88 things to do in Bristol in July

ART

Until September 11: Jamaican Pulse, RWA
Showcasing the extraordinary diversity of Jamaican art, with both contemporary and historical works.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/art-01/exhibitions/jamaican-pulse-bristol

July 5-17: Cheo, Tobacco Factory
Famous for his bug-eyed bees on his work, street artist Cheo will be putting up a solo exhibition spanning his full body of work.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/culture/art/previews/preview-cheo-at-the-tobacco-factory-bristol 

July 9-September 8: Isle of Slingers, Spike Island
British artist Stuart Whipps presents his largest, most comprehensive exhibition to date.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/art-01/exhibitions/stuart-whipps-isle-of-slingers-bristol

July 12-18: The Gutterman Art Exhibition, Hamilton House
Cartoon-style paintings by former UWE animation student Pamela Legg.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/art-01/exhibitions/the-gutterman-art-exhibition-bristol

July 22-24: The Other Art Fair, Arnolfini
Emerging and undiscovered artists get their day in the sun – a chance to meet and buy from tomorrow’s big stars.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/art-01/art-fair/the-other-art-fair-bristol

July 23-30: Bristol Beats & Bass!, The Island
Fine artist Michele Curtis presents this series of portraits celebrating Bristol’s Afro-Caribbean sound system pioneers.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/art-01/exhibitions/bristol-beats-and-bass

CLUBS

July 2: Hospitality, Motion
All-day outdoor session with the drum & bass mega-brand. London Elektricity, Fred V and Grafix, Lynx and more.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/music-01/clubs/hospitality

July 9: Carnival of Peace, Love and Unity, Old Crown Courts
Old skool, acid, jungle and techno with Rat Pack, Slipmatt, Chris Liberator and six-time world snooker champion Steve Davis.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/music-01/clubbing/carnival-of-peace-love-and-unity

July 16: Apex Courtyard Summer Party, Motion
Party all afternoon and into the wee hours of the morning at this soiree held in Motion’s own courtyard.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/music-01/clubbing/apex-courtyard-summer-party

July 21: DJ Shadow, Marble Factory
The pioneer of experimental instrumental hip-hop spins his records live with a smattering of very special guests.
www.marblefactorybristol.com/event/dj-shadow-plus-special-guests/

July 23: Sequences, Motion
An ambitious new outdoor festival from The Blast with a lineup including Mala, Noisia, Novelist and Machinedrum.
www.motionbristol.com/event/sequencesfestival/

July 23: Alternate, Lakota
Al fresco session headlined by Mancunian hip-hop collective, The Mouse Outfit. Line up includes, The Heatwave, Randall, Solo Banton and more.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/alternate-summer-day-party-lakota-coroners-courtyards-tickets-25162771527?aff=ebrowse

COMEDY

Until July 3: Bristol Comedy Garden, Queen Square
The remaining comedians include Katherine Ryan, Rob Delaney, Doc Brown, Seann Walsh and Al Murray.
www.ristolcomedygarden.co.uk

July 4: A Bunch of Japes, Smoke and Mirrors
Weekly comedy night, featuring Edinburgh performers Steven Bugeja and Pete Otway, supported by local and touring comedians.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/comedy-01/standup/a-bunch-of-japes-bristol

July 7: Pride Comedy, Bierkeller
Pride Comedy returns with a stellar lineup of LGBT+ comedians including Jayde Adams, Hannah Brackenbury and Sam Lake.
www.bristolpride.co.uk/comedy/

July 10: Oppo Comedy, The Portcullis
Edinburgh previews from two fine, slightly leftfield comics, James Acaster and Will Duggan.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/comedy-01/standup/oppo-comedy-james-acaster-will-duggan

July 11-15: Bristol Punchline, The Greenbank
Week-long celebration of alternative comedy, featuring award-winning comedians Josie Long, Nish Kumar, Danielle Ward and more.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/comedy-01/standup/comedy-at-the-greenbank-adam-hess-bristol?time=1456876800

