Looking for Bristol events, exhibitions and festivals to attend in 2025? We’ve got it covered with this regularly updated guide. Keep checking back for the latest details.
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Things to do in Bristol in 2025
Bristol Old Vic
This year’s shows at the brilliant Bristol Old Vic theatre include:
19 June – 12 July: How To Win Against History
19 June – 9 July: Delay
25 – 27 July: Dinosaur World Live
10 Sept – 11 October: Starter for Ten (read our review of the 2024 show here)
22 – 25 October: Yippee Ki Yay
17 – 22 November: Uncanny: Fear of the Dark
18 – 22 November: Departure
4 December – 10 January: Treasure Island
For the full list of shows, visit the Bristol Old Vic website.
30 June – 31 August: Gromit Unleashed 3
In celebration of Aardman’s new film, Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl, the Gromit Unleashed sculpture trail returns to the streets of Bristol and nearby this summer.
Gromit Unleashed 3 takes visitors on a journey through the movies, with 53 sculptures of Wallace, Gromit, Feathers McGraw, Shaun the Sheep and Norbot the smart gnome inspired by cinema, famous films and the stories that inspired them.
The event raises money for Bristol’s children’s hospital charity, The Grand Appeal, the Bristol Children’s Hospital charity.
See some of the sculptures in videos here and here that we recorded at press launches.
For more details, visit the Gromit Unleashed 3 website and download the official Gromit Unleashed 3 app on Apple and Android. The app costs £2.49 and all proceeds go to The Grand Appeal.
18 – 20 July: Bristol Harbour Festival
Bristol’s three day party around the city’s historic harbour returns!
There are performances in the Amphitheatre, Millennium Square, Queen Square, College Green and on the water, plus other stages and venues as part of the festival fringe.
There are many highlights including the Galeón Andalucía tall ship docked at Bristol Harbour; spectacular flyboard performances; cardboard boat races; a performance by The Longest Johns, the UK’s most-streamed folk band of 2024; Cirque Bijou baby racing and a St. Pauls Carnival takeover at the dance tent.
On the Expression Stage, co-curated by Good Law Project, Diverse Artists Network and Bristol Legacy Foundation, in Millennium Square on 20 July, there will be talks, panels and activism. It includes a discussion on ‘a year of holding power to account’ with presenter and campaigner Carol Vorderman, Good Law Project founder Jo Maugham KC, and green energy entrepreneur Dale Vince.
The event is free but you can book a VIP experience in Millennium Square, which includes access to the VIP area with a great view of the main stage and on the water shows, a free drink, a premium bar, a seating area and luxury toilets.
For more details, visit the Bristol Harbour Festival website.
8 – 10 August: Bristol International Balloon Fiesta
Bristol International Balloon Fiesta returns for its 46th year this August.
The rolling hills of Ashton Court will be home to a temporary playground of entertainment and the launch site for over 100 hot air balloons.
As well as spectacular morning and evening balloon mass ascents and two nightglows when the balloons light up in time to music, there’s lots of entertainment including live music and meet the pilot sessions.
The event is free to attend but you can book hospitality tickets in the VIP area situated next to the arena with a clear view of the balloon launch field.
Car parking tickets can be booked here. There’s also a shuttle bus.
Wookey Hole
The legendary Wookey Hole in Somerset is home to 45,000 year old caves and a wonderland of family fun! Activities include exploring the amazing caves, a 4D cinema, adventure golf, a museum, and live shows in the Wookey Hole Circus.
You can visit all year, with special events and attractions at different points throughout the year, including Halloween and Christmas.
Wookey Hole has a new dinosaur experience until 1 September. Get 15% off entry by booking online. More details here.
