136 things to do in Bristol in August 2017

ART

To August 10: A Dime a Dozen, THAT Art Gallery
Solo exhibition by Kedals, a “painter of the sometimes absurd, re-situating themes and popular imagery in a variety of mediums.”
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/art/exhibition/a-dime-a-dozen-kedals-bristol/

To September 3: Air: Visualising the Invisible in British Art 1768-2017, Royal West of England Academy
Celebrating British art’s rich tradition of finding inspiration in the skies above us and the air that we breathe.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/art/exhibition/air-visualising-the-invisible-in-british-art-1768-2017-bristol/

To September 17: Maeve Brennan: The Drift, Spike Island
Major new film commission traces the shifting economies of objects in contemporary Lebanon via three main characters.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/art/exhibition/maeve-brennan-the-drift-spike-island-lebanon-bristol/

To September 10: Alternative Visions: Undiscovered Art in the South West, Bristol Museum and Art Gallery
Frank, emotive and vibrant work by 20 undiscovered artists from across the region.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/art/exhibition/alternative-visions-undiscovered-art-south-west/

August 8-Oct 11: Latte Leninism, The Vestibules, City Hall
Artist Martha Kelsey explores ‘champagne socialism’ in modern Russia, via paintings, prints and drawings.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/art/exhibition/latte-leninism-saint-petersburg-bristol/

August 8-Oct 15: People are Strange (and Other Forms), HERE Gallery
Posters, screen prints and zines by artist Marko, fusing modernist abstraction with a contemporary graphic sensibility.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/art/exhibition/people-strange-forms/

August 11-16: Someplace, Centrespace
Fifteen artists from the region ask: How does our sense of place influence our perception of space?
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/art/exhibition/someplace-centrespace-bristol/

August 12-Sept 2: Paul Needles: Moments, Bristol Guild Gallery
Accomplished Bristol landscape painter and former art teacher explores the land- and seascapes of Britain and Spain.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/art/landscape-painting/paul-needles-moments-bristol-guild/

To June 2018: Radical Clay, Bristol Museum and Art Gallery
Showcasing the work of world-famous potters that were lent to Bristol schools 50 years ago.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/art/exhibition/radical-clay-janet-leach-bristol/

BOOKS

August 9: Spotlight, Crofters Rights
Raise the Bar and Milk Poetry’s extended open mic with special guest, Samantha Boarer.
www.facebook.com/events/1944722195799316

August 10: Alastair Sawday, Stanfords
Environmental campaigner and publisher shares his experiences and explores the value of travel.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/an-evening-with-alastair-sawday-tickets-35958876969

August 17: Buddy Wakefield, All Hallows Hall
Three-time spoken word world champion on UK tour, with support from Bristol’s Rebecca Tantony.
www.ents24.com/bristol-events/all-hallows-hall/buddy-wakefield/5071517

August 24: Julian Sayerer, Stanfords
The journalist introduces his award-winning chronicle of a coast-to-coast hitchhike across America.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-hitchhike-through-american-politics-an-evening-with-julian-sayarer-tickets-32583513165

August 30: Poetry in the Pond, The Cross Hands Fishponds
Fishponds’ regular poetry night returns with special guest Sam Smith plus an open mic.
www.facebook.com/groups/914861881912474

CLUBS

August 4: Coyote Records Bristol: Mssngno, Crofter’s Rights
R&B and rave meld at London selector Mssngno’s touch. Part of Coyote’s birthday celebrations.
www.facebook.com/events/1462988867072555/

August 4: BRSTL, Cosies
Dirtytalk’s Bob Needham heads up some fine DJs including Noods’ Simon G and Housework’s Daisy Moon.
www.facebook.com/events/1453955884660586/

August 4: Krupted 1st birthday bash, Blue Mountain
Get ready for two rooms of the most nuts drum and bass about.
www.headfirstbristol.co.uk/#date=2017-08-04&event_id=39342

August 5: B.Please! Summer Party, Motion
Chicago house don The Black Madonna headlines this big bitchy birthday bash.
www.residentadvisor.net/event.aspx?969927

August 5: Bang August, To the Moon
A lo-fi party playing indie, glam, new wave, punk, post punk, and more.
www.headfirstbristol.co.uk/#date=2017-08-05&event_id=39904

