Your 2025 Guide to the Best Events in the City!

Spring is in full bloom, and so is Bristol! Whether you’re a foodie, a theatre buff, a music lover, or just someone who enjoys a good walk in the sun, there’s something exciting happening every week in May 2025. Here’s your ultimate guide to what’s on in Bristol this month:

🚶‍♀️ 1 May: Bristol Walk Fest 2025 Launch

Kick off May with a breath of fresh air at Bristol Walk Fest’s launch event! Join a scenic walk on the Downs and soak up inspiration from a lineup of motivational speakers at Ellis Brigham. The festival runs all month long, offering inclusive walks for all ages and abilities.

🌮 2–4 May: Cinco de Mayo at Rick’s

Spice up your weekend with a Mexican fiesta at Rick’s at The Bristol! Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with three days of tasty tacos, lively music, and fiesta vibes right on the Harbourside.

🎻 2–4 May: Bristol Folk Festival

Folk fans, rejoice! The Bristol Folk Festival is back, bringing a magical mix of UK and international artists to town for the May Bank Holiday.

💕 6–10 May: Legally Blonde at The Redgrave Theatre

Get ready to bend and snap! BMCC is bringing the pink-powered musical Legally Blonde to life in Clifton, following their hit productions of Big Fish and Pippin.

🍾 7 May: British Sparkling Wine Tasting at Harbour House

Introducing “Britz” – Harbour House’s sparkling tribute to British wine. Sip, swirl, and savour with Ben as he guides you through this bubbly experience.

🌸 8 May: Free Garden Party at No.4 Clifton Village

An elegant evening awaits! Head to a stunning Georgian townhouse garden for delicious food, garden games, and good vibes – all for free!

🚌 10–11 May: Free Vintage Bus Rides & VE Day Celebrations

Travel back in time with free vintage bus rides and VE Day festivities in Clifton Village. Enjoy live performances, vintage charm, and historical tributes all weekend long.

👠 13–17 May: Kinky Boots at Bristol Hippodrome

High heels, heart, and a whole lot of sass – Kinky Boots struts into town with an award-winning musical that’s guaranteed to lift your spirits.

🎶 16 May: Live Music in the Pontoon at Riverstation

Toast to the weekend with the debut of live music Fridays at Riverstation’s Pontoon Bar – an ideal way to start a summer of music by the water.

🍴 17 May: eat:Bedminster

One street. Over 80 vendors. Endless delicious bites. Eat:Bedminster is a foodie’s dream street fair – come hungry!

🕺 17 May: Late Night Funk Club: Hot Piece of Brass

The funk is strong with this one. Get your groove on at the Late Night Funk Club with brass-fueled beats and DJs spinning into the night.

🛍️ 17 May: Craft Market & Spring Fayre at Grow Wilder

Celebrate creativity and community at Grow Wilder’s Craft Market, packed with handmade goodies, fresh food, and nature-inspired fun.

🔥 19–24 May: Chicago at Bristol Hippodrome

Murder, jazz, and razzle-dazzle – Chicago returns to Bristol with all the glitz of Broadway. Don’t miss this sassy and sensational show!

🪩 20 May: Terrace Soul Bank Holiday at Bambalan

Soak up the sun and the soul at Bambalan’s Summer Session, featuring iconic Bristol DJs and smooth grooves on the terrace.

💖 24–25 May: Love Saves The Day

Bristol’s favourite music festival is back! Love Saves The Day takes over the city with genre-spanning acts, vibrant crowds, and good vibes galore.

🍗 24 May: Spring Bank Holiday BBQ at Riverstation

BBQ, terrace views, and chilled beats? Yes please. Riverstation knows how to kick off the long weekend in style.

🧠 27–31 May: Derren Brown: Only Human

The master of mind games, Derren Brown, brings his brand-new show Only Human to the Bristol Hippodrome – prepare to have your mind blown!

😂 28 May: Wednesday Night Improv at The Hen & Chicken

Laugh until it hurts at Wednesday Night Improv, featuring spontaneous stories and quick-witted comedy in a triple bill performance.

🤣 30 May: The Butcombe Festival of Laughs

Wrap up the month with a night of hilarious stand-up at the Whitmore Tap, hosted by the one and only Jarred Christmas, with surprise guest comedians.

We told you it was a good month…!!

Published: 06.05.25 by Phoebe Clutton