More than halfway through the year, Bristol’s itinerary for August shows no signs of slowing down. Here’s our monthly guide to all the exciting things Bristol has to offer to keep you booked and busy.
Live Events, Culture and Festivals
Bristol International Balloon Fiesta - 10th to 13th August
Europe’s biggest hot air balloon event is back! Over 100 hot air balloons will make their way to Bristol, and you can see them scattered across the skies for four whole days this August. On-site at the fiesta, there will be music and children’s entertainment, local food and drink vendors, aerial displays, and more. Each evening the Night Glow takes place, where the balloons light up the twilight skies above the city. The event is family-friendly and free for all. If you’d prefer to get away from the crowds, the Sky Lounge, an exclusive area with its bars and seating, is accessible with a ticket.
Valley Fest - 3rd to 6th August
Valley Fest is no ordinary festival, dubbing itself ‘the best-tasting music festival in the South West.’ It boasts equally impressive food and music lineups, featuring Soul II Soul, The Kooks, and Bananarama as its headliners. Its culinary programme includes feasts, cooking demonstrations from talented chefs, and delicious masterclasses. The smaller size of the festival makes it great for families.
Old City Sounds - 26th August
Head down to King Street and the Harbourside area for a brand new event from Bristol’s Improvement District. From 12-6pm, the area will turn into a celebration of music from many genres, with different areas dedicated to different styles. For the kids, there will be bubble artists, face painting, and a wooden play area, designed specially to promote curiosity about nature, and since the area will be pedestrianised, parents can sit back and enjoy a drink. The day is perfect for families or music lovers, or anyone looking for a different way to enjoy their August bank holiday.
Sporting Fixtures - Various Dates
As football season returns to the UK, why not experience a game with the locals at one of many Bristol City, or Bristol Rovers games this month? Just make sure to pick a side!
Cider Salon - 2nd to 5th August
Calling all cider lovers! Bristol is the UK’s cider capital, so it makes sense that the Cider salon is hosting a week-long event of tasting, talks, and dinners, celebrating the best the UK cider scene offers. You can see their whole programme of events on the Cider Salon website.
Activities for Kids and Families
Are you looking to introduce your little ones to the theatre in a relaxed, child-friendly environment? Quantum Theatre Company has adapted the iconic Beatrix Potter tale, taking place in an outdoor theatre for a chilled environment surrounded by nature. Your kids will love the charming production away from technology and being in the outdoors for an hour and a half, and you can sit back and (hopefully) soak in the sun. Find out more about showtimes and tickets on their website.
Curious Kids Bake Off - August 26th
Do you have a budding baker in your life? Head to the Aztec Hotel & Spa on the 26th of August for their kids bake-off, where every child will be given the chance to decorate cakes and biscuits, and even put together their very own showstopper bake at the end of the day! The winning child will be awarded a prize and of course all of the sweet treats they made throughout the day. Yum!
Unicorn Trail/Rollerfest - Whole Month/Weekends
See more of Bristol this summer, and go Unicorn spotting while you’re at it. Unicornfest is bringing a trail of 60 unique and colourful unicorns to Bristol in celebration of the city’s 650th anniversary. The trail is supported by an app that you can download for free and is a great way to get out this summer without breaking the bank. The Galleries is also hosting a companion Rollerblading event every weekend until August 27th, where you can skate for half an hour for only a £2 donation to Leukaemia Care.
Kids go Free at SS Great Britain - All Summer
Immerse yourself in the iconic SS Great Britain, which is made up to give you the experience of being an authentic nineteenth-century passenger. This summer, their kids go free offer means that you can have a great day out for a great price, as the ship is interesting and exciting for the whole family. Why not bring a picnic to eat by the harbour? If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even pay to climb the rigging and feel like a real-life sailor.
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