Bristol Pride reveals packed programme of city-wide events

Bristol Pride has revealed more of the vibrant programme set to take place across the city this summer for the 2026 festival, running from Saturday 27th June to Sunday 12th July. Alongside the already announced Pride Day line-up on Saturday 11th July, the wider programme offers an eclectic mix of events spanning comedy, circus, live performance and community celebrations, as well as an official after party headlined by DJ and global phenomenon, Jodie Harsh. 

Kicking off the festival, the much-loved Pride Bingo Boat Party returns to the harbourside on Saturday 27th June, inviting audiences aboard for a lively, drag-hosted cruise complete with games, performances and plenty of surprises.

The programme continues with the return of Pride Circus Night at Bristol’s centre for contemporary circus and physical theatre, Circomedia, on Thursday 2nd July. The one-night-only event is a showcase of boundary-pushing LGBTQ+ circus performers from around the world, combining acrobatics, comedy and spectacle.

On Friday 3rd July, the Bristol Pride Ceilidh will take over The Lantern at Bristol Beacon, bringing a high-energy, inclusive night of rhythm, joy and pride, led by queer ceilidh trio BEARPIT, welcoming everyone from seasoned dancers to first-timers.

The ever-popular Pride Dog Show will return to Castle Park on Saturday 4th July. Dog owners and lovers are encouraged to bring their furry friends along to compete in categories including Waggiest Tail, Best Trick and a game of Musical Sit. Bristol Animal Rescue Centre will be joining the day to to raise awareness of the work they do.

Image - Bristol Pride

The Queer Vision Film Festival returns with a packed programme of screening across the two weeks including a special 30th Anniversary screening of The Birdcage on Saturday 4th July on Bristol’s largest cinema screen, The Megascreen (Former IMAX) at Bristol Aquarium.

From Monday 6th - Wednesday 8th July, the creators of international improv hit Murder, She Didn’t Write will bring brand new improvised and unabashedly queer romance show The Blank Who Blanked Me! to Wardrobe Theatre. Audiences can expect passion and pastiche, high drama and low comedy, lashings of laughter and maybe even true love in the world premiere of this new show in full. 

The fortnight of events will also see improv theatre, LGBTQ+ sports events, choir performances, gaming day, a special Pride edition of Drag Dungeoneers and one of the biggest events of the festival, the Bristol Pride Comedy Night returns to Bristol Old Vic on Thursday 9 July, hosted by Bristol icon Jayde Adams and featuring a line-up of leading LGBTQ+ comedians, including taskmaster series 13 winner, Sophie Duker with further acts to be announced.

The festival culminates in Pride Day on Saturday 11th July, with an expected 40,000 people set to participate in the free-to-join Parade March through the city centre. Crowds will then gather on The Downs for the Main Pride Day celebrations. This year’s Main Stage will be headlined by global disco icons Sister Sledge, joined by Jason Donovan in the Afternoon Legend slot, alongside artists including Black Box, Chloe Qisha, Absolute Britney and Kelly Llorena. The much-loved Cabaret Stage also returns with a line-up led by RuPaul’s Drag Race stars Myki Meeks and Catrin Feelings, alongside a diverse mix of international performers and the creme de la creme of Bristol’s thriving drag scene.

As day turns to night, the celebrations will continue with The Official Bristol Pride Afterparty, taking over O2 Academy Bristol for a multi-room club event featuring DJs, performers and dancers. This year’s party is headlined by international DJ and producer Jodie Harsh, known for her blonde beehive and dancefloor-filling beats, alongside sets from Bristol favourites DTYM joined by Jayde Adams in the main arena, whilst Disco Wonderland and Mutual Vibes DJ across the venue along with special guest performers, offering a high-energy finale to Pride Day.

Daryn Carter MBE, Director of Bristol Pride, said: “We’re excited to share more of this year’s programme as Pride returns to the city. From community events and grassroots performance to major headline acts, it’s a celebration of everything that makes our community so vibrant. Pride is both a celebration and a protest and every ticket helps us to continue creating a space that is inclusive, accessible and meaningful for everyone. With a packed programme spanning two weeks and a huge Pride Day finale, Bristol Pride 2026 promises to once again bring the city together in celebration, solidarity and joy.”

Bristol Pride is a not-for-profit charity and tickets directly fund the delivery of the festival and its safe, inclusive Parade March. Wristband holders receive added benefits including free bus travel on Pride Day, discounted bar prices and exclusive offers from food traders.

Tickets and full event listings are available now at: www.bristolpride.co.uk