Things To Do / Sponsored
62 things to do in Bristol in May 2024
May 1: CVC, The Fleece
Breaking onto the scene with their hit record ‘Get Real’ last year, this Welsh psych-rock band headline a show at the Fleece. Expect some sharp songwriting, flamboyant 60s dress and smooth sounds.
May 2: Local Election, Various Venues
Polling stations open from 7am until 10pm, so drop in and cast your vote in the local elections. Don’t forget to bring photo ID!
May 3 – 5: Spike Island Open Studios
The hugely popular annual event offering free behind-the-scenes access to the 80,000-square-foot arts space. On Friday, there is an early chance for the public to view the Spike Island Studios, in an evening event led by UWE Bristol Fine Art alongside many other creatives. The evening will include one-time special events and performances from the local creative community, including filmmakers, designers, architects and animators.
Throughout the weekend, fans of art, culture and design are invited to see the remainder of the artist studios, galleries, and creative businesses that inhabit the former tea-packing factory, as well as the work of the award-winning Spike Print Studio, the largest open-access print studio in the South West.
Tickets are available at a donation cost, and the event kicks off at 6pm on May 3rd.
Spike Island opens its studios again this May, with an open doors event led by UWE Fine Art – photo: Dan Weill
May 3: Love Lies Bleeding, Watershed
Directed by Rose Glass, this show follows reclusive gym manager Lou who falls in love with Jackie, a ambitious bodybuilder who moved to Las Vegas to follow her dreams. This unpredictable, unhinged love story is not to be missed. Screenings begin on the May 3rd at the Watershed.
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May 3: The Breath, Bristol Cathedral
‘Quietly, inexorably, The Breath have become one of the most exciting folk acts’ – The Financial Times *****
Softly-spoken guitar whizz Stuart McCallum (Cinematic Orchestra) and larger-than-life singer/flautist Ríoghnach Connolly (BBC Folk Singer Of The Year) are something very special indeed. Catch their opening concert at Bristol Cathedral.
‘The jaw-droppingly stunning, woozy voice of Ríoghnach Connolly” The Guardian
The Breath – photo: Bristol Folk Festival
May 3-6: Diaspora Festival, Various Venues
Developed by the Diverse Artists Network (DAN), this first of its kind arts festival aims to showcase the talent of artists from under-represented cultural backgrounds. This event promises to be a vibrant celebration of people, music, film, poetry, dance, storytelling and more.
May 4: Knives, Strange Brew
Rising from Bristol’s post-punk scene, Knives headline a show at Strange Brew early next month. With hard-hitting lyrics in a chaotic live set, Knives create a fresh spin on punk. The band is led by Jay Schottlander on vocals who is accompanied up by two saxophonists, bass, guitar and drums. Tickets for this gig are still available here.
Knives are playing at The Fleece in May – photo: Knives
May 4: NOWADAZE DAY PARTY, Three Brothers Burgers
Nowadaze are kicking off the summer by teaming up with the legendary Three Brothers Burgers for a day party. Expect Disco, house, UKG, delicious burgers and more! Head down to King Street on Saturday the 4th of May, 2pm – 11pm and get yourself a pint and a bench in the sun. This is a free event and won’t be ticketed so just turn up.
is needed now More than ever
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May 4-5: East Brewery Trail, Various Venues
Wander between six east Bristol breweries this weekend, in this open-door event. Sample some of the best brews Bristol has to offer at Arbor, Left-Handed Giant, Good Chemistry, Little Martha, Moor and Wiper & True. Accompanied with DJ’s, live music and some great pop-up food stands, each brewery will be open from midday promising a fun day for all.
May 4-5: The Inn on the Green’s Annual Beer Festival, Inn on the Green Horfield
The Inn on the Green are celebrating the Bank Holiday weekend with their Annual Beer Festival. Head down to enjoy a wide selection of beers and ciders from local breweries, street food and fun. Promising live music, ping pong tables and raffles, this north Bristol beer festival has something for everyone.