August 11: Greenhouse Effect 002, Crofters Rights
Take to the back room to take in the talents of NOIRE, James Henry and Luce.
www.headfirstbristol.co.uk/whats-on/crofters-rights/fri-11-aug-greenhouse-effect-002-39785

August 12: Bodynod 10-year Anniversary, Motion
Ten years of Bristol’s Bodynod calls for a pretty special event.
www.facebook.com/events/1258522397595911

August 12: Cosmic Soul Collective x Washing Machine, The Volunteer Tavern
Tis’ the season for a thousand day parties so here’s one featuring music, art and vibes.
www.gb.eventbu.com/bristol/cosmic-soul-collective-x-washing-machine-soundsystem-day-party/4659529

August 18: Musu Terrace Party ft. Pender Street Steppers, Colston Hall
Musu is two, so they’re having a party on the glorious Colston Hall terrace.
www.colstonhall.org/shows/terrace-sessions-musu/

August 18: Children of the Sun w/ Noods Radio, The Gallimaufry
Friday night selections of dusty hip hop, mellow jazz, world rhythms, electronic soul & lo-fi house.
www.headfirstbristol.co.uk/#date=2017-08-18&event_id=39959

August 25: BASILICA presents LAMONT & co., Crofters Rights
Stokes Croft will be bouncing with BASILICA at the helm of this midsummer night.
www.headfirstbristol.co.uk/#date=2017-08-25&event_id=39703

COMEDY

August 2: Twenty Years of Teaching. One Angry Rant, Alma Tavern Theatre
Comic Pete K. Mally draws on his twenty years at the front of the class.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/comedy/social-commentary/twenty-years-of-teaching-one-angry-rant-bristol/

August 3: Show & Tell, Wardrobe Theatre
Return of the comedy and open-mic night with a difference.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/comedy/stand-up/show-tell/

August 7: Kate Lucas, Smoke and Mirrors
Rising comic who laces her sets with some nicely dark and/or bawdy songs.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/comedy/stand-up/a-bunch-of-japes-smoke-and-mirrors-bristol/

August 11: No Scrubs, Bristol Improv Theatre
Alternative comedy night, inspired by the legendary comic variety shows from Chicago and New York.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/comedy/improvised/no-scrubs-bristol-improv-theatre/

August 14: Nick Page, Smoke and Mirrors
Work-in-progress set from the former TV property show presenter.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/comedy/stand-up/a-bunch-of-japes-smoke-and-mirrors-bristol/

August 19: Stand Up and Boogie, Riproar
Saturday nights at Riproar, tonight featuring 2010 South West New Act of the Year Luke Honnoraty.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/comedy/stand-up/stand-up-and-boogie-bristol/

August 21: Phil Chapman, Smoke and Mirrors
Another work-in-progress show, this time from a solid circuit comic with a decade’s performing under his belt.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/comedy/stand-up/a-bunch-of-japes-smoke-and-mirrors-bristol/

August 25-26: Jongleurs Comedy Club, Pryzm
This weekend Jongleurs welcomes the supremely likeable and formerly Bristol-based comic James Dowdeswell.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/comedy/stand-up/jongleurs-comedy-club-2-bristol/

August 28: Dan Thomas, Smoke and Mirrors
Sharp, upbeat comic and compere road tests new material.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/comedy/stand-up/a-bunch-of-japes-smoke-and-mirrors-bristol/

 

EVENTS

July 31-August 4: Circomedia summer school, Kingswood
A full week of circus classes designed to hone your skills and build strength.
www.circomedia.com/

August 2: Written in Bone, M Shed
A creative writing event for teenagers linked with the Skeletons: Our Buried Bones exhibition.
www.bristolmuseums.org.uk/m-shed/whats-on/written-in-bone/

August 2: National Play Day, College Green This free day-long play event returns to Bristol for its fifteenth year.
www.playday.org.uk/playday-events/bristol-playday/

August 3: Wild works of art, Bristol Zoo
An arts and craft day at Bristol Zoo, perfect for younger children.
www.bristolzoo.org.uk/whats-on/wild-works-of-art

