24 things to do in Bristol this week, May 30-June 5 2022

SPONSORED
Open now: Roxy Lanes, Union St
Opening May 27, Roxy Lanes boasts a huge variety of games, and massive rock and indie tunes. Including ten pin bowling, duck pin bowling, American pool, batting cages, ice-free curling, shuffleboard, beer pong, basketball and private karaoke rooms. The new location on Union Street also shows live sports.

The union street location is your one stop shop for all kinds of games – Photo: Roxy Lanes

SPONSORED
Open now: You Choose Exhibition, Fashion Museum Bath
You Choose, a unique exhibition co-curated by local people, is on display at Fashion Museum Bath. Groups and individuals who experience fashion from different points of view have created 10 brand new displays now on view. You Choose runs alongside the current A History of Fashion in 100 Objects display.

The exhibition is based on audience participation – photo: Fashion Museum Bath

Monday: Jody Kamali: Ironing Board Man, Wardrobe Theatre
We’ve all wondered whether or not a heartfelt romance could be told using no words, just a man and his ironing board, right? Well, maybe that’s just me. Either way, Jody Kamali is giving us exactly that.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CdshCNOspAw/

SPONSORED
Monday: So You Think You Know About Dinosaurs…?!, Redgrave Theatre
A hit stage show starring dinosaur aficionado Professor Ben Garrod. Get ready to go on an exciting pre-historic adventure as Ben explores the biggest, deadliest and weirdest predators that ever roamed the planet.

The production will teach you things about dinosaurs that you probably didn’t know – photo: Redgrave Theatre

SPONSORED
All week: May half-term at Bristol Zoo Gardens
Visit this half-term and say ‘hello’ to the animals before the iconic zoo closes in September.

Bristol Zoo closes in September, so now’s the time to go if you haven’t visited yet – photo: Bristol Zoo Gardens

SPONSORED
All half term: Supersonic Fun and a Royal Concorde Seat, Aerospace Bristol
Step aboard the supersonic Concorde, discover Bristol’s aviation history, and sit in the Queen’s Concorde seat this
half-term.

See the legendary Concorde craft this half term – photo: Aerospace Bristol

Tuesday: Cosies Comedy Corner, Cosies
Brand new comedy night Cosies Comedy Corner aims to shine a light on up and comers on the Bristol comedy circuit.

The stand up comedy night is the first of its kind at the underground wine bar – photo: Bristol24/7

SPONSORED
Wednesday: The Courettes, The Louisiana
High-energy rock’n’roll duo The Courettes purvey a distinct, heady sonic fusion. Exuding a noir-infused glamour, their music blends ferocious garage rock and Wall of Sound with 60s girl group, doo wop and surf rock elements. Their third record Back in Mono, released towards the end of last year, was executed with compelling prowess as always and the duo’s dynamism and vibrant song writing will make for a raucous live show.

SPONSORED
Wednesday: Men, Watershed
Alex Garland (Ex Machina, Annihilation) returns with this feverish, shape-shifting rural horror about a traumatised widow who retreats alone to heal in an English country house… but finds herself in an escalating nightmare.

Wednesday: Crypto bootcamp Bristol, Leonardo Hotel
If, like me, you’ve always sat on the sidelines of the bitcoin revolution, trying (and failing) to learn from those around you, then the Leonardo Hotel is the place to be. People will be bringing their laptops for live trades, and experts will be on hand to show you the ropes.

The hotel is on Temple Way – photo: Leonardo Hotels

SPONSORED
All week: Wild outdoor adventures at Wild Place Project
Spot animals from around the globe including giraffes, zebras and bears while enjoying 50 acres of nature.

Wide open spaces and plenty of exotic animals await you at Wild Place Project this week – photo: Wild Place Project

SPONSORED
Thursday: Yam & Banana, Watershed
A short film following the creative process of Bristol-based producer Uri Green and his reggae album featuring some of the best reggae artists and musicians in the city. Followed by a Q&A and free DJ set in the Café & Bar.

The documentary following the reggae producer opens this Thursday – photo: Watershed

Thursday & Friday: Love Saves the Day, Ashton Court
“We can’t think of a better way to enjoy a bank holiday weekend than throwing a MASSIVE party and inviting you all to join us to commemorate ten years of our wonderful festival,” say the Love Saves the Day team.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CeJt308AGjo/

Thursday-Sunday: Bedminster Beer Trail, various venues
There are undoubtedly many cracking breweries, pubs and beer shops across Bedminster. This week, celebrate them with the Bedminster Beer Trail. You can grab a map and stamp off the locations as you go to win a prize at the end, or just take it at your own pace if that’s more your style. Culminating at the Bristol Beer Factory taproom, there even promises to be a new beer specially brewed for the occasion.

