As one of the closest major cities to the world-famous Glastonbury Festival, Bristol sits at the heart of the UK’s festival culture.

Its vibrant calendar of music, food and family-friendly events that take place throughout the year is one of the many reasons to live in Bristol.

From large-scale music festivals and comedy nights to family-friendly fun, explore our pick of the 13 best festivals in and around Bristol.

What Are the Best Festivals in Bristol?

Love Bristol’s Festival Scene?

There’s a reason so many people choose to call Bristol home – from world-class festivals to thriving independent culture.

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13 Best Festivals in Bristol & South Gloucestershire in 2026

1. Love Saves The Day

Best festival in Bristol for: Electronic & drum and bass music lovers

When: Annually in May

Where: Ashton Court Estate, BS41 9JN

Colourful stage at Love saves the Day in Bristol
Love Saves The Day in Bristol

Love Saves the Day is one of the city’s biggest music festivals, making it the perfect event to kick off the city’s festival season.

Set across eight stages at Ashton Court Estate – one of Bristol’s biggest and best parks - Love Saves the Day brings together a standout mix of electronic and drum & bass music over two high-energy days.

Renowned for its electrifying atmosphere and cutting-edge line-ups, it’s widely regarded as one of the best day festivals in Bristol, with no camping required and easy transport links back into the city.

Visit official festival website.

2. South Gloucestershire Food & Drink Festival

Best festival for: Discovering the South West food scene 

When: Annually in May 

Where: South Gloucestershire, BS16 7FR

If you’re looking for food, fun and festivities, The South Gloucestershire Food & Drink Festival is a celebration of local flavours and independent producers, making it one of the most accessible food festivals near Bristol.

With street food traders, local makers, well-stocked bars and live entertainment, it’s ideal for a relaxed day out. Located in South Gloucestershire - just a short drive from Brabazon - it offers an easy way to discover the very best of the South West’s food scene.

As a free event, it’s also one of the best festivals in Bristol and South Gloucestershire for families.

Visit official festival website.

3. Dot to Dot Festival 

When: Annually in May

Where: Various city-centre venues, BS1

Dot to Dot is a city-wide, multi-venue music festival that takes over Bristol during the Spring bank holiday weekend in May. The award-winning event is renowned for showcasing the UK’s most exciting emerging artists across Bristol venues such as SWX, The Louisiana and Thekla.

If you love discovering tomorrow’s headliners before they break through, this is one of the best Bristol music festivals for discovering future headline acts.

Visit official festival website.

4. Upfest - Urban Art & Graffiti Festival 

Best festival in Bristol for: Street art

When: Annually in May

Where: Various locations around Bedminster, BS3

Two vibrant street murals in Bedminster: a geometric abstract cyclist on the left and a colourful, surreal faces composition on a house wall on the right.
Vibrant graffiti art featured in Bedminster, Bristol

Bristol is known for its world‑famous graffiti scene, so it’s only fitting that Upfest — Europe’s largest street art festival — transforms Bedminster into an open‑air gallery each year.

From live mural painting and exhibitions to community events, Upfest showcases exactly why Bristol is globally recognised for its street-art culture. Perfect for creatives, families and anyone looking for inspiring things to do in Bristol during Summer.

While the event only takes place in May, the results are permanent, so you can stroll the streets and enjoy the artwork all-year round.

Visit official festival website.

5. Bristol Comedy Garden

Best festival in Bristol for: Live comedy

When: Annually in June

Where: Queen Square, BS1 4NT

Bringing together some of the UK’s biggest comedy names, Bristol Comedy Garden delivers feel-good laughs into Bristol’s famous harbourside setting. With food stalls, drinks and big-name acts, it’s one of Bristol’s most popular live comedy events.

Visit official website.

If you’re interested in comedy, history and film, you can also check out Slapstick Festival which celebrates classic and silent screen comedy through curated film screenings, live scores and talks across Bristol city.

6. Festival of Nature

Best festival in Bristol for: Families

When: Annually in June

Where: Harbourside BS1

Festival of Nature is the UK’s largest free nature festival, bringing together science, wildlife, art and storytelling in one inspiring programme.

From film screenings and exhibitions to arts, crafts and hands-on experiences, the festival is designed to turn inspiration into action, helping to protect Bristol’s natural environment and surrounding green spaces.

Visit official festival website. 

7. Bristol Harbour Festival

Best festival in Bristol for: Family fun at the waterfront

When: July

Where: Bristol Harbourside, BS1 5TX

Bristol Harbour Festival music festival with a large crowd watching a band performing on a colourful stage during clear evening skies.
Bristol Harbour Festival. Image Credit: Paul Box

One of the UK’s largest free festivals, the Harbour Festival celebrates Bristol’s maritime heritage with live music, dance, circus acts and more.  