July 18-19: Shaedates: Or How I Learned to Love Myself
In this Edinburgh Fringe preview, Shaelee Rooke performs her signature imaginative comedy in this one-woman show.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/theatre-01/comedy/shaedates-or-how-i-learned-to-love-myself-bristol

July 24: Oppo Comedy, The Portcullis
A double bill of plain-talkin’ comics, featuring Aussie expat Brendon Burns and rising comic Suzi Ruffell.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/comedy-01/standup/oppo-comedy-suzi-ruffell-brendon-burns-bristol?time=1469314800

July 27: Lloyd Langford & Jimmy McGhie, Tobacco Factory
Part of a week of double feature comedy shows, British comics each perform brand new sets for an hour of comedy each.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/comedy-01/standup/lloyd-langford-jimmy-mcghie-bristol

July 31: Giggle, Bristol Zoo
Nish Kumar, Sally-Anne Hayward and more will help raise money for conservation projects around the world.
www.bristolzoo.org.uk/whats-on/giggle

EVENTS

July 1: Bike Night, Redgrave Theatre
The hugely popular Bike Night, hosted by Dan Milner and guaranteed to make you ‘laugh, cry and head for the bar!’
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/film-01/documentary/kendal-mountain-festival-bike-night?time=1467327600

July 1-10: Pride Week, various locations
Events taking place across the city all week culminating in the festival on July 9.
www.bristolpride.co.uk/week/

July 2: We Make Bristol, Methodist Church Westbury-on-Trym 
Changing Bristol’s perception of hand-made peices from local Bristol artists
www.facebook.com/events/1078877818821082/

July 2: St. Paul’s Carnival Grass Roots Pt 2, Malcolm X Community Centre
Fun and vibrant celebration of Afrikan Caribbean culture, with a diverse range of Djs, performances, food and craft stalls.
www.facebook.com/events/203231083409369/

July 2 – 25 September: Story of Children’s Television, M-Shed
The exhibition traces the history of children’s television from 1946 to today
www.bristolmuseums.org.uk/m-shed/whats-on/childrens-television/

July 8: Sunset Special, Bristol Zoo
Bristol Zoo’s Sunset Specials are back and offering visitors to see the Zoo’s resident animals during their most active hours.
bristolzoo.org.uk/whats-on/sunset-specials

July 15-16: Bristol Book Fair, The Passenger Shed
Bringing together dealers in rare, vintage and second-hand books, maps, manuscripts and prints, this fair is an absolute treasure trove for book lovers.
www.pbfa.org/book-fairs/bristol-premier-fair/4909

July 23: Summer Street Party, Gloucester Road
Nailsea Electrical are taking over Gloucester Road with their free street party with over 30 food and drink stalls.
www.facebook.com/events/239239453111740/

July 24: Make Sunday Special, Old City
Fun and family friendly programme of events and activites in Bristol city centre and beyond
www.bristol.gov.uk/museums-parks-sports-culture/make-sunday-special

July 25 – 4 September: Gromit Unleashed, Grand Appeal shop
Award winning Gromit Unleashed trail is back in Bristol for a special summer exhibition
www.gromitunleashed.org.uk/news/gromit-comes-home-bristol

July 30: Bristol Dogs Unite, Just for Pets
Summer walk to raise money for Guide Dogs charity, there will be doggy paddling pool and dog iced treats for after the walk.
www.guidedogs.org.uk/dogs-unite/find-events/bristol-dogs-unite

FESTIVALS

July 2-3: Backwell Festival, Backwell Junior School
A not-for-profit festival, offering an electic lineup and promoting good food, creativity and art.
www.backwellfestival.co.uk

July 2-3: Grillstock, Harbourside
Come for the barbecue, hot dog eating contests, craft beer and massive grilling contest; stay for The Stranglers and other top-tier music acts.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/festival/news-5/bristol-festivals/grillstock-announces-lineup

July 9: Bristol Pride Day, Harbourside
One of the biggest tourist events in Bristol. LGBTQ+ friendly activities will include cabaret, family activities, market stalls and lots of live music.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/festival/news-5/bristol-festivals/bristol-pride-announces-full-lineup

