Bristol’s cultural highlights of 2025

A New Year, and a new diary to fill up.

Happily, 2025 is already shaping up to be a year filled with cultural events to keep Bristolians buzzing.

From comedy and music to festivals and exhibitions, theatre and dance to poetry, and not forgetting craft beer, Bristol24/7 takes a look at some of the many highlights to come over the next 12 months.

The Bristol Comedy Festival, multiple city centre venues – January 12-25

Back at a new time of year, revamped and bigger than ever thanks to funding from Bristol City Centre BID, The Bristol Comedy Festival will host standups, sketch comics, secret headliners and roast battlers at numerous venues across almost two weeks.

The Ukrainians: From Kyiv to The Kosmos, The Cube – January 16

Champions of Cossack folk-punk, Leeds band The Ukrainians’ career spans 30 years. In telling their story, they will be playing acoustic songs, sharing insights from their new book, and answering “lively questions”.

Planetarium Nights: The Story of Stars 3D, We The Curious – January 16, February 13 and 27

The series of popular evening planetarium shows continues with a look at the myriad secrets hidden in the night sky. “Witness the majestic life-cycle of star, from humble nebula to exploding supernova,” organisers say, and return “with a new perspective on our beautiful, unique home.”

Siân Davey, The Creative Body: Photographs 2014-2024, Martin Parr Foundation – January 16-March 23

Davey is a photographer with a background in psychotherapy, and as such, her images are captured through a very specific understanding of the complexity that abounds within human relationships. This exhibition takes images from her previous series: Looking for Alice (2013-18), Martha 2015-16) and The Garden, as well as some of her Communion portraits.

Motion presents: Drum & Bass Free Rave, Motion – January 18

All hail the return of ‘the people’s favourite’ DnB free rave. While it won’t cost you a penny, you will need to reserve a ticket in advance.

Bristol Mind’s Blue Monday Comedy Night, Lantern Hall, Bristol Beacon – January 20

A chance to blow away the cobwebs on the so-called most depressing day of the year. Stuart Goldsmith returns to host a stellar lineup featuring Rob Deering, Celya Ab, Mickey Overman and Spencer Jones.

 

The Complete Works of Jane Austen (Abridged), The Alma Tavern & Theatre – January 21-25

After a sell-out run in October 2024, The Alma’s 5* smash-hit Jane Austen mashup is back for six more shows. Two Janeites and one newbie tackle the entire canon of Jane Austen in just 90 minutes, by almost all means imaginable.

Cemile Sahin on her novel All Dogs Die and screening of Spring, East Bristol Books – January 22

How do you live with violence and trauma? How do you cope with the threat of them recurring? These are among the urgent questions posed by Cemile Şahin’s second novel, and the first to be translated into English, All Dogs Die, a haunting and brilliant tale of people on the edge. The book is narrated in nine episodes by different characters who all live exiled in the same apartment building in Turkey. Şahin’s short film Spring, the first part of her new series, Four Ballads for my Father (2022), is a layered and incisive film that comments on police violence, militarism, and the instrumentalisation of natural resources in the Tigris-Euphrates basin.

Burns Night Ceilidh + DJ Discobobulator, The Old Market Assembly – January 25

A Burns Night celebration in a stunning building and inclusive setting, featuring some of Bristol’s finest folk musicians leading us through an unforgettable evening of music, tradition, and camaraderie. The Ceilidh is a time to have fun and enjoy the company of others. Don’t worry too much about getting the steps right, just relax and enjoy the experience.

Socks and Ballerinas + DJ, The Canteen, January 25

Bristol-based instrumental duo Socks and Ballerinas are renowned for their groundbreaking live-looping performances. Originally formed in Helsinki, the Finnish pair, Leonardo Calamati (guitar, bass, synths) and Katalin Helfenbein (drums), moved to Nottingham before recently making Bristol their home. Their live sets defy genre boundaries, blending intricate electronic textures with dynamic, multi-layered live instrumentation to create a truly unique and immersive sonic experience.

Paule Vézelay: Living Lines, RWA – January 25-April 27

Discover the first major exhibition of Paule Vézelay’s work in over 40 years, providing an unparalleled look at the seven-decade career of this Bristol-born artist. Living Lines showcases over 60 works from both private and public collections, celebrating Vézelay’s rightful place in the history of British and European Modernism.

