Explore Bristol’s Local Festivals

Bristol has its sights firmly set on the title of UK City of Culture 2029, which could bring £10 million in funding to the city’s arts and culture scene. This recognition would be an incredible and well-deserved achievement, reflecting the already thriving culture and strong sense of community that knits Bristol’s neighbourhoods together. 

Maybe you’re moving to The Clifton Collection with your family, or you’re a Bristol-based professional investing in your first home at Baltic Wharf. Wherever you choose to start your next chapter, you’ll be well-connected to all the exciting events in the capital of culture. 

Elevate your calendar with some of Bristol’s annual festivals, celebrating film, food, hot air balloons and more. 

Bristol festivals to explore in 2026

Love Saves the Day (May 23–24)

Location: Ashton Court Estate, BS41 9JN

Love Saves the Day is a music festival set for the spring bank holiday weekend, with a packed roster of artists, from Rizzle Kicks to Sub Focus and Katy B. The event is set to fill the historic Ashton Court Estate with modern beats and a lively party atmosphere. Dance the weekend away with a mansion in the backdrop and kill time between sets by walking the local nature trails.

Bristol Film Festival (Jul 2–5)

Location: Multiple

Bristol Film Festival is a pop-up festival that hosts film screenings across the city. Cinema hop all weekend, buying tickets for the movies that move you and the panel discussions that interest you most. In the lead-up to the festival, you can enjoy casual screenings of cult classics from Mars Attacks to dark fantasy favourites like Pan’s Labyrinth. Averys Wine Cellar even offers vintage film screenings paired with food and wine.

Bristol Harbour Festival (July 17–19)

Location: Bristol Harbour, BS1 6XG

Bristol Harbour Festival leans into the local landmarks that make the city special. The event spans six performance areas, including Bristol’s Queen Square, Millennium Square and the Bristol Harbour Amphitheatre. Stretching from the harbourside, the festival brings together the best of Bristol’s emerging artists, alongside established international performers for a weekend of non-stop music, theatre, food and community activities.

Bristol International Balloon Fiesta (Aug 7–9)

Location: Ashton Court Estate, BS41 9JN

Completely free to attend, the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is a three-day, not-for-profit festival held at the Ashton Court Estate. This unusual festival has been running for 47 years and continues to paint a colourful picture in Bristol’s skies, unlike any other.

During the fiesta, more than 100 hot air balloons take to the skies from the central arena at sunrise and sunset. However, the celebrations don’t stop at sundown. On Friday and Saturday, the Nightglows light up the night sky in a spectacular display, set to BBC Radio Bristol’s curated soundtrack of iconic tunes.  

Forwards Festival (Aug 28–30) 

Location: Clifton Downs, BS9 1NE

Forwards Festival showcases creative new sounds across the Clifton Downs, bringing together some of the biggest names in music, from Lorde and Djo to Tems and Little Simz. ‘Forward thinking’ is the festival’s mantra, and each performance is a platform for big ideas, meant to push culture forward. Day tickets start at £69.90.

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Our homes for sale in Bristol are created for living and close to everything that Bristol has to offer. Find out more about what life at Bristol Wharf or The Clifton Collection could look like for you on our blog page.