As a free day festival in Bristol, it’s ideal for families, visitors and anyone looking to soak up the city’s friendly summer atmosphere.

Visit official festival website.

Looking for more family-friendly fun at the harbourside? The Bristol Birdman Festival also takes place during the Summer season at the harbourside in Bristol, where brave (and often ridiculous) homemade flying machines are launched into the harbour in a wonderful Bristolian tradition.

For more spectacular seasonal events, explore the best firework displays in Bristol.

8. Feast On Bristol

Best festival in Bristol for: Foodies

When: July

Where: Clifton Downs, BS9 1FG

Festival attendees of Feast On relax on the grass, engaging in conversation and enjoying the lively atmosphere of the event.
Feast On at Clifton Downs, Bristol.

Known as one of Bristol’s best food festivals, Feast On showcases the South West’s top restaurants, street‑food traders and independent drink producers.

Alongside incredible food, expect live music, entertainment and cooking demonstrations - served up as the perfect accompaniment to a relaxed day out. From award‑winning street food and local makers to craft drinks and pop‑up events, it celebrates Bristol’s reputation as one of the UK’s standout food destinations.

Visit official festival website. 

9. Bristol Pride

Best festival in Bristol for: Inclusivity & celebration

When: July

Where: City Centre / Clifton Downs, BS9 1FG

Crowd carrying a large rainbow pride flag during Bristol Pride parade on Baldwin Street, Bristol.
Bristol Pride Parade on Baldwin Street, Bristol.

Bristol Pride is one of the UK’s biggest celebrations for the LGBTQ+ community, beginning with a powerful parade through the city centre and culminating in live music, performances and community stalls.

Bright, joyful and welcoming, it’s one of the most colourful and vibrant events in Bristol’s calendar.

Visit official festival website.

10. Bristol Cider Week

Best festival in Bristol for: Local cider & craft drinks

When: July

Where: Citywide, BS1

To celebrate the West Country’s world-famous cider heritage, Bristol Cider Week features tastings, tap takeovers and special events across Bristol city – a hit with locals, visitors and cider-drinkers alike.

While Bristol Cider Week celebrates the region’s heritage, coffee lovers are equally well catered for - explore our guide to the best coffee shops in Bristol.

Looking for More Things to Do in Bristol?

From scenic walks and cycle routes to the city’s best coffee spots, explore more ways to enjoy life in Bristol.

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11. Bristol International Balloon Fiesta

Best festival in Bristol for: Everyone

When: August

Where: Ashton Court Estate, BS41 9JN

Hot air balloons of various colours and designs ascending at Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, with crowds and tents under a clear sky.
Bristol International Balloon Fiesta ascent at Ashton Court.

The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is one of the city’s most iconic annual moments celebrating Bristol’s history in flight and aerospace. 

It’s colourful hot air balloons flood the skies, and on land, you’ll discover fairground rides and food stalls. As one of the largest free festivals in Europe, it’s a must-see Summer event in Bristol.

Mass ascents at sunrise and sunset are a highlight, drawing visitors from across the UK.

Visit official festival website.

12. FORWARDS Festival

Best festival in Bristol for: Contemporary music & culture

When: September

Where: Clifton Downs, BS9 1FG

Crowd watching a live band perform on a large outdoor stage at FORWARDS Festival under partly cloudy skies.
Main Stage at FORWARDS Festival at Clifton Downs.

FORWARDS Festival is quickly becoming one of Bristol’s most popular music festivals. With a carefully curated mix of pop, indie and electronic music, it brings together local and international acts across three stages on Clifton Downs.

Open to all ages, it has quickly become one of the best music festivals in Bristol for contemporary culture and conversation.

Visit official festival website. 

13. Bristol Film Festival

Best festival in Bristol for: Film lovers

When: Year‑round (seasonal events)

Where: Unique venues throughout Bristol

From open-air screenings to immersive cinema experiences, Bristol Film Festival offers something completely different from traditional outdoor festivals.

Taking place all-year round, Bristol Film Festival screens classic films in unique locations across Bristol. The film is perfectly selected for the location - previous venues have included Top Gun at Aerospace Museum, vintage classics at Averys Wine Cellars and even Horror Films in the Redcliffe Caves!

Visit official festival website.

So there you have it - our round up of best festivals in and around Bristol. But you don't have to wait until festival season to enjoy what the city has to offer. Discover the best parks in Bristol that can be enjoyed at any time of year.