Bristol Light Festival, multiple city centre locations – January 31-February 9

Lighting up the city during the darkest time of year, the welcome return of Bristol Light Festival will feature cutting-edge interactive and immersive installations from artists including Illumaphonium, Studio Vertigo, and a world premiere from local soft robotics makers Air Giants, called The Whilers.

Wake The Tiger: After Hours, 127 Albert Rd – January 31-November 21

For anyone bored of the usual night out, Wake The Tiger’s After Hours offers a truly unique experience. Taking place every other Friday, it’s a chance to immerse yourself in the UK’s largest interactive art experience, exploring over 40 surreal spaces filled with stunning installations, immersive sets, robots, and even a slide – all spread across two levels. Exclusively for adults, this 18+ evening invites you to step into the extraordinary worlds of Meridia and the OUTERverse. Then, enjoy drinks and board games at the Guildhall Bar for an unforgettable night out in Bristol. Plus, stay tuned for exciting collaborations throughout 2025. Student and early bird discounts are available.

Milan W/ trio (Stroom) + special guests, followed by TURN’25: Madteo b2b Bruce, Kübler-Ross, Marylou, Strange Brew – February 1

Milan W’s Leave Another Day is amongst Strange Brew’s favourite albums of 2024 so to have him kick off the 2025 in-house programme is a real treat. Sleepy dream-pop from Belgium with electronics meandering through guitars, saxophones, and heartbroken crooning – it promises to be the perfect ease out of January hibernation.

To be followed by the hybrid live/clubnight Turn – curated every year by Bristol legend Bruce, who goes B2B with Madteo, alongside an awesome live set from Kübler-Ross and more DJ action from Marylou.

Marjolein Robertson: O, Hen & Chicken Studio – February 5

In the second instalment in a standup trilogy that began with the critically lauded Marj, Robertson again looks at life through the lens of a Shetland folktale, this time sharing the very personal story of her own issue with menstrual health.

Orchestre Tout Puissant Marcel Duchamp, The Jam Jar – February 6

Billed as a “freewheeling culture clash orchestra traversing free jazz, post-punk, highlife and minimalist classical” (Headfirst), the 12 piece post-punk afro-avantgarde folk-estra OTPMD will take you on a captivating groove journey of the highest quality.

PICK IT UP!, 17 Midland Road – February 6-9

The Old Market gallery hosts a new installation presented by Scottish artist Morven Mulgrew featuring the work of 20 Scottish artists in conversation with 20 Bristolian artists.
PICK IT UP! is a show in collaboration between the audience and the objects on display, examining the connection between object, food and the body through a lively interactive installation. Thursday on the opening night will see a performative installation as part of Old Market First Thursdays; there will also be an artists talk as well as a live radio broadcast on the theme of ‘liquid nourishment’.

A Decade of the Loco Klub, February 7

Head to Loco Klub as it celebrates 10 years of glorious glamour in the city’s original subterranean venue. Expect a melting pot of genres as the weird and the wonderful merge across the historic archways. Cabaret, circus, disco and dancing will mark the decade milestone for the venue.

Slapstick, venues including Bristol Beacon, Watershed, Bristol Old Vic – February 12-16

Bristol’s annual celebration of “silent and visual on-screen comedy” returns, celebrating giants from Laurel & Hardy and Buster Keaton to Peter Sellers and Rik Mayall. This year, special guests include Martin Freeman, Paul McGann, Harry Enfield, Ben Elton, Lucy Porter, Robin Ince, Peter Lord CBE, and Alisdair Beckett-King.

Cellar Door: Valentine’s Day Special, The Louisiana – February 14

A multigenre, multimedia, multifloor takeover – this is a rare chance to see the Louis with visual artistry. Cellar Door presents an AV showcase brimming with London/Brighton/Bristol talent, all for the cost of a pint: “Bring a mate or a date!”

