By Flavia Voican · Updated April 14, 2026
By Flavia Voican · Updated April 14, 2026
Bristol hosts over 300 annual events, with the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta drawing 250,000 attendees in 2023.
| Month | Event | Type | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Bristol Winter Lights | Art | FREE |
| February | Bristol Jazz Festival | Music | £15-£45 |
| March | Bristol Food & Drink Festival | Food | £10-£25 |
| April | Bristol Marathon | Sport | £45-£75 |
| May | Bristol International Balloon Fiesta | Festival | £20-£50 |
| June | Bristol Harbour Festival | Festival | FREE |
| July | Bristol Pride | Music | FREE |
| August | Bristol Festival of Music and Theatre | Arts | £5-£35 |
| September | Bristol Film Festival | Arts | £8-£18 |
| October | Bristol Halloween Festival | Festival | £5-£15 |
| November | Bristol Christmas Market | Food | FREE |
| December | Bristol New Year's Eve Fireworks | Music | FREE |
Bristol Winter Lights (January 15-28, 2026, at The Centre, Broad Street) – Free light installations and projections. St. Paul's Festival (May 10-11, 2026, St. Paul's Square) – Free live music, food stalls, and community activities. Bristol Open House (September 12, 2026, across 50 heritage sites) – Free access to historic buildings including the M Shed museum and Temple Church.
The best months for events are May, June, and August. Book tickets for the Balloon Fiesta 6 months ahead. Use the Bristol City Council's free "Bristol Events" app for real-time listings and updates.
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