Spring has arrived in Bristol and the city is in bloom. From Upfest street art festival to live music events, Easter activities to standout theatre – including the world premiere of The Greatest Showman: The Musical – the city has truly ‘Come Alive’! Take a look at Visit Bristol’s guide to what’s on this season.
Events, Festivals and NEW activities
Upfest
15-31 May
Upfest, Europe’s largest live street art festival, returns to Bristol from 15–31 May. Over 17 days, Bedminster, Southville and new locations such as Quakers Art Lane, Cabot Circus, will host large-scale murals, live painting, workshops and events. With up to 100 new artworks transforming the city, Upfest is one of the reasons why Bristol was the only UK city named in Lonely Planet’s prestigious Best in Travel 2026 – thanks to its street art!
visitbristol.co.uk/event/upfest/237998301/
African Forest and Easter Egg-splorers at Bristol Zoo Project - NEW
3 – 19 April
New for 2026 is the permanent African Forest habitat at Bristol Zoo Project, opening on 1 April with gorillas, slender-snouted crocodiles and African grey parrots. Also this Easter, join the Easter Egg-splorers adventure from 3 to 19 April. Spot patterned egg boards around the zoo and mark them on your bingo grid, then keep an eye out for the hidden golden egg, revealed twice daily. Find it first and win a cuddly animal plush prize.
visitbristol.co.uk/listing/bristol-zoo-project/155757301/
Diaspora!
1-10 May
DIASPORA! returns to Bristol and the South West from 1–10 May 2026. Led by the Diverse Artists Network, this ten-day festival brings live music, film, storytelling and community events, celebrating artists from marginalised diasporas and creating spaces for shared stories and connection.
visitbristol.co.uk/event/diaspora!-2026/342691301/
Race Across the World: The Experience - NEW
Ongoing from now
Race Across the World: The Experience has arrived in Bristol. In teams of 2-8 people, players navigate the city without public transport, solving clues and challenges to reach checkpoints. Part race, part puzzle, it’s a competitive adventure through Bristol’s landmarks and hidden spots, all self-guided using WhatsApp.
visitbristol.co.uk/listing/race-across-the-world%3a-the-experience/391664301/
Image - Mad Swans
Mad Swans in The Mendips - NEW
Open now
Located just south of Bristol is Mad Swans in The Mendips; a recently-opened countryside hangout, redefining modern hospitality with super stylish eco-cabins, two restaurants (one with menu designed by multi-Michelin starred chef, Ollie Dabbous), 12-hole golf, padel and pickleball, a driving range and more. Think of a reimagined members’ country club where you can eat, play and stay – but without the membership! Designed to spark real human connection, it reconceptualises social spaces as vibrant, inclusive hubs where play transcends age and experience. Named one of the Best Places to Stay 2026 by The Times, Mad Swans in The Mendips is a special addition to this corner of the west country.
visitbristol.co.uk/listing/mad-swans-in-the-mendips/392416301/
Ancient Egg-splorers at Bristol Aquarium
28 March – 14 April
Head to Bristol Aquarium this Easter for underwater fun. Enjoy special holiday activities included with admission and join the five daily talks and feeds to learn more about the creatures of the deep.
visitbristol.co.uk/event/ancient-egg-splorers-at-bristol-aquarium
The Illuminated Cave with Wallace & Gromit and Friends at Cheddar Gorge & Caves
28 March – 31 May
Step into 50 years of Aardman magic at Gough’s Cave. Follow an illuminated underground trail featuring glowing lantern scenes of Aardman characters, discover fun facts, crack a secret code for an Easter treat, and enjoy themed crafts at the end. Perfect for families and animation fans, with well-behaved dogs welcome.
Easter at Wookey Hole
3 – 19 April
Help solve the Mystery of the Magical Eggs at Wookey Hole Caves.
From 3 to 19 April, hunt for nine glowing eggs hidden through the caves and Dinosaur Valley. Each egg holds a letter. Collect them all, solve the riddle of the Triceratops’ magical treasure, and claim an Easter treat at the end.
visitbristol.co.uk/event/easter-at-wookey-hole/391109301/
Gozzle at WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre
20 March – 31 May
This spring, meet Gozzle the gosling at WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre. Follow the interactive wetland trail, visit the Vet Check station, and enjoy games, storytelling and outdoor activities inspired by the new Gozzle book. Activity packs (£4) are available at the visitor centre or online.
visitbristol.co.uk/event/gozzle-at-wwt-slimbridge-wetland-centre
The Birds and the Bees... and Trees Trail at Westonbirt Arboretum
3 March – 31 May
Spring is in bloom at Westonbirt Arboretum. Follow the trail to discover how flowers and trees reproduce, with signs sharing surprising facts along the way. Pick up a spring map from the Welcome Building and explore Silk Wood and the Old Arboretum.
