With soaring hot air balloons, incredible live music and banging food festivals, this city is made for summer!
Here is Visit Bristol’s round-up of what’s on and what’s new this season.
Pack your suitcase, head to Bristol, and enjoy everything the city has to offer this summertime for you and your family.
Music, Festivals, and More
Bristol Harbour Festival
17-19 July 2026
This prime, free maritime event, Bristol Harbour Festival, attracts 250,000 visitors and is set to return in July 2026. With its popular mix of stunning ships, world-class circus and on-water activities, music, family entertainment, and food stalls.
Rum and Reggae Festival
18 July
Rum & Reggae Fest brings a full day of reggae, dub and Caribbean culture to the city. With performances from David Rodigan, The Skints, General Levy and Don Letts. Alongside the music, visitors can enjoy Caribbean food, rum tastings, live entertainment and carnival-inspired performances.
SIREN Bristol
23 – 25 July
Bristol’s harbourside sets the scene for yet more live music shows this summer. The line-up includes; The Maccabees, Faithless and Hospital30 On the Harbour for this year’s SIREN Bristol shows.
Cinema Rediscovered
22-26 July
Celebrating its 10th year in 2026. Cinema Rediscovered returns to Watershed with a programme of restored classics, rare screenings, talks, cinema walks and events. Highlights include a celebration of Aardman’s 50th anniversary, alongside guest speakers and the festival’s renowned film quiz.
Weston Wallz
17-26 July
Hot off the heels of sister street art festival Upfest, Weston Wallz returns to Weston-super-Mare from 17 to 26 July. It brings 10 days of live mural painting from UK and international artists. Firstly, this year features 20 new walls, including community projects and emerging artist commissions. Secondly, there will be workshops, street art tours and public events.
Bristol Music, Festivals, and More Continued
Feast Live
31 July – 2 August
New live music for 2026 is Feast Live which kicks off with Sound of West End Musicals. This features live performances of show-stopper songs from Wicked, Frozen the Lion King and more. Plus, Haceinda Classical bringing together classic club culture with a full live orchestra and Becky Hill’s unmissable vocals taking over the final night.
Valley Fest
30 July – 2 August
After taking its fallow year in 2025, Valley Fest returns to Chew Valley this summer, showcasing Bristol’s live music scene as well as fine local food producers, you can expect everything from charcuterie to cider, street food to sit-down feasts.
Bristol International Balloon Fiesta
7-9 August 2026
Europe’s largest hot air balloon event will once again stun visitors in 2026. Over 100 hot air balloons take off and fly over Bristol at dawn and dusk, as well as the popular Night Glows on Friday and Saturday nights. The free-to-visit 3-day fiesta takes place 7-9 August. Moreover, there’s also daytime aerial displays, fairground rides, entertainment, music, and many food stalls.
Old City Sounds
Old City Sounds returns August Bank Holiday weekend, transforming King Street, St Nicholas Street, Welsh Back and St Stephen’s Church. With a free day of live music, dance, workshops and family activities. Furthermore, the programme showcases the breadth of Bristol’s music scene, from jazz and folk to DJs and alternative rock.
FORWARDS and FORWARDS Presents
28-30 August
FORWARDS returns to The Downs over the August Bank Holiday weekend. It brings major international artists and emerging talent together across two days of music, culture and debate. Including acts like Tems, Self-Esteem and Wet Leg. Moreover, ahead of the festival, Lorde will play her first-ever Bristol headline show as part of FORWARDS Presents.
Food and Drink Around Bristol
Feast On
23-26 July
Experience the best of Bristol’s top restaurants and chefs. Includes food and drink stalls, banqueting area, family-friendly activities, rides, cooking demos, panel discussions and entertainment.
Bristol Cider Week
7-15 August
With Bristol being crowned the world capital of Cider, Bristol Cider Week features tap takeovers, tastings, orchard tours and food pairings. All while celebrating the heritage of the drink and its history in the city. Additionally, the programme also includes cider boat trips, harbourside perry walks, cider and music pairings. Plus, talks and events showcasing the region’s renowned cider makers.
Bristol Coffee Festival
12 Sept
Returning to Bristol Beacon this September, Bristol Coffee Festival showcases the breadth of the speciality coffee industry in the South West. Immerse yourself in the world of coffee, guided by industry professionals with over 50 exhibitors, fun debates and inspiring panels.
Bristol Cocktail Weekend
24-27 Sept
An unforgettable celebration of the city’s vibrant cocktail scene. Bristol Cocktail Weekend is a four-day cocktail adventure, exploring the best bars in Bristol. Guests can discover new flavours and sip on cocktails crafted exclusively for the festival. Wristbands give access to signature cocktails, mocktails, and exclusive food offers.
Bristol Chocolate Tour
Every Friday/Saturday
Arguably the most fun history tour in Bristol! This rich city’s history has a sweet side, with a long chocolate making heritage. From the Georgian’s first imports of sugar and cocoa, to Fry’s producing the first chocolate bar, to the invention of the first chocolate Easter Egg. Visitors can see the Old Town through a different perspective on the chocolate tour with eight sweet treats on route!
Bristol Accommodation News
The Field at The Wave
From 1 July onwards
The Field at The Wave offers affordable camping just steps from the surf lake. Visitors can bring their own tent or campervan. Alternatively, stay in pre-pitched bell tents with beds and bedding, providing a flexible and budget-friendly way to enjoy more time outdoors. Make the most of everything The Wave has to offer.
In summary, you can find out about everything mentioned above and plenty more happening in and around Bristol, at Visit Bristol.
Words by Visit Bristol and Rachel McAlley @LadyRach
Images supplied by Visit Bristol (credit to: Paul Gillis Photo, Plaster, Giulia Spadafora)