July 15-17: Harbour Festival
Drawing in about a quarter of a million people last year, expect the Harbourside to once again be packed with musicians and markets.
bristolharbourfestival.co.uk/

July 15-17: Bristol Americana Festival, Various locations
This mini-festival presents world-class roots artists from American, such as Elvis Costello and the Imposters.
www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk/bristol-americana-weekend/

July 16: Connected, Various locations
An “inner city music festival” featuring big-room DJs like Detlef, Martin Ikin and Brandon Block.
www.facebook.com/events/764473256987744/

July 16-17: Cary Grant Comes Home for the Weekend, Various locations
Bristol’s most famous son is celebrated including screenings in Avery’s Wine Cellars and the Watershed.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/culture/film/news/cary-grant-festival-programme-revealed

July 23-25: Upfest, Bedminster
Europe’s largest street art and graffiti festival returns. Alongside the artistic makeover will be live music, fabulous street food and street art for sale.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/culture/art/street-art/upfests-north-street-shop-gets-a-makeover

July 30: Brisfest, Various locations
Bristol’s community-led festival heads to city centre venues. Catch Bristol24/7‘s main stage at The Station.
www.brisfest.co.uk

FILM

July 3: Vampyr + live score, Cube
Carl Theodor Dreyer’s 1932 film examines the effects of a vampire on the owner of a remote castle and his family, accompanied by live music.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/film-01/horror/vampyr-live-score

July 3: The Battle of the Somme + discussion, Watershed
A huge box office hit in 1916, with nearly 20 million people flocking to see this government propaganda film.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/film-01/documentary/the-battle-of-the-somme-discussion?time=1467500400

July 9: Wet Hot American Summer + live comedy, Windmill Hill City Farm
The Standup Picture Show presents the belated UK premiere of this cult satirical US romcom.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/film-01/comedy/wet-hot-american-summer-live-comedy?time=1468018800

July 10: Brown Willy + Three Came Whale, Watershed
A micro-budget comedy-drama followed by a performance from the Bristol trio who provide the film’s music.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/film-01/comedy/brown-willy-three-cane-whale?time=1468105200

July 14: David Bowie Is, Vue cinemas
This Hamis Hamilton documentary guides viewers through the exhibit with a tour from the museum’s curators.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/film-01/event-cinema/david-bowie-is

July 20: Bluescreen, Cube
Celebrate Bristol’s amateur filmmakers at the Cube’s regular open film night.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/film-01/drama/bluescreen

July 28: Chopping Mall/Runaway, Arnolfini
This month, Bristol Bad Film Club are giving us two mid-80s killer robot movies for the price of one.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/film-01/science-fiction/bristol-bad-film-club-chopping-mallrunaway?time=1469660400

July 28-31: Cinema Rediscovered, Various locations
Featuring rarely-screened gems and beautifully restored classics, Cinema Rediscovered discovers/re-discovers great films in their original form.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/culture/film/news/full-cinema-rediscovered-programme-revealed

FOOD & DRINK

July 1: Good Chemistry tap takeover, Tobacco Factory
One of Bristol’s newest craft breweries showcase their wares in Southville.
www.facebook.com/events/1623940141266775/

July 5: Food Residency with Sabrina Shirazi, At Bristol
Artist Sabrina Shirazi explores the associations we make between music, imagery and taste.
www.watershed.co.uk/studio/events/2016-07-05-1900

July 6: Nose to Tail, Brigstow
A pork tasting night, composed of six courses and prepared by one of Bristol’s creative chefs
brigstowbarandkitchen.co.uk/events-2/

July 8: Turtle Bay opening day, Cheltenham Road
Pay what they think your food was worth, with all donations matched by Turtle Bay and going to the Malcolm X Centre. 
www.turtlebay.co.uk/locations/bristol-cheltenham-rd/

July 8: Bristol Eats, Tobacco Factory
Bristol Eats returns with a stellar line up of street food from Vee Double Moo, Gopal’s Curry Shack and more in a seaside themed setting.
bristoleats.co.uk/event/details/british-seaside-bristol-eats-st/

July 11: Cheese Night, Small Bar
An evening of beer paired with cheese in collaboration with Bristol cheesemonger Rosie Morgan.
www.smallbar.co.uk