visitbristol.co.uk/event/the-birds-and-the-bees-and-trees-trail-at-westonbirt
Cosmic Dust Bunny at Wake the Tiger
28 March – 19 April
Meet the giant Cosmic Dust Bunny formed after a cosmic spring clean. Snap a photo in the Cleaning Cupboard near the exit, then design its habitat in Wake The Tiger’s Easter Art Competition.
visitbristol.co.uk/event/cosmic-dust-bunny-at-wake-the-tiger
Image - Dyrham Park
Easter Adventures at Dyrham Park
5 – 21 April
Explore ten activity stations across Dyrham Park’s grounds this Easter, including games, activities and challenges, as well as bunny ears, trail sheet and chocolate egg.
visitbristol.co.uk/event/easter-adventures-at-dyrham-park
Once Upon an Easter at Longleat
28 March – 19 April
Follow the yellow brick road on an Easter book trail at Longleat Safari Park. Meet live storybook characters, enjoy crafts and storytelling, then explore the drive-through safari with animals from koalas to lions. Finish with a chocolate treat and adventures in the hedge maze or Longleat House.
visitbristol.co.uk/event/once-upon-an-easter-at-longleat
Bristol Balloon Collectors Night Glow at Snake Meadows
1 April
The first Bristol Balloon Collectors Nightglow takes place on Saturday 11 April at Snake Meadows. Six historic balloons from the Bristol Balloon Collectors’ collection will light up the night sky in a choreographed display set to music, supported by Bath Balloon Club.
visitbristol.co.uk/event/bristol-balloon-collectors-night-glow-at-snake-meadows
Funderworld Theme Park at Durdham Downs
2 April – 4 May
Funderworld Mobile Theme Park returns to Durdham Downs from 2 April to 4 May. Expect thrill rides, family attractions and fairground games, including the Crazy Mouse coaster, Waltzers, Dodgems and Freefall, plus new additions like a four-storey Après Ski funhouse and a giant Ghost Train.
visitbristol.co.uk/event/funderworld-theme-park-at-durdham-downs
Cockpit Command: 360° Family Flight Experience at Aerospace Bristol
13 -19 April
Step inside a 360° immersive dome at Aerospace Bristol and experience flight through a pilot’s eyes. This family-friendly show uses real cockpit footage and live storytelling to explore aviation and space, from fighter jets and the Battle of Britain to modern missions like Artemis and Starship.
visitbristol.co.uk/event/cockpit-command-360-family-flight-experience-at-aerospace-bristol
Farmyard Friends at Avon Valley Railway
11-12 April
Meet the festive donkeys and their springtime friends at Avon Valley Railway. Families can meet rabbits, a miniature Shetland pony, sheep and more, then enjoy a steam-hauled train ride along the line, with the gift shop and station buffet open for treats and refreshments.
visitbristol.co.uk/event/farmyard-friends-at-avon-valley-railway
Hello Spring at Noah's Ark Zoo Farm
Now – 4 May
Say hello to spring at Noah's Ark Zoo Farm. Meet animals including Aqua the rescue tiger, lions, elephants, giraffes and rhinos, take part in the Spring Scavenger Hunt, and enjoy huge indoor and outdoor play areas. If it rains during your visit, the Rainy Day Guarantee lets you return for free.
visitbristol.co.uk/event/hello-spring-at-noahs-ark-zoo-farm
Easter EGGstravaganza at Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park
3 -19 April
Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park at Keynsham runs its EGGstravaganza through Easter with a golden egg hunt, the UK’s first candy cannon, a Meet a Dragon encounter and Easter activities.
visitbristol.co.uk/event/easter-eggstravaganza-at-avon-valley-adventure-park
Image - The Grand Pier
Easter Dinosaur Egg Hunt at The Grand Pier, Weston-super-Mare
3-19 April
Enjoy a fun Easter programme at The Grand Pier. With admission (£2), families can take part in the Dinosaur Egg Hunt, searching the pier for hidden eggs and exchanging a completed activity sheet with the Easter Bunny for a sweet treat.
visitbristol.co.uk/event/easter-dinosaur-egg-hunt-at-the-grand-pier-at-weston-super-mare
Easter Half Term Cookery Classes for Children at Cooking It!
8-10 April
Cooking It on Gloucester Road in Bristol is running Easter holiday cookery classes for ages 8–14. Young chefs cook everything from scratch and take their food home. Sessions include Italian (8 April), Mexican (9 April) and Sushi-making (10 April), all running 09:30–12:30. Spaces are limited and must be booked online.
visitbristol.co.uk/event/easter-half-term-cookery-classes-for-children-at-cooking-it
Easter Holiday Curious Adventures at We the Curious
3-19 April
This Easter, head to We The Curious for a hands-on day of discovery. Explore 200+ interactive exhibits, live shows and space-themed challenges. Learn about how AI is being used in Bristol, try experiments and come and go with flexible tickets, all set on the Harbourside.
