85 brilliant things to do in Bristol in July

FESTIVALS

July 1-31: Bristol Shakespeare Festival, Across Bristol
Volunteers brings fresh new productions of Shakespeare’s plays to some of Bristol’s most beautiful and unusual spaces.
www.bristolshakespeare.org.uk   

July 4-12: Bristol Pride Week, Across Bristol
A celebration of the LGBT community in Bristol. Programming includes film, comedy, talks, a dog show, and parties.
www.pridebristol.co.uk 

July 11: Bristol Pride Day, Castle Park
Bristol Pride week culminates as always with the annual Pride Parade, leading to an outdoor music festival in Castle Park. 
www.pridebristol.co.uk/day 

July 10-12: Americana Festival, Colston Hall
Celebrate the music that grows from deep in the American soil with some of the best-loved roots artists of the last 40 years.
www.colstonhall.org 

July 11-12: Grillstock Festival, Harbourside
The UK’s biggest BBQ and meat festival comes to Bristol Harbourside, carrying in tow magic numbers De La Soul. 
www.grillstock.co.uk/bristol 

July 17-19: Bristol Harbour Festival, Harbourside
Dawn Penn headlines the annual Bristol calendar highlight – which originally began as a protest against road-building.
www.bristolharbourfestival.co.uk 

July 24-26: Bristol Thai Fest, Queen Square
The Bristol Thai Festival celebrates all things Thai, including: Thai massage, dancing, Thai food and a Full Moon party.
www.desythai.com/bristol-thai-festival-2015.html

July 25-27: Upfest, Bedminster and Southville
Street artists come from all over the world to spray Bedminster and Southville, this year venues include a church.
www.upfest.co.uk

EVENTS

July 1: Bristol Pound Celebration Party, The Attic Bar
Celebrate the city’s new notes with live music, a raffle and a chance to swap your sterling.
www.eventbrite.com/e/new-bristol-pounds-celebration-party-tickets-17336908159

Every Thursday in July: Lego Competition, Bag of Nails
Characterful pub holds a Lego competition every Thursday, with beer and glory as the top prize.
www.facebook.com/pages/Bag-of-Nails-Bristol/180172875383888 

July 3-4: Two Wheeled Drive In, departing from Clifton Suspension Bridge
An easy cycle ride to a hidden outdoor screening of Wes Anderson’s The Life Aquatic and Spielberg’s Jaws.
www.twowheeleddrivein.blogspot.co.uk 

July 5: Make Sunday Special, Old City
Corn Street area opens its roads to pedestrians for a day filled with stalls, food and live music.
www.facebook.com/events/1599531046994228 

July 6-31: Shaun in the City Trail, Citywide
70 uniquely adorned Shaun the Sheep statues to be found in locations across Bristol.
www.shauninthecity.org.uk 

July 10: Sunset Specials, Bristol Zoo Gardens
Explore the beautiful grounds after hours with talks, feeds, a live band and refreshments.
www.bristolzoo.org.uk/whats-on/sunset-specials

July 10 –August 31: Sustainable Shaun, Bristol 2015 Lab
An interactive game created by Aardman Animations designed to engage and educate children about green issues.
www.bristol2015.co.uk/get-involved/schools_main 

July 11: Fumble in the Jumble, The Crofters Rights
A special selection of clothes, shoes, odds and ends accompanied by cake and fine craft beer.
www.facebook.com/FumbleJumble 

July 11: Wildplay: Hedgerow Habitats, Portbury Wharf
Explore the secret wildlife of the nature reserve and discover what’s scurrying beneath the hedgerows.
www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk

July 12: Avon Gorge Trip on The Matthew, departing from M Shed
A four hour trip down the river, under the Suspension Bridge and along the Avon Gorge to Pill.
www.matthew.co.uk

July 12:  Cycle Sunday, The Downs
A temporary closure of Circular Road will provide a flat, open route of 3km that cyclists of all ages can enjoy.
www.bristol2015.co.uk/events/cycle-sunday

July 25: Jazz Picnic, Bristol Botanic Gardens
Tour of the gardens with music from Blue Notes Jazz Band with Hannah Wedlock.
www.bristol.ac.uk/botanic-garden 

July 28: The Grand Tour, Departs Bristol Harbour
Not just for the tourists: a chance to gawp at the majesty of Avon Gorge and the rarely navigated New Cut.
www.bristolferry.com/public-trips/grand-tour

July 31: Bristol Zoo’s Big Night Out, Bristol Zoo Gardens
A street food and cocktail-fuelled summer party with comedians, circus acts, live bands and a silent disco.
www.bristolzoo.org.uk/whats-on/big-night-out