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May 5: Sheelanagig + Filkin’s Ensemble, St. George’s
Raise the roof this Bank Holiday with foot-stomping folk & joint-jumping tunes. South West quintet Sheelanagig headline a special concert with support from stunningly beautiful 14-piece Filkin’s Ensemble. Think Penguin Café meets Bellowhead, not to be missed.
Sheelanagig – photo: Bristol Folk Festival
May 5: DANCE IT OFF! – Admin, Mike Shawe & Nathan Worm
A bank holiday session for you to get a groove on. With sounds of Disco, Funk, Gospel and Boogie ‘Dance It Off’ … is a collaborative concept between two of the cities most esteemed DJ’s. Mike Shawe (Hot Buttered Soul) and Admin (Community Disc-O’s) will be bringing some special records to Old Market Assembly for your dancing pleasure!
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May 5: Orchestra Baobab, Bristol Beacon
Senegal’s legendary band Orchestra Baobab are celebrating half a century of vibrant African music in 2024. From inauspicious beginnings as the weekend house band at a Dakar club for government officials in the 1960s, Orchestra Baobab went on to become one of the seminal bands of world music, with an influence that extended far beyond their national boundaries, throughout West Africa and into Europe. With a rich and intense rhythmic base, captivating melodic singing, and superb brass arrangements, Orchestra Baobab are a magnificent example of the power and joy of West African music. Don’t miss the ensemble in Lantern Hall as part of DIASPORA! Festival 2024!
Orchestra Baobab – photo: Bristol Beacon
May 6: TMW’s May Market, The Mount Without
On the first bank holiday of May, The Mount Without holds a market! On sale will be vintage and reworked clothes, antiques, art and plenty more! The gardens and bar will be open, so shoppers can enjoy a tipple or two in the sunshine! Furthermore, the crypt will also be featuring Ronnie Rennoldsons solo exhibition “That which binds us”, with art works also for sale. Doors will open from 12:00.
May 7: Fast by the Horns launce with Moses McKenzie, Trinity Centre
Prize-winning author Moses McKenzie is welcomed back to the Trinty Centre to launce his new sophomore novel. Tickets are £6 and include £2 off the book.
May 7: Supper Club with MasterChef finalist Kasae Fraser and Our Table
Join the next Supper Club, at Bruhaha in Totterdown with MasterChef finalist Kasae Fraser and Vincent Gatay, who will be cooking up a delicious 5 course tasting menu. Expect a night of good food, new company and fun.
May 7: Sound Bath and Guided Meditation with Annette & Rounik, The Mount Without
Come and join Annette and Rounik for a deeply relaxing and reflective Sound Bath in, The Mount Without. The evening will be completed with delicious organic, vegan chocolate and a gift bag for every attendee.
May 9: Collage Club, Wiper and True
Get lost in creativity, meet new people and focus your mind. The Collage Club is a great event for those with busy brains as you sit down with likeminded individuals and get crafty with collages. All materials are provided, and tickets are only £3. Profits go towards supporting local creatives.
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May 9: Mermaiding the Bristol Channel with a Big Poo, Alpkit: Whiteladies Road
Adventurer Lindsey Cole tells her story of swimming the length of the Bristol Avon, dressed as a mermaid towing an inflatable poo, to raise awareness of river pollution. Join her talk at 7pm in Alpkit on Whiteladies Road for an evening of inspiration, celebrating our waterways and look at how we can protect them.
May 9: Bob Holroyd. Atmospheric music and immersive visual projections, The Mount Without
Described as part gig, part mindfulness event, part art installation, producer Bob Holroyd collaborates with audio/visual artist Patrick Dunn, to bring this beautiful immersive evening to The Mount Without. Bob Holroyd is a musician whose music bridges the gap between ambient neo-classical, electronica, and the dance world. Tickets are still available for this atmospheric evening, filled with sound and colour…
May 9: The Sun Kings, The Canteen
The Sun Kings mix Cumbia, Samba and Punk Folk to create sounds you can dance to at The Canteen. With free entry, it’s a great opportunity to watch an energetic performance that brings some sounds of South America to Cheltenham Road.