visitbristol.co.uk/event/easter-holiday-curious-adventures-at-we-the-curious/392319301/
Easter Adventures at Mendip Activity Centre
3-19 April
This Easter, head to Mendip Activity Centre for family adventures and memory makers. There are 20+ activities, including the Tobogganing Egg Hunt, Easter archery and Air Rifle sessions with games, challenges and prizes.
visitbristol.co.uk/event/easter-adventures-at-mendip-activity-centre/392586301/
Theatre and Live Music
The Greatest Showman: The Musical at Bristol Hippodrome
15 March – 10 May
Be among the first to see the stage adaptation of The Greatest Showman at Bristol Hippodrome from 15 March for a limited season. The new musical features songs by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, including “This Is Me” and “Rewrite the Stars”, with new songs written especially for the stage.
visitbristol.co.uk/event/the-greatest-showman-the-musical-at-the-bristol-hippodrome
The Gruffalo at Bristol Old Vic
7 – 18 April
Join Mouse on a daring adventure in the stage adaptation of The Gruffalo, celebrating 25 years on stage in 2026. This magical, musical show from Tall Stories brings songs, laughs and woodland characters to life for children aged 3+ and their grown-ups.
visitbristol.co.uk/event/the-gruffalo-at-bristol-old-vic
Image - Love Saves the Day
Love Saves the Day
23-24 May
Love Saves The Day returns to Ashton Court on 23–24 May 2026 for a bank holiday weekend of standout music and production. Headliners include Sammy Virji, Rizzle Kicks, Sub Focus, Eve, Katy B and Confidence Man, with more acts across multiple stages.
visitbristol.co.uk/event/love-saves-the-day/236165301/
Dot to Dot
23 May
Known for spotlighting the best new artists, this award-winning festival returns to Bristol city centre. Lambrini Girls, Fcukers and NewDad lead the line-up, joined by Mandy, Indiana, Ratboys, Lucia & The Best Boys and more.
visitbristol.co.uk/event/dot-to-dot-festival/236163301/
Good Times Live 2026 - NEW
20-25 May
Pepsi Presents Good Times Live comes to Chipping Sodbury, near Bristol, for five days of live music, comedy and family events, with Jessie J, Tom Odell, Madness, Emeli Sandé and Russell Howard.
visitbristol.co.uk/event/good-times-live/342704301/
Bristol Folk Festival
1-3 May
Bristol Folk Festival returns for the May Bank Holiday weekend, 1–3 May 2026. Expect a strong mix of UK and international artists, with The Unthanks, Ye Vagabonds, The Breath, John Smith, Honeyfeet and Sam Sweeney leading the line-up.
visitbristol.co.uk/event/bristol-folk-festival/264136301/
There are many festivals and events happening this spring/summer in Bristol! For more info and inspo, head to visitbristol.co.uk/blog/post/bristols-festival-line-up/
Exhibitions
The Last Resort at Martin Parr Foundation
Now – 24 May
To honour the late Martin Parr, the Martin Parr Foundation launches its exhibition of his iconic series The Last Resort. Shot in New Brighton between 1983 and 1985, the pioneering colour documentary work will be shown alongside contact sheets, archive material and the original Plaubel Makina 67 camera used to create the images.
visitbristol.co.uk/event/the-last-resort-at-martin-parr-foundation/325913301/
Mini Museum Hunt: 50 Years of Aardman at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
Now – 13 September
Mini Aardman treasures are hidden around Bristol Museum & Art Gallery to celebrate Aardman’s 50th anniversary. Pick up a detective map and hunt for the tiny animation artefacts scattered throughout the museum. More treasures will be added to the Mini Museum Hunt during the year.
visitbristol.co.uk/event/mini-museum-hunt-50-years-of-aardman-at-bristol-museum-art-gallery
Image - Brunel's SS Great Britain
Ocean Photographer of the Year at Brunel's SS Great Britain
1 April – 28 June
Explore the Ocean Photographer of the Year 2025 exhibition at SS Great Britain. Featuring over 100 powerful images from around the world, the show highlights the beauty and fragility of our oceans. Displayed in the ship’s Dry Dock, the exhibition runs until 28 June and includes the grand prize-winning image by Yury Ivanov.
visitbristol.co.uk/event/ocean-photographer-of-the-year-at-brunels-ss-great-britain
Cosmos: The Art of Observing Space at the Royal West of England Academy
Now - 19 April
A major art and science exhibition exploring humanity’s fascination with space is on show at Royal West of England Academy. The exhibition features work by artists including Yinka Shonibare and Christopher Le Brun, alongside rare artefacts from the archives of the Royal Astronomical Society, including historic moon drawings, star maps and celestial globes.
visitbristol.co.uk/event/cosmos-the-art-of-observing-space-at-the-royal-west-of-england-academy-rwa
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 £2.7 billion and supports 43,000 jobs. Visit West operates the Meet Bristol & Bath Convention Bureau and the Visit Bath and Visit Bristol consumer websites.
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