August 4: Bristol 2Gether for Grenfell, The Trinity Centre
A charity event to raise money to support families affected by the Grenfell Tower fire.
www.3ca.org.uk/whats-on/2017/4-bristol-2gether-for-grenfell

August 5: National Stitch Day 2017, Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
Join Bristol Embroiderers’ Guild to make a stitched bird of your own, using our collection as inspiration.
www.bristolmuseums.org.uk/bristol-museum-and-art-gallery/whats-on/national-stitch-day/

August 5-6 & 19-20: Rides: Crane rides, M Shed
Experience a working crane on the dockside with trips inside the electric cranes and the Fairbairn steam crane.
www.bristolmuseums.org.uk/m-shed/whats-on/crane-trips/

August 6: Bristol’s Burning! 1831 Riots, M Shed
Explore the sites on this walking tour and learn about the causes and consequences of the citywide riots of 1831.
www.bristolmuseums.org.uk/m-shed/whats-on/bristols-burning-1831-riots/

August 12: Beekeeping taster day, University of Bristol Botanic Garden
Discover what it takes to be a beekeeper.
www.bristol.ac.uk/botanic-garden/events/2017/beekeeping-taster-day.html

August 13: Introduction to graffiti – workshop and tour, Hamilton House
A guided graffiti tour followed by a hands-on workshop creating two pieces with spray paint and markers.
www.hamiltonhouse.org/event/introduction-to-graffiti/2017-08-13

August 13: A kid’s restaurant, Coexist Community Kitchen at Hamilton House
A workshop for 5-16 year-olds to become a chef for a day and cook a meal for their family and guests.
www.hamiltonhouse.org/event/a-kids-restaurant/

August 16: Acting History, M Shed
A creative one-day workshop for teenagers looking to hone their acting skills.
www.bristolmuseums.org.uk/m-shed/whats-on/acting-history/

August 18-28: Playback, The Arnolfini
Young filmmakers showcase their work at an exhibition at The Arnolfini.
www.arnolfini.org.uk/whatson/playback

August 19: Burlesque Wonderland presents: Cirque du Burlesque, Fleece
Roll up, roll up – a flamboyant and exciting burlesque night awaits you.
www.thefleece.co.uk/events/burlesque-wonderland-presents-cirque-du-burlesque

August 19-22: Daughters of Igbo woman, The Georgian House Museum
African writers respond to Bristol’s transatlantic slavery legacy by evoking the voices of three generations of women.
www.bristolmuseums.org.uk/georgian-house-museum/whats-on/daughters-igbo-woman

August 21-26: I the poet. You the poet, SPACE
An exhibition that hopes to change perspectives regarding poetry.
www.theislandbristol.com/event/i-the-poFet-you-the-poet

August 28: It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia pub quiz, The Fleece
Fans of TV series It’s Always Sunny are in for a treat with a quiz dedicated to the comedy.
www.thefleece.co.uk/events/always-sunny-pub-quiz/

FESTIVALS

August 4-6: Valley fest, Chew Valley Lake
Local festival committed to good food, good music and fun for all the family.
www.valleyfest.co.uk

August 5-6: Redfest, Church Road
Festival in the community, for the community, by the community, returning to its roots for 2017.
www.redfestbristol.co.uk

August 6: Islamic Cultural Fayre, Eastville Park
One of the local calendar’s largest free festivals, featuring food, a funfair and live music.
www.facebook.com/IslamicCulturalFayre

Aug 10-13: Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, Ashton Court Estate
Europe’s largest annual meeting of hot air balloons.
www.bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk

August 17-19: ArcTanGent, North Somerset
Spiritual home for lovers of leftfield music.
www.arctangent.co.uk

Aug 19-20: Sportbeat, Gloucester
A mixture of music and sport, plus many other attractions and something for all the family.
www.sportbeatfest.com

Aug 25-27: Stroud Fringe Festival, Stroud
2017 marks the 21st birthday of the Stroud Fringe Festival, offering a programme of music, comedy and literature.
www.stroudfringe.co.uk

 

FILM

August 1: Williams + Q&A: Vue, Cribbs Causeway
Documentary about one of formula one’s most celebrated families, followed by a Q&A.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/film/event-cinema/williams-qa/