Jessica Ashman: ‘Those that do not smile will kill me’: Decolonising Jamaican Flora, Bristol Museum & Art Gallery – February 14-May 11

This important exhibition shows the results of a new artist commission supported by the Decolonising Arts Institute’s 20/20 programme at the University of the Arts London. Ashman’s work responds to the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery collections, specifically the findings of two 18th century biologists, Arthur Broughton and John Lindsay, and invites the viewer to “to challenge perceptions around nature, botanical knowledge and who owns the rich natural resources on Earth”.

A Good House, Bristol Old Vic – February 14-March 8

The next play from BOVs Artistic Director Nancy Medina is a darkly comic play by South African writer Amy Jephta. It’s about a couple who discover the limits of good neighbourliness and what is required to fit in. After her multi award-winning debut production Choir Boy, Nancy Medina directs in a co-production with the Royal Court Theatre.

The Winter’s Tale, Tobacco Factory Theatres – February 20-March 29

In a welcome return for a major Shakespeare run at south Bristol’s leading theatre, The Winter’s Tale is directed by new TFT artistic director, Heidi Vaughan, edited by Robin Belfield, and will feature a large cast of local actors and creatives. The story “fuses comedy, romance and tragedy in this profound story of love, loss and redemption”.

The Gingerbread Man, Circomedia – February 22

A family-friendly show from Stuff and Nonsense Theatre, blending theatre and puppetry in a pacey retelling of the classic fairy tale about “the bravest biscuit of all”.

Furiozo: Man Looking For Trouble, The Wardrobe Theatre – February 26-March 1

The Wardrobe Theatre team’s favourite show at Edinburgh Fringe 2024, Furiozo is a wordless, solo, clowning comedy show about an angry thug with a giant soft heart by the brilliant Polish performer, Piotr Sikora. The show has police chases, drug busts and shootouts and is incredibly fun but also has genuine moments of real tenderness and a proper message worth sharing. Bristol’s lush clown and comedy scene should absolutely love it.

Kelly Lee Owens, Marble Factory – March 15

A night headlined by the acclaimed Welsh electronic music producer on the back of the release of her fourth album, Dreamstate. It’s a welcome chance to celebrate women in electronica, live in Bristol.

Bristol Gallery Weekend, numerous venues including The Island – March 20-23

Returning for the Spring Equinox weekend, galleries and art spaces will be coming together across Bristol with a special exhibition programme as well as pop-up events and activities for all the family.

At The Island, an Artist Exhibition will highlight the incredible work of our artists, ranging from stunning sculptures and captivating paintings to intricate textiles and experimental sounds.

Annie Mac: Before Midnight, The Prospect Building – March 22

One for all the day ravers: Annie Mac brings the party without losing any sleep. Previous events at The Academy and Bristol Beacon have been sell-outs; this one looks highly likely to follow suit.

Anti Banquet Charity Dinner, Ashton Gate Stadium – March 27

The charity dinner with a difference that sees CEOs helping in the kitchen and serving food, while businesses are invited to pay for seats at the table for their staff. Last year’s event raised over £100,000 for the local community. It’s all happening thanks to local chef royalty Josh Eggleton, Peter Sanchez Inglesias, Hannah Catley and Ben Harvey.

Róisín Lanigan introduces I Want To Go Home But I’m Already There, Max Minerva’s – April 3

A literary evening in conversation with Lanigan about her debut novel, “a darkly funny ghost story set in the rental crisis”. The narrative centres on Áine, who has just moved into a new flat with her boyfriend, Elliot, only to find herself feeling very far away from any semblance of home.

Rob Auton: The Eyes Open and Shut Show – 1532 Performing Arts Centre – April 4

Following themed shows on everything from ‘hair’ to ‘yellow’, ‘water’, ‘time’, ‘talk’ and even, finally, himself (2023’s The Rob Auton Show), the bearded, emotive and genre-defying Auton turns his attention to a more meditative prospect.

BV Open Studios 2025 – April 4-5

An annual opportunity to explore the huge number of studios housed at BV, and to view and buy work direct from over 125 artists across a range of disciplines. Pop-up food stalls will be in situ across the weekend to enhance your experience.

Relive – 90s/2000s House & Trance Day Party, Loco Klub – April 5

A welcome chance to jump back into the past and revisit classic house and trance tunes from yesteryear. And a day rave to boot, at the very civilised time of 3-8pm.