COMEDY

8-12 July: Bristol Comedy Garden, Queen Square
Stewart Lee is the standout stand-up amidst this stellar line-up over the Garden’s five nights in Queen Square.
www.bristolcomedygarden.co.uk

July 9: Pride Comedy Night, Bierkeller Theatre
Three of the biggest names in LGBT comedy: Zoe Lyons, Jayde Adams and Joe Sutherland.
www.bierkellertheatre.com

July 13: A Bunch of Japes: Tom Allen
Tom Allen headlines Mark Olver’s weekly new material night.
www.smokeandmirrorsbar.co.uk

July 21-24: Double Deckers Comedy Week, Factory Theatre
Edinburgh Festival preview shows from top comics including Joh Robins, Glenn Woll, Paul Sinha and Mitch Benn.
www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com 

July 22: Improv Jam Night, Bristol Improv Theatre
For people who like to make things up as they go along, Jam Night is an evening of short-form improvisation games.
www.improvtheatre.net/calendar/jam-night-2-2015-07-22  

July 29: Spenser Jones presents The Herbert, The Lazy Dog
Prop comic and New Act of the Year 2015 runner-up brings his silly show to The Lazy Dog.  
www.bristolpunchline.com 

MUSIC

July 1: Frank Fairfield, Café Kino
Self-deprecating Californian fiddler player Frank Fairfield brings his sad, celebratory old-time sounds to the cosy quiet of Kino.
www.cafekinoevents.wordpress.com

July 4: Who Cares? Day Party (St Pauls Festival fundraiser), Coroners Court
Plenty of free parties have popped up in absence of this year’s St Pauls – this one’s the best. 
www.lakota.co.uk/events-tickets/202-who-cares-day-party-st-pauls-fundraiser

July 4: Cubana, Lakota
Caribbean beach party with sets from Foreign Beggars, Plastician, Hatcha & Coki, Jus Now, Donaeo and Royal T. 
www.lakota.co.uk/events-tickets/85-cubana 

July 8: Burt Bacharach, Colston Hall
The songwriter performs his songs penned for the likes of Dusty Springfield, The Carpenters and Neil Diamond.
www.colstonhall.org/shows/burt-bacharach-live-concert

July 11: Hospitality Summer BBQ, Motion
Hospital Records take over the Motion courtyard for a day-till-night drum and bass party.
www.motionbristol.com/event/hospitality-bbq

July 12: Nick Oliveri, The Fleece
Former Queens of the Stone Age bass guitarist Nick Oliveri sheds his rep as the naked guy.
www.thefleece.co.uk/events/nick-oliveri-special-guests 

July 22: Felice Brothers, The Marble Factory
New York’s motley bunch of folksters return for a gig at one of the hottest newer venues in town.
www.motionbristol.com/event/the-felice-brothers

July 25: Goldie & The Heritage Orchestra, Lloyds Amphitheatre
The metal-fanged polymath and D&B icon gives his seminal 1995 LP Timeless are major makeover.
www.colstonhall.org/shows/goldie-and-the-heritage-orchestra

July 27- August 1: Bristol Proms 2015, Bristol Old Vic
From orchestral pub crawls to Beethoven in the dark, there are plenty of unexpected twists to this year’s Bristol Proms.
www.bristololdvic.org.uk/proms2015.html

July 29: The Sonics, 02 Academy
60s garage rock pioneers The Sonics paved the way for punk and changed the sound of rock as we know it.
www.o2academybristol.co.uk/event/75972/the-sonics-tickets 

July 18: Craig Charles Funk & Soul Club, Motion
Actor/poet/DJ/polymath Craig Charles has brought some fine lineups to Bristol and this is one of his best. 
www.motionbristol.com/event/the-craig-charles-funk-soul-club 

July 17: Free Rave Summer Special, Motion
Another Motion free party, this time with drum & bass don Aphrodite (Urban Takeover).
www.motionbristol.com/event/free-rave-summer-special-pt-2

July 25: The Selection, Lakota
Proper-job house party with Hoxton Whores, Craig Brown and Dean Bray.
www.lakota.co.uk/events-tickets/197-the-selection

THEATRE

July 1-11: Pink Mist, Bristol Old Vic
Three young Bristol men deployed to Afghanistan return to the women in their lives.
www.bristololdvic.org.uk/pinkmist.html

July 1-18: Around the World in 80 Days, Tobacco Factory Theatre
Family-friendly peregrinations based on Jules Verne’s famous novel, combining clowning, live music, and storytelling.
www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com/shows/detail/around_the_world_in_80_days

July 7-11: Medusa, Bristol Old Vic Studio  
A child-friendly production of the classic snake-infused Greek Myth.
www.bristololdvic.org.uk/medusa.html