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May 10: Vivaldi Four Seasons Wine Tasting, 1904 Arts Club
Imagine a cosy and intimate setting, where you can enjoy a glass of wine and listen to the beautiful sounds of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. You’ll be welcomed to the 1904 Arts Club, a hidden gem behind the Red Lodge Museum, with its quirky artefacts and cabaret-style seating. As the candles flicker, you’ll be treated to a live performance of Vivaldi’s masterpiece by the Bristol Ensemble, the city’s leading professional orchestra.
You’ll also get to taste four exquisite Italian wines, carefully selected by Oboe Fine Wines, who are known for their quality, sustainability and biodiversity. They’ll take you on a journey through each wine, and share the stories behind the music and the regions they come from.
Wine tasting with Vivaldi – photo: Bristol Ensemble
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May 10: National Theatre Live, Watershed
National Theatre Live brings the best of British theatre to our Waterside 3 Event Space. As part of the Spring 2024 season, we’ll be screening Andrew Scott’s one-person Vanya, Michael Sheen as Nye Bevan who created the NHS and more.
National Theatre Live – photo: Watershed
May 10 – September 1: The Hay Wain, Bristol Museum
The Hay Wain, by John Constable is coming to Bristol Museum & Art Gallery on loan from the National Gallery. Starting from May 10th, the public will be able to go and see this famous landscape painting as it takes centre stage of their new exhibition, Truth to Nature. This new exhibition will examine how artists have seen the land as a place of refuge but also as hostile to humans. Learn more about it by watching this video below.
May 11: Marjolein Robertson: Marj is at The Alma Theatre
Hailing from Shetland and now based in Edinburgh, Marjolein Robertson is a comedian on the rise. Earning Edinburgh Fringe award nominations as well as countless positive reviews for her show Marj, she has now embarked on her debut UK tour, which arrives in Bristol in May.
Marjolein Robertson, Marj – photo: Trudy Stade
May 11 & 12: Real Ale & Sea Shanty Festival, Freemasons Hall
Watch shanty crews from across Bristol and the West Country perform in this inaugural festival, at the Freemasons Hall. Alongside the music, over 20 real ales and ciders will be available, handpicked by the Bank Tavern landlord, Sam Gregory.
Pulling pints at the Ale and Shanty Festival – photo: Real Ale and Sea Shanty Festival
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May 11: Wild Isles Live, Bristol Beacon
Immerse yourself in the beauty of the British Isles in this very special ‘behind the scenes’ Wild Isles big screen experience, featuring highlights from the acclaimed BBC series alongside never-before-seen footage and insight from visionary documentary producer Alastair Fothergill. Alastair will talk about the making of this series and his past, groundbreaking work, which includes other iconic series such as Planet Earth, Our Planet, Frozen Planet and The Blue Planet, and the event also features a Q&A. At a critical time for our biodiversity, as highlighted in the BBC Series, this is a unique opportunity to discuss the importance of conservation, individual action and the importance of preserving the beauty of the British Isles.
Wild Isles – photo: Bristol Beacon
May 11: Bristol Northern Soul Club
This very popular sell out event at the Old Market Assembly is back again this month. The Team behind this club night offer an amazing experience of authentic Northern Soul vibes, bringing the best Guest DJs from all over the world.
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May 11: Blown Away, Trinity Henleaze URC
A great programme of music for wind instruments performed by players from the Bristol Ensemble:
- Mozart Serenade for Wind in C minor K.388
- Dvořák Serenade for Winds in D minor Op.44
We’ll hear the powerful and characterful C minor serenade by Mozart, a four movement work full of ingenuity, twists and turns. And also, Dvořák’s Serenade for Winds in D minor, unmistakably Czech, an homage to music-making in Czech palaces and stately homes.