Bristol Beer Factory will be specially brewing their own beer for the occasion – photo: Jess Connett

Friday: The Cabarats, The Stable
Enjoy one of the pizzas at harbourside bar and restaurant The Stable as you enjoy the unique sound of The Cabarats, blending traditional middle eastern sounds with classic ska and reggae rhythms.

SPONSORED
Friday: Arun Ghosh: The Canticle of the Sun, St George’s
Award-winning jazz clarinettist & composer Arun Ghosh presents a spiritual jazz reimagining of St. Francis of Assisi’s The Canticle of the Sun with a stellar eight-piece line-up at St George’s Bristol on 3 June. This is life-affirming new music in praise of nature and the universe.

Friday: Eminent w/ A For Alpha B2B Highrise B2B Ollie Rant, Crofters Rights
Three of the biggest names in underground UK garage going toe to toe at the Crofters Rights. Need I say more? But I will, of course. Expect an unruly amount of dubs, and pure vibes from start to finish.

Saturday: Manic + Bean Pig Puppets + Friends!, The Cube
A unique theatre production involving spoken word, cabaret, and so much more. Questioning the grey areas of consent, and whether or not it’s possible to be open about being violated without implicating your partner.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cdy3_qWs6qx/

Saturday: no_one summer pt. 1, Dare To Club
This one’s been a long time coming. If you know your dance music, just one look at the lineup and you’re already buying your ticket. Headed by USA G-House royalty DJ Assault, and backed up by an army of the finest producers/DJs the UK has to offer, across three rooms in the Bristol sunshine? Goodness me.

Sunday: Rock & roll walking tour, across Bristol
An excellent way to spend a Sunday. Be guided across the various gigging venues in Bristol, learning about their history and the bands that played there. You might even recognise a few names.

The tour will enlighten you to bands playing at venues you might not have expected – photo: Bristol rock and roll walking tour

And coming soon…

SPONSORED
June 7: Sister Cookie, The Louisiana
Sister Cookie’s sultry, rich vocals are the potent driving force behind her soulful rock’n’roll. A charismatic talent, the London via Lagos artist draws on the eclectic legacy and roots of Black music, crafting a sound that is retro-inspired and imbued with the singer’s infectious energy. Having been a mainstay on the vintage soul and rock’n’roll circuit since 2015, this month she released her debut album In The Blue Corner, consolidating the raw, heartfelt song writing she’s become known for.

SPONSORED
June 7: An Evening with Brian Blessed, Redgrave Theatre
This show is an experience that nobody should miss! His eloquence and humour will have the audience captured from the moment he walks on stage until the moment he leaves. His show may not be suitable for people of a nervous disposition or those who aren’t expecting the odd expletive!

SPONSORED
June 10-18: Festival of Nature, Bristol & Bath
The UK’s largest celebration of the natural world is here! Join an exciting week packed full of in-person, digital and hybrid events across the Bristol and Bath region, all aimed at helping people learn about and take action for nature. This year will see over 90 events including wildlife workshops, film screenings, green social prescribing taster sessions, family nature parties and special guest appearances – you don’t want to miss this! Book your tickets now and join the fun!

The festival is the perfect opportunity to appreciate and enjoy the natural world – photo: Bristol Natural History Consortium

SPONSORED
June 10-18: The Lady Boys of Bangkok, Castle Park
Let’s make 2022 a “Summer of Fun” with 16 of the world’s most glamorous and beautiful showgirls…That just happen to be men! A must-see new production for 2022 with plenty of fun filled comedy and outrageous cheekiness, with over 400 incredible costumes and more theatrical sequin laden production numbers than ever before.

The Lady Boys of Bangkok return to Castle Park this summer – photo: Lady Boys of Bangkok

SPONSORED
July 2: Black Roots, Trinity Centre
Formed in St Pauls in 1979, Black Roots were one of the pioneering reggae groups in Bristol, and played an integral role in the soundsystem culture that defined the city’s music scene at the time. Their unique brand of roots reggae drew in people seeking to find a voice that spoke out against injustice and alienation.

SPONSORED
September 23: En Masse, Trinity Centre
This year En Masse are back at Trinity, bringing you a big ol’ banging club night from some of the most sought out DJ’s in the UK via the inimitable Sinai Sound. These artists are true masters of their craft and have time after time made their mark on UK club music.

The infamous club night returns to Trinity Centre this September – photo: Trinity Centre

Main Photo: Bristol Beer Factory

Read more: Review: Derren Brown, Showman, Bristol Hippodrome – ‘Thrilling from beginning  to end’

Listen to the latest Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast: