May's Bank Holiday weekends mean time off work for many, and a chance to get out and about and see what Bristol has to offer. From markets and fairs, to live music, theatre, art, surfing, trails, and food and drink aplenty - there's something for everyone in the city.
We've compiled a list of some of the key events taking place across the early May Bank Holiday (May 3-5) as well as some of the things that you can get involved with even now. In among the beer festivals and live music, there's also a vast array of educational and fun activities for little ones, too, so you can keep everyone happy throughout the entire weekend.
Think we've missed an event near you from this list? Let us know in the comments below or email ellie.kendall@reachplc.com.
Read more: All the food and drink festivals taking place in and around Bristol in 2024
Read more: The best Bristol soft play centres and play cafes to visit with the kids
Living exhibits at Brunel's SS Great Britain
When: Now - December 31
During spring, the SS Great Britain will be launching new living exhibits on the top deck of the famed ocean liner. Ferns, orchids and other specimens that were transported on board the ship will be planted in six replica Wardian cases.
Visitors can expect to hear previously untold stories about the cargo and passengers who travelled on the SS Great Britain. Curators have scoured cargo manifests and passenger diaries, and collaborated with Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and the National Archives, to build a picture of how plants were transported across the oceans.
Visitors can also expect workshops for both adults and children, with a programme of activities like flower pressing, Victorian crafts, early photography techniques, talks and tours, to enjoy. Find out more here.
We're Going on a Bear Hunt at Bristol Zoo Project
When: March 23 - September 1
This interactive sensory trail is based on the famous children's story of the same name, and will lead you to a real-life bear. The award-winning animation will be brought to life through a series of installations.
Visitors will follow in the characters' footsteps to brave the elements. You can find out more here.
Diaspora!
When: May 3-6, 2024
Working in collaboration with a host of iconic Bristol venues, community initiatives and well-loved institutions, Diaspora! is an arts festival for Bristol and the South West. It's aim is to showcase the talent within the region's cultural communities and will consist of a 'vibrant celebration' of music, film, theatre, exhibitions, poetry, dance, storytelling, crafts, and much more.
Developed, produced, and presented by the Diverse Artists Network (DAN), and taking place this year for the very first time, the festival will platform artists from underrepresented cultural backgrounds. There will be more than 50 events, more than 150 artists and 30+ venues taking part, including the likes of Bristol Beacon, Tobacco Factory, RWA, The Canteen and the Trinity Centre.
Find out more about the event, and how you can get involved, here.
Bristol Folk Festival
When: Friday, May 3 to Sunday, May 5
The Bristol Folk Festival 2024 line-up includes The Breath, Spiers & Boden, Sheelanagig, Lady Nade, Frankie Archer, Ranagri, and more. The festival opens on Friday night at Bristol Cathedral, College Green. There will be dance, sing-arounds and sessions over the weekend, too.
Festival goers can purchase a weekend ticket for the whole weekend, or book into individual sessions. There will be five main concert sessions, each with a major headliner from the world of folk, as well as special one-off concerts at The Architect, Bristol Folk House and in the Glass Studio at St George's Bristol. A weekend ticket will cost you £80, with other tickets ranging from £8-£35. You can get yours here.
Beer Festival at Inn on the Green
When: May 4 and 5, 2024
Inn on the Green's Annual Beer Festival returns for 2024, promising a weekend of 'beer-soaked fun' from 12-9pm each day. Day tickets cost £6 and are available to purchase from the pub's bar - each ticket includes a limited edition pint glass for you to keep.
In addition to a wide selection of beers and ciders from local breweries and loved big names, festival food will be on the menu all day long - from hot dogs and burgers, to nachos aplenty. There will also be activities such as ping pong, charity fundraising games, face painting, raffles, and live music. You can find out more here.
Bluey & Bingo at Avon Valley
When: May 4-May 6, 2024
Avon Valley Country Park is welcoming Bluey and Bingo from Saturday, May 4 to Monday, May 6. The adventurous Heeler pup from the children's TV show, along with her little sister Bingo, will be making appearances at intervals throughout the day.
