendly interactive storytelling and craft activities (24, 31 July, 7, 14, 21, 28 August). For those wanting summer views of the city, take a Tower Tour and learn about the cathedral’s history (20 and 27 June, or 11 July).
https://visitbristol.co.uk/event/crafty-cathedral-at-bristol-cathedral/370052301/
https://visitbristol.co.uk/event/tower-tour-at-bristol-cathedral/370327301/
Jurassic Immersive at Cribbs Causeway – NEW EVENT
7 June – 14 September
Jurassic Immersive is a thrilling, interactive dinosaur adventure with lifelike encounters, VR rides, hands-on science, and games. Perfect for all ages, it blends education and excitement. Located at Planet Ice, Cribbs Causeway.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/event/jurassic-immersive-at-cribbs-causeway/374855301/
Under 16s travel for free by bus this summer across West of England – New Offer
19 July – 5 September
Thanks to new investment from West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, children and young people under 16 will be able to travel in and around Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset by bus for free during the school summer holidays with First Bus, Bath Bus Company, Stagecoach and the Big Lemon. Just hop on board, no need to register or have a bus pass.
https://www.westofengland-ca.gov.uk/news/kids-go-free-on-the-wests-buses/
Summer events and festivals
Bristol Craft Beer Festival
13-14 June
Bristol Craft Beer Festival returns with top local, national, and international breweries, great food, and live sets from local DJs. Celebrate brewing culture across two days with a huge selection of world-class beers and some of Bristol’s best festival vibes.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/event/bristol-craft-beer-festival/243633301/
Bristol Pride Day – Free Event
28 June – 13 July, Pride Day 12 July
Bristol Pride returns 28 June–13 July, with Pride Day on Saturday 12 July. Highlights include a Pride Circus Night, Dog Show, Silent Disco and LGBTQ+ History Boat Tour. For Pride Day on 12 July, there is a one-hour walking parade followed by the headline event on The Downs where Kim Wilde will be the 2025 Afternoon Legend alongside other headliners Cascada, Ultra Naté and Brooke Lynn Hytes.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/event/bristol-pride/235727301/
Image - Bristol Pride Parade 2024
St Pauls Carnival
5 July
In a new, scaled-back iteration, St Pauls Carnival will still bring the vibrant carnival energy to St Pauls with several events (though no carnival procession) including: Back a Yard day party at Lost Horizon, carnival party at Lakota and a Bootybass after party at Circomedia.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/event/st-pauls-carnival/239842301/
Bristol Harbour Festival – Free Event
18-20 July 2025
Bristol’s prime, maritime free event, Bristol Harbour Festival, attracts 250,000 visitors and is set to return in July 2025 with its popular mix of world-class circus and on-water activities, music, family entertainment, food stalls and of course, the many stunning ships which sail into the harbour.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/bristol-harbour-festival-p2369253
Weston Wallz – Free Event
19-27 July
Upfest’s Weston Wallz event returns to Weston-super-Mare this summer. While the full artists line up is still to be announced, get the date in your diary for this vibrant street art event by the sea.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/event/weston-wallz/310989301/
Cinema Rediscovered
23-27 July
Watershed’s annual festival returns to Bristol, celebrating film heritage and dedicated to rediscovery and revival of great films, with over 60 events including UK premieres of 21 new restorations, rare screenings, cinema walks, talks, a quiz and more.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/event/cinema-rediscovered/235730301/
Feast On – Food Festival
24-27 July 2025
After a hugely successful inaugural event in summer 2024, Feast On is coming back in July 2025 where you can experience the best of Bristol's top restaurants and chefs. As well as the food and drink stalls and banqueting area, there will be cooking demos, panel discussions and entertainment.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/event/feast-on/347726301/
Bristol International Balloon Fiesta – Free Event
8-10 August 2025
Europe’s largest hot air balloon event will once again stun visitors with its mass ascents when over 100 hot air balloons take off and fly over Bristol at dawn and dusk, as well as the popular Night Glows on Friday and Saturday nights. The free-to-visit 3-day fiesta also has daytime aerial displays, fairground rides, entertainment, music, and food stalls for a fun-packed weekend.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/bristol-international-balloon-fiesta-p1987343
Image
Old City Sounds – Free Event
23 August
Now in its third year, 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
Women’s Rugby World Cup at Ashton Gate Stadium
13-20 September 2025
Ashton Gate hosts two quarter-finals and both semi-finals of the Women’s Rugby World Cup this September, with the Red Roses set to play their knock-out games there if they qualify. Don’t miss this landmark moment in women’s sport.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/event/womens-rugby-world-cup-2025-at-ashton-gate/354396301/
Bristol Cocktail Weekend
25-28 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
Blackbeard to Banksy: the ultimate Bristol Walking tour
Various dates
Go on a guided two-hour walking tour covering the city’s rich history, stunning architecture and vibrant culture. You’ll cover two miles and uncover lots of Bristol legacies and landmarks en route.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/listing/blackbeard-to-banksy-the-ultimate-bristol-walking-tour/173190301/
Gig Tripping in Bristol this summer
From 17-22 June, Forest Live at Westonbirt Arboretum will bring the likes of Snow Patrol, Sting, Elbow, Paul Heaton, McFly and The Script to play in the beautiful forest. Bristol Sounds will bring us Supergrass, Kaiser Chiefs, Texas, Olly Murs and The Fratellis from 25-29 June to play against the backdrop of the iconic Bristol Harbourside. There is a vibrant free musical trail across central Bristol on Make Music Day (21 June) featuring over 30 free pop up performances from soloists, singing groups, and large choirs in venues from St George’s Bristol to the RWA. Also on the Harbourside is the two-day Siren festival with a DnB day on 26 July and then Sasha & Digweed playing on 27 July. FORWARDS Festival is returning to the Downs 23-24 August with Doechii, Last Dinner Party, Ezra Collective and Barry Can’t Swim among others performing. Valley Fest is taking a fallow year in 2025 but looking further ahead we are expecting to hear updates on the hotly anticipated YTL Arena which is set to be the UK’s 4th largest arena, built on the northern outskirts of Bristol (date tbc).
Summer activities at Bristol attractions
The ever-popular Supersonic LEGO Brick Day returns to Aerospace Bristol on 12 July, and there are plans for the new exhibition of historic Rolls Royce engines to open this summer too. Explore roaring, moving dinosaurs, plus meet the Dino-Ranger at Wookey Hole as well as the show caves, circus, 4D cinema and soft play. Bristol Zoo Project hosts its Summer Lates programme again this year, with live music, performances, bespoke animal talks and delicious food and drinks (20 June, 4, 18 July and 1 August). As part of Bristol Film Festival, enjoy your favourite space and sci-fi films on the big screen inside the Planetarium at We the Curious science centre on 23 and 28 June, when you'll also have the chance to explore the Space Gallery beforehand. Visit the UK’s largest immersive art experience this summer, Wake the Tiger – it’s a winner with the kids, or go for an After Hours adults only evening event to see the 40+ surreal spaces (4, 18 July, 1, 15 and 29 August). Head underwater and see Bristol Aquarium’s World Tour event (22 July – 31 August) to discover sea life from overseas. There’s a whole host of activities this summer at Longleat, with hippos returning to Half Mile Pond, the 60th anniversary of the Longleat Railway (23-31 August), and Icons of the Sky festival (12-14 September). The Wave – Bristol’s inland surfing lake – has just launched its new membership scheme to get best value surf sessions and discounts on site at the slice of the sea. Or keep cool at Brean Splash Waterpark, an hour’s drive south of Bristol, with outdoor water slides and indoor pool.
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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