Blown Away – photo: Henleaze Concert Society
May 12: Stokes Croft Block Party, Stokes Croft
Expecting more headline acts than ever before, Stokes Croft is set to be taken over by some of Bristol’s biggest artists and brands. Expect, Drum and Bass, Breaks, Garage and Jungle, as music plays out across 20+ stages for over 14 hours.
May 12: Cotham Hill Street Party, Cotham
On the 12th May, venture down to Cotham Hill for an afternoon of drinks, live music, street food, DJs and more. This annual event brings the people of Bristol together in their hundreds, let’s hope for some more sunshine like last year where we saw Rock Salt Bar making the worlds biggest negroni…
May 13 – 15: Pint of Science Festival, Various Locations
Every year in May, the Pint of Science festival brings leading researchers to local pubs and cafes to share their scientific discoveries. This year, some of your favourite Bristol spaces will host panel talks, lectures and shows from leading scientists across multiple disciplines. Events are held at Wiper & True, The Greenbank, Left-Handed Giant Taproom and Eldon House in Clifton.
May 14: An Evening with George Monbiot in Bristol, Waterstones Broadmead
George Monbiot, author, columnist, and environmental campaigner comes to Waterstones in Broadmead to discuss his latest book The Invisible Doctrine, co-written with critically acclaimed filmmaker Peter Hutchison.
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May 15: Einaudi meets Max Richter, St. George’s
A hypnotic evening of music featuring mesmerising works by Ludovico Einaudi, together with Max Richter’s engagingly refreshing reimagining of Vivaldi’s ever popular Four Seasons.
Einaudi mets Richter by candlelight – photo: Bristol Ensemble
May 15: Kakuhan, KMRU, Dylan Henner + I-SHA, at Strange Brew
Accidental Meetings x Strange Brew presents a collaboration of world music, with producers from both Japan and Kenya coming together to turn electronic music on its head. KMRU is a Kenyan sound artist who creates lush textural compositions from field recordings and Japanese artist Kakuhan adds in more vicious rhythms.
May 16: Seema Anand: The Tantrification, Cube
Through a mixture of performance, lecture and storytelling, Dr Seema Anand decodes the mysteries of the most-fierce and most-feared Hindu goddesses – the Mahavidya’s. Expect a tale of life, death, creation, sacrifice and destruction in this thrilling piece, that is all in the search of a cosmic truth…
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Throughout May: Curses, Cults and Covens: The Birth of British Horror, Watershed
May’s Sunday Season is steeped with the eerie and occult, winding its way through the roots of the folk horror genre to celebrate May Day and the start of British Summer Time.
Pandas Fen – photo: Watershed
May 16: Old McDonald’s had a fam: The politics of food, Hen and Chicken
Led by Altered State, The Hen and Chicken hosts a panel discussion on the sustainability global food supply. The panel is made up of 4 food experts and campaigners, as they discuss the changed nature of what we eat and how it is produced, as opposed to what we need to be eating.
May 16: Sustainable Futures: New Narratives for Climate & AI
Join this insightful breakfast event focused on Sustainable Futures: New Narratives for Climate & AI. Speakers from Modular, TedX Bristol, Six Agency and Bristol 24/7 will tackle the pressing issue of communicating the climate emergency, offering insights into new ideas. They will also explore the evolving role of AI in storytelling. As AI continues to advance, understanding its implications for storytelling is crucial in fostering empathy, connection, and action in the fight against climate change.
May 16-19: Forbidden Worlds Film Festival, Bristol Aquarium Cinema
Bristol’s biggest repertory genre film festival is back! Celebrating some of cinemas most deadly women and director Peter Hymas. By raiding the video shop archives of 20th Century Flicks, this event promises to transport the audience to outer space and inner worlds.
May 17-22: Mycelium, Centrespace Gallery
Charley Williams’ photography exhibition showcases Bristol’s dynamic drag scene, highlighting the deep connections within the LGBTQ+ community. Charley Williams’ queer photography switches between, joyful, bright documentary photography and aesthetic portraits from behind the scenes.
