What's On in Bristol — 2026

By Flavia Voican · Updated April 14, 2026

What's On in Bristol

Bristol hosts over 300 annual events, with the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta drawing 250,000 attendees in 2023.

Events Calendar — Bristol 2026

Month	Event	Type	Cost
January	Bristol Winter Lights	Art	FREE
February	Bristol Jazz Festival	Music	£15-£45
March	Bristol Food & Drink Festival	Food	£10-£25
April	Bristol Marathon	Sport	£45-£75
May	Bristol International Balloon Fiesta	Festival	£20-£50
June	Bristol Harbour Festival	Festival	FREE
July	Bristol Pride	Music	FREE
August	Bristol Festival of Music and Theatre	Arts	£5-£35
September	Bristol Film Festival	Arts	£8-£18
October	Bristol Halloween Festival	Festival	£5-£15
November	Bristol Christmas Market	Food	FREE
December	Bristol New Year's Eve Fireworks	Music	FREE

Top 3 Events Not to Miss

May

Bristol International Balloon Fiesta

Held at Ashton Court Estate, featuring 100+ hot air balloons launching at dawn and dusk. Tickets for the main viewing area range from £20 to £50. Arrive by 9am to secure a spot near the launch field before crowds gather.

June

Bristol Harbour Festival

Takes place along Bristol Harbourside from 10am to 10pm, with live music stages at the Waterfront and the Floating Stage. Free entry with performances from local bands and international acts. The free fireworks display over the River Avon begins at 9:30pm on the final day.

August

Bristol Festival of Music and Theatre

Runs across 12 venues including The Bristol Beacon and The Old Vic, featuring 200+ artists. Ticket prices range from £5 for street performances to £35 for main stage shows. Book early for the popular "Patio Theatre" series held in Temple Back gardens.

Free Events in Bristol

Bristol Winter Lights (January 15-28, 2026, at The Centre, Broad Street) – Free light installations and projections. St. Paul's Festival (May 10-11, 2026, St. Paul's Square) – Free live music, food stalls, and community activities. Bristol Open House (September 12, 2026, across 50 heritage sites) – Free access to historic buildings including the M Shed museum and Temple Church.

Practical Info

The best months for events are May, June, and August. Book tickets for the Balloon Fiesta 6 months ahead. Use the Bristol City Council's free "Bristol Events" app for real-time listings and updates.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What events are happening in Bristol this year?

Check our Bristol events calendar above for the latest festivals, concerts, exhibitions, and cultural events. We update this page regularly with confirmed dates and ticket links.

Are there free events in Bristol?

Yes — many cities including Bristol host free outdoor festivals, museum nights, and cultural events throughout the year. Check the free events section in our guide above.

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