Tickets include day entry to the park, however a personal photo with the characters is not guaranteed. Find out more and book your tickets here - some options include a meal, drinks package, ice cream, goat feed, quad bike token and flexi date options for between £23.95-£29.95).
Windmill Hill Market
When: Saturday, May 4
Located at Windmill Hill City Farm, the much-loved community hub in South Bristol, Windmill Hill Market takes place every first Saturday of the month, between April and December. It runs from 10am to 3pm and showcases local creatives, food producers and other independent businesses.
You'll be able to find a variety of handmade items at more than 50 stalls from local crafts people, including ceramics and pottery, clothing, accessories, homeware and decor, jewellery, prints and illustrations. There is also street food, local food and drink produce, slow fashion, kids' crafts, a tarot reader, live music and the Bruhaha pop up taproom.
It's free entry - find out more here.
Better Sundays Market
When: Sunday, May 5
On the first Sunday of each month, the Better Sundays Market takes place in Broadmead, Bristol Shopping Quarter. Operated by Bristol-based not-for-profit Better Events, more than 20 local, ethical and sustainable traders will be setting up shop, alongside a workshop and entertainment line-up. Find out more here.
Bank Holiday barbecue at Racks Bar & Kitchen
When: May 5
Racks Bar & Kitchen, which is situated on St Paul's Road in Clifton, is hosting a Bank Holiday Barbeque sponsored by Hendrick's Gin. Entry is free and walk-ins are welcome, though booking is recommended to secure your table. Last year's Party Under the Pegola event was dubbed a huge success, so the team at Racks is expecting 2024's event to be a big one.
There will be more live music, drinks courtesy of Hendrick's Gin (priced at £5 with a tonic) and the chance to order food straight off the barbecue as the chefs dish up some tasty grub out on the terrace. Find out more here.
Arnos Vale Cemetery May Fair
When: May 5 (10am-3pm)
Arnos Vale Cemetery's May Fair is one of the biggest community events in the area, boasting locally made products by small business owners, local talent and some locally-sourced fresh food. The cemetery's gift shop and cafe will be open on the day too.
Some of the stall holders attending include artisan pasta and flatbread makers, illustrators, jewellery makers, candle makers, glass artists, award-winning cheesemakers and many more. Find out more here.
New children's surf session at The Wave
When: March 28 onwards
Children as young as four years old can now learn to surf with their parents in these new coaching sessions at The Wave, the inland surfing lake just north of Bristol. The 1.5 hour sessions include dryland coaching, followed by an hour in the water which will help children gain confidence with their parents/carers by their side in the water.
Sessions cost £60 for the parent and child combo ticket. Find out more here.
Bank Holiday Spring Fayre at Old Down Estate
When: May 6
Old Down Estate is hosting it's Spring Fayre on May 6, between 10am and 5pm. Here you'll be able to meet some of the animals on site during the Animal Encounter sessions, and experience the tradition of folk Morris Dancing with performances throughout the day.
There will also be apple pressing and classic fete games like the Coconut Stall and Splat a Rat, plus garden games, craft sessions and a sunflower workshop. What's more, the famous Playbus will be open with the cafe, serving food and refreshments. The fayre is included in your general park entry ticket, with members getting in for free.
Gruffalo Party Trail at Westonbirt Arboretum
When: Now - September 14
The Gruffalo is celebrating his 25th birthday and, to celebrate, an interactive family trail is taking place at Westonbirt Arboretum in Gloucestershire. It features party-themed activities and games, along with fun facts to teach you about life in the forest for the Gruffalo and other creatures.
While on the trail, you'll be searching for missing party items to give the Gruffalo a birthday to remember - including balloons, pine cones, apples and even the Gruffalo himself. What's more, you'll be able to complete fun activities and rubbings as you go.
There will be a Gruffalo Party Trail pack sold at the welcome building of shop, for £4. Find out more here.