August 2: Met Opera Summer Encores: Carmen, Everyman
One of the most commercially successful operas. Elīna Garanča plays the famous temptress.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/film/event-cinema/met-opera-summer-encores-carmen/

August 3: Glyndebourne: La Clemenza di Tito, Various Cinemas
Mozart’s rarely performed and final opera is beamed into cinemas live from Glyndebourne.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/film/event-cinema/glyndebourne-la-clemenza-di-tito/

August 4-10: A Bugs Life, various cinemas
The classic animation returns to the big screen for Watershed’s Bugs on Film season.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/film/family/a-bugs-life/

August 6: Coal Miner’s Daughter, Watershed
Biographical film concerning country star Loretta Lynn launches Watershed’s music biopic season.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/film/drama/coal-miners-daughter/

August 8: Met Opera Summer Encores: Macbeth, Everyman
Verdi’s retelling of Shakespeare’s classic will help begin the Met Summer Encore season.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/film/event-cinema/met-opera-summer-encores-macbeth/

August 8: Bristol Bad Film Club: The Search for Weng Weng + director Q&A, Bristol Improv Theatre
Bizarre documentary telling the story of a dwarf actor known as ‘the Filipino James Bond’.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/film/documentary/bristol-bad-film-club-the-search-for-weng-weng-director-qa/

August 9: RSC Live: Titus Andronicus, various cinemas
RSC’s live version of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy is on for one night only.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/film/event-cinema/rsc-live-titus-andronicus/

August 10: Shin Godzilla, Showcase Cinema De Lux
The king of monsters returns for his 31st cinematic outing.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/film/fantasy/shin-godzilla/

August 11: An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power + Al Gore satellite Q&A, various cinemas
Long-awaited sequel to David Guggenheim’s Oscar-winning 2006 documentary.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/film/documentary/an-inconvenient-sequel-truth-to-power-al-gore-satellite-qa/

August 16: Met Opera Summer Encores: Les Pecheurs de Perles, Everyman
Bizet’s masterpiece returns to the metropolitan opera for the first time in a century.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/film/event-cinema/met-opera-summer-encores-les-pecheurs-de-perles/

August 17: Global Premiere: To the Moon and Back + Q&A, Triodos Foundation
Documentary concerning the founder of the animal welfare movement Animals Asia, Jill Robinson.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/film/documentary/global-premiere-to-the-moon-and-back-qa/

August 18-28: Playback: Touring Festival, Arnolfini
This touring exhibition showcases the work of more than 200 emerging 16-24-year-old artists and filmmakers.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/film/art-house/playback-touring-festival/

August 22: Royal Opera House Encore: Il Trovatore, Everyman
Verdi’s famously bombastic and implausible opera appears at the Everyman in late August.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/film/event-cinema/royal-opera-house-encore-il-trovatore/

August 23: Cult Screens: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Bristol Zoo Gardens
Experience a bit of magic in the city as Cult Screens’ outdoor screenings opens at Bristol Zoo.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/film/fantasy/fantastic-beasts-and-where-to-find-them/

August 24: Cult Screens: Leon, Bristol Zoo Gardens
Hitman and child are thrown together in Luc Besson‘s stylish first American thriller from 1994.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/film/thriller/cult-screens-leon/

August 25: Cult Screens: Pretty Woman, Bristol Zoo Gardens
Julia Roberts and Richard Gere star in this cult romantic classic, set in 90’s Los Angeles.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/film/romance/cult-screens-pretty-woman/

August 26: Cult Screens: The Lost Boys, Bristol Zoo Gardens
This campy vampire film from the eighties is worth a watch if you fancy a laugh.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/film/horror/cult-screens-the-lost-boys/

August 27: Cult Screens: La La Land, Bristol Zoo Gardens
Cult Screens’ Bristol stint ends with this bit of pure Hollywood romance.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/film/musical/la-la-land/

August 29: Terminator 2: Judgment Day 3D, various cinemas
Arnie returns in glorious 3D in this hammy 90’s classic.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/film/science-fiction/terminator-2-judgment-day-3d/

August 31: Public House + director Q&A, Cube
Documentary showing the little people standing up to big business, preserving a community mainstay.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/film/documentary/public-house-director-qa/