July 11: Riverford Supper Club, Yurt Lush
Join Yurt Lush for a veg-packed feast. For £15 you’ll get a main dish and dessert made of organic, locally grown produce plus tea or coffee.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/riverford-supper-club-tickets-24919525973?aff=ebrowse

July 13 & 27: AperItalia, Veeno Bristol
Veeno Bristol throws open its doors for an evening of wine tasting, featuring wines from a different regions of Italy.
www.theveenocompany.com/aperitalia/

July 14: Cheese and Wine Tasting, Arch House Deli
Arch House Deli’s David Greenman and Averys Fine Wine Merchants have paired six of their favourite cheeses with six wines for your tasting pleasure.
www.archhousedeli.com/arch_house_deli_coming_soon.html

July 15: Fancy Sesh, Christmas Steps Costume Shop
Have you ever been in a fancy dress shop and thought: how good would it be to have a party in here? Well, here’s your chance.
www.foozie.co.uk/event/fancy-sesh-bottomless-cocktail-party-fancy-dress-shop/

July 30: Bishopston Supper Club, Bishopston
For an alternative dining experience, head to the Bishopston Supper Club, hosted by professional chef Danielle in her home.
www.bishopstonsupperclub.com/event/july-supper-club/

July 30-31: UK Multi & Thai Cultural Food Festival
Family-friendly entertainment including a costume parade, dances, live music, world food stalls and a beauty pageant featuring Miss Thailand UK.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/uk-multi-thai-cultural-food-festival-bristol-tickets-24784172126

MUSIC

July 2 & 16: Schwetfest, Exchange
Drone, free jazz, electro-acoustic, techno and “Spanish baroque modular”, served by artists from far-flung locales.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/music-01/clubbing/schwetfest

July 6: Andy Sheppard & Craig Crofton Quartet
Two of Bristol’s top tenor saxophonists link up and perform together, backed by Dan Moore on keyboards and Tony Orrell on drums.
fringejazz.com/gig-list/event/81-andy-sheppard-craig-crofton-quartet.html

July 7: Crazy Town, Fleece
One hit wonders Crazy Town have reformed and will presumably sing Butterfly for everyone nostalgic for late 90s pop rock.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/music-01/rock/crazy-town

July 7: Chk One, The Full Moon & Attic Bar
The Attic Bar’s new monthly session offers a radical twist on a familiar formula as Bristol’s first electronic open mic night.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/music-01/electronic/chk-one

July 8: Billy in the Lowground, Louisiana
Formerly known as Brew Band, the group has gone through changes while keeping thier signature folk rock sound and good spirit still remains.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/music-01/folkcountry/billy-in-the-lowground

July 18: Rufus Wainwright, Colston Hall
The prolific composer collaborating with the likes of Mark Ronson and contributing songs for films like Brokeback Mountain and Shrek.
www.colstonhall.org/shows/rufus-wainwright-6/

July 21: Sheelanagig, Bristol Old Vic
The high-octane five-piece play a wide variety of instruments with reckless abandon.
www.bristololdvic.org.uk/sheelanagig.html

July 21: FEMME, Exhange
Laura Bettinson aka FEMME has been compared to Grimes and Santigold. Drawing on ‘60s girl groups, synth-pop and contemporary Afrobeats.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/music-01/pop/femme

July 22: Thatchers Haze Sessions, Passenger Shed
By The Rivers, The Showhawk Duo, Keston Cobblers, Anteros, Melodie Causton and Rachel Clark will all take to the stage at the one-off event hosted by Thatchers cider.
bristol247.com/channel/culture/music/gigs/haze-sessions-thatchers-gig-line-up-released

July 23: Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Colston Hall
Colston Hall’s resident ensemble returns with its spectacular Classical Extravaganza.
www.colstonhall.org/shows/classical-extravaganza/

July 24: DOA, Fleece
Come rock out while supporting DOA’s (Dead on Arrival) fight against racism, globalisation and environmental destruction.
thefleece.co.uk/events/d-o-a/

