What’s on in Bristol this August & September? Here’s your hit list
Whether you’re chasing sunshine with the kids, fancy a cider-fuelled dance on King Street, or want to catch an indie gig before they sell out arenas, Bristol’s 2025 summer scene has it all!
From sky-high balloons to street parties and sculpture trails, we’ve rounded up 12 brilliant things happening across the city, perfect for squeezing the most out of August and early September…
For families, fun seekers & mini adventurers…
Kids Summer Disco at Lockleaze Sports Centre
🗓 1 August, 4–7pm
🪩 Local vibes, big fun! A mini community rave with BBQ smells in the air, tunes playing through the early evening, and kids bouncing off the walls (in a good way). It’s a proper neighbourhood party with a DJ, games, food and a bar for the grown-ups.
✅ Great for: younger kids, post-nursery energy burners, parents craving easy entertainment on a Friday
Bristol International Balloon Fiesta
🗓 8–10 August, Ashton Court Estate
🎈 One of Europe’s biggest balloon festivals – and a total Bristol classic. Enjoy morning and evening mass ascents with 100+ balloons, actual flying pirate ships and pigs, and the spectacular Nightglow show with glowing balloons synced to music.
✅ Great for: all ages, early risers, fans of sky-based magic
Raver Tots Outdoor Festival
🗓 17 August, Bristol Amphitheatre & Waterfront Square
🎶 A full-on family rave experience with face painting, inflatables, street food, dance tents, and tunes at kid-safe volume. Grown-ups can live their clubland dreams (circa 2002) while the kids go wild on glow sticks and bouncy castles.
✅ Great for: kids with energy to burn, nostalgic parents, families who love a party
Festival of Summer on the Downs
🗓 Now until 17 August, Durdham Downs
🎡 Fairground rides, splash zones, giant inflatables, street food and a lovely ‘let’s just stay all day’ vibe. The kind of event where you end up unexpectedly buying a bubble wand and a churro!
✅ Great for: all ages, classic summer vibes, chill afternoons with the kids
BBC Proms @ Bristol Beacon
🗓 22–24 August (Family Day: 24 August)
🎻 A weekend of glorious classical music in one of Bristol’s best-sounding venues. Sit back and take in world-class orchestras, uplifting tunes, and a special Sunday Family Jam on the 24th with workshops and relaxed concerts. It’s classical music, but not as you know it.
✅ Great for: culture-hungry families, curious kids, music lovers who want something a bit posh but still fun
Gromit Unleashed 3 Sculpture Trail
🗓 Now until 31 August, across the city
🐶 Bristol’s favourite dog is back – and he’s brought 50+ arty pals with him. Spot Wallace, Gromit and Feathers McGraw in sculpture form across the city, each painted by different artists. Free, fun, and great for selfie-lovers. Cheeeeese, Gromit!
✅ Great for: art-loving families, anyone who needs to burn off ice cream energy, dog lovers
Bristol Aquarium’s World Tour Exhibition
🗓 Until 31 August, Bristol Aquarium
🌍 A summer takeover at the Aquarium with special zones exploring marine life from all around the globe. Big fish, little fish, jellyfish with vibes – and loads of hands-on fun for the kids.
✅ Great for: curious minds, future marine biologists, rainy-day plans
For grown-ups, nights out & city culture…
IDLES Block Party
🗓 1-2 August, Queen Square
🎸 The hometown heroes are back! IDLES set Queen Square alive with their only UK shows of 2025, dubbed the Block Party – marking the first major music event in this iconic central venue in over two decades.
✅ Great for: fans of punk and live music, locals proud to support their hometown band, night owls craving a proper city-center party
Bristol Cider Week & Cider City
🗓 31 July – 3 August, across Bristol
🍎 Tap takeovers, cider tasting trails, DJ sets and a big street party on King Street. Like beer fest, but a bit posher and more apple-based.
✅ Great for: cider enthusiasts, social butterflies, people who can name more than 3 apple varieties
South West Jamaican Independence Day Celebration
🗓 9 August, Lakota
🍗 A celebration of Jamaican culture through music, food, games and dancing. Expect booming basslines, jerk chicken and a lot of good vibes.
✅ Great for: party people, foodies, community vibes and Caribbean beats
Gotobeat Festival
🗓 6 September, Trinity Centre
🎤 A one-day indie & alt-pop festival spotlighting rising UK bands. Promises buzzy sets, craft beer, and the kind of gig you’ll be name-dropping when they hit the big time!
✅ Great for: indie kids (old and new), music lovers, night owls who like their live sets close and loud
Encounters Short Film & Animation Festival
🗓 24–28 September, various venues
🎬 Short films, animations, VR experiences and creative showcases from around the world. Arnolfini, Watershed and Bristol Beacon host the screenings.
✅ Great for: film fans, creative types, anyone who watches the credits on purpose
We hope you like our round-up of 12 events to make your summer in Bristol unforgettable. Whether you’re here for flying pirate ships, jerk chicken or jellyfish, there’s something going on to suit every age and energy level!
Bristol self storage – opening August ’25
