Not sure what things to do in Bristol this weekend? Whatever the weather, whatever your mood, we’ll always have you covered. Be it the best restaurants and gigs to awesome art galleries and bottomless brunches, we’ve got you weekend sorted.
Free things to do this weekend
1. Upfest
Upfest Presents… continues with its 17-day cultural programme (May 18 to June 2). Nearly 200 of the world’s greatest graffiti artists are in BS3 and transforming it into an open-air art gallery. Mister Samo, the Portsmouth-based trans street artist and activist on a mission to “spread love and inclusion” with his big and bold creations, is headlining.
He’ll be joined by local favourites such as Inkie, Jody and Bex Glover, and global icons like Los Angeles’ Audrey Kawasaki, Serbian muralist Artez and London’s EPOD. Plus, many more artists offer free-to-attend workshops, live painting, artist talks, art activities, panel discussions, theatre, comedy and tours exploring the area. Check out everything that’s on here.
Where to see music in Bristol this weekend
2. Love Saves The Day
It’s Bristol’s biggest music festival and it’s going to be a stonker! The bumper weekend (May 25 & 26) is hosting a stellar line-up of D&B, dance and electronic acts across eight stages, from household names to up-and-coming, local artists. Headliners, CamelPhat will give back-to-back dance and electronic beats to their set on Saturday, while The Streets reminds everyone of the lyrical genius on Sunday. Also turning this non-stop party into an unmissable event in Bristol this weekend are Rudimental, Sub Focus, Groove Armada, CASISDEAD, Goldie, Joy Orbison, and many more. The perfect start to the summer. To learn more head here.
3. Dot To Dot
Dot To Dot is the other big festival happening in Bristol this weekend. The one-day festival (May 25) for the hottest emerging artists sees Jockstrap, Wunderhorse and The Magic Gang all performing at Bristol’s coolest venues – including O2 Academy, SWX, Dockside, The Fleece, The Louisiana, Rough Trade, The Lanes, Dareshack, The Crown, Mr Wolfs and Strange Brew. There’s no end to the incredible gigs going on this weekend. You can learn more by heading here.
Things to do with kids in Bristol this weekend
4. SS Great Britain
SS Great Britain launches its first immersive performance exhibition for the half-term holiday ON May 25. Passenger Takeover sees Bristol Institute of Performing Arts (BIPA) students bring to life the stories of people who travelled onboard, including merchants, farmers, botanists and scoundrels. You’ve got until June 2 to see this groundbreaking improv performance – inspired by real individuals who travelled on the SS Great Britain. Grab your tickets here.
What shows to watch this weekend in Bristol
5. Mayfest
After a year off, Bristol’s biennial festival of contemporary theatre comes to an end this weekend (May 26). Until then, you’ll find plenty of boundary-pushing and -blurring shows from global performers to catch. Every show is guaranteed to thrill – and a pay-what-you-can model (starting from £5) has made it accessible for all. See what’s on here.
Where to visit from Bristol
6. Cooper’s Hill
The infamous race where contestants chase a wheel of Double Gloucester cheese down a steep, uneven hill returns on Monday (May 27). This Gloucestershire tradition at the 180m-long Cooper’s Hill sees dozens taking part in one of five races – including a women’s race, plus a children’s race going uphill – with the first race starting at 12pm. You’ll learn a lot more about its history by heading here, and if you do decide to take part, don’t blame us if you get hurt!
7. Bath
There’s never not a good day to visit Bath, but if you’ve caught the Bridgerton bug off the lastest season, you’ll want to live out your Regency-era fantasies at these filming locations. Visit the home of the Featherington family, the ballroom where Simon and Daphne first meet, and the spot where all our favourite characters have their clothes fitted, the Modiste dress shop. The TV show might be set in London, but they’re all here in real-life Bath.