Lyra – Bristol Poetry Festival, St George’s Bristol – April 25-May 4

Lyra returns in Spring 2025 with a full programme to be confirmed early in the year. Headline events at St George’s will include performances from World Poetry Slam Champion Harry Baker and ‘the Banksy of poetry’ Brian Bilston on April 26, plus a Bristol tribute to the late Benjamin Zephaniah on April 27. Expect annual favourites such as the Lyra Poetry Slam Finals, writing workshops and more.

 

Open Studios 2025, Spike Island – May 2-4

Your annual chance to explore Spike Island, a former Brooke Bond tea-packing factory, now an international centre for contemporary art at Open Studios. Home to over 70 artists’ studios, Spike Print Studio, UWE Bristol Fine Art, as well as many other creative practitioners including designers, filmmakers, architects, animators and photographers, Spike Island is a key contributor to the cultural life of Bristol and the South West. A range of street food traders will host pop-ups across the site.

BOXHALL, Welshback – date tbc

From the creators of BOXPARK in London, BOXHALL is a new and hotly anticipated premium food and beverage-led concept with a modern food hall structure, set to open on Bristol’s waterfront in 2025. With the focus on food, beer and music, the high-quality product ranges will be carefully curated, authentic cuisine from local, independent street food traders and restaurant operators in Bristol. BOXHALL will be spearheaded by its Food Ambassador and renowned local chef, Josh Eggleton.

Jo Whiley’s 90s Anthems, O2 Academy Bristol – May 16

A nostalgia fest for the Britpop era and a reminder of some of the defining music of the decade that closed out the 20th century.

Elf Lyons: Horses, Tobacco Factory Theatres – May 18

In the inimitable Lyons’ words: “The first ever comedy show performed entirely by a horse. Made by award-winning Elf Lyons, performed by Treacle.”

Shindig Festival, Charlton Park Estate, Wiltshire – May 22-25

Though it is moving to the Cotswolds for 2025, you can bet on one thing: most of the people you speak to across a Shindig weekend are always likely to be from Bristol. This small but perfectly formed weekend party signifies that festival season has truly begun. Just don’t forget to dress up.

Dot to Dot, multiple venues, May 24

Early bird tickets are already sold out for the two city, multi-venue, metropolitan music festival that takes place in Bristol on May 24 and Nottingham the following day. Headliners announced so far include The Horrors, Fat Dogs, Sprints and Big Special.

Love Saves The Day, Ashton Court – May 24-25

Rain or shine, Loves Saves is always a huge weekend in the Bristol festival-going calendar. Last year’s bill took place over eight stages at Ashton Court, with a daily capacity of 30,000 revellers. The lineup for 2025 is set to be announced in the New Year.

Derren Brown: Only Human, Bristol Hippodrome – May 27-31

The veteran maestro of mentalism returns with a brand-new show, the content of which is still a mystery. But if previous offerings are anything to go by, you will leave thoroughly entertained and slack-jawed in astonishment.

Festival of Nature, Bristol and Bath – June 6-15

Run by the Natural History Consortium, the UK’s biggest annual celebration of the natural world, which next year is themed around water. Events will be taking place in-person and online, with a widespread programme featuring special guests, citizen science, exhibitions, film screenings, talks, craft activities and more.

Bristol Comedy Garden, Queen Square – June 12-16

The southwest’s biggest comedy festival features five nights of all-star standup live in a Big Top, plus craft beers and street eats in the beautiful Queen Square. Standout acts in 2024 included Sara Pascoe, Harry Hill, Josh Widdicombe, Dylan Moran, Jamali Maddix, Fern Brady, and so many more. The lineup for 2025 will be released in the spring.

Shonen Knife, The Exchange – June 13

They’ve been before, and they’re back for more: the Japanese punk band return to The Exchange for a high-octane night to remember.

Bristol Craft Beer Festival, Harbourside – June 13-14

A chance to sample over 300 beers from 50 participating breweries, and all your beer included in the ticket price. There will be a range of street food pop-ups to help you soak up the booze.

AfroFest Bristol Music & Dance Festival, Trinity Bristol (outdoors) – June 14

Following four consecutive years of sellout events, tickets will likely fly out the door for this one. Expect a day of live music and DJs, food vendors, and African Cultural Showcase, kids entertainment and games. Under 5s go free.