August 31: National Theatre Live: Yerma, various cinemas
Reimagining of Lorca’s play concerning a woman who cannot conceive, starring the acclaimed Billie Piper.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/film/event-cinema/national-theatre-live-yerma/

August 31: Bristol Bad Film Club: Night of the Lepus, Windmill Hill City Farm
Attack of the rabbits! This 1972 horror flick attempts to turn lovable bunnies into carnivorous killers.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/film/horror/bristol-bad-film-club-night-of-the-lepus/

 

FOOD & DRINK

August 4 & 5: Sausage & Cider Festival, Passenger Shed
Sample real ciders from artisan producers, with food stalls selling a variety of sausages.
www.sausageandciderfestival.co.uk/festivals/BRISTOL

August 4 & 5: For Mice and Men pop-up, Moor Beer Tap Room
Famously good grilled cheese sandwiches, made with Mark’s Bread and handcrafted butter.
www.moorbeer.co.uk

August 4: Rebirth launch with John Keeling and Justin Hawke, The Old Fish Market
This Fullers/Moor Beer collaboration has created a flavoursome beer with a modern twist.
www.facebook.com/events/RebirthLaunch

August 5: The Prosecco Bus
Foozie partner up with Scavi & Ray Scavi & Ray on board the ‘Bubble Decker’.
www.foozie.co.uk/event/prosecco-bus-scavi-ray/

August 5: Distillers table – honey, Psychopomp
Enjoy truly unique drinks made with Psychopomp’s gins – this month inspired by the theme of honey.
www.microdistillery.co.uk/events/

August 6: Bristol Pudding Society, Bristol Spirit
Four individual puddings will each have a suggested cocktail pairing made with Espensen Spirit.
www.facebook.com/BristolPuddingSociety

August 7-12: Food & Drink Week, Watershed
Featuring champagne and rum tasting, a pop-up restaurant, an immersive dining event and more.
www.watershed.co.uk/whatson/season/409/watershed-food-drink-week

August 9: Agricole rum tasting, Weber & Tring’s
Compare two rums from Martinique, Rum JM and Clement, to Barcelo from the Dominican Republic.
www.weberandtrings.co.uk/tasting/

August 11 & 12: Murray May/Tsukemono pop-up, Moor Beer Tap Room
The self-proclaimed ‘best kebab in Bristol’ alongside delicious Japanese food.
www.moorbeer.co.uk

August 12: Summer brewhouse session #3, Lost & Grounded
Burning Sky Beer share the beery love, with food from Little Taquero and vinyl records spun by Joe James.
www.facebook.com/events/108777736447041/

August 12: Good Chemistry is two, Good Chemistry
Expect comfy sofas, good food, DJs and of course freshly poured Good Chemistry beers.
www.goodchemistrybrewing.co.uk/events/

August 17: Get Your Rocks Off, Floating Harbour Studios
Explore one of the hot topics in the wine world right now: wine grown on volcanic soils.
www.fugapresentsrocksoff.eventbee.com

August 18 & 19: Honest Burgers pop-up, Moor Beer Tap Room
The debut Bristol pop-up for these Londoners, ahead of the opening of their own restaurant later in the year.
www.moorbeer.co.uk

August 19: 6 O’Clock Gin Bus
Guests will be treated to four gin cocktails and G&Ts over the course of the two-hour journey.
www.foozie.co.uk/event/6-oclock-gin-bus-3/

August 19 & 20: Espresso Fest, The Passenger Shed
A festival devoted to all things coffee which is also hosting the final of the UK Barista Championships.
www.scaeuk.com

August 22: Tom Brown tasting event, The Pony & Trap
Head chef at Michelin starred Outlaw’s at The Capital takes the guest spot.
www.theponyandtrap.co.uk/news/Tom-Brown-tasting-event-22nd-August

August 23: Bourbon Workshop, Weber & Tring’s
A side-by-side tasting of a number of bourbons led by Jules Kelly, Amathus Drinks ambassador.
www.weberandtrings.co.uk/tasting/

August 26: Autumn gin launch, Psychopomp
A party at the St Michael’s Hill micro-distillery where you can enjoy the first taste the new autumn gin.
www.microdistillery.co.uk/events