SPORT

July 2-3: Race for Life, The Downs
Cancer Research UK returns to The Downs with its popular Race for Life 5k, 10k and Pretty Muddy events.
raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org/choose-your-event/bristol.html

July 3: Break the Cycle, Ashton Gate
Bringing together the Bristol and Gloucester Rugby communities for a 101-mile team cycling challenge, raising funds to help young people.
www.breakthecyclechallenge.co.uk/

July 3: England vs Pakistan, Brightside Ground
The high-profile Women’s International T20 takes place this year at Bristol’s Brightside Ground.
www.gloscricket.co.uk/england-women-v-pakistan-women-wt20/

July 8-10: BMX World Championships, Bath and West Showground
This July NASS Festival will host more than 450 professional and amateur riders at the 2016 BMX World Championships.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/sport/other-sport/news/bmx-world-championships-come-to-bristol

July 31: Comic Con Run, The Downs
Don your best superhero or villain costume and join a comic takeover of The Downs for a 5k fun run.
www.comicconrun.co.uk/Comic_Con_Run_Event/Comic_Con_Run.html

THEATRE

July 2-3: As You Like It / Romeo and Juliet, Brandon Hill Bowling Green
Once again, pro tourers GB Theatre perform two Shakespeare favourites in two days on the swards of Brandon Hill’s Bowling Green.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/theatre-01/shakespeare-and-the-classics/romeo-and-juliet-bristol

July 4-9: Chicago: The Musical, Hippodrome
Return of the award-winning musical, Chicago. Nightclub singer Roxie Hart and cell block rival, Velma Kelly, fights to stay away from death row.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/theatre-01/musicals/chicago-the-musical-bristol

July 7-10: Romeo and Juliet, Blaise Castle Dairy Garden
Come watch Shakespeare’s most famous of family feuds, performed by Cardiff’s theatre company Taking Flight.
www.bristolshakespearefestival.org.uk/event/taking-flight-romeo-and-juliet/

July 12-13: Love Labours Won, Alma Tavern
A Shakespearean play made up-to-date as two rugby boys and their girlfriends deal with a travelling theatre company in a modern-day pub.
www.almatavernandtheatre.co.uk/theatre/what-s-on

July 18-20: A Thousand Dreadful Things, The Station
Creative Youth Network’s summer production brings to life Shakespeare’s most devious villains in a modern setting.
www.thestationbristol.org.uk/whats-on/special-events/a-thousand-dreadful-things.html

July 18-22: The Rocky Horror Show, Hippodrome
The world’s favourite rock ‘n’ roll musical returns, with unforgettable adventure, bursting with timeless songs and outrageous outfits.
rockyhorror.co.uk/tour/bristol-bristol-hippodrome

July 18-21: HUG, Tobacco Factory Theatre
Verity Standen’s immersive choral experience returns to Bristol.
www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com/shows/hug/

July 22-23: As You Like It, Boiling Wells Amphitheatre
Join the Folksy Theatre in this tale of betrayal, love and hidden identities. Featuring live music, interactive performance and poetry.
www.bristolshakespearefestival.org.uk/event/5365/?instance_id=24

July 22-23: Impromptu Shakespeare, Wardrobe Theatre
An improvised workshop in which the cast perform an entirely new, and unscripted Shakespeare play based on the audience’s suggestions.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/theatre-01/improvised/impromptu-shakespeare-bristol

July 25-31: Margo and Whotsit, Alma Tavern
Locals Paddleboat Theatre return with more told adventures for early ages, featuring clowning, puppetry, live music and more.
www.paddleboattheatre.co.uk/#!blank/g2z1a

July 26-31: Ferment, Old Vic
Ferment, the artist development department of Bristol Old Vic, perform their work-in-progress pieces for the benefit of a crowd.
www.bristololdvic.org.uk/ferment.html

July 27-29: The Hours Before We Wake, Wardrobe Theatre
Set in the year 2091, this sci-fi black comedy tells of a future where we can control our dreams and upload them to fictional social media site DreamShare.
thewardrobetheatre.com/livetheatre/the-hours-before-we-wake/

Visit our full What’s On guide here