July 9-11: Infinity Pool, Tobacco Factory Theatres
Inspired by Flaubert’s Madame Bovary, a tender comedy about dreaming and upgrading.
www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com

July 11: Mr Stink, Bristol Zoo
David Walliams’ characters come to life in ‘Heartbreak Productions’ heart-warming adaption of Mr Stink for the outdoor stage.
www.bristolzoo.org.uk 

July 11-27: Macbeth, Redcliffe Caves
Murder most foul in the atmospheric gloom of Redcliffe caves, as part of Bristol Shakespeare Festival.
www.theatrebristol.net/whats-on/2015/7/11/macbeth-at-redcliffe-caves-redcliffe-caves-bristol

July 14-August 1: The Very Thought Of You, Tobacco Factory Theatres
Songs and souvenirs of the 1930s heartthrob crooner Al Bowlly.
www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com/shows/detail/the_very_thought_of_you_songs_and_souvenirs_of_al_bowlly 

July 15-25: Ferment Fortnight, Bristol Old Vic
Drama-makers unfurl fresh work in front of a live audience (that’s you) and ask for honest feedback.
www.bristololdvic.org.uk/fermentfortnight.html

July 17-19: The Heist, Alma Tavern Theatre
The final instalment of three-part comedy horror saga.
www.almataverntheatre.co.uk

July 17-20: According to Arthur, Alma Tavern Theatre
An eccentric old man has shut himself away from the world in his attic with only the moon for companionship.
www.almataverntheatre.co.uk

July 20-24: Submarine, Wardrobe Theatre
A Bristol Uni troupe got permission from Richard Ayoade for the first-ever stage adaptation of his quirky, endearing film.
www.thewardrobetheatre.com

July 21-25: Jesus Christ Superstar, Bristol Hippodrome
Yes, the staggeringly successful messiah-milking musical is back.
www.atgtickets.com/shows/jesus-christ-superstar-tickets/bristol-hippodrome

FOOD AND DRINK

Throughout July: Verano Kitchen, Old Bookshop
Pop-up tapas eaterie Verano Kitchen take over the kitchen at Old Bookshop.
www.verano-kitchen.com

July 3: Faulty Towers: The Dining Experience, Radisson Blu Hotel
A fully immersive, improvised comedy theatre show. Enjoy a 3-course meal amid inept and frantic service from Basil, Sybil and Manuel.
www.radissonblu.co.uk/hotel-bristol/hotel-deals/faulty-towers-brszh

July 3: GingerBeards pop-up, Cafe Des Amies
GingerBeards preserves is the first in a series of monthly pop-ups at Cafe Des Amies.
www.gingerbeardspreserves.co.uk

July 4-5: American Beer Festival, Barley Mow
American food, music and, of course, beer at the famous craft beer pub.
www.barleymowbristol.com

July 5: Bee walk, Source Café and Castle Park
A foraging walk with Martin Bailey and Source beekeeper, Quentin Alsop.
www.source-food.co.uk

July 8: Tequila tasting, Weber & Trings
Sample Mezcal and Tequila from Amathus Drinks in an old underground wine cellar.
www.weberandtrings.co.uk/tasting

July 9: Gin Club, Milk Thistle
Gin club returns to take a look at the very important, yet overlooked, tonic.
www.milkthistlebristol.com

July 22: Wild Booze Walk with Andy Hamilton
Stroll along the river Avon and find out which common plants can be turned into booze.
www.theotherandyhamilton.com/2015/05/29/andys-wild-booze-walks

July 24: Rumageddon, The Rummer
Sample some of the worlds most exclusive – and unusual- rums.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/rumageddon-2-rum-harder-tickets-17139583957

July 26: Picton Street BBQ
Bells Diner host a barbeque – friendly for veggies too!
www.bellsdiner.com

July 27-29: All-In Kitchen, presented by PokerStars and Pata Negra
Get your poker face out and gamble for your dinner.
www.billetto.co.uk/events/84695

July 30: Cava tasting, El Rincon
Rumour has is that cava is going extinct – make the most of this cava night at El Rincon.
www.elrinconbar.com

ART

July 2-5: And Then We Pulled The Words Apart, Arnolfini
A collaborative, cross-media exhibition exploring language.
www.arnolfini.org.uk/blog/bristol-art-weekender

July 4-13: Art Forms in Nature: Bristol Museum and Art Gallery
A new show of close-up photography pioneer Karl Blossfeldt’s natural history studies.
www.bristolmuseums.org.uk/bristol-museum-and-art-gallery/whats-on

July 10-25: Clifton Arts Club Open Exhibition, Colston Hall Vaults
The Clifton Arts Club celebrates its 107th annual exhibition at this atmospheric venue.
www.cliftonartsclub.co.uk