August 26 & 27: East Bristol Brewery Trail, various venues
Arbor, Dawkins, Good Chemistry, Left Handed Giant and Moor once again join forces.
www.facebook.com/events/679436985595619

August 27: Bank Holiday barbecue, Bambalan
A big, family-friendly, all-you-can-eat barbecue on the terrace, accompanied by DJs.
www.bambalan.co.uk

August 30: Wine tasting – Rhone Valley and the Languedoc, Averys
Discover some reds perfect for the end of the barbecue season and whites with body and richness.
www.averys.com/product/Rhone-Valley-and-the-Languedoc

August 31: Gin Club, Milk Thistle
Learn about Beefeater gin and taste three Beefeater cocktails accompanied by light nibbles.
www.milkthistlebristol.com/gin-club-with-beefeater-gin/

August 31: Psychopomp dinner, Box-E
An end of summer / hello autumn six-course tasting menu with paired Psychopomp cocktails.
www.boxebristol.com

August 31: Whisky Club, Hyde & Co
A tutored tasting featuring Chivas whiskies made in the oldest working distillery in the world.
www.hydeand.co/chivas-whiskey-club/

 

MUSIC

August 1: King Ayisoba / Eric Chenaux / Yama Warashi, Crofter’s Rights
He’s called the king for a reason. Participate in kologo punk-dance party.
www.headfirstbristol.co.uk/#date=2017-08-01&event_id=39685

August 1: SJ Esau, The Gallimaufry
Experimental techniques and individualistic songwriting bind to create manic psych-pop.
www.headfirstbristol.co.uk/#date=2017-08-01&event_id=39949

August 2: The Death of Pop, Crofter’s Rights
Janglegaze outfit out of London. FFO Mac Demarco and swaying. Honeymoons support.
www.facebook.com/events/306468163115058/

August 2: Bad Religion, O2 Academy
Still around and still angry, these are the OGs of super political punk.
www.academymusicgroup.com/o2academybristol/events/947136/bad-religion-tickets

August 5: Kate Nash, O2 Academy
You’ve seen her tussle on Netflix’s Glow, now see her on her flashback Foundations tour.
www.academymusicgroup.com/o2academybristol/events/953698/kate-nash-tickets

August 6: Elder, The Fleece
‘All heavy, no filler’ is Elder’s motto, and who are we to disagree? Headbangers welcome.
www.thefleece.co.uk/events/elder/

August 11: Leisure Recs: LEECHES + No Violet + Dolce Vita, The Old England Pub
Three noisy bands: pop-rockers LEECHES, math rockers No Violet, and psych-punk supergroup Dolce Vita.
www.facebook.com/events/1366934223385856/

August 11: Wolf Eyes / Shitmat / Guttersnipe, Exchange
Alien screams off Guttersnipe, alarming hyper-beats from Bristol’s Shitmat, and doomy noise from Wolf Eyes.
www.facebook.com/events/458564831146981/

August 13: The Flaming Lips, Colston Hall
Collab with Miley Cyrus notwithstanding, these eccentrics continue to produce incredible, influential music. Expect new material.
www.colstonhall.org/shows/the-flaming-lips/

August 17: Electric Wizard/Angel Witch, Bierkeller
Jus Oborn’s veteran doom crew were last in town headlining the 2014 Temples Festival.
www.bierkellerlive.info/electric-wizard.html

August 17: Lambchop, The Trinity Centre
A subtle, soulful and ambitious alt-country outfit out of Tennessee.
www.3ca.org.uk/whats-on/2017/lambchop

August 18: Kate Stapley, The Louisiana
Kate Stapley, Daniela Dyson, Nicholson Heal and Salvation Bill share a rammed evening of wonder.
www.headfirstbristol.co.uk/#date=2017-08-18&event_id=40047

August 20: Lonely Robot, Thekla
The prog gig of the month, featuring multi-instrumentalist and former It Bites frontman John Mitchell.
www.theklabristol.co.uk/live/830/lonely-robot

August 22: Holy F*ck + Scalping, The Lantern
Toronto electronic genii Holy F*ck to prove that they have that name for a reason.
www.colstonhall.org/shows/holy-f-ck/

August 27: Suffocation, Bierkeller
The Long Island veterans pretty much laid down the technical death metal template in 1991.
www.bierkellerlive.info/suffocation.html