Gromit Unleashed 3, City trail, June 30-August 31

Attracting more than 1.2 million visitors to Bristol the last time around, the much-loved trail is back in Bristol in summer 2025, with a dazzling movie magic theme. 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.

Bristol Sounds, Canons Marsh Amphitheatre – June 25-29

The popular summer series of outdoor harbourside concerts continues in 2025 with headliners Texas, Kaiser Chiefs, Olly Murs, and Supergrass, on the 30th anniversary of their debut album I Should Coco.

Bristol Pride, multiple venues – June 28-July 13

The countdown has already begun to 2025’s Bristol Pride Festival, which takes place over two weeks, with an eclectic programme of events in numerous venues across the city. The annual celebrations will culminate in Pride Day on July 12, with the annual parade through the city centre followed by a day festival on The Downs, and an official after-party.

Scummy Mummies: Hot Mess, The Redgrave Theatre – July 9-10

Podcasting veterans Helen Thorn and Ellie Gibson are back on tour with a new comedy show that threatens to “make you laugh til you wee”. Themes covered include “menopause to mansplaining” and “teenagers to Tinder”. Audiences are warned: “no subject is safe”.

Bristol Harbour Festival, Harbourside and Queen’s Square – July 18-20

The annual free celebration of all things nautical returns for one of the biggest weekends in the Bristol cultural calendar. Expect circus, music and a vibrant range of stalls and food vendors alongside all the water-based marvels.

Feast On, The Downs – July 24-27

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.

Idles: Block Party, Queen Square – August 1-2

Bristol’s punk heroes return for back-to-back shows in the heart of their home city. These nights are likely to live long in the memory.

 

Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, Ashton Court – August 8-10

An event that needs no introduction, the Balloon Fiesta is synonymous with Bristol for many. In addition to the Night Glow and special events laid on for the thousands of visitors at Ashton Court, if weather conditions permit, the whole city will be treated to daily mass ascents if they look to the skies.

Forwards Bristol, Clifton Downs – August 23-24

Appropriately enough, Forwards is moving forwards in the calendar for 2025, now sitting neatly on the August bank holiday weekend. The lineup is yet to be released, but previous headliners have not disappointed: Aphex Twin, Little Simz, Charlie XCX, The Chemical Brothers, Jamie XX, LCD Soundsystem and Loyle Carner among them.

Jamaica Street Open Studios – September (dates to be confirmed)

An ever-popular weekend in the art-fan’s calendar, replete with open studios, a party, a fundraising auction and plenty more besides.

Encounters Film Festival, Watershed – September (dates to be confirmed)

Submissions are opening soon for the 30th edition of the prestigious film festival. Encounters aims to foster connections between filmmakers, and offers a rich programme of screenings alongside ancillary events such as workshops, masterclasses and the opportunity to network.

Women’s Rugby World Cup, Ashton Gate Stadium – September 13-20

Bristol’s Ashton Gate stadium will host two quarter-finals and both semi-finals of the Women’s Rugby World Cup, as the biggest ever celebration of women’s rugby comes to England. The Red Roses are guaranteed to play their quarter-final match at Ashton Gate, should they progress.

This Flight Tonight: The Songs of Joni Mitchell, St George’s – September 20

Welsh singer songwriters Paul Zervas and Kathryn Pepper pay homage to some of the most beloved of songs from the Mitchell canon, including many from her seminal 1971 album, Blue.

Grayson Perry: Are You Good?, Bristol Beacon – October 22

The Turner Prize-winning artist, author, raconteur and creative thinker is surely bound for national treasure status. Here, Perry turns his attention to our own moral compass, assuring us that: “with lots of audience participation (don’t worry, no one leaves unscathed) and a few silly songs we’ll have an entertaining evening and come out with our core values completely in tatters”.

Nouvelle Vague, Trinity Bristol – November 20

Celebrating 21 years since their debut, the Marc Collins-led bossa nova band are on a world tour, with a clutch of dates and the release of a new LP to boot.

Main photo: Giulia Spadafora (Love Saves the Day, 2024)

Read next:

• Bristol’s cultural highlights of 2024
• Bristol’s cultural highlights of 2023
• Bristol’s best cultural events of 2022