July 10-August 8: Weapon of Choice & Two’s Company Present…, Two’s Company Studios
Two’s Company Studios hosts a group show of brand new work from acclaimed street artists.
www.weaponofchoicegallery.co.uk

From July 17: The Bristol Whales, Millennium Square
This temporary art installation depict two whales – the emerging tail of one, and the head and blowhole of the other.
www.bristol2015.co.uk/events/the-bristol-whales 

July 17-29: Human Nature Collective, Centrespace
Human Nature is a collective of artists dedicated to environmental art.
www.centrespacegallery.com

July 18 – November 1: Nature, Camera, Action! M Shed
Explore the challenges wildlife filmmakers and photographers have faced in pursuit of the perfect shot.
www.bristolmuseums.org.uk/m-shed/whats-on/nature-camera-action

July 19: Graffiti Art in Bristol 30^th Anniversary Party, Arnolfini
30 years ago, Arnolfini did a pretty pioneering thing – allowed a graffiti show into their gallery with a show from the Wild Bunch.
www.arnolfini.org.uk/whatson/b-boys-b-girls-break-dancers-wannabes-and-posers-graffiti-art-in-bristol-30th-anniversary

From 31 July: Richard Long: TIME AND SPACE, Arnolfini
A major new exhibition by Bristol-based artist Richard Long, whose work is born out of his engagement with the landscape.
www.bristol2015.co.uk/events/richard-long-time-and-space

FILM

July 2: Double Bill: Electric Boogaloo & The Wild, Untold Story Of Cannon Films, Redgrave Theatre
The new Canon films documentary together with a – chosen by you – Cannon classic.
www.bristolbadfilmclub.co.uk/category/upcoming-screenings

July 6: Fare Thee Well: 50 Years of the Grateful Dead, Cinema De Lux, Vue Cribbs Causeway
Live screening of the Grateful Dead 50th anniversary show – for which half a million people applied for tickets. 
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/film-01/event-cinema/fare-thee-well-50-years-of-the-grateful-dead

July 7-11: The Floating Cinema, Floating Harbour
This extraordinary floating structure, part mobile arts venue, part cinema usually chugs along the waterways of London.
www.floatingcinema.info/events/2015/on-tour

July 16: Two Lane Blacktop, Cube
The screening series hosted by Twentieth Century Flicks continues with this classic existential road movie.
www.cubecinema.com/programme/event/two-lane-blacktop,7932

July 23: Cannoli & Gun, City Deli Bristol
Film and food mash-up is back with a screening of When Harry Met Sally, served with what she had (or what he had).
www.cannoliandgun.co.uk/category/upcoming-events

July 28: All Work All Play: Pursuit of eSports Glory, Vue Cribbs Causeway
A chance to watch loads of nerdy blokes playing videogames, following a documentary about the ‘eSports phenomenon’.
www.myvue.com/latest-movies/info/cinema/bristol-cribbs-causeway/film/all-work-all-play-pursuit-of-esports-glory-live

SPORT

July 4: Family Cycling Event, Avonmouth Community Centre, Avonmouth
A day of fun and games coordinated by Life Cycle.
www.lifecycleuk.org.uk/article/avonmouth-community-centre-hosts-family-cycling-event

July 4 – 5: Bristol Race for Life 5K and 10k, the Downs, Ladies Mile
Run, walk or jog in the event aiming to reduce the number of people diagnosed with cancer.
www.raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org/choose-your-event/bristol.html

July 5: BMX Racing, Bristol BMX Club, Patchway
Up to 200 riders compete in this seriously gnarling racing.
www.bristolbmxclub.com

July 12: Women’s Super League
Bristol Academy Women’s FC seek their season’s first win.
www.bristolacademywfc.co.uk

July 23: Women’s Ashes, Bristol County Ground
Can the England team retain the Ashes? International cricketing glory comes to Bristol.
www.eticketing.co.uk/glosccc/details/event.aspx?itemref=1350

BOOKS

July 10-11: Bristol Premier Fair, Passenger Shed, Temple Meads
Huge book fair visits Bristol for the first time. Thousands of second-hand and antiquarian books in a wide range of topics.
www.pbfa.org/book-fairs/bristol-premier-fair/4288

July 13: Huw Powell, Cotham School
Portishead author reads from Spacejackers: The Lost Sword, the second novel in his new series of books for children.
www.spacejackers.com/events.html

July 13: Novel Writers, Wills Memorial Building
In Who Gets What, Nobel Prize-winning economist Alvin Roth uncovers the global rules of the marketplace and matchmaking.
www.ideasfestival.co.uk/events/alvin-roth

July 16: Novel Nights, The Lansdown, Clifton
This instalment of the monthly authors’ and readers’ night is devoted to Young Adult fiction.
www.foyles.co.uk/events