28 August: Alex Cameron, The Louisiana
‘Sydney’s most literate songwriter’ hits Bristol with a weird pop extravaganza.
www.facebook.com/events/239403669893305/

August 31: Magnetic Fields, Colston Hall
One half of fifty songs played one night and then the next. Cheers to Stephin Merritt.
www.colstonhall.org/shows/magnetic-fields-50-song-memoir

 

SPORT

August 14: England U19 vs India U19, Brightside Ground
Bristol will play host to the fourth One Day International, as the England U19s try to bowl over India.
www.gloscricket.co.uk/cricket/fixtures-results

August 19: Portishead Sprint Triathlon, Portishead
Swim in the lido, cycle a hilly route around the local area and run along the coastal path.
www.dbmax.co.uk/events/portishead-sprint-triathlon-august

August 19: Bristol Grand Prix, city centre
The thrills of high-quality circuit cycle racing in the heart of Bristol.
www.bristolgrandprix.com

August 19-20: Tough Mudder & Tough Mudder Half, Badminton, South Glos
10 miles, 20 obstacles. Assemble a team and be happy as pigs in mud.
www.toughmudder.co.uk/events/2017-south-west

August 20: HSBC UK City Ride Bristol, city centre
Thousands of cyclists will take to the streets of Bristol to rediscover the joy of cycling.
www.media.letsride.co.uk/Bristol

 

THEATRE

August 2-5: T***k You, St Brendan’s Sixth Form College Theatre
Bristol Old Vic Young Company explore the relationship between youth and power with this newly devised show.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/theatre/st-brendans-sixth-form-college-performing-arts-academy/tk-you-bristol-old-vic-young-company/

August 3-4: Excellence & The Rest of Us, Alma Tavern Theatre
Chippenham’s Noonday Demons present two “brief, bilious, occasionally bloody one-acters.”
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/theatre/new-writing/excellence-the-rest-of-us-bristol/

August 4-5: Blooming Out, Wardrobe Theatre
Nos Theatre’s clown show “explores in a light and comic way some of the most intriguing moments in the feminine universe.”
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/theatre/clowning/blooming-out-bristol-clowning/

August 7-12: Sister Act, Hippodrome
All-new production of the hit musical comedy, starring Alexandra Burke (The X Factor, The Bodyguard).
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/theatre/musical-comedy/sister-act-bristol/

August 9-12: The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk, Bristol Old Vic
Kneehigh and Bristol Old Vic’s richly theatrical retelling of the lives of Marc and Bella Chagall.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/theatre/marc-chagall/the-flying-lovers-of-vitebsk-bristol-old-vic-kneehigh-marc-chagall/

August 14-19: Side by Side by Sondheim, Hippodrome
Sondheim’s greatest-hits musical revue enjoys a five-night run at the Hippodrome’s Piano Bar.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/theatre/musical/side-by-side-by-sondheim-bristol/

August 20: Story Slam, Wardrobe Theatre
Popular story slam invites audience members to share true stories from their lives.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/theatre/storytelling/story-slam-bristol/

August 21-September 3: Treasure Island story walk, meet Merchant Venturers’ Almshouses
The brilliant Show of Strength retrace the Bristol footsteps of Trelawney, Silver et al.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/theatre/show-of-strength/treasure-island-story-walk-show-of-strength-bristol/

August 23-25: Beethoven’s 4 Seasons with Wild Words, Wardrobe Theatre
Bristol storytellers Wild Words present this new story for children aged 6+ and their families.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/theatre/childrens-theatre/beethovens-4-seasons-wild-words/

August 28-Sept 2: Great Expectations, Alma Tavern Theatre
Local Oooh Arrr Productions return to the Alma with their new adaptation of the Dickens classic.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/theatre/local-company/great-expectations-bristol/

August 29-Sept 3: Noisy Holiday, Wardrobe Theatre
Kid Carpet and his Noisy Animals present a brand new adventure for ages 3-8 and their families.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/theatre/childrens-theatre/kid-carpet-noisy-holiday/

 

Top image: Bristol Balloon Fiesta, by Paul Box

Browse our full What’s On listings for even more events throughout August