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May 17-26: Mayfest, Various Venues
Bristol’s international festival of contemporary theatre and live performance, curated and produced by MAYK, is back with a programme spanning nine days, dozens of performances, events, and parties in some of Bristol’s best-loved venues as well as unexpected sites and locations throughout the city. All tickets are pay what you can.
Mayfest 2024 – photo: Mayfest
May 17 – June 2: UPFEST Presents, Various Venues
Instead of the usual weekend program of activities, this year UPFEST returns as part of a 17-day cultural festival. Popping up at multiple venues across the Bedminster, expect to see some incredible large-scale artwork, live painting, artist talks, panel discussions and street art tours.
Festival goers at Upfest 2023 – photo: Paul Box/Upfest
May 18: Bristol City Women vs Everton Women, Ashton Gate Stadium
Bristol City Women will play their final game of the season against Everton’s Women on May 18th. Closing in on their return to the topflight, it’s been a season to remember as they have shown extraordinary fight against some of the world’s best teams.
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May 18: Free Let’s Talk Dementia Event, Watershed
Join leading Bristol charities at Let’s Talk Dementia, at the Watershed. A free event. There will be short talks on dementia and activity sessions for people living with dementia, plus charity, care, research and health exhibitors.
Brace Watershed talk/workshop – photo: Let’s Talk Dementia
May 18 – June 2: SABOTAGE by No Fit State Circus, No Fit State Big Top
SABOTAGE is another full-on, boisterous, and audaciously fierce performance with the NoFit State signature style. This energising, uplifting and socially relevant contemporary circus production directed by Firenza Guidi will be back in Bristol this May.
Sabotage – photo: No Fit State Circus
May 19: Great Bristol Run
Join thousands of runners taking part in either a 10km or half-marathon. Whether you are participating or just heading down to support, this event is always an uplifting and inspiring event for all. Moreover, the VI Runners 10k Challenge for people registered as severely sight impaired, makes it return this year.
Runners completing the 2023 AJ Bell Great Bristol Run, which returns this May – photo: The Great Bristol Run Company
May 21: Stumble – The Anti-dating app event, The Mount Without
Fancy an opportunity to fall in love on a random Tuesday evening, then head to The Mount Without for their dating mixer to meet new people. The night will be filled with friendly faces, DJs and a couple of ice breaking tequila shots. Every ticket includes access to the event 7-10pm, a shot of tequila and all-night DJ. You must be single and age 25+ to attend so, “Ditch the dating apps and let’s make dating human again.”
May 21: Dave Haslam, Bookhaus
Former resident DJ of the Haçienda, Dave Haslam will be at the Bookhaus later this month talking about his new short memoir, Strawberry and the Big Apple: Grace Jones in Stockport, 1980. Alongside his career as an author, Dave will also be discussing music, art, life and more. Tickets are £6 and can be purchased here.
24 May: Big Brave, Dareshack
Described as massive minimalism, the trio ‘Big Brave’ come to Dareshack as part of their European Tour. Bringing with them loud sounds of metal, alternative rock and experimental rhythms, this show will be sure to kick off your Friday night with a bang!
25 May: Dot to Dot Festival, Various Venues
Headlined by Jockstrap, Bristol welcomes back Dot to Dot festival this May. Hailed as the best UK festival for unearthing new talent, previous lineups have included the likes of Florance + The Machine, Foals and Ed Sheeran. This year Jockstrap are joined by; The Magic Gang, Wunderhorse, Bleach Lab and Antony Szmierek who will play across 14 venues in the city.
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25 – 26 May: Love Saves the Day Festival, Ashton Court Estate
Bristol’s biggest music festival is back with another bumper lineup, welcoming the likes of The Steets, Rudimental and Sub Focus to Ashton Court. This love-fuelled bank holiday weekend is set to take over the green fields just across the bridge, as thousands are expected to be in attendance. You can find out more about the event including ticketing and the reminder of the lineup here.
Love Saves The Day – photo: Mike Massaro
May 25 – August 11: Windrush: Portraits of a Pioneering Generation, RWA
This moving exhibition honours the accomplishments and legacy of the Windrush generation and those who followed. On display are ten portraits of remarkable Caribbean-British individuals by ten leading artists, including Sonia Boyce MBE and Amy Sherald. The faces and stories of these sitters are a powerful reminder of personal resilience, determination and the positive impact of diversity across Britain.
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May 26: Six Chick Flicks, Redgrave Theatre
Fresh from a sold-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe, this smash hit comedy parodies your favourite chick flicks in one hysterical, fast-paced show. From the deck of the Titanic to the glittery pink halls of Harvard Law, watch as New York City comedians Kerry Ipema and KK Apple transform the stage with songs, dance breaks and pop culture hilarity. If you love chick flicks, you’ll love this show. If you hate chick flicks… you’ll love this show!
Six Chick Flicks – photo: Redgrave Theatre
May 28: Chesaba, The Marble Factory
South African cellist will be playing at the Marble Factory for an evening of world, classical and contemporary music.
May 29: Quade, Strange Brew
Bristol band Quade will be holding a gig at Strange Brew for their largest headline show yet at the end of the month. Their debut LP ‘Nacre’ is the culmination of three years of hard work from the band, and brings together electro, synths, folk rock and experimental sounds.
May 30 – June 1: Pitch, Wardrobe Theatre
PITCH helps us to imagine a future in which queer presence in the beautiful game is more than just a debate over a rainbow armband. Hot off its success at the 2023 Edinburgh Fringe, PITCH is award-winning theatre show ‘that really has it all’. Expect a hat-trick of true stories, dirty tactics and dancing.
Award-winning theater show PITCH comes to the Wardrobe Theater in May – photo: The Wardrobe Theater
May 30: T20 Vitality BLAST, Gloucestershire vs Essex, Seat Unique Stadium
The T20 Vitality Blast series kicks off this May with a home game against Essex at the Bristol County Cricket ground. This is the top level T20 competition in England and Wales and will welcome cricketing stars such as Miles Hammond and David Payne.
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May 30: Gloucestershire Vs Essex cricket, Seat Unique Stadium
The 2023 finalists, Essex, visit Bristol for the opening game of the 2024 T20 Blast. The only half-term game of the year this match is sure to be a hit for the family.
Glos v Essex – photo: Gloucestershire Cricket
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June 1-9: Festival of Nature, multiple locations
Festival of Nature is the UK’s largest celebration of the natural world, taking place 1 – 9 June across Bristol and Bath. Running for over 20 years, Festival of Nature gives people the chance to connect with local wildlife, learn about the natural world, and take positive action for nature.
Festival of Nature – photo: Natural History Consortium
And coming soon…
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June 5: Kevin Quantum: Momentum, Redgrave Theatre
Explore the exotic space where science and magic meet with the magician-scientist-adventurer, trained by US magic legends Penn & Teller. With over a decade of Edinburgh Fringe sell-outs, performances around Europe and tours of Australia, Kevin embarks on his first ever UK tour with an entrancing collection of unique magic inventions, stunning sleight-of-hand and beautiful (yet deadly) stunts in a show – inspired by science but targeted at humans.
Kevin Quantum: Momentum – photo: Redgrave Theatre
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June 7: Gloucestershire Vs Hampshire cricket, Seat Unique Stadium
One of only two Friday night matches in Bristol this year, Hampshire Hawks visit Bristol, this game is sure to be one of the top cricket socials of the year!
Gloucestershire Vs Hampshire – photo: Glos Cricket
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June 8: Music for a blue planet, Trinity Henleaze URC
In collaboration with the Festival of Nature, the Bristol Ensemble will take us on a breathtaking musical exploration of our beautiful planet with music from the BBC series Blue Planet by George Fenton together with Schubert’s enduringly popular Trout Quintet. Written by the young composer at just 22 years of age, this Quintet has a freshness and serenity that has engaged players and audiences for nearly 200 years. This will be the last concert of our season, do come and join us.
Music for a blue planet – photo: Henleaze Concert Society
Main photo: Love Saves the